The Best New July 2026 Romance Books to Read

An Education in Longing by Charlotte Stein

An Education in Longing blends dark academia, dangerous magic, and a complicated romance into an addictive romantasy. After earning a place at a mysterious magical university, Mina discovers that surviving its deadly challenges may depend on the last person she wants to trust—a powerful, dangerous fellow student with secrets of his own. If dark fantasy romance is your thing, be sure to pick this one up! 

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier

This romantic debut is a must-read this summer! After an unexpected death, Joey is given the chance to relive the year she first met her longtime crush and the man she thought she hated. Determined to finally win the heart of the one who got away, she quickly discovers that second chances can change everything. With romance, friendship, and a touch of magical realism, this one will be loved by so many readers.

Formula Zero by Meredith Lanzen

Fans of fast-paced sports romance packed with tension will love this new release. Set in the world of racing, Formula Zero blends high-stakes competition with a second-chance romance between former best friends. After a near-fatal accident reunites Clare and Julian, old feelings quickly resurface, along with growing suspicions that something dangerous is unfolding behind the scenes.

Into the Fading Twilight by Catherine Cowles

Catherine Cowles always knows how to blend romance, suspense, and emotional healing, and Into the Fading Twilight is no exception. After surviving a traumatic year in captivity, Nova returns home determined to reclaim her life, only to find herself growing closer to a protective single dad who refuses to let her face her struggles alone. Filled with danger, heart, and small-town romance, this is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths

Just for the Season gives a Regency twist to a dating competition as Lady Charlotte gathers England’s most eligible bachelors for an extravagant summer retreat. Determined to secure a husband after a scandal threatens her future, Charlotte has plenty of worthy candidates to choose from—yet she can’t stop thinking about the duke who once broke her heart. Funny, romantic, and full of second-chance chemistry, this historical romance sounds like a delightful summer read.

Love Wells Kept by Bailey Hannah

Who can resist a good cowboy romance? After a devastating accident erases years of Jackson’s memories, he returns home to a wife and children he no longer remembers, leaving both him and Kate searching for a way forward. Set in a fictional town in British Columbia, this final book in the Wells Ranch series is a heartfelt, hopeful love story that explores what happens when two people fall back in love. 

Kiss, Marry, Kill by Cara Tanamachi

Kiss, Marry, Kill follows a true-crime podcaster as she tries to solve a serial-killer case while dating possible suspects—how interesting does that sound? After a devastating mistake sends her career into a tailspin, Ella returns home only to find herself tangled in a mystery that may be far more personal than she ever expected. It sounds like the perfect mix of romance, suspense and humour! 

Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff

If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a good romance set by the lake. In Rewrite the Stars, a summer at a lakeside fixer-upper gives former actress Marissa a chance to escape the spotlight and focus on herself. When renovations force her into close quarters with a charming contractor, what begins as a quiet retreat quickly turns more complicated. Heartwarming and romantic, this second-chance-at-life story sounds perfect for fans of Carley Fortune. 

Rich Girl Summer by Lily Chu

Lily Chu always delivers charming, feel-good romances, and Rich Girl Summer sounds like a fun escape. After a career disaster leaves Valerie scrambling, she agrees to spend the summer posing as a billionaire’s long-lost daughter to help uncover a family secret. With a glamorous setting, family drama, and a slow-burn romance with an infuriatingly handsome assistant, this one deserves a spot on your summer TBR!

Star-Crossed Summer by Devon Daniels

A decade after a whirlwind Hollywood romance ended in heartbreak, Scarlett finds herself face-to-face with the man she never truly forgot. Returning to the seaside town where it all began forces both Scarlett and Ryder to confront old feelings, painful memories, and the secrets that drove them apart. Emotional and swoony, this one sounds like a perfect second-chance romance for summer.

Summer People by Sally Blakely

If you’re looking for an emotional, nostalgic second-chance romance, definitely try this one! A secret summer romance, years of unresolved feelings, and a final beach getaway come together in Summer People. Everett and Sutton have spent years hiding their on-again-off-again relationship from their closest friends, but a reunion trip forces them to confront the past they’ve been avoiding. 

The Final Score by Lana Ferguson

If you binged Off Campus and Heated Rivalry, you won’t want to miss your next hockey-themed romance. After an injury threatens his future and a housing crisis leaves Abby with nowhere to go, the two find themselves sharing a home—and slowly discovering they have more in common than they expected. There’s forced proximity, hockey, and some emotional baggage, all of which make this an addictive read. I love Lana Ferguson, so I’m excited to pick this one up!

The Finish Line by Grace Newman

Another racing romance! Set in the world of Formula 1, this sports romance blends high-stakes competition with a grumpy-sunshine love story. As Lily navigates life as the first female driver on a traditional F1 team, an unexpected connection with fellow racer Henri begins to change everything. With racing drama, hidden dangers, and plenty of chemistry, this is a great pick for readers who can’t get enough of Formula 1 romances.

The MASH Up by Laura Marie Meyers

This is one of my most anticipated romance books for the summer! After a birthday breakup turns her life upside down, Ruby wakes up inside the childhood M.A.S.H. game she used to play—and suddenly her wildest seventh-grade dreams have come true. The only problem is that the game insists her soulmate is her brother’s best friend, the one man she’s spent years trying to avoid. Fun, whimsical, and full of romantic tension, this magical rom-com sounds like a delightful escape—I know I can’t wait to read it!

The Roommate Rule by Georgia Stone

A summer in Wales becomes far more complicated when two complete opposites find themselves sharing a cabin for six weeks. Determined to keep things simple, Dylan sets one very important rule: absolutely no romance with her charming, carefree roommate. Packed with forced proximity, opposites-attract chemistry, and plenty of tension, this romance will keep you turning the pages.

A Date with Death by Kelly Creagh

If you love unconventional love stories that are quirky, romantic, and supernatural, don’t miss A Date with Death. A romance between a children’s librarian and the Grim Reaper is certainly one of the most unique premises on this list. After Helena survives a near-fatal accident thanks to a mysterious skeletal stranger, she finds herself crossing paths with Death himself—and awakening feelings he was never meant to feel.

Book Club Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday

Romance books with bookish elements are the best! A struggling film producer and a bestselling author with writer’s block form an unexpected friendship in this charming contemporary romance. What begins as a series of text messages soon becomes movie nights, shared secrets, and plenty of time spent together under the same roof. Book Club Boyfriend sounds like a delightful romance about finding love when life doesn’t go as planned.

Die for Me by Shirlene Obuobi

Die for Me is part romance, part suspense, and part supernatural mystery—making it sound impossible to put down. When a successful cardiologist begins a relationship with a younger man who seems too perfect and possibly not entirely human, she finds herself drawn into a dark, dangerous mystery. Atmospheric, addictive, and tense, this genre-bending romance is perfect for readers who enjoy a touch of paranormal intrigue in their love stories.

Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon

This one is definitely on my summer TBR! Extracurricular follows a former pop star who’s searching for a fresh start and finds herself unexpectedly drawn to her psychology professor. As Ramona adjusts to life outside the spotlight and Nick navigates his complicated past, a friendship forms that soon becomes impossible to ignore. Rachel Lynn Solomon is an auto-read author for me, and this heartfelt romance sounds like a perfect blend of emotional depth, chemistry, and personal growth.

Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis always delivers emotional small-town romances, and Falling Into You sounds like a wonderful second-chance love story. When Hazel returns home, determined to keep her stay temporary, she finds herself face-to-face with the childhood sweetheart she’s spent years avoiding. Packed with family drama, unresolved feelings, and plenty of chemistry, this is a great pick for readers who love heartwarming hometown romances.

Forsaking Midnight by Emily McIntire

Another book in the Defying the Stars series! Inspired by the legend of Lancelot and Guinevere, this emotional retelling follows a rebellious heir as he falls for the one woman he should never want. Packed with small-town drama, secrets, and high-stakes romance, it’s a great choice for readers who love complicated love stories.

Foxx by Paisley Hope

Paisley Hope returns with another dark, addictive romance in the Soldiers of Bedlam series. Determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death, Mia goes undercover with a rival motorcycle club and finds herself drawn to the club’s dangerous president, who she believes may hold all the answers. Fans of morally gray heroes, forbidden attraction, and high-stakes romance will want to add this one to their TBR! 

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto

Hurricane season provides the backdrop for this rivals-to-lovers romance between two meteorologists who can’t seem to stay out of each other’s way. When Quincy and Sebastian are forced into close quarters during one scorching Florida summer, old grudges quickly give way to something far more complicated. This one sounds so interesting, and I love the cover!

One Moment Please by Amy Daws

An unexpected pregnancy, a grumpy doctor, and plenty of chaos collide in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy. After a one-night stand leads to a shocking ER reunion months later, Lynsey and Josh find themselves unexpectedly connected in a way neither of them ever planned. Fans of accidental-pregnancy romances and grumpy-sunshine dynamics will definitely want to add this one to their radar.

The Paddock Club by Madge Maril

Another romance for Formula 1 fans this month! Cat enters the racing world with a plan to take down a notorious driver, but everything changes when she finds herself drawn to his brooding rival. Packed with glamour, secrets, and plenty of chemistry, The Paddock Club sounds like a fun, addictive F1 romance.

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

I’m always excited when a new Christina Lauren book is announced, and this one sounds especially emotional. After a tragic accident erases her husband’s memories, scientist Emery uses groundbreaking technology to bring him back—but now she must find a way to make him fall in love with her all over again. I have an advanced copy of The Romance Revival—so be sure to come back to read my thoughts! 

Unfinished Business by Clare Osongco

A ghost trapped in a company Slack channel is definitely one of the most unique romance premises I’ve come across this year. After discovering that her late mother’s spirit is stuck in the workplace messaging system, Ruby sets out to help her move on while untangling her own complicated career and love life. This one sounds like a quirky, memorable romance to pick up!

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle

This premise immediately caught my attention because it sounds completely bonkers in the best possible way. When romance reader Roxie wishes herself into her favourite author’s next book, she expects a swoony love story—not a crime thriller in which her first date tries to murder her. Blending romance, mystery, and plenty of bookish humour, this sounds like a wildly entertaining read.

Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar

A road trip through the Scottish Highlands is already a great setup for a romance, but adding a runaway bride and a one-night stand makes it even better. When Neelu finds herself travelling across Scotland with the last person she expected to see again, old sparks quickly begin to reignite. Readers who enjoy forced proximity, second-chance chemistry, and plenty of banter will want to add this one to their summer TBR.

Married with Benefits by Ellie Palmer

Marriage-of-convenience romances are always hard for me to resist, and this one has a fun setup. When an unexpected inheritance leaves Lainey and Elliot with intertwined futures, a practical arrangement quickly becomes far more complicated. With the small-town setting, forced proximity, and plenty of romantic tension, this sounds like a delightful contemporary romance.

Not That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine

A hopeless-romantic wedding planner and a cynical divorce lawyer are forced to team up in this new enemies-to-lovers rom-com. When Gracie agrees to let Jude help plan her ex’s wedding to save a beloved Rhode Island estate, sparks fly between two people who couldn’t be more different in their views of love. With the wedding setting, plenty of banter, and opposites-attract chemistry, this sounds like a fun romance!

The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert

If you’re anything like me, you’re excited for Talia Hibbert’s next release—especially since it features fake dating and royalty! After a chance encounter with a handsome stranger sparks a media scandal, Cherry is reluctantly swept into a fake engagement with a prince trying to repair his reputation. With plenty of humour, chemistry, and royal drama, this sounds like a fun addition to any romance reader’s TBR.

Vera Stein is Fine by Julie Murphy

Julie Murphy’s latest romance proves it’s never too late for a fresh start. When Vera unexpectedly finds herself living in a quirky retirement community of former Hollywood stars, she comes face-to-face with an old flame she never expected to see again. Packed with humour, heart, and a delightful cast of characters, this second-chance romance is absolutely charming. I just adore the cover, too!

Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly

A struggling chef and a social media influencer team up to save a beloved restaurant in this opposites-attract romance by Grace Reilly. When Poppy convinces the grumpy, grieving Jack to help revive his late mentor’s restaurant, the two quickly realize that working together is easier than ignoring the chemistry between them. Foodie romance fans will definitely want to add this one to their reading list!

Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple

Fans of magical realism won’t want to miss this one. After a magical mishap leaves Aubrey seemingly cursed in love, she teams up with the practical sister of one of her disastrous dates to uncover what’s really going on. With romance, humour and a touch of magic, Awkwardly Ever After sounds like a fresh, entertaining rom-com. 

Fossil Feud by Maggie North

This is another one I’m particularly excited about! Academic rivals, dinosaur fossils, and a quest to expose scientific fraud sound like the perfect adventure romance! When paleontologists Ripley and James are forced to work together to uncover the truth behind a suspicious fossil discovery, their professional partnership quickly becomes far more complicated. Readers who love STEM romances and opposites-attract dynamics should definitely keep this one on their radar.

I’ve Got a Crush on You by Lauren Blakely

Small-town romance fans will not want to miss this one! When Chloe discovers that her recent fling is also her new landlord and business partner, keeping things professional quickly becomes impossible. With the quirky town setting, forced proximity, and plenty of chemistry, this sounds like a fun and charming romance.

Just for the Plot by Meghan Quinn

Meghan Quinn is one of my auto-read authors, so I’m always excited when she has a new release. When Bennett finds himself falling harder than ever for his sister’s best friend, the friendship they’ve always relied on begins to shift into something far more complicated. Filled with slow-burn tension, witty banter, and plenty of chemistry, this sports romance is sure to be a hit with romance readers.

Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment by Leslie René

Forced proximity, magical academia, and a broody alchemist make this romantasy an easy addition to any TBR. After a magical accident leaves their college in chaos, Professor Maggie Linden is forced to share a tiny office with the one colleague she can barely stand. Readers who enjoy cozy fantasy romance with grumpy-sunshine dynamics and plenty of magical mischief should definitely keep this one on their radar.

Pride Comes Before a Fall by Virginia Heath

Another fun historical romance releasing in July! When a reform-minded journalist takes a job chaperoning the family of a duke she should despise, their clashing beliefs quickly give way to undeniable attraction. With witty banter, Regency charm, and an opposites-attract romance at its centre, this is a delightful addition to the Miss Prentice’s Protegees series. 

Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente

A cross-country road trip, a lost love letter, and an unexpected romance make this debut an incredibly charming read. Hoping to help her grieving younger sister, Violet sets out to track down the author of an undelivered letter, only to find herself spending more and more time with its grumpy yet intriguing writer. Readers who enjoy emotional romances, found family, and road-trip adventures will want to add this one to their reading plans this July.

Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst

Sarah Beth Durst returns to the world of The Spellshop with another cozy fantasy romance filled with magic, adventure, and heart. When sailor Marin agrees to a fake dating arrangement with the man she rescues during a revolution, she never expects their partnership to become something more. Cozy fantasy fans won’t want to miss this charming story about found family, self-discovery, and love on the high seas.

Second First Dates by Gabriella Gamez

This rom-com takes the bad-first-date trope to a whole new level. After Leti realizes she’s accidentally gone on the same disastrous date twice, she’s horrified to discover the culprit is now her brother’s roommate and is constantly in her orbit. With dating-app mishaps, forced proximity, and plenty of opportunities for sparks to fly, this sounds like a fun and charming romance!

Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler

I can’t wait for this one! An illegal taxidermy goose might be one of the most delightfully ridiculous romance premises I’ve seen in a while. When antique dealers Cal and Annie are forced to team up after a contraband bird goes missing, their search quickly becomes complicated by their growing attraction to each other. Sarah Adler is known for quirky, charming romances, and this one sounds like it will be full of humour, banter, and plenty of sparks.