2026 NEW RELEASES
Disclaimer I read books based on preferences which take into account my faith and personal convictions. Please check any of my recommendations against your own convictions and read responsibly.
Reader friends, can you believe 2025 is almost over?! While I’m busy trying to squeeze in as many books from my TBR as possible before the year wraps up, I can’t help but look ahead at all the incredible new releases coming our way in 2026. And let me tell you—there are so many good ones on the horizon.
I’m especially excited for the romance genre because nearly all of my favorite authors have new stories dropping next year. And even though I’ve been slowly drifting away from thrillers, there are actually a few 2026 releases that have me fully invested. But honestly? The memoirs might be the ones I’m most excited for. We’re getting personal stories from people in the entertainment industry who are nostalgic stars, and that kind of behind-the-scenes look always intrigues me.
Even though there are tons of upcoming books I can’t wait to read, I narrowed it down to my top four in each of my three most-read genres—romance, thriller, and memoir. If you haven’t added these to your New Year TBR yet, consider this your sign!
Let’s jump in and get excited for a brand new year of reading!
“ROMANCE GENRE”
2026 is shaping up to be another incredible year for the romance girls! So many well-loved romance authors are blessing us with new stories, and my TBR is already stacked. But these are the ones I’ll be first in line to buy for my bookshelf—and reading the very day they’re released!
Just Friends by Haley Pham
Release Date: March 3rd, 2026
Arguably my most anticipated romance read of the year! Haley was one of the first Book-Tube girlies I started watching when I really got into reading, so seeing her publish a novel feels extra special. As someone who’d also love to write a book someday, it’s inspiring to watch someone else step out and do it. I already know this story is going to be fun and sweet!
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Release Date: March 24th, 2026
Although Abby Jimenez’s stories have been waning on me lately—and her 2025 release wasn’t my favorite—I’m still absolutely lining up to read this one because, duh, it’s Abby Jimenez. I’m really hoping this book turns the tide and brings me back to loving her characters and stories the way I used to.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Release Date: May 5th, 2026
I mean, how are we not anticipating this book after the perfection that was One Golden Summer?! Fortune quickly became my favorite romance author this past year, and the cover of this new release alone already has me swooning. I’m calling it now—I’m fully expecting a 5-star read.
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Release Date: May 26th, 2026
The fourth spot was hard to choose—especially with authors like Cara Bastone, Ashley Poston, and B.K. Borison also dropping new books in 2026. But Annabel Monaghan ultimately won out for me. She became one of my favorite romance authors in 2025 thanks to her emotionally rich, low-to-no-spice stories. After finishing her entire backlist this year (and loving every single one), this new release has me most excited for a feel good romance.
“THRILLER GENRE”
I know—you’re probably shocked to see me talking about thrillers I’m excited to read. And honestly, fair. 2025 was the year I slowly fell out of love with thrillers after being disappointed one too many times. So going into 2026, I don’t expect to read a ton from the genre. But I do plan to pick up a few—specifically from authors I already trust or from plots that feel genuinely unique. And these four definitely fall into those buckets for me.
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
Release Date: January 20th, 2026
Truthfully, I have mixed feelings about this one—but I’m still intrigued. Last year, I read Feeney’s newest release and was loving it… until the ending. The final twist was just not for me and it really threw off the whole experience. That being said, I’m still willing to give this upcoming book a shot. The plot sounds super mysterious and twisty, and I’m really hoping it doesn’t disappoint!
Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
Release Date: January 13th, 2026
A previous 5-star thriller author for me! And this plot sounds so good. Plus, it comes out the day after my birthday—what better way to celebrate than with a twisty new release? This feels like the kind of book I’ll fly through in a single sitting, and honestly, those are always the best ones.
The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
Release Date: January 6th, 2026
This one made my list because it’s the sequel to one of the first thriller books I read, The Last Time I Saw Him, when I got back into reading a few years ago. So of course I’m super excited for this follow-up! Fun fact: the first book was also adapted into an Apple TV series, and it was super well done. I might need to give it a little rewatch to get myself ready for this sequel!
The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wive by Elizabeth Arnott
Release Date: March 3rd, 2026
A thriller mixed with a little historical setting? Say less. An old genre favorite paired with a new genre love made this one stand out instantly—so of course I had to add it to my 2026 TBR. The plot sounds incredibly unique, especially with its focus on female friendship and the 1960s. It feels like we’re in for a wildly entertaining ride!
“MEMOIR GENRE”
Memoirs may just be an all-time favorite genre of mine. There’s something so beautiful and moving about people choosing to share their stories—and the way we can learn from others, no matter their background or walk of life. That’s why I’m always secretly hoping stars, celebrities, and entertainers whose careers I’ve engaged with in some way will release memoirs. And these four are exactly that!
The Guy You Loved to Hate by Spencer Pratt
Release Date: January 27th, 2026
If your teen years didn’t involve watching the cult classic The Hills with your friends, then you truly missed out on a moment in history. But seriously—this memoir is titled perfectly and feels like one we’ve all been waiting for. I can only imagine what we’re in for, but I expect it to be honest, real, and a little bit scathing. I’d also be shocked if we didn’t get to see a whole new side to Spencer from this. I’m so ready to take a trip back to the early aughts and hear more of his story!
Devout by David Archuleta
Release Date: February 17th, 2026
Speaking of the early aughts—where were you when David Archuleta almost won American Idol? I remember him being one of my favorite contestants that season, especially because he sang and released faith-based songs. I actually had no idea he was raised Mormon, and with this memoir covering his childhood in the LDS church and his eventual falling out from his faith, I’m so intrigued to hear his full story.
Phases by Brandy
Release Date: March 31st, 2026
I’m definitely sensing a theme with these memoirs—and it’s all about the nostalgic icons. This time, it’s the queen of Moesha herself, and the very first Black Cinderella—which was my absolute favorite growing up. I still know every song by heart because it was just that iconic. I cannot wait to dive into her story and hear more about her journey and her life behind the scenes. Honestly, this might just be my top memoir pick for 2026!
I Choose Me by Jennie Garth
Release Date: April 14th, 2026
The original 90210 girl herself or, what I personally loved her for, the iconic sister in What I Like About You. Yet another perfect nod to the early aughts. I’m expecting this memoir to be full of heartfelt lessons, wisdom, and love. I’m excited to hear about her time in the spotlight, how she navigated Hollywood, and what life looked like afterward—especially her motherhood journey.
