Let’s Talk…Anticipated Reads For 2025 // Bookmas Day 7
I got the idea to talk about my most anticipated reads after yesterday’s Bookmas post. If you haven’t read it yet, I discussed my reading plans for 2025, which included a massive pre-order list.
Thinking about these upcoming releases made me so excited that I decided to choose 7 books—for Day 7—to talk about in more detail.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
The synopsis says: “Florida, 1970. Fifteen-year-old Neva is sent to Wellwood House, a remote maternity home for unwed mothers, to await the birth of her child. Isolated and powerless, she endures a stifling summer alongside other shunned girls, all facing the same grim fate: surrender their babies and move on as if nothing happened. When a traveling library visits, a librarian hands Neva a book on witchcraft, promising power and revenge—but at a cost. As the book’s magic demands sacrifices, Neva must confront the darkness within herself and decide how far she’s willing to go to regain control of her life.”
I haven’t read a Grady Hendrix book before, but I’ve heard their work is somewhat similar to Riley Sager’s, whom I’ve dubbed a “marmite author” due to the mixed reactions people often have to his stories.That said, the synopsis of this book has completely gripped me. It features a library, magical books, and an injustice from social history that many of us wish we could somehow set right. I can’t even begin to imagine how many young girls were forced into situations like the one described in the story. The very thought is heartbreaking, and to use such a premise as the foundation for a novel is both bold and deeply intriguing. It promises to be a thought-provoking read, and I can’t wait to dive in.
The Baby Dragon Cafe by A. T. Qureshi
The synopsis says: “When Saphira opened her café for baby dragons and their humans, she never imagined how hard it would be to keep the fires—literal and financial—burning. Between replacing burnt furniture and selling dragon-roasted coffee, she’s struggling to stay afloat. Enter Aiden, the local gardener and reluctant heartthrob, whose unruly baby dragon needs training. His solution? Pay Saphira to handle his fire-breathing handful, giving her café a much-needed lifeline. Saphira isn’t sure her sunny outlook pairs well with Aiden’s brooding charm, but he keeps showing up, and sparks—of all kinds—start to fly. Can she save her café and find a little love along the way?”
I’ve been loving café-style romance books lately, so when I came across this one—with baby dragons, no less—I couldn’t resist! The concept is absolutely delightful, and I can already imagine it being packed with witty sarcasm, heartwarming moments, and plenty of cosy vibes. It sounds like the perfect pick-me-up for the post-Christmas slump, when all I’ll want is something light, fun, and magical to brighten my mood.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
The synopsis says: “ARE YOU READY TO BRAVE THE DARK? After eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows the time for lessons is over. The battle has begun, and with enemies lurking both outside their walls and within their ranks, trust is a luxury she can’t afford. To stand with Navarre, Violet must venture beyond the crumbling Aretian wards in search of allies. The journey will demand every ounce of her cunning, strength, and resolve—but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her dragons, her family, her home, and him. Even if it means keeping a secret powerful enough to destroy it all. Navarre needs an army. Magic. Power. And the one thing only Violet can uncover—the truth. But as a deadly storm brews, one question remains: who will survive its wrath?”
I’m going to try my hardest not to devour this book in two days like I did with Iron Flame! Since it’s the third in the series, I won’t spoil anything specific, but let’s just say the final chapter with Xaden left me desperate for answers. I need to know what’s happening with certain characters and, most importantly, I need more dragons in my life—so much more. The anticipation is real!
How To Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin
The synopsis says: “Annie thought the murders were behind her. She was wrong. Autumn has arrived in Castle Knoll, and Annie Adams is busy settling into Gravesdown Hall. But the sprawling estate feels far from welcoming, especially after she discovered two bodies there over the summer. Worse, she can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched. Lonely, Annie strikes up a conversation with an enigmatic stranger on the estate grounds. Peony Lane, a striking fortune-teller, claims she once predicted Great Aunt Frances’ murder—and now she has a chilling prophecy for Annie. Terrified of repeating Frances’ fate, Annie avoids hearing Peony’s grim warnings. But hours later, Peony is found dead in Gravesdown Hall, a ruby-hilted dagger in her back. Who killed the mysterious fortune-teller, and why? With danger closing in, Annie turns to Frances’ old library of clues to unearth the truth—before she becomes the next victim.”
I loved How to Solve Your Own Murder so much that I pre-ordered this book before the synopsis was even available! For me, it was just that good—a brilliant story with an equally fantastic writing style. Now that I’ve read the synopsis, my excitement has only grown. I can already imagine Annie being this generation’s Jessica Fletcher. And let’s talk about the setting—an enormous estate and a ruby-hilted dagger? Clearly, money isn’t a problem in this town! I can’t wait to dive into all the mystery and glamour this book promises.
This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead
The synopsis says: “It’s the most infamous crime of the century. Only Jane Sharp knows the truth. After her father’s sudden death, college student Jane seeks solace in true crime, joining an online community of armchair detectives. In this dark corner of the internet, Jane finds friendship, purpose—and a taste for solving mysteries. When the brutal murders of three college girls shock the world, Jane and her friends race to crack the case. But the deeper they dig, the stranger the mystery becomes. Their quest for answers pulls them closer to the spotlight—and closer to danger, as they realize they might be walking straight into a trap. Now, a year after the case’s shocking conclusion, Jane is ready to break her silence about the Delphine Massacres. But what she has to confess will leave even the most hardened true crime fans stunned.”
I’m a true crime junkie through and through. Whether it’s a Netflix documentary or an ITV series, I’m all in. Ashley Winstead has been on my radar for a while, thanks to their popularity on TikTok. Although I fully plan to dive into their backlist at some point, this book has really piqued my interest.
That last line—“what she has to confess will leave even the most hardened true crime fans stunned”—completely hooked me. I’m hoping this one will keep me on my toes and deliver all the twists and turns.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
The synopsis says: “There’s no such thing as the perfect guy—except Xavier Rush comes dangerously close. A stunning veterinarian with Greek god vibes, cradling a tiny kitten? Yes, please. Until he opens his mouth and ruins it all with a disastrously wrong comment. For Samantha, proving Xavier wrong becomes her new favorite pastime… until he surprises her by admitting his mistake. After one incredible, seemingly endless date, Samantha dares to believe in something real—until her family’s crisis pulls her back to reality. Knowing she can’t juggle a relationship, she begs Xavier to remember their night as a perfect, fleeting moment and move on. But forgetting isn’t as easy as she hoped, and neither time nor distance can erase the connection between them. Maybe the only thing better than a perfect memory is building a life—and a love—that’s unforgettable.”
Abby Jimenez has firmly earned her spot as an auto-buy author for me, especially after reading Just for the Summer. The way she crafts relationships in romance is so unique—it makes her stand out in the best way. Honestly, she could never get away with writing under a pseudonym; her style is too distinct!
I have a feeling this book is going to be my summer read of the year. And, of course, that has absolutely nothing to do with the Taylor Swift lyric reference… absolutely nothing at all! 😉
Uncharmed by Lucy Jayne Wood
The synopsis says: “Annie Wildwood is practically perfect—in every witchy way. Her world of pink, magic, and impossibly high standards runs like clockwork, until she’s tasked with mentoring a rebellious teenage witch with extraordinary powers. Suddenly, Annie’s carefully crafted life spirals into chaos. Set in the enchanting world of Rewitched, Uncharmed is a heartwarming tale of found family, unconditional love, and the magic of embracing your true, imperfect self.”
Of course, I’m going to be buying this book—it’s practically a given! And with its release just in time for witchy season, I couldn’t be more excited *happy dances*. This was another one I pre-ordered without even glancing at the synopsis. Honestly, just the promise of returning to this universe was more than enough to reel me in. There isn’t even a book cover yet, which makes the anticipation even sweeter! That reveal is going to be such an exciting moment. Knowing it’s going to explore themes of found family and unconditional love? Yep, I’m already preparing the tissues. This one is going to be special!
And that wraps up my list of 7 anticipated reads! Each one has me buzzing with excitement for next year. But now, I’d love to hear from you—what books are you itching to get your hands on in the coming year? Let’s swap recommendations and grow those TBR stacks together!
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As always, thanks for reading…