My Most Anticipated Romances of 2026
Pour one out for my never-ending TBR
Another year, another attempt at reading books faster than I buy them. Will I win this time? Probably not, but life without books isn’t worth living. If you think about—I’m taking care of my health every time I take out my wallet.
After scouring the lists of upcoming releases, I gotta say 2026 has a ton of goodies in store for us. Because my backlog is a few dozen books deep, I’m making no promises that I’ll complete my most anticipated romances of the year, but I am so excited to dive into these stories.
So, if you’re looking for recommendations, here are the top ten romance books I’ve got my eye on in 2026.
Top 10 Romances on My Radar in 2026
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The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura (Jan. 13). It’s the end of an era! The last installment of this Indiana Jones-titled adventure romance series was released this week. I was a classical literature major, so ancient Greek archaelogy is my jam. Add in fake dating with a hostage situation, and it sounds like a romping good time.
Dom-Com by Adriana Anders (Jan. 27). I still need to read Anders’ romantic suspense Whiteout, but I am on board for this BDSM pivot. Sexual power dynamics among office rivals? Dom-Com has my name written all over it.
The Re-Do List by Denise Williams (Jan. 27). This is exactly the twist on the second-chance romance I need. Why get back with your high school sweetheart when you can bang your brother’s best friend? I love the premise of re-doing all your firsts with a new man, so sign me up.
Toe to Toe by Falon Ballard (Mar. 10). My very first date was watching the movie Step Up, and reading this book’s blurb sends me right back to 2006. When romance writers want to know what makes a book “hooky,” it’s this. A ballerina enlists a male stripper to help her dance sexier? You’ve got my attention.
The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa (Mar. 10). Again, this premise is so good I’m jealous I didn’t come up with it myself. Now I’m inspired to run a side hustle being an obnoxious girlfriend, only to accidentally fall for the man I’m supposed to make miserable.
Game On by Navessa Allen (Mar. 31). You had me at “loathing at first sight.” The blurb doesn’t illuminate much of the actual plot, but I’ve enjoyed the Into Darkness series so far. Blackmail and kidnapping are just icing on the cake.
The Great Outdoors by Kayla Olson (Jun. 16). At this point, I should just be added to an outdoor romance mailing list. A bougie b*tch in California’s High Sierras might as well have been personally written for me.
Mermaid in Manhattan by Jessica Gadziala (Jul. 7). The stunning cover design drew me in, the punny title made me laugh, and the monster marriage-of-convenience closed the deal. And now I can’t stop picturing Zohran Mamdani with a mermaid 🫣
The MASH-Up by Laura Marie Meyers (Jul. 7). Waking up inside a M.A.S.H. game is the Millennial hook to end all hooks. If seventh-grade Alyssa’s dreams came true, she would be living in a mansion, driving a Corvette and married to Legolas from The Lord of the Rings. I had good taste, even back then.
Unrivaled by Rachel Reid (Sep. 29). It’s time to lock in. I’ve got eight months to read The Long Game before the next book in the Game Changers series is published. (See, George R.R. Martin? It’s not that hard to finish things when Hollywood dumps a truckload of money in your lap.)
Ringing in the New Year With New Romances
I’m sure I missed a ton of other amazing new releases, so comment below with the titles that are on your 2026 TBR.
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Your Moment of Sunshine ☀️
Every month, I share the things I loved most to bring a ray of warmth wherever you are.
Watching 📺
The Traitors, season 4 on Peacock
When the world’s on fire, Alan Cumming in ridiculous kilts makes me think we’re going to be okay. Season 4 of The Traitors just kicked off with a wild lineup of celebrity contestants, including Lisa Rinna, Tara Lipinski and Taylor Swift’s future mother-in-law.
Can’t wait for more outlandish outfits, backstabbing betrayals and sweeping shots of the Scottish Highlands. Bring it on!
Listening 🎧
West End Girl by Lily Allen
Listen, I am terrible at keeping secrets, but if you’d like to know where I’m at mentally, it’s in Lily Allen’s latest album. When it dropped in the fall, I only read the highlights, but after a glowing recommendation from a good friend, I finally pushed play.
I believe stories come back to us when we’re ready for them. And this album is the juiciest story, told in 14 absolute bangers of songs. My favorite is “Beg for Me,” but listen from start to finish for the full experience.
Cooking 🥣
Shakshuka With Feta From NYT Cooking
Last weekend, I stayed with friends in LA, and this shakshuka they made was so delicious I needed the recipe for my regular dinner rotation. NYT hit it out of the park with this one.
Pro tips: It goes great over rice, and chickpeas make a hearty addition. If you don’t want to turn on the oven, covering it on low for an extra eight-to-ten minutes will set the eggs just fine. Enjoy!
What should I be consuming next? Share your recommendations in the comments.
I've read THE MASH UP and can confirm it is amazing!!!
the mash up is one of my most anticipated ones!!