It’s a strange idea, but 2026 really is right around the corner. My yearly goal to increase my Netgalley ratio isn’t going as well as I’d hoped. Even though I really have been reading more of my approved ARCs. That being said, I’ve already been approved for 27 eARCs that release in 2026.

I want to make sure I stay on top of them next year, so the January 2026 releases are books I want to have read before December 31st. Here are the seven eARCs I need to read before this year is over. Let’s take a look!

Definitely Maybe Not a Detective – Sarah Fox (January 6th)

Definitely Maybe Not a Detective is a rom-com mystery. I don’t think I’ve read one of those before. Our main character has a fake detective agency and has to solve a real homicide with a handsome stranger? I know that’s going to be an interesting story.

Playing for Keeps – Alexandria Bellefleur (January 6th)

Alexandria Bellefleur has written a few romances that I’ve loved and Playing for Keeps sounds like a book right up my alley. Rival publicists have to work together when they’re clients start dating (a popstar and a quarterback). I wonder what inspired this story? Haha. I have a feeling this is going to be an intense but amazing romance.

Room to Breathe – Kasie West (January 6th)

Kasie West writes YA romances that I almost always read in one sitting. I still need to read her adult debut, but I couldn’t resist her new YA release. Forced proximity is something I enjoy reading in romances, but I don’t think I’ve ever read about characters being stuck in a bathroom together. I have a feeling this could get emotional.

The Book of Blood and Roses – Annie Summerlee (January 13th)

The Book of Blood and Roses is the first book in a sapphic paranormal romance and has elements that I love. A mysterious university and a romance between a vampire and vampire hunter? Yes, please! This sounds like a great book for a cold and stormy day.

Is This a Cry for Help? – Emily Austin (January 13th)

I only needed to know that our main character is a librarian! I will say that I think Is This a Cry for Help will be emotional at times. Our librarian is going back to work after dealing with a mental breakdown (after an unexpected loss), she only has to start dealing with book-banning crusaders. I’ve heard good things about this story so far.

This Is Not a Test – Courtney Summers (January 13th)

So This Is Not a Test is actually a book that was released in 2012. In 2026 a revised edition is being released that will also include a novella. I don’t read many zombie stories, but I am curious about this one. Hopefully it’ll be one I love.

The Future Saints – Ashley Winstead (January 20th)

Daisy Jones and the Six was a book I loved and I would highly recommend the audiobook, so when I saw that The Future Saints is pitched for fans of that story it caught my eye. I have a feeling this story is more about the characters than the band, but it’s going to be a wild ride.

 

Those are the seven eARCs I have that release in January 2026. I should be able to easily get these read for the end of 2025 if I make them a priority. It would be great to start my year off great with Netgalley. Which one should I read first? Or have you been approved for any 2026 releases recently? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!