Must-Read Fiction and Celebrity Memoirs Coming in 2026
Brace yourselves, readers! The year 2026 is shaping up to be monumental for book lovers.
Some of the leading romance authors, like Kennedy Ryan and Meghan Quinn, are set to return with summer love tales that will surely captivate your heart. Additionally, several major celebrities are poised to release their memoirs.
Christina Applegate, for instance, surprised fans in July with the announcement of her memoir, You With the Sad Eyes.
“I genuinely believe that books can help people feel less isolated. That’s why I’m writing this,” she mentioned regarding her book, which is scheduled for release in March 2026. “You With the Sad Eyes won’t be a sob story. Instead, it’s going to be real, showcasing the highs and lows, humor and sorrow of life. Here I am, the real me, with so much to share.”
She isn’t alone in sharing her story. Scroll down for a preview of the most exciting book releases of the upcoming year:
‘Woman Down’ by Colleen Hoover
Get ready for the “she’s back” TikTok sound because Hoover’s first novel since 2022’s It Starts With Us is on its way. Woman Down follows author Petra Rose, who goes into hiding after facing backlash from her latest film adaptation. Everything changes when Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives. (out January 13)
‘This Book Made Me Think of You’ by Libby Page
Drawing inspiration from You’ve Got Mail, this novel tells the tale of a woman who receives posthumous letters from her husband a year after his passing. Tilly Nightingale is called by her local bookstore, where a gift awaits her. Unbeknownst to her, her husband had pre-ordered 12 books, each paired with a letter for every month. (out January 29)
‘Just for the Cameras’ by Meghan Quinn
The reigning queen of romance takes on a new venture with her first sports-themed love story. It narrates the journey of a football star and a zookeeper who embark on a fake romance — but who knows what lies ahead? (out February 3)
‘Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic’ by Bunnie Xo
Bunnie Xo has always been candid, and her memoir promises to be no exception. The spouse of country sensation Jelly Roll, she’ll reveal her highs and lows through an unfiltered lens.
“With a healthy dose of humor and a genuine sense of self-awareness, Bunnie candidly shares her redemption journey while offering wisdom to those seeking their own light,” reads the book’s description. (out February 10)
‘You With the Sad Eyes’ by Christina Applegate
In her debut memoir, Applegate will share her journey like never before. Reflecting on her Hollywood career, she’ll also touch on her battle with multiple sclerosis and her return to work amidst health challenges. (out March 3)
‘200 Monas’ by Jan Saenz
This novel has already garnered attention on BookTok, but Us is ready for it. Following her mother’s death, Arvy Keening stumbles upon a stash of pills. What she believes to be Molly turns out to be Mona, a drug that generates intense orgasms. (out March 3)
Berkley Books (4) Emily Henry has taken over the rom-com genre, and soon, some of her stories will leap off the pages onto the screen. In July 2024, she, along with Lyrical Media and Ryder Picture Company, announced the adaptation of her novel Funny Story, released just three months earlier…
‘Unburdened’ by Dorit Kemsley
Nearly a year after her divorce from PK Kemsley, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star will share an “intimate” glimpse into her life as an entrepreneur, mother, and reality star in her upcoming memoir. (out April 7)
‘Score’ by Kennedy Ryan
This sequel in Ryan’s Hollywood Renaissance series follows Verity and Monk, reigniting their romance years after they parted ways. (out May 19)
‘Broken Dove’ by Dani Francis
The eagerly awaited sequel to Francis’s 2025 book, Silver Elite, continues with Wren Darlington finding herself in the midst of two wars after joining the Uprising. The return of her old friend Grayson Blake may bring new allies. (out May 5)
‘Transcendent’ by Laverne Cox
This memoir features the actress reflecting on her childhood in Alabama, her move to New York City, and her pursuit of an acting career as a trans woman in Hollywood. (out June 9)
‘Reasons to Be Loved by You’ by Hannah Brown
The former Bachelorette star returns with her third novel, featuring Nikki Bennet as the focal point of her romantic journey. Expect familiar faces from her earlier works, intertwined in this fresh narrative, possibly inspired by Hannah’s own life experiences. (out June 23)
‘Cher: Part Two’
Following the successful release of the first part of her memoir in 2024, Cher is gearing up to divulge more details about her life in this nearly 500-page continuation. (out November 17)
