🎄 Christmas in July Starts Here

Hey readers,

I’m still recovering from a quick day trip to Virginia (lots of driving!) and getting ready for another weekend away, but there’s one thing that’s been distracting me in the best possible way...

Christmas is only six months away.

If you’ve been around She Reads Romance Books for a while, you know I fully embrace Christmas in July, and that means it’s officially time to start talking about this year’s holiday romance books. I can’t wait to share my new holiday romance list with you below, but first...this week’s newsletter exclusive.

I love a high-steam romance as much as the next reader, but there’s something about a forehead kiss that gets me every single time.

Maybe it’s the tenderness. Maybe it’s the quiet way it says I’ve got you. Whatever it is, I’m an absolute sucker for them and find myself highlighting these moments every time they show up in a book.

If you melt for forehead kisses too, these are the romances I’d recommend first.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
This may be one of Ali Hazelwood’s steamiest books, following two elite athletes who discover they’re compatible in more ways than one. But beneath all the heat is Lukas, one of my favorite quiet heroes who falls first, falls hard, and delivers one of the sweetest forehead kisses.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
The forbidden nature of this romance kept me turning the pages as an author and screenwriter with a complicated past are forced to work together. Their emotional connection builds so beautifully, making every small moment between them feel significant.

Savage Hearts by J.T. Geissinger
Yes, there’s a healthy dose of Stockholm syndrome in this one, but somehow I still couldn’t stop rooting for Riley and the Bratva assassin who kidnaps her. I devoured this in a single day, and even in a darker romance, the forehead kisses completely melted me.

The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
Ryan may not be thrilled about getting a roommate, but it doesn’t take long before Blue completely changes his world. If you love protective heroes who show their affection through quiet gestures instead of grand speeches, this one is a must-read.

Do you have a favorite romance with an unforgettable forehead kiss? Hit reply or leave me a comment!

Tell me the tiny romance moment you never get tired of reading. Hit reply or comment below because I'd love to feature more of your favorites in future newsletters.

And now, if you're already planning your holiday TBR...

Every year I fully embrace Christmas in July and round up the new holiday romance books that look like they’ll be the best reads of the season.

This is always one of my favorite lists because it’s your one-stop guide to finding the romances that will get you into the holiday spirit, whether you’re looking for something sweet, cozy, or extra steamy.

If you’re only planning to prioritize a few Christmas romances this year, these are the ones I’d start with. And don’t forget to bookmark the page because I’ll be updating it as more holiday releases are announced.

→ View my list of the best new Christmas romance books of 2026.

It’s another great week of new romance books releasing this week, including two that have already earned spots on my list of favorite reads of the year.

If you’re only picking up a couple, these are the ones I’d prioritize first.

Not That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine
→ Read my full review
Victoria Lavine absolutely delivers again with a sophomore novel that earned a place on my Best Romance Books of 2026 list. I wasn’t expecting the heavier emotional themes-or the kink-but Jude quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year.

Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly
→ Read my full review
I finished this recently and still can’t stop thinking about it. This is my top pick of the week and one of the best grumpy sunshine romances I’ve read in quite some time. Grace Reilly just keeps getting better, and I have a feeling this one is going to be on a lot of readers’ favorites lists this year.

Vera Stein Is Fine by Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy writing an older heroine? Say no more. Set in a Palm Springs retirement community, this sounds like it’s going to deliver exactly the kind of laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt romance I’ve come to expect from Julie’s books.

→ For all of this week’s new releases, visit my page of all the Upcoming Romance Book Releases of 2026.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Happy reading…because life is better with a love story 💕