New Books of April 2025
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As April arrives, bringing with it a mix of lingering spring showers and the first hints of warmer days ahead, it’s the perfect time to escape the chill with a captivating read. This month, while many parts of the United States experience the full depths of spring’s transition, there’s no better way to stay cozy and entertained than by diving into the latest literary releases. Whether you’re snuggling up at home or enjoying a quiet moment with a good book, our curated list of new books promises something for every reader. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming romances, these April releases are sure to captivate and inspire, making them the ideal companions for your spring adventures.
A Diverse Selection of Must-Reads Awaits this April
The Book Guide’ editorial team creates a monthly list of popular new books, based on several ratings. The monthly curated preview of new books covers various genres, including contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult, and nonfiction. This month’s releases include Emily Henry returning with her latest romance Great Big Beautiful Life, which pits rival writers against each other in a witty, emotionally charged tale of love and literary ambition. Abby Jimenez delivers a heartfelt exploration of second chances in Say You’ll Remember Me, while Lauren Roberts brings high-stakes tension with Fearless.
What to Read This April 2025: Best Book Releases.
To help you navigate this exciting selection, we’ve compiled a curated list of some of the most anticipated and highly-recommended books hitting shelves this month.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life follows rival writers Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson as they compete to pen the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives, a former tabloid sensation from a scandalous 20th-century family. Set on the picturesque Little Crescent Island, the story unfolds as both writers navigate a one-month trial to uncover Margaret’s fragmented narrative, complicated by an ironclad NDA and their growing mutual attraction. Blending Henry’s signature wit, romance, and emotional depth, the novel explores themes of trust, love, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality, with Margaret’s enigmatic past mirroring the protagonists’ own evolving relationship. Described as a departure from Henry’s earlier works, the book promises a sweeping narrative that could unfold as a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad—depending on who’s telling it.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez follows Samantha and Xavier Rush, whose whirlwind romance is tested by family crises and distance. Xavier, a veterinarian with a gruff exterior and a soft spot for animals, clashes initially with Samantha, but their chemistry ignites during a memorable date set to the soundtrack of Come On Eileen. However, their connection is complicated by Samantha’s family’s struggle with her mother’s early-onset dementia, forcing her to prioritize caregiving over love. The story balances humor and heartbreak as Xavier pursues a long-distance relationship, determined to prove love can thrive despite adversity. Jimenez weaves a narrative that explores grief, resilience, and the power of relationships, earning praise for its relatable characters and emotional depth.
Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Fearless by Lauren Roberts concludes the Powerless Trilogy, a young adult romantasy series following Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer as they return to the Kingdom of Ilya. Paedyn faces a life-altering decision that will determine her fate and that of those around her, framing the story as an ultimate battle between love and loyalty. The trilogy, which began as a self-published project in 2023, has become a viral phenomenon, blending fantasy elements with forbidden romance reminiscent of authors like Sarah J. Maas and The Red Queen.
King of Envy by Ana Huang
“King of Envy” by Ana Huang is the fifth installment in the steamy “Kings of Sin” series, where bad boy billionaires must atone for their sins to earn their love stories. The novel centers around Vuk Markovic, a dangerous and reclusive billionaire who is obsessed with Ayana Kidane, a successful supermodel. Ayana is engaged to Vuk’s oldest friend in a business arrangement, but her feelings become complicated as she finds herself drawn to Vuk. As the wedding approaches, Vuk is torn between loyalty and desire, and he may risk everything to claim Ayana as his own. However, their budding relationship is threatened by Vuk’s past, which poses a significant danger to their future together.
Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage
“Wild and Wrangled” by Lyla Sage is the fourth and final installment in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, offering a heartwarming small-town romance. The story revolves around Camille Ashwood, whose life is turned upside down when her groom fails to show up at the wedding, leaving her without a place to live. She finds solace in renting a house she loved since high school, but there’s a complication: her neighbor, Dusty Tucker. Dusty has spent years running from his feelings for Cam, but now that she’s single and living next door, he wants to prove they can be friends. As they navigate past wounds and new emotions, they begin to wonder if their first love could also be their last. The book is praised for its comforting and satisfying portrayal of second-chance romance, filled with tension and heartfelt moments.
The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose
In “The Perfect Divorce” by Jeneva Rose, Sarah Morgan, a high-powered attorney, finds herself entangled in a complex web of personal and professional challenges. After discovering her husband Bob’s infidelity, Sarah initiates divorce proceedings, but their separation becomes increasingly complicated when new evidence surfaces in a past case involving her first husband, Adam. As Sarah navigates this high-stakes divorce, she must also confront the resurgence of her past and clear her name. The novel is filled with suspense and twists, exploring themes of marriage, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth.
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff is a poignant family saga that explores the complexities of love, loss, and redemption across four generations. The story centers around Ryan and Lillian Bright, a couple deeply in love but harboring secrets: Lillian’s unshared son and Ryan’s alcohol addiction. Their daughter, Georgette, grows up amidst the rise and fall of their marriage, only to face a shocking blow that forces her to distance herself. Years later, when Lillian’s son seeks out his birth family, Georgette must confront her family’s past and decide whether to open herself to love. Told through three intimate perspectives, the novel is a tender exploration of how tragedy can be redeemed by the power of grace and love.
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith is a captivating romantasy set in a cursed Italian palace. Genevieve Grimm seeks answers about her mother’s death and finds herself in a deadly competition alongside Rowin Silver, a mysterious and alluring figure. As they pretend to be in a romance to survive, Genevieve must navigate treacherous trials while battling her growing attraction to Rowin, who warns her not to trust him. The story combines intrigue, danger, and forbidden romance, promising an unforgettable journey for fans of high-stakes fantasy.
Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi
“Watch Me” by Tahereh Mafi is an electrifying return to the globally bestselling Shatter Me universe, set ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment. The story follows James Anderson, who successfully infiltrates Ark Island, the last stronghold of the authoritarian regime, albeit ending up in a prison cell. Meanwhile, Rosabelle Wolff, a skilled assassin, is tasked with a mission that could change everything. As The Reestablishment prepares to make a devastating move, the novel unfolds with pulse-pounding action and complex romance, exploring the theme of identity in a world of constant surveillance. This dystopian adventure promises an intense enemies-to-lovers narrative, raising profound questions about who we are when no one is watching.
The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose
The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose is the third installment in the “Molly the Maid” series. The story follows Molly Gray, now promoted to Head of Special Events at the Regency Grand Hotel, as she prepares for her wedding to fiancé Juan. However, her life is disrupted when the hotel becomes the setting for a reality TV show, and a priceless Fabergé egg, inherited from her grandmother, is revealed and subsequently stolen. As Molly navigates this new mystery, she uncovers secrets about her family’s past through her grandmother’s diary entries. The novel blends humor and heart, offering a captivating whodunit mystery intertwined with personal stories and emotional depth.
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner is a captivating novel that intertwines past and present against the enchanting backdrop of the Amalfi Coast. The story follows Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, as she searches for a treasure her late father discovered, while unraveling a centuries-old curse linked to powerful sea witches. Her journey is intertwined with that of Mari DeLuca, a woman from the 1820s who uses ancient sorcery to protect her village from pirates. As Haven delves deeper into the mystery, she must confront strange occurrences plaguing the town and uncover the truth behind the Amalfi Curse before it’s too late. The novel weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and magic, creating a spellbinding tale that explores themes of love, history, and the untamed power of the sea.
Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
“Julie Chan Is Dead” by Liann Zhang is a gripping debut thriller that delves into the darker side of social media fame. The story follows Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier who, after discovering her twin sister Chloe’s mysterious death, decides to assume her sister’s life as a popular influencer. Chloe, known as Chloe VanHuusen, had built a seemingly perfect online persona, but Julie soon uncovers the sinister forces behind her sister’s glamorous façade. As Julie navigates Chloe’s privileged world during a weeklong island retreat with her sister’s influencer friends, she unravels the secrets that led to Chloe’s demise and realizes she might be the next target. This twisty novel is perfect for fans of “Bunny” and “Yellowface,” offering a razor-sharp exploration of the dangers hidden behind social media’s polished veneer.
My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner
In “My Best Friend’s Honeymoon,” Meryl Wilsner crafts a spicy romance where lifelong friends Elsie Hoffman and Ginny Holtz embark on a non-refundable Caribbean honeymoon after Elsie breaks off her engagement. Ginny, who has secretly loved Elsie for over a decade, proposes a deal: Elsie can have anything she wants for a week, as long as she asks. As they explore the island, their friendship blossoms into something more, filled with toe-curling kisses and deeper connections. The novel explores themes of self-advocacy, communication, and finding happiness by embracing one’s desires. Notably, it features a nonbinary lead, offering vibrant and inclusive representation.
The Sirens by Emilia Hart
In The Sirens, Emilia Hart weaves a captivating tale of sisterhood across centuries, bound by the mysterious power of the sea. The story follows Lucy, who flees to her sister Jess’s coastal home after a disturbing incident, only to find Jess missing. As Lucy searches for her sister, she uncovers the town’s dark legends: men vanishing at sea, a baby found in a cave, and whispers of women’s voices on the waves. These whispers lead her to the past, where twin sisters Mary and Eliza were transported on a convict ship from Ireland to Australia. The novel intertwines historical and contemporary narratives, exploring themes of female resilience and trauma, set against the haunting backdrop of the ocean.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a cozy mystery that follows the adventures of Vera Wong, a meddling yet endearing amateur sleuth. After a previous murder at her teahouse brought her business success and introduced her son’s girlfriend, Officer Selena Gray, Vera is now slightly bored and eager for another case. Her chance arrives when she meets a distressed young woman named Millie, who is searching for her missing friend, Thomas, also known as Xander Lin, a social media influencer. Xander’s body is found in Mission Bay, but his identity remains a mystery, with everyone claiming not to know him. Determined to solve the case and help Selena, Vera embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind Xander’s life and death.
