25 in 25: Unmissable reads to kickstart your 2025
- Amanda Hayes
- Jan 22
- 11 min read
With each year comes a fresh wave of stories, voices, and perspectives that shape our reading journeys, and 2025 is no exception. From beloved authors returning with highly anticipated releases to dazzling debuts making their mark, this year’s lineup promises an abundance of books to fall in love with. Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, sweeping fantasies, poignant literary fiction, or thought-provoking nonfiction, there’s something on the horizon for everyone.
So, prepare your TBR, dust off your favorite reading chair, and join us as we highlight the 25 books poised to ignite your 2025 reading experience. These are the stories that will spark conversation, ignite imagination, and make this a year to remember in literature.
winter releases
ImmortalBy Sue Lynn TanExpected: January 7, 2025Liyen, the heir to Tianxia, ascends a fragile throne after her grandfather’s desperate act of stealing an enchanted lotus to save her life enrages the immortal queen, prompting the God of War to attack her kingdom. Determined to end Tianxia's subjugation to the immortals, Liyen ventures into the Immortal Realm, seeking their secrets and forging an uneasy alliance with the very God she should fear. As dark forces threaten her people and a forbidden attraction blooms between her and the ruthless deity, Liyen must risk everything—including her heart—to secure her kingdom’s survival against an unimaginable threat. |  |
 | Onyx StormBy Rebecca YarrosExpected: January 21, 2025After 18 grueling months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail faces her greatest challenge yet. With enemies infiltrating their ranks and external threats mounting, she must venture beyond the crumbling Aretian wards to forge alliances and gather the magic, power, and truth needed to save Navarre. The journey tests her wit, strength, and resolve as she fights to protect her dragons, her family, her home, and the one she loves. But a devastating secret she carries could shatter everything. As a storm of war looms, Violet must rise to the challenge, knowing not everyone will survive its deadly wrath. |
The BroposalBy Sonora ReyesExpected: January 21, 2025Alejandro ("Han") avoids love, masking his fear of self-discovery behind jokes about commitment-phobia. Meanwhile, his best friend and roommate, Kenny, feels trapped in a relationship with a controlling girlfriend who demands he cut ties with Han. When Kenny chooses Han over her, their bond deepens, but Han’s job loss jeopardizes his visa. To help his best friend gain security (and maybe spite his ex), Kenny proposes a marriage of convenience. Pretending to be in love, however, awakens emotions neither expected, forcing them to confront what they truly mean to each other—and to themselves. |  |
 | The Deep EndBy Ali HazelwoodExpected: February 4, 2025Scarlett Vandermeer is focused on med school and recovering from a career-threatening injury as a platform diver, leaving no room for relationships. Lukas Blomquist, disciplined swim captain and world champion, is equally committed to his Olympic dreams. Though seemingly worlds apart, a shared secret brings them together, sparking an arrangement meant to be temporary and uncomplicated. But as the Olympics approach, Scarlett finds herself drawn to Lukas in ways she never expected. Now, with her heart on the line, she must navigate the unpredictable waters of love and ambition. |
Wings of StarlightBy Allison SaftExpected: February 4, 2025Centuries after warm-season fairies were forbidden from crossing into the Winter Woods, Clarion, heir to Pixie Hollow's throne, is captivated by Winter’s mysterious beauty. With her coronation looming, Clarion seizes the chance to prove her worth when rumors of a monster invading Spring arise. Instead of a beast, she finds Milori, a young Winter Woods guardian. Their unexpected bond deepens as they join forces to protect their realms, but their growing connection defies the laws of their world. As love and duty collide, Clarion and Milori face a choice that could save—or destroy—their lands and themselves. |  |
spring releases
 | OathboundBy Tracy DeonnExpected: March 4, 2025Bree Matthews has severed ties with the Legendborn Order, isolating herself from friends and family to protect them from the cost of her powers. Now bound to the enigmatic Shadow King through an unbreakable bargain, Bree must train under his guidance, risking her future as his protégé. Meanwhile, the fractured Scions face looming war without their Kingsmage, Selwyn, and Nick challenges the Order's High Council, harboring secrets that could upend the Round Table. As kidnappings and murders escalate, Bree realizes she cannot outrun her past, and the choices she made may determine the fate of all she left behind. |
Everything is TuberculosisBy John GreenExpected: March 18, 2025John Green explores the enduring impact of tuberculosis, once romanticized but now a disease rooted in poverty and inequity. Inspired by his 2019 meeting with Henry, a young patient in Sierra Leone with a big smile and spindly legs, Green highlights the personal and global toll of this curable yet deadly disease, which claims 1.5 million lives annually. Blending Henry’s story with the scientific and social histories of tuberculosis, Green advocates for increased access to treatment and greater awareness, examining how humanity’s choices have shaped this disease—and how they can determine its future. |  |
 | The Corruption of Hollis BrownBy K. AncrumExpected: March 25, 2025Hollis Brown feels trapped in his decaying small town, where opportunities are scarce, and his only solace comes from his best friends, Annie and Yulia, and the thrill of schoolyard fights. His life takes a darker turn after a fateful encounter with Walt, a ghost who possesses Hollis’s body as part of an unintentional crossroads deal. Walt’s violent history is tied to the town’s dark past, and together, they work to lay his spirit to rest. As an unexpected bond—and love—grows between them, the threat of exorcism looms, forcing Hollis and Walt to fight for their love and freedom.
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Swept AwayBy Beth O'LearyExpected: April 1, 2025Zeke and Lexi thought their one-night stand would end with the sunrise, but fate had other plans. Zeke, in town to reclaim his late father’s houseboat, and Lexi, juggling responsibilities, sought a fleeting escape. However, a miscommunication leaves the houseboat untied, and by morning, they find themselves adrift, surrounded by endless water. With limited provisions, they must work together to survive and navigate their growing connection. As days stretch on, the forced proximity reveals unexpected depths, turning their chance encounter into something far more meaningful. Lost at sea, they might just find love. |  |
 | Don't Sleep with the DeadBy Nghi VoExpected: April 8, 2025Nick Carraway, now a novelist in 1930s New York high society, has mastered the art of pretending—hiding his true self, suppressing his memories, and distancing himself from the fateful summer of 1922. But as World War II looms, Nick discovers someone has been watching him, and the past refuses to stay buried. At a club one night, he encounters Jay Gatsby, who, dead or not, has unfinished business with Nick. Haunted by memories and secrets, Nick faces the return of his ghostly past, where paper holds memory, and the story he thought ended long ago is far from over.
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Watch MeBy Tahereh MafiExpected: April 15, 2025Ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment, James Anderson, younger brother of Aaron Warner, has accomplished the impossible: infiltrating Ark Island, the last stronghold of The Reestablishment. Though imprisoned, he considers it a victory. Meanwhile, Rosabelle Wolff, a trained assassin on Ark Island, operates under constant surveillance, her every move controlled by synthetic intelligence. When the regime prepares a devastating move, their paths collide in a pulse-pounding tale of action, secrets, and forbidden romance. As tensions rise, the question becomes: Who are we when no one is watching? |  |
 | When the Tides Held the MoonBy Venessa Vida KelleyExpected: April 22, 2025In 1910s New York, orphaned blacksmith Benigno “Benny” Caldera builds an ironwork tank for Luna Park’s sideshow, earning him a place among its eclectic crew. But the tank is no ordinary exhibit—it houses Río, a living merman captured from the East River. Benny discovers Río to be more than a mythical marvel: he’s a philosopher, a kindred spirit, and the love Benny never expected to find. Torn between loyalty to his new family and the truth of Río’s captivity, Benny must summon the courage to free Río, risking everything for a love that defies the boundaries of their worlds.
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My Best Friend's HoneymoonBy Meryl WilsnerExpected: April 29, 2025Elsie Hoffman has spent years coasting in a life she didn’t choose, but when her fiancé surprises her with a wedding and honeymoon she never wanted, she finally breaks free. With a non-refundable trip to the Caribbean, she invites her best friend, Ginny Holtz, who has secretly loved her for over a decade. Ginny challenges Elsie to spend the week asking for exactly what she wants—a deal that takes them from casual fun to stolen kisses and unexpected passion. As their honeymoon romance deepens, Elsie and Ginny must confront their feelings and decide what happens when the week is over.
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 | One Golden SummerBy Carley FortuneExpected: May 6, 2025Alice never expected to meet Charlie Florek again. A photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay to care for her grandmother Nan after a fall, seeking solace in the place where a single summer and a yellow speedboat photo changed her life. But their peace is interrupted by Charlie, now grown and as charming as ever, steering that same boat. As Alice spends sunlit days and warm evenings with Charlie, she begins to yearn for the simplicity of her past and the possibility of a future. For the first time, someone sees her as clearly as she sees others. |
And They Were RoommatesBy Page PowarsExpected: May 27, 2025Romance is the last thing on Charlie’s mind as he begins his first day at Valentine Academy, determined to keep his identity as the school’s only trans student a secret. But his plan unravels when he’s assigned the worst roommate imaginable: Jasper Grimes, the boy who unknowingly broke Charlie’s heart before his transition. Jasper doesn’t recognize him, and Charlie sees a way out—help Jasper write love letters for their classmates in exchange for a solo dorm room. But late-night talks about love and feelings complicate things, leaving Charlie to navigate old emotions and the risk of Jasper discovering the truth. |  |
summer releases
 | The Notorious VirtuesBy Alwyn HamiltonExpected: June 3, 2025Sixteen-year-old Honora "Nora" Holtzfall, heir to Walstad's most powerful family, is thrust into chaos when her mother is murdered, leaving the family fortune and throne up for grabs. To secure her place, Nora must compete in the Veritaz, a dangerous magical contest, against her ruthless cousins and Lotte, an illegitimate cousin recently reconnected with her aunt. As Lotte navigates her new family's hostility and searches for her father’s identity, Nora teams up with a daring reporter to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death. With secrets unraveling and forbidden feelings stirring, both girls face a perilous fight for survival and power. |
VesuviusBy Cass BiehnExpected: June 3, 2025In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, thief Felix steals Mercury's mythical helmet from a temple in Pompeii, triggering fragments of a forgotten past. Loren, a temple attendant haunted by apocalyptic visions featuring Felix, is shocked when the thief stumbles into his temple after an earthquake. When the helmet reveals dire omens, the two must race to uncover Felix’s ties to the relic and Loren’s visions before the city is destroyed. As political unrest and divine forces close in, Felix and Loren’s lives—and their growing bond—hang in the balance. In a city destined for ruin, survival may cost them everything.
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 | The Primal of Blood and BoneBy Jennifer L. ArmentroutExpected: June 10, 2025In the penultimate installment of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Blood and Ash series, Poppy and Casteel confront their most dangerous trials as ancient powers awaken and old enemies return. As the realm teeters on the edge of devastation, the pair must navigate treacherous choices that threaten not only their bond but the fate of their world. Bound by love and driven by destiny, they must harness the power of the Deminyen to stand against the rising chaos. With hearts tested and sacrifices looming, the shadows and flames may consume them—or forge the path for new gods to rise from the ashes. |
The Jasad CrownBy Sara HashemExpected: July 15, 2025Captured by the Urabi deep within a mountain refuge, Sylvia is believed to hold the key to restoring their homeland’s power. While struggling to control her magic and her fractured mind, she must earn their trust despite her forbidden past alliance with Jasad’s greatest enemy. Meanwhile, Arin is torn between his father’s campaign to quash the rebellion and his sacred vows. His search for Sylvia will challenge his beliefs about his family and the fall of Jasad. With war looming, Sylvia must choose between survival and reclaiming her legacy, as the fugitive queen prepares to return home and fight to win. |  |
 | The Library at HelleboreBy Cassandra KhawExpected: July 22, 2025The Hellebore Technical Institute for the Gifted promises redemption for its students, but Alessa Li quickly learns the truth after being kidnapped and forcibly enrolled. On graduation day, the faculty turns on the class in a gruesome feast, leaving Alessa and a handful of survivors trapped in the library. To keep the faculty at bay, the students must offer a human sacrifice each night, sparking fear and mistrust among the group. As alliances crumble and survival becomes increasingly desperate, Alessa must navigate the horrors of Hellebore to determine if they can escape—or if they’re doomed to be devoured. |
Mistress of BonesBy Maria Z. MedinaExpected: August 5, 2025Azul del Arroyo is a necromancer haunted by guilt over her sister's death. Determined to retrieve her sister’s bones from the capital and bring her back to life—again—Azul faces relentless pursuit by the Emissary of the Lord Death, who sees her very existence as an abomination. Their deadly game leads them to the Court of Cienpuentes, where their fates intertwine with a disillusioned count, a witch who reshapes reality, and a long-lost brother hiding a dangerous secret. As forgotten gods seek to reclaim their bones, Azul must navigate love, loss, and divine vengeance in this swashbuckling, tragic tale. |  |
 | Forget Me NotBy Stacy WillinghamExpected: August 26, 2025Twenty-two years after her sister Natalie disappeared, Claire Campbell returns to her South Carolina hometown to confront her past. Taking a seasonal job at Galloway Farm, a vineyard where Natalie spent her final summer, Claire hopes to escape her trauma. But her plans unravel when she discovers a diary belonging to one of the vineyard’s owners. What begins as a tale of young love turns sinister, hinting at connections to unsolved crimes—and possibly Natalie’s disappearance. As Claire becomes consumed by the diary's secrets, she’s drawn into a web of danger, uncovering chilling ties between Galloway Farm and her sister’s fate. |
The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood & BoyfriendsBy Jamie D'AmatoExpected: August 26, 2025Nineteen-year-old Brennan’s return to Sturbridge University after a suicide attempt takes an unexpected turn when he’s turned into a vampire. Struggling to balance his bloodthirsty new reality and his desire for normalcy, things become even more complicated when Cole, the charming campus librarian, catches him drinking from a stolen blood bag. Instead of outing him, Cole keeps Brennan’s secret—and sparks a budding romance. But as rumors of a missing student and mysterious animal attacks swirl, Brennan uncovers dangerous truths about his newfound vampire clan. |  |
fall releases
 | Hot WaxBy M. L. RioExpected: September 9, 2025M. L. Rio crafts a nostalgic ode to the ’90s rock scene, following a band of misfit musicians, fierce rivals, and daring trailblazers on the brink of superstardom. The novel chronicles the electrifying highs and devastating lows of a pivotal tour that could have defined their legacy—until everything unraveled. With the signature intrigue and emotional depth that made Rio’s previous works unforgettable, Hot Wax captures the raw energy, ambition, and heartbreak of chasing a dream in the gritty world of rock and roll, offering a gripping look at fame, failure, and the bonds forged along the way.
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Nowhere BurningBy Catriona WardExpected: October 7, 2025Riley and her younger brother Oliver flee their troubled home, seeking refuge with the Nowhere Kids, a group of teenagers squatting in the ruins of a notorious movie star’s ranch in the Rocky Mountains. Once a hideout for actor Leaf Winham, the ranch was exposed as a site of his crimes after a devastating fire. Riley hopes to find a new family, but the fiercely territorial Nowhere Kids—and the ominous presence lurking in the ranch’s burned remains—pose a new danger. As Riley discovers the terrible cost of the sanctuary, she realizes they may have traded one nightmare for another.
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Your next chapter awaits
2025 promises to be a phenomenal year for readers, with stories that inspire, challenge, and transport us to new worlds. Whether you’re diving into epic fantasies, uncovering thrilling mysteries, or losing yourself in heartfelt romances, this list of 25 books is just the beginning of what the year has to offer.
So, what will you read first? Let this list guide you to the stories that speak to your heart, ignite your imagination, and make 2025 your best reading year yet. Don’t forget to share your favorites and join the conversation—we can’t wait to hear what’s on your shelf!
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