September might be the unofficial start of sweater weather, but for readers, it’s the official kickoff to cozy season, when our TBR stacks get taller, our mugs stay full, and our reading pace suddenly doubles(hopefully). This month’s publishing lineup is stacked with twisty thrillers, heart-tugging romances, and atmospheric stories perfect for curling up with as the nights grow longer. From blockbuster authors returning with long-awaited follow-ups to under-the-radar debuts ready to make a splash, my September 2025 Book of the Month predictions cover the stories I think will have BOTM members racing to hit “add to box.”

Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not all or most of these are on my September 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

September MOST ANTICIPATED LIST

August 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

In mystery and thrillers, two September releases stand out as BOTM contenders. The Witch’s Orchard by Archer Sullivan blends a chilling small-town atmosphere with a decades-old mystery, weaving folklore, buried secrets, and a touch of the uncanny into a story you won’t want to put down. The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards delivers his signature psychological suspense, following a seemingly perfect life that begins to unravel after a single, sinister encounter. Both promise tightly wound plots, sharp twists, and that addictive “just one more chapter” pull.

The Witch’s Orchard Review

Romance

On the romance front, September is serving up a lineup that’s equal parts swoony and bittersweet. Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance promises a whirlwind of emotion and nostalgia, while Kasie West’s We Met Like This looks like the kind of charming, feel-good love story BOTM members devour in one sitting. Joss Richard’s It’s Different This Time has second-chance romance written all over it, and I’m especially excited for Every Step She Takes by Allison Cochrun, a repeat BOTM author. I also have to shout out The Heartbreak Hotel, which I’ve already read, reviewed, and adored it’s heartfelt, funny, and left me with the happiest of book hangovers.

The Heartbreak hotel Review

Historical Fiction

For literary and contemporary fiction, my predictions are Buckeye by Patrick Ryan and Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely by Sarah McCoy. 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. Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely takes a more mysterious turn, exploring memory, small-town secrets, and the lingering impact of a disappearance that shaped an entire community. Both novels balance emotional depth with propulsive storytelling which is exactly the kind of reading experience BOTM members love to get lost in.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

With the first book being a pick, I really only see Holly Black’s Thief of Night being our fantasy pick for September.

Contemporary & Literary Fiction

In contemporary and literary fiction, September is shaping up to be rich with layered storytelling and unforgettable characters. To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage and The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill are both sitting at the very top of my personal TBR. They’re the kind of novels I can already tell will stay with me long after the last page. Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny promises an intimate, beautifully observed look at identity and connection, while Anika Fajardo’s The Many Mothers of Dolores Moore sounds like an intergenerational tale with plenty of heart and depth.

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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