A new reading year is right around the corner, and these 2026 LGBTQ YA releases are already sparking joy on my radar.

From dreamy road trips and star-touched magic to sapphic courts filled with mystery and midnight glamour, these books deliver heart, adventure, and the kind of queer storytelling that makes you want to curl up with a cozy drink and read straight through the night.

Here are four upcoming titles that absolutely deserve a spot on your winter, and spring, TBR.

"Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar"

By Anahita Karthik 
Release Date: January 27  
 
Kick off the year with a rom-com that’s equal parts chaos, charm, and big bi-energy. Krishna Kumar might have her future figured out, but her love life. It’s a whole beautiful mess! When a last-minute text from her crush sends her on a frantic quest across India, Krishna teams up with her rival cousin and his quietly swoon-worthy best friend. What follows is a road-trip full of heart, humor, and first-kiss jitters — all set against vibrant scenery and that delicious warmth of falling for someone totally unexpected.

"The Twelve"

By Joey Graceffa  
Release Date: February 24

If you love your fantasy atmospheric, witchy, and full of sibling tension, this one is calling your name. Twin sisters Ophelia and Serena suddenly find themselves swept into a celestial coven where each witch’s power is dictated by the zodiac. One sister is craving strength while the other struggles to hold back the tide, until the darkness they’re meant to fight starts shifting closer than anyone expected. Think magic, monsters, and star-spun destiny with a queer heartbeat.

"The Night King’s Court"

By Elisa Bonnin 
Release Date: April 28

Step into a mesmerizing world that comes alive only after sunset. Ida, a gifted enchanter still grieving her missing father, accepts a coveted role at the Night King’s dazzling, and deeply mysterious, court. Here, faerie gardens bloom under moonlight, masquerades spill into underwater realms, and enchantments blur the edges of reality. But something sinister lurks beneath the beauty. With the help of the king’s enchanting daughter, Lenore, Ida must uncover the truth before the court’s magic becomes a cage she can’t escape.

These stories shine bright, queer, and full of heart. And honestly? If this is how 2026 is starting, my bookshelves and my heart are ready for the ride. Happy Reading!