New Books Released in September 2025
The Book Guide® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
September has arrived, ushering in crisp, golden days, the rich hues of early autumn, and the perfect opportunity to refresh your reading list with some of the season’s most captivating new releases. As fall begins to unfold across the United States, there’s no better way to embrace the changing season than by diving into stories full of adventure, laughter, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re enjoying the last warm afternoons outdoors, savoring a peaceful moment with a cup of cider, or curling up for a cozy indoor escape, these September book picks are sure to keep you engaged all month long.
A Diverse Selection of Must-Reads Awaits this September
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, three standout titles demand your attention.
September’s new releases offer a captivating mix of fantasy, reverence, and secrets, perfect for embracing the season’s reflective mood. First up, The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers a gripping tale of power, loyalty, and ancient magic. Armentrout weaves an immersive world filled with fierce characters and high-stakes conflict, drawing readers into a richly imagined saga of survival and destiny. Fans of epic fantasy will find themselves swept away by the intensity and emotional depth of this thrilling new entry in her acclaimed repertoire.
For those craving a lyrical exploration of nature and inner strength, Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross is an evocative journey through wilderness and self-discovery. Ross’s lush prose and intricate world-building invite readers to experience a profound connection to the natural world, blending mythic elements with deeply human struggles. This novel offers a quiet, haunting beauty—a perfect companion for the changing leaves and contemplative September evenings.
If you’re in search of an intellectual and suspenseful thriller, The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown is a compelling pick. Brown crafts a fast-paced narrative revolving around hidden knowledge, cryptic puzzles, and a race against time that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Combining historical intrigue with modern-day dangers, this latest installment cements Brown’s reputation for blending brainy mystery with cinematic storytelling.
What to Read This September 2025: Best Book Releases.
September’s standout titles bring a thrilling range of passion, mystery, and wonder—ideal for cozying up as the season shifts or savoring the last golden days. Be sure to add these to your reading list for a memorable autumn filled with adventure and discovery.
The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the thrilling penultimate installment of the Blood and Ash series. The story follows Poppy and Casteel as they face escalating dangers with ancient powers awakening and new gods rising. Poppy, now transformed into the Primal of both Life and Death, must navigate a realm on the brink of devastation where every choice has deadly consequences. Bound by love and destiny, they confront the return of the Great Conspirator and a dark Primal of Death to protect the future of their world and the bonds that unite them.
Wild Card by Elsie Silver
Wild Card by Elsie Silver is the fourth and final book in the Rose Hill series, centering on Sebastian “Bash” Rousseau, a gruff aerial firefighter pilot, and Gwen, a free-spirited yoga instructor. Their story begins with a chance meeting and is complicated by the fact that Gwen is the ex-girlfriend of Bash’s recently discovered adult son. The novel explores themes of forbidden romance, emotional growth, and family dynamics with a mix of steamy romance and genuine character development. It balances the tension of desire and loyalty beautifully, making it both an emotionally rich and compelling conclusion to the series.
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross is a richly immersive fantasy romance set 600 years before her previous work, Divine Rivals. The story follows Matilda, the youngest goddess of her clan with humble messenger magic, who must navigate a deadly world of gods where alliances are fragile, and power is often stolen through violence. Matilda hides a dangerous secret while becoming entwined with Vincent, a mortal lord who once pleaded for her help in dreams. Their destined meeting challenges the brutal ways of the gods and forces Matilda to confront vulnerability and the possibility of love amid sacrifice and political intrigue. The novel is praised for its evocative world-building, emotional depth, and intricate mythology.
The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore
The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming small-town romance set in Dream Harbor, featuring Annie Andrews, the passionate owner of the bakery, and Mac Sullivan, the charming bar owner with whom she shares a long-standing enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Their witty banter and hidden feelings come to light as they are brought together for a wedding event, revealing deeper vulnerabilities beneath their playful animosity. The novel beautifully explores themes of vulnerability, found family, and the charm of close-knit communities, with a cozy, immersive atmosphere and a slow-burn romance that captivates readers from start to finish.
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand, co-written with her daughter Shelby Cunningham, is a fresh and thrilling novel set in a prestigious New England boarding school, Tiffin Academy. The story unfolds over one dramatic academic year, beginning with the school’s surprising leap to the number two ranking nationally. Amidst the backdrop of parties, school dances, and social high stakes, an anonymous app called ZipZap starts exposing scandalous secrets of students and faculty alike. The novel explores complex characters like Charley Hicks, a transfer student struggling to fit in, and Davi Banerjee, a social media influencer hiding personal struggles. The Academy vividly portrays the clash between outward prestige and hidden turmoil in boarding school life with authenticity and insightful teenage voices, marking a new direction for Hilderbrand’s storytelling.
Alchemised by SenLinYu
Alchemised by SenLinYu is a dark fantasy debut novel centered on Helena Marino, a once-promising alchemist and healer who becomes a prisoner of war with amnesia in a devastated world ruled by corrupt guild families and necromancers. As she struggles to survive and reclaim her lost memories, Helena is sent to the estate of the powerful necromancer High Reeve, where secrets of both captor and captive must be uncovered to understand the true stakes of the war’s aftermath. The story explores themes of memory, identity, and survival in a richly imagined world of necromancy and alchemy.
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman is the fifth installment in the Thursday Murder Club series. The story centers around the gang as they get involved in their most explosive case yet, which revolves around a missing best man, a deadly code, and a fortune of over $150 million in cryptocurrency. Against the backdrop of a wedding and personal challenges like grief and family troubles, the club members use their wit and camaraderie to solve the mystery. The book blends humor, heart, and clever puzzle-solving while deepening the characters, especially Elizabeth, who emerges from grief throughout the story. It’s a witty, heartfelt mystery that continues to captivate fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver is a darkly funny, slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance set in the quirky seaside town of Cape Carnage, known for its colorful houses and unusually high body count. The story follows Harper Starling, a skilled gardener fiercely protective of her town and her aging mentor. Trouble comes with tourists, but none as dangerous as Nolan Rhodes, a charming and skilled man seeking revenge for a hit-and-run accident that shattered his life. As Harper and Nolan form an uneasy alliance to protect the town, their relationship intensifies into an obsession that threatens to unravel secrets and ignite a dangerous love. The novel blends dark romantic comedy with thrilling suspense in a unique and captivating way.
Soul Searching by Lyla Sage
“Soul Searching” by Lyla Sage is a paranormal small-town romance set in Sweetwater Peak, Wyoming. The story follows Collins Cartwright, a photographer who has lost her ability to communicate with ghosts and returns home hoping to regain her gift. She ends up sharing a haunted apartment with Brady Cooper, a quiet upholsterer with his own mysterious past. As supernatural forces and ghosts play matchmakers, Collins and Brady’s connection grows amidst family drama and the cozy mountain setting, blending heart, heat, and a touch of the paranormal in this engaging, page-turning romance.
We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad
The book “We Love You, Bunny” by Mona Awad is a darkly humorous and delirious novel set in the same universe as her cult classic “Bunny.” It begins with Samantha, the protagonist of the previous book, being kidnapped by the clique of girls known as the Bunnies, who are furious about their portrayal in her first novel. As a captive audience, Samantha hears the Bunnies’ side of the story, which reveals the origins of their unusual creative powers and the fantastical, sometimes deadly consequences of their off-campus workshops. The story mixes dark academia, fairy tale slasher elements, and explores themes of creation, love, and friendship, serving as both a prequel and sequel that stands alone as a uniquely wild and hilarious addition to the Bunny-verse.
Fearful by Lauren Roberts
“Fearful” by Lauren Roberts is a novella set during the same timeline as her book “Fearless” and is part of the Powerless series. The story follows Mara, the personification of Death, who is sent to the kingdom of Ilya to understand the soul of Kitt Azer, a crown prince doomed by a deadly plague. The novella explores themes of life, love, death, and the price of power from Mara’s unique and otherworldly perspective. It delves deeply into Kitt’s character, revealing his fears, flaws, and emotional complexity, making the story both haunting and heart-wrenching. The writing is praised for its emotional depth, poetic narration, and the way it reshapes the understanding of the trilogy’s characters and world.
Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
“Fake Skating” by Lynn Painter is a heartfelt and banter-filled young adult rom-com about childhood sweethearts, Dani and Alec, who reunite in their hockey-loving hometown of Minnesota after years apart. Once inseparable friends, their relationship has grown complicated as Alec is now a celebrated hockey star who loves his newfound fame, while Dani is dealing with her parents’ divorce and coming back to live with her grandfather. Forced to fake a romantic relationship, the pair navigate their complicated feelings, family secrets, and the challenges of growing up in a town where hockey rules, ultimately finding their way back to each other.
Heart the Lover by Lily King
“Heart the Lover” by Lily King is an intimate and deeply moving novel about desire, friendship, and the lasting impact of first love. The story follows the narrator, known as Jordan, during her senior year of college when she becomes entwined in a passionate and complex love triangle with two charismatic friends, Sam and Yash. Set against the backdrop of intellectual fervor and youthful ambition, the novel explores the unpredictable nature of love and the ways in which the choices made in youth can echo throughout a lifetime. Decades later, Jordan must confront her past and the decisions that shaped her life, revealing themes of forgiveness, memory, and the enduring bonds that define us. The book is celebrated for its emotional sensitivity, wit, and profound portrayal of human relationships.
The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown is a thrilling novel featuring Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon who must navigate the ancient city of Prague to rescue Katherine Solomon, a neuroscientist and new love interest, after she mysteriously disappears with a groundbreaking manuscript. The story intertwines folklore, history, and cutting-edge science, particularly exploring human consciousness and noetic science. Langdon faces a powerful organization and chilling mythological threats while uncovering secrets that challenge traditional beliefs about the mind and humanity, making this Dan Brown’s most ambitious and thought-provoking work to date.
Thief of Night by Holly Black
“Thief of Night” by Holly Black is the sequel to “Book of Night” and continues the story of Charlie Hall, a former con artist and thief entangled in the dangerous world of shadow magic. Now working as the Hierophant for the Cabal, Charlie is bound to a powerful shadow called Red and tasked with hunting down the culprit behind a gruesome massacre. As she navigates complex magical politics, Charlie strives to recover Red’s stolen memories and seeks freedom from the Cabal’s control. The novel deepens the exploration of identity, loyalty, and the power struggles within the shadow magic world, showcasing Charlie’s cleverness and resilience amidst mystery and danger.
The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith
The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith is the eighth installment in the Cormoran Strike detective series. The story begins with the discovery of a dismembered corpse in the vault of a silver shop near Freemasons’ Hall, initially believed to be a convicted armed robber. However, restaurateur Decima Mullins hires private investigator Cormoran Strike, convinced the body is her missing boyfriend and father of her newborn. As Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott dig deeper, they uncover a labyrinthine mystery entwined with Freemasonry, multiple disappearances, and a dark trafficking network exploiting vulnerable young women. The novel combines intricate plotting, social commentary on power abuse, and personal character developments, making it a complex and gripping crime story.
Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey
Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey is a contemporary sports romance featuring Boston Bearcats rookie NHL player Robbie Corrigan and Skylar Paige, a Division 1 softball pitcher. Robbie, a charming and confident womanizer, meets Skylar, who is immune to his usual charms and has a crush on her brother’s best friend. To help Skylar make her crush jealous, Robbie agrees to be her fake boyfriend and love coach at a family wilderness competition filled with challenges. As they navigate their fake relationship through trust-building contests, their connection grows deeper, blurring the lines between pretense and reality with sizzling romance and emotional growth.
Hot Wax by M.L. Rio
M.L. Rio’s novel Hot Wax is a gripping rock and roll thriller set against the gritty music scene of late 1980s. The story unfolds across two timelines: in 1989, ten-year-old Suzanne Delgado becomes entangled in her father Gil’s dangerous world as he rises to rock stardom, witnessing a traumatic night that shapes her life; nearly three decades later, Suzanne confronts her buried past following her father’s death. The novel explores themes of trauma, family, addiction, and the complex power of music, blending raw, poetic prose with authentic rock culture. It captures both the exhilarating and destructive sides of the music industry while weaving a profound meditation on memory, love, and self-discovery.
Every Spiral of Fate by Tahereh Mafi
Every Spiral of Fate by Tahereh Mafi is the highly anticipated fourth novel in the Woven Kingdom series, blending fiery romance, spectacular magic, and breathtaking secrets. The story centers on the Jinn queen Alizeh and the ruler of Tulan, Cyrus, whose wedding day is marked by tension as Cyrus falls in love with the person he is bound by a deadly blood oath to kill. As the countdown to a foretold murder tightens, Alizeh must discover her magical powers and prepare for war, embarking on a perilous journey with Cyrus, Prince Kamran, and their allies. This novel is rich with revelations, fresh alliances, and transformative destinies, making it a shimmering continuation of a beloved romantasy saga.
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
“Buckeye” by Patrick Ryan is a sweeping, multigenerational novel set in the fictional small town of Bonhomie, Ohio. It follows the intertwined lives of two couples, Cal and Becky Jenkins and Margaret and Felix Salt, from World War II through the late 20th century. The story explores themes of love, loss, secrets, and the long-lasting effects of war on families, all conveyed through rich, deeply human characters and evocative prose. The novel also features memorable figures such as Everett, a reclusive World War I veteran, adding to the depth of the narrative that captures the essence of American small-town life across decades.
