10 Must-Read Romance Books Coming Out in January 2026
- Joao Nsita
- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
Introduction
If your TBR is already overflowing, get ready to make just a little more room because the January 2026 romance lineup is coming in HOT. New year, new books, new fictional crushes to obsess over at 2am. As we shake off the holiday season and settle into the winter chill, there is nothing quite like diving into a fresh stack of love stories to warm things up.
The romance genre continues to dominate the literary world, and 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for diverse, innovative, and deeply emotional storytelling. Trends for early 2026 indicate a surge in "Romantasy" (romance fantasy), niche sports romances (moving beyond hockey to Formula 1 and soccer), and a delightful return to "Cozy Romance" where the stakes are emotional rather than life-or-death. We are also seeing a rise in "Romance Author Heroines," where the protagonists themselves are writers navigating the industry—a meta-twist that readers adore.
These January 2026 romance book releases deliver everything we love: swoony second-chance love stories, rivals-to-lovers tension, sapphic slow burns, sports romance heat levels bordering on scandalous, and enough spice to keep us entertained all winter. Whether you’re in the mood for cozy vibes, high-stakes drama, or the kind of adorable banter that makes you grin like an unhinged gremlin at your phone, there’s a January 2026 romance here with your name on it!
What I love about the January 2026 romance line-up is how varied it is…celeb crushes, academic mysteries, reality-TV chaos, forbidden workplace sparks, and a bit of globe-trotting adventure. So fluff up your coziest blanket, fire up that reading nook, and let’s dive into the January 2026 romance books you absolutely need on your radar! Your future favorite read might be waiting just a scroll away.
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10. The Re-Do List by Denise Williams
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Second Chance Release Date: January 27, 2026
Kicking off our list is a heartwarming tale of reclaiming your past to build a future. Willow shared all her big firsts with her high school sweetheart—until their very public breakup left her craving a do-over. While dog-sitting during her brother’s deployment, she creates a “Re-Do List,” and his best friend Deacon steps in to help her reclaim everything she missed.
Deacon promised to look after Willow…and to keep his hands off her. But as innocent first dances turn into first kisses and beyond, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. With Willow’s time in town running out and Deacon torn between love and loyalty, they must decide if their second chances can lead to a forever of their own. This book perfectly taps into the "Second Chance Romance" trope that remains a perennial favorite among readers.
9. Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Retelling Release Date: January 2026
For fans of classic literature retellings, this is a must-read. Anne Gallagher has always lived her life like a story—specifically Anne of Green Gables. Growing up on Mackinac Island, she embraced her fictional namesake’s imagination, red hair, and dreams of teaching, writing, and finding a storybook romance. But when her relationship crumbles, work falls apart, and her father dies suddenly, Anne returns home to face a life no novel ever prepared her for.
Back in her childhood house—and reunited with Joe Miller, the boy who once called her “The Pest”—Anne must confront her past and decide what she truly wants, crafting a happy ending that’s finally her own. It’s a cozy, nostalgic read that fits perfectly with the "Cottagecore" aesthetic trending on TikTok.
8. The Magic of Untamed Hearts by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Genre: Magical Realism / Paranormal Romance Release Date: January 13, 2026
If you love your romance with a dash of magic, look no further. Sky Flores has always been different—vanishing into the woods as a child, returning without explanation, and chatting with animals more easily than people. Her magic makes her an outsider in the small town of Cranberry. But her neighbor, Adam Noemi, has problems of his own: a fallen-from-grace reporter desperate for the career-saving story only Sky can give.
She’ll agree to an exclusive interview on one condition—Adam must publicly befriend her. As secrets unfold and trust grows, their arrangement blossoms into something deeper. But for love to flourish, Adam must embrace a life beyond logic, and Sky must risk opening her enchanted heart. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy the "Grumpy x Sunshine" dynamic with a supernatural twist.
7. Honor by Danielle Baker
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Small Town Release Date: January 2026
Prepare for emotional devastation in the best way possible. Wildland firefighting is all Xander has ever known—dangerous, consuming, and the reason he’s sworn off relationships after watching the job destroy his parents’ marriage. But everything shifts when Teddy, his best friend’s sister and the woman he’s quietly loved for years, moves in down the street.
Newly widowed, pregnant, and raising two kids, Teddy guards her heart fiercely. Xander is determined to earn her trust and prove he’s here to stay. Yet as superintendent, his crew comes first. With Teddy’s future on the line, Xander must choose between the only life he’s ever known…and the only woman he’s ever loved. This touches on the "Found Family" and "Protector" tropes that always pull at the heartstrings.
6. Drive Me Crazy by Lizzy Dent
Genre: Sports Romance / Formula 1 Release Date: January 2026
Formula 1 romance is having a major moment in 2025/2026, and Lizzy Dent is here to rev our engines. Chloe Coleman is one of Formula 1’s first female team principals, and she’s determined to turn her struggling team into champions. Her biggest obstacle? The arrival of Matt Warner—once a superstar driver, now disgraced after a career-derailing crash, and the childhood crush she’s tried to forget.
Matt needs a comeback, but working under Chloe ignites a spark neither anticipated. As the season intensifies and old wounds collide with new desire, their chemistry threatens to upend everything. With the world watching, they must decide whether love will drive them forward—or send their careers spinning out.
5. Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel
Genre: Reality TV Romance / Workplace Release Date: January 2026
Georgia Rose isn’t joining the hit reality show Love Shack for romance—she’s undercover, determined to expose the producers and land her dream journalism job. But everything implodes when Rhett Auburn, the country star she shared a sizzling one-night stand with last year, arrives as the show’s new host.
As Georgia navigates scheming contestants, producer manipulation, and outrageous on-camera dates, she must hide both her identity and her history with Rhett. Yet their off-camera chemistry feels dangerously real. With her investigation closing in, risking her career for a second chance at love may be the boldest move she makes on screen. This taps into the "Reality TV" subgenre that has been exploding on Kindle Unlimited.
4. Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur
Genre: Sapphic Romance / Sports Release Date: January 2026
Poppy Peterson is finally thriving as publicist to rising NFL star—and lifelong best friend—Cash Curran. So she’s less than thrilled when he publicly flirts with America’s pop princess, Lyric Adair. Expecting a showdown with Lyric’s formidable publicist, Rosaline Sinclair, Poppy is shocked to learn Lyric is just as interested.
As Cash and Lyric plunge into a chaotic romance, Poppy and Rosaline team up to manage the fallout, clashing at every turn. But one unexpected, steamy night changes everything. With paparazzi and obsessed fans closing in, the two women must decide where their true loyalties—and hearts—lie. Alexandria Bellefleur is a master of "opposites attract" sapphic romances, and this one promises to be a touchdown.
3. The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura
Genre: Adventure Romance / Action Release Date: January 13, 2026
Channeling The Mummy and Indiana Jones, this book is pure adventure romance gold. Librarian Daniela Guiterrez has loved her brother’s best friend, Dr. Theo Galanis, forever—right up until he vanished on an archaeological dig a year ago. On a trip to Greece, Dani discovers he’s alive…and being held hostage by artifact smugglers hunting a legendary gemstone, the Eye of the Minotaur.
Forced to pretend they’re engaged to stay alive, Dani’s research skills and Theo’s expertise become their best shot at solving a centuries-old mystery before time runs out. But as they dodge criminals, secret societies, and ancient clues, the biggest risk may be falling in love for real.
2. Two Left Feet by Kallie Emblidge
Genre: MM Romance / Sports Release Date: January 2026
Soccer (or football) romance is another growing trend, and this MM story looks incredible. Oliver Harris is London football royalty—steady, skilled, and the pride of the Camden Roses. But a new coach, a dangerous injury, and a rising young recruit threaten everything he’s built. That recruit, Leo Davies-Villanueva, returns from Spain desperate for a second chance with the club of his childhood.
Oliver finds Leo infuriating…until admiration turns to friendship, and friendship to something far riskier. Leo wants partnership on and off the pitch, but Oliver has kept his sexuality locked down in a league with no out players. As the season intensifies, winning might cost them everything—or give them both exactly what they’ve been afraid to want.
1. The Odds of You by Kate Dramis
Genre: Celebrity Romance / Contemporary Release Date: January 2026
Taking our top spot is a book that perfectly blends "fan culture" with high-stakes romance. Sage Collins once trusted data more than dreams—until she ditched her analyst life, wrote a runaway bestseller, and promptly crashed on book two. On a flight to Comic Con, she collides with Theo Sharpe, a charming British actor on the brink of superstardom, and a paparazzi mix-up casts her as his mysterious new girlfriend.
To the world, there’s nothing between them, but Sage sees layers behind his practiced smile. Fleeing to Scotland to salvage her writing, she doesn’t expect Theo to follow…or to become the one variable she never could predict. It features the "Fake Dating" trope, a British hero, and a writer heroine—a trifecta of romance perfection.
Conclusion
January 2026 is starting the year off with a bang for romance readers. From the high-speed thrills of Formula 1 tracks to the quiet magic of a small-town neighbor, these books offer an escape for every type of reader. Whether you are looking for trending tropes like "fake dating" or "enemies to lovers," or seeking out specific sub-genres like "sapphic sports romance," this list has you covered.
Don't forget to support your favorite authors by pre-ordering their books or requesting them at your local library. And if you need something to listen to while you wait for your book delivery, check out our collection of audio rom-coms!
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FAQs
1. What are the biggest romance book trends for 2026? Expect to see a rise in "Romantasy" (romance fantasy), sports romances featuring Formula 1 and soccer, and cozy, low-stakes romances that focus on emotional growth.
2. Are any of these books available on Kindle Unlimited? While availability varies by region and publisher, many contemporary romance authors release titles on Kindle Unlimited shortly after publication. Check Amazon for specific listings closer to the release date.
3. Which book on this list has the most spice? The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura and Two Left Feet by Kallie Emblidge are expected to have high heat levels, blending action/sports intensity with steamy romance.
4. Are there any LGBTQ+ romances on this list? Yes! Two Left Feet is an MM sports romance, and Playing for Keeps is a sapphic (FF) romance.
5. What is "Romantasy"? Romantasy is a sub-genre blending romance and fantasy elements. The Magic of Untamed Hearts on this list fits this category with its magical realism elements.
6. Do any of these books feature the "fake dating" trope? Yes, The Lust Crusade and The Odds of You both feature fake dating/engagement plotlines.
7. Where can I find romance book subscription boxes for 2026? Popular services like Book of the Month, Illumicrate (Afterlight), and The darkly romance box often feature new releases. Check their websites for January 2026 selections.
8. Is The Re-Do List part of a series? It appears to be a standalone novel, though Denise Williams often sets books in connected universes.
9. What are the best romance audiobooks for 2026? Many of these titles will release simultaneously on Audible. Look out for The Odds of You and Drive Me Crazy for engaging narration.
10. How can I support indie romance authors? Pre-ordering their books, leaving reviews on Goodreads and Amazon during release week, and requesting their books at your local library are great ways to support them.
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