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Romance Release Radar: April 2026

  • evemrileyauthor
  • Mar 31
  • 3 min read

Spring has officially sprung, and with the fresh air and blooming flowers comes a wave of hot new romance releases! The Goodreads community has spoken, and their most-anticipated list for April 2026 is overflowing with highly-requested sequels, highly-anticipated conclusions, and exciting new contemporary voices.


While there are over 100 titles generating excitement, we’ve narrowed it down to the top five romances you absolutely need on your April TBR (To Be Read). Whether you're a fan of small-town charms, royal intrigues, or competitive heat, these authors are delivering the ultimate happily-ever-afters this season.


Get your e-readers and physical copies ready—these are the five books poised to take the romance world by storm this April!



Sword entwined with vines and flowers over dark background. Text: Rites of the Starling, Discover the monster within, Devney Perry.

Rites of the Starling (Shield of Sparrows, #2

by Devney Perry

7th April


Sequels have a special place in readers' hearts, and Rites of the Starling is one of the most eagerly awaited this year. This is the second instalment in Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows series. Perry is known for crafting sweeping, atmospheric romances (think small towns, complex family dynamics, and a touch of mystery). The series debut, The Indigo Ridge, left fans clamouring for more. Rites of the Starling promises to deepen the world she’s built and explore the next chapter for the Sparrows' family. If you love interconnected series and deep world-building, this one is non-negotiable.



Book cover with the title "Captivation Creek" over a scenic autumn creek. Red and orange leaves highlight a peaceful small-town vibe.

Captivation Creek (The Haven Brothers, #5)

by Claire Kingsley

7th April


Fans of family sagas and small-town charm, rejoice! Claire Kingsley returns with Captivation Creek, the fifth instalment in her beloved The Haven Brothers series. Kingsley excels at creating tight-knit communities and lovable (if sometimes frustrating) siblings who are all searching for their place and their partners. The Haven Brothers series (starting with Broken Miles) is a masterclass in the trope of "he falls first" (or hard), and each brother’s story is distinct yet perfectly at home within the larger narrative. Captivation Creek is sure to be another emotional and delightful addition to a stellar series.



Cowboy couple embracing in a rodeo arena, one wearing a hat. A horse and rider pass by. Vibrant orange and purple hues. Title: Ryder.

Ryder (Lucky River Ranch, #5)

by Jessica Peterson

7th April


Last but certainly not least is Jessica Peterson’s Ryder, the final book in the Lucky River Ranch series. Peterson is a staple in the cozy, small-town romance genre. Her stories often feature resilient heroes (often cowboys, because of course!) and heroines who are trying to build a new life or protect the one they have. The Lucky River Ranch series (starting with Cole) has been a favourite for readers seeking comfort reads that don't sacrifice heat. As the concluding chapter, Ryder promises the emotional payoffs and definitive happily-ever-afters that fans have been waiting for.




Close-up of a bearded man with a thoughtful expression. Text reads "The Hero" by Eve M. Riley, Book 7 in the "Techboys" series.

The Hero

by Eve M. Riley

24th April


Buckle up, because the seventh book in the acclaimed TechBoys series is trading in the circuit boards for some serious heartstrings! The Hero delivers a raw, city romance that proves even the most shattered lives can be rebuilt. When James and Sadie are thrown together in a forced proximity living situation, the result is a roommate-to-lovers story that is as intense as it is tender. Between the slow burn kitchen sessions and the high-stakes drama of a past that won’t stay buried, this story is a total emotional rollercoaster. If you love a hero and heroine who are a little bit broken but a lot bit resilient, James and Sadie are about to become your new favorite obsession.



Book cover titled "King of Gluttony" by Ana Huang. Features a burning envelope with wax seal and pen. Elegant floral background, royal theme.

King of Gluttony (Kings of Sin, #6)

by Ana Huang

28th April


The throne of dark and dangerous romance is once again challenged with King of Gluttony. This is the highly-anticipated sixth book in Ana Huang’s explosive Kings of Sin series. Huang is the author who brought back the "billionaire alpha" trope. Each "King" in her series represents a different sin, and they are all utterly captivating (and usually very, very bad for you). King of Gluttony is sure to feature an anti-hero who is complex, intense, and ready to fall hard (and very messy) in love. If you need spice, suspense, and a hero you love to hate (but mostly just love), then gluttony is on the menu!


There you have it—the five books that are dominating the conversation for April 2026. This list proves that the demand for diverse, emotional, and compelling romance remains stronger than ever.


Happy reading! What are you reading this April?


Love,

Eve x


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