Most-anticipated reads for 2025
A new year means new books, and 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for fantasy and romance (and everything in between). My wishlist is packed with sequels to beloved series, new releases from favorite authors, and a few intriguing first-in-series or standalone books that I can't wait to dive into. Some of these are must-buys, while others are waiting to win me over—but all of them have earned a place on my most-anticipated list.
Here’s what I’m looking forward to in 2025:
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) – Rebecca Yarros | January 21, 2025
This is a guaranteed purchase for me! I've been hooked on The Empyrean series, and I need to know what happens next.
Deep End – Ali Hazelwood | February 4, 2025
Ali Hazelwood never fails to write swoon-worthy, STEM-focused romances. I’ll probably always read anything she writes!
First-Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) – BK Borison | February 11, 2025
A brand-new romance series that sounds adorable. I've only read one BK Borison book (Lovelight Farms) but it was cute and cozy, so I’m looking forward to this one!
The Gate of Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #1) – Matt Dinniman | March 11, 2025
This fantasy release sounds incredibly unique and fun. It seems to lean a bit more toward sci-fi but one of my goals is to diversify my reading this year, so this looks like a great, fun addition to my TBR.
The Winter Goddess – Megan Barnard | March 11, 2025
A standalone fantasy with an intriguing premise. I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I need more standalones in my life, so I’m curious to learn more!
Say You'll Remember Me – Abby Jiminez | April 1, 2025
Abby Jiminez always writes heartfelt, emotional romances. This one’s at the top of my wishlist.
Broken Souls and Bones (Stonegate #1) – LJ Andrews | April 29, 2025
I’ve been a big fan of LJ Andrews since The Ever Seas series. This is a new fantasy series that I’ll be picking up for sure.
The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom #1) – Rachel Gillig | May 20, 2025
A fresh fantasy series from Rachel Gillig—definitely on my radar!
Sounds Like Love – Ashley Poston | June 17, 2025
Ashley Poston always delivers contemporary romance that cause me to giggle and swoon. Much like Ali Hazelwood’s books, I’ll probably always pick up anything new from Ashley!
The Ballad of Falling Dragons (Moonfall #2) – Sarah A. Parker | October 7, 2025
I haven’t started this series yet, but I have the first book on my physical TBR. I’ve heard great things about it, so hopefully, I’ll be ready to dive into this one by October!
With so many incredible books releasing in 2025, I’m sure there are plenty I’ve missed! My reading goals for the year include diversifying the genres I read, sprinkling in more standalones, continuing favorite series I’ve started, and starting new series by favourite authors. It’s shaping up to be an exciting year of reading, and I can’t wait to see where these books take me.
What 2025 releases are on your wishlist? Head over to the Illumi-Naughty Story Sippers Fable club and let me know what’s on your list!
