December 2025 Book Releases
I am so excited about the December 2025 book releases, and I cannot wait to get my hands on these books. It is always so much fun finding the upcoming new books.
This month, there are some fantastic picks. You will notice that the list has fewer books this month. Usually, fewer books are published in December, and we will see an increase in book publications again in January. I also have a list of November 2025 book releases by genre if you want to have a look.
If you want some in-depth reviews before the books are published, you can check out our Beyond the Bookends Book Club. We host a monthly Zoom meeting where we share our favorite books with you. We give you the scoop on what to read and what to skip!
You can help authors by going into your favorite reading app and adding these books to your To Be Read pile. You can also head to your local indie bookstore and pre-order the books you know you will love. This helps the authors a lot. All the books on this list are linked to Libro.fm and Bookshop.org. Both of these sites are associated with independent bookstores!
Most Anticipated December 2025 Book Releases
Most Anticipated Fiction
A Weekend on Allyson Island by Susanah B. Lewis – Jump to Section
Most Anticipated Historical Fiction
My Fair Frauds by Lee Kelly, Jennifer Marie Thorne- Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Fantasy/ Sci-Fi
We Who Die by Stacia Stark- Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Thriller
Friends and Liars by Kit Frick – Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Mystery
Grimm Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death by Maxie Dara – Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Romance
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams – Click for more
Most Anticipated Nonfiction
Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton by Dolly Ackmann – Click here to read the synopsis
Most Anticipated YA
Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno – Click here to read more
*December 2025 Book Releases Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
December 2025 Fiction Book Releases
Plot
Moira Allyson is planning a 50th birthday party for herself and has invited the most important women in her life. She wants a distraction from her lonely life. And while she does not want to deal with anyone else’s baggage, some things are unavoidable. When the women come together, they open their hearts to each other. In doing so, they may all find the healing they need.
Before I Forget
Author: Tory Henwood Hoen
Genre: Fiction
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Coming of Age Story
Plot
Cricket is stuck and unhappy with her life. So when he father is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she decides to head home to become his caretaker. She hopes that she will be able to repair their relationship. As her father’s memories fade, he gains the ability to predict the future. But, Cricket is now the one to face the past. She realizes that she cannot move forward without facing her history.
Television: A Novel
Author: Lauren Rothery
Genre: Fiction
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Debut Novel
Plot
This story follows an aging movie star, his longtime friend and former lover, and a struggling filmmaker, each navigating fame and ambition. Told through multiple perspectives, the story explores love, luck, and identity in a Hollywood shaped by wealth, youth, and social media.
December 2025 Historical Fiction Book Releases
My Fair Frauds
Author: Lee Kelly, Jennifer Marie Thorne
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Guilded Age Book
Plot
In Gilded Age New York, Alice is a con artist posing as Grand Duchess Marie Chalorre Antoni of Würrtemberg who is seeking revenge. She teams up with a magician’s assistant named Cora to get revenge on the powerful men who ruined her family. As they infiltrate high society, their elaborate scheme grows riskier with each step. As they set out to ruin the men one by one, they may be creating their own riun instead.
December 2025 Fantasy/ Sci-fi Books
We Who Will Die
Author: Stacia Stark
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: December 30, 2025
More info: Empire of Blood #1, Deluxe limited edition
Plot
This is a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world that is ruled by vampires. Need I say more? Arvelle has been forced to make a vow to kill the emperor, an ancient vampire. To do that, she must enter the Sundering, an area where the best are chosen to be in the emperor’s guard. This is a pick from the December 2025 book releases I cannot wait to read.
Plot
Greta was once the star of Maple Gold coffee commercials, but now her life is nothing like she thought it would be. When she stumbles upon a coffee shop where wishes are granted, she wishes her life was like her old commercials. When she wakes up in Mapleville, where life seems perfect, she can make her life what she always wanted. But what happens when she has to choose between perfect and reality?
Plot
Eleanot has spent years as an apprentice to the librarian in the Library of Fates. Here, people find meaning in their lives. And if they want to see their future, they can write a confession in the Book of Dark Nights. When her mentor goes missing along with the book, Eleanor and the librarian’s estranged son, Daniel, know they need to find them. I cannot wait to read this pick from the December 2025 book releases.
An Arcane Inheritance
Author: Kamilah Cole
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: December 30, 2025
More info: Books About Secret Societies
Plot
Ellory Morgan will be attending Warren University in the fall. The Ivy League school has been linked to dark magic, but she is determined to prove herself worthy of the school. When she arrives, she feels a sense of déjà vu that grows stronger with each day at school. She is determined to find out why.
Thrillers for December 2025
Friends and Liars
Author: Kit Frick
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: New Year’s Eve Book
Plot
Clare Monroe died on New Year’s Eve five years ago as a result of a horrible accident at her parents’ Italian palazzo. But Clare’s closest friends, Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David, are responsible for her death. When the friends are invited to a memorial at the estate, they cannot refuse. But as soon as they arrive, it is clear someone knows what they did and wants to make them pay.
Dead Ringer
Author: Chris Hauty
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Standalone
Plot
Set in the present day, a former Secret Service officer and a professor set out to solve the mystery of what really happened to JFK on November 22, 1963. Can they uncover the truth?
Mysteries for December 2025
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Cheating Death
Author: Maxie Dara
Genre: Fantasy Mystery
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Book 2 of SCYTHE Mysteries
Plot
Nora is terrified of death since her parents died in an accident. Luckily, she works for SCYTHE, so she can watch death very closely. The only family she has left is her twin brother Charlie. When his name pops up in her files, indicating he will die in 6 months time. Nora has to figure out a way to save him. But every time she does, there is a new form of death in her file. Now, she has to determine who wants her brother dead and why. I cannot wait for this pick from the Devember 2025 book releases.
Romance: December 2025 Book Releases
In Your Dreams
Author: Sarah Adams
Genre: Romance
Release Date: December 30, 2025
More info: Bestselling author
Plot
When Madison, a chef, receives the offer of a head chef position in her home town, she cannot turn it down, even if the owner is her brother’s best friend. James has always had feelings for Madison so he does not chance losing this opportunity, even if he has to work with his estranged brother. Now, the two of them are thrown together. Can they keep things professional?
Seeing Other People
Author: Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund-Broka
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: December 9, 2025
More info: From the authors of the Roughest Draft
Plot
Morgan’s ex-boyfriend died and became a ghost who is haunting her because he doesn’t remember his past. Sawyer’s fiance is ghosting him as well, but she is starting to fade and he is unhappy about it. Morgan and Sawyer meet at a support group for humans and their haunters where they decide to work together to solve their problems. Soon, they begin to develop feelings for each other.
The Mating Game
Author: Lana Ferguson
Genre: Romance
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Steamy
Plot
Tess Covington is a contractor determined to complete the renovation job in Denver. When she winds up in the hospital with flu-like symptoms, she is shocked to discover she is a wolf shifter. Alpha wolf, Hunter is determined to stay away from female wolves after he has his heart broken. So when he comes home and smells a wolf in his lodge, he knows it will make things more difficult. Can these two navigate their time together without falling for each other?
Something Wicked
Author: Falon Ballard
Genre: Romantasy
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Steamy Romantasy
Plot
Avon has overthrown the monarchy and will hold its first presidential election. To be a candidate, a person must kill the former monarch of their province. Callen is determined to be president. All he has to do is murder the former king, his father. In order to alleviate his guilt, he needs to find Lady Caterine, a courtesan with a gift. She can manipulate the emotions of anyone in her presence if they have an orgasm. Can the two of them work together or will they betray each other to get what they want?
December 2025: Best Non-Fiction Book Releases
Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton
Author: Martha Ackmann
Genre: Biography
Release Date: December 30, 2025
Plot
This biography dives deep into the life of Dolly Parton. She is a singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist who came from poverty as a child. Dolly is an amazing woman and I cannot wait to read this book from the December 2025 book releases.
Best YA December 2025 Book Releases
Plot
The Farthing sisters have always been told that they are direct descendants of Persephone, the Goddess of the Dead. The sisters live in a house with a ghost, Henry, in the attic. When one of the sisters falls in love with the ghost and another sister sends him to the underworld, the sisters must figure out their real relationship to Persephone and rescue Henry.
There’s Always Next Year
Author: Leah Johnson, George M. Johnson
Genre: YA Romance
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Dual POV Holiday Romcom
Plot
Andy has her whole world turned upside-down on New Year’s Eve when she pukes on her crush, ruins her phone, and her car is stolen. She is determined to save her family’s business, but her life is in shambles. She also cannot quite understand the feelings she has for the new girl next door.
Dominique is an influencer trying to secure his future with a big brand deal. When he runs into his former BFF, feelings emerge. Can he become a star without deserting the ones he really loves? He has never been able to hide from his cousin Andy, even if he does hide from himself. This is a New Year’s Eve BookI cannot wait to read from the December 2025 book releases.
Crowntide
Author: Alex Aster
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: December 2, 2025
More info: Lightlark #4
Plot
This is the next book in the Lightlark series that has sold three million copies. Isla is determined to defeat her ancestor, Lark, but she will have to use all her skills. Now Grim and Oro need to forge an alliance in this epic next book in the series.
More December 2025 Book Releases
Expert Tip
Looking through books can be daunting if you are trying to add some books to your TBR. Remember that this list of the most anticipated December 2025 book releases is for fun. You may add books to your TBR stack and never read them. That is OK! I have two tips to help narrow down the choices for you.
- If you do not want to look through all the descriptions, I selected a top pick from each genre. I narrowed it down for you!
- If you have a favorite genre that you like to read, head over to that section and pick from those books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most anticipated December 2025 Book Releases?
Kirsten and I had a hard time choosing the most anticipated December 2025 books, but narrowed it down to these three picks:
1. A Weekend on Allyson Island by Susanah B. Lewis
2. My Fair Frauds by Lee Kelly, Jennifer Marie Thorne
3. Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton by Dolly Ackmann
Related Content
Epilogue
Which December 2025 book releases are you most looking forward to reading?
