If you thought your To-Be-Read(TBR) list couldn’t get longer, you are about to prove yourself wrong after you check out this list of books being released in 2026. Fortunately, 2026 promises to be another great year of book releases.
From swoon worthy romances, to unputdownable thrillers, and maybe some memoirs in between, there is something everyone can look forward to. So, here is your guide to the new releases coming out in 2026.
100+ Books Being Released In 2026
I have the books listed by genre and ordered by date released. That way you can easily find the books you are interested in. First up, the romances that will be hitting the shelves.
Romance
The best romances are full of sweet moments, intentional depth, and maybe even some spice if you are into that. This is one of my favorite genres. Needless to say, I am looking forward to all of these releases. Which ones catch your eye?
Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel – January 13
The Re-Do List by Denise Williams – January 27
Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris – February 17
And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings, #2) by BK Borrison – February 24
In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde – March 3
The Book Tour by Emily Ohanjanians – March 3
No Matter What by Cara Bastone – March 3
Toe to Toe by Fallon Ballard – March 10
Mistakes Were Made (Story Lake, #2) by Lucy Score – March 10
Once and Again by Rebecca Serle – March 10
The Night We Met (Say You’ll Remember Me, #2) by Abby Jimenez – March 24
King of Gluttony (Kings of Sin, #6) by Ana Huang – April 28
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune – May 5
The Shippers by Katherine Center – May 19
Score by Kennedy Ryan – May 19
The Mash Up by Laura Marie Meyers – July 7
General Fiction Books Being Released in 2026
General fiction books always make the best book club picks. Many of the stories told in this genre are thought-provoking and also provide great discussion topics. I predict that we will see many of the books on this list on the celebrity book club lineup.
The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead – January 20
Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy – January 20
This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman – February 10
Kin by Tayari Jones – February 24
American Fantasy by Emma Straub – April 7
The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne – April 7
Go Gentle by Maria Semple – April 14
The Take by Kelly Yang – April 14
Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez – April 21
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout – May 5
The Midnight Train by Matt Haig – May 26
Mystery/Thriller
I’ve come to find that thrillers make for the best books to get out of a reading slump. I had several of those last year, so I’ll be adding many of these to my TBR. Hopefully the reading slumps will stay away, but I’m going to be prepared this time. Thrillers are also great in general if you like lots of plot twists and bingeable reads.
The First Time I Saw Him (Hannah Hall, #2) by Laura Dave – January 6
The Storm by Rachel Hawkins – January 6
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney – January 20
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden -January 27
How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson – February 3
We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda – February 3
Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line (Finlay Donovan, #6) by Elle Cosimano – March 17
The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke – April 7
The Last Book Club: A Novel by Joanne Rock – May 26
Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winsted – July 14
Romantasy Books Being Released in 2026
This is a combination of two genres, romance and fantasy. Each book centers around a love story that is made more epic by adding magical/fantasy elements into the story. I’ve heard this is a great way to get into the fantasy genre without getting too overwhelmed and diving in headfirst.
The Swan’s Daughter: A Possibly Doomed Love Story by Roshani Chokshi – January 6
The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee – January 13
Music In The Shadows by Sweta Kistan – February 13
Songbird of the Sorrows by Braidee Otto – February 3
The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker (Moonfall Book 2) – May 19
The Secret World of Briar Rose by Cindy Pham – June 2
The River She Became by Emily Varga – June 30
Fantasy
I’ll admit, this is not a genre that calls to me, but I know it’s a huge genre. There are so many fantasy fandoms and key elements that readers love. I’m all about escaping into another world when reading a book, so I respect the genre. These are some of the books I’ve seen that are being released within the year. If I missed any big releases, please let me know what you’ll be reading in the comments so we can extend our list.
The Midnight Carousel by Fiza Saeed McLynn – January 13
The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao – January 20
The Unwritten Rules of Magic by Harper Ross – January 27
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn – February 17
Baby Dragon Bookshop by A. T. Qureshi – February 10
The Wings That Bind by Briar Boleyn – March 10
Starside by Alex Aster – March 24
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews – March 31
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer – April 7
Light Wielder by Rachel Scneider – June 9
YA Books Being Released in 2026
The Young Adult genre encompasses most of the genres we’re discussing here, but they are made for a younger audience. I find YA novels to feel nostalgic and light. It’s a great follow up if you’ve just finished a heavy read.
16 Forever by Lance Rubin – January 6
Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar by Anahita Karthik – January 27
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow – February 3
Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean – February 3
Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn – February 3
The Twelve by Joey Graceffa – February 24
Meet Me Under The Lights by Casse Miller – March 3
As Long as You Loathe Me by Swati Hedge – March 31
To Steal a Throne by Gabi Burton – April 7
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss – April 7
Change Of Plans By Sarah Dessen – May 5
Smash or Pass by Birdie Schae – May 12
Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction is a genre that I have grown to love over the past two years. I’m excited to dive in further this year. They are great books to transport you to a different time. It also gives you an appreciation for everything our ancestors lived through.
The Star Society by Gabriella Saab – January 6
When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen – January 20
A Great Act of Love by Heather Rose – January 27
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson – February 10
Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer – February 10
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett – May 5
A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren – May 12
A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys – June 2
Summer Of Love by Kerri Maher – July 7
Meet Me In Paris by Kristin Harmel – July 28
Memoir Books Being Released in 2026
If you like hearing other people’s stories, memoirs may be up your alley. These books are great for finding new perspectives and as well as learning about certain people on a deeper level. Whether it’s a memoir from your favorite actor, or from another inspiring person, we’ve got a great variety this year.
The Guy You Loved to Hate by Spencer Pratt – January 27
The Soul Instinct by Beatrice Dixon – January 27
Devout by David Archuleta – February 17
It’s Never Too Late by Marla Gibbs – February 24
You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate – March 3
Phases by Brandy Norwood – March 31
Unshaming by Jowita Bydlowska – March 31
Extra Sauce by Zahra Tangorra – April 14
Famesick by Lena Dunham – April 14
This Is Not About Running by Mary Cain – April 28
Just A Busy Season by Taylor Wolfe – April 28
Personal Development
This was the first genre that got me back into reading years ago. Also, if you are a long time reader, you know how much we love everything Personal Development here at GenTwenty. I haven’t read as much of this genre lately. But, I’m excited to change that this year, and these look like the books to help with that.
Unburnable Ambition by Sheekha Singh – January 5
Big Trust by Shadé Zahrai with Fayçal Sekkouah – January 20
Mattering by Jennifer Breheny Wallace – January 27
What’s True About You by Katherine Woodward Thomas – January 27
Life Is Lifey by Sarah Shahi – January 27
Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown – February 17
The Joy Exchange by Laura Hope Whitaker – February 17
Almost Reckless by Amy Smilovic – March 3
Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler – April 7
Other Books Being Released in 2026
This last genre category is kind of like a catch-all for all other types of books not featured yet. In this category you’ll find new releases in poetry, Christian-based books, cookbooks, and more.
Why We’re Feeling Lonely by Shelby Abbott – January 1
Passport To Flavor by Abby Cheshire – January 20
Getting Through What You’re Going Through by Tanner Olson – February 17
Bellyache by Brianna Pastor – February 24
The Lie You Don’t Know You Believe by Jennie Allen – March 3
Will This Make You Happy by Tanya Bush and Forsyth Harmon – March 3
One Plate At A Time by Demi Lovato – March 17
A Suit or a Suitcase by Maggie Smith – March 24
The Story of Us by Olivia Levin – April 14
The Size of Your Joy by Elise Powers – April 21
As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee (Author), LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) – May 5
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Graphic Novel by Barbara Perez Marquez (Adapter), Jenny Han (Author), Akimaro (Illustrator), Li Lu (Illustrator) – May 5
Heartstopper: Volume Six (Heartstopper, #6) by Alice Oseman – July 7
A Wrap on Books Being Released in 2026
As you can see we are about to have a busy year with all of these new releases. I’m already trying to figure out which ones I want to preorder. What book/books are you most excited for? Let me know in the comments.
About the Author
Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.
Website: budding-joy.com