July 2025 Most Anticipated

Somehow, we’re halfway through the year (???), and while I don’t totally understand how that happened, I do know one thing: July is coming in strong with some seriously exciting new book releases. If your TBR pile is already groaning under the weight of spring reads you still haven’t gotten to… well, sorry not sorry, because these July picks are looking too good to pass up.

As always, I’ve rounded up a handful of the books I’m most looking forward to this month. Whether you’re in the mood for some romance, something twisty, or just looking for your next five-star read, here’s what’s catching my eye this month.

Let’s dive in, starting with my top 14 Most Anticipated, most of which I have copies of, so be sure to come back for reviews.

First up is Arcana Academy by Elise Kova, which promises all the magic school intrigue I could ask for, wrapped in Elise’s signature mix of elemental magic, slow-burn tension, and high-stakes worldbuilding. If you love a fantasy series with depth and drama, this one feels like a must-read. On the cozier end of the spectrum is A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping, a gentle, heartwarming story that seems perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes. There’s something irresistible about magical hospitality mixed with healing and self-discovery. I loved A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping so excited to jump in.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping

You Don’t Belong Here by Megan Miranda is classic Miranda: atmospheric, twisty, and soaked in small-town tension. I know I’ll be trying to guess the ending and probably getting it wrong. In Guess Again, Charlie Donlea brings us back into his world of layered true-crime-inspired thrillers, this time with a journalist digging into a possibly wrongful conviction. It sounds sharp and propulsive—just the kind of thriller I fly through in one sitting.

Matchmaking for Psychopaths might have one of the best titles of the year. Tasha Coryell’s debut promises a smart, chaotic blend of dark humor, obsession, and true crime podcast energy. It sounds wildly entertaining and weird in the best way. How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold caught my eye for its smart, satirical premise that deconstructs classic horror tropes while still delivering some scares. I love a book that’s self-aware and creepy at the same time.

How to Survive a Horror Story Review

For something more romantic and introspective, The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani looks like a beautifully written escape. Trigiani always brings heart and history to her stories, and this one looks like it’ll sweep me away with Italian landscapes and generational family drama.

If you’re in the mood for something clever and charming, The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully sounds like a fresh, fun twist on the amateur sleuth trope. A mismatched duo, snappy banter, and a solid mystery? Sign me up. Meanwhile, A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan is giving dark feminist historical fantasy—with witches leading an uprising in a reimagined revolution. I don’t know much about it yet, but I’m completely intrigued.

The Goldens by Lauren Wilson sounds like dark academia meets prep school secrets. I love books with a glossy setting and something sinister simmering underneath, and this one looks like it’ll deliver. Similarly, Dead of Summer by Jessa Maxwell promises camp drama and buried secrets, which feels perfect for a July thriller.

On the messier side of things, Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum looks like it’s going to be sharp, scandalous, and full of suburban drama. Think Big Little Lies energy, but funnier and meaner. Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams is one of the more emotionally rich titles I’m anticipating—a historical fiction novel that looks lush, layered, and likely heartbreaking in the best way.

And finally, We Won’t All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall is one I’ve been watching for months. Her YA horror is always smart, fast-paced, and emotionally resonant. This survival story with a creeping sense of dread sounds like exactly the kind of summer thriller I won’t be able to put down.

The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant (A Tula Walberg Mystery)

As always, I’ve provided links for each of the books below. If something catches your attention be sure to click the image for more information and the synopsis. These are just some of the upcoming July releases that I’m excited for. If you keep scrolling, there are so many other amazing books coming out soon. Be sure to subscribe to get weekly updates from SPEAKING OF…, and make sure to follow on Instagram @speakingof_books and TikTok @speakingof.books for reviews of all books I’m reading and other recommendation lists!

If you’re looking for something in particular to read, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram @speakingof.books , and I’d be happy to help out!