We’re nearing the end of 2025 and I’ve been thinking about some reading goals for 2026 (which will be posted later this week), but also some of the books I really want to get to. Even though I’ve only read five of the books on my 25 books in 2025 list, I still enjoy making these lists. So here are the first 13 of the 26 books I’m adding to my need to read list. Let’s take a look!

Onyx Storm – Rebecca Yarros

I really enjoyed Fourth Wing and Iron Flame and I was counting down the days until Onyx Storm would release. My aunt even sent me the edition with sprayed edges because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get my hands on one here. Then the book got really hyped and I’ve been hearing mixed reviews and that made me keep pushing the book back on my TBR. That being said, it’s one I still really want to read.

Great Big Beautiful Life – Emily Henry

Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors and I’ve read all of her books so far. Except I have the habit of saving books I’m excited about for a special moment and it’s something I really need to stop doing. Great Big Beautiful Life is another one I’ve seen mixed reviews about, but of course, I still want to read it.

Say You’ll Remember Me – Abby Jimenez

Say You’ll Remember Me is another case of a book I’m so excited about, I keep saving it. I will say that Abby’s books always make me cry, so that’s also a thing. I’m also a bit worried about the dog in this book. Hopefully I don’t need to be!

Golden Son – Pierce Brown 

Red Rising is a book I really loved, but I’m also really bad at continuing series (something I’m really working on). Golden Son is the next book and I keep hearing nothing but amazing things about this series. It’s time to experience it for myself.

Kiss of the Basilisk – Lindsay Straube

This is a book I’m so curious about. I know that it’s more smut than plot, but quite a few of my friends have loved this book. It’s a big book but I’ve been loving those lately.

Fairydale – Veronica Lancet

Fairydale is a book I’ve heard a lot about since it was self published. This year Atria traditionally published it. Another big book that seems to be one you love or hate. It’s described as a dark gothic historical fiction with horror, paranormal & fantasy elements. That combination sounds amazing.

Terms and Conditions – Lauren Asher

After finishing the Lakefront Billionaires series by Lauren Asher this year, it really made me want to go back to the Dreamland Billionaires series. I actually started and read about 140 pages of this one and got distracted.

Accomplice to the Villain – Hannah Nicole Maehrer

After loving the first two books in this series, I was determined to read Accomplice to the Villain on release day, but that didn’t happen. I think it’s another case of saving a book for a special moment. The fourth book releases in 2026, so I have time to catch up.

Tusk Love – Thea Guanzon

So I don’t watch Critical Role, but I know that this story originated there. I love this cover and the book sounds like a good time. If only I didn’t have to sleep…

Wyatt – Jessica Peterson

Cowboy romances have really become something and I love and Cash was a five star read for me. Wyatt is the next book in this series and we got a preview of his story at the end of the first book. I have a feeling this is going to be one wild ride.

Five Brothers – Penelope Douglas

In 2026, I need to figure out if Penelope Douglas is an author for me. I read Tryst Six Venom this year. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the character development, but for me there was just a bit too much smut. It didn’t fit the story for me. So I want to read Five Brothers and see what I think of it.

Legendary – Stephanie Garber

So Caraval was a really hyped book that sounded really good to me. Unfortunately, I feel it was a bit too hyped. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my favorite. The Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy was good, but the final book didn’t completely work for me. I read Alchemy of Secrets last month and didn’t love it either. So I think I need to read Legendary to see if it’s worth getting the final book.

One for My Enemy – Olivie Blake

This is going to be another case of do I continue reading the books that this author writes. Olivie Blake has been really hit or miss for me. I loved The Atlas Six and enjoyed Alone with You in the Ether, but Masters of Death made me feel stupid. One for my Enemy is the final book by this author on my shelves, so we’ll see what I decide after reading that.

 

So here are the first 13 books on my 26 books in 2026 list. Have you read any of these? Which book should I start with? Also, are you going to make a list like this? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!