‘I’m an author — these are the 5 books you need to read in 2026’ | Books | Entertainment
With the festive period over and 2026 officially underway, keen readers will already be planning what they’ll be reading this year. If romance is one of your preferred genres, you’re in luck, as bestselling author Kate Dramis has shared some of her top recommendations.
Known for The Curse of Saints trilogy, Kate’s next book, The Odds of You, is a contemporary romance that’s like ‘if The Holiday met Notting Hill’. Publishing on January 6, it follows Sage, an author with a second book to write, and Theo, a newly world-famous breakout actor. After a not-so-meet-cute on the plane on the way to New York Comic Con, they find each other again on the Isle of Skye – and maybe even fall in love in the process.
Without further ado, here is Kate Dramis’ list of the top five romance books you need to read 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 of your career, and you’ve never been more prepared to crush it. Except who shows up as the best man? Your first kiss from 10 years ago… the very man you might have almost kissed last year until he said he wasn’t the “right guy” to be with while you’re figuring yourself 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 book of the trilogy, and while all three are worth inhaling (and then inhaling again and again), A Song of Ash and Moonlight has a special place in my heart. It follows the eldest of the Ashbourne daughters, Farrin, who’s stoic, headstrong, and hiding so much beneath the surface — as most of us eldest daughters are! Farrin is forced to work with Ryder, the man she’s been taught to hate, as 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 a sexy, sapphic, opposites-attract romance between Opal, who wins the lottery and (impulsively) buys a flower farm in Ashville, NC with her winnings, and Pepper, who is unexpectedly waiting on said farm when Opal arrives and swears up and down she’s the rightful owner.
“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 looking for love…she wants to steal all of the bachelor’s money and break his heart on national TV. It’s got enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, a love triangle that makes it impossible to choose between (I know, I’ve tried), class warfare and political intrigue….plus HIGH TECH BALLGOWNS! It’s incredible.
“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 once a dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she’s suddenly called to face her king. He offers her a deal: become his spy at 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 delicious and smouldering enemies-to-lovers romance that you won’t be able to get enough of. One of the highlights of this story is the chronic illness representation and the ways it shines a light on so many experiences our society overlooks.”
