10 Most Anticipated Romance & Fantasy Reads of 2026 — Your Next Obsessions
Hey my book lovers! After a little exam hiatus, I’m back with the book list of the year 🤌 — a curated look at 10 romance & fantasy books dropping in 2026 that we’re all already itching to read. Whether you’re into fairy-tale vibes, enemies-to-lovers magic, or dystopian love stories that slap harder than your last heartbreak, there’s something here for every reader’s moodboard.
1. Rites of the Starling — Devney Perry
Fans of compelling romantasy are so here for this sequel to Shield of Sparrows. It continues the story of fierce characters battling a world that won’t let them love easily. Expect sweeping emotional stakes, deeper world-building, and that signature Perry chemistry that leaves you breathless. This one’s already trending on pre-order lists and has Goodreads readers counting down the days.
2. The Wolf and the Crown of Blood — Elizabeth May
Imagine immortal assassin vibes + sacrificial princess feels — that’s this book. The world is on the brink, peace is fragile, and forbidden romance is exactly what’s about to ignite. Fans are hyped for its rich lore and unexpected emotional punches, making it a must-read for lovers of epic fantasy romance.
3. One Week Later — KJ Micciche
Coming January 2026, this one’s pure rom-com energy with heart. Two writers reconnect long after a flirty vacation, only to realize their feelings didn’t actually click “unsubscribe.” It’s witty, modern, and the kind of contemporary romance you devour in a weekend. Pre-orders are buzzing and people are already calling it a 2026 comfort read.
4. It Seemed Like a Good Idea — Lauren Blakely
This book is that steamy romance you’ll want on your nightstand. After a one-night thing with a brooding, swoony bodyguard, the sparks don’t just fade — they explode. Think laugh-out-loud moments, serious chemistry, and plenty of heart. Readers on preorder hype it as one of the steamiest releases this year.
5. I’ve Got a Crush on You — Lauren Blakely
Another Blakely gem hitting shelves in August 2026! A dog trainer & strict landlord forced to co-run a doggy daycare? That’s rom-com gold. With adorable pet moments and slow-burn tension, this one’s perfect when you want a light but addictive read. Pre-orders are high and pet lovers are already obsessed.
6. How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle — Alissa Derogatis
This title is already iconic. Follow a romance author trying to reboot her love life IRL, complete with meet-cute chaos and quirky ingredient aisle vibes. It’s cute, refreshing, and exactly the kind of book you’ll recommend to your bestie. Readers on boards are calling it the perfect chilly-day read.
7. Burn the Water — Billy Ray
From the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of The Hunger Games, this YA dystopian romance drops March 2026 and instantly went viral. Set in a flooded London, it’s basically Romeo & Juliet meets post-apocalyptic stakes, where forbidden love fights against war, division, and societal collapse. Fans of emotional depth and cinematic vibes are hyped.
8. Queen of Faces — Petra Lord
This YA fantasy has metaphorical fire and political magic systems woven into a heart-wrenching journey of identity and survival. Ana can literally steal bodies and fight oppressive systems — while navigating complex relationships, power struggles, and rebellion. It’s bold, thoughtful, and already getting major early buzz.
9. Daggerbound — T. Kingfisher
A follow-up to the cult fave Swordheart, this one keeps that dark romantic fantasy energy with grim humor, intense fights, and enemies-to-lovers sparks. If you adored the first book’s world and banter, this installment’s depth and quirky character chemistry are going to pull you in hard.
10. Final Book of The Casquette Girls — Alys Arden
This long-loved Southern Gothic fantasy series concludes in 2026, and the hype is real. Think witches, voodoo, vampires, and New Orleans magic woven with old-school romance. Fans from the series’ decade-plus journey are beyond excited to wrap up these threads — and this finale promises magic, closure, and emotional payoff. Axios
Why 2026 Is Basically a Book Lover’s Valentine
From dystopian heartbreak to cozy doggy-daycare meets, and blood-soaked magical empires to queer YA fantasy, 2026 is bringing ALL the vibes. Romance & fantasy are blending in ways that make you laugh, cry, and reorder your priorities — aka your reading list. So grab that TBR app, pre-order those bad boys, and let’s ride this year of love + magic together 📖❤️
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