Top 10 New Romance Book Releases of July 2026
Looking for the best new romance books of July 2026? You’re in the right place.
July’s romance book releases are packed with forbidden attraction, second chances, sports romance, historical romance, and a few books that have been sitting at the very top of my most anticipated reads list all year long.
If you’re trying to decide which new romance books are actually worth adding to your TBR this month, these are the July 2026 romance releases I’d prioritize first.
If you’re looking for the hottest summer reads, check out my post on the best new summer romance books of 2026.
Looking beyond this month? Browse my complete guide to the upcoming romance book releases of 2026 for even more books to add to your TBR.
*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 July romance book releases that I’m most excited about:
Just for the Season
by Rachel Griffiths
Releasing July 7, 2026
Historical Romance | Brother’s Best Friend | Forced Proximity
I instantly sank into this delightful summer romance filled with razor-sharp banter, a fiercely ambitious heroine, and a hero completely undone by the woman he absolutely should not want. After this book, Rachel Griffiths officially became a must-read author for me.
The brother’s best friend tension is exquisite, but it’s the chemistry between these two that kept me turning pages. If you’re looking for a historical romance that feels playful, flirty, and impossible to put down, start here.
→ Read My Review
→ Best Historical Romance Books
Extracurricular
by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Releasing July 14, 2026
Professor-Student Romance | Forbidden Romance | Celebrity Romance
Rachel Lynn Solomon has a gift for creating layered, character-driven romances, and I’m immediately intrigued by this pairing between a former pop star still carrying the weight of fame and the professor who should know better than to get involved.
The celebrity angle alone grabbed my attention, but I’m especially curious to see how Ramona pushes Nick’s buttons and challenges the life he’s carefully built for himself.
In Stormy Weather
by Chelsea Curto
Releasing July 14, 2026
Academic Rivals to Lovers | Forced Proximity | STEM Romance | Best Friend’s Brother
Chelsea Curto is quickly becoming an author romance readers are buzzing about, making this feel like the perfect time for me to finally pick up one of her books. Between the academic rivals setup, forced proximity, and best friend’s brother tension, this one already has so many of my favorite ingredients.
I’m especially intrigued by the storm-chasing meteorologists battling both hurricane season in Florida and their undeniable attraction. If the banter is as sharp as I hope and the chemistry is as sizzling as the forecast, this could be one of the surprise hits of the month.
→ Best Academic Rivals to Lovers Books
Ember
by Naima Simone
Releasing July 14, 2026
Mafia Romance | Stepsiblings | Taboo Romance | Enemies to Lovers
It’s been a while since a dark mafia romance truly tempted me, but this one might be exactly what I’ve been waiting for. Naima Simone blends a modern Cinderella-inspired setup with taboo tension, family power struggles, and a hero who wants far more than his inheritance.
This feels tailor-made for readers who love morally gray heroes, forbidden attraction, and plenty of steam. I have a feeling this one is going to be deliciously addictive.
Falling Into You
by Jill Shalvis
Releasing July 14, 2026
Second Chance Romance | Forced Proximity | Small Town Romance
I’ve already fallen for two Colburn brothers, so there was never any doubt I’d be picking up the final book in the series. Hazel and Tucker’s history has been simmering in the background for multiple books, making this reunion one I’ve been waiting for.
Considering Tucker is a firefighter, her ex-best friend, and her one-night mistake, the emotional baggage alone has me hooked. I have a feeling this long-awaited second chance is going to deliver.
→ Best Second Chance Romance Books
Not That Kind of Proposal
by Victoria Lavine
Releasing July 21, 2026
Enemies to Lovers | Wounded Hero | Marriage of Convenience
Not That Kind of Proposal landed on my most anticipated romance books of 2026 list the moment I finished Any Trope But You, and somehow it exceeded every expectation. Gracie is a heroine you can’t help but root for, while Jude quickly secured his spot as one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year.
What starts as a clever setup evolves into something surprisingly emotional, tender, and deeply satisfying. And trust me, one particular revelation about Jude completely caught me off guard. This was an easy 5-star read.
→ Read My Review
→ Best Forced Proximity Romance Books
Want to see which other books I’ve loved the most so far? 👉 See my 5-star romance reads of 2026
Illegal Formation
by Kandi Steiner
Releasing July 21, 2026
Football Romance | Forbidden Romance | Secret Romance
If Kandi Steiner is writing a sports romance, I’m reading it. Learning that this one centers on a secret romance between a professional football star and the team’s cheerleader only pushed it higher on my TBR.
Kandi consistently balances swoony romance with plenty of steam, and this forbidden relationship setup sounds primed for maximum tension. This is one of my most anticipated sports romances of the month.
Yes, Chef
by Grace Reilly
Releasing July 21, 2026
Grumpy Sunshine | Opposites Attract | Found Family
Apparently, chef romances have become my latest obsession because I cannot resist a story where the heat spills out of the kitchen and into the romance. Add a grumpy chef, a bubbly influencer, and cooking lessons, and I’m immediately interested.
The opposites-attract dynamic already sounds like a winning combination, but it’s the promise of forced proximity in the kitchen that has me most excited for this one.
Just for the Plot
by Meghan Quinn
Releasing July 28, 2026
Athlete Hero | Age Gap | Sister’s Best Friend
You never have to work very hard to convince me to read a romance involving a book club. But a professional athlete joining a book club to spend more time with the woman he’s secretly loved for years? That’s catnip for me.
Add Meghan Quinn’s signature humor and chemistry, and this already feels like one of the most entertaining romances of the month.
Everything We Couldn’t Say
by Emma Scott
Releasing July 28, 2026
Young Adult Romance | Rivals to Lovers | Opposites Attract
The second I spotted this on NetGalley, I requested it. It’s been far too long since Emma Scott completely wrecked me emotionally, and this sounds like exactly the kind of angsty romance that reminds me why I love her books.
Set at an elite prep school and packed with academic rivalry, late-night study sessions, and coming-of-age emotion, I already have a feeling this one is going to leave a mark.
📚 Looking for More Romance Recommendations?
→ Browse all upcoming romance book releases
→ Read my picks for the best romance books of 2026
→ Discover more sports romance books
→ Find the best historical romance books
→ Browse my favorite second chance romance books
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