Weekly Reads: February 2 to 8, 2026 (contemporary romance, historical romance)

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters (2025)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Second chance, fake dating romance. Denz is a contender to take over as CEO after his father retires, and maybe sort of makes up a serious relationship to prove that he’s a more serious and stable worker. Except he ends up having to ask his ex-boyfriend Braylon to be the fake boyfriend, and there’s definitely all sorts of tension there. The whole book is from Denz’ point of view, so we need to deal with his career aspirations and his fear of being heartbroken again by the same guy. There’s definitely some simmering attraction between these guys, but Braylon needs to step up and actually communicate about what happened all those years ago, along with what he wants right now. Loved this book, and the hints of the potential romance between Denz’ best friend and his cousin.

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

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The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews (2022)

Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 1 of the Belles of London series. Another amazing romance from Mimi Matthews. Evelyn is in London for the Season and intends to make her impression on the marriage mart on horseback. And that means hiring the lesser known, but very talented habit-maker, Ahmad. It’s pretty much sparks at first sight here, on top of mutual respect for each others’ talents. But they’re different classes, different races, and a pairing between them will not solve their respective financial problems. But they definitely grow closer as Ahmad goes from just making Evelyn’s riding habits to making all of her dresses, and it’s easy to see how they slowly fall in love.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

One & Only by Maurene Goo (2026)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. A smidge of magic here in the form of Cassia’s family matchmaking talent. They do this thing called face reading, and it helps find someone’s past life, past love, and their one and only soulmate. And as Cassia is about to turn 40, she’s still looking for her fated, a man called Daniel that her grandmother read in her face. But she meets great guy Ellis instead, and then it turns out Daniel is his boss. Oh, the mess and angst. And it’s really a story of finding your fate, but having someone else who matches you just as well. Or maybe there are multiple possibilities when it comes to love. It’s all Cassia’s point of view here, and despite the love triangle, everyone is great and we can see how easily Cassia can fit with either Ellis or Daniel. I loved the family dynamics here and how all the characters interact. Loved this book.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (2026)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. I finished this one in a day because I was totally hooked. (That might not be saying much because I am fully capable of finishing a book a day when I’m on a roll). Tilly is a grieving widow who has been left a gift from her late husband at the local bookshop. A book a month, with a handwritten letter from her late husband, and each book is meant to inspire something in her life. It’s an emotional journey here as Tilly navigates her grief, and her relationship with her family, friends, and work. I loved seeing what new adventure her husband sent her each month. And the cute bookstore owner Alfie provided plenty of emotional support throughout the year. Super slow burn on the romance here, but I loved it all the same. Mostly told through Tilly’s point of view, but we get glimpses of Alfie’s perspective through the year as well. Excellent book, though it leaned more towards contemporary fiction than a traditional romance. The feelings I had reading it reminded me a lot of Overdue by Stephanie Perkins.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.