New Book Releases I’m Looking Forward to as 2025 Comes to an End
I have so many books on my TBR, and honestly it will never stop growing. I was asked the other day if I would ever want to live forever. My initial response is always no, but when I thought about it I did say well…in order to finish reading all the books I would ever want to read…maybe I wouldn’t mind it so much. (Honestly why were the Cullens going to high school over and over and NOT just going to every library in existence and READING, it’s not like they had to sleep, eat, use the restroom, etc!) Anyway, these are the books that will be released by the end of this year, and why I’m looking forward to them or recommend them.
Brimstone by Callie Hart
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: November 18, 2025
Cost: $22.95 Hardcover, $16.95 Paperback, $11.99 Kindle*
*prices may vary
Brimstone is the second book in the Fae & Alchemy series by Callie Hart. I absolutely loved the first book, Quicksilver. The magic system was unique (in a very over-saturated genre right now), and the way she writes her characters is just *chef’s kiss* If you are into Fae, Moody Morally Gray characters, Strong Female Leads, this series might be for you! (especially if you’re in need of a break from dragons and Fae with wings, iykyk!)
Second Chance Romance by Olivia Dade
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Cost: $18.99 Paperback, $9.99 Kindle
*prices may vary
So Olivia Dade can do no wrong with me. I absolutely LOVE her, and have read everything she’s ever printed. She is a great romance author, she’s funny, and she writes FOR FAT WOMEN!!!! I mean, honestly anyone can read her books, but the fat representation in the romance sphere is much needed and much appreciated by Dade. Second Chance Romance is the second in the Harlot’s Bay series. I absolutely loved the first book, it was enemies to lovers with a loveable golden-retriever woman and a black cat man who just so happened to be her ex-fiance’s brother! I cannot recommend this author or her books enough, seriously go read them.
The Dragon Wakes with Thunder by K. X. Song
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: December 1, 2025
Cost: $18.07 Hardcover, $14.99 Kindle*
*prices may vary
I know…another book in a series that I’ve read…I get it. HOWEVER! The first book in this series The Night Ends with Fire was a Mulan retelling and it was so good. I am curious to see how Song will end the series, because it looks like this will just be a duet (a.k.a. two books in the series). If you’re into dragons (the wyrm kind), magic, strong women, legends then this story is for you. I highly recommend starting with the first book, and I really hope this one doesn’t disappoint!
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 30, 2025
Cost: $28.00 Hardcover, $15.20 Paperback, $11.99 Kindle*
*prices may vary
In my opinion Sarah Adams is up there with Emily Henry as a “queen of contemporary romance” or the “rom-com” genre if you will. This series was the first I had read of hers, because in the first book a famous singer runs away from her glamorous life, but her car breaks down in Rome, Kentucky, a super small town. I absolutely LOVE the community she has built up in Rome, KY (and honestly I picture it as being a nod to Paris, Kentucky). As someone from Kentucky, I love reading about books that take place in the state that are not stereotypical in nature, i.e. including “redneck”, “white trash”, “ignorant people”, or lacking diversity. She does Kentucky well, and I absolutely love the family that centers in this series. This book will be the youngest sister and the final book in the series. I can’t wait to read it, but I’m also not ready to quite leave Rome, KY just yet.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: December 30, 2025
Cost: $19.05 Hardcover, $15.19 Paperback, $14.99 Kindle*
*prices may vary
Look, I gave you a stand-alone! This book had me because it sounds like Gone Girl, but make it an author moving to a new country and then catching a glimpse of his “missing” wife. UGH. I want to read this one so badly. I absolutely love Feeney’s mysteries and thrillers. I will never stop recommending Rock, Paper, Scissors. That twist GOT ME!!! I can’t wait for this one to come out and take me by surprise. Yes, please, thank you!
Let me know in the comments what books you’re looking forward to coming out at the end of this year, or what you’re planning to read. Also, let me know if you try out any of these books and what you thought. I would love to hear from you!
