Whether you’re spending February 14th with a “book boyfriend,” your real-life partner, or a bottle of wine and a very long TBR list, Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be a legendary year for new romance books.
From steamy sports romances to dark rom-coms and fated-mate magic, the early 2026 release calendar is packed. To help you navigate the sea of new releases, I’ve curated the ultimate guide to the most anticipated books hitting shelves this season.
🌹 The “Must-Read” Headliners of 2026
These are the titles everyone is talking about in the “BookTok” and “Bookstagram” spheres. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, add these to your pre-order list immediately.
- “Valentine’s Slay” by Navessa Allen (Jan 2026): For those who like their romance with a side of “dark and spicy.” A Louisiana gravedigger and his high school crush? Yes, please.
- “The Fortune Flip” by Lauren Kung Jessen (Feb 2026): A lucky kiss changes everything in this high-stakes rom-com. It’s the perfect “pick-me-up” read.
- “Never the Roses” by Jennifer K. Lambert (July 2025): The most powerful sorceress in all the world comes face to face with her greatest rival in this enchanting and seductive fantasy romance debut from Jennifer K. Lambert.
- “This Book Made Me Think of You” by Libby Page (Feb 2026): A woman receives an unexpected gift from the man she loved and lost—a year of books, one for every month—launching a reading-inspired journey to live, dream, and love again. Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart…
- “The Magic of Untamed Hearts” by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (Feb 2026): A lush, lyrical romance featuring a ghost and her neighbor.
🎾 Game On: 2026’s Hottest Sports Romances
Sports romance is officially the “it” subgenre of 2026. Whether you’re into the NFL playoffs or the upcoming winter games, these books hit a home run.
| Book Title | Sport | The Trope |
| Game, Set, Match | Tennis | Second Chance / Rivals-to-Lovers |
| Just for the Cameras | Football | Grumpy x Sunshine / PR Stunt |
| Skate It Till You Make It | Hockey | Fake Dating / Olympics |
| In Her Own League | Baseball | High Stakes / Secret Romance |
Pro Tip: If you loved Heated Rivalry, you’ll definitely want to check out Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura. It’s got all the “fake dating” tension you could ever want.
🕵️♀️ New Romance Books with Love, Laughter, & A Little Bit of Murder
Sometimes, Valentine’s Day needs a little mystery to keep things interesting. These 2026 releases blend “happily ever after” with “who dunnit.”
1.”Without A Clue” by Melissa Ferguson
Imagine a luxury book cruise (the dream!) that turns into a nightmare when a body is found. Penelope has to team up with a charming Western author named Nash to find the killer. Think Knives Out meets a steamy rom-com.
2. “How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates” by Shailee Thompson
Don’t let the title scare you off, this is a wild ride. After a speed-dating event ends in a literal massacre, Jamie Prescott has to survive the night while wondering if the killer is actually trying to… woo her? It’s dark, it’s funny, and it’s totally unique.
✨ Fated Matches & Second Chances in New Romance Books
If you prefer your romance with a dash of destiny or a redo, these titles are calling your name:
- “One & Only” by Maurene Goo: A family business with a 100% guarantee for finding “the one”—except for the protagonist. This is a brilliant exploration of fated love vs. real-world chemistry.
- “The Re-Do List” by Denise Williams: Willow wants a “do-over” after a breakup and enlists her brother’s best friend to help. We all know how “brother’s best friend” stories end, and we are here for it.
- “Maybe This Once” by Sophie Sullivan: A viral video brings two opposites together in a “let’s just have fun” arrangement. (Spoiler: It’s never just fun).
📚 More Anticipated 2026 Romance Releases
Keep an eye out for these sequels and new standalone novels from your favorite heavy-hitters:
- “The Night We Met“ by Abby Jimenez
- “The Romance Revival“ by Christina Lauren
- “Fever Dream“ by Elsie Silver
- “And Now, Back to You“ by B.K. Borison
- “Like in Love with You“ by Emma R. Alban (A must-read Sapphic historical!)
Which of these 2026 new romance books are you grabbing first?
Whether you’re looking for a spicy hockey player or a fated match, 2026 is delivering the goods. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to ignore your chores and dive into a new world.
For a classic take on valentines Day, check out my review of Burning Daylight by Emily McIntire.
Leave a Reply