My 2026 TBR List So Far📚

Planning a TBR (To Be Read) list for a future year can be an exciting way to build anticipation and focus on quality reads. For my 2026 list, I've intentionally chosen books that promise deeply engaging stories, compelling themes, and emotional journeys. One title that stands out is "Nocticadia," which has earned praise as a book that teaches life lessons through its unique storytelling—earning its place as my first read of the year. Another highly anticipated saga is Tomi Adeyemi’s "Children of Anguish and Anarchy," the conclusion to a series I began back in 2021 and have eagerly awaited. It’s always thrilling to follow through on a series to understand how complex plotlines and character arcs resolve. I'm also intrigued by Emily McIntire’s "Sugarlake Series Book Two," a continuation that promises to weave interconnected characters and stories, which I enjoy for their layered narratives. Plus, the "Cat & Mouse Duet" by H.D. Carlton is on my list, partly due to the mixed reviews—I’m curious to form my own opinion on this reportedly controversial novel. For romance, Ana Huang’s twisted love stories—"He Hates Her. Almost as Much as He Wants Her" and the fourth book in the "Twisted Lies" series—offer intense emotional conflicts combined with heart-pounding attraction. Completing these series feels like closing a chapter on familiar characters I’ve grown to love and understand. Diversity is important in my reading as well, which is why Rina Kent’s "Kiss the Villain," a dark gay romance, piques my interest—showcasing stories that defy traditional romance tropes. Finally, classic yet always compelling mythological romance such as Scarlett St. Clair's "A Touch of Darkness," narrating the story of Hades and Persephone, remains a go-to for blending fantasy with timeless love stories. Building a TBR list is not just about cataloging titles to read; it helps frame your reading journey with intention. I like to reflect on the moods and lessons I want books to bring me. Saving these for 2026 means I’m mentally preparing for immersive reading experiences that will challenge, comfort, and inspire me throughout the year. For fellow readers, crafting such a list is a fantastic way to keep your reading goals purposeful and varied, mixing fantasy epics with romance, drama, and thought-provoking themes.