Is it just me, or does the TBR (To-Be-Read) pile never actually get smaller? Just when I think I’m catching up, a new year rolls around with a lineup that completely wrecks my reading goals. Looking ahead to next year, it honestly feels like the publishers have conspired to keep us all indoors. We’re seeing massive returns from heavy hitters like Freida McFadden and Alice Feeney, plus some wild genre pivots (Kate Quinn writing fantasy? Yes, please). Whether you’re here for the “keep the lights on” thrillers or the “crying in the club” romances, here is a rundown of the Most Anticipated Books Of 2026 that I’m already clearing shelf space for.
Psychological Thrillers: Trust No One
The thriller lineup for early 2026 is looking particularly unhinged—in the best way possible.
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden (Jan 27)
If you devoured The Housemaid, you know McFadden is the queen of the “just one more chapter” binge. This one follows an advice columnist who’s spent years fixing other women’s lives while her own falls apart. When she decides to finally take her own advice, things get messy. It sounds like the perfect mix of dark comedy and domestic chaos.
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston (Jan 13)
After First Lie Wins took over Booktok, expectations are high for this one. The premise is wild: a wife realizes her husband is shady, so she hires a woman to swap identities with her for 12 hours to investigate him. Then the husband turns up dead. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and I am absolutely here for the drama.
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney (Jan 27)
Alice Feeney is incapable of writing a boring book. In this one, a woman comes home to find a stranger who looks just like her, living in her house, claiming to be her. It sounds like a total mind-trip that will require a second read-through just to catch the clues.
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica (Feb 3)
Kubica is a staple for a reason. This is a “vacation gone wrong” story (my favorite trope) involving a lake resort, missing family members, and a teenage niece who might be a victim—or a killer.
Romance: Swooning and Sobbing
The romance slate for 2026 is heavy on the emotional damage, but usually with a happy ending to make it worth it.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (May 5)
Carley Fortune owns the “nostalgic summer romance” vibe. This is a friends-to-lovers story involving a cancelled wedding and a “fake” honeymoon in Tofino with the bride’s childhood best friend. The tension is going to be off the charts.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
This is Book 2 in her Say You’ll Remember Me series. We’re following Chris (the quiet pharmacist from the first book) and it looks like a painful love triangle situation. Jimenez balances humor and heartbreak better than almost anyone, so bring tissues.
King of Gluttony by Ana Huang (April 28)
For the spicy romance readers, the Kings of Sin series continues. We’ve got a culinary empire heir and his childhood rival forced to work together. It’s classic “I hate you… wait, I love you” energy, and Huang always delivers on the chemistry.
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
If you want cozy vibes, this is it. Think When Harry Met Sally but with a meteorologist and a reporter stuck together in a snowstorm. Borison writes characters that feel like real people, and this sounds like a warm hug of a book.
Fantasy: New Worlds & Epic Sequels
2026 is going to be a massive year for fantasy, mixing long-awaited sequels with some very surprising debuts.
The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker (Feb 24)
When the Moon Hatched was a sensation, so the hype for this sequel is real. We’re going back to a world of dragons and vengeance with Raeve and Kaan. If you like immersive, complex magic systems, this is your February priority.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
This is the wildcard of the year. Kate Quinn is famous for historical fiction (The Alice Network), but here she is writing a fantasy about a library where books are portals to other lives. It feels like a love letter to reading itself.
Red God by Pierce Brown
Red Rising fans, take a deep breath. We are hoping for a Summer/Late 2026 release. Brown is taking his time to get the finale right, which we appreciate, but the anticipation is agonizing.
Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry (April 7)
Perry is known for romance, but her Shield of Sparrows fantasy series is gaining traction. It’s perfect if you want high-fantasy stakes but with the character depth of a contemporary novel.
The Debuts & Finales
Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
After her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died became a cultural phenomenon, everyone is watching to see what she does with fiction. This novel tackles the internet, consumerism, and young womanhood. Expect it to be sharp, funny, and probably a little uncomfortable.
Heartstopper Vol. 6 by Alice Oseman
We knew this day would come. The final installment of the graphic novel series that stole our hearts. It’s going to be an emotional goodbye to Nick and Charlie.
