The year might be winding down, but the world of YA is far from slowing. December brings a final wave of fresh releases — stories packed with magic, rebellion, romance, and more! Whether you’re looking to escape into a new fantasy realm or uncover secrets that could change everything, this month’s lineup has something for every kind of reader.
So grab a blanket, make some cocoa, and get cozy to explore what December 2025 has in store for your bookish wishlist.
December 2nd
Better in Black by Cassandra Clare
If you’re a fan of Clare’s #1 New York Times bestselling Shadowhunter Chronicles, you’re in luck! This title features ten new romance stories featuring familiar couples: Jace and Clary, Will and Tessa, and Simon and Izzy. Better in Black explores the intersection between love and danger as our characters navigate tricky situations that are sure to leave them with a stronger bond than before. Whether it’s a first meeting or a long-awaited reunion with these beloved characters, get ready for ten unique journeys that will leave you gripping your seat, unable to look away.
There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson
This high-stakes holiday romcom will be unlike anything you’ve picked up before. Featuring dual POV’s of our main characters, Andy and Dominique, There’s Always Next Year is an innovative story revealing the hidden romance in the unexpected. Andy, fighting to keep her family business afloat, and Dominique, navigating new stardom, watch as the pair of cousins find love alongside each other in the most peculiar places in this double love story. Will they be able to beat the odds and solve their problems before the new year comes? Who might they meet along the way?
The Obsession by Natasha Peterson
Sixteen-year-old Connie has been unfairly thrown into the spotlight by her mother’s vlog, leaving her vulnerable to the eyes of the Internet. With her mother and older sister out of the house, Connie finds herself home alone with increasingly strange comments being left on the vlog. Her eyes are darting around every corner, routinely looking over her shoulder as she becomes increasingly more paranoid. However, when her best friend is attacked, Connie must jump into action and go on the run to escape her stalker. Jump into the world of this eerie mystery thriller and keep Connie company as she begins to uncover more secrets about the identity of her stalker. Whoever they may be, will she be able to outrun them?
Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno
Persephone’s Curse is a beautiful exploration of sisterhood, trust, and the perseverance of true love. The four Farthing sisters have walked through life thinking they were descendants of the Goddess of the Dead, Persephone. However, the discovery of a ghost named Henry in their attic will lead them on a winding journey of self-discovery as their heritage is revealed. When one of the sisters falls madly in love with Henry before another sends him to the Underworld, they will need to work together to save him and the world. Join the Farthing sisters as they test their sisterly bond in this gripping Romantasy.
Crowntide by Alex Aster
The fourth installment of Aster’s #1 New York Times bestselling Lightlark Saga, Crowntide follows Isla in her attempt to defeat her ancestor, Lark, by any means possible. This task is proving harder than she thought, though, requiring more skill than she’s ever had to apply to any battle. To help her along the way, lifelong enemies Grim and Oro must put their differences aside. Get ready to be immersed in a gorgeous world riddled with danger as Isla learns what she’s truly capable of. What is this journey worth to Isla, and what is she willing to lose?
December 9th
An Archive of Romance by Ava Reid
For fans of Reid’s A Study in Drowning and A Theory of Dreaming, this novel will bring the love romance of Effy and Preston back to life with gorgeous illustrations and haunting poems plucked from various points in their story. Reflecting the very nature of the spark that started their connection, prose, this book will leave you wanting to re-read the series with new eyes. If you’re new to the world of Ava Reid romance, let this book preface your brand new journey, experiencing the yearning that surrounds the story of Effy and Preston.
Twin Tides by Hien Nguyen
Twin Tides is a gripping thriller YA novel about identity, betrayal, and the chilling secrets that ripple through generations. When long-lost twin sisters Aria and Caliste discover their mother’s body and are forced to reunite to face the mystery that tore them apart. Drawn to the haunting town of Les Eaux, where whispers stir of ghouls, the sisters will confront a messy legacy and discover the truth about their mother’s passing. Though in a town built on secrecy, most will do anything to keep their past buried.
Trail Rides and Starry Eyes by Katrina Emmel
Trail Rides and Starry Eyes follows the gritty Wyoming ranch girl, Cassidy, as she meets Wilder, a teen actor sent to her ranch to prepare for his next big role. This wholesome YA rural romance will leave you wanting more. When country meets city, sparks fly, leaving Cassidy and Wilder to decide if their budding romance is worth stepping outside of their comfort zone. Will their connection remain strictly business, or might they find a new, unfamiliar world in each other?
December 16th
The Uninvited by Nancy Banks
This haunting YA paranormal fantasy, The Uninvited, will introduce you to the glamorous, lively shadows of Paris. Tosh is living her dream as she trades quaint Portland for romantic France, but the city may have more to offer than she might expect. When a series of brutal vampire attacks creeps suspiciously close to her new Parisian friend group, Tosh will discover a dark side to her newly beloved city.
The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty
EDIT: This is an Adult Novel, not a YA.
The Once and Future Queen is a stunningly witty retelling of Camelot, starring a modern, spunky young woman named Vera. When Vera learns that she might be the reincarnation of the Queen of Camelot, she is pulled from a life of mourning her recent heartbreak to govern a magical kingdom on the brink of collapse. Vera must learn to uncover her lost memories to succeed in her destiny as the ruler of Camelot, while exploring new romance and unveiling secrets.
As the days grow colder and the nights grow shorter, there’s no better time to dive into a new stack of reads. These titles are perfect for the winter break binge-reading, gift-giving, or simply for ending your year on a high note. Turn the page, take the plunge, and let December’s stories carry you into the new year.
Interested in the books that our team would recommend? Check out our Recommendations page!
Find these books in the 2025 New Releases You Need To Grab Today shelf of our Bookshop.org page to help support indie bookstores.
