New Year, New TBR: Make Indie Romance Your 2026 Reading Resolution
If you’re looking to shake up your reading routine this year, making space for indie romance is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. From laugh-out-loud paranormal rom-coms to steamy fantasy worlds and heartfelt love stories, indie authors are delivering unforgettable reads you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy romance and then some:
- Paranormal Romance
- Dark Romance
- LGBTQ Romance
- Fantasy Romance
- Sports Romance
Not sure where to start? Let us introduce you to five indie authors guaranteed to spice up your TBR.
Paranormal Romance
Jessica Cage
“Open a book. Read a spell. Whoop, there he is… a demon.”
If you like your paranormal romance funny, fast-paced, and full of heart, check out Jessica Cage’s Accidents Happen series. Packed with supernatural shenanigans, sharp humor, and relatable characters, these books are perfect for readers who enjoy romance with a magical twist.
I Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend
I Accidentally Hooked up with a Vampire
I Accidentally Hired a Shadow Walker
Dark Romance
Jill Ramsower
Dark romance delivers tension, danger, and intense passion, and Jill Ramsower’s Moretti Men series hits all the marks. With morally complex heroes, high-stakes drama, and deeply emotional romance, these books are perfect for readers who love stories that are bold, edgy, and impossible to put down.
“A new neighbor with a secret identity and a deadly obsession…”
LGBTQ+ Romance
Katherine Wela Bogen
If you’re looking for a LGBTQ+ romance that’s intense, messy, and impossible to forget, Queering Him has you covered. This emotionally charged debut follows enemies-turned-lovers Avra and Kieran, offering rich character development and lyrical writing that will stay with you long after the last page.
For fans of books by Sally Rooney and LUSTER by Raven Leilani. In this propulsive debut novel, QUEERING HIM, Katherine Wela Bogen chronicles the scalding-hot story of millennial enemies turned lovers Avra and Kieran.
Fantasy Romance
Juliette Cross
New York Times bestselling author Juliette Cross creates a dark fae world with a 3 book series.
Looking for a fantasy romance that will transport you to worlds as epic as the love stories themselves. Juliette Cross’s Rise of Northgall series does just that. With political intrigue, passionate romance, and richly imagined settings, these are must-reads for anyone craving an epic, high-stakes romantasy.
Sports Romance
Chelsea Curto
If you’re looking for sports romance with heart, Chelsea Curto’s D.C. Stars series is a fan favorite. These stories combine steamy chemistry, fierce competition, and teammates who help each other score both on and off the ice. It’s a perfect match for readers who crave romance with a competitive edge.
Indie authors are redefining the romance genre with bold stories, diverse voices, and unforgettable characters. By adding these titles to your TBR, you’re supporting indie authors’ discoverability. So, next thing you gotta do is grab your favorite blanket, pour a cup of something cozy, and dive into a year of romance that’s anything but ordinary.
