35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (2025)

Table of Contents
January Fiction Releases 2025 The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan – January 7 Playworld by Adam Ross – January 7 What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange – January 14 More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova – January 14 Penitence by Kristin Koval – January 28 Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson – January 28 February Fiction Releases 2025 We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes – Feb 7 Three Days in June by Anne Tyler – February 11 Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi – February 18 Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley – February 25 Crush by Ada Calhoun – February 25 Back After This by Linda Holmes – February 25 March Fiction Releases 2025 Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – March 4 Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy – March 4 Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley – March 11 Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery – March 18 The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – March 18 Tilt by Emma Pattee – March 25 April Fiction Releases 2025 All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett – April 1 The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner – April 8 The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff – April 22 May Fiction Releases 2025 The Names by Florence Knapp – May 6 The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb – May 6 The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei – May 6 A Sharp Endless Need by Marisa Crane – May 13 Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein – May 13 Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson – May 13 My Friends by Fredrik Backman – May 20 June Fiction Releases 2025 Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid – June 3 Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor – June 3 Far and Away by Amy Poeppel – June 10 July Fiction Releases 2025 The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager – July 1 These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean – July 8 Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs – July 15 August Fiction Releases 2025 The Violet Hour by Victoria Benton Frank – August 12
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Are you eagerly waiting for the next big release in contemporary fiction? Well, the wait is over because 2025 is shaping up to be a year of highly-anticipated book releases.

From heart-wrenching coming-of-age stories (Playworld by Adam Ross and All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett) to highly-anticipated debuts (Penitence by Kristin Koval and Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley), the literary world is buzzing with excitement for what’s to come.

Get ready to update your TBR list and dive into the world of imagination, emotion, and storytelling at its finest.

Also, if your book addiction is straining your finances, consider getting aKindle Unlimited Membership Planor anAudible Membership. It will save you money over time and support your reading habit. It’s a win-win situation.

More New Fiction Books 2025

  • Highly-Anticipated Romance Books 2025
  • New Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books 2025
  • New Mysteries and Thrillers 2025

January Fiction Releases 2025

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (1)

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan – January 7

In her literary debut, Kate Fagan explores the intriguing story of a celebrated author who has concealed her true identity for years. Despite her success as a bestselling writer, she has lived under a series of pseudonyms—until now. With her choice to finally reveal her true self, she must confront the secrets and truths of her past.

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (2)

Playworld by Adam Ross – January 7

In the fall of 1980, a fourteen-year-old child actor navigates the challenges of his role on a popular TV show, the pressures of attending an elite prep school in New York, and a complicated relationship with a married woman who is twenty-two years his senior. Playworld is a masterful coming-of-age story that vividly captures the essence of New York City in the 1980s and portrays the transformative experiences of a young boy.

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (3)

What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange – January 14

Two years ago, Kyle McCray made the life-changing decision to leave his small hometown, leaving behind his father, friends, and sixteen-year marriage to Casey. However, when he learns that his father has suffered a stroke, Kyle returns home, uncertain of the reception he will receive. Seeking redemption, he takes on the role of hockey coach for the middle school team and attempts to repair his fractured relationship with Casey. What Happened to the McCrays is a must-read for 2025, highlighting the power of family resilience.

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (4)

More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova – January 14

From the bestselling author of Still Alice comes a poignant and powerful story about a young woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder who challenges traditional life norms by pursuing a career in stand-up comedy.

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (5)

Penitence by Kristin Koval – January 28

Kristin Koval’s Penitence is a captivating debut novel that follows the lives of Angie and David Sheehan, whose once peaceful home is abruptly transformed into a murder scene. In their desperation to protect their family, they seek help from Martine Dumont, a small-town lawyer and the mother of Angie’s first love, Julian. As Angie and Julian reconnect, they are forced to confront not only their shared history but also their unresolved feelings for one another.

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Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson – January 28

From the New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake comes Good Dirt, a touching novel follows the daughter of a wealthy Black family as she delves into the connection between a tragedy that profoundly changed her life and a family heirloom that may hold the key to her family’s past.

February Fiction Releases 2025

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (7)

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes – Feb 7

Lila Kennedy’s life is anything but easy. Her marriage is crumbling, her two daughters are causing trouble, her home is falling apart, and on top of it all, her stepfather has moved in without warning. At her breaking point, Lila’s world is turned upside down when her absentee father shows up on her doorstep after abandoning her 35 years ago. But what starts as a tumultuous reunion soon becomes a journey of unexpected lessons on family and love. In We All Live Here, Jojo Moyes expertly weaves a heartwarming and poignant tale.

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Three Days in June by Anne Tyler – February 11

As her daughter’s wedding approaches, Gail Baines finds herself struggling with life. Not only has she been fired from her job due to her social awkwardness, but her ex-husband unexpectedly shows up with a foster cat in tow. Just when she thought things couldn’t get any more complicated, her daughter shares a tearful confession that could disrupt the wedding plans. It seems that Gail’s plate is full, and life isn’t giving her any breaks.

Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi – February 18

A young doctor is presented with a surprising opportunity to rekindle her relationship with her college sweetheart, who has now become one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable bachelors. But with meddling sisters and gossiping aunties in the mix, she’ll have her hands full in this uproariously entertaining debut novel by Nura Maznavi.

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Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley – February 25

In this captivating debut from Holly Brickley, a chance encounter at a campus bar ignites a partnership between two college students—a music enthusiast and an aspiring musician—that flourishes during the indie era of the 2000s.

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Crush by Ada Calhoun – February 25

When a husband asks his wife to consider what may be lacking in their marriage, a wonderful chaos unfolds, allowing them to rediscover the possibilities in this exhilarating debut novel by Ada Calhoun.

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Back After This by Linda Holmes – February 25

From the New York Times bestselling author of Evvie Drake Starts Over, an uproarious romance that follows a podcast producer as she is suddenly thrust into the spotlight as the host of a new dating show, exposing her own dating life (or lack thereof) for the world to see. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming ride!

March Fiction Releases 2025

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Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – March 4

In this gripping and emotional story by author Clare Leslie Hall, the lives of Beth and her husband, Frank, are thrown into chaos when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog belonging to none other than Gabriel Wolfe—Beth’s first love and ultimate heartbreak. As Beth is drawn back into Gabriel’s world, haunting memories resurface, and the consequences become deadly.

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Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy – March 4

Renowned author Charlotte McConaghy spins a mesmerizing tale of a family on a secluded island, a mysterious woman who arrives on their shore, and a looming storm that threatens to destroy everything they cherish.

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Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley – March 11

Tonight is date night for Jane and Dan. After nineteen years of marriage, Jane is ready to call it quits, and she plans to confront Dan about it. However, things take an unexpected turn when they find themselves in the middle of a crime. Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a hilarious, laugh-out-loud story from the bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise.

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Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery – March 18

Beth’s life is going well until she discovers her brother cheating on her best friend. Now she must decide whether to tell her friend, risking her brother’s trust, or keep it a secret, jeopardizing her friendship and her blossoming relationship with the man she loves. Fans of Emily Giffin and Mary Kay Andrews will enjoy this emotional story about family and the lengths people will go to for those they care about.

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The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – March 18

In the highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Light We Lost, Lucy must make a life-altering decision about whether to embrace a new love or stay anchored in the past.

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Tilt by Emma Pattee – March 25

Set over the course of a day, Tilt follows a woman who is nine months pregnant and must journey across the wreckage of Portland, Oregon, after a massive earthquake leaves her stranded and unable to reach her husband.

April Fiction Releases 2025

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All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett – April 1

In this coming-of-age debut, Emily Everett tells a lyrical story about a young girl whose ambitious dreams of making it big in London are shattered. Her luck changes when she meets the Wilders, a wealthy family that invites her to Saint-Tropez to tutor their daughter. However, she soon finds herself immersed in a world of lavish parties and excess, where she encounters two charming men who appeal to different aspects of her personality. But how much will she have to sacrifice to embrace this glamorous new lifestyle?

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The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner – April 8

Meet the Griffin Sisters, Cassie and Zoe Grossberg. In the early 2000s, they took the music world by storm and became a hit pop sensation. But just as quickly as they rose to fame, they disappeared from the public eye due to a tumultuous breakup that shattered their relationship. Now, almost two decades later, Zoe is living the life of a housewife while Cassie has gone off the grid. But their past continues to haunt them.The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits is a highly anticipated novel of 2025, perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & the Six.

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The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff – April 22

The Bright Years is a debut novel by Sarah Damoff about a Texas family united by their love, yet burdened by secrets and overshadowed by addiction.

May Fiction Releases 2025

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The Names by Florence Knapp – May 6

In the heartfelt debut The Names, Florence Knapp weaves a beautiful tale that explores three different scenarios where a baby is given a different name and how it can change the course of their life.

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The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb – May 6

After a devastating tragedy, Corby Ledbetter’s family is shattered and he is sent to prison. In the midst of the harsh reality of incarceration, Corby fights to survive. And in the darkest of times, a glimmer of hope and the chance for redemption arise. In the poignant pages of The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb, follow Corby’s journey as he grapples with the weight of his past and the possibility of forgiveness.

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The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei – May 6

The Original Daughter is a captivating debut by Stegner Fellow Jemimah Wei, exploring the complexities of family relationships against the backdrop of late 1990s Singapore.

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A Sharp Endless Need by Marisa Crane – May 13

A Sharp Endless Need is Marisa Crane’s highly anticipated sophomore novel that explores the complex relationship between two teammates on a rural high school basketball team, reminiscent of Call Me By Your Name and Love and Basketball.

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Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein – May 13

In this charming Parent Trap-esque novel from Hannah Orenstein, two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father’s cabin in Maine following his unanticipated death. But after thirty years apart, is it too late for them to become a family?

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Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson – May 13

For the past two decades, Madeline Hill and her mother have lived alone on their farm since her father left. Their quiet life is upended when a man claiming to be Madeline’s half-brother arrives, revealing the existence of more siblings discovered through a private detective. They embark on a road trip to find their other brothers and sisters, sharing stories about their enigmatic father along the way. With each tale, they question which version of their father they will ultimately confront.

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My Friends by Fredrik Backman – May 20

Fredrik Backman, the bestselling author of Beartown, tells a hilarious story about four teenagers whose friendship transcends time and impacts the life of a stranger decades later.

June Fiction Releases 2025

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Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid – June 3

The wait is almost over for the latest literary masterpiece from Taylor Jenkins Reid, acclaimed author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. In this thrilling new release, Joan Goodwin, a brilliant professor of physics and astronomy, is given the opportunity of a lifetime – a spot on the prestigious 1980s Space Shuttle program. And as she discovers the wonders of the vast universe, she also encounters something beyond her wildest dreams: love.

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Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor – June 3

Austin Taylor’s much anticipated debut Notes on Infinity follows two brilliant Harvard students who stumble upon a groundbreaking discovery – a cure for aging. As they enter the cutthroat world of biotechnology, they quickly learn that ambition can be all-consuming.

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Far and Away by Amy Poeppel – June 10

Get ready to be swept away on a wild and hilarious journey in Amy Poeppel’s latest novel. From Southern charm and BBQ to European sophistication and schnitzel, Lucy and Greta are about to experience a culture shock like never before when they agree to a house swap. But that’s not all – throw in some overly friendly neighbors and a few scandalous secrets, and it’s a recipe for chaos. Will Lucy and Greta be able to navigate this swap, or will they long for the comfort of their old homes?

July Fiction Releases 2025

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The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager – July 1

In the captivating debut from Morgan Pager, a museum employee embarks on a seemingly impossible affair with the intriguing man depicted in the masterpiece painting. It’s a love story that transcends the boundaries of time and reality—will it endure?

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These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean – July 8

From New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean, These Summer Storms is an exciting, highly-awaited novel of 2025. For five years, Alice Storm has avoided her family’s private island off Rhode Island after being cast out. Everything changes with her father’s passing, which brings the family together. What was meant to be a brief visit turns into chaos when Alice discovers her father’s final challenge—an inheritance game that could tear the family apart.

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Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs – July 15

Inspired by the harrowing experiences of six teenage girls sentenced to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school, Susan Wiggs’s page-turner delves into themes of survival, friendship, and the unbreakable strength of female bonds.

August Fiction Releases 2025

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The Violet Hour by Victoria Benton Frank – August 12

Meet Violet Adams, the youngest member of a fiercely independent family on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. In the wake of a painful breakup and tragic loss, she finds herself adrift and unsure of who she is. Luckily, she has her best friend Aly Knox by her side. Aly is a rising influencer, navigating the ups and downs of Southern culture while grappling with her own personal struggles. Together, they support each other as they break free from their comfort zones and search for fulfillment, purpose, and love.

35 Electrifying New Contemporary Fiction Books in 2025 (2025)
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