66 More Young Adult Books I’m Excited to Read in 2025

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson

When ex-BFFs Reya and Sommer reunite to save a neighbourhood bookstore, they reignite their complicated friendship. It sounds like a nice mixture of heart and humour, and I love the fact that Pretty Girl County features friendship and bookish fun.

Love Spells Trouble by Nia Davenport

I love picking up young adult books that feature food in any capacity. When Cayden’s fake relationship with popular witch Khy goes viral, her struggling family bakery gets a boost—but feelings get real fast. Love Spells Trouble sounds like it will be a magical rom-com with charm!

Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith

The cover for Predatory Natures immediately caught my eye! Lara’s summer job aboard a luxury train takes a dark turn when mysterious carriages arrive with rare, possibly sentient plants. I honestly can’t wait to pick this one up for the setting as well as the secrets and danger!

The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick by S. Isabelle

In 1860s England, Stella Sedgwick fights for freedom, purpose, and love despite the odds stacked against her when an unexpected inheritance pushes her into London’s high society. I love Bridgerton, and this is definitely giving me similar vibes.

The Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor

I always enjoy finding young adult stories with heartfelt moments that bring healing. The Rebel Girls of Rome follows Lilah, who uncovers family secrets tied to her Holocaust-survivor grandfather, and Bruna, who resists the Nazis in wartime Italy. These two stories intertwine across generations and highlight survival, courage, and love.

Love Unmasked by Becky Dean

I loved Venice when I visited years ago, so I’m excited to pick up Love Unmasked—for the setting and the story too! It follows Evie, whose obsession with a fantasy series leads her to a secret fan club—and a masked stranger named Angelo—in Venice. With unexpected feelings, a stunning setting and a scavenger hunt, I already know it’ll be an entertaining read.

Hit Me with Your Best Charm by Lillie Vale

I haven’t read anything by Lillie Vale in a while, but I’m so excited to pick this one up (and jump into her backlist while I’m at it!). After accidentally hexing her enemy, Kiara, Nova must face a magical quest filled with grief, identity, and courage.

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

Of Flame and Fury is another fantasy I can’t wait to pick up this year. It follows Kel, captain of the Crimson Howlers, who teams up with her rival to win a deadly phoenix race and uncover dangerous secrets. With an epic fantasy plot and fiery romance, I feel like this is giving me Fourth Wing vibes, and I’m totally up for that!

Love at Full Tilt by Jenny L. Howe

I’m so excited to read Jenny L. Howe’s young adult debut! Love at Full Tilt follows Lia, who wins a spot to participate in a theme park’s legendary scavenger hunt with her rival, Mason, by her side. It sounds like such a fun young adult rom-com, and I’m particularly excited about the theme park setting!

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury

A Mastery of Monsters is pitched as Ninth House meets Legendborn, which sounds great. It’s a dark academia fantasy that follows August, a teen determined to find her missing brother, even if it means infiltrating a secret society full of monsters. It sounds like an epic fantasy with just the right amount of darkness.

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid

In this sequel to A Study in Drowning, Effy fights for her place as the first female literature student while war brews between Llyr and Argant. Haunted by dreams and forbidden feelings, she and Preston navigate folklore and danger.

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books are always full of so many twists and puzzles—I can’t wait to pick this one up. In the sequel to The Grandest Game, seven players remain in a deadly contest on Hawthorne Island where millions and secrets hang in the balance.

Heartbroken by Serena Valentino

I’m such a Disney girl at heart, so I can’t resist picking up the next book in the Villains series. Heartbroken, the Queen of Hearts’ origin story reveals a girl searching for meaning before madness and fury take hold. I love how twisty these stories get, and I can’t wait to see how this story plays out!

Very Dangerous Things by Lauren Muñoz

This young adult mystery immediately caught my attention. At J. Everett High, a murder mystery game turns deadly when a player actually dies. Crime buff Dulce teams up with her ex-best friend Sierra (the prime suspect) to catch the killer before it’s too late. I feel like this will be perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying.

A Beautiful and Terrible Murder by Claire Andrews

As soon as I heard that this one is perfect for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper, I added it to my TBR. It follows Irene, who goes undercover to investigate a string of elite student deaths at Oxford. With Sherlock Holmes as her roommate and a powerful enemy in her own father, this one sounds like such a perfect and twisty historical murder mystery.

D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. by Abby White

Clearly I’m drawn to young adult mysteries this year because I can’t wait to pick up D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. It follows D.J., who is determined to uncover what really happened to her cousin Rachel, but small-town secrets and new friendships complicate everything. It sounds like a great coming-of-age story with a mixture of humour and mystery.

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina

Mistress of Bones sounds like a lush and sweeping fantasy that’s also romantic and tragic. Necromancer Azul wants to raise her sister from the dead—but ends up entangled in a centuries-old power struggle with gods, magic, and a dangerously compelling enemy. I can’t wait to pick this one up!

The Secret Investigator of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill

If you’re looking for a young adult mystery with a smart and determined heroine as well as a little bit of 1920s flair, you don’t want to miss The Secret Investigator of Astor Street. It follows Piper Sail who is ready to trade high society for homicide investigations—but in a world that doesn’t exactly welcome girl detectives, the danger might hit too close to home. This sounds like a great companion to The Lost Girl of Astor Street!

Marisol Acts the Part by Elle Gonzalez Rose

This sapphic rom-com sounds like it will serve all the drama! After a humiliating breakup, rising star Marisol sets out to prove she’s leading lady material—only to fall for her ex’s new co-star. Marisol Acts the Part sounds like a hilarious and heartfelt celrbation of queer love, messy relationships, and second chances.

My Fair Monster by Adrienne Rivera

My Fair Monster is a bit of a different read for me, but I’m intrigued by it! Corie Nielson is a pageant queen, but she has a dream to be the horror movie scream queen. She just needs grumpy special effects makeup artist Everett to help her out. It sounds unique and heartfelt with a little dash of spooky intertwined.

A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance

If you’re anything like me, you’re getting excited for witchy season—and A Spell to Wake the Dead sounds like it will be the perfect witchy read. When Mazzy and her best friend uncover a body after casting a spell, they’re pulled into something far darker than either of them imagined. I’m looking forward to picking this one up!

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard

I’ve never read a book by Susan Dennard before, but I’m hoping this might be my first one! When Freddie calls the cops on a rival school’s party, a body turns up—and she’s convinced it’s murder, not suicide. As pranks escalate and more deaths occur, Freddie must unravel a chilling curse tied to a haunting old poem before it’s too late.

Wish You Were Her by Elle McNicoll

Wish You Were Her is a charming rom-com with bookish banter and small-town vibes mixed in. I kind of feel like it’s giving me You’ve Got Mail vibes, and I’m here for it! It follows Allegra, whose trip to Lake Pristine leads to a rivalry-turned-romance with a broody bookseller and a secret email connection she wasn’t expecting. How fun does this one sound?

By Invitation Only by Alexandra Brown Chang

When I first came across this book, it said that it was perfect for fans of Better Than the Movies, which is one of my all-time favourites. By Invitation Only brings together Chapin and Piper as they compete in the world’s most exclusive debutante ball. With the Paris setting and the competition between these characters, I think it might be a fun read!

Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson

Falling Like Leaves is pitched as Gilmore Girls meets Jenny Han, which sounds perfect to me. It follows Ellis, a city girl whose Ivy League plans are derailed by her parents’ divorce and a sudden move to Bramble Falls. Between cozy town events and awkward run-ins, Ellis must figure out what she really wants—and where she belongs. It sounds so cute!

For the Rest of Us: 13 Festive Holiday Stories to Celebrate All Seasons edited by Dahlia Adler

I’m always on the lookout for holiday reads that go beyond just Christmas, so this one instantly stood out. For the Rest of Us is a joyful, inclusive young adult anthology celebrating everything from Juneteenth to Solstice to Lunar New Year. With stories from a truly amazing lineup of authors, I already know I’m going to love it!

How Far I’ll Go by Keala Kendall

If you’ve been around for a while, you already know I can’t pass up a Disney-themed story, especially when it’s part of the Twisted Tale series. This reimagined Moana story sounds like a wild, emotional ride—and I’m here for every bit of it. In How Far I’ll Go, Moana sets out on a daring quest to restore the shattered heart of Te Fiti with help from a mysterious girl named Noe.

Rules for Fake Girlfriends by Raegan Revord

I absolutely loved Raegan in Young Sheldon, so it’s no surprise I’m excited to pick up her debut novel, especially when it features a good fake dating setup. In Rules for Fake Girlfriends, Avery heads to England for a fresh start and strikes a rom-com worthy deal with Charlie: pretend to date, solve a mystery and try not to catch real feelings along the way.

Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

Angeline Boulley’s books are incredible, so this one is high on my radar. Sisters in the Wind follows Lucy, a foster teen with a dangerous past who suddenly learns she has a family she never knew about—and a heritage that was taken from her. As she uncovers the truth about her identity and fights to clear her name, she’ll have to decide who to trust and what kind of future she’s willing to risk everything for.

The Steps by Wendelin Van Draanen

The Steps is a dark and twisty thriller about Ruby, a teen chess prodigy navigating her dysfunctional, ultra-wealthy family—while trying to stay one move ahead of whoever might be picking them off. It sounds like the perfect mixture of Riverdale, The Queen’s Gambit, and Knives Out.

Everything About You by Robby Weber

I can’t pass up a book set in Europe, especially when it’s in Paris. Everything About You follows Milo, whose dream summer gets complicated when he’s forced to work with Rhodes, the charming (and infuriating) son of a soccer star—and the boy who just might steal both his spotlight and his heart.

Everything She Does is Magic by Bridget Morrissey

Everything She Does is Magic is another one that gives me some Gilmore Girls vibes. When Halloween-obsessed Darcy agrees to help new-girl witch Anya fake a magical partnership, they didn’t plan on catching real feelings. It sounds like it will be a great cozy, fall read.

How to Survive a Horror Movie by Scarlett Dunmore

While I don’t always pick up horror, this one caught my eye. How to Survive a Horror Movie follows Charley, a horror movie buff who finds herself at the center of a real-life scream fest when girls at her new boarding school start getting murdered. With the help of her BFF—and a few snarky ghosts—she sets out to find the killer before she ends up the final girl.

The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala

I just said I don’t always pick up horror, and yet here I am again, with another! The Dead of Summer is a queer horror mystery about Ollie, who returns to his island hometown only to uncover a dark secret—and a deadly force rising beneath the waves. When he’s trapped on a military hospital ship, Ollie must face a monstrous truth to save the people he loves. It’s pitched as Stephen King meets Holly Jackson, which sounds so interesting to me!

Fake Skating by Lynn Painter

If Lynn Painter writes it, I will always read it. I am such a fan of her books, and I’m always eagerly anticipating her next release. In Fake Skating, Dani and Alec are forced back into each other’s orbit after years apart, only to realize their old bond might not be so broken after all. With fake dating, childhood sweethearts, and small-town hockey drama, I just know this will be a brand-new favourite for me!

Holly by Adalyn Grace

Adalyn Grace returns to the Belladonna universe with this fun holiday novella. With something odd happening at Wisteria Manor, the gang must work together to help the spirits move on before it’s too late. Combined with the incredible cover, I’m excited to pick this one up!

Heartsick by Kristina Forest

Heartsick sounds like a sweet but fast-paced rom-com with a little bit of a twist. When Margot and her ex-boyfriend Isaac uncover a dark secret behind a pill that erases heartbreak, they must work together to expose the truth—and maybe heal their own hearts in the process.

Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

I will never turn down a holiday romance, and this one sounds so cute! When Emma returns home for the holidays with a new boyfriend in tow, old feelings resurface with her former best friend, Aiden—just in time for some festive chaos. It sounds like a great second-chance winter romance.

No Charm Done by Tori Anne Martin

No Charm Done is another witchy young adult book in this list! It follows rivals Lily and Chrys, who are battling for the same guy—until their feud accidentally unleashes a dangerous curse. Now they have to work together to save their town, and they might realize it’s not the boy they want after all.

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

As soon as I heard about this one, I immediately added it to my list of books to read. The Crimson Throne follows a fae guardian and an English spy who clash in a high-stakes romance set in a dazzling Scottish court. It’s pitched as the perfect book for fans of Outlander, and it also features slow-burning enemies-to-lovers. Sign me up!

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson

Tiffany D. Jackson’s newest release, The Scammer, is a thriller about control, manipulation, and survival. When Jordyn’s roommate’s older brother moves in, she senses something is off—and her instincts might be the only thing that can keep her alive.

Reel Love by Addie Woolridge

I just adore this cover! Reel Love follows two teens who must keep their secret romance under wraps from their grandmas, who are social media rivals. Set in Las Vegas, this one sounds like it will be a sweet and heartfelt romance with a little bit of humour mixed in.

The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder by Kate Emery

This one sounds so interesting to me! A teen mystery-lover gets her first real case when her step-grandmother is murdered on a family vacation—by a typewriter. With a suspiciously cute “sort-of cousin” as her sidekick, Ruth is ready to solve the crime as long as she can survive her family first.

Final Cut by Olivia Worley

I think it’s safe to say I’m in my horror era these days. For someone who doesn’t pick the genre up often, I’m certainly drawn to them lately! Final Cut follows Hazel, who thought starring in a slasher film was her big break—until someone on set actually starts to kill. With some nods to Scream, this thriller will be a great mixture of horror and suspense.

Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan

Never Ever After is an upcoming Cinderella reimagining. It sounds like it’s packed with lies, intrigue, and a little bit of magic. When thief Yining infiltrates the imperial court to reclaim a stolen ring, she finds herself tangled in a deadly game of power, secrets, and unexpected romance.

Right Where We Belong by Farrah Penn

I can’t wait to pick this one up! It sounds like it’ll be a fun read. When Delaney wishes to save her school, a charming 19th-century noble literally drops in—but fixing history might require teaming up with her least favourite person: her brother’s annoying (and attractive) best friend.

The Prince of Mourning by Jenn Bennett

I absolutely adore Jenn Bennett’s contemporary romance books—she’s probably one of my all-time favourite young adult contemporary authors. But, The Prince of Mourning sounds great too! It’s a gothic romantasy that follows a young nurse who uncovers a supernatural prisoner hidden in a mansion. I can’t wait to read this one!

A Queen’s Match by Katharine McGee

Katharine McGee is another author I really love—I especially love her royal-themed books. In this sequel to A Queen’s Game, three princesses face love, betrayal, and ambition that will reshape Europe’s royalty. Hélène fights to reclaim her fiancé, Alix questions her heart, and May risks everything for power.

Coldwire by Chloe Gong

Chloe Gong always writes such appealing books! In a future where the privileged escape to virtual reality, two soldiers on opposite sides of a digital war uncover a conspiracy that threatens both worlds. I have a feeling that all the tension and secrets will keep me turning the pages!

Gilded in Vengeance by Lyssa Mia Smith

After being framed by New York’s magical elite, Emmy escapes prison and infiltrates high society to exact revenge—with the help of a charming criminal who may be her biggest threat. But falling in love with your co-conspirator along the way is a dangerous game. I think this one will be so interesting!

Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington

When his sister’s best friend is murdered, Mikky returns to his family’s funeral home and a town steeped in secrets. But the closer he gets to the truth, the more he wonders if his own sister might be hiding the darkest one of all. This one sounds so interesting!

The Fangirl Project by Beth Reekles

I haven’t read a book by Beth Reekles before, but I have watched all the Kissing Booth movies, so I’m interested in picking this one up! To win over her crush, Cerys dives into the fantasy fandom he loves—only to find herself unexpectedly falling for someone else entirely. Turns out, fake fangirling might just lead to real love.

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

I think this cover is stunning, and I think the story inside will be just as good! Mallory can see ghosts, but she fakes the rest of her magic—until a job at a cursed mansion turns deadly. Now she must solve a murder, banish a ghost, and guard her heart from the one man who might be both a target and a killer.

The Same Backward as Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I feel like Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books are becoming auto-buys for me. Hannah wants to escape her family’s criminal legacy. Toby has no memory of his privileged past. When tragedy throws them together, they must face the truth of what happened that night—and what it could mean for their future.

A Matter of Murder by Tirzah Price

I just love how Tirzah Price turns classic characters we know and love into modern stories. In A Matter of Murder, a honeymoon visit turns sinister when a corpse is found at Netherfield Park, reigniting rumours of a deadly curse. Lizzie and Darcy must race to solve the murder before their own lives fall victim to the darkness haunting the estate.

Break Wide the Sea by Sara Holland

I’m not sure why, but Break Wide the Sea gives me Adrienne Young vibes—and I adore her books, so I have high hopes for this one! Annie is slowly turning into a monster after a tragic shipwreck, and her only hope is a deal with a half-finfolk captain. But on a voyage filled with secrets and dangerous desires, saving herself may mean giving up everything she’s ever known.

How We Play the Game by Alexis Nedd

Zora’s a ruthless gamer with a bad PR problem—so to save her shot at going pro, she fakes a romance with her biggest rival. But playing pretend turns real when sparks fly behind the screen. It sounds like a great mixture of romance and gaming.

You Had Me at Hello World by Rona Wang

Char joins an elite coding competition at MIT, hoping to escape her small town—until she falls for her teammate, who’s taken, and sabotage threatens everything she’s worked for. This one sounds so fun, and I can’t wait to pick it up!

Heart Check by Emily Charlotte

I love picking up books that feature hockey players, and this one caught my eye! Harper and Dawson are sworn enemies—until they’re stuck working together at a diner. But between late-night shifts and shared secrets, they just might discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye. It sounds like the perfect enemies-to-lovers young adult rom-com.

Red as Royal Blood by Elizabeth Hart

When I’m in the mood for some fantasy this fall, I know I’ll be reaching to pick this one up. Ruby is a servant who becomes an unlikely heir to the throne—and the prime suspect in the king’s murder. Surrounded by dangerous princes and deadly secrets, she’ll need all her wits to survive the court and the killer. I really love a good fantasy with a twisty mystery at its core.

The Cuffing Game by Lyla Lee

Mia’s plan to escape her small town includes producing a dating show—not falling for its most eligible contestant. But when the cameras roll and feelings get real, love might be the biggest plot twist of all. I’m a huge fan of reality TV, so this one sounds like it’ll be a great fit for me!

Better in Black: Ten Stories of Shadowhunter Romance by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is the author I credit with my love for fantasy. To this day, I cherish my bookshelves that are filled with her books. I don’t think I’ll ever pass up an opportunity to read a book in the Shadowhunter world. This new story collection brings back the favourite couples for one more adventure (or heartbreak). From Jace and Clary to Will and Tessa, each tale explores love, danger, and magic across time. I just can’t wait—I’m already counting down the days!

The Last Vampire by Romina Garber

If Crave and Pride & Prejudice were mixed, it would be The Last Vampire. When Lorena accidentally wakes the world’s last vampire, she sets off a chain of events that could save—or doom—his species. Expect moody manor vibes, gothic drama, and a brooding immortal you can’t help but root for. I still can’t resist a good vampire book!

An Archive of Romance by Ava Reid

I can’t forget this beautifully illustrated novella and companion to A Study in Drowning. Told through letters, sketches, and diary entries, Effy and Preston’s story takes on new depth and intimacy. It sounds like it’ll be a great read!

Trail Rides and Starry Eyes by Katrina Emmel

I think I’m also in my cowboy romance era, and this one fits right in! When Hollywood heartthrob Wilder heads to a Wyoming ranch for cowboy boot camp, he never expects to fall for no-nonsense Cassidy. If you’re into sweet, small-town young adult romances with opposites-attract chemistry, I think you’ll like this one too.