It feels slightly unreal that we’re already chatting about next year’s new releases, but my 2026 romance calendar is filling up fast with small towns, big cities, second chances, and a frankly dangerous amount of witty banter.
Yes, I have a(nother!) spreadsheet. And yep, we’ve got tabs for publication month, tropes, spicy romance level, and whether the main character has a dog or a cat (okay, maybe not this one!).
By the way, if you like this post but are looking for more fantasy and romantasy 2026 book releases, I published a post on those last month!
I only properly got back into my reading flow properly in 2025. And I’m so glad I did because 2026 looks like the year publishers decided to spoil us with some incredible upcoming books!
But 2026 looks to be the year of romance! Sports romance after sports romance release, splashy romcoms primed for TikTok, plus swoony stories that still tackle heavier themes with compassino. Add in the fact that several Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling authors are dropping big ones, and my reading goal is already looking ambitious – I’m a bit worried about how I’ll manage to get through all the ones I want and need to read!
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If you want contemporary romance to pile on your TBR for next year, make sure to bookmark this post! I’ve grouped by month where dates are confirmed and included pre-order notes, because we all know a release date can shift at the last breath.
There are loads of second, third and even fifth or sixth books in popular and beloved series on this list, plus a couple where the new release is a debut novel in a new series from a beloved author – how exciting!
These are mostly adult romances with some spice; I can do another for the most anticipated young adult romances if anyone wants those too!
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Quick reminder for any pre-order nerds (I didn’t used to be one, but times are changing!): early sales help authors chart on the New York Times and Sunday Times lists, which is the best way to nudge their next book into existence. Collector’s hardcover features and the occasional special edition or stunning deluxe pre-order perk do pop up too, especially for mega-buzzy authors.
If you don’t have the time or energy to scroll down through the whole list, here’s a little TLDR of the top romance books for 2026 – click on each to find it on Amazon! I’ll update this as often as I can, and this isn’t a list of every single one, just as many as I could manage for now!
Most Anticipated Romance Books in 2026
Now I’ll break down the most anticipated 2026 romances for you in more detail!
I initially planned to do a little summary for EVERY book, but then I realised, that would be impossible – at least if I wanted to do anything else!
Here are a few of my favourite romances from 2025:
- Romance Book Review: CEO Not Welcome by Mandy Sawchuk
- Romance Book Review: Date Knight by Sam Parks
- Cosy Romance Book Review: You Had Me At Pumpkin Patch by Anita Faulkner
- Fall Romance Book Review: The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham
- Cosy Romance Book Review: There’s Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs
- The Spiced Cocoa Cafe by Harper Graham – Cosy Christmas Romance Book Review
It’s tricky as romance is such a huge genre with lots of little niches in it. I haven’t really included any romantasies or romantic fantasy as they went into my most anticipated fantasy and romantasy books for 2026 post. I’d say this is mainly contemporary romances for 2026 rather than historical romance or fantasy romance, but there are plenty of smaller niche ones like sports romance, academia, even a murder mystery romance or two!
January 2026
Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur
Release date: 6 January 2026
Rival publicists, one for a pop star, one for a quarterback quarterback, and a steamy sapphic rom-com brief that screams enemies to lovers with forced proximity on tour. Bellefleur’s rom-coms are well-loved, and this one has been quietly gathering hype since the cover reveal.
Pre-orders are live across UK retailers with that 6 January pub date locked in.
February 2026
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
Release date: 10 February 2026
Previously audio-only, Hazelwood’s cat-and-mouse romance is finally arriving in print and ebook, hooray! It’s not long at 208 pages, but listeners have already screamed about the pacing, sharp chemistry, and science-adjacent cleverness the author is known for.
The official publisher page lists paperback, hardcover and ebook all landing 10 February. TikTok is going to have a field day with this one, just wait!
The Wild Card by Stephanie Archer
Release date: 3rd/5th February 2026
Hockey coach x the woman who gets under his skin, found family vibes, single-dad tenderness, and those locker-room butterflies. If you follow Archer’s Vancouver Storm series, this is Tate’s book, and it looks like a perfect winter sports romance.
Multiple shops have the date confirmed in early Feb, either the 3rd or the 5th depending on retailer.
Promise Me by Sara Cate
Release date: 10 February 2026
Second in the Sinful Manor series, this book promises a fun and spicy second chance best friends to lovers romance with an emotional healing journey. This is a MM romance set in Scotland – readers of the last in the series loved this setting!
Release date looks set to be 10th February.
And Now, Back to You by B. K. Borison
Release date: 26 February 2026
Rival meteorologists, an historic snowstorm, and a When Harry Met Sally nod? Absolutely yes. Borison’s Heartstrings universe leans into cosy, character-first romances with banter that snaps. This is the second book in Borison’s Heartstrings series after First Time Caller went a little bit viral this year.
People’s cover reveal pegged this as late February, and UK listings confirm the 26th. Perfect for readers who like a warm, gently spicy hug in book form.
Death at Daffodil Inn by R. L. Killmore
Release date: 26 February 2026 (UK)
Cosy small-town mystery with a romantic twist, cinnamon buns, and community gossip to spare. The first book in the Cinnamon Falls series (see my A Cinnamon Falls Mystery review here) had Gilmore Girls vibes with a dead body and a slow-burn pairing trying to keep up with clues and feelings. This spring time story set in the same town looks gorgeous!
The Simon & Schuster UK page lists 26 Feb, so pencil in late February and enjoy in spring!
March 2026
In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde
Release date: 3 March 2026
Tomforde’s brand of sports romance is catnip for readers who want competence porn, sizzling chemistry and people who are very good at their jobs falling in love anyway. The Goodreads reviews so far are mostly people screaming in excitement at a standalone Windy City spin off book with characters they’ve met in passing before.
Waterstones and Amazon both show 3 March publish date.
Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles
Release date: 3 March 2026
Romantic suspense fans, here’s your new series kick-off from the author of the Lost & Found and Sparrow Falls series – I confess I’ve read neither, but they have incredibly high ratings on Goodreads!
Small town secrets, two sons trying to live decent lives, a found family, a mysterious disappearance, and a tender, protective romance at the centre. First in the Starlight Grove series, and yes, it sounds like a fever dream in the best way.
Penguin UK’s listing and press coverage line up on the 3 March publication.
No Matter What by Cara Bastone
Release date: 3 March 2026
Estranged spouses trying to find their way back after a traumatic year. Slow burn, marriage-in-trouble, and grown-up feelings handled with warmth. This one fits the second chances brief to a T and sounds perfect for readers who like their romance tender and thoughtful.
Retailers are all showing 3rd March publication.
Reckless Vow by Gemma Morr
Release date: 26 March 2026
After the success of Untamed Heart, Reckless Vow is the second book in the Diamond Back Ranch series, and yep, you guessed it, another Western romance! Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage, and bound to be another fave among the BookTok crowd in 2026.
Retailers agree on a publish date of 26th March.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Release date: 31 March 2026
The queen of heartfelt romcoms is back with the sequel in the Say You’ll Remember Me world. And I have to confess, I own the first book but haven’t yet read it! I hear this one is the same humour, deep feels, and that signature Jimenez balance of real-life grit with swoon.
Retailer and Goodreads pages agree on 31 March. I am clearing my calendar to read Say You’ll Remember Me, followed immediately by The Night We Met!
Game On by Navessa Allen
Release date: 31 March 2026
The Into Darkness series is another one that I have to confess I haven’t yet picked up, but I’ve seen it everywhere – you just can’t miss those covers! Game On is the third book in Navessa Allen’s series which is known as a dark romance, with enemies to lovers, fake dating, witty banter, revenge, blackmail and more. I’m going to have to get up to date with the series as soon as I can!
Everyone is in agreement on 31st March for the release date of Game On.
April 2026
On Thin Ice by Olivia Belle
Release date: 9 April 2026
There’s something about these ice skating romances – they’re a level up from the usual sports romance, and since Icebreaker’s huge popularity, there just seem to be more and more of them! This promises to be a spicy Hollywood style grumpy sunshine forced proximity romance.
Publish date looks set to be 9th April.
Happy Ending by Chloe Liese
Release date: 2 April 2026 (UK) / 14 April 2026 (US)
Best friends to lovers, a fake relationship that gets a little too convincing, and Liese’s trademark empathy for neurodivergent characters and communication in relationships. Also is that not the sunniest, summer cover you’ve ever seen?! I’m lining this up for my summer 2026 reading list!
Listings show the UK paperback release on the 2nd April.
Unbound by Peyton Corinne
Release date: 7th April 2026
Another ice hockey romance which is apparently angsty and emotional, as a New York Times bestselling author called it. Early readers are screaming about it, literally calling it a masterpiece! This is the third book in the highly rated The Undone series by Peyton Corinne.
This one is due to be released on 7th April.
King of Gluttony by Ana Huang
Release date: 28 April 2026
The Kings of Sin series rolls on with Sebastian and Maya’s story in Ana Huang’s new book – Kings of Sin book 6, King of Gluttony. This one’s sure to be full of billionaire heat, forbidden attraction and a level of spice that will have BookTok debating annotated tabs versus sticky notes.
Huang’s site and a raft of UK retailers confirm the 28 April date. If you collect stunning deluxe or special edition paperbacks, keep an eye out, as her UK editions often get pretty upgrades.
May 2026
Fever Dream by Elsie Silver
Release date: 19 May 2026
This is one of the most anticipated romances in 2026! Elsie Silver’s new book is kicking off a brand-new series, Emerald Lake, from this Sunday Times bestseller, and this one promises lake country vibes (another cowboy romance!), off-the-charts chemistry, and Silver’s signature mix of soft vulnerability and high heat. Cosmopolitan ran an excerpt and date; retailers match to 19 May. If your perfect match includes small-town mess meets grown-up longing, this will hit. No one does western romances like Elsie Silver!
(Side note: I still need to finish her other series before I start this one, don’t let me do it!!)
The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore
Release date: 5 May 2026 (UK)
Dream Harbor returns with fake dating, found family and a bouquet of comfort-read charm. Gilmore’s cosy romances are the book equivalent of being handed a takeaway coffee by your favourite grumpy barista who secretly adores you. This is the 6th book in the Dream Harbor series, and we all know by now that BookTok goes wild for them!
HarperCollins UK, Waterstones and indie booksellers list 5 May for publication.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Release date: 7 May 2026 (UK)
It’s another best friend to lovers one, this time the friends are on a getaway with a deadline to make or break their bond. If you loved Every Summer After and This Summer Will Be Different, you already know Fortune can turn yearning into an Olympic sport.
UK publisher page shows 7 May, while the author’s siteand Goodreads mentions 5 May in some regions. Either way, early May is sorted.
June 2026
Lost and Found by Tarah DeWitt
Release date: 9 June 2026 (US); UK listings show 14th July
Third in the Spunes, OR world, this is a moving romance about grief, chosen family and falling in love when life has knocked you sideways. This one is incredibly anticipated for 2026 as Silas finally gets his story!
People did a cover reveal with a 9 June pub date, and the US publisher page backs that up, while certain UK shops show July.
The Last to Know by Laura Jane Williams
Release date: 11 June 2026 (UK)Two women who think they are in a love triangle discover the truth about the man in the middle and, perhaps, about themselves. Williams is the queen of the chaotic meet-cute that grows into something honest and lovely. I’m so excited to have an ARC for this one, I can’t wait for May next year when I’ll finally get to read it!
Her site and NetGalley give the June date, and Amazon UK shows the same. Add to your beach-bag list.
2026 Romance Trends and Tropes to Watch
If 2025 was the year of messy millennial love and slow-burn spice, 2026 looks set to double down on grown-up emotion, niche passion, and emotionally intelligent storytelling. Here are a few of the romance trends and tropes already making waves in the upcoming release lists:
Second chances and marriage-in-trouble romances are having a moment
Tender reconnections, healthy boundaries, and the ache of people who’ve already chosen each other once. Cara Bastone’s No Matter What is leading the charge here, a deeply felt story that proves love stories don’t stop at the altar. I think we’ll see more mature, grounded romance arcs in 2026, with conversations that feel like you’re eavesdropping on real people navigating second chances.
Sports romance isn’t cooling off anytime soon
If you’ve got a dedicated “sports romance” column in your reading spreadsheet (who, me?!), highlight February and March right now. Hockey is taking centre stage in early 2026, with The Wild Card and On Thin Ice skating into readers’ hearts, while Liz Tomforde’s In Her Own League promises all the locker-room tension and found family.
Romantic suspense fans, you’re covered too
Catherine Cowles returns with a brand-new series blending small-town danger and soft, protective heroes who love just as fiercely as they fight. Tension, tenderness, and emotional vulnerability are alongside edge-of-your-seat suspense in 2026.
Spice levels are diversifying
2026 seems to be the year every reader finds their perfect heat level. Elsie Silver continues to deliver high-heat with heartfelt depth, Ana Huang’s Kings of Sin universe promises more unabashedly steamy instalments, while Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and B.K. Borison keep things charming, funny, and emotionally grounded. Basically: choose according to your preference!
And finally – Christina Lauren are teasing something new!
Over on Instagram, the duo shared a mysterious “Untitled ARC 2026” post here, sending Bookstagram into full detective mode. No details yet, but given their track record (The Unhoneymooners, Love and Other Words), I’m already clearing space on the 2026 TBR.
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Pre-order tips and formats
- If you love a deluxe edition or special edition, keep an eye on retailer newsletters. Ana Huang’s fandom often sees limited sprayed edges or signed stock, and self-contained series like Kings of Sin make great shelf candy.
- Prefer audio? Most of these launch across ebook, paperback and audiobook on or near the same date. Check your favourite shop in January to build a neat queue.
- UK vs US dates sometimes diverge by a week or two. Where I’ve spotted that, I’ve flagged both so you can plan.
If 2025 was the year of the comeback for my reading life, 2026 looks like the year my shelves cry for help. Between smart rom-coms, grown-up second chances, and sports romance glory, I’m spoiled for choice. Personally, you know I’m not a preorder kind of girl, but I’ll be adding Two Can Play to my TBR the second I finish writing this, because Hazelwood on Valentine-adjacent week feels like destiny.
Want me to turn this into a printable calendar or spreadsheet tracker, with release date columns, trope tags and retailer links? Say the word and I’ll do my best! And if I’ve missed your favourite upcoming title for next year, pop it in the comments so we can all investigate together.
And don’t forget to check out the most anticipated fantasy and romantasy books for 2026 here!
Happy pre-ordering, happy annotating, and here’s to a 2026 full of perfect-match reads that keep us up for just one more chapter.
PS: If you spot a special edition popping up for any of these, especially those collector’s hardcover features or a deluxe edition with sprayed edges, send it to me immediately. For science.
