R. Nassor may spend more time with books, tea, and ceramic mugs than recommended by professionals but it hasn’t failed her so far. Nassor has a MA in English Literature from Georgetown University, where she looked at the way medieval and early modern literature reappear in fantasy books today. She’s been writing about romance, fantasy, science fiction, and pop culture for quite a while, starting at Book Riot in 2020. She’s also written for Tor.com. You can follow her on Tiktok and contact her through her website.
2026 has some serious bangers in the queue for romance. Some of the most anticipated releases are said to make even a stone heart flutter. I cannot wait.
When it comes to 2026 romance book releases, there are a few trends I have my eye on. Although there are a few historical romances on my most anticipated list, there is a decline in the overall number of historicals releasing this year. I also noticed announcements for romantasy (cozy and otherwise) continue to be high, following the genre’s success. Contemporaries continue to have a regular release schedule with a range of drawn covers, looking to catch the eyes of readers. I will also say there are a lot of great rivals-to-lovers books and fake dating books coming out next year.
I am also looking forward to some great debut authors who are looking to make a splash with their new romances that are set to hit the shelves in 2026. There is nothing better than following an author from the beginning of their career and witnessing their success.
I selected a few romance books from Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026 list. The remaining selections are romances I think everyone should keep an eye out for in the new year, in order of their release date. I will say, there were a few that had to be cut because the synopsis was not released yet, so keep some space on your TBR for all the 2026 romances I didn’t cover.
My Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2026
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (January 13, 2026)
When Astra University’s new poli-sci adjunct Maddie Kowalczk steals a parking spot on her first night on the job, she never expected to meet the incredibly handsome single dad, Bram Low. As an ecology professor and a dad to twins and a teenager, he doesn’t have time for anyone for longer than a night, not even a Brat as hot as Maddie. But when he wakes up from his hookup and discovers his new nanny is none other than the woman who’s begun to steal his heart, Bram reconsiders what he wants to make time for in his life.
Kissing Books
Sign up for Kissing Books to receive news, book recommendations, and more for residents of Romancelandia.
Like in Love with You by Emma R. Alban (January 13, 2026)
Billed as Mean Girls meets Northanger Abbey, this sapphic historical romance follows the daughters of two arch-nemesis, Catherine Pine and Lady Rosalie. Catherine plans to avenge her mother’s decades-long grudge by winning over Lady Rosalie’s suitor. There is only one flaw in her plan: Rosalie’s mean wit hides a devastating charm that Catherine can’t help falling for. Rosalie initially meets Catherine’s social challenge, but soon, their passionate encounters awaken a hunger she doesn’t want to give up. These young women are about to fall head over heels in love with their rival.
It’s All in Your Head by Sabina Nordqvist (February 10, 2026)
When Skyler decided to fake date a hot man from her chronic pain support group, she was shocked to discover his prolific dating history and infamous Olympic career-ending injury. Pike used to be a professional snowboarder and certified rake before one bad accident changed everything, but it didn’t stop media interest. Now, Skyler finds her fake relationship in the public spotlight, and the pressure could be enough to cool any real feelings she might have. This debut romance gives members of the disability community the HEAs they deserve.
Hold Me Like a Grudge by Celine Ong (March 31, 2026)
For Asher Ross, much of professional wrestling is a carefully constructed act, but his rivalry with Caleb Knight is authentic. So when Asher becomes the face to Caleb’s heel on Global Elite Wrestling’s main roster, Asher is shocked to find himself attracted to his work enemy. Training and performing together only further eradicates the animosity between them, but Caleb and Asher’s rivalry is company-mandated, and the industry has made real money denying wrestling’s queer undertones. If Caleb and Asher want a relationship, they will have to fight the very institution and culture they rely on. Ong’s debut queer sports romance is sure to get crowds cheering for more.
How to Fake It in Society by KJ Charles (April 16, 2026)
Master of her craft, Charles returns with a queer historical following a scammer on the run from gangsters and his mark, a widowed shopkeeper who inherited a fortune from his wife. Pretending to be the son of a notorious diamond thief, Nicolas-Marc told Titus Pilcrow he just wants to improve his wronged mother’s reputation. In reality, he is running from dangerous men and needs Titus’s new inheritance to fund his flight. But when Nico falls for the very man he needs to swindle, he must take on the uncomfortable task of telling the truth if he wants to live happily with the man who stole his heart.
Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer (June 23, 2026)
In a promotional effort, a villain and a hero decide to fake a feud and develop a romantic relationship instead. Cyrus doesn’t want to be a villainous has-been (even if he does prefer embroidery over evil plots). It’s convenient then that local golden boy with a secret flaw of his own, Maximillian, knows just the thing to boost their respective villainy and heroism—faux battles, staged to benefit them both…as long as they don’t become infatuated first. This irreverent queer cozy romantasy debut is positively delightful.
The Case of Elmwood Ranch by Deanna Grey (July 15, 2026)
This Black sapphic paranormal romance is sure to have readers shiver. Horse rancher Octavia Daniel doesn’t believe in ghosts, but when something mysterious starts disturbing life on the ranch she spent her life savings on, she knows she needs professional help. Rae Jones is just the attractive, commercially successful paranormal investigator for the job. The latest in a family of ghost hunters, Rae is the best person for the job. Who knows, a haunted house might be just the thing to make a skeptic fall for a supernatural sleuth.
My Most Anticipated Romance of 2026 in Series (Minor Spoilers Ahead!)
This Will Be Interesting by E. B. Asher (March 24, 2026)
The much-anticipated sequel in the This Will Be series picks up right where book 1 left off. Galwell True is dealing with his new lease on life, transported ten years into a future where he never sacrificed himself for his country. Looking at what his new heroic life looks like, Galwell was almost relieved when an assassin made an attempt on his life. Galwell must discover who put a price on his head with the help of his unexpected quest mates: a failed assassin and the journalist she’s falling in love with; Galwell’s former fiancée, Queen Thessia, and the fake husband she has real feelings for; and a famous villainess who has Galwell under her spell.
Big Girl Blitz by Danielle Allen (April 14, 2026)
After her high school graduation, Jazmyn Payne was done with her hometown and the fatphobes who relentlessly tore her down. But growing up, Aunt Addison offered her a safe place to land, so when her health takes a turn for the worse, Jazz returns home. What’s Aunt Addison’s primary request? For Jazz to find someone fun to date. Jazz didn’t think much of the ask before Lamar Anderson sat next to her at a sports bar and inspired her desire to date. Allen’s third book in her Curve series proves that sometimes, sexy, fun people enter your life the moment you need them to.
The Fake Divination Offense by Sara Raasch (May 19, 2026)
A half-giant star athlete and a human cheerleading intern get set up in a PR relationship to improve the public image of a god in this queer sports romantasy. Orok was already planning to renounce the god of aggression his family worships, so he was ready to say no when he was asked to help repair the church’s image after a cult-related snafu. But when Alexo is offered a starting spot on the cheerleading squad as part of the deal, he asks Orok to help him achieve his dream. Of course, the athlete couldn’t turn him down. Now Orok just has to figure out how to make their fake relationship real.
Book Rioters’ Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2026
How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev (March 3, 2026)
A decade ago, I read Sonali Dev’s A Bollywood Affair and wrote, “I will now officially read any book she writes.” That still holds true, hence my shouting about her upcoming contemporary novel about sisters having to deal with childhood trauma and a fake marriage scheme. Knowing Dev, it’s gonna be emotional, and I’m ready. Also, she had me at a title nod to How Stella Got Her Groove Back! —Jamie Canaves
Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian (March 3, 2026)
You know what’s even more exciting than “Cat Sebastian’s next book”? Cat Sebastian’s first contemporary. I love her historicals and breathe in every one as they release, but there’s something exciting about an author who is excellent at writing the past translating that to the present. Star Shipped is about two guys who definitely don’t like each other, thanks to having extremely opposite personalities and having to work closely together for the past several years. But there’s apparently a road trip! And knowing Cat, there are going to be so many Feelings I won’t be able to handle it. —Jessica Pryde
Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai (April 7, 2026)
Once upon a time, we were blessed with at least one Alisha Rai book per year, but she took a break to like…grow a human, so I understand not also giving birth to another amazing book. Enemies to Lovers is another adventure romance following the events of Partners in Crime that includes a road trip, some Big Secrets, and two really smart people who don’t want to put up with the other’s crap. Alisha Rai is one of those people who is somehow good at both intense emotional drama and slapstick comedy, so I’m excited to see how she continues the criminal rom-com genre that she is currently queen of. —Jessica Pryde
The Last Thorn by Talia Hibbert (July 1, 2026)
By the time The Last Thorn hits bookstores, it will have been half a decade since Talia Hibbert published a brand-new adult romance. She’s been republishing her indie titles (to the deep gratitude of those finding them for the first time), and of course, no author owes their audience new books or material of any kind. But for Hibbert to be bringing her comedic and authentic romance storytelling to a “spicy, magical Beauty and the Beast retelling”? There’s no question in my mind that Hibbert’s is a return readers will be ready for. —Trisha Brown
Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher (August 25, 2026)
Swordheart’s long-awaited sequel follows Sarkis’ queer brother in arms, Dervish, whose soul has been trapped in a blade for hundreds of years. When scholar Learned Edmund finds himself in danger on route to deliver the sword, he draws the blade, discovering the captivating warrior inside. Now Dervish is bound to protect Learned —and without falling in love with him. T. Kingfisher is a cozy romantasy expert with the ability to twist the sword and sorcery subgenre to center older, world-worn protagonists who are getting a chance to be heroes. I could not be more excited. —R. Nassor
I cannot wait for all the wonderful romance books set to come out in 2026. If you want to read some of the romances released last year, try The Best Romance Books of 2025, 9 Outstanding Romance Reads from 2025 You May Have Missed, and The 8 Spiciest Romance Books of 2025. You should also check out our Best Books of 2025 list for a general best-of-the-year reading selection.
English (US) · 