20 Most Anticipated Books
January 2026
Woman Down - Colleen Hoover
Struggling author Petra seeks inspiration in a remote cabin but encounters a detective bearing alarming revelations about her life. Their charged, obsessive relationship dangerously blurs lines between fiction and reality in this dark, twist-filled psychological thriller.
Vigil – George Saunders
At the bedside of dying oil CEO KJ Boone, surreal visitors—living and dead—arrive for a reckoning. Amid swarming birds and ghostly intrusions, this playful yet profound novel probes corporate greed, environmental harm, mortality, and the possibility of redemption.
Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy
Seventeen-year-old Waldo, lonely and impulsive, fixates on her married creative writing teacher, Mr. Korgy. This bold debut novel sharply dissects obsession, desire, power imbalances, self-delusion, and the messy complexities of youthful longing.
Is This a Cry for Help? – Emily Austin
After a mental breakdown, librarian Darcy returns to face book-banning protests and community turmoil. This quirky, heartfelt story explores grief, queer identity, sexuality, love, personal growth, and the essential role of libraries.
Dear Debbie – Freida McFadden
Advice columnist Debbie, fed up with sympathizing with wronged wives, takes her own vengeful advice to heart. This subversive, twist-filled thriller celebrates unhinged female retribution against abusers in a darkly satisfying revenge tale.
The First Time I Saw Him – Laura Dave
Five years after Owen's sudden disappearance, Hannah and Bailey confront resurfacing secrets and dangerous threats from his hidden past. This gripping sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me explores family bonds, forgiveness, trust, and the lingering impact of buried truths.
Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven
The dysfunctional Newman family achieves fame by starring in a groundbreaking reality TV show, exposing ambition and deep fractures. This poignant coming-of-age story examines identity, complicated family dynamics, public scrutiny, and the steep emotional cost of constant exposure.
My Husband's Wife – Alice Feeney
Artist Eden returns home to discover a woman claiming to be her husband's true wife. In a seaside town harboring deadly secrets, obsession, deception, betrayal, and shocking revelations unravel lives in this taut, gripping psychological thriller full of suspense.
Twelve Months – Jim Butcher
Cursed with exactly twelve months to live, a man must confront lingering regrets, old enemies, and unfinished magical business. This standalone tale from the Dresden Files author blends urgency, introspection, supernatural elements, and high-stakes confrontation with fate.
Divine Ruin – Margot Douaihy
Punk nun Sister Holiday infiltrates New Orleans' gritty underworld to investigate a fentanyl crisis killing her students. Balancing faith, addiction, danger, and personal demons, this atmospheric mystery delves deeply into trauma, resilience, and the long path toward redemption.
The Invisible Woman – James Patterson and Susan DiLallo
A mother vanishes without trace after dropping her daughters at school, shattering an ordinary life. As suspicions rise and buried secrets emerge, this fast-paced thriller exposes hidden lives, betrayal, deception, and the shocking fragility of perceived normalcy.
Nine Goblins – T. Kingfisher
Nine goblins, stranded behind enemy lines after a wizard's catastrophic blunder, embark on a chaotic survival adventure. Led by pragmatic Sergeant Nessilka, this witty, low-fantasy novella brims with dark humor, unexpected alliances, and delightful absurdity.
Graceless Heart – Isabel Ibañez
A young woman wielding forbidden magic navigates treacherous court intrigue, ancient prophecies, and forbidden romance to reclaim her stolen throne. This lush adult fantasy debut unfolds in a vividly reimagined historical world rich with danger and desire.
The Exception – Vi Keeland
Circumstances force two complete opposites to share one roof, igniting intense sparks despite strict rules designed to keep them apart. This steamy contemporary romance explores vulnerability, emotional healing, personal growth, and breaking barriers for unexpected love.
Pretty Vicious – Lexi Davis
A fierce anti-heroine embarks on brutal revenge against those who destroyed her life, embracing darkness without remorse. This dark, empowering romance blends scorching passion, moral ambiguity, high-stakes danger, and a vicious, intoxicating cycle of love and vengeance.
Cage – Tia Louise
Trapped in a deadly game of secrets and survival, a woman fights desperately to escape her controlling, obsessive captor. As hate and desire dangerously blur, this intense dark romance tests the fragile limits of trust, power, and freedom.
Come What May – Corinne Michaels
Amid life's chaos, a woman rekindles romance with a past love, confronting old wounds while opening herself to new possibilities. This deeply emotional contemporary romance celebrates second chances, forgiveness, healing, and the enduring power of true connection.
To Ride a Rising Storm – Moniquill Blackgoose
A young warrior harnesses ancient storm magic to defend her people against ruthless invading forces. This indigenous-inspired epic fantasy weaves powerful themes of cultural heritage, resilience, environmental harmony, and rising conflict in a rich, immersive world.
The Swan’s Daughter – Roshani Chokshi
Born under a mystical swan's curse, a princess uncovers hidden powers and embarks on a forbidden love. This enchanting, lyrical mythological retelling explores destiny, profound transformation, bloodline magic, and the wondrous enchantment woven into heritage.
Homeschooled – Stefan Merrill Block
An eccentric family, long isolated by unconventional homeschooling, must face the outside world when tragedy strikes. This poignant coming-of-age tale thoughtfully examines belonging, intellectual freedom, eccentricity, grief, and the unbreakable bonds that truly define home.