There’s something about looking ahead to a brand-new year of books that makes me completely forget about the hundreds of unread books already sitting on my shelves. New releases, returning favorite authors, highly anticipated sequels, and the possibility of finding my next five-star read? Sign me up. And while I’m still working my way through my 2026 TBR, I’ve already got one eye firmly on 2027.
Every year, putting together my Most Anticipated list is one of my favorite things to do, and 2027 is shaping up to be another incredible year for readers. Between twisty thrillers, dark mysteries, fantasy worlds I can’t wait to get lost in, romances worth staying up way too late for, and a few books that are completely outside my usual reading comfort zone, there is a lot to be excited about. We have some familiar favorites returning, highly anticipated releases from authors I’ll read just about anything from, and a handful of books that have caught my attention for one reason or another.
Originally, I planned to narrow this down to 27 books for 2027. A perfectly reasonable number, right? Except apparently I have absolutely no self-control when it comes to books, so we’re going with 27 plus one bonus pick. Because 28 just doesn’t have the same ring to it, and I couldn’t bring myself to cut another one.
Of course, these are just the books at the very top of my radar right now. I’ll continue sharing my monthly Most Anticipated lists throughout the year, featuring even more upcoming releases, hidden gems, and books I think deserve a spot on your TBR. As I make my way through these titles, I’ll also be updating this post with links to my full reviews, so you can follow along and see which ones actually live up to the hype.
So whether you’re already planning your 2027 reading goals, looking for your next favorite author, or simply here to add more books to a TBR that’s already wildly out of control (same), I’ve got you covered.
Here are the 27 books I’m most looking forward to in 2027… plus one I just couldn’t leave behind.
Happy reading, and let me know which 2027 releases you’re most excited about!
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 Most Anticipated
November Most Anticipated
December Most Anticipated
27 Most Anticipated
The mystery and thriller lineup is already looking ridiculously good, and honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less from some of these authors. Kate Alice Marshall is back with The One We Buried, which combines a mysterious retreat, secrets from the past, and murder. Basically, everything I want in a thriller. Amy Tintera’s The Worst Wife might be one of my most anticipated releases of the year, especially after Listen for the Lie. A wealthy husband goes missing, his third wife becomes the obvious suspect, and there’s a decades-old murder complicating things? Yes, please. Jessa Maxwell’s The Last Match takes us to an exclusive matchmaking retreat where fifty singles have a lot more to worry about than finding love. And then there’s The Night Nanny by Sarah Pekkanen, The Fire by Kristin Hannah, and Somewhere, Something Incredible by Susan Hensner, all adding to an already stacked year of suspenseful, intriguing fiction, and historical ficiton.
Summer is shaping up to be a particularly good reading season, with some of my favorite authors returning. Abby Jimenez has The Things We Leave Behind, Carley Fortune is bringing us One Golden Summer, Taylor Jenkins Reid brings The Last Days of Vic & Coco, and Emily Henry has Modern Classics on the way. At this point, these authors could probably announce a book about absolutely nothing, and I’d still add it to my TBR. I’m also looking forward to The Unrequited Love Department by Kristin Forest, The Two-Body Problem by Ali Hazelwood, and All Together Now by Julie Buxbaum. Between the romance, complicated relationships, and inevitable emotional damage, I’m fully expecting to spend at least part of the summer laughing, crying, and questioning why I willingly put myself through this.
Fantasy and romantasy readers aren’t being left out either. Rebecca Ross is returning with Bittersweet Spell, and after falling in love with her writing, I’m always excited to see what she does next. The Stars Look Like Home by TJ Klune (starring a dog that doesn’t die? yes please) and The Only Immortals by Laura Steven are also high on my radar, along with Night Tide by Lexi Ryan. And of course, there’s Whiteout by Carola Lovering, and another installment from Travis Baldree, Four Bastards and Baby. I love that this year’s fantasy selections range from stories that promise magic and romance to books that feel a little darker or more adventurous. If 2027 gives me even one new fictional world I become completely obsessed with, I’ll consider it a success.
And while I’m always going to gravitate toward a good thriller or romance, some of the books I’m most curious about are the ones that don’t fit neatly into either category. Rainbow Capital by Chuck Tingle is bringing corporate horror into the mix, following a struggling actress who discovers that a seemingly life-changing opportunity comes with some pretty terrifying strings attached. The Long Night Looms by Cassidy and Newphoria! by Olive Blake are also among the more intriguing additions to my list. I love finding books with premises that sound a little strange, a little unexpected, or completely unlike anything else I’ve read. Sometimes those are the ones that end up surprising me the most.
And finally, there are the sequels and returning worlds that already have me impatiently waiting for 2027. Karin Slaughter’s third North Falls book is easily one of my most anticipated, and I’m ready for more small-town secrets, complicated characters, and whatever chaos she has planned next. We Don’t Call Them Cages by Luke Dumas, Hunting Season by Brynne Weaver, and Little Spark by Jess Kidd round out some of the other releases that immediately caught my attention. There are still covers to be revealed, release dates to be finalized, and undoubtedly more books that will find their way onto my radar before the year is over.
If this is what my 2027 TBR looks like before the year has even started, I think it’s safe to say my reading plans are already getting a little out of hand. But with this many exciting releases from authors I love and new stories I can’t wait to dive into, I can’t exactly complain.
Reviews
Coming soon…
These are just some of the many books I’m looking forward to in the next few months and in 2027 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!