Top 9 New Romance Books Releasing in August 2026
Looking for the best new romance books releasing in August 2026? I’ve rounded up the romance book releases I’m most excited to add to my TBR this month. Whether you’re looking for emotional contemporary romance, dark romance, cowboy romance, or a fake dating favorite, these are the new romance books I think deserve a spot on your radar.
Looking ahead? Be sure to bookmark my Upcoming Romance Book Releases page so you never miss a new release.
Want to dive into the hottest summer reads, check out my post on the best new summer romance books of 2026.
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
💕 If You Only Read a Few Books This Month, Start With These:
These are the new August romance book releases that I’m most excited about:
Lost and Found
by Tarah DeWitt
Releasing August 4, 2026
Friends to Lovers | Emotional Romance | Firefighter | Grief
Tarah DeWitt has delivered some of the most thoughtful, emotional, and swoony romances with her Spunes series, so I’m both excited for Silas’s story and a little sad knowing this book brings the series to a close.
If you’ve read Left of Forever, you already know a bit about Silas’s accident. Add in Bea’s heartbreaking journey to motherhood, and I have a feeling this is going to be one emotional ride. I’m already preparing myself for tears.
→ Best Romance Books That Will Make You Ugly Cry
Hate Me Take Me
by Laura Bishop
Releasing August 4, 2026
Dark Romcom | Stalking | Second Chance
Stalking has officially become the “it” microtrope in romance, and I’m completely on board when it leans more playful than terrifying. This setup immediately grabbed my attention.
An AI dating app that accidentally reunites a woman with her ex-husband? That’s exactly the kind of wildly fun premise I can’t resist. This feels like the perfect gateway for readers who want darker themes wrapped inside a romcom.
Let’s Kiss and Tell
by Joss Richards
Releasing August 11, 2026
Fake Dating | Office Romance | Writers
Fake dating is one of those tropes I’ll never get tired of, especially when the relationship develops as naturally as it does here. Marshall and Lucy are simply enjoyable to spend time with, and watching their fake dates slowly turn into something real completely won me over.
I especially loved the heroine’s unapologetically sex-positive voice and the thoughtful conversations about love and relationships woven throughout the story. If fake dating is your catnip, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
→ Read my Review
→ Best Romance Books About Writers
Devil
by Sierra Simone
Releasing August 11, 2026
Forbidden Romance | Age Gap | Second Chance | Morally Gray Hero
Sometimes all I need is a captivating premise and an author I trust to immediately add a book to my TBR. Sierra Simone has mastered writing romances that are provocative, emotionally consuming, and impossible to stop thinking about.
With a title like Devil, I already know she’s going to push boundaries in all the best ways. While this is the fourth book in the Priest series, it can be read as a standalone.
See You at Sunset
by Susan Lee
Releasing August 11, 2026
Enemies to Lovers | Forced Proximity | Opposites Attract | Summer Romance
What is it about grandmothers in romance novels that gets me every single time? A Palm Springs retirement community filled with spicy book clubs, Zumba classes, and lovable seniors sounds like exactly the escape I’d want after my life fell apart.
I’m immediately intrigued by this fresh setting and can’t wait to see the sparks fly between Jia and Henry after their disastrous history. I’m hoping for plenty of laughs, swoony chemistry, and feel-good moments along the way.
→ Best Enemies to Lovers Books
Colt
by Jessica Peterson
Releasing August 18, 2026
Cowboy Romance | Forced Proximity | Enemies to Lovers | Opposites Attract | Single Dad
All I had to hear was that Jessica Peterson was starting another cowboy romance series, and I was sold. The chemistry between Colt and Lainey practically jumped off the page during their scenes in Ryder, so I’ve been impatiently waiting for their story ever since.
Jessica consistently writes some of my favorite swoony heroes with steam that absolutely delivers. I fully expect Colt to be heating up Kindles everywhere this August.
Don’t miss which books I’ve loved the most so far: 👉 See my 5-star romance reads of 2026
The Fall Affair
by Vi Keeland
Releasing August 18, 2026
Travel Romance | Opposites Attract | Neighbors to Lovers
Is there anything more tempting than escaping to Tuscany and falling for a rugged winemaker? Because that sounds like my dream vacation.
I’m a sucker for heroines rebuilding their lives after heartbreak, especially when they discover the future they’ve been chasing isn’t nearly as fulfilling as the one waiting for them. I’m hoping this delivers plenty of romantic escape while easing us into cozy fall reading season.
→ Best New Fall Romance Books of 2026
Roped
by Saffron A. Kent
Releasing August 25, 2026
He Falls First | Stalking | Opposites Attract | Forbidden Romance
After loving Branded, I couldn’t wait for Rad and Peyton’s story, and Rad’s quiet, obsessive “touch her and die” energy absolutely lived up to my expectations.
If you’re anything like me and can’t resist an obsessive, protective hero who falls first, Rad absolutely delivers. If you love dark cowboy romances with rope play, primal play, and obsession-fueled chemistry, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. For the best reader experience, I’d recommend reading Branded first.
When the Smoke Clears
by Jewel E. Ann
Releasing August 25, 2026
Second Chance Romance | Firefighter | Age Gap | Forbidden Romance
Jewel E. Ann has an incredible gift for writing romances that leave your heart both full and completely shattered. Somehow I willingly sign up for that emotional roller coaster every single time.
This second chance romance has all the ingredients I love: years of unresolved longing, forbidden history, and two people whose connection never truly disappeared. I already have tissues on standby because I have a feeling this one is going to wreck me in the very best way.
📚 Looking for More Romance Recommendations?
If you’re already planning your reading list beyond this month, be sure to check out these reader favorites:
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