Every year I look forward to this post more than almost any other, my list of the tops books I can’t wait to read this year. There is just something about a fresh year of releases that feels full of possibility, new favorite characters, late-night reading sessions, and stories that stay with you long after the last page.
For 2026, my TBR is already stacked with so many auto-buy authors. Karin Slaughter is back with another thriller I’m counting down the days for, Kate Quinn has a new historical novel I already know will break my heart in the best way, and several other favorites are releasing books that are basically “shut up and take my money” titles for me.
This list is a mix of gripping thrillers, emotional historical fiction, a few swoony romances, and the kinds of books that remind me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. Some are from authors I’ve followed for years, others are exciting new voices I can’t wait to discover but every single one of these 26 books has earned a top spot on my most anticipated list for 2026.
I have copies of the majority of these, and will be linking my reviews as I read them. I will also be sharing my Monthly Most Anticipated Lists which will have all of the books I’m looking forward to in the coming months. Be sure to follow my blog for weekly updates and to get notified when those new lists drop! Now keep scrolling to see which books should be on your radar heading into the new year.
For complete lists of my Most Anticipated for the winter months, make sure to sign up to receive updates, as those will be out in the upcoming weeks. And be sure to check out some of my previous lists if you want something to read that’s out now.
Winter 2026 Most Anticipated
January 2026 Most Anticipated
Winter 2025 Most Anticipated
Reviews
Adrift Review
The Briars Review
The Future Saints Review
A Box Full of Darkness Review
These are just some of the many books I’m looking forward to in the next few months and in 2026 in general. Are any of these on your list? What others are you looking forward to this year? Feel free to DM me on Instagram @speakingof.books , Tiktok @speakingof.books or comment below!