Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and romance—in any form—is my staple reading diet. 💕 Those who’ve been following me for a while already know this, but no matter what I’m reading, I almost always circle back to a romance somewhere after one or two mystery thrillers.
To be honest, I’m a huge thriller fan, especially when there’s even a hint of romance woven into the story. I love most romance tropes—enemies to lovers, forced proximity, marriage of convenience… you name it. The only trope I’m not particularly keen on is time-travel romance (even though Outlander remains one of my all-time favorite love stories).
Historical romances with humor are my ultimate comfort reads, which is why Julie Garwood’s books are permanently within arm’s reach of my bed. There’s just something about her writing and the wit and warmth that never fails to work its magic on me.
With love in the air, here are a few exciting upcoming romance releases that I’m especially looking forward to. And if you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them—feel free to share in the comments! 💌
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Upcoming Releases 2026
Catch Her If You Can by Tessa Bailey
- Released in January 2026
- Tropes: Marriage of convenience, sports romance
For anyone who hasn’t read Tessa Bailey yet, trust me — you’re seriously missing out! She is an absolute cracker when it comes to romance, and I’ve loved every historical romance of hers that I’ve read.
Book Blurb
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new marriage of convenience, friends-to-lovers sports romance about a baseball catcher and the burlesque club owner he can’t get out of his head.
Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.
Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.
Madden won’t let Eve get away that easily, though. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon ignites into something much hotter, and now it’s up to Madden to convince Eve that their connection is far more than a business arrangement. As the passion builds, can their fake marriage become the real deal?
Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan
- Expected Release: Feb 2026
- Tropes: Slow burn romance
Now this sounds truly exciting — a summer fling that refuses to fade away.
Book Blurb
From the “queen of sweet romance” (Falon Ballard) Sophie Sullivan, comes a small-town, opposites-attract romance about two people who end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling.
Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, Charlotte Ashford gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.
Grayson Keller has finally settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is thriving. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, whom he can’t seem to get out of his head.
On the surface, Charlie and Grayson have nothing in common, but they can’t fight their attraction to each other. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.
Nearly A Bride by Sabrina Jeffries
- Expected Release: April 2026
- Tropes: Historical romance, slow-burn
Because fake engagements, dangerous secrets, and reluctant love are impossible to resist, this one is surely on my list.
Book Blurb
In this captivating new historical romance brimming with seductive twists and irresistible wit, an English nobleman is finally free from exile—but can his heart still be captured?
After more than a decade separated from his home and family, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his London townhouse to face a new test: reclaiming guardianship of his younger brothers. His reputation as a rakehell, it seems, has followed him from detention inside Napoleon’s France and caused his own father to block Heathbrook’s rightful custody in his will. However, the clever rogue concocts a plan to restore respectability and rescue his siblings . . . by finding a “fiancée” with no strings attached.
Giselle Bernard is not looking to wed an earl with a wild past. All she seeks is a connected nobleman who can legally secure her new life in England and head off a mysterious stranger’s threats. Posing as Heathbrook’s bride-to-be would surely benefit them both. But as revelations come to light—the ill-fated young affair that left Heathbrook embittered, and the mademoiselle’s own guarded secrets—their engagement charade may unexpectedly blossom into a promise to love, honor, and cherish . . .
Just For The Season by Rachel Griffiths
- Expected Release: July 2026
- Tropes: Laugh out loud, historical romance
Oh, why wouldn’t I read this, a scandal-saving summer, a house full of eligible bachelors, and one irresistible second chance will surely make for pure romantic chaos. Rachel Griffiths is soon becoming my go to author for LOL romances.
Book Blurb
For fans of Lisa Kleypas and Sarah MacLean, Rachel Griffiths’s latest historical romance is a sexy, laugh-out-loud romp that’s The Bachelorette set in Regency England with shades of Bridgerton.
Lady Charlotte Louisa Aveton knows all of London’s rules, and better yet, knows how to break them. But when she takes it too far and stumbles into a serious scandal, she knows only one thing will save her—marriage, as soon as possible.
With only one summer to pick a husband, Charlotte invites all of England’s most eligible bachelors to an extravagant summer retreat at a country manor house. There’s a brooding artist, a wickedly handsome Russian prince, and one of the richest men in all of Europe…so why do her eyes keep sliding over to the Duke of Warrick, the only man who’s ever come close to breaking her heart?
Does Charlotte’s summer of suitors have any room for second chances?
Love These Authors? Read More for Less
If you’re impatient (same 🙋♀️) and want something to read right now, many of these authors already have fantastic backlists.
Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking to add more love to my reading list, of course, which may never get completed.💕
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