Earl Grey Books

If you’ve been around here at all this year, you’ve probably seen me talk about my newfound obsession with contemporary romance. And if you haven’t, well don’t worry—there’s a lot more to come. But today, I’m here to talk about some new (and new-to-me) romance books that I’ve recently added to my TBR. So let’s jump into them right away.

A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Caña

This was just released at the end of May and is Natalia Caña’s debut about a Puerto Rican chef and an Irish American whiskey distiller who fake an engagement to appease their meddling grandfathers. Firstly, I love fake dating—it’s one of my absolute favourite tropes. And secondly, who doesn’t love books about food? I just know I’m going to end up super hungry after this one.

West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras

This is a Romeo and Juliet inspired romance of two feuding familias competing in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands when two of them fall in love. I also love a good star-crossed losers situation and this one just sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun. It came out at the start of the month, so it’s brand new too.

Part Of Your World by Abby Jimenez

I believe this one is a sort of Aladdin retelling but I’m not 100% sure on that. This is about an ER doctor who feels pressured by her family to be more when she meets and falls for a guy tens years younger and the complete opposite of her. It seems really cute and Abby Jimenez seems to have some faithful fans which is always a good sign.

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

I’m not a true crime fan. Honestly, some days I feel like I’m the only person who isn’t but my anxiety is way too overactive for that stuff. But this follows a girl who is obsessed with true crime and believes that her neighbour might just be a serial killer, until she falls for him and realises he might just be a good guy. This is due out in August.

How To Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder

Another exciting debut! This one follows two actors who are both struggling with their careers for different reasons why they decide to fake date (!!!) to try and fix their situations. Of course, things are going to start heat up and I’m 100% here for it. This one is out on the 14th, so happy (almost) book birthday to Ava Wilder!

Dream On by Angie Hockman

This one sounds like a wild ride. The main characters wakes up after a car accident with memories of a man who doesn’t exist, only she finds him a year later in a Cleveland flower shop. I’m kind of interested to see exactly how this one will pan out when it’s released on July 5th.

A Thousand Miles by Bridget Morrissey

This one sounds fantastic—there’s a road trip, a pair of ex-best friends falling for each other and a podcast. Like, sign me up! This sounds like it might be a little emotional, but I’m hoping for lots of banter and maybe a ‘there’s only one bed’ situation. I guess I’ll find out when this is released on the 21st.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Okay, so hear me out with this one. The female MC is the aforementioned bodyguard in this one—um yes please? It’s also got some good old fake dating which as I’ve mentioned is probably my favourite romance trope, but this whole thing just sounds adorable. It’s out July 19th.

Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

This is definitely the oldest one on the list, even though it was only released late last year. But I’ve seeing it around a bit and I want to give it a go at some point. This is a friends to lovers, fake dating situation and I’m here for it.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Back to the upcoming releases—this one is due out on the 28th and is Ashley Poston’s first adult romance. I haven’t read any of YA before, but this one sounds kinda fun. It’s about a ghostwriter who meets an actual ghost. Books about writers can be kind of hit or miss for me, but I’m excited to give this a chance.

So there we are! Are any of these on your TBR? Do you have any recommendations? Let me know!