Channing Tatum Is Writing a Romance Novel

Channing Tatum is bringing his magic to the literary world.

Channing Tatum, known for his role in Magic Mike, is collaborating with author Roxane Gay on a romance novel set to be released next year. Gay shared that their unusual partnership began in a surprisingly funny way.

Roxane recently told Dua Lipa on the Service95 podcast that a journalist once asked if he was aware a writer had a crush on him and written a book called Bad Feminist. He reportedly responded that he hadn’t heard of it, but would check it out.

He followed through with it, and then someone suggested he write a book. He agreed, but only if he could collaborate with a specific person.

Their connection blossomed, and they soon started planning a steamy romance novel. As Roxane hinted before, it will be quite explicit, featuring a lot of intimate scenes.

I was so fascinated to hear the author explain the inspiration behind the book’s story on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Apparently, it’s based on something that really happens! She said a lot of people jokingly make agreements – like promising to marry each other if they’re both still single by a certain age, maybe 40. And incredibly, she said those pacts actually lead to marriages, and then sometimes, real love blossoms afterward. It’s such a sweet and relatable idea!

“A voluntary arranged marriage,” she laughed. “With lots and lots of sex in a bakery.”

Throughout the writing process, Roxane was consistently impressed by Channing, who wasn’t new to writing. He had previously authored the Sparkella series, which was inspired by his daughter, Everly, now 12, and created with his ex-wife, Jenna Dewan.

She told Vanity Fair in 2023 that he clearly understands the advantages he has in life. She found it surprisingly positive that he doesn’t feel the need to apologize for his good fortune. According to her, he acknowledges being a very attractive, famous, and wealthy white man and doesn’t try to downplay those benefits, while still being kind to others.

The actor from Lost City insisted on equal pay for himself and Roxane when they worked together.

Roxane pointed out that doing the right thing is simply what people should do, and we shouldn’t reward it. However, she also acknowledged that most people don’t, so when someone does act ethically, it’s worth recognizing.

While you’re waiting for Channing and Roxane’s new romance novel, here are some other great books to consider adding to your “to be read” list this year.

Release: Dec. 2

With the return of shows like Traitors and the upcoming 50th season of Survivor, now is the perfect time to read a novel set in the cutthroat world of reality TV competitions. The story centers around Luke, a former contestant on the show Endeavor who was an original player and is now a stay-at-home dad. He’s unexpectedly pulled back into the game for the show’s 20th season, and the novel jumps between his past and present, forcing him to deal with a tragic event from his first appearance and the painful reasons he returned to the demanding world of reality television.

Release: Dec. 2

Lexi left her life as a member of the British royal family to start a new one in Australia. But when she learns her father and brother have passed away, she unexpectedly becomes next in line for the throne. Now, pulled back into the royal world she tried to escape, Lexi must navigate her new responsibilities, deal with her complicated family, and ultimately decide if she wants to embrace this life.

Release: Jan. 6

A surprising turn of events shatters the fragile peace Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter Bailey have found after the experiences in The Last Thing He Told Me, launching them on a journey that could bring them lasting calm—and potentially reunite Hannah with her husband, Owen.

Release: Jan. 13

Maggie O’Farrell returns with her latest novel, a longer version of her 2020 short story, “Saint.” The story centers on Petra, a writer who withdraws from public life after a film based on her book receives negative reactions. Hoping to rebuild her career and personal life, she becomes fascinated with a detective, and their connection quickly becomes complicated, potentially leading to even bigger problems than she’s already faced.

Release: Jan. 20

Loved Daisy Jones & The Six? Then you’ll want to check out Future Saints, a band struggling after losing their manager. They have one final opportunity to achieve success, and a record executive named Theo is determined to help them—even if it means everything falls apart in the process. They’re all set to either create something amazing or crash and burn trying.

Release: Jan. 20

Four years after her revealing memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy, known for her role in iCarly, is releasing her first novel, Half His Age. The book tells the story of a seventeen-year-old girl who begins a relationship with her teacher.

Release: Jan. 27

George Saunders’ new novel takes readers on a compelling and unusual afterlife journey. It centers on a wealthy oilman who, even in death, doesn’t seem to regret his actions. A guide accompanies his soul to its final destination, but they must first confront the consequences of the man’s life – the harm he caused to others and the wider world.

Release: Feb. 3

Natalie’s past relationships have all ended tragically – her exes have mysteriously died. Now, her marriage is falling apart, and the secrets she’s kept hidden are starting to surface. Plus, she’s battling a dark force within herself. The Exes is a captivating and fast-paced story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Release: Feb. 3

Years after the death of actress Susan Bliss, her grown children are still coming to terms with the contrast between her famous television image and the mother they lost at a young age. The story jumps between Susan’s career in the 1980s and how each of her children has dealt with her death and the impact she had on their lives.

Release: Feb. 17

Writing is challenging, and Peggy and Drew, a family living on a canal boat, are facing that reality. But when Drew struggles with Peggy’s growing achievements, he pulls the family away from others, creating distance and ultimately leading to a significant falling out.

Release: Feb. 17

The author of The House of Eve delivers another compelling historical novel. This story intricately connects the lives of three individuals: Ozzie, an African American soldier who finds love with a German woman after WWII; Sophia, a young girl in the 1960s who discovers a hidden family secret; and Ethel, a woman dedicated to caring for the children of mixed heritage left behind in post-war Germany.

Release: Feb. 24

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always drawn to stories about the power of connection, and this one is truly special. It follows Vernice and Annie, two girls navigating life in the Jim Crow South, who find each other through similar experiences – both raised without mothers. As they grow up, their lives take different turns, but what’s so beautiful is how their friendship remains a constant, weathering every challenge and heartache along the way. It’s a really moving story about the enduring strength of female bonds.

2026-03-24 04:47

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