As the summer heat lingers and the back-to-school buzz starts creeping in, August often brings a curious mix of sun-drenched reads and introspective storytelling. It’s the perfect time for transitional fiction books that sit at the intersection of breezy and bold, comfort and complexity. August BOTM selections traditionally offer a blend of buzzy debuts, big-name returns, and a touch of darker drama for those already craving a fall mood. With that in mind, I’ve scoured upcoming releases and early buzz to compile my predictions for what might hit the blue box this month. From speculative thrillers to lush literary fiction and everything in between, here’s what I think we might see when the August 2025 picks drop.
Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not all or most of these are on my August 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!
Fall Most Anticipated List
SUMMER MOST ANTICIPATED LIST
August 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
Though I expect several repeat authors to show up more as add-ons than main picks. My predictions lean toward Flashout by Alexis Soloski, The Witch’s Orchard by Archer Sullivan, and The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen. Flashout is a mind-bending debut with a literary edge, blurring the lines between reality and performance in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game. The Witch’s Orchard offers eerie, folkloric suspense with a slow-building tension that creeps under your skin, perfect for fans of atmospheric mysteries. And The Locked Ward sees Pekkanen returning to the psychological thriller space with a chilling, hospital-set mystery that feels primed for BOTM’s suspense crowd. If Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham or She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena appear, it’ll likely be in the extras section but they’re still strong contenders for readers looking for familiar thrills.
The Locked Ward Review
Forget Me Not Review
Romance
For romance, I’m predicting Loved One by Aisha Muharrar and Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings. Two heartfelt, sharply written stories that balance wit with emotional resonance. Loved One is a tender, slightly offbeat love story set in the world of obituary writing, exploring grief, connection, and second chances with a fresh, funny voice. Meanwhile, Well, Actually delivers Eddings’ signature blend of neurodiverse representation, snappy banter, and slow-burn chemistry in a romance that feels both smart and deeply sincere. Both titles have all the ingredients for BOTM’s romance lane: clever, warm, and just the right amount of messy.
Historical Fiction
For literary and contemporary fiction, my predictions are Buckeye by Patrick Ryan and L.A. Women by Ella Berman. Both unpack identity, ambition, and the quiet devastations of everyday life. Buckeye is a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of small-town Ohio, tracing the emotional terrain of adolescence with sharp insight and tenderness. L.A. Women, on the other hand, dives into the glossy, cutthroat world of Hollywood, peeling back the layers of image and illusion to reveal the complex inner lives of its characters. Both novels offer that perfect blend of emotional depth and narrative drive that BOTM readers crave.
Science Fiction & Fantasy
For science fiction and fantasy, I’m predicting Katabasis by R.F. Kuang, The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas, and Silvercloak by L.K. Steven. All wildly different, but equally compelling. Kuang’s Katabasis is poised to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases: a dark, myth-soaked descent that blends literary heft with speculative horror. Cañas continues her reign in Gothic storytelling with The Possession of Alba Díaz, steeped in folklore, family secrets, and a house that refuses to stay quiet. And Silvercloak, a debut with rich worldbuilding and sharp political intrigue, could be the kind of hidden fantasy gem BOTM loves to champion.
Contemporary & Literary Fiction
My fiction predictions this month are Indian Country by Shobha Rao and Starting from Here by Paula Saunders. Two emotionally charged novels from authors known for their unflinching storytelling. Rao’s Indian Country explores themes of belonging, generational trauma, and the haunting legacy of violence with lyrical precision and raw intensity. Meanwhile, Saunders’ Starting from Here promises a layered, character-driven portrait of fractured families and quiet resilience in the face of personal and political upheaval. And while it may be a long shot, I’m still quietly hoping The Incredible Kindness of Paper finds its way into the lineup an introspective gem that deserves the spotlight.
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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