New Year, New Series, New Genre
A forward look at the adventures awaiting us in 2026
Gin & Grudges by Lauren Parker Rhodes
Well, of course it was coming, and yet, I am still surprised to find that 2026 is already here.
I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks off work, enjoying some quality time with my little family and planning for the year ahead. It’s going to be a big one—I hope you’re excited.
I am as excited as I am anxious, but that anxiety is a good thing. It means I’m putting myself out there, learning and growing and changing, as we all should be. That’s why we set goals to begin with.
And speaking of goals…do I set them? Yes. But I tend to think of them less as ‘goals’ and more as absolute non-negotiables—which, now that I’m thinking about it, might not be filling my cup as much as it could. So, with that in mind, let me be intentional with my phrasing and say that today, we’re going to talk about my intentions for 2026.
Except for one non-negotiable: I’m Publishing a new book
Yes, I’m breaking my own rule already, but in my defense, this is technically a leftover 2025 goal. Gin & Grudges, book 1 in my new contemporary, small town romance series Blackwood Valley, is coming February 2026.
For all the juicy details on that, head over to my Instagram page, and make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter for updates! More info is coming soon…
Shifting Genres—Romantic fantasy to contemporary romance
I’ve always written steamy, slow burn romances, but this go around, we’re dropping the fantasy elements and going contemporary! Not forever, mind you—fantasy will always hold a special place in my heart—just for now. And I’m really excited about it.
You may remember The Great Author Rebrand of 2025, wherein I changed my name and (with the help of the wonderful Taylor Gringich (@taylorgingrichdesign) and my team at Your Enchanted Narrative) completely overhauled my author brand. This was, in part, because I just wanted to—I was ready for a change, and I’d simply outgrown my previous branding. But it was also in preparation for this: to introduce you to a new series, a new genre, and new era of Lauren Parker Rhodes.
But don’t worry—the heart of what we do here, the reason you love my books and are bothering to read about lil old me’s goals for the year, isn’t going to change. I’m still going to write immersive, atmospheric prose that makes you laugh and cry and examine elements of the real world, even if I write in different genres. I’m still going to tell complex stories about family and friendship and women who support women, with positive romance and respectful, consensual open-door spice. My work will still be lit by hope for a better future and the difference we can make. It’s just, this time, I’m throwing a cowboy and cowgirl into the mix.
What else is cooking
I mentioned I was setting intentions for the year, rather than hard-and-fast goals, and here they are:
Release the complete Blackwood Valley series—not just book 1. This will be more books than I have ever released in a year before. A lofty goal, but one I’m feeling pretty good about right now!
Have a break with my family that isn't some kind of jammed packed itinerary, where we can enjoy some actual downtime together.
Keep learning everything I can about writing and publishing, as well as in the health and wellness space (fun fact: I'm also a practising yoga teacher!).
Attempt as close to healthy a balance with all the work and responsibilities with my kids and their needs.
We’ll see how it goes, won’t we?
A brief glance back
2025 is well behind us by now, but I have to show it (and myself) some love for everything it brought us:
The Traitors’ Duology is now complete! Book 2 released on 6 November to an incredible reception, and I couldn’t be happier.
I rebranded, of course! This too went better than I could’ve hoped, and I’m so glad to see you all love the new vibes as much as I do.
I invested in marketing my books. Self-publishing is A LOT, and building a team around me has been something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m so glad I finally did.
I wrote a whole new book. That never stops feeling amazing, no matter how many times I do it.
Is it tacky to pat yourself on the back publicly like this? I hope not. I think we deserve to celebrate ourselves more. Let that be another intention for the year ahead, for all of us.
That’s all, lovelies
If you made it to the end of this post, thank you so much for reading! And to everyone who read, purchased, or shared one of my books in 2025—it means more than you know. Thank you for your ongoing support, and for following me into this next wildful adventure. I can’t wait for you to read the next one.
Have a wonderful new year, and I’ll see you in 2026.
