From bestselling authors to promising debuts, June 2025 is packed with highly anticipated book releases. If you’re looking to update your reading list, here are 10 Most Anticipated Books of June 2025 generating buzz and worth checking out this month.
Atmosphere: By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a compelling novel set against the backdrop of NASA’s 1980s Space Shuttle program. The story follows Joan Goodwin, a reserved physics and astronomy professor at Rice University, who has always been fascinated by the stars. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she applies to become one of NASA’s first female scientists in space. Selected from thousands of applicants, Joan embarks on rigorous training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. There, she forms bonds with a diverse group of fellow candidates, including the enigmatic aeronautical engineer Vanessa Ford. As Joan prepares for her first mission, she discovers a passion and love that challenge her understanding of herself and her place in the universe.
The novel masterfully intertwines the technical intricacies of space exploration with deeply human stories. Joan’s unexpected romance with Vanessa unfolds amidst the challenges of astronaut training and the societal constraints of the era. Reid’s meticulous research brings authenticity to the depiction of NASA operations, while her signature emotional depth ensures that the characters’ personal journeys resonate. The narrative builds to a climactic moment during the STS-LR9 mission in December 1984, where Joan faces a crisis that tests her professionally and personally.
Don’t Let Him In: By Lisa Jewell
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that intertwines the lives of three women—Nina, her daughter Ash, and Martha—through their connections to two enigmatic men, Nick and Alistair. The story begins with the tragic death of Paddy Swann, a charismatic restaurateur who is pushed onto train tracks, leaving his wife Nina and daughter Ash devastated. In the aftermath, they receive a mysterious package from Nick Radcliffe, an old friend of Paddy’s, which includes a lighter that once belonged to Paddy. This unexpected gesture draws Nick and Nina closer, much to Ash’s disapproval. Ash, sensing something amiss, begins to investigate Nick’s past, uncovering unsettling truths. Meanwhile, Martha, a florist in a neighboring town, grapples with her husband Alistair’s frequent absences and financial struggles. As the narrative unfolds, the lives of these women converge, leading to a shocking revelation that challenges their perceptions and forces them to confront the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Jewell masterfully constructs a suspenseful narrative that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the complexities of human relationships. Through alternating perspectives, the novel explores how charm and manipulation can mask sinister intentions, leaving readers questioning the true nature of the characters involved. The tension escalates as the women’s stories intersect, culminating in a climax that is both unexpected and chilling. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, Don’t Let Him In serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting the wrong person into one’s life. The novel is set to be released on June 24, 2025, by Atria Books and is available for pre-order.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil: By V.E. Schwab
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab is a genre-defying novel that interlaces the lives of three women across different centuries, exploring themes of immortality, identity, and desire. Set in 1532 Spain, 1827 London, and 2019 Boston, the narrative follows María, Charlotte, and Alice—each confronting societal constraints and personal dilemmas. María, in 16th-century Santo Domingo de la Calzada, seeks escape from a life where she’s treated as a pawn, leading her to make a desperate choice when an alluring stranger offers an alternate path. Charlotte, in 19th-century London, experiences a forbidden intimacy that results in her being sent away, only to find herself entangled with a mysterious widow. In contemporary Boston, Alice grapples with her past and identity after a one-night stand prompts a quest for answers and revenge. Their stories, though separated by time, intertwine through a shared legacy that transcends mortality.
Schwab’s novel is a meditation on queer identity set against a supernatural backdrop, delving into the complexities of love, rage, and the human condition. Each character’s journey is marked by transformation and the struggle for autonomy, reflecting broader themes of societal expectations and personal freedom. The narrative’s structure, weaving between different eras, allows for a rich exploration of how the past informs the present. Critics have praised the book for its lyrical prose and the depth of its characterizations, noting that while it may not follow traditional vampire lore, it offers a fresh and compelling take on the genre.
Caught Up: By Navessa Allen
Caught Up by Navessa Allen is the second installment in the bestselling Into Darkness trilogy, following the viral success of Lights Out. This dark romance delves into the intense, forbidden connection between Nico “Junior” Trocci and Lauren Marchetti. Once high school acquaintances, their paths cross again years later under vastly different circumstances. Junior, entangled in a world of violence and crime, discovers that the shy, bookish Lauren has transformed into a confident woman involved in the world of play clubs. His curiosity evolves into obsession as he becomes determined to make her his, despite the dangers it poses to both of them. Lauren, aware of Junior’s dark past and the risks involved, finds herself drawn to him, leading to a passionate and tumultuous relationship that challenges their boundaries and forces them to confront their deepest desires and fears.
The novel is praised for its complex characters and the emotional depth of their relationship. Junior’s internal struggle between his violent lifestyle and his feelings for Lauren adds a layer of tension, while Lauren’s journey towards self-discovery and empowerment resonates with readers. The narrative explores themes of obsession, redemption, and the fine line between love and danger. Allen’s writing captures the intensity of their connection, making Caught Up a compelling read for fans of dark romance. The book is set to be released on June 10, 2025, and is available for pre-order.
With a Vengeance: By Riley Sager
With a Vengeance by Riley Sager is a gripping psychological thriller set in 1954, following Anna Matheson’s quest for justice. Twelve years after her family’s tragic downfall—her father disgraced, her brother killed in a sabotaged military train, and her mother driven to suicide—Anna orchestrates a plan to confront the six individuals she holds responsible. She lures them onto the Philadelphia Phoenix, a luxury train journeying overnight from Philadelphia to Chicago, intending to extract confessions and deliver them to awaiting authorities. However, her meticulous plan unravels when one of the passengers is murdered, thrusting Anna into a perilous game of survival where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every turn.
Sager masterfully crafts a locked-room mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s classics, immersing readers in a claustrophobic setting where secrets and motives collide. As the train hurtles through the night, Anna must navigate a web of deceit, protect those she once sought to expose, and confront the possibility that someone else aboard harbors their own deadly agenda. The novel delves into themes of revenge, justice, and the complexities of human morality, keeping readers on edge with its unpredictable twists and psychological depth.
Death Row: By Freida McFadden
Death Row by Freida McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the fragile boundaries between truth and deception. The novella centers on Talia Kemper, a woman condemned to death for the alleged murder of her husband, Noel. Despite having an alibi and no apparent motive, Talia’s steadfast claims of innocence have been consistently dismissed. As her execution date looms, a startling encounter in the prison’s visiting area shakes her to the core: she sees a man she believes to be Noel, alive and well. This revelation propels Talia into a desperate quest to uncover the truth and prove her innocence before it’s too late.
McFadden masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers questioning the reliability of perception and the justice system’s fallibility. Through Talia’s introspections and the unraveling of past events, the story examines themes of identity, guilt, and the often-blurred line between reality and illusion. The novella’s concise format intensifies the suspense, leading to a climactic twist that challenges assumptions and leaves a lasting impact.
Sounds Like Love: By Ashley Poston
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston is a whimsical and emotionally resonant novel set to release on June 17, 2025. The story follows Joni Lark, a celebrated songwriter in Los Angeles who, despite her success, finds herself grappling with creative burnout and a sense of emptiness. Seeking inspiration, Joni returns to her coastal hometown of Vienna Shores, North Carolina, hoping that the familiar surroundings and her family’s music venue, The Revelry, will reignite her passion. However, she discovers that much has changed—her best friend is harboring secrets, her mother’s memories are fading, and The Revelry is facing closure. Amidst these challenges, Joni begins to hear a mysterious melody and voice in her head, leading her to a gruff, former boy band musician. Together, they must navigate their inexplicable connection and collaborate on the song that binds them, all while confronting their pasts and the possibility of new beginnings.
Poston’s novel masterfully blends elements of magical realism with a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and the healing power of music. The narrative delves into themes of artistic creation, grief, and the courage to embrace change. Critics have lauded the book for its lyrical prose and the depth of its characterizations, noting that it offers a fresh and compelling take on the romance genre.
The Listeners: By Maggie Stiefvater
The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater is a richly layered historical novel set in January 1942, marking her debut in adult fiction. The story unfolds at the Avallon Hotel & Spa, a luxurious retreat nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, renowned for its healing “sweetwater” springs. June Porter Hudson, once an orphan from the Appalachian region, now serves as the hotel’s general manager. Her life takes a dramatic turn when the U.S. State Department requisitions the hotel to house detained Axis diplomats, including Nazi officials and Japanese envoys, awaiting repatriation. This unexpected development forces June to navigate the moral complexities of offering hospitality to enemy nationals, all while maintaining the hotel’s esteemed reputation. The arrival of FBI Agent Tucker Minnick, tasked with monitoring the diplomats for espionage activities, adds another layer of tension and intrigue to the narrative.
Stiefvater masterfully weaves elements of magical realism into the historical backdrop, with the hotel’s sweetwater springs subtly influencing the characters’ emotions and decisions. The narrative delves deep into themes of duty, identity, and the moral dilemmas faced during wartime. June’s internal struggle between her professional obligations and personal convictions is poignantly portrayed, highlighting the challenges of maintaining integrity amidst external pressures. The novel’s atmospheric setting, combined with its exploration of human resilience and ethical quandaries, offers readers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. While some readers have noted a desire for a more pronounced exploration of the magical elements, the story’s strength lies in its nuanced character development and the intricate interplay between history and fantasy.
The Bachelorette Party: By Camilla Sten
The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten is a chilling psychological thriller that intertwines past and present mysteries on a secluded Swedish island. In 2012, four lifelong friends—Tilly, Anna, Linnea, and Evelina—vanish during their annual getaway, leaving behind a haunting mystery. A decade later, Tessa Nilsson, a disgraced true-crime podcaster, joins a bachelorette party at the newly established Baltic Vinyasa yoga retreat, located on the same island. Driven by a desire to revive her career and uncover the truth behind the disappearances, Tessa delves into the island’s dark history. As the celebration unfolds, unsettling events begin to surface, blurring the lines between past and present, and revealing that someone is determined to keep the island’s secrets buried.
Sten masterfully crafts a narrative filled with suspense and psychological tension, employing a dual timeline that gradually unravels the island’s sinister past. The novel delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets. Critics have noted the book’s ability to keep readers guessing, with twists that challenge perceptions and a setting that amplifies the sense of isolation and dread . While some have pointed out moments of implausibility, the story’s gripping pace and atmospheric tension make it a compelling read for fans of dark, character-driven thrillers.
The Ghostwriter: By Julie Clark
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family secrets and the quest for truth. Set against the backdrop of a decades-old mystery, the novel follows Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter who has spent her career concealing her identity as the daughter of Vincent Taylor, a renowned horror author. In 1975, Vincent’s siblings were found murdered, and he was the sole survivor, leading to widespread speculation about his involvement. Now, decades later, Olivia is struggling financially and agrees to ghostwrite her father’s final book, only to discover that it is not a novel but a memoir detailing the events of that fateful night. As she delves into the manuscript, Olivia must confront her father’s past and the chilling possibility that the truth may be more horrifying than fiction.
Clark masterfully intertwines suspense with emotional depth, creating a narrative that keeps readers on edge while exploring themes of identity, trust, and the impact of the past on the present. The dual timelines and shifting perspectives add layers of complexity, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers. The novel’s release is anticipated for June 3, 2025, and is available for pre-order.
Also Read: Best Debut Books of May 2025
