Our Favorite Indie eBooks of 2025 (so far) are proving just how exciting and diverse independent publishing can be. These ten standout titles span every genre. From heart-racing thrillers to swoon-worthy romance, and powerful historical fiction. And they’re all written by authors who chose to take their stories straight to readers.
Whether you want to find your next great read or satisfy your curiosity about indie success, this list offers something for you.
Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher
When a frail white woman arrives at a Black family’s home in 1943 Alabama, just after the funeral of their patriarch, her first words are stunning: “A lifetime ago, my family owned yours…” So begins a journey into a shared history shaped by ambition, betrayal, and redemption, stretching from the American South to Paris and the Côte d’Azur. Adelaide Parker has a story to tell, but she is also searching for the truth. What she and the family of Felix H. Parker uncover will challenge everything they thought they knew about the past. Red Clay is a sweeping historical novel that explores the complicated ties that still connect us across generations.
What Readers Are Saying: “[U]sing his family history as inspiration for the novel, [Fancher] provides an engaging and immersive journey for the reader, allowing us to a realistic visualization the town and feel connected to the characters.” – Yari, B&N Reviewer
Playing Mr. Perfect by Melissa Foster
NFL quarterback Clay Braden has a nickname for a reason. And, after one unforgettable night in Paris, scientist Pepper Montgomery finds out why. She believed she made a one-time mistake, fueled by wine and wishful thinking. But when morning comes, he is already awake, already smiling, and already making things complicated. She says it was a mix-up. He is not buying it. And now he is set on proving that their night together was only the beginning. Playing Mr. Perfect is a steamy, small-town romance packed with heat, humor, and heart from bestselling author Melissa Foster. You won’t be able to put this one down until the happily ever after (that will leave you breathless!).
What Readers Are Saying: “The romance was so beautiful, the side characters left me wanting to know so much more (I need to catch up on Pepper’s family books), what can I tell you, this book just made me smile and felt like a hug to my soul.” – marianbooks, B&N Reviewer
Dolores: My Journey Home by Catherine Paiz and Riley J. Ford
Catherine Paiz seemed to have it all—love, a beautiful family, and a massive online following as part of The ACE Family. But behind the picture-perfect life was a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and losing touch with who she truly was. When her world began to fall apart, Catherine chose to rebuild from the inside out. She turned pain into power and set out to reclaim her voice. This is a story of a woman stepping beyond the spotlight to find something real in this raw, inspiring true story.
What Readers Are Saying: “This book had me feeling all types of emotions. I finished this book in a day. I was hooked each chapter I wanted to know more. The book title in itself is so powerful.” – Toni Toni, B&N Reviewer
The Needle by Dan Ames
In 1989, Joe Reacher is called in to investigate the murder of a Treasury Agent. What looks like a routine case quickly turns personal when the trail leads straight into his own past. As secrets surface and the bodies pile up, Reacher finds himself tangled in a deadly web of betrayal and lies. Set in the Reacher universe with permission from Lee Child, The Needle is a gripping thriller packed with action, twists, and a finale you won’t see coming.
What Readers Are Saying: “Who will make it out alive? Read Dan Ames’ excellent thriller The Needle to get the answers!” – Rosemary56, B&N Reviewer
Shadow Wars: The Secret Wars by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako and Madaug Hishinuma
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon and debut authors Hinako and Madaug Hishinuma comes a new fantasy adventure! Demons walk among gods and one boy holds the key to saving both realms. Banished and hunted for powers he barely understands, Ryuichi must protect the sacred gates between worlds before they fall into chaos. Trust is in short supply, and even his guardian may not be on his side. To survive, he will have to take risks, break rules, and find allies in the most unlikely places. Shadow Wars: The Secret Wars is fast-paced, full of heart, and packed with supernatural danger.
What Readers Are Saying: “I’ve read and loved all of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s adult series, so I picked up this one and wasn’t disappointed. The story is action-packed and suspenseful.” – Mel_t, B&N Reviewer
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Barbara Freethy
Caitlin thought she found her fairy tale when Andrew saved her life and swept her into a whirlwind romance. Six months later, they’re celebrating their dream wedding on a luxurious island resort. It should be perfect—but it isn’t. Cracks are forming in their picture-perfect life, and Caitlin starts to wonder if she knows her new husband at all. He’s hiding something dark. And the more she digs, the more she realizes her heart may not be the only thing in danger. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Freethy comes a gripping psychological thriller about secrets, deception, and the terrifying cost of trusting the wrong person.
What Readers Are Saying: “One of the things I love most about Barbara’s writing is her ability to create deeply emotional moments while maintaining a fast-paced, gripping narrative. If you enjoy compelling mysteries with rich characters and plenty of suspense, this is a must-read.” – XstitcherKansas, B&N Reviewer
Immortal Gifts by Katherine Villyard
In 1841 Prussia, Abraham hides his Jewish identity to study music—only to be turned into a vampire by a well-meaning friend. His transformation earns him a powerful enemy: an ancient bigot who vows to destroy him. Two centuries later, Abraham is living quietly in New Jersey. He is in love with a mortal woman and hoping his past is finally behind him. But his old tormentor has returned, threatening everything he’s built. Immortal Gifts is a gripping vampire tale that blends history, suspense, and romance. Katherine Villyard delivers a powerful story of survival, identity, and the price of being different.
What Readers Are Saying: “With lyrical prose and soaring intellect, Villyard weaves music, memory, and culture into an unforgettable saga that will resonate with fans of gothic fiction and contemporary fantasy alike.” – CyisIcebackwards, B&N Reviewer
The Forever Rule by Carrie Ann Ryan
Blakely thought Aston Cage might be the one—until he disappeared without a word. Now, months later, he’s not just back in her life, he’s her new boss. Working side by side reignites everything she tried to forget, but Aston is keeping secrets. A scandal in his family has forced him into a complicated inheritance battle, and Blakely is caught in the middle. Love was never supposed to be this messy, but some connections are impossible to ignore. The Forever Rule is a steamy, emotional romance about second chances, family secrets, and the risks we take for love.
What Readers Are Saying: “Carrie Ann Ryan is such an amazing storyteller… A twisty story that will leave you with tears, smiles and way too many questions but now I can’t wait to read Isabella’s story in book #2.” – JJ Avid Reader, B&N Reviewer
The Case of the Washed-Up Corpse by Tam May
In 1921 California, three very different sisters run the only funeral home in town. But when a local woman turns up dead, they find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. Eve handles the books, Helena handles the bodies, and Violet prefers parties to gravesites. Solving crimes isn’t their business, but when the new district attorney comes calling, they can’t resist the challenge. With only a few cryptic clues—a torn lapel, a missing ring, a length of rope—the sisters must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. The Grave Sisters Mysteries is a fresh Jazz Age whodunit full of charm, wit, and intrigue. Perfect for fans of historical cozies and strong female leads.
What Readers Are Saying: “This is an entertaining cozy mystery that moves the reader through an unpredictable whodunit with unique characters in another time. Very entertaining for fans of cozy mysteries with a side of historical fiction.” – Skoey, B&N Reviewer
The Honeysuckle Cafe by Lilly Mirren
When a DNA test reveals a shocking family secret, Matilda Berry leaves everything behind to search for answers in a small Southern town. There, she finds long-lost relatives, a cozy café with a legacy, and a charming yet infuriating neighbor who offers her an unexpected solution—a fake marriage for a visa. As Matilda navigates her new life, she begins to uncover not just the truth about her past, but the possibility of a future she never imagined. The Honeysuckle Cafe is a heartwarming story of family, friendship, and finding love where you least expect it. Perfect for fans of small-town charm and feel-good fiction.
What Readers Are Saying: “Fantastic characters that captured my heart and made me feel at home. So much to love about this story… Hardships and blessing are all part of this beautiful story, I could’nt stop thinking about this book even after I finished it.” – SFischer, B&N Reviewer
These Favorite Indie eBooks of 2025 (So Far) aren’t just great reads. They’re proof that independent voices are thriving.
For readers, they offer something fresh and unexpected. For writers, they’re a reminder that indie publishing can lead to real impact. Keep an eye out for more indie spotlights throughout the year. And, if you’re an author yourself, take this as your sign—your story might be next!
