February 2026 Book Releases

This Book Made Me Think of You

Author: Libby Page

Release Date: Feb 3, 2026

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

Tilly is trying to navigate life without her husband Joe, who died five months ago. When she gets a call from a local bookstore saying a birthday gift from her husband is waiting for her, she is shocked. Alfie, the owner of the bookshop, explains that her husband left her a year’s worth of books. He carefully chose one book a month to help her navigate the first year without him and included a note with each one.

The book follows Tilly over the course of the year as she navigates her life without her husband. She looks at her life, her job, and her relationships with a new eye. Each book seems to come at the exact right time.

Trigger Warnings

Death of a spouse

Why Jackie loves it

I absolutely loved this book. At its heart, it is a book about the power of books to help with healing and overcoming grief. I laughed with Tilly and felt her pain. I was rooting for her from the first page.

Find this book in: Novels about Grief / Romance Books About Books

Superfan

Author: Jenny Tihghui Zhang

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree

Plot

Minnie is a freshman in college who is struggling to fit in, find friends, and find her place. When she discovers a boy band called HOURglass she feels an instant connection to them and when she finds the online fandom, she feels like she has finally found her people. Minnie quickly falls for Halo, one of the band members.

This is a dual-narrative story with Halo as the second POV. He has worked desperately to leave his past life and secrets behind him and will do almost anything to keep them buried. He is still haunted by a horrible accident that occurred while he was in high school. When a scandal threatens to expose him, Minnie thinks she is the only one who can help him.

Trigger Warnings

Drug use, sexual assault

Why Jackie likes it

The dual narrative kept the story moving. Minnie’s POV was difficult to listen to because of the trauma she endured. Her social life was so awkward that it was painful. I really loved Halo’s POV in the story. Thank you, # MacmillanAudio, for my copy of this book.

Family Drama

Author: Rebecca Fallon

Year: 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Debut Novel

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

In this haunting debut, 7-year-old twins Sebastian and Viola are devastated at the loss of their mother, Susan. When they grow up, Sebastian and Viola discover that their mother used to be a famous Soap star. Sebastian wants to know all about the woman whose absence was all-consuming, but Viola shies away from her memories until she meets her mother’s famous co-star and is forced to confront her feelings and learn about her mother after all.

Trigger Warnings

Cancer

Why Kirsten loves it

I’ll forever love a family saga and this one delivers in major ways! The nonlinear storytelling helped me feel connected to Susan even though the story opened with her death. It also helped guide my feelings towards her children, her husband, and even about her – I don’t think any of the emotional punches would have delivered in a standard format. I might not have even liked Susan if the story was told another way!

Sebastian’s story was interesting, but it was Viola who stole the show for me. I loved how she ended up addressing her grief. I connected with all of the characters at various times and I was so sad when the story ended. #Gifted by Simon & Schuster

Find this book in: Books Set in Maine / Hollywood Novels

So, I Met This Guy

Author: Alexander Porter

Year: 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: UK Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Maggie, a 40-year-old gallery owner, has just been conned by the man she thought was the one. Now, she wants to find him and get it all back. Enter Flick, a charming young reporter who is happy to spend her summer traveling around Europe looking for the villain of Maggie’s (and probably a few other women’s) story.

Why Kirsten loves it

What a fun story! I loved how these women bonded during their Euro summer trip! From planes to cars to boats, this book has all forms of transport, but the road trip bits were my favorite as they allowed Flick to learn Maggie’s backstory. The ending left me smiling. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a fun beach read! #gifted by Zibby Publishing

Find this book in: Road Trip Novels

More Than Enough

Author: Anna Quindlen

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Genre: Fiction

More info: Bestselling Author

Plot

This one is for the book lovers because it centers around a book club. Polly confides in her book club before anyone else, sharing about her infertility struggles and her difficult relationship with her mother. When she receives an ancestry test as a joke, but it links her to a stranger, the book club is by her side to help her investigate.

Saoirse

Author: Charleen Hurtubise

Year: 2026

Genre: Literary Fiction

More info:

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Growing up in Michigan was so terrible for Sarah that she stole a passport and someone’s identity and escaped at 19 to Ireland. There, she goes by Saoirse and lives with her husband and daughters in a life she loves, creating artwork that helps her process her trauma. When her art gets unexpected acclaim, the new spotlight she’s under threatens to unravel the secrets she holds close and threatens to bring the danger she escaped from with it.

Trigger Warnings

Child Abuse, Rape

Why Kirsten loves it

I was consumed by this book from the opening scene on the airplane to Ireland. Saoirse’s life was harrowing and traumatic, and watching her come into her own was deeply moving. My anxiety was at an all-time high when her past began to catch up with her, but the ending left me satisfied in a way I wasn’t sure would be possible. #Gifted by Celadon Books

Find this book in: Novels About Art

The Fourth Princess

Author: Jamie Chang

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

A gothic novel set in old Shanghai? Sign me up! It’s 1911 and Lisan Liu is the newly hired secretary for wealthy American, Caroline. She’s moved into Lennox Estate, which will be Caroline and her husband, Tom’s, new home. But the estate holds dark secrets, and both women soon get caught up in its deadly history.

Lisan is trying to remember the childhood she can’t access in her memories, while Caroline is certain she’s been lured to Shanghai under false pretenses. Both women grow close as their secrets unfold, and they swept into the mysteries of the Lennox Estate and the woman in the red dress that haunts it.

Why Kirsten loves it

This gothic novel was my first five-star book of the year! I adored the many layers of mystery throughout this book but the ending is what pushed this over the edge. I was screaming when the story came together! If you like Daphne Du Maurier or Kate Morton, you MUST read this book!

Find this book in: Haunted House Books

Fireflies in Winter

Author: Eleanor Shearer

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Bestselling author of River Sing Me Home

Plot

The perfect historical winter tale has arrived from the February 2026 book releases. It’s set in 1796 Nova Scotia, where Cora, newly arrived from Jamaica, is experiencing her first winter when she discovers Agnes, who is hiding from her past. Together, they form a plan to secure Agnes’s freedom as her pursuers get closer to her.

Keeper of Lost Children

Author: Sedeqa Johnson

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Bestselling author of The House of Eve

Plot

Ethyl Gathers is living in Germany in the 1950s with her GI husband when she finds an orphanage filled with children of German women and Black American GIs. Ozzie Phillips volunteers for the desegregated army in Germany in 1948. And in 1965, Maryland, Sophia Clark discovers a secret that turns her world upside down. This historical fiction is told from the perspective of these three individuals whose lives will come together in the most unexpected way.

A Slow and Secret Poison

Author: Camella Lowkis

Release Date: February 13, 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info:

Plot

Hartford Manor is a crumbling home in the southwest of England, where Lady Arabella Lasacy lives as the last member of her family. She is convinced that a curse killed everyone else and is coming for her next. Vee Morgan accepts the job of gardener at the estate and hopes for a fresh start. Soon, Vee’s past catches up with her, and Lady Arabella’s deadly past is revealed.

The Red Winter

Author: Cameron Sullivan

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Deluxe Edition

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I keep hearing about this debut fantasy everywhere, and with a huge first-run printing as part of a two-book deal, I knew I had to read this book. It is a twist on history! In 1785, the beast of Gévaudan has returned to the French countryside. Professor Sebastian Grave, a monster slayer, knows the beast and its bloody history.

The centuries-old Professor has his own inner demon, literally, named Sarmodal, and yet, the beast nearly cost him his life. Now the beast is leading the continent into war.

Cameron reimagines European history from Rome to Joan of Arc and the French Revolution.

Trigger Warnings

Gore, Rape, Graphic sexual content, cannibalism

Jackie’s Thoughts

This book is very well written with an interesting story that kept me very interested. However, as the story continued, there was a lot of graphic content that made me too uncomfortable to finish reading. If this sort of content does not bother you, or if you are a fan of horror fantasy, this may be the book for you.

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter

Author: Heather Fawcett

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Bestselling Author of the Emily Wilde series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Agnes Aubert runs a cat rescue in Montréal in the 1920s. After an incident with dueling magicians destroyed a section of the city, Agnes is forced to move the shelter. When she finds out that her new landlord is Havelock Rnard, the most famous dark magician in the world, she is torn. On the one hand, the rent is inexpensive and it’s in a great area of town. On the other hand, it was magicians who destroyed the first rescue shelter and forced her to move.

As Agnes reluctantly gets to know Havelock (who almost caused an apocalypse), she finds that he is not as intimidating as people say. When his sister starts poking around and causing problems, she is shocked that she might be on Havelock’s side

Why Jackie loves it

Many of you may know that I was born in Montreal and my son is living there. But add in some magic and cats, and I am sold. This book is adorable, but also emotional with great characters. I cannot wait to see what’s next.

Find this book in: Popular Cozy Books

The Astral Library

Author: Kate Quinn

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Bestselling Author of The Alice Network

Plot

2026 really seems to be the year of the book about books. Alix grew up in the foster care system and took refuge in books at the Boston Public Library. When she finds a hidden door, she enters a hidden library where people can escape into their favorite books. There, she also meets the Librarian, the guardian of the Astral Library. When an enemy to the library threatens to destroy it, Alix and the Librarian flee through Sherlock Holmes and other literary favorites. Can they determine what the enemy wants before it destroys everything?

Messenger Cat Cafe

Author: Nagi Shimeno, translated by M. Jean

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Genre: Magical Realism

More info: Translated from Japanese

Plot

Fuuta, the tabby ca,t has passed into the afterlife but longs to see his beloved owner, Michiru, again. He applies for a position at Café Pont, a cafe between worlds where messenger cats can give messages from the dead to the living. Fuuta must deliver 5 messages to see his beloved Michiru again.

Little One

Author: Olivia Muenter

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Genre: Thriller

More info: Bestselling author of Such A Bad Influence

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Catharine grew up on the farm she loves, surrounded by her family, with her charismatic dad as the center of her universe. But when her community-focused farm turns into something more sinister, Catharine is forced to leave the home she loves. Now, she’s getting questions from a reporter asking if she knew about her former home turning into a cult – can Catharine go back to get answers and rescue the sister she left behind?

Trigger Warnings

Eating Disorder, Body Shaming

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m fascinated by cults, so this book was right up my alley. The story was such a mind-bender that left me questioning whether Catharine was a victim or a manipulator until the very end. The narrator did an incredible job as Catharine, changing her voice from sinister to sweet as the situations called for it. #gifted by Little, Brown and Company

Find this book in: Books About Cults

When I Kill You

Author: B. A. Paris

Year: February 17, 2026

Genre: Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Nell Masters can feel someone following her and watching her despite everything she did to get away from her past life as Elle Nugent.

Fourteen years earlier, Elle was the only witness when a student named Bryony climbed into a stranger’s car. When Bryony is found dead, Elle believes she can help find the killer. Her obsession takes her down a dangerous path.

The two timelines come together as Nell tries to discover who found her from the past that she tried so hard to run away from. She is desperately trying to keep her new life together and keep the secret from her new boyfriend, Alex.

Trigger Warnings

Murder, Knife Violence

Why Jackie loves it

With alternating POV, including the stalker, this thriller kept me on my toes the entire time. Thank you, #MacmillanAudio

Find this book in: Best Books with Stalkers

Blade

Author: Wendy Walker

Release Date: February 1, 2026

Genre: Thriller

More info: USA Today bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Who knew that Wendy Walker is a former competitive skater? She uses that background to give us a psychological thriller set in the world of elite figure skating. Ana Robbins was a skater vying for a spot on the Olympic team when a tragedy caused her to leave the skating world at 16. Now, she is 30 and a successful attorney.

When her former coach is killed, she is brought back to the world she thought she had left behind. She is defending Grace Montgomery, a young skater who is days away from facing a first-degree murder charge. Ana is determined to uncover the truth, even if it means exposing her own secrets.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual Assault, drug use

Why Jackie loves it

This was the perfect book to read right before the Olympics. The craziest part is that everything that happened in both timelines seems like it is feasible, not beyond the realm of possibility.

Find this book in: Books Set in Winter

A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage

Author: MK Oliver

Year: 2026

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This funny mystery is all about Lalla, a woman trying to do it all – help her husband make partner, get her daughter into an exclusive private school, secure her dream home, and host a damn-good birthday party for her 4-year-old. All of which hits a snag when she murders a thief attempting to break into her house, and kinda likes it. Now she needs to frame a friend, dispose of a body, and figure out how to hide her past from the police.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love to root for an anti-hero, and Lalla is the perfect one! Lalla’s unique inner monologue made for delightful reading, and the increasingly fraught scenarios were humorous and suspenseful at the same time! Lalla’s narration style won’t be for everyone but if you liek Joe’s narration in You or the story Best Offer Wins, then this will be right up your alley. #Gifted by Atria and S&S Audio.

Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books

Without a Clue

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Year: 2026

Genre: RomCozy

Spice Rating:💋

Age: 12+

Plot

Melissa Ferguson writes the best clean romances, so I’m excited to read her mystery romance debut! It’s set on a cruise ship when Pip, organizer of an author cruise and personal assistant to a famed writer, finds her employer has been murdered. Soon, she’s using her amateur detective skills to solve the mystery with the help of Nash, her friendly Western author pal.

Why Kirsten loves it

This sweet story kept me guessing until the end. I’ve been loving the new RomCozy trend, and this clean story delighted! I was feverishly trying to solve the mystery alongside Pip while also swooning over Nash’s attempts to keep her out of harm’s way. Delightful as always, and the cruise ship setting was perfect for this one! #gifted by Thomas Nelson

Find this book in: RomCozy Books / Boat Books

How to Get Away With Murder

Author: Rebecca Philipson

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Genre: Thriller

More info: Debut Novel

Plot

Detective Inspector Samantha Hansen has been on leave from Scotland Yard for six months. When a 14-year-old is murdered, she knows it’s time to return to work and find the killer. The only clue leads to a self-help book in the victim’s backpack called “How to Get Away With Murder” by a man named Denver Brady. He claims that he is the most successful serial killer of all time. Each chapter in his book describes his perfect murders. Sam knows she needs to find him before someone else dies.

You & Me and You & Me and You & Me

Author: Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Reese

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Plot

Adam and Jules have been married for 25 years, and their life – and love – is beginning to feel dull. When they discover the old mix-tapes they used to make for one another, they also discover they can use them to travel back in time and fall in love again, nce more. This pick from the February 2026 book releases is a time travel romance book like no other!

One & Only

Author: Maurene Goo

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: February 2026 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Cassia Park is the descendant of a long line of matchmakers who read people’s faces to find their one true love. They can look into past lives to find a person’s fated one. They are so confident in the results that they have a 100% guarantee.

Cassia has known the name of her fated one since she was 30, but cannot find him anywhere- even with her extensive network of employees. As she turns 40, she decides to have a fling with a younger man. When she starts to develop strong feelings for him, she is shocked to meet his boss and discover that he is the man she’s been fated to marry.

Why Jackie Loves it

This is a romance with the perfect touch of magic. It made me think about fate and how much it plays a role in our lives vs. the future we make ourselves. What a fantastic adult debut for this author. #gifted

Find this book in: Matchmaking Books / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2026

Maybe This Once

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Year: 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Rock Bottom Love #3

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Sophie Sullivan writes some of my favorite romances, so I’m looking forward to reading this one! Charlotte and Grayson are looking for different things in life. Charlotte is a therapist trying to outrun her famous parents despite a viral video changing her plans, while Grayson is happy running the Get Lost Lodge in quiet seclusion. They embark on a summer fling, with no plans to catch feelings…until they do.

Why Kirsten loves it

This romance was a sweet one with two main characters you were rooting for the whole time! I love that there was no third-act break-up and the steamy scenes were too steamy or gratuitous! It felt like a naturally developing love story, which was perfect for Valentine’s weekend. #gifted by St. Martin’s Griffin

The Halifax Hellions

Author: Alexandra Vasti

Year: 2026

Genre: Historical Erotica

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This delightful novel is a two-in-one romance featuring about sisters. It’s a novella about each sister’s journey to love. One who has run off with someone she despises (or does she?) and the other who is coming to her aid with a beloved friend…who might become more.

Why Kirsten loves it

It was fun to read a novel that was really two stories in one. Margot’s story was first, and while we knew as readers that she was chasing after Matilda, it was rewarding to later learn Matilda’s love story from her own perspective. This story is STEAMY, so please be aware before reading! #gifted by St. Martin’s Griffin

Find this book in: Historical Romance Novels

The Ex-Perimento

Author: Maria J. Morillo

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Debut Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Maria “Marianto” Camacho has the job of her dreams and a boyfriend who is perfect on paper. She is sure her boyfriend is going to propose to her, so she sets up her camera to record. But things do not go as planned and he breaks up with her. When she looses her job the next day, she has to come up with a plan to win them back.

She decides to document experiments to get her ex back. Imagine “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days” but in reverse! Marianto realizes the easiest way to do this is to fake date Simon Arreaza, the lead singer of her favorite Indie band. He has a man’s perspective on what will actually work to win her ex back.

Why Jackie loves it

This is an adorable romance that had me laughing and cringing with every one of Maria’s missteps. I was rooting for her the whole time.

Find this book in: Fake Dating Books

Super Nintendo: The Game-Changing Company That Unlocked the Power of Play

Author: Keza MacDonald

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Genre: Nonfiction

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Nintendo, the video-gaming company, was the cornerstone of many a childhood. This book dives into the history of Nintendo, game by game, as it looks at where the company started and where it’s going in the future.

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved learning about my favorite video games. I read this story on vacation, and it sparked all kinds of fun conversations with my family members! It was the perfect vacation nonfiction. #gifted by Knopf

Find this book in: Pop Culture Nonfiction Books

Leaving Home: A Memoir in Full Colour

Author: Mark Haddon

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Genre: Memoir

More info: Acclaimed Author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Plot

This is Haddon’s portrait of himself as an artist, as a child, and as an adult. His experiences as a child shaped the person he became and how he understands the world. He had to create a home for himself and a life, something he never felt as a child growing up. This pick from the February 2026 book releases looks like a stunning portrayal of Haddon’s life.

The Company of Owls

Author: Polly Atkin

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: Longlisted for the 2025 Wainwright Prize in Nature Writing

Plot

In this memoir, Polly Atkin is writing a love letter to the world. She contemplates life by watching a clutch of owlets that live in a tree near her home. She wonders when humans should intervene and when nature should take its course. She thinks about relationships and the company we keep through the lens of observing the beautiful animals.

Love Me Tomorrow

Author: Emiko Jean

Release Date: February 2, 2026

Genre: YA Romance

More info: Bestselling author of Tokyo Ever After

Plot

After a few years writing adult novels, Emiko is going back to her YA roots, when 17-year-old Emma begins receiving letters from the future – or at least from someone claiming to be the future love of her life. Can she figure out who is writing her these notes?