One of the perks of my job is access to upcoming releases before they’re released. Every day, I look at Edelweiss and NetGalley and check out what’s coming out in the near future. This means I have a pretty good sense of what publishers and authors think will sell in 2025. And maybe they’re right. Here’s what you have to look forward to/dread.
Romantasy. If you are still jonesing for books with magic, star crossed lovers, and leads who appear immune to injury, 2025 will be the year for you. The number of romantasy books being published and pushed dwarfs any other genre.
Dark Academia. Clearly readers miss Harry Potter–publishers are putting out tons of books set in magical schools where death is a test or crap wizard away. Most of these books also seem to be enemies to lovers–if you’ve always dreamed of Hermione being dominated by Drako, this year’s releases will be your jam.
Female rage. I’ve seen blurbs for books where shit men are targeted by smart women who HAVE HAD ENOUGH, several of which seem to be comfortable with murder as revenge for being an asshat bro. And it’s not just anger at men–if you want to read about the rich and powerful being taken down a notch or ten, you’ll find many such stories.
Cinnamon roll/Beta heroes. Alpha, in mainstream publishing, is declining and nice guys who treat everyone in their lives with care and compassion and kindness are filling the void. Many of them also love animals, the great outdoors, and/or crafting.
Mysteries with a SHOCKING twist. The twisty mystery is all the rage–never mind that it’s often counterproductive to a sand plot. If you’re dreaming of books where, at least once as you read, you have a NO F*CKING WAY moment, 2025 is your year.
Small town contemporary romance. In romance, this year, not only can you go home again, if you do, you’ll find your true love–if you’re lucky, you’ll have a meet cute at the farmer’s market/your old summer camp/a struggling but plucky fruit farm.
Cozy mysteries. These appear to be growing in number–many, of course, with terrible puns for titles.
What do you think the romance/women’s fiction/mystery trends will be this year? Do they excite you? Are there things you’re firmly not interested in? What are you looking forward to?