40 Brand-New January 2026 Books to Read

Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox

If you’re looking for a romance with a cozy mystery twist, you’ll want to pick up Definitely Maybe Not a Detective. It follows Emersyn, whose fake detective agency is accidentally drawn into solving a real murder investigation. Teaming up with a handsome stranger who agrees to play along, she suddenly finds herself juggling clues, nosy neighbours, and unexpected chemistry. It sounds like the perfect cozy mystery to curl up with this winter and gives off some Finlay Donovan vibes—so I feel like I’m going to love this one!

Drive Me Crazy by Lizzy Dent

Fans of Formula 1 don’t want to miss this upcoming F1 romance. Drive Me Crazy follows Chloe, a motivated team principal trying to rebuild her struggling crew, and Matt, the once-legendary driver who also happens to be the childhood crush she’s never quite forgotten. As they fight to salvage their careers and navigate the high-stakes world of racing, their chemistry is as strong as the competition around them. I feel like this will be a fast-paced, swoon-worthy read perfect for sports romance fans.

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

Meet the Newmans sounds like it will be a really entertaining read. Set against the changing backdrop of 1964, this novel follows America’s “perfect” TV family as their polished façade begins to crack both on- and off-screen. Secrets, scandals, and shifting cultural expectations push each member of the Newman family to their limits, especially when a mysterious accident forces them to confront the truth behind their carefully constructed image. I have a feeling this will be a complicated and heartfelt story that’s perfect for readers who enjoy messy family dynamics and a bit of behind-the-scenes drama.

Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur

Alexandria Bellefleur’s next sapphic rom-com follows two rival publicists who are forced into close quarters when their superstar clients, a pop icon and an NFL quarterback, spark a very public romance. With workplace tension, forced proximity, and a secret relationship that quickly turns steamy, Playing for Keeps sounds like the perfect rom-com for so many readers. I think it’s perfect for readers who love messy, complicated feelings and high-stakes love.

Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz

If you’re looking for a romantasy to read this January, try Rings of Fate. It follows a cynical barmaid who doesn’t believe in fairy tales and meets a cursed prince who’s living one—and pretending to be engaged might be the only way they both survive. As Aren and Dietan set off on a dangerous journey filled with political intrigue, deadly magic, and monstrous threats, their fake engagement starts to feel a little too real. With high-stakes adventure and slow-burn tension, I think many readers and fans of Melissa de la Cruz will love this one.

The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

If you’re anything like me, you love a book about books. Jennifer Moorman’s The Charmed Library sounds like a warm, magical story about libraries, childhood stories, and the readers who fall for their fictional heroes. When Stella, an assistant librarian, discovers that characters can step out of books and that her first fictional crush is now standing right in front of her, magic, chaos, and an unexpected romance quickly follow. I think this one will be cozy, heartfelt, and full of all the bookish charm readers crave.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

Laura Dave’s newest release is a gripping sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. When Hannah’s long-missing husband suddenly reappears, she and her stepdaughter are thrust back into a dangerous race to stay one step ahead of the past. I think fans can expect this story to be emotional and tense as it explores second chances, forgiveness, and how far people will go to protect the ones they love.

The Odds of You by Kate Dramis

A chance encounter, a case of mistaken identity, and a fake relationship that feels a little too real await you in The Odds of You. When struggling author Sage is mistaken for the girlfriend of rising movie star Theo, the lines between publicity and genuine feelings start to blur. With writer’s block, celebrity chaos, and a romantic escape to Scotland, this one is perfect for those looking for a complex, emotional romance with plenty of witty banter.

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab

Fans of historical fiction do not want to miss The Star Society. Set against the glamour of post-war Hollywood and the rising fear of the Red Scare, this one follows two sisters reunited after World War II—each carrying secrets that could destroy them both. Ada is a former Dutch resistance fighter turned rising movie star, and Ingrid is a politically driven investigator sent to root out Communist threats. As their loyalties are tested and their past and present collide, their sisterhood is put to the test. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, this one sounds like a gripping story that blends suspense and sisterhood. I’m very intrigued by this one!

The Starseekers by Nicole Glover

Pitched as a mix of Indiana Jones and Hidden Figures, this historical fantasy follows Cynthia, a brilliant NASA engineer and amateur sleuth who uncovers a deadly mystery threatening the 1960s space race. When a colleague’s accident seems more like murder, she teams up with a charming archaeologist to follow a trail of curses, sabotage and stolen magic. It sounds like a great mix of adventure, mystery and romance.

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

The Storm is an upcoming mystery set on the Gulf Coast at a seaside motel, where hurricanes aren’t the only deadly force at work. When a true-crime writer arrives in town alongside the woman long accused of murder, old secrets begin to surface as another devastating storm approaches. It sounds like a moody, suspenseful story about obsession, buried truths, and the danger of keeping things hidden.

Through the Gates of Garnet and Gold by Senan McGuire

A beloved character returns in this eerie addition to the Wayward Children series, where Nancy is forced to return to Eleanor West’s school after a frightening threat begins to consume the Halls of the Dead. With living statues falling to the already dead, she must rally former classmates for a dangerous quest into a world where death knows no boundaries. I have no doubt this will be atmospheric, haunting, and filled with the signature magic I’ve come to love in this series. I can’t wait to pick this one up!

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

A case of mistaken identity draws two women into a dangerous game when they agree to switch lives for just twelve hours. When a husband turns up dead the next morning, secrets unravel, and only one of them can prove where she was. Anatomy of an Alibi will be perfect for fans of clever, addictive mysteries with twists and stories where nothing is quite as it seems.

Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

If you loved Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone’s holiday romance books, you don’t want to miss their next release. This rom-com features Maddie, a new adjunct seeking a fresh start, and Bram, a single dad professor who isn’t looking for any temptations. When Maddie unexpectedly becomes his kids’ nanny, their witty banter quickly sparks irresistible chemistry, blurring all the boundaries they try to set. I think if you like books like The Nanny, you’ll enjoy this one.

Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez

Set in a dangerous, magic-forbidden Florence, this romantasy follows Ravenna, a sculptor whose hidden power is revealed when she enters a high-stakes contest to save her brother. Captured by an immortal family and drawn into the world of their ruthless heir, she’s forced to navigate dangerous politics, rising tensions, and her own shifting loyalties. It sounds atmospheric and full of moments that will keep me turning the page. Isabel Ibañez’s adult debut is not to be missed!

Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Emily Austin’s next release is a powerful novel about a librarian navigating grief, mental health, and the fight for intellectual freedom. As Darcy returns to work after a breakdown and faces book-banning protests in her community, she’s forced to reckon with her past and redefine who she wants to be. Is This a Cry for Help? sounds like it will be a moving story about adulthood, chosen family, and the power of libraries.

Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel

When a journalist joins a reality dating show to write an exposé, the last person she expects to see is the country music star she had a one-night stand with—now hosting the show. As their fake romance for the cameras turns into very real feelings, secrets, producer drama, and tension threaten to blow everything up. If you’re a fan of The Bachelor and other reality dating shows, as well as second-chance romance, you’re going to love this debut!

The Briars by Sarah Crouch

Set in a remote Pacific Northwest mountain town, The Briars is an atmospheric thriller that follows a game warden whose search for peace collides with a killer. As Annie becomes entangled in a close-knit community that protects its own and forms a wary connection with a man hiding secrets of his own, the danger closes in fast. This one sounds suspenseful and perfect for fans of small-town mysteries.

The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura

If you love adventure rom-coms, you don’t want to miss The Lust Crusade. It follows Dani, a librarian with a long-standing crush, who discovers her brother’s best friend is held hostage during a trip to Greece. Forced to fake an engagement to stay alive, she and Theo team up to unravel a mythic mystery tied to the Eye of the Minotaur while dodging smugglers and ancient secrets. It sounds like a fun, fast-paced blend of danger, chemistry, and adventure.

Woman Down by Colleen Hoover

If you’re a fan of Colleen Hoover, you need to pick up her upcoming release. Woman Down follows a struggling author who retreats to a remote lakeside cabin in search of inspiration—only to discover her muse in a detective who may not be what he seems. As creativity returns and reality blurs, obsession and danger creep in. I think this will be a dark, addictive mystery that many readers will enjoy.

You’ll Never Forget Me by Isha Raya

After accidentally killing her rival, a struggling actress seizes the chance to step into the life and career she’s always wanted. But when a private investigator closes in, the pursuit becomes a dangerous cat-and-mouse game of obsession, ambition, and chemistry. You’ll Never Forget Me sounds like a dark, twisty mystery-thriller that many readers will enjoy.

A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James

Simone St. James’ next book sounds incredibly chilling! It follows siblings who return to the town they fled after their brother vanished years ago. Called home by his ghost and the promise of long-buried answers, they’re forced to confront the dark secrets and restless spirits still haunting their childhood home. A Box Full of Darkness will be perfect for readers who want eerie, emotional, and impossible-to-put-down stories about family trauma and supernatural suspense.

All the Little Houses by May Cobb

Set in a small Texas town in the mid-1980s, this drama follows the Anderson family as their carefully built social kingdom begins to crumble. When a charismatic new family arrives and draws the town’s focus, Charleigh’s ruthless desire to stay on top spirals into something much more dangerous. With Little Fires Everywhere vibes, it seems like it will be a story of ambition, rivalry, and how far people will go to maintain their status.

Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra

Inspired by Anne of Green Gables, this heartfelt story follows Anne, a lifelong romantic who’s always shaped her life around the stories she loves—until everything falls apart at once. Returning to her hometown, she’s forced to confront her past, her grief, and the boy she never expected to see again as she relearns how to write her own future. It sounds like such a tender, hopeful story about second chances.

Catch Her if You Can by Tessa Bailey

Tessa Bailey fans should start counting down the days until her next release. This friends-to-lovers sports romance follows Madden, a Yankees catcher who has spent years quietly loving Eve, the burlesque club owner who keeps him at a distance. When he offers a marriage of convenience to help her care for her sister’s kids, their carefully drawn boundaries quickly blur into something neither of them can ignore. I’m sure this will be full of witty banter and Tessa Bailey’s signature spicy moments.

Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies by Jenny Elder Moke

Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies is another rom-com with a cozy mystery twist. It follows Juliette, a powerful publisher who suddenly finds herself the prime suspect when her star author dies, and his explosive memoir disappears. Teaming up with Charlie, a charming doctor who’s far too distracting for her liking, she dives into the secrets and scandals of an elite Seattle country club. It sounds like a funny, twisty story perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries and opposites-attract chemistry.

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida

Gabby Greene Knows Whodunit is an upcoming spy rom-com that follows Gabby, a recently divorced mom who somehow ends up juggling CIA missions, school lunches, and a dangerously charming handler named Markus. When they’re sent undercover as an engaged couple at a suspicious couples retreat, fake romance quickly begins to feel a little too real. It sounds fast-paced and funny.

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy

If you enjoyed I’m Glad My Mom Died, you don’t want to miss Jennette McCurdy’s fiction debut. Half His Age follows Waldo, a seventeen-year-old whose fierce longing to be seen pulls her toward her married creative writing teacher in ways she doesn’t fully understand. I feel like this story will be humorous and raw, with an exploration of power and vulnerability.

How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva

If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy to curl up with this winter, you’ll want to try How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days. When a halfling and a goblin both believe they’ve inherited the same cozy cottage, a forced-proximity bargain quickly turns into something sweeter than expected. It sounds like this will be a slow-burn romance with warmth and humour, perfect for ushering in the new year.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

The next release from Alice Feeney promises to be a good one! My Husband’s Wife is a psychological thriller that centres on Eden, an artist whose life falls apart when she comes home to find a stranger living in her house—and her husband insisting she’s his real wife. It also follows Birdy, a Londoner drawn to Hope Falls by an inherited home and a life-changing diagnosis, who uncovers secrets that run much deeper than she expected. I expect this one to have addictive twists and turns!

Our Ex’s Wedding by Taleen Voskuni

Our Ex’s Wedding is an upcoming rom-com that follows Ani, a wedding planner desperate to rebuild her reputation, and Raffi, the charming but frustrating winery owner she’s forced to work with. Their already tense partnership becomes even more complicated when they discover they share a mutual ex—the bride-to-be at the wedding they’re planning. If you love witty banter, awkward moments, tension and rivalry—this could be a perfect pick for you.

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

Set against the highs and lows of the music industry, The Future Saints follows a record executive tasked with saving a rock band on the edge of collapse. As grief, fame, and creative ambition collide, the brand’s fragile dynamics and an unexpected connection threaten to unravel everything. If you like messy relationships and immersive stories about chasing your dreams, I think this could be the book for you.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

Fans of Freida McFadden will love her next release. Dear Debbie follows a beloved advice columnist who finally decides to take her own advice and make certain men pay for their sins. As her carefully curated life unravels, revenge becomes less theoretical and far more personal. I have a good feeling this book will be twisty and addictive, making it perfect for readers who love dark humour, morally grey characters, and stories that blur the line between justice and vengeance.

Last First Kiss by Julian Winters

In Last First Kiss, a high-profile wedding brings Jordan face-to-face with the man who broke his heart. As an event planner forced into close quarters with his ex, old sparks quickly reignite through witty banter, swoony hookups, and unresolved feelings. This sounds like a heartfelt, second-chance m/m romance that so many readers will love.

One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker by Timothy Janovsky

This reimagining of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is set in Italy and is perfect for fans of opposites-attract romance. When a reclusive chocolate heir launches a marriage competition and a desperate tattoo artist enters for all the wrong reasons, an instant attraction complicates everything. I think it will be a fun story about vulnerability and taking risks.

Play Along by Liz Tomforde

Fans of the Windy City series will be counting down the days until the Play Along paperback release! A drunken Vegas elopement turns into a season-long fake marriage when an athletic trainer wakes up married to the baseball player who’s been crushing on her for years. As they pretend everything was planned to protect her career, sparks fly and boundaries blur, which means what started as a mistake is starting to feel real. If you love sports romance and a marriage-of-convenience, this is not to be missed.

Such a Perfect Family by Nalini Singh

A whirlwind romance shatters when a deadly fire leaves one woman in a coma and an entire family destroyed. As suspicion closes in on a man with a dangerous past, he’s forced to confront the secrets he thought he’d buried and the dark truth behind his wife’s seemingly perfect family. Such a Perfect Family sounds tense, atmospheric, and full of chilling twists that will grip many readers.

Sunk in Love by Heather McBreen

If you like second-chance romance books, you don’t want to miss Heather McBreen’s next release. Sunk in Love follows Roslyn and Liam, who agree to fake their still-intact marriage during a family cruise—despite quietly heading towards divorce. What begins as a week of pretending soon stirs up old memories, unresolved grief, and the feelings they’ve both tried to bury. I expect this one to be warm, emotional, and full of some cruise-ship charm!

The Re-Do List by Denise Williams

If you haven’t read a romance by Denise Williams yet, take this as your sign. The Re-Do List follows Willow as she rebuilds her confidence after a painful breakup by tackling a “re-do list” of firsts—helped along by her brother’s loyal (and very off-limits) best friend, Deacon. What starts as friendly support quickly turns into real chemistry as their pretend do-overs become genuine, emotional milestones.

The Slow Burn by Ali Rosen

After a breakup and a restaurant fire, a chef escapes to the Italian countryside for what she hopes will be a temporary reset. While there, she finds community, joy, and an unexpected connection that challenges everything she thought she wanted. The Slow Burn sounds like a tender, immersive read that will be perfect for readers who love slow-burn romance, found family, and stories about rebuilding their lives.