Ahh, July, that sweet spot where beach reads, thrillers, and summer romances converge in perfect harmony. BOTM usually brings a mix of light, fun, twisty, and emotional this time of year, and I’m hoping this month is no different.

As always, these are just predictions: part gut feeling, part publishing patterns, part wishful thinking, but it’s always fun to guess! Here’s what I think we might see popping up in our blue boxes for July 2025.

Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not all or most of these are on my July Most Anticipated New Releases list, which you can see HERE! When the picks are announced and you find you have space in your box still, make sure to also check out my most recent version of BOTM Add-On recommendations HERE!

Summer MOST ANTICIPATED LIST

JuLY MOST ANTICIPATED LIST

BOTM ADD-ON GUIDE

Keep in mind that these are simply predictions and books I hope get chosen. I could get these completely wrong but the anticipated and guessing is part of the fun right?!

Mysteries & Thrillers

Lots of BOTM authors have books coming out in July and I could see them showing up in our July options. I don’t even know which ones I’d really like to see but I do have copies of all of these so come back soon to see some reviews.

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is always a summer staple for BOTM, and both Way Girls by Susan Wiggs and Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams feel like strong contenders. Way Girls, set in the backdrop of early 20th-century activism and friendship, seems poised to appeal to readers who love a blend of history, heart, and resilience. Meanwhile, Under the Stars offers classic Beatriz Williams, dual timelines, glamour, secrets, and a sweeping sense of place. Her books have been BOTM picks before, and this one, with its post-war intrigue and romantic tension, fits the summer reading bill perfectly.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Tor release? Check. Feminist witches? Check. Secret histories and rebellion? Check. If BOTM is looking to lean into more speculative or fantasy-adjacent fiction, Resistance of Witches be a great pick.

If BOTM wants to lean into fantasy (and they should), Ardana Academy is a magical boarding school with a prickly protagonist and dangerous secrets could hit the spot. Kova has a strong fanbase and this is the start of a new series.

They’ve also featured Silvia Moreno-Garcia, so her newest book The Bewitching I could see being a pick.

Literary and Contemporary Fiction

July is prime time for transporting, thought-provoking fiction, and several upcoming titles seem tailor-made for BOTM’s audience. Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein has that blend of heartfelt emotion and millennial nostalgia that often resonates with BOTM. Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild has early buzz as a moving, character-driven debut with themes of identity, which BOTM frequently champions. The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani is an obvious contender as a repeat author, with its lush Italian setting, multigenerational storytelling, and beach-read-meets-literary-vibes appeal. The Greatest Possible Good by Ben Brooks sounds timely and big-hearted, and if it blends social commentary with emotional storytelling, BOTM may see it as a standout. And My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero brings historical fiction flair with a unique voice and layered narrative. Altogether, these titles cover the range from breezy to bold, making them strong possibilities for July’s lineup.

Romance

BOTM loves a buzzy, contemporary romance with emotional depth and voicey narration, and Friends to Lovers fits that perfectly. The title alone screams summer pick plus, it plays into the ultra-popular trope that readers can’t get enough of. If it has the charm, humor, and heart of past favorites like The Love Hypothesis or Funny You Should Ask, it could be a great “easy, breezy” option for July.

These Summer Storms has a perfect seasonal title and blends steamy romance with stakes and emotion, which BOTM readers often enjoy in the summer months. If they’re looking to include a romance with a strong heroine and lush historical setting, this could be the perfect add-on or alternate pick.

I hope you found a book that you are truly excited about in this post. Let me know which other new releases you are excited for this month or that you’re hoping are BOTM picks, by commenting below or by messaging me on Instagram @speakingof_books. Don’t forget to follow me to get weekly updates and new reviews!

Happy Reading!

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