To celebrate the recent success of Haley Kiyoko’s Where There’s Room For Us—which just landed on the New York Times bestseller list—I’m dedicating today’s post to the brand-new sapphic Regency (or “victorian”) romance 2026 titles coming our way next year.
Aside from the masterpiece Fingersmith and its charming YA “cousin” Wilthorn, I have to admit I’m still fairly new to the whole “corsets and lakeside picnics” scene.
Still, one absolutely delightful title that blends lace, crinolines, tea visits, and… a magical time-travel twist that upends the lives of two queer girls (who are very ready to fall in love) is Raecheal Lippincott’s Pride, Prejudice and Pittsborough. I also enjoyed A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian, even though it feels more like an introductory “tasting menu” of the genre’s most beloved tropes.
But 2026 is shaping up to be a truly spectacular year for sapphic Regency romance, and the five books below are the ones that intrigue and excite me the most!
5 Promising Sapphic Regency/Victorian Romance Books Coming in 2026
The Duke by Anna Cowan
Release date: April 28, 2026
Kate, Duke of Howard, is feared across Europe as a ruthless autocrat who will not be crossed. Hardened by deep rivalries, she avoids society and has sworn never to trap a woman in marriage with someone as monstrous as she believes herself to be.
The beautiful and ambitious courtesan Céline Genet once threw herself at the mercy of the Duke of Howard in a desperate attempt to escape the guillotine. After a night of blazing passion, however, the duke abandoned her to the chaos of revolutionary Paris. Now living in London, Céline holds a dangerous letter proving that the Duke of Howard committed treason as a child—and perhaps even murder.
Céline demands a titled husband in exchange for the duke’s secret, and Kate has no choice but to escort her into the most exclusive ballrooms. But as Céline dazzles society, Kate finds herself increasingly drawn to the woman determined to destroy her. As their attraction grows, Kate faces an impossible choice: protect the secret of her past, or fight for the woman she loves.
A bold, intense sapphic Regency romance 2026 title to watch.
The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley by Lindz McLeod
Release date: May 5, 2026
Being snubbed by Mr. Darcy—ignored in favor of Elizabeth Bennet, of all people—is deeply humiliating. Hearing that she’s arrogant and rude, and that she might never find love unless she changes? Utterly absurd.
Wounded by Darcy’s rejection, Caroline Bingley does what any determined, well-off woman might do: she forms a plan. She asks Georgiana Darcy—the nation’s very embodiment of grace and sweetness—to teach her how to become just as perfect.
But transforming Caroline from a status-obsessed socialite into marriageable material is no small task. She must learn to be charming, and—more difficult still—kind.
Georgiana isn’t thrilled about playing fairy godmother, either. Behind her polished exterior, she hides her own struggles. As the two grow closer, Caroline finds herself far less interested in winning over a man… and far more captivated by the personal journey Georgiana is guiding her through. Their lessons in love and self-acceptance soon become something entirely unexpected.
A witty, emotional addition to next year’s sapphic Regency romance lineup.
The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards
Release date: April 7, 2026
Georgiana Darcy has kissed only one girl in her life—and the blackmail that followed nearly destroyed her reputation. Since then, she has lived cautiously, losing herself in books and music, determined to avoid romantic entanglements with other women. But everything changes when she meets Kitty Bennet.
A moonlit kiss turns their budding friendship into something deeper, prompting Georgiana to follow Kitty to the Bennet home. But danger awaits: there she encounters the only man who knows her secret, and the one who once threatened her.
Fearing for her family’s good name and Kitty’s safety, Georgiana wonders if a happy ending for her is even possible. Every etiquette manual says she should protect her reputation at all costs. But with the help of those who know what it means to fight for love, she might discover the courage to claim the future she and Kitty deserve.
Tender, dramatic, and full of longing—a standout sapphic Regency romance 2026 release.
Like in Love With You by Emma R. Alban
Release date: January 13, 2026
In 1817, Catherine Pine moves to Bath and immediately encounters her mother’s old nemesis—and her daughter: the wildly popular Lady Rosalie. Twenty-five years after a dreadful betrayal, Catherine’s mother sees the perfect chance for revenge. All Catherine must do is win the favor of Lady Rosalie’s not-quite-official suitor, the desirable Mr. Dean.
But Catherine soon discovers that Lady Rosalie is by far the most clever, intriguing, and magnetic young woman she has ever met—and she is instantly smitten. Which is, of course, a problem.
Meanwhile, Rosalie feels trapped in her relationship with Mr. Dean and in her role as Bath’s reigning mean girl. But when she notices the newcomer Catherine aiming for her crown, Rosalie feels a spark she absolutely doesn’t want to extinguish.
As Rosalie and Catherine circle one another—sniping, competing, and dazzling society—they slowly begin to fall in love.
A sharp, sparkling rivals-to-lovers tale and a perfect sapphic Regency romance for early 2026.
A Change of Pace by J. A. Stevens
Release date: March 3, 2026
Miss Pace, a cynical woman who has long sworn off love, doesn’t hesitate when she discovers that her frail acquaintance Mr. Coombes is being targeted by criminals from a gambling house. She is determined to protect him and see justice done.
At her side stands the mysterious Lady Mortimer, whose ties to the criminal underworld run deeper than they appear.
Miss Pace soon realizes that saving Mr. Coombes also means risking her own heart. Her growing attraction to the enigmatic, dangerous Lady Mortimer leaves her torn between self-protection and desire. Will she keep her guard up—or surrender to the force of her feelings?
A moody, suspense-tinged entry in the sapphic Regency romance 2026 catalogue.
