As a new year begins, many people want a fresh start. Whether that means making resolutions or goals for the new year, January just brings with it a breath of fresh air and hope for the future. And that future looks bright for those of us who enjoy reading romance!
2026 is starting off with some amazing love stories from authors beloved and newly debuted. It may be cold and dreary outside, but we can feel warm as we read about the characters who experience springtime in their hearts. Here are six of the most highly anticipated romance books releasing in January. Don't worry if your New Year's resolution is to finish your TBR pile before getting new books: I won't tell if you don't!
The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz — Jan. 6
Jayne Ann Krentz's latest romantic suspense, The Shop on Hidden Lane, has some West Side Story vibes with a dash of the paranormal. Two warring families, who both use their psychic abilities for not-quite-legal activities, are also charged with protecting a dangerous secret. When one member from each family goes missing, Sophy Harper must work with Luke Wells to find their missing family members before their secret is exposed. Sophy and Luke learn to work together, but as they grow closer, they find that there are more secrets that could tear them apart.
I like that The Shop on Hidden Lane has taken the rival families trope and mixed in a murder mystery. And the fact that they all have psychic abilities is a new twist as well. If you love paranormal enemies-to-lovers books, this one is a great pick!
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The Odds of You by Kate Dramis — Jan. 6
The Odds of You is Kate Dramis's first contemporary romance, as she has previously written only romantasy. Dramis is the author of the well-received The Curse of Saints series. From early reviews, it seems like The Odds of You will smash it out of the park, even without the fantasy elements.
Sage Collins is an author struggling to get another bestseller, and she flies to Scotland for a new environment and a clean slate. Problems arise, however, when she encounters Theo Sharpe, the famous actor. Paparazzi photograph them together and rumors fly that they're dating. To help Theo's image and Sage's publicity, they go along with the rumors. But how long will the act remain an act?
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Also releasing on January 6 are Drive Me Crazy, a Formula 1 sports romance, by Lizzy Dent, and Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur. Playing for Keeps is a sapphic rom-com that's full of spice!
Like in Love with You by Emma R. Alban — Jan. 13
Like in Love with You is a sapphic enemies-to-lovers story set in Regency England. Catherine Pine and Rosalie Tisend might have grown up as friends if their mothers hadn't had a falling out. Now, the pressure by their mothers, and the ton, pits them against each other in the pursuit of the same man. But Catherine and Rosalie begin to realize that they have more fun fighting each other than actually spending time with the man they ought to marry.
This story sounds similar to Mackenzi Lee's Lady Like, though Catherine and Rosalie are more distinguishable as enemies than Harriet and Emily were. Goodreads describes Like in Love with You as "Mean Girls meets Northanger Abbey." Do you think they also wear pink on Wednesdays?
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A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez — Jan. 13
A Vow in Vengeance is a romantasy and a tale of revenge. Rune Ryker will do anything to take back all that was stolen from her, even if that means training in tarot magic with Prince Draven. He asks a high price, but it is the only way to bring down the Immortals that took her family. Rune cannot afford to trust someone as sly as Draven, but her heart seems to have different plans.
This is the first book in the Immortal Desires series, so be prepared for a cliffhanger and an unfulfilling ending as far as the romance is concerned. Their love story will continue in the next book, but that means you have to be patient!
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Other romances coming out on January 13 are Greta Gets the Girl by Melissa Marr, The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura, Two Left Feet by Kallie Emblidge, and Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel. Two romantasy novels releasing on January 13 are Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez and The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee.
The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao — Jan. 20
Samantha Sotto Yambao, author of The Elsewhere Express, also authored Water Moon, which was one of the most popular fantasies of 2025. That means this new novel has a lot of fan expectations to meet. But, if early reviews are an indication, it should surpass those expectations.
When someone feels lost or without a purpose, the Elsewhere Express, a magical train, carries them away to a place where they can find meaning. Raya and Q are two of these lost souls who meet on the train and begin healing together. But a stowaway with dark magic threatens to destroy them and the entire train. Can Raya and Q find the purpose their lives are missing before its too late? And, can they find purpose in one another?
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Last First Kiss by Julian Winters — Jan. 27
Last First Kiss is a queer second-chance romance between Jordan Carter, an event planner, and Jamie Peters. Jordan is shocked to find Jamie is the bride's friend and man-of-honor in the wedding he's planning, after Jamie broke his heart years ago. Things don't go according to plan, and they keep having to meet to discuss wedding details. This causes the old sparks to come fizzling back to life, but can Jordan trust Jamie with his heart again?
I always love a good second-chance romance story, and this one sounds fun and heart-warming. Early reviews on Goodreads suggest it is worth the read, as it's rated 4.23 stars. That's one of the highest scores of all the books on this list, so maybe see what the hype is about!
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A couple romantasy books coming out on January 27 are We Who Have No Gods by Liza Anderson and The Witching Hours by Heather Graham. We Who Have No Gods is a dark academia fantasy romance, while The Witching Hours is romantic suspense with elements of fantasy.
What type of romance novel will help you start the year off right? Well, any of these will have you twitterpated in the anticipation of spring. Be sure to make time for love in your life amid all the new goals, even if it's just the love of reading romance stories.