With the festive interval over and 2026 formally underway, eager readers will already be planning what they’re going to be studying this 12 months. If romance is one in every of your most popular genres, you are in luck, as bestselling writer Kate Dramis has shared a few of her high suggestions.
Known for The Curse of Saints trilogy, Kate’s subsequent e-book, The Odds of You, is a recent romance that is like ‘if The Holiday met Notting Hill’. Publishing on January 6, it follows Sage, an writer with a second e-book to jot down, and Theo, a newly world-famous breakout actor. After a not-so-meet-cute on the aircraft on the best way to New York Comic Con, they discover one another once more on the Isle of Skye – and possibly even fall in love within the course of.
Without additional ado, right here is Kate Dramis’ listing of the highest 5 romance books it’s good to learn in 2026.
Last First Kiss by Julian Winters
“The book sucked me in from the very first sentence (actually, from the dedication!) and refused to let me go. Last First Kiss by Julian Winters is a second chance, queer, slow burn romance that’s a love letter to late bloomers, self-discovery, friendship and family and love in and of itself.
“Imagine this: you’re planning THE wedding ceremony of your profession, and also you’ve by no means been extra ready to crush it. Except who exhibits up as the perfect man? Your first kiss from 10 years in the past… the very man you might need nearly kissed final 12 months till he mentioned he wasn’t the “right guy” to be with when you’re figuring your self out.
“That’s exactly what happens to Jordan Carter when Jamie Peters walks through the door of 24 Carter Gold, Jordan’s family’s event planning business. As you can imagine… utter shenanigans ensue. My absolute favorite element of this book is how Jordan not only finds the love of his life, but himself, too. Julian Winters’ stories have so much heart and depth. He is one of the best
romance writers of our time.”
A Song of Ash and Moonlight by Claire Legrand
“It’s no secret I’m a romantic fantasy lover, and no one does romantic fantasy like Claire Legrand. If you haven’t read her Middlemist trilogy, you’re missing out! The final book, A Rose of Blood and Binding releases in 2026.
“A Song of Ash and Moonlight is the second e-book of the trilogy, and whereas all three are price inhaling (after which inhaling many times), A Song of Ash and Moonlight has a particular place in my coronary heart. It follows the eldest of the Ashbourne daughters, Farrin, who’s stoic, headstrong, and hiding a lot beneath the floor — as most of us eldest daughters are! Farrin is compelled to work with Ryder, the person she’s been taught to hate, because the Middlemist continues to weaken, throwing her world into disarray.
“Ryder’s stubbornness rivals Farrin’s and makes them an excellent enemies to lovers match. You’ll be sucked into the romance, and the fantasy plot will whisk you away with its high stakes and heart-racing moments..”
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
“If you’re looking for a romance that will have you grinning from ear-to-ear while also aching over the tenderness on each and every page, Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings is for you!
“It’s an attractive, sapphic, opposites-attract romance between Opal, who wins the lottery and (impulsively) buys a flower farm in Ashville, NC together with her winnings, and Pepper, who’s unexpectedly ready on mentioned farm when Opal arrives and swears up and down she’s the rightful proprietor.
“The unlikely pair strike up an agreement of co-habitation, and butt heads at every single turn. There were so many moments where I screamed ‘JUST KISS!’ because I was yearning for these two to get together so badly! Between the romantic tension, the picturesque setting and the themes around grief and healing, Late Bloomer is a must-read that will sweep you off your feet while making you laugh and cry at the same time.”
An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew
“If you’re looking for a book that gives you the same feelings as the early aughts YA dystopian era with a swoony romance, look no further than An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew.
“An Ocean Apart is The Bachelor on a dystopian cruise ship. Except Eden’s not in search of love…she desires to steal all the bachelor’s cash and break his coronary heart on nationwide TV. It’s received enemies to lovers, buddies to lovers, a love triangle that makes it not possible to decide on between (I do know, I’ve tried), class warfare and political intrigue….plus HIGH TECH BALLGOWNS! It’s unimaginable.
“After devouring, this story will linger with you for months. I dare you to not look at our world (and our possible future) with a more critical eye once you finish. And I double dog dare you not to fall in love with Eden, Theo, and Henry.”
A Dance of Lies By Brittney Arena
“Brittney Arena’s debut fantasy romance is a toe-curling slowburn read that you’ll lose yourself in and want to stay immersed in long after it’s over – and luckily, there’s a second book coming!
“A Dance of Lies follows Vasalie, who was as soon as a dancer in King Illian’s courtroom, till he framed her for homicide. Barely surviving her two years within the dungeons, she’s abruptly known as to face her king. He provides her a deal: turn into his spy on the six-week royal Gathering and he’ll grant her freedom.
“But when Vasalie discovers that the monster she serves may be aligned with a bigger monster – one far closer to home – she enlists the help of Illian’s brother and greatest adversary, the infamous King of the East.
“What unfolds is a scrumptious and smouldering enemies-to-lovers romance that you simply received’t be capable to get sufficient of. One of the highlights of this story is the persistent sickness illustration and the methods it shines a lightweight on so many experiences our society overlooks.”
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/2150849/author-names-best-books-2026