Anticipated Reads 2026
What I'm hoping to read (and love) in H2 2026
Last week I let you all know what I’ve enjoyed reading so far in 2026. I also mentioned how low my average rating is, and that I want to read more books I love. So, I thought I’d focus on some upcoming books, both new releases and backlist, I plan to get to by the end of this year.
Some of these are ARCs I’ve received, some are new releases I’m waiting to drop (or have dropped but I am still in the library hold line for), and some are books I’ve just been wanting to read and the timing feels rights.
2026 New Releases:
Fruit Fly: Out August 4. I’ve seen 2 people I trust praise this book, and that’s all I need to know. I barely skimmed the description and just plan to go in blind.
The Things We Never Say: Released May 5. I love Strout’s books. She has such a talent for taking something simple and making it deep in such a succinct way. I plan to eventually read all of her works, and am excited she has a new release!
The Au Pair: Out June 30. I am a huge Teddy Wayne fan and have read almost all of his books (other than this one, I just have 2 others). I have enjoyed the variety of genres his books span, and am looking forward to another thriller from him.
Kitten: Out August 4. I’ll admit, the cover drew me in, and then the description drew me in further. I just a love a weird little book centered around obsession. *Received an ARC
You’ll Love it Here: Natalie Sue’s first book focused on the workplace, and HR had a central role. And, for the first time ever, HR was NOT given an overly evil, negative edit (I swear it’s one of the most misunderstood corporate roles. We’re just the scapegoat.) which made me enjoy her book a little extra. While I’m not normally one for wholesome reads, her last book was so funny and sweet that I knew I needed to continue to read her books.
*Received an ARC
Switzy: I’m just chasing the high that reading The Girls gave me, and that I haven’t been able to find in Cline’s writing since (The Guest was close but juuuuuust missed the mark to be a 4 star).
*Received an ARC
The Thoroughbreds: The Academy made me take back everything I said abut Hilderbrand. I had read another of her books and honestly it’s up there for one of the worst books I’ve ever read in my life. But… this series is really good. I’m already a sucker for a campus novel. The first book was also easy to read, lots of drama, kind of unbelievable but still engaging, etc. I can’t wait to dive into this.
*Received an ARC
Trad Wife: 2026 is the year of the trad wife novel and I’m not tired of it yet. I know a lot of people feel iffy on these concepts but I find it really interesting. I haven’t read anything by this author yet so this will be my first intro to her works.
*Received an ARC
2026 Backlist:
Dungeon Crawler Carl Series: My boyfriend and I will be continuing to read the series until we run out. I hope books 9 and 10 are published relatively quickly, because I don’t know if I can wait to wrap the series.
At Night All Blood is Black: This has been on my TBR for a while. I snagged the last copy at a bookstore recently because it felt like a sign to finally pick this one up.
Shit Cassandra Saw: This weird short story collection has been on my shelf for a bit. The cover is burned into my brain. I haven’t read short stories in a little while, and am in the mood for something weird.
Helpmeet: This looks short, dark, weird, and freaky. I haven’t been reading as many eerie/thriller style books lately and have missed it. I love reading a palate cleanser book in between reading series (like DCC) so this will probably be up next after I finish the DCC book I’m on.
Wish me luck as I attempt to tackle my never-ending TBR. Let me know what you’re planning on reading for the rest of 2026!
Happy reading!