Guys Can't Write Romance

by Tom Lewis

"Pure joy from start to finish!"

She’s ultra-organized, he’s chaos in a baseball cap. She writes sweet romances, he writes campy horror. Together, they just might create the perfect love story – if they don’t kill each other first.

Daisy Fields has her life color-coded, organized, and mapped out, including her dream of becoming a published romance novelist. There’s just one problem: Chad McKenzie, a man-child who writes campy horror novels. Chad’s idea of romance is zombies chasing bikini-clad heroines through graveyards.

When their quirky writers’ group announces a high-stakes romance writing contest with a publishing deal as the prize, Daisy bets Chad he couldn’t write a decent love story if his life depended on it. Chad accepts the bet and doubles down, betting that his novel will beat hers.

To their mutual horror, they’re paired as writing partners.

What follows is a hilarious clash of chaos versus control, featuring pink laundry pranks, library bans, Hallmark movie marathons, and ‘research’ at dive bars. But somewhere between teaching Chad about meet-cutes and learning that swamp monsters don’t belong in kissing scenes, the bickering transforms into banter. And their fictional characters start looking suspiciously like each other.

As the deadline looms and real feelings emerge, Daisy and Chad must decide: can two polar opposites who can’t agree on anything actually write their own happily ever after?

Get ready for laugh-out-loud disasters, witty banter, quirky characters, and coffee-fueled chaos. Perfect for fans of opposites-attract and enemies-to-lovers rom-coms, who like fun and swoony romance without the spice but with all the feels.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2025

About the author

Hey All. I’ve revised my bio yet again so it doesn’t sound like I’m describing myself in third person. I’m an entertainment attorney (I draft contracts for movies), writer, filmmaker, and former Marine. I write scary books and laugh-out-loud spice-free rom-coms.

Reviews

[Tai LoveCoffeeBookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this love story. It's a read with a lot of much-needed dialogue between Chad and Daisy. It's a very enemies-to-lovers story, a clean romance that you can enjoy over a weekend. I really liked how the author adds a very unique touch from his past experience as a writer mixing the horror writer with romance writer. You will love this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew as soon as I read the title and the synopsis that I wanted to read this book. And I was not disappointed fellow readers! This romantic comedy literally checked all of my boxes…wooo-hooo! Hilarious sarcasm, witty banter and one-liners at each other, easy to love and root for MMC and FMC. Once I picked this book up, it just never quit for me and I’ve already got Tom Lewis on my radar for some other picks!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning, you might think the characters are clichés with legs—walking stereotypes—but as the story progresses, you start to see real depth in them. The “war” between the two leads is one of the funniest things I’ve read in a while. Expect spontaneous, witty banter that will make you laugh out loud—literally—for the first 25% of the book. Then comes the charming part, when feelings between the couple begin to surface, and of course, everyone around them notices it before they do. The supporting characters are just as funny and endearing as the protagonists.

While Chad and Daisy work on their romance scripts, they try to stay true to the structure of a classic rom-com—which apparently requires a final chapter that makes you cry. I had to laugh at that, because whether I’m just another cliché with legs or the formula really is foolproof, I definitely shed a few tears at the end. So yes, it works!

From beginning to end, this book is an absolute joy to read—funny, heartwarming, and genuinely uplifting. It never lets you down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise DeJonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys can’t write romance is a real laugh out loud book. Seriously, I caught myself several times while on the plane. There are so many scenes that feel so real. Will Daisy and Chad ever make peace or will they just agree to disagree? Will the scantily clad women get eaten by the zombies? Or worse yet, will Rick continue to be a real snoozer of a main character? Have you ever had beer shoot through your nose?

By the way, the Library scene is so epic!! I mean what is worse than experiencing humiliation by 1st graders. “Who wants cookies?” is going to be my go distraction from now on. I want to start writing a book and some can find a Writer’s Group.

Ok Tom Lewis, is this based on real life?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

GUYS CAN'T WRITE ROMANCE is pure joy from start to finish! This enemies-to-lovers romance follows Daisy (organized teacher) and Chad (chaotic coach) as they're forced to collaborate on a romance writing competition. What could've been a predictable setup becomes something wonderfully fresh and funny.

The characters are complex and fully realized as Daisy's need for control stems from real trauma, while Chad's cocky exterior hides genuine vulnerability. Their banter absolutely crackles, and watching them influence each other's writing (and hearts) is chef's kiss perfection.

The library ban scene had me crying laughing, and Chad's speech about Daisy's father at the end? Actual tears. This book brilliantly explores how relationships can expand us without changing who we fundamentally are.

Perfect for fans of rom-coms with heart, witty dialogue, and characters who feel like real people. I need the author's next book ASAP!

[Shayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smoke fellow readers! Okay where to start?! This book was slow to start but then it picks up fast and just yanks you into the whirlwind of Daisy and Chad’s shenanigans. Haha. Oh boy do they have some chemistry and laugh out loud fun! I loved it. Happy reading fellow readers!

P.S- Chloe and Rhino help make this great too! LOL.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BJ Kellogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a fun time with this book. The author showed that you can take two opposite characters and combine them to learn from each other. Roomate Chloe needs her own story.

[Brian Schuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough start, good finish

The first couple of chapters were a bit rough for me. The writing was a bit raw where each introduction for a character was a paragraph telling us all about them instead of discontinuing on with the scene and letting us discover the characters. I'm not a fan of that style.
But once the book moved past that I found it enjoyable. It was fast paced and the two leads were entertaining. They had good chemistry and both of them made grand gestures for each other which is nice.
It's written in third person omniscient meaning within one scene we jump in and out of several different characters heads which is also another style that I'm not that big of a fan of, but it's not something I will knock the book for. Just be aware.
Overall, I'm giving it four stars which means I would recommend but probably will not reread myself.

[Sharon Leff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, YES, Boys Can So Deliver Great Romance!

Way to go, Tom Lewis. If you are anything like your main character, I hope you have found a Daisy. How great is this coach to his classes, his roommate, and his friends! Is he a man child, an underachiever, a disorganized train wreck in the beginning? Yes! But when he meets his polar opposite in his writing group, he compromises and evolves as does she.

Likable main characters, the sort of people in our every day lives if we dare open our eyes. Readers root for them and their wonderful side kick friends/room mates.

[Margie McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fun! While I agree with some other reviewers that the beginning was a bit rough with some cliches, the story and characters quickly developed after that. I really enjoyed the banter between Chad and Daisy, as well as the interactions with their respective best friends. If you’re looking for a fun, light read, Guys Can’t Write Romance is for you! I will be adding Tom Lewis’ other rom-com to my TBR.

[Cobalt's Son · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. The premise hooked me right away. It starts off a bit slow, but as you get to know the characters — especially through their interactions with the side cast — the story really pulls you in.
The couple is very shippable, and the slow build between them made everything feel even more intense. I did feel like something was missing from the plot, but honestly? I still had a great time reading it.

[Caroline Berkowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding fluffy read. If you need a palate cleanser after a heavy book, this is it. While I’m all about grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers, Daisy and Chad’s story also was full of laughter; I especially enjoyed the Hallmark movie tropes and the writers who conspired to create their own love story.

[Sandy Monterrosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guys Can’t Write Romance by Tom Lewis is a fun, charming surprise. It’s witty, relatable, and had me smiling way more than I expected.

The story flows easily, the characters feel real, and it proves that romance can be sweet, funny, and a little awkward in the best way. If you’re looking for something lighthearted that’ll lift your mood, this one’s a great pick.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st of all: this is why I don't watch Hallmark movies

I tend to prefer my romance with more cussing & spice, n preferably some murdery mystery, too, but damnit if this wasn't sweet and cute and how dare you make me tear up?!

[Tom Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tied for "Best Rom-Com of All Time Written by a Former Marine and Released in October 2025" with the other rom-com I released last week! Judged by me, so I might be a little biased =)

[Janette · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Courtney Remarkable · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's very cute, I'm not a hallmark gal but I did enjoy how they kinda talk about the silly routine of the hallmark structure. A nice light change from the dark romance

[Margaret Drudy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book proves guys can’t write romance. I didn’t see chemistry with the characters. Chloe just kept telling me they had it

[Carol Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute! Almost gave five stars, but stayed a little slow.