The second month of the year is upon us. February is a month that some refer to as the month of love. So, of course, the list ahead will include some books with a little romance, but other genres will also be included if romance isn’t really your thing (or you’re just anti-Valentine’s Day)!
The new releases ahead is comprised of fiction reads that are predominantly based on our interests in genre storytelling. However, there is a truly spectacular line up of books to get you through the cold winter days ahead (even if Wiarton Willie is predicting an early spring). From fantasy, to romance to horror to good old fashioned drama, February is filled to the brim with options for any type of reader you are.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our most anticipated book releases of February 2026.
This Ain’t Our First Rodeo by Liara Tamani
“Love is a wild ride. Hold on. When life lassoes Josie and Shawn back together three years after their dreamy first date, their second chance at love is anything but easy. A big-hearted rodeo romance set in Houston, Texas, by the critically acclaimed Liara Tamani.” -HarperCollins Canada
If you’re looking for a romance to read during the month of love, look no further! Bull riding and romance collide in Liara Tamani’s latest book, This Ain’t Our First Rodeo. The contemporary lover story is filled to the brim with fun and choosing love despite all odds.
Published by: HarperCollins Canada
Imprint Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication date: February 3, 2026
And the Ancestors Sing by Radha Lin Chaddah
“Spanning decades of seismic change in post-Cultural Revolution China, And The Ancestors Sing is a sweeping, multigenerational novel of resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable pull of home, perfect for fans of Pachinko and The Island of Sea Women.” -Simon & Schuster Canada
Set in 1978 as the Cultural Revolution fades, readers meet Lei who has recently been bartered into a marriage. However, when a disaster ruins their current lives, Lei and her husband must head city-bound. Spanning multiple generations, Chaddah’s novel is vast, impressive story of sacrifice.
Published by: Simon & Schuster Canada
Imprint Publisher: Rising Action
Publication date: February 3, 2026
Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya
“An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears.” -Penguin Random House Canada
A young woman posing as a fortune teller receives word from her past love that the carnival is more sisnister than it appears – what more could one need to be sold to read this story? However, if you need more, Montoya’s latest novel is fabulous read filled with mischief and magic.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint Publisher: Joy Revolution
Publication date: February 3, 2026
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow
“The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.” -Raincoast Books
Being likened to the rendition of Cinderella starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, immediately made me want to read Dow’s latest book. The romantic fantasy is fast-paced, lively, and whimsical. Just the perfect read to light up your February.
Published by: Raincoast Books
Imprint Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication date: February 3, 2026
A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann
“Caraval meets One Dark Window in this lush and dark fantasy.” -Entangled Publishing
If you’re looking for a dark fantasy, look no further than Spann’s debut novel, A Stage Set for Villains. After an encounter with one of the revered Players of the Playhouse leaves her cursed, Riven needs to do something drastic to change her fate. So, when the Playhouse annonces a new spectacle, where someone can steal a Player’s immortality, she knows what she has to do, despite the cost.
Published by: Entangled Publishing
Imprint Publisher: Mayhem Books
Publication date: February 3, 2026
Skate It Till You Make It by Rufaro Faith Mazarura
“The weather might be icy, but the tension is red-hot in this fake-dating hockey rom-com from the author of Let the Games Begin.” -Raincoast Books
Ari Shumba has to lead Great Britain’s ice hockey team during the Winter Games. She has extremely important things on her plate, and falling in love is not one of them. However, meeting Drew might make her change her mind. Even though she has to remain focused on the task at hand, representing her nation during the Winter Games, another game is afoot as the fake-dating begins.
Published by: Raincoast Books
Imprint Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication date: February 3, 2026
Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi
“Cleopatra tells her own story in this evocative and sensuous historical epic from the bestselling and award-winning author of Faebound and The Final Strife.” -Penguin Random House Canada
Cleopatra is one of the most well-known women in history, and Saara El-Arifi brings her wonderful writing to craft a novel unlike any other. Exploring Cleopatra’s story as one told in her words, and not from historians who did not truly know her. A bold and sumptuous retelling, Cleopatra should definitely be on your TBR list.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication date: February 24, 2026
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
“Two competing meteorologists are forced to find common ground in this opposites attract, When Harry Met Sally inspired romance, from #1 New York Times bestselling author B.K. Borison.” -Peguin Random House Canada
In book two of Borison’s “Heartstrings” series, Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have to team up to cover a historic snowstorm. Neither is pleased with this, but they know they have to put their differences aside in order to ace the assignment. However, when unexpected feelings start to enter the equation, will the pair be able to handle this unexpected weather front? If you’re looking for some romance this month, this might be the book for you.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: February 24, 2026
Kin by Tayari Jones
“A magnificent new novel from the bestselling, award-winning author of An American Marriage—Tayari Jones has written an unforgettable novel that sparkles with wit and intelligence and deep feeling about two lifelong friends whose worlds converge after many years apart in the face of a devastating tragedy.” -Penguin Random House Canada
Vernice and Annie have been best friends and neighbours since childhood. Growing up together in Honeysuckle, Louisiana, the two motherless friends live vastly different lives. After being raised by her aunt, Vernice leaves home at 18 to attend Spelman College. Annie, abandoned by her mother, is determined to find her but ends up on a perilous journey. A stirring story about sisterhood and friendship, Jones’ novel is a must-read.
Published by: Penguin Random House Canada
Imprint Publisher: Viking
Publication date: February 24, 2026
The Trident and the Pearl by Sarah K.L. Wilson
“Forced by the gods to be wed. Forced by their secrets to be enemies. A desperate queen and a lowly fisherman must join together to save her land in this spellbinding romantasy from Sarah K. L. Wilson.” -Orbit
When Queen Coralys is forced to make a deal with the gods after a deadly hurricane kills half her nation and her husband. However, the gods’ salvation always comes at a price. Demanding payment for their help, they force Coralys to give up her titles and to marry the first to set foot on her pier, a wounded fisherman. Keeping her promise, Coralys leaves with him and uses her hope for revenge against the gods to keep her mind sharp.
Published by: Hachette Book Group
Imprint Publisher: Orbit
Publication date: February 24, 2026
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