BookTrib is proud to present to our readers the Nerdy Romantics Podcast.
Romance and women’s fiction author Y. M. Nelson discusses the nerdy — superheroes, sci-fi and fantasy, and nerdy pop culture; and the romantic — romance novels, romantic movies, and romance tropes she loves. From reviews of books, TV and movies, to interviews with authors, see who does which romance and nerdy pop culture tropes the best.
Nerdy Romantics Podcast celebrates Valentine’s Day by showing our Book Boyfriends some love! Guests Jen and Mary join Y. M. Nelson in recommending romances by favorite book boyfriend. In episode 28, we feature romance novels by Angelina M. Lopez, Carlotta Hughes, Talia Hibbert, Alyssa Cole, Lisa Raynes, Rebekah Weatherspoon and Eva Moore.
In this episode, we recommend:
Book Boyfriend: Kallum
Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne
Known to the Highlands as the ruthless Black Devil, Kallum MacNeill uses that feared persona to secretly hide his true calling—freeing slaves. Ailsa Connery is about to break out of her enslavement at a castle when Kallum’s plans collide with hers. In order to keep his real life a secret, Kallum has to escort her home. Listen to why Jen loves this recent book boyfriend.
Book Boyfriend: Johan
A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole (Reluctant Royals, Book 3)
Johan von Braustein is sort of the spare heir, and he protects his brother (the real heir) by being paparazzi fodder. But when a royal referendum threatens his brother’s future, a fake engagement is the perfect way to keep the cameras on him. Nya Jerami is fleeing her video game creating life to attend a royal wedding — where she meets Johan, and ends up in his bed? Jen tells us why Johan made the top three in her book boyfriends list.
Book Boyfriend: Adrian
Opened Up by Eva Moore (Exposed Dreams, Book 1)
Sophia Valenti is the designer behind the Valenti Brothers construction firm, her father’s company, and finally she gets to showcase her talent on an HGTV-level reality show. But standing in the way of her recognition is Adrian Villanueva, long-time general contractor for the firm who’s also in the running to head the company. He’s pitted against Sophia in this reality show, but he can’t let go of his attraction to her. With only one winner, the stakes are high for their livelihoods and their love. Can a book boyfriend also be a rival? Listen to Jen to find out.
Book Boyfriend: Red (Redford)
Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (Brown Sisters, Book 1 )
Chloe Brown has fibromyalgia and has confined herself to a life inside and solitary. When she realizes how unfulfilled she is, she creates a list of things she wants to experience. She enlists Redford Morgan, her hot motorcycle-riding, across-the-courtyard neighbor to help her complete some items on the list. Falling for him, however, was not on the list. Mary tells us why Red is her all-time fave book boyfriend.
Book Boyfriend: Thorn
Thorn’s Dove by Carlotta Hughes (Orc Matched, Book 0.5)
Ruth has had some past trauma. She’s decided to start a new life by buying an old farm and creating a Hobbit-themed bed-and-breakfast. Thorn, an Orc from a planet called Talam has washed up on Ruth’s shore. He recognizes her immediately as his destined mate. Maybe by helping her fix up her place, he can help her through past hurt to see that he’s the one for her. Why would an Orc be a good match? Find out from Mary.
Book Boyfriend: Rafe
Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon (Loose Ends, Book 1)
Dr. Sloan Copeland, newly divorced and a thousand miles from her former home with her twin 6-year-old girls in tow, has just lost the girls’ babysitter when she abruptly walks off the job. Her best friend and the kids’ teacher Xeni recommends Rafe, a nanny who just left a long-term job when his family moved to Australia. Rafe decides to take on the emergency assignment with Dr. Copeland. Find out the one line that had Y. M. listening to this book twice.
Also by Rebekah Weatherspoon: Her Good Side, a YA Romance (release date: May 30, 2023)
Book Boyfriend: Jeremiah
After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez
Famous bartender Alejandra “Alex” Lopez is back in her small-town Kansas childhood home. She’s decided to takeover her grandmother’s restaurant, so her grandma can finish healing from surgery and retire. She didn’t expect to meet history professor Jeremiah Post or get into a land dispute with an old enemy that would require Jeremiah’s help. She didn’t expect to fall for him either. Y. M. tells us why this nerdy professor makes her list for fave book boyfriends.
Book Boyfriend: Leo
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
Fate brings Leo Grady and Lily Wilder together after seven years. The pair had a summer of love until Leo left her father’s ranch abruptly without warning. Now Lily and Leo (and a group of Leo’s friends) are on one of Lily’s week-long treasure-hunting adventures, a business she’s running to get enough money to buy her father’s ranch back. When one of the friends decides to go rogue on the adventure, and others come after the group. Leo and Lily are forced to solve a mystery to survive. And forced to face the love they still have for each other. Another nerdy book boyfriend has Y. M. wanting to go to the Sierra mountains to find treasure! Listen to why.
.jpg "Djrum Prepping New EP I Wander")
:quality(85):upscale()/2025/08/07/087/n/1922564/85a3e55b68954d7db50008.53738651_.jpg "The 10 Best Swimsuits at Nordstrom, Editor Tested and Approved")
:quality(85):upscale()/2025/05/15/715/n/1922564/ab90e60a682611e7f06d97.77199685_.png "12 Free People Summer Must Haves in a Shopping Editors Cart")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/06/12/673/n/1922564/007836996a2c211b8b6222.27413131_.png "10 Fathers Day Gifts at Tecovas, From Bestselling Boots to Elevated Basics")
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/06/09/732/n/49352476/33700b5b6a28408346cd80.35100877_.png "Timothée and Kylie Are the Best Dressed Courtside Couple – Shop Their Looks From")
