Our Most Anticipated Book Releases of August 2025

It's nearly August, and while the summer slowly draws to a close, we can't be too upset. That's because the swift passage of time also means exciting new book releases to look forward to every week.

August will be no exception, featuring some of our most eagerly anticipated drops of the year from authors we've adored for years. If you're hunting for some brand-new reads to add to your TBR pile, we've got you covered with these hot new August releases.

The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar – Aug. 5

Yes, you read that name right. Louis Sachar may be best known for his children's books including Holes and the Wayside School series, but his new book, The Magician of Tiger Castle, marks his first foray into adult novels.

Taking place in the decaying fantasy kingdom of Equaveta, the book follows Princess Tullia. She's betrothed to a loathsome prince as her father forges new alliances to save his land, but her heart belongs to a commoner. Meanwhile, the king's magician, the once respected and now disgraced Anatole, is tasked with making a potion to ensure Tullia's marriage goes ahead as planned. Will he do what's right by Tullia, or redeem his name and save the kingdom?

(The Magician of Tiger Castle via Penguin Random House)

 

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings – Aug. 5

Prolific romance author Mazey Eddings is back at it with Well, Actually. It tells the story of Eva Kitt, who always dreamed of being a legitimate journalist but instead wound up the host of Sausage Talk, an interview podcast involving chatting with low-tier celebs over hot dogs.

The podcast doesn't get too much attention until an episode goes viral, as Eva's call-out of her now-famous ex, influencer Rylie Cooper, undermines the platform of positive masculinity and healthy partnerships he'd built for himself. The two reunite on a live episode of Sausage Talk, where Rylie offers Eva the chance to make up for his past treatment by taking her out on a series of dates, and then recounting them on the  podcast to show his growth. She agrees in the name of exposure, but of course starts to develop real feelings for him again as their deal unfurls.

(Well, Actually via St. Martin's Griffin)

 

Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer – Aug. 7

Hannah Nicole Maehrer's Accomplice to the Villain is the third book in her beloved Assistant to the Villain series. It all started with Evie Sage took up a job as an assistant to the famously villainous Trystan in order to protect her family. Her crush on her evil boss soon developed into a will-they-won't-they fantasy workplace romance, with Evie and Trystan's chemistry growing along with her competency and capacity for bad. Now, Evie has a nasty reputation as his trusted accomplice, and with his work attracting more and more hostility at every turn, she's going to have to step up her game to survive the ordeal—and win his heart.

(Accomplice to the Villain via Penguin)

 

Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir by Alyson Stoner – Aug. 12

For something a little different check out Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir. This autobiography details the life of actor, singer and dancer Alyson Stoner, whose career in the entertainment industry started at the age of 6. It's a powerful glimpse into the abuses of that world and the trauma inflicted on kids in the business, highlighting Alyson's struggles with mental health, eating disorders and their family's addiction, and how they worked through it to discover their sexuality, find themself and embrace the future instead.

(Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir via St. Martin's Press)

 

Also read about: Here's Everything You Don't Already Know About Alyson Stoner

 

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter – Aug. 12

Crime writer Karin Slaughter has returned with her brand new North Falls series, starting with the mystery thriller We Are All Guilty Here. North Falls is the kind of tiny, quiet town where no one's a stranger, but that peace is dashed on the night of the 4th of July when two teenage girls disappear without a trace. Officer Emmy Clifton is on the case, not just because it's her job, but because one of the missing girls, Madison, is her best friend's daughter who she ignored, caught up in her own problems, on that fateful night. As Emmy follows the clues and works out the truth, she discovers Madison wasn't what she thought—and neither is North Falls.

(We Are All Guilty Here via William Morrow)

 

Love Arranged by Lauren Asher – Aug. 19

Anyone who's been waiting more Lauren Asher's Lakefront Billionaires series will finally get it in the form of  the third and final book, Love Arranged, on Aug. 19. It's another fabulous dual-perspective romance, this time between characters Lorenzo and Lily. They agree to a five-month fake relationship, as he needs to mend his political reputation and she requires his help bringing her struggling business back to health. Despite the bad blood they have from a past relationship, they must put up with each other to reach their goals. Though neither is actually interested in rekindling the flame between them, it's bound to spark regardless.

(Love Arranged via Bloom Books)

 

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher – Aug. 19

As avid fans of T. Kingfisher's take on fantasy and fairytales, we can't wait to get our hands on Hemlock & Silver. It reimagines the classic tale of Snow White, focusing on a reclusive healer named Anja who drinks poison in search of powerful cures to unusual ailments. Life is peaceful until she's recruited by the king to save his dying daughter, Snow. Anja's treatments seem futile until she discovers a hidden world lying beyond a magic mirror, which holds deep secrets that might threaten the entire kingdom.

(Hemlock & Silver via Tor Books)

 

Also read about: The Most Relatable Truths for Every Bookish Gal

 

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang – Aug. 26

From The Poppy War and Yellowface author R.F. Kuang comes the new dark academia fantasy tale, Katabasis. A "katabasis" describes a journey to the underworld, which is exactly what Alice Law intends after her Magick professor, Jacob Grimes, suddenly dies in an accident. He's gone to Hell, and she intends to travel there, doing whatever it takes to get an academic recommendation from him in order to further her studies. Her rival, Peter, wants precisely the same thing, setting off on the journey with her. Guided only by the legendary stories of Orpheus and Dante in Hell, the two embark on their mission, and their ability to overcome their differences and work together will spell their success or ensure their demise.

(Katabasis via HarperCollins)

 

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin – Aug. 26

And finally, historical fiction author Madeline Martin will release her latest novel, The Secret Book Society, on Aug. 26. Taking place in Victorian London, it follows the stories of three women trapped in the expectations and decorum of married life in 1895. Each one receives a strange invitation to visit Lady Duxbury for afternoon tea, where the women become trusted confidantes and form a secret book club, away from their oppressive family lives, where they can truly discover themselves, unpack their lives and find the type of friendship they've never before had.

(The Secret Book Society via Hanover Square Press)

 

Missed our list of July's top reads? Check it out HERE.