How to Fake It in Society by KJ Charles (2026)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Standalone novel. Scheming and friendship and slow burn romance. Titus is a shopkeeper who is about to be totally destitute when his former lover and current landlord raises the rent. And somehow, he ends up at the deathbed of a wealthy old lady who wants to marry him so her fortune doesn’t go to her terrible nephew. The old lady passes away and Titus is left with a totally new house and life. It’s all sorts of overwhelming, especially when grifters are aiming for him. And then the biggest grifter of all, Nico, shows up at his doorstep because this man had missed his chance at marrying the rich old lady. But he’s actually pretty helpful to Titus, so even though Titus is suspicious, he lets Nico help him anyway. Nico’s obviously keeping secrets and is in a lot of debt, but as he gets to know Titus, he’s unwilling to take advantage. It’s a slow build of friendship and then more, even with secrets hanging over them. I loved this book.
Advance ebook provided by Tor Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Macmillan Audio.
Double Happiness by Heather Eng (2026)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. We start a bit with a messy love triangle situation because workaholic Mei is already engaged to Joey, when she re-meets Alexandre and feels an instant connection to him. Making things messier is that Alexandre is the brother of Mei’s sister’s husband, so they keep running into each other at family events. But see, when you read the interactions between Mei and Alexandre, it’s so so good. They just get each other so well and they’re clearly absolutely perfect for each other, plus the tingly sparks and all. I loved this book so much.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.
Captured by Beverly Jenkins (2009)
Historical romance. Book 3 of the Le Veq series. Typical plot-filled adventure here with Ms. Bev. Dominic is a privateer who attacks an English vessel and takes Clare with him. She’s super feisty and doesn’t want to leave her mistress at first, but Dominic is trying to set her free. But she has reasons for wanting to go back to her home in Savannah. There’s definitely a mix of fighting and flirting here, and the general dangers of being a pirate at sea. And then we get to Dominic’s idyllic island and Clare gets a taste of true freedom there. There are villains around every corner and things always get worse when they team up unexpectedly. So much going on, this book will keep you hooked all the way through.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie (2025)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Heartbreaking and messy in all the best ways. We start with Nicole and husband Gabe’s last ditch effort to implant their embryo into a surrogate who lives across the country from them. Only for Nicole to return home and find the dog walker in a compromising position waiting for Gabe. Gross cheating rich white man husband alert. Nicole reconnects with her old work-crush Logan while dealing with the fallout. Logan offers the ultimate escape from her reality because he’s sweet and nerdy and funny, and pretty much adores Nicole. But it’s super messy because she’s not really honest with him about her situation and what the future holds. I loved the flirty banter between Nicole and Logan and I liked seeing Nicole find herself again, after so long being defined by her infertility struggles and her trophy wife status. Amazingly emotional and I absolutely loved it.
Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.
The Dove and the Rogue by Harper St. George (2026)
Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 3 of the Doves of New York series. Starting with the marriage proposition that ends the previous book, Jenny promises David a night in his bed in exchange for a marriage of convenience as a way to allow her sister to marry someone unsuitable. But of course Jenny and David actually have feelings for each other, even though they spend most of the book denying it. And trying very hard not to get attached. They flirt, they marry, they bed down, and then they go their separate ways. But really, both of them need to admit that they really just want each other. Steamy and angsty in all the best ways.
Advance ebook provided by Harper St. George via NetGalley.
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