April 29, 2025: A Day of Diverse and Anticipated Book Releases

I always get excited around the end of April, because it feels like publishing tries to sneak some major releases in before the big summer season hits. This year is no different.

April 29, 2025, is packed with some seriously good books across every genre. Whether you're after a gut-punch romance, a smart thriller, or a fantasy that'll swallow you whole, there's something coming out that's going to ruin your sleep schedule.

Below, I've pulled together the books I think are worth knowing about, broken down by genre. I've included covers, real descriptions, and not just back-cover blurbs — we're talking about vibes, tropes, and who these books are for.

Romance & Contemporary Fiction

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

If you've read Emily Henry before, you already know she doesn't write simple romances. She writes stories that cut into the messy parts of life and love. Great Big Beautiful Life leans even harder into that — a romance wrapped around a literary mystery. Expect complicated characters, sharp dialogue, and the kind of emotional payoff that leaves you gutted (in the best way).

Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen

L.J. Shen always brings the emotional chaos, and Wildest Dreams promises even more. It's the second book in the Forbidden Love series, and it's packed with forbidden relationships, sharp banter, and emotional gut-punches. If you like your romance a little dark and a lot messy, this is your move.

All Too Well (Ember Falls) by Corinne Michaels

Corinne Michaels knows how to write a small town better than just about anyone. All Too Well kicks off a new series called Ember Falls — think lifelong friendships, small-town drama, and swoony second chances. Plus, there's a deluxe edition with sprayed edges if you're a collector.

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King of Envy by Ana Huang

Ana Huang's Kings of Sin series is known for its luxury, scandal, and unputdownable tension. King of Envy brings a scarred billionaire and a supermodel into each other's orbits — and it does not play nice. Expect steam, sabotage, and plenty of twisted loyalties.

Mystery & Thriller

25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

At this point, the Women's Murder Club is basically a literary institution. In 25 Alive, Lindsay Boxer is pulled back into the most personal case of her career after a former partner is murdered. High body count, short chapters, pure adrenaline — Patterson fans already know what they're getting.

How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin

This one’s a cozy mystery with teeth. How to Seal Your Own Fate bounces between 1967 and modern-day Castle Knoll, unraveling a cold case that’s anything but simple. For readers who like their mysteries a little quirky but still clever.

The Murder Machine by Heather Graham

Smart homes just got a lot less safe. The Murder Machine brings techno-thriller energy to a classic serial killer plot. If you've ever side-eyed your Alexa, this one might make you unplug it permanently.

Fantasy & Science Fiction

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau

This kicks off The Threadmender Chronicles, and it’s got "future obsession" written all over it. A world where magic stitches reality together, and one wrong move can literally unravel it. Atmospheric, rich, and perfect if you like your fantasy dark but hopeful.

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

Sarah Penner (The Lost Apothecary) is back, this time diving deep into sunken secrets off the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Curse is a historical mystery wrapped in a supernatural thriller — if you want a summer read that’s gorgeous and a little eerie, add this.

The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke

Creepy old house lovers, come get your book. The Ghost Woods is gothic fiction done right: a crumbling manor, family secrets, whispers in the night. Perfect for readers who want something haunting but deeply human.

Final Thoughts

April 29th isn’t playing around when it comes to new releases. Whether you’re in the mood for a complicated love story, a thriller that’ll keep you up past midnight, a fantasy to get lost in, or a story rooted in real history, there’s something here you’re going to want to grab.

If you end up picking any of these up, let me know which ones you’re most excited for — or if you found a hidden gem I missed.

One Last Thing Before You Go...

Before you click out and go adding books to your TBR (or cart), I’ve got one more reveal for you — and if you're into small towns, heartfelt romance, and just the right amount of healing-through-hard-things, this one's worth sticking around for.

Kim Swizz is back with the next book in her Wilcox Grove series.

You might remember Barefoot Lake, the one that introduced us to that quiet little lakeside town where second chances aren’t just possible — they’re necessary. Now, she's pulling us right back in with book two: In the Stars Rewritten

And yes — the cover is finally here.

Drum

Roll

Please

Click here to preorder on kindle!

Seven months ago, Scott Preston visited home and met the girl of his dreams. She’s fierce, loud, authentic, kind, and gorgeous in a way that altered his brain chemistry. But fate wasn’t having it, and they both went to their respective homes hundreds of miles apart. Now he’s back, and she’s standing in his house. He’s determined not to let her go again, but she’s hesitant to take that leap.

Piper Price is used to being the life of the party, the one you call for a great time. She’s always said she’s good in small doses, but she’s rarely found anybody interested in sticking around. She wants stability and a partner, but she isn’t willing to lose herself to get that. Now she’s tangled up in the small town of Wilcox Grove, and is terrified one wrong step will tear everything apart.

In the Stars Rewritten is a small-town, second chance, roommates, he falls first, golden retriever MMC adult romance.

Start the series with Book One:→ Barefoot Lake on Amazon click here

And if you're already ready for book two (trust me, same), here’s where you can keep tabs on it:→ In the Stars Rewritten on Goodreads click here

You’re not going to want to miss this one.