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.
Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances (2026)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Love the banter here in this rivals to lovers romance. Sloane is a wedding photographer and storm chaser dealing with a codependent mother and two slightly unreliable younger brothers. She’s on her annual storm chasing trip, hoping to photograph an image that will win the cover contest of a coveted magazine. But she’s dealing with the annoyingly arrogant Wes along the way. He takes way too many risks on the road, flirts with too many other people, and is generally not reliable enough to tempt Sloane. And then they get stuck together and actually maybe start talking and connecting. The tension here is great, and Wes turns out to be the most supportive person in Sloane’s life. Loved this book so much.
Advance ebook provided by Berkley via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.
It Had to Be Him by Adib Khorram (2025)
Contemporary romance. Book 2 of the Love on the Vine series. Poor Ramin tried to propose to his long-term boyfriend, only to be rejected and told that he’s boring. Ugh. So Ramin drunkenly books a trip to Italy to go be a new adventurous version of himself. And then he runs into an old high school crush Noah, who’s there with his kid and his ex-wife. It’s all sparks instantly, but Noah’s not sure if Ramin is still heartbroken over his ex, and Ramin is assuming that Noah is straight. But once they clear that up, it’s definitely a fast-burn steamy romance. Loved this book, although Noah’s ex-wife’s personality was giving me anxiety sometimes.
Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.
Game of Rogues by Julie Anne Long (2026)
Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 9 of the Palace of Rogues series. This book is the epitome of yearning. The kind that punches you in the gut, makes you teary, and also makes you believe in love. Guinevere goes to gaming hell owner Gabriel to plead her case to cancel her naive brother’s debts, but it doesn’t go well. And then they both end up boarding at the Grand Palace on the Thames, so continually interact in our cozy boarding house. It’s feisty bickering between these two, which is super humorous to read. But then it turns to care and compassion as they start to learn each other’s motives. Anything between them is impossible due to their social stations, but you can feel every emotion that they eventually feel for each other. The very best sort of romance.
Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Harper Collins Audio. Final print book provided by Avon Books.
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.
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