What to Read & What to Skip: My April 2026 Romance Reads
If you’re wondering what romance books are actually worth your time this month, I’ve got you.
I read 12 romance books in April, and while some became favorites, not all of them were hits. Below, I’m breaking down exactly what I’d recommend you read, what you can skip, and the few that surprised me.
→ If you want even more new releases, browse Upcoming Romance Releases
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My April Reading Snapshot
- ⭐ Top Read: No Matter What by Cara Bastone
- 💘 Best for Trope Lovers: Bad Boy Era by Amy Daws
- 🔥 Most Addictive: Game On by Navessa Allen
- 😬 Skip It: The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
- 📚 Total Read: 12 books
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Romance Books Worth Reading This Month
No Matter What
by Cara Bastone
⭐ 5 stars
This one just hits. It’s emotionally layered, beautifully written, and one of those romances that stays with you after you finish. If you love a marriage-in-trouble story with strong mental health representation, don’t miss this.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
Bad Boy Era
by Amy Daws
⭐ 4.5 stars
The perfect mix of humor, heat, and heart with a grumpy sunshine dynamic that actually feels earned. If you love best friend’s brother and forced proximity, this is such a fun read.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
More like this → Best Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books
Game On
by Navessa Allen
⭐ 4 stars
This one completely pulled me in. It’s fast paced, addictive, and packed with tension from the start. If you love enemies to lovers with fake dating, you’ll fly through this.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
Don’t miss → Best Enemies to Lovers Romance Books
Chase Me If You Can
by Heather Frances
⭐ 4 stars
This is one of those quietly addictive reads where the tension builds just right. If you love he falls first with forced proximity and rivals to lovers energy, it delivers.
The Shippers
by Katherine Center
⭐ 4 stars
A more emotional, character driven romance with a strong he falls first dynamic. This one leans softer but still delivers on connection and payoff.
Good Romance Books (But Not My Favorites)
Ryder
by Jessica Peterson
⭐ 3.5 stars
A solid small town romance with a brother’s best friend dynamic. Enjoyable, but didn’t stand out from others in the series.
Browse more → Best Cowboy Romance Books
Rites of the Starling
by Devney Perry
⭐ 3 stars
Worth continuing if you’ve already started the series, but this one took a different direction than I expected, and the twist didn’t land as strongly as it should have.
Bluebird
by Brooke Blaine
⭐ 3 stars
An easy, low effort read. I’d only pick this up if you already have Kindle Unlimited, not one to go out of your way for.
Bad Bunny
by Lexi Davis
⭐ 3 stars
A fun, unique concept that works well for a seasonal read. Best if you have Kindle Unlimited and want something light around the Easter holiday.
Romance Books I’d Skip This Month
The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
⭐ 2.5 stars
This might be a polarizing take, but this one didn’t land for me. The pacing dragged and the emotional payoff didn’t match the build. I’d skip unless you’re a longtime fan.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
Garbage Man
by Max Monroe
⭐ 3 stars
This had its moments, but overall it wasn’t memorable enough to recommend over stronger reads this month.
The Missed Connection
by Tia Williams
⭐ 2.5 stars
This didn’t hit as strongly as her past books for me, but I did enjoy the connection between the love interests. There is a stalking element I didn’t expect that may not work for everyone.
My Full Reviews From This Month
- Read my full review of No Matter What by Cara Bastone
- Read my full review of Bad Boy Era by Amy Daws
- Read my full review of Game On by Navessa Allen
- Read my full review of Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances
- Read my full review of The Shippers by Katherine Center
- Read my full review of The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
What to Read Next
- Start here → Best Romance Books of 2026
- Don’t miss → Upcoming Romance Releases
- Find your next trope → Best Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books
- Or browse → Best Enemies to Lovers Romance Books
💌 Want More Honest Romance Book Recommendations?
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