First to Finish by Rebecca J. Caffery (2026)
Contemporary romance. Book 2 of the Pole Position series. Poor Johannes is in a rough place with his secret boyfriend being a total asshole. Heartbreak all around really. And it’s affecting his racing. Luckily, his race engineer Caleb is super competent. And also super hot. The tentative build of their friendship and relationship was so much fun to watch. Plus Caleb is way better for Johannes than the old boyfriend. Loved this one.
Advance ebook provided by One More Chapter via NetGalley.
The Governess’s Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses by Amy Rose Bennett (2026)
Historical fantasy romance. Book 2 of the Parasol Academy series. Governess Mina kidnaps a viscount when she thinks the young boy is in danger. A magical mishap brings her and Christopher to another ship in motion, where she meets Phinn, the Marquess of Kinsale. He’s got his own problems being a former prizefighter with a noticeable accent and stammer. However, he ends up enlisting Mina’s help with his etiquette and speech. It’s an obvious sort of slow burn romance here with Mina and Phinn falling in love, and I enjoyed how Phinn basically rescues a street urchin to have an excuse to hire a governess. It might be one of my fave microtropes. No third act breakup here either.
Advance ebook provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley. Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn (2026)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Layla is about to have the most awkward week of her life, attending her ex-sister-in-law’s wedding in Paris while her ex-husband (the bride’s brother) is bringing his new girlfriend. Awkwardness made worse when she meets Grumpy Griffin on the airplane and then finds out he’s the groom’s best friend and best man. And Griffin is clearly operating under some chronic pain and major anxiety. Dual POV here as Layla and Griffin stick together to deal with the bride’s cold feet. Both Layla and Griffin are very guarded and not willing to overshare at first, but they just seem to have that instant energy connecting them. Finally learning Griffin’s backstory and how he became injured will break your heart. Ugh, the loveliest book. You should definitely read it. Avoid if you’re sensitive about a recent breakup, I think.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.
.
Want to keep your own reading organized? Try this digital reading journal template!
Thanks so much for reading this post! Looking for more bookish resources and romance book reviews? Read the archives!
Useful Resources:
Read more about getting the most out of your library card
Want an intro to historical romance series? This post will help!
Learn more about Kindle Unlimited
Get my massive guide of all the romances I’ve read on Kindle Unlimited
Read an introduction to fanfiction
Learn more about sources for reading fanfiction
Follow me on Instagram at @randomolive
Shop my handmade bookmarks on Etsy
Support this page with a donation
Affiliate links may be used within this post. If you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Thanks for reading Random Olive Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
