Best New Adult & College Romance Books of 2026

It Starts with Us: A Novel (2) (It Ends with Us) by Colleen Hoover is a compelling portrait of the dynamics of domestic violence. The story follows Lily as she navigates a second chance at true love with her first love, Atlas, while dealing with her ex-husband, Ryle, who is still very much a part of her life. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, revealing more about Atlas's past and exploring the complexities of their relationships. Hoover's talent for creating nuanced and empathetic characters is on full display in this long-anticipated sequel to the bestselling It Ends with Us. This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary women's fiction.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a touching contemporary women fiction book about a hardworking Lily who falls in love with a neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. But when her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, everything she built with Ryle is threatened. This book is a heart-wrenching tale of love, courage, hope, and tears. The author has crafted an honest, evocative, and tender novel that reminds readers of the fragility of love. It Ends with Us is a unique and gripping book that will leave you smiling through your tears.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is a heart-wrenching love story that explores the messy side of attraction at first sight. The novel follows Tate Collins and Miles Archer, who have an undeniable mutual attraction but don't want love. Their arrangement of just sex could be easy to maintain as long as Tate sticks to the only two rules Miles has for her. However, they soon realize that they can't handle it, and love gets ugly. This book is a must-read for fans of new-adult fiction and those who enjoy a powerful love story.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover is a heart-rending yet hopeful novel that tells the story of Kenna Rowan, a young mother who returns to her hometown after serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake. Kenna hopes to reunite with her daughter, but faces obstacles as everyone in her daughter's life is determined to shut her out. The only person who hasn't closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, and Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing. Overall, Reminders of Him is a poignant story of redemption that highlights the power of love and forgiveness.

The Never Never series is a gripping, twisty, and angsty romance that will leave readers breathless. Co-authored by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, the series follows best friends turned lovers, Charlie and Silas, as they wake up with no memory of who they are. As they work together to uncover the truth about their past, they begin to question why they were ever together to begin with. The complete series, available in one volume, is heart-stopping and utterly captivating, showcasing the power of love and the terrifying nature of forgetting. This book is a must-read for fans of suspense thrillers.

Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover is a moving and unforgettable novel that follows the story of two young adults from completely different backgrounds who fall in love. Beyah Grim, who has experienced poverty and neglect, is forced to spend her summer in Texas with her estranged father. There, she meets Samson, a wealthy and brooding guy next door, and they embark on a passionate summer fling. However, with their upcoming futures sending them to opposite ends of the country, they must confront the possibility of a future without each other. This deeply emotional and suspenseful romance is a must-read for fans of Colleen Hoover's work.

November 9 by Colleen Hoover is a captivating novel about Fallon and Ben's love story. They meet on the day before Fallon's move across the country, and their attraction leads them to spend her last day in Los Angeles together. Over time, they continue to meet on the same date every year. However, one day, Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been truthful with her, causing her to question if their relationship is a love story or if it will end in heartbreak. This novel is a beautiful and emotional journey, and Hoover's unique style of storytelling shines throughout. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary women's fiction.

Twisted Love by Ana Huang is a steamy contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Alex Volkov, a man with a tragic past and a heart of ice, and Ava Chen, a free spirit with a broken past. Despite their differences, they fall in love, unleashing secrets that could destroy them both. The book is the first in the Twisted series and can be read as a standalone. Huang's writing ranges from lighthearted to dark, but all her stories have HEAs with plenty of banter and swoon. Overall, Twisted Love is a gripping and unique brother's best friend/grumpy sunshine romance that will leave readers wanting more.

Twisted Games by Ana Huang is a steamy contemporary royal romance that follows the story of Bridget von Ascheberg, a strong-willed princess who dreams of freedom, and her arrogant bodyguard, Rhys Larsen. As they navigate their forbidden and unexpected love, they must also face the treacheries of Bridget's new role as queen. Huang's writing is full of steam, angst, and swoon, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre. The story's unique blend of politics and romance adds depth to the plot and makes it stand out from other contemporary romance books.

Confess by Colleen Hoover is a gripping contemporary women's fiction novel that tells the story of Auburn Reed, a young woman who has lost everything important to her. When she meets the enigmatic artist Owen Gentry, she takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that he is keeping a major secret from her. The only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it. But to save their relationship, all Owen needs to do is confess. This book is a heart-wrenching second-chance love story that is both edgy and sexy. Hoover's writing style is lyrical and spellbinding, making Confess a definite must-read for fans of contemporary women's fiction.