The Best New January 2026 Romance Books to Read

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 is also her 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 this will be a fast-paced, swoon-worthy read perfect for sports romance fans.

Janae Sanders’ Second Time Around by LaQuette

This second-chance romance brings a single mom and her high school crush together twenty years later, with a lot more baggage. Amid PTA drama, school politics, and unresolved feelings, Janae and Adam debate their past and whether love deserves another shot. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of second-chance romance!

Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan

Only on Gameday is a brand-new sports romance from Kristen Callihan, and it’s totally caught my eye! When a bad-boy football star and his childhood nemesis agree to a fake engagement to fix his image, the lines blur fast, thanks to years of unspoken tension and strong chemistry. It sounds like a perfect mix of slow-burn romance, high emotional stakes, and spice. If you love fake dating, you’ll want to check this one out!

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 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.

Western Heat by Caroline Richardson

If you’re a fan of romance novels set in Canada, you don’t want to miss Western Heat. It follows a New York City chef who unexpectedly inherits a Canadian ranch and finds himself surrounded by family drama, nature, and a woman who doesn’t trust him. What starts as a quick trip home turns into a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with tension, found family, and a life he never knew he wanted.

A Killer Kind of Romance by Letizia Lorini

A Killer Kind of Romance follows a crime podcast host who doesn’t believe in romance and suddenly finds herself living inside one—while also tracking a real-life killer inspired by her own stories. When her ex returns to town and becomes the prime suspect, Scarlett must decide whether she’s falling for a love story she never wanted or walking straight into danger. If you like romance with a little tension and a darker edge, I think you’ll love this one.

Almost One Night Stand by A.J. Pine

If you’re looking for something humorous, try Almost One Night Stand. Haddie did not expect the guy she bailed on after a one-night stand to show up as her new roommate, co-worker, or the one person she just can’t seem to avoid in her small town. With forced proximity, undeniable chemistry, and a fun small-town setting, this one sounds like it will be impossible to put down.

Chef’s Kiss at the Chalet by Sookie Snow

While we’re all hoping for some warmer weather once January hits, you might still want to cozy up with a winter romance. When Elle takes a seasonal job in a picture-perfect Colorado town, she doesn’t expect to fall for the charming heir she’s cooking for, or for the chemistry to feel so real that it threatens everything she’s worked toward. It sounds like the perfect cozy, spicy winter romance that’s all about big dreams and finding the love that makes you question your plans.

For Our Next Song by Jessica James

When Jane and Keeley are forced back into close collaboration, everything they’ve been avoiding surfaces in a secret, high-stakes romance that threatens both their band and their hearts. If you’re looking for an emotional friends-to-lovers story that focuses on desire and what happens when your love goes public, you don’t want to miss For Our Next Song.

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.

Just My Luck by Emily Wood

Just My Luck follows Sloan, a social media brand manager whose perfectly curated online life falls apart, sending her straight to a messy, chaotic farm—and directly into the path of an annoyingly attractive stable hand. While they start as enemies, their energy slowly turns more swoony as Sloan unravels family secrets, rebuilds her confidence, and figures out who she really is. It sounds like a charming, feel-good rom-com full of small-town antics and the energy of fresh starts.

Like in Love with You by Emma R. Alban

Fans of historical romance will love this queer Regency-era rom-com. What begins as a rivalry fuelled by social climbing and maternal scheming quickly turns into something much more dangerous. If you love witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and addictive characters, you don’t want to miss this rivals-to-lovers love story.

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 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.

The Magic of Untamed Hearts by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

After years spent stuck between worlds, Sky Flores is slowly finding her way back to the living—with help from her charming neighbour in this lush, magical romance. When a struggling journalist offers friendship in exchange for her long-guarded story, what begins as a deal soon becomes something much more tender and unexpected. Filled with small-town atmosphere, gentle magic, and a soft, slow-burn love story, this is perfect for readers who love whimsical romance with emotional depth.

Two Left Feet by Kallie Emblidge

High-stakes football, fierce competition, and feelings that refuse to stay off the pitch in Two Left Feet. When a Premier League star is forced to mentor the talented player threatening his spot on the team, the rivalry turns to trust, then to something neither of them planned for. It sounds like a heartfelt, slow-burn sports romance about ambition, identity, and falling in love when everything is on the line.

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.

Bourbon & Lies by Victoria Wilder

In a small town with a dangerous reputation, falling for the wrong man might get you killed. When a guarded former cop crosses paths with a mysterious woman hiding more than a few secrets, their attraction quickly turns reckless and impossible to ignore. Bourbon & Lies is a steamy, suspenseful small-town romance full of family loyalty, buried truths, and the kind of love that shows up when you least expect it.

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.

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.

Next Level Love by Shameez Patel

Online, they’re perfect teammates. In real life, they can barely stand each other. When a beloved gaming partnership turns out to be an intern–boss situation, Elizabeth and Lincoln must navigate workplace rules, hidden identities, and feelings that don’t fit neatly in either world. It sounds like a smart enemies-to-lovers rom-com that’s full of heart and humour.

One Week Later by KJ Micciche

One Week Later follows two writers, an unforgettable vacation, and a love story that slips through the cracks. After a spicy week together turns to heartbreak and silence, both writers channel the experience into novels—only to collide years later when one book launches a career and the other sparks accusations of copying. With unresolved feelings, bad timing, and second-chance tension, this will be a fun romance about lost connections and chasing your dreams.

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 Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao

If you love your romance mixed with magical realism, you don’t want to miss The Elsewhere Express. A magical train that appears only when you’ve lost your way carries passengers toward something they didn’t even know they were searching for. As Raya drifts through grief, art, and an unexpected connection, a single night aboard the Elsewhere Express becomes an exploration of love, purpose, and choosing your own life again. It’s perfect if you love a tender romantic journey!

Dom-Com by Adriana Anders

When a baby sub and an experienced dom discover their scorching club connection has followed them into the workplace, things get messy fast. Packed with heat, witty banter and high-stakes tension, this steamy rom-com is all about power dynamics, blurred boundaries and an undeniable connection.

Dove by Paisley Hope

Dove is a dark motorcycle club romance set in a town where the rules are simple: protect your own. When a haunted motorcycle club member crosses paths with a woman carrying secrets of her own, attraction sparks quickly. It promises to be a gritty, emotionally intense romance full of heroes, buried truths, and a love that burns bright.

Enchanting the Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis

Fans of romantasy will want to pick up Enchanting the Fae Queen. It follows a fae queen with a dangerous reputation and a general from the enemy empire, two people who should be the last to fall for each other. Thrown together in a deadly fae tournament, Lorelai and Gerard are forced to confront everything they think they know about loyalty, power, and desire. This fantasy romance is sure to deliver enemies-to-lovers tension with plenty of bite.

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.

Next in Line by Amy Daws

There’s nothing worse than a one-night stand you can’t stop thinking about—especially when you learn he’s your brother’s best friend. Set in Colorado and featuring sizzling chemistry, this rom-com is packed with secret hookups, laugh-out-loud moments, and feelings that refuse to stay casual. It’s guaranteed to be equal parts spicy and sweet!

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.

See You at the Summit by Jordyn Taylor

See You at the Summit sounds like an enjoyable romance about coming out, self-discovery, and falling for the one person you didn’t expect. When a bi woman embracing her identity is thrown together with a grumpy, straight co-worker, sparks fly in ways that complicate everything she thought she wanted. I can’t wait to read this emotional and honest romance that explores what it means to claim who you are, even when things don’t go according to plan.

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.