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New romance books to read in 2026

New romance books to read in 2026

26 May 2026

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The good news is that there are plenty of new romance books coming out in 2026. The bad news is that nobody has time to read all of them. That’s why we’ve done the research (and reading) for you and curated the following list of unmissable new romances, categorised by subgenre and trope.

So, whether you’re looking for a new enemies-to-lovers romantasy, a steamy dark romance, or a more light-hearted rom-com, there’s something for every romance lover in our selection below –  and they make for perfect summer reads.

Popular romance books right now

These picks are based on a mix of recent bestseller lists, media buzz, retailer performance, and emerging reader interest.

In contemporary: Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
In romantasy: Riftborne by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox
In rom-com: The Project by Annie Lord
In sports romance: On Thin Ice by Emily Rath
In dark romance: Hunt the Villain by Rina Kent
In paperback: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Contemporary

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Publication date: 7^thMay 2026

The latest sun-soaked love story from bestselling author Carley Fortune is the dose of escapism we all need from a holiday read. Best friends Frankie and George are at a crossroads in their friendship, then Frankie is suddenly left at the altar. Will going on her would-be honeymoon together save their friendship, or change it entirely?

Key tropes: friends to lovers, only one bed.

Don’t Fall in Love with Me by Paige Toon

Publication date: 23^rd April 2026

In this slow-burn romance, Grace is torn between the newly single Jackson, whom she has been in love with since she was a teenager, and a new spark with a former flame called Etienne. Over the course of one summer in the south of France, Grace gets closer to them both and faces an impossible decision.

Key tropes: love triangle, second-chance romance.

Crash Into Me by Robinne Lee

Publication date: 9^th July 2026

The author of the international bestseller The Idea of You returns with a new forbidden romance that’s full of yearning. Cecilia moves to LA for her husband’s job and runs into Anouk Ferrand: a model she worked with on a shoot in Mexico back in 1996. As they recall their wild days together, the spark between them reignites, forcing Cecilia to question what she wants out of life.

Key tropes: second chance, forbidden romance.

People in Love by Claire Daverley

Publication date: 4^th June 2026

If you like a romance that tugs at the heartstrings, we recommend this poetic love story. On the eve of Nora’s engagement party, her former best friend Bren reappears, and Nora finds her heart torn in two. Like Claire Daverley’s debut novel Talking at Night, People in Love magnifies the everyday intimacies that make up our lives, and the what-ifs that haunt us.

Key tropes: childhood best friends, the one that got away.

Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor

Publication date: 19^th March 2026

This literary love story is moving, sharp, and thought-provoking, while also transporting you to the heat of a New York City summer. Wyeth, a young Black painter searching for his place in the Manhattan art scene, collides with Keating, a white former priest struggling with his faith. Despite having nothing in common, the two men feel an instant spark and a relationship unfolds that enriches their lives in different ways.

Key tropes: opposites attract.

Romantasy

Riftborne by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox

Publication date: 23^rd April 2026

This new romantasy novel, which was an instant Sunday Times bestseller on its week of publication, is our new obsession – and perfect if you’re missing the high-stakes, high-tension world of Fourth Wing. When Fia Riftborne’s secret power is discovered, she is forced to enlist in the corrupt Sidhe Guard and work for an elusive general who consumes her every thought.

Key tropes: enemies-to-lovers, secret powers, surviving war.

The Gravewood by Kelly Andrew

Publication date: 23^rd April 2026

Another instant Sunday Times bestseller, The Gravewood is a darkly romantic vampire romance that is getting a lot of buzz because of its unique premise and sizzling chemistry. Shea is caught in a love triangle between Oliver Lysander, the cutthroat leader of a vampire gang whom she relies on for protection, and Asher, an army general and her best friend’s older brother.

Key tropes: love triangle, paranormal romance.

Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

Publication date: 26^th February 2026

Weavingshaw has all the ingredients of a romantasy – a heroine with a unique power is indebted to a morally grey character – but also subverts these tropes. The result? A surprising, refreshing read with a gothic atmosphere, slow-burn romance, and a hero who’s flawed but not controlling. Leena trades her darkest secret, her ability to speak to the dead, with the Saint of Silence in order to save her brother, but is pulled into his scheme to find the ghost of the lord of Weavingshaw.

Key tropes: slow-burn romance, yearning.

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

Publication date: 7^th April 2026

In this highly anticipated sequel to Shield of Sparrows, Odessa has been separated from her beloved Ransom and must try to protect a young girl from a world full of monsters. The plot is fast-moving, with a second love story woven in, and the emotional stakes continue to build until they reach a heartbreaking conclusion.

Key tropes: forced proximity, found family, ‘touch her and die’ dynamic.

Broken Dove by Dani Francis

Publication date: 12^th May 2026

Last year, we couldn’t get enough of Dani Francis’ spicy dystopian debut Silver Elite here at Penguin HQ. Her sequel, Broken Dove, is just as captivating. In a world where Primes control the Mods, Wren Darlington is working with the Uprising to overthrow those in power. Her former commander Cross Redden hopes to change things from within the Primes’ ranks. But as tensions rise, and a former friend reappears, Wren questions who she can trust – with her gifts and her heart.

Key tropes: love triangle, betrayal, dystopian setting.

For more romantasy recommendations, check out our guide to the best romantasy books of all time.

Rom-coms

The Project by Annie Lord

Publication date: 16^th July 2026

Annie Lord’s debut novel is as funny, relevant, and sharp as you would expect from the popular Vogue dating columnist. Daisy and Maya are exasperated by the dire dating scene in London and decide to transform their hopeless friend James into an eligible bachelor, taking him everywhere from house parties to feminist book clubs. But “the project” takes a turn when Daisy starts seeing James in a new light…

Key tropes: friends-to-lovers, opposites attract.

The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Publication date: 13^th February 2025

Ever wondered what it would be like to watch your ex on a reality dating show? That’s what happens to Temi in The Re-Write when Wale breaks up with her to go on Love Villa. Months later, Temi is asked to ghost-write the memoir of a celebrity – who turns out to be Wale. This warm, funny second-chance romance is not just about love; it’s about learning to be honest with yourself and others.

Key tropes: second-chance romance, lovers to enemies and back to lovers.

The Last to Know by Laura Jane Williams

Publication date: 11^th June 2026

This uplifting romantic comedy sees Ash and CJ compete for the attention of the same man, sabotaging each other’s dates to ruin each other’s chances. But as they spend more time together, their friends start to wonder: are they fighting over a man or fighting their feelings for each other?

Key tropes: enemies to lovers.

Sports romance

The Open Era by Edward Schmit

Publication date: 4^th June 2026

If you’re still mentally in the world of Heated Rivalry, you’ll love this steamy new sports romance, which is also one of the best paperbacks of 2026. Austin and Diego are tennis pros set to compete against each other in the Grand Slam tournament. But when their unlikely off-pitch friendship blossoms into romance, it has disastrous consequences for Austin’s tennis performance. Can they find a way to be together without sabotaging their careers?

Key tropes: rivals to lovers, celebrity.

First and Forever by Lynn Painter

Publication date: 21^st May 2026

Expect quick-fire wit, sizzling chemistry, and a twist on the usual tropes in the latest rom-com from the author of Better Than the Movies. Football fan Duffy has fiery banter with football star Connor Cunningham during a live interview and the viewers are obsessed. So, Connor’s PR team convinces him to ask Duffy out and they start dating, with her unaware that it’s a publicity stunt. But things get more complicated when they fall in love for real…

Key tropes: secret bet, celebrity.

On Thin Ice by Olivia Belle

Publication date: 9^th April 2026

In this fake-dating sports romance, disgraced and disgruntled Hollywood star Luca Vasvault is paired up with the bubbly professional ice skater Matilda Stevens for Stars on Ice. Initially, the pair clash, but when they realise they could both benefit from a “showmance”, they play up their attraction for the cameras. Even so, there’s no faking that kind of chemistry.

Key tropes: grumpy-sunshine, fake dating.

Dark romance

Hunt the Villain by Rina Kent

Publication date: 24^th March 2026

In the latest standalone spin-off from Rina Kent’s popular Legacy of Gods series, two mafia heirs fight their growing attraction for each other. Vaughn and Yulian are enemies at first sight but, as they are forced to spend more time together, their rivalry turns into sexual attraction (with plenty of spice), leaving them to wonder what they’ll risk for love.

If you're new to this subgenre and don't know where to start, check out our beginner's guide to dark romance.

Key tropes: mafia romance, spice, enemies to lovers.

Dove by Paisley Hope

Publication date: 1^st January 2026

This fierce love story contains witty banter and spicy scenes in equal measure. Struggling college student Layla Monroe is drawn to Sean “Ax” Hunter, the leader of the Hounds of Hell motorcycle club who helps her investigate what happened to her parents after they died in suspicious circumstances. The pair have instant chemistry, but will that be enough when the odds are stacked against them?

Key tropes: forced proximity, bad boy, biker romance.

The Syndicator by RuNyx

Publication date: 27^th November 2025

This is the explosive finale to Darkverse, the dark mafia romance series that took BookTok by storm. In The Syndicator, the sixth book in the series, four couples work together to take down the corrupt Syndicate organisation. We can’t say much more without spoiling the plot, but this is definitely a book you’ll speed through – and then feel bereft once it’s over.

Key tropes: mafia romance.

Highly anticipated romances from new authors

Love Galaxy by Sierra Branham

Publication date: 7^th May 2026

If you like your books with rich worldbuilding, sapphic yearning, and political intrigue, you’ll love this queer sci-fi romance from a new voice in fiction. Temmi lands a coveted spot on Love Galaxy, the intergalactic dating show where 24 contestants compete to win over the brother and sister heirs to the Empire. Temmi is supposed to seduce the shy, bookish prince – but she’s fallen for his sister instead. Meanwhile, the show is rocked by a series of mysterious contestant deaths and whispers of rebellion on-set.

Key tropes: dating show, forbidden romance, yearning.

If Books Could Kill by Katie Eberle

Publication date: 18^th June 2026

Have you ever loved a book so much you wish you could live within its pages? That’s what leads Roxie to wish she could be the heroine of her favourite romance author’s next novel – not realising that the author is actually penning a thriller. Roxie kidnaps crime fiction expert Grant Hoffman to help her survive, and the line between fact and fiction – and friend and lover – gets blurry in this fun, fast-paced and clever read that plays on your favourite tropes.

Key tropes: meta love story, opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine.

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier

Publication date: 7^th July 2026

If you love a messy love story and an even messier heroine, we strongly recommend Every Version of You. Joey has been in love with Elijah since they were teenagers, but she never made a move – and now he’s married. But when she dies in a freak accident, Joey is given the chance to be 18 again and to make some different life choices. This original love story is a wild ride, with plot twists and palpable chemistry, and already counts Carley Fortune and Yulin Kuang among its fans.

Key tropes: love triangle, time travel, second-chance romance.

Popular romances coming to paperback in 2026

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

Kiran Desai (Author)

Buy from:

Great Big Beautiful Life

Emily Henry (Author)

Buy from:

Consider Yourself Kissed

Jessica Stanley (Author)

Buy from:

Three Summers

Karen Swan (Author)

Buy from:

Open, Heaven

Seán Hewitt (Author)

Buy from:

Atmosphere

Taylor Jenkins Reid (Author)

Buy from:

Frequently asked questions

What romance books are trending right now?

The top romance books change week on week, especially during the summer months but, at the time of writing, the bestselling titles include Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen, Don’t Fall in Love With Me by Paige Toon, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, Chasing the Fire by Paisley Hope, and Riftborne by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox. For the most up-to-date bestsellers, check out our romance page.

What is the most popular romance subgenre of 2026?

Romantasy continues to be the most popular subgenre within romance in 2026. However, within romantasy, there are plenty of inventive new twists on the genre that keep emerging – like the gothic vampire romance of Weavingshaw, the dark romance of RuNyx’s novels, or the spicy dystopia of Broken Dove.

What romance book tropes should you look out for?

When it comes to popular tropes, there are some that will never go out of style: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and opposites attract are fan favourites for a reason. However, this year we’re seeing a few more friends-to-lovers and second-chance romances hitting our shelves.

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