I'll Read What She's Reading
Episode Title: Most Anticipated Reads for 2026!
Air Date: January 14, 2026
Hosts: Kennedy, Mikayla, and Reggie
Episode Overview
In this lively, bookish episode, Kennedy, Mikayla, and Reggie gather for their annual deep-dive into their most anticipated book releases for 2026. The podcast balances thoughtful discussion on upcoming titles with their signature blend of chaos and humor. The episode kicks off with a fun mutual book-recommendation segment (where the hosts pick books for one another to read based on past challenges), and quickly shifts into a rapid-fire, highly opinionated roundup of 2026’s most hyped releases—across fantasy, romance, thrillers, and more.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Book Recap and Recommendation Swap
(00:27–10:18)
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Recap: The trio revisits books they previously chose for one another (six months ago!) and shares quick reactions:
- Sword of Kaigen: Reggie didn’t quite rate it 5 stars (like Kennedy), but loved the mature female protagonist and the unexpected modern elements. "It was refreshing to just read about such a mature female lead... a powerful, badass mature woman who happens to be a mom.” (Reggie, 02:12)
- The Blight of Stars: Mikayla found the concept unique and fun, though confusing at times with many POVs. She plans to continue the series.
- When in Rome: Kennedy enjoyed the small town romance but is weary of the "famous person meets small towner" trope. "I've decided it's not my favorite." (Kennedy, 06:03)
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New Swap Picks:
- Kennedy → Mikayla: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yaros (07:01): “You've been talking about it forever... you need the push.”
- Mikayla → Reggie: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (08:00): Short, Bridgerton-esque, sweetly bingeable.
- Reggie → Kennedy: Wild Dark Shore (09:20): A much-buzzed about audiobook pick tailored to Kennedy’s taste.
2. Most Anticipated 2026 Releases
(10:19–39:43)
Fantasy Highlights
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Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker (April 28, 2026):
“I will probably read it... but I feel like I need to reread the first book first.” (Kennedy, 11:15)- The group agrees that a brief recap at the start of fantasy sequels would be a game-changer.
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Victorious by V.E. Schwab:
Kennedy's pick for a long-awaited conclusion to the Villains trilogy. “I’ve been waiting for this book… when we met her in LA, she had decided to write the third book!” (16:28) -
Rights of the Starling by Devney Perry (April 7, 2026):
Anticipation is huge due to the cliffhanger ending of the previous book, Shield of Sparrows. “I think this is the one book next year that I’m feeling the very most excited about.” (Reggie, 19:28) -
Red God by Pierce Brown:
It’s on everyone’s list, with much manifesting for a 2026 release.
“I don’t care if it’s Dec. 31st at 11:59 pm... I want that book.” (Kennedy, 20:55) -
The Nave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig (September 1, 2026):
The group is eager to see how the duology will conclude. -
Lion in the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent:
Despite mixed feelings about the previous book, Reggie has high hopes for this sequel and praises the author’s habit of posting recaps on her website.
Romance Favorites
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In Her Own League by Kate Stewart (March 3, 2026):
Windy City series spin-off featuring the team’s owner and coach, exploring an age-gap romance. “I’m here for it... I want to swoon over someone’s grandpa!” (Kennedy, 15:12) -
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune:
An auto-buy author for Mikayla, this book looks especially emotional: “I think this one might kind of wreck me a little bit.” (Reggie, 22:29) -
And Now Back to You by BK Borison (Feb. 24, 2026):
Features rival meteorologists (a romcom duel), promising “raw 90s Rom com” vibes. -
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez:
Anticipated even if the prequel was a letdown, but hope remains for improvement. -
The Shippers by Katherine Center:
Mikayla notes the body-positive themes and sweet vibes typical of the author. -
How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates by Shaylee Thompson (Feb. 3, 2026):
A murder rom-com centered around speed dating, likened to Love in the Time of Serial Killers or Butcher and Blackbird.
Thriller & Miscellaneous
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The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer:
YA murder mystery in an escape room; group notes Meyer’s shift from sci-fi/fantasy to thriller. -
Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman:
Bonkers premise involving robot farmhands and a real-people-in-a-video-game story. Noted that Dinniman’s Patreon lets fans shape his stories. -
Unnamed Book by Colleen Hoover:
Meta-thriller about an author facing viral backlash.
“Do we think her hiatus inspired the book, or did she write the book and then decided to go on hiatus to, like, fuel the fire?” (Kennedy, 35:07)
The consensus? No plans to read, but morbid curiosity lingers. -
Silver Elite 2 by Danny Francis:
Conspiracy theories abound regarding the author’s true identity—“I’m on the theory it’s Colleen Hoover.” (Reggie, 35:57)
Other Notable Series and Author Mentions
- Freedom McFadden Adaptations:
Discussion on upcoming thriller adaptations, with the hosts joking about surreal plot twists and McFadden's output.
“She does it for the shock!” (Kennedy, 36:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Book-Trope Fatigue:
“I’ve decided it's not my favorite. Especially like, for romcoms. There’s certain ones where it works, but...”—Kennedy on ‘famous person meets small town’ trope (06:03) -
On Series Recaps:
“I really wish every author in every fantasy book would have just a tiny bit at the beginning of every next book, kind of summarizing the previous book.” —Kennedy (11:28) -
On Author Recap Websites:
“She’s on top of that! She has them on her website. She is a queen.” —Reggie on Carissa Broadbent (29:18) -
On Reading Pressure:
“I’m just like in a never-ending loop of catch up to read all the recent drops, and then catch up to read all the older books.” —Kennedy (40:08) -
On Colleen Hoover’s Meta-Thriller:
“Do we think her hiatus inspired the book, or did she write the book and then decided to go on hiatus to, like, fuel the fire?” —Kennedy (35:07) -
On Bookish Optimism:
“We’re totally fine. We’re totally zen.” —Mikayla (40:31)
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:27–10:18 — Book Recap & New Book Picks for Each Other
- 10:19–39:43 — Most Anticipated 2026 Releases (“lightning round” of picks and discussions)
- 20:55 — Manifesting for Red God
- 16:28 — V.E. Schwab Villains Trilogy Excitement
- 22:29 — Carley Fortune Release Anticipation
- 29:18 — Praise for Carissa Broadbent’s Website Recaps
- 35:07 — Colleen Hoover’s “Meta-Thriller” and Industry Gossip
- 36:55 — Freedom McFadden Adaptation Chatter
Episode Tone & Style
The episode balances a passionate, well-read perspective with the hosts’ trademark humor and self-deprecation about their genre obsessions—especially romcoms and fantasy. The group dynamic is energetic and inviting, as if listeners are eavesdropping on a chaotic group chat turned book club.
Conclusion
The hosts wrap up by acknowledging the endless nature of TBR lists, providing comfort to overwhelmed readers, and cheering on everyone’s literary adventures for 2026:
“There’s going to be some good releases—and maybe not so good ones—but it’s okay. Thanks so much for listening. We’ll see you next week.” (Kennedy, 40:49)
Perfect For:
Anyone seeking a fun, honest, and thorough preview of 2026’s buzziest books across genres—with plenty of recommendations, hot takes, and banter from three bona fide book lovers.