Top 5 anticipated reads for Q2 2026
Hello friends, and welcome to Top 5 Tuesday! This week’s topic is top 5 anticipated reads for Q2 2026.
This is one of those quarters where narrowing it down to five books felt… borderline impossible.
There are so many incredible releases coming out between April and June that I genuinely could have turned this into a Top 10 (and honestly, I kind of did anyway).
Before we get into the main list, I have to give a few honourable mentions to the books that almost made the cut:
- Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan
- Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis
- Father Material by Alexis Hall
- The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden
- The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston (this killed me that it didn’t make the top 5)
So yes… apparently I do have a Top 10. I’m just pretending I don’t.
If you’re looking for anticipated book releases for Q2 2026, these are the five books I’m most excited to pick up over the next few months (listed in publication order).
InLinkz reminder
A reminder to everyone before we begin: We’re using InLinkz! What this means is that you will be in charge of linking your own posts here! Rather than me scouring the web (or my spreadsheet) for them. I will likely be posting ahead of everyone because of *timezones*, so it should be relatively easy for everyone to drop links for your posts. Unless I screwed something up. (It happens more often than you think…)
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top 5 anticipated reads for Q2 2026
We Burned So Bright — TJ Klune
The Name Game — Beth O’Leary
You know, I literally caught up on Beth O’Leary’s books this past weekend so it makes sense that she has a new book out this month.
O’Leary has quietly become one of my go-to authors for comfort reads, so I’m very ready for this.
Her books always balance humour and emotional depth in a way that feels effortless, and The Name Game sounds like it will lean into that same blend of romance, character growth and warmth.
At this point, I trust her implicitly to deliver something that will make me laugh, feel (so many) things, and probably want to immediately reread it.
PLUS, must remember to have a box of tissues on hand.
The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire — India Holton
India Holton writes some of the most delightfully chaotic historical romantasy I’ve ever read, and I am so excited for this. She also writes some of the longest and most outrageous book titles I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Her books are known for their wit, absurdity, and completely unique tone, and this one promises more of the same — with magical hijinks, sharp humour, and (hopefully) a romance that’s just as entertaining as the plot.
Honestly, I’m expecting vibes. Immaculate, slightly unhinged vibes. Or, wildly unhinged, but oh-so-much fun! I’m especially looking forward to the audiobook!
Fever Dream — Elsie Silver
Elsie Silver has been firmly on my radar, and this feels like the perfect time to dive into another one of her books. And, for the first time ever, I am up to date with her books BEFORE the next one comes out!
Her stories tend to blend emotional intensity with romance in a way that really lands, and Fever Dream sounds like it will deliver that same combination of character-driven storytelling and chemistry.
I’m going in expecting to be completely absorbed, and possibly a little emotionally compromised by the end. But just a little!
Pool House — Mary H.K. Choi
Mary H. K. Choi writes characters in a way that feels incredibly real, messy and specific — which is exactly why I love her work.
Pool House is one I’m especially excited for because I’m expecting that same emotional rawness and honesty, and character depth, that made her previous books so memorable. I still rave about Emergnecy Contact today.
It’s also Choi’s debut adult novel. To say that I am keen would very much be downplaying my enthusiasm.
If this book delivers even half of the connection I felt reading her earlier work, I already know this is going to be a standout read for 2026.
PARTICIPANTS
What are your top 5 anticipated reads for quarter 2, 2026?
meeghan
Hi!! I'm Meeghan 😊 I like books (surprise). I also like games (board, video and D&D), baking (mostly cakes) and travel. I live in Canberra, Australia with Husband and 3 black rescue kitties.
