July is looking like a really strong month for BOTM and I think summer reading season is going to keep delivering. Publishers are putting out some major titles and BOTM tends to go big in the middle of summer with picks that are perfect for vacation binging, beach reading, and staying up way too late. Here are my predictions broken out by genre.
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
This category is loaded this month and every single one of my picks is a repeat BOTM-friendly author, which makes me feel pretty good about at least one of these landing. Unreliable Narrator by Araminta Hall and Wisdom Corner by David Heska Wanbli Weiden has that smart, layered thriller energy BOTM loves. Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead sounds absolutely unhinged in the best way and Winstead always delivers something bold and conversation-worthy. Hide and Seek by Soren Sveistrup is a big name in the thriller world and this feels like a natural BOTM pick. I’ve already read Helpless by Jessica Knoll and Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard and either one could easily grab this slot. Knoll is a BOTM staple and Howard always brings the twists. Honestly this is the hardest genre to narrow down this month because any of these could be the pick.
Helpless Review
Buyer beware review
Historical Fiction
Three really strong options here. The Half Life by Rachel Beanland feels like the frontrunner. Beanland has the kind of literary, research-driven historical fiction that BOTM subscribers tend to love and her books always spark great book club discussion. When Mikan Road Was Ours by D.K. Furutani could be a beautiful pick that brings a perspective BOTM doesn’t always feature, which works in its favor. Song for Another Home by Bora Lee Reed rounds out the category and could compete for this slot if BOTM wants to go with a fresh voice.
Science Fiction & Fantasy
For the fantasy slot I’m watching Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim, Habits of the Sea by Shea Earnshaw, and A Tangled Magic by Andrea Eames. Lim has a built-in fanbase and BOTM loves picking retellings with wide appeal. Habits of the Sea has this atmospheric, magical quality that feels like it could be a crossover hit, the kind of book that appeals to fantasy readers and literary fiction readers alike. A Tangled Magic could fill a more traditional fantasy slot. I think Habits of the Sea or Fishbone Cinderella are the most likely picks here but this is always one of the trickier genres to predict.
They’ve also featured Silvia Moreno-Garcia, so her newest book The Intrigue, I could see being a pick.
Literary and Contemporary Fiction
BOTM almost always includes something in this lane and I think July has some really interesting options. The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders has that book-club-ready, emotionally driven storytelling BOTM gravitates toward. The Second Chance Trailer Park by Katie Powner could be a heartfelt, character-driven pick that stands out from the rest of the box. When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston has a fun title and the kind of uplifting energy that does well in summer months. I could see any of these filling the contemporary slot depending on what direction BOTM wants to go this month.
Romance
July is giving us plenty of romance picks to choose from. The Good Parts by Evann Normandin is one I’m really excited about and it has strong BOTM energy. In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto could be a great summer romance pick. Book Club Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday is giving cozy, fun, exactly-what-you-want-to-read-on-vacation vibes and feels very BOTM-friendly. The Mash Up by Laura Marie Meyers rounds out the options and could work well if BOTM wants something with a little more depth in their romance slot. I’m leaning toward Book Club Boyfriend or The Good Parts as the most likely pick but this genre always surprises me.
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!
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and recommendation. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you..