Books to add to your TBR for 2026!
These were the top books I loved reading this year, and I'm curious to find out if anyone else read these and loved them as well! I'm also excited for the movie adaptation of Project Hail Mary to come to theaters next year (2026), but I'm also nervous because A LOT happens in the book!
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir
TW*
Accomplice to the Villain
Hannah Nicole Maehrer
TW*
A Pirate's Life For Tea
Rebecca Thorne
TW*
(note: there is a spicy excerpt in the back of the book that's not part of the story at all and that's why I classified this as no spice because there's no actual spice during the story. you can skip it entirely without missing anything.)
A Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
Grady Hendrix
TW*
This Body's Not Big Enough For Both of Us
Edgar Cantero
TW*
Don't Look For Me
Wendy Walker
TW*
Under the Whispering Door
TJ Klune
TW*
*Check out triggers online or in the StoryGraph app!
QOTD: Did you make your reading goal this year?
#lemon8bookclub #bookrecommendations #bestof2025 #bookswithspice #bookwormsoflemon8
If you're curating your 2026 TBR (To Be Read) list, this selection packs a punch with diverse genres and captivating stories. Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary, a thrilling sci-fi about an astronaut’s desperate mission to save Earth, is particularly exciting with the upcoming movie adaptation slated for 2026. Fans of science fiction will appreciate its gripping plot and well-researched science, though be mindful of trigger warnings before diving in. For readers who love romance with a twist, "Accomplice to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Maehrer and "A Pirate's Life For Tea" by Rebecca Thorne offer contrasting flavors—one intense, the other cozy and magical. Note that "A Pirate's Life For Tea" contains a standalone spicy excerpt separate from the main story, so it can be skipped for those seeking less romance heat in their reads. Horror enthusiasts should not miss "A Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires" by Grady Hendrix, which combines Southern charm with vampire lore and dark humor. Its unique setting in the 90s South adds character and cultural flavor often appreciated by genre fans. Twisting mystery and suspense are abundant in Wendy Walker’s "Don't Look For Me," a compelling thriller exploring disappearance and family secrets. Edgar Cantero’s "This Body’s Not Big Enough For Both of Us" blends mystery with quirky humor and mafia intrigue for those who enjoy unconventional narratives. Lastly, fantasy lovers will find comfort in TJ Klune’s "Under the Whispering Door," a heartfelt story about death, the afterlife, and unexpected friendships. It carries emotional depth with LGBTQIA+ representation, making it both a touching and important read. Before you start, be sure to check trigger warnings on sources like the StoryGraph app—many of these books contain mature themes. And whether you have a set reading goal or just want to explore new stories, these titles promise engaging reads that will enhance your 2026 literary journey. Happy reading!
I started Don't look for Me, but couldn't get into it.