Some couples have plenty of reasons not to be together—and fall for each other anyway. These Romance books explore relationships challenged by circumstances, expectations, distance, secrets, or other barriers. Each story gives its characters a different obstacle to overcome. They’re a good fit when you want Romance where getting together is only part of the story.
Fake Married to my Best Friend’s Ex
by Carrie Stonemoore
Release Date: August 28, 2026
I fake-married my ex’s best friend… but we can’t even agree on where to plant flowers. The city decides our neighborhood needs one more married couple, or a developer gets the whole block, so we sign the papers. We become the couple everyone wishes they were. If I can’t stop fighting the woman who’s been fighting for me… I’ll lose the woman I love.
Royal Desire (The Manor)
by Brynne Asher
Release Date: September 1, 2026
I ran away from Winslet years ago with a broken heart, a shattered future, and the knowledge I could never return.
Not for my family. Not for the memories. And definitely not for Payne Deacon, the boy who owned my heart.
The Pilot (Alpha Cove Book 3)
by Susan Stoker
Release Date: August 4, 2026
Ex-fighter pilot Lincoln “Linc” Young is a survivor, masking his PTSD and nightmares behind a calm exterior. When his father’s death brings him back to Maine to help his mom, he never expects to cross paths with his former high school tormentor. The woman who once made his life hell now stirs completely different emotions in Linc, and when he finds Harper in need, he offers her a place to stay.
Wrong Number (Viktorov Book 1)
by Maya Wren
Release Date: July 14, 2026
One text changed everything. I meant to send a flirty photo to a stranger. Instead, I sent it to him. The man whose number no civilian should have. He was supposed to delete the message. Instead, he started texting. Watching. Protecting.
Puck, Marry, Kill (Dirty Puckers)
by Lauren Landish
Release Date: August 11, 2026
NHL defenseman Dominic Lee is traded mid-season with one job: save a struggling team from itself. The complication? Briar Johns—a guarded single mom, zookeeper, and his new coach’s daughter. She’s strictly off-limits, but one look at her and Dominic knows some rules are meant to be broken. Too bad hockey players—and relationships—are a firm never again for Briar.
The Daddy’s Girl (Salacious Legacy Book 3)
by Sara Cate
Release Date: –
He’s the love of her life…and the one man she can never have. Amelia Kade is ready to grow up. She’s loved the same man since she was young, and it’s time to let go of her hopeless childhood crush. Especially because he isn’t just any man—he’s her father’s best friend. Her godfather. Even if he did want her (which he absolutely doesn’t), their relationship is forbidden.