Weekly Reads: June 22 to 28, 2026 (contemporary romance, historical romance, thriller)

Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (2026)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. More about family than the romantic relationship, but a whole mess of chaos during a two-week Indian wedding celebration. Simran and Leo have only just barely gotten together, when she’s called by her cousin home to New Jersey for a family wedding. Simran grew up in India, was orphaned as a teenager, and lived with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in America. Until she couldn’t handle the overbearing stifling nature of her aunt anymore and moved out. She’s been estranged from her family for five years, and the stress of returning is a lot. And then her new boyfriend Leo accidentally drops by for the engagement party, and chaotic shenanigans ensue. The cousins all decide that they should let Leo pretend to be the groom’s friend and ingratiate himself among the family. Funny, emotional, and all the things I love in a messy family.

Advance ebook provided by Pamela Dorman Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

Shop this book via Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Libro.fm

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti (2026)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Flirty Rotten Scoundrels series. Outspoken Ruby is pretty much a walking scandal, so she and her three friends scheme to visit Cornwall, pretending to be a princess’s ladies in waiting. They find a run-down house instead, filled with a merry band of pirates. One of whom had most recently forged some ancient statues and is hiding his own identity. But Captain Malcolm Archer fails at all his attempts to scare Ruby and her friends out of the house, and falls for her instead. Loved their plotting and scheming and how they were both keeping secrets. I especially love when they start teaming up for a common cause. Funny and steamy and delightful.

Advance ebook provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit (2026)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Bancroft Sisters series. Plenty of chaos and humor and slow-growing affection. Bookish Harriet and rakish Alexander are caught in a compromising situation, and there’s no guarantee that Alexander will do the honorable thing. So Harriet ends up kidnapping him for an elopement. The banter and not-quite flirting between these two is so fun to read, plus they’re most definitely attracted to each other, despite agreeing on a marriage in name only. I really couldn’t put it down and I loved watching these two dummies fall in love. Audiobook is duet narration. If you love bluestocking-rake pairings or if you love the humor that’s typically found in Tessa Dare books, you’ll love this one too.

Advance ebook provided by Zando Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

In Every Possible Way by Alicia Thompson (2026)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Jess goes on a bad date on her birthday, gets mugged, and wakes up in Ireland. She spends a whirlwind day with Eamonn and pretty much falls in love with him in a weekend. But she may actually be dreaming or hallucinating or something. The premise is a little magical, but the emotions and the way Jess and Eamonn get to know each other is very real. Loved seeing them connect and care for each other. Can it be a slow burn if it happens in a day? It definitely felt like it.

Advance ebook provided by Berkley via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

You Had Me at Heist by Christina Britton (2026)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 2 of the Wimpole Street Widows Society series. Tragic prologue for Iris, whose mother passes away, then there’s a fire at her home, covering up the fact that her mother’s plant research journals are stolen. Fast forward five years and Iris overhears that a certain dastardly lord is claiming the work as his own. The widows band together to uncover the man’s plots and find the lost journals. Of course, there’s a guard in the way. Oliver is a disgraced Bow Street Runner who works for the lord and suspects that something isn’t quite right. Despite his attraction for Iris. She’s keeping secrets, he’s distracted by her general forthright nature, and these two people are most definitely falling in love. Most of the book, I was just waiting for them to get it together and team up against the villain, instead of having Oliver being loyal to his employer. Loved this book and this series.

Advance ebook provided by Forever Books via NetGalley.

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As Far as She Knew by Diana Awad (2026)

Thriller. Amira’s husband Ali suddenly passes away and she finds out that he has a secret house in another state that she knew nothing about. We spend the whole book second guessing Ali’s motives, their marriage, and the friends from the past who keep popping up. Amira’s just trying to uncover the truth, but there’s diversions everywhere she looks. I was totally hooked into the book, trying to figure out who’s being dishonest here. There’s some flashback chapters as Amira reflects on her relationship with Ali throughout the years and questioning her own memories. I really enjoyed this one and will definitely read more thrillers from this author.

Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.