5 of the hottest YA books right now (2025)

YA books are having their moment, and we are loving it! From viral, epic romantasy to sweet, unexpected romance, there is something for everyone. So get ready, here’s our roundup of the YA books on everyone’s minds (and Instagram feeds).

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

They've loved each other in every lifetime. They've killed each other in every one.

If you haven’t read this epic, tragic romantasy, now is the time! A popular book club choice, we can’t get enough of Evelyn and Arden’s tragic love story. After all, they seem to always kill each other before they turn 18 . . . the only problem is, Evelyn quite likes the life she is currently living, and dying again would be rather inconvenient for her younger sister who needs her for a bone marrow transplant.

Be warned . . . when they say ‘exile’ by Taylor Swift is an accurate comparison song, they really mean it. Just ask the readers of The Literary Gals Bookclub on Instagram, who read this book as their first monthly read. It was a true killer!

• ‘Our Infinite Fates is art. It’s soft and pretty in its own ways and is bound to put you through an emotional rollercoaster ride. I adored the bittersweet tones of the book and all the beautifully loving and tender moments between family . . . I wish it was longer!!’  – @cupsandthoughts

• ‘Such a beautifully written book that explores the depths of life, identity, gender, loss, sacrifice, grief and perseverance. When I read the blurb last year I just KNEW it was going to be good, and it exceeded expectations. I loved Evelyn and Arden. I wanted a book for every story. I wanted to both race through and never reach the final page.’ – @nice_to_read_ya

• I almost wish I’d never read this book. I want to go back and change every five-star review I’ve given to a four because it’s so rare for a book to make me feel the way this one has. This book is more than a story—it reads like poetry, a love letter to life itself. Lauren writes with such care for each word, perfectly capturing the complexity of love, loss, and how scary and beautiful it is to be alive. Her prose is so intoxicating, so raw, that it felt like I was devouring it. This is a MUST-READ for 2025. If you listen to me only once, make it this. I beg you, because I need someone to talk to about this book with.’ – @booksbymallie

Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers (no, really), Who Did This to You? (Me, I think?), Doomed Love, Reincarnation

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

They say love conquers all . . . But can love win in a war between demons and exorcists?Or will it just tear them apart?

Our Vatican City may have a Conclave, but in Cruel is the Light’s epic reimagining of the holy Roman Empire, they’ve got bigger problems to worry about. Demons, for a start! Not to mention an unfairly attractive soldier you might be forced to work with. Already published in Australia and the UK –  and a few weeks out from hitting the shores of the USA – this sizzling romantasy is your next YA obsession, and the reviews don’t lie.

Keen for more? Sophie Clark will be at Sydney Writer’s Festival All Day YA!

• ‘I have no doubt that all my true romantasy girlies will love this one. It gave me mystery, intrigue, lust, flirting, care, compassion, fierceness, danger, fear, and romance. This was written so poetically and beautifully that it captivated me from every fantasy and romance angle, and I couldn't look away.’ – @reneepolksreads

• ‘Think enemies to lovers, Vatican academies, Demons. If you enjoyed ‘Shadowhunters’ by Cassandra Clare, this is absolutely something that you are going to enjoy!’ –  @booked_byannie

• ‘One bed? SOLD. Knife to throat scene? SOLD. Enemies to lovers?! SOOOLLLDDD.’ –  @fromthebookshelfofdreams

Tropes: Forced Proximity, One Bed Trope, Reluctant Allies, Grumpy x Sunshine, Knife to neck (and other places!)

The Glittering Edge by Alyssa Villaire

Making waves in the UK, accompanied by epic fanart (check it out here!), we can’t get enough of this newly released gothic contemporary fantasy. Reminiscent of The Raven Boys and Practical Magic, this book has all the best elements of small-town gothic, with curses, plot twists and magic to put you on the edge of your seat.

• ‘AHHHHHHHH THIS BOOK WAS SO MUCH FUN !!! . . . It went between 3 POVs the two MMCs and the FMC (Penny) and honestly all of them were so much fun to read! … I cannot wait for the next book!’ –  @alexabutmorefun

• ‘Heard great things about this book, and that cover ’ – @calissa_reads

• ‘If you love a witchy YA love triangle moment this book is for you 🫶🏼.’  – @readingqueenx

Tropes: YEARNING, Forbidden love, Tension, Love Triangle

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang

Looking for a change of pace? So is Leah Zhang, the protagonist of the newest YA rom-com from beloved romance author, Ann Liang. Sent on a two-week travel program across China’s most beautiful cities, this her perfect opportunity to relax and escape; if only her least favourite person, Cyrus, wasn’t also on the trip! Of course, he’s only gotten more attractive (and more annoying). The early reviews are in: Ann Liang has done it again!

• ‘First of all, it needs to be stated that this book has the best love confession I have read in SO long I was WEEPING happy tears!!! I’m not even joking I audibly gasped 🫨’ – @booksbymallies

• ‘THIS BOOK IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFEEEE’  – @alexabutmorefun

• ‘I can't think of a single thing to criticise about this book. As always, it's like Ann Liang reached into my brain, took all of my favourite things, and wrote them as a book. The romance, as always, was perfect. No notes. I eat up everything Ann Liang writes, and this was no exception. I was constantly having to put the book down briefly while I freaked out over all of the little moments in this book.’ – @ opheliaslittlelibrary_

Tropes: Forced Proximity (ew, Cyrus!), Rivals to Lovers, I hate you (or do I?)

Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni

Lynette Noni is a fantasy powerhouse and has set her sights on contemporary romance. Considering how amazing her slow burns are, it is no surprise people are loving Wandering Wild! Former Hollywood darling Zander Rune needs to fix his image, and fast, and a reality show adventure with a super fan in the Blue Mountains might be the way to do it. If only Charlie Hart actually liked him! But when the trip goes wrong, they are forced to trust each other, and maybe even lose their hearts just as they’ve lost their guide . . .

• ‘THIS BOOK IS YA PERFECTION!
  The banter, the tension, the heart pumping high stakes adventure! 💗😱’ - @thetorturedbookdept

• ‘tropes:
  ✨ enemies to lovers (a bit one sided 😆)
  ✨ wilderness survival
  ✨ found family
  
  I don’t even have enough words to describe how much I love this book (and how much you need to read it 🤩)’ - @beebookish

• ‘Wandering Wild is a YA contemporary romance that totally caught me off guard—in the best way.’  – @readswithkatie_

Tropes: Forced Promixity, SLOW BURN, Only One Tent, I Hate You (Or Do I?)