Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2026: Upcoming Releases You’ll Fall For
2026 is already shaping up to be a huge year for romance readers. From long-awaited sequels to brand-new series by bestselling authors, these upcoming 2026 romance releases promise heartbreak, passion, and unforgettable love stories. Get ready to start building your TBR early!
Dove (The Soldiers of Bedlam #2) by Paisley Hope
Expected publication January 1, 2026
From dark-romance author Paisley Hope comes Dove, the second book in the Soldiers of Bedlam series. When Layla Monroe’s perfect life falls apart, she’s drawn into the violent world of the Hounds of Hell MC—and into the arms of their enigmatic sergeant, Sean “Ax” Hunter. A gritty, addictive, ride-or-die romance about vengeance, chaos, and desire.
Chaotic by Shantel Tessier
Expected publication 17 January 2026
Series: L.O.R.D.S. World
Dark, brutal, and emotionally devastating, Chaotic dives deeper into the Lords world. Kashton Landon Pierce is controlling, obsessive, and relentless. What begins as survival turns into something far more dangerous as boundaries blur and possession masquerades as devotion. This is pitch-black dark romance at its finest.
Just for the Cameras by Meghan Quinn
Expected publication: 3 February 2026
Standalone
From New York Times bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a fun, slow-burn sports romance filled with forced proximity, sharp banter, and fake dating chaos. When a league-wide PR scandal forces brooding NFL player Graydon St. John into a very public zoo appearance, he finds himself paired with Maple Baker — a flamingo-loving zookeeper who wants nothing to do with him. What begins as a staged romance for the cameras quickly turns into something far more real as sparks fly and lines blur. But when viral fame and family secrets threaten Maple’s world, Graydon must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the woman he never meant to fall for.
Of Ink and Alchemy (Black Rabbit #1) by Sloane St. James
Expected publication February 3, 2026
The first book in the Black Rabbit series, Of Ink and Alchemy introduces a darkly magical world of secrets, passion, and power. Expect mystery, danger, and an unforgettable love story written in ink.
Promise Me (Sinful Manor #2) by Sara Cate
Expected publication February 10, 2026
The second book in the Sinful Manor series, Promise Me is a heartbreaking MM second-chance romance about lost love, family duty, and the courage to fight for forever.
Slaughter Park by Lauren Biel
Expected publication February 28, 2026
From bestselling author Lauren Biel comes Slaughter Park, a dark, suspenseful romance steeped in danger and obsession. Details remain under wraps, but it’s already one of 2026’s most anticipated reads.
Across the Vanishing Sky (Starlight Grove #1) by Catherine Cowles
Expected publication March 3, 2026
From romantic-suspense favourite Catherine Cowles comes Across the Vanishing Sky, the first in her new Starlight Grove series. When Braedyn Winslow returns to her hometown to face her past, she crosses paths with reclusive mountain man Dex Archer. Secrets, danger, and undeniable chemistry make this a gripping start to Cowles’ newest emotional world.
In Her Own League (Windy City Spin-Off) by Liz Tomforde
Expected publication March 3, 2026
From bestselling author Liz Tomforde comes In Her Own League, a standalone Windy City spin-off following Emmett (Monty) Montgomery and Reese Remington. Expect hilarious banter, heart, and plenty of sports romance tension.
My Dreadful Darling by H.D. Carlton
Expected publication March 20, 2026
From the author of the Cat and Mouse Duet comes My Dreadful Darling, a haunting, addictive dark romance that promises H.D. Carlton’s signature blend of terror, passion, and obsession.
Hunt the Villain (Villain #2) by Rina Kent
Expected publication March 24, 2026
From New York Times bestselling author Rina Kent comes Hunt the Villain, a male/male dark mafia rivals-to-lovers romance set in the Legacy of Gods universe. Two men on opposite sides of the underworld find themselves entangled in a story of hate, obsession, and impossible love.
Game On (Into Darkness #3) by Navessa Allen
Expected publication March 31, 2026
The third book in the Into Darkness series, Game On blends dark enemies-to-lovers tension with laugh-out-loud rom-com chaos. Expect fake dating, blackmail, revenge, and unforgettable chemistry.
Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry
Expected publication: 7 April 2026
Shield of Sparrows #2
The sequel to Devney Perry’s Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling Shield of Sparrows, Rites of the Starling is a swoon-worthy romantic fantasy inspired by legends, monsters, and myth. Described as The Witcher meets Cinderella, this next chapter deepens the world-building while raising the stakes as old magic resurfaces and love is tested in ways that could change everything.
Whiskey Women (The Whiskey Women #1) by Victoria Wilder
Expected publication April 7, 2026
The first book in a brand-new series, Whiskey Women marks Victoria Wilder’s exciting new release. More details coming soon—but readers can expect fierce heroines and emotional depth.
Chasing the Fire (Silver Pines Ranch #5) by Paisley Hope
Expected publication April 23, 2026
The Silver Pines Ranch series concludes with Chasing the Fire, a passionate small-town romance between a boutique owner and the town’s fire chief. Secrets, sparks, and second chances make this a heartfelt finale.
King of Gluttony (Kings of Sin #6) by Ana Huang
Expected publication April 28, 2026
From #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Ana Huang comes King of Gluttony, the sixth book in the Kings of Sin series. Sebastian and Maya’s story delivers explosive rivals-to-lovers tension, irresistible angst, and Ana’s signature emotional pull.
The Rule of Three (Salacious Legacy #2) by Sara Cate
Expected publication May 5, 2026
From Sara Cate comes The Rule of Three, the second book in the Salacious Legacy series. When a Paris blackout traps three strangers together, a bond is formed that challenges their limits—and ignites desires none of them expected.
Fever Dream (Emerald Lake #1) by Elsie Silver
Expected publication May 19, 2026
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Elsie Silver comes Fever Dream, the first book in the Emerald Lake series. When bull rider Emmett Bush agrees to star in a reality dating show, he doesn’t plan on falling for Julia Silva—the off-limits sister of his biggest rival. A small-town, forbidden, rivals-to-lovers Western with all the feels.
Birds of a Feather by Kate Stewart
Publication: 26 May 2026
Ravenhood Legacy #3
The Ravenhood Legacy comes to a close in its third and final installment. Tasked with guarding the Ravenhood and its many secrets, Tyler Carter Jennings has faced every threat imaginable — until Larissa DiCicco enters his life. Bound by power, loss, and responsibility, Larissa seeks refuge in the one man who may be able to help her escape her fate. As their worlds collide, both must confront the cost of truth, loyalty, and love in this never-before-published conclusion to the trilogy.
Harvest Season (Seasons of Carnage #2) by Brynne Weaver
Expected publication June 9, 2026
From bestselling author Brynne Weaver comes Harvest Season, the second book in the Seasons of Carnage trilogy. This dark romantic thriller blends suspense, secrets, and villainous love in the haunting town of Cape Carnage.
Tempting Venom (Vipers #3) by Rina Kent
Expected publication July 1, 2026
From Rina Kent comes Tempting Venom, the third book in the Vipers series. This dark MM hockey romance follows Preston Armstrong and Marcus Osborn through rivalry, obsession, and forbidden attraction.
Whisper of a Shadow (The River Styx Heathens #1) by Monty Jay
Expected publication August 5, 2026
From Monty Jay comes Whisper of a Shadow, the first book in The River Styx Heathens series. A haunting, emotional dark romance full of danger, intensity, and poetic storytelling.
The Keeper (Gods of the Game #3) by Ana Huang
Expected publication October 10, 2026
The highly anticipated finale in Ana Huang’s Gods of the Game series promises an emotional, unforgettable ending filled with love, tension, and redemption.
Fae & Alchemy – Book 3 by Callie Hart
Expected publication: 10 November 2026
Fae & Alchemy #3
The global phenomenon and #1 New York Times bestselling Fae & Alchemy series continues as the rules are broken and everything changes. With the kingdom on the brink and ancient forces stirring, Saeris and Fisher face impossible choices that could determine the fate of their world. As alliances fracture and danger closes in, the line between salvation and ruin grows thinner than ever in this highly anticipated continuation of the series.
From dark romance and forbidden MM love to small-town heartbreak and sizzling rivals-to-lovers chemistry, 2026 is overflowing with stories that promise to ruin your TBR (in the best way). Whether it’s Ana Huang’s next sin, H.D. Carlton’s next obsession, or a return to Elsie Silver’s cowboy world—you’ll want to clear your calendar.
Grab your preorders and prepare to fall hard. These are the books everyone will be talking about next year.
