Get ready to fall hard for your next favorite book!
Your next literary romp is looking a lot better this month. Dotted with stories to make you laugh, cry, swoon and gasp, the best book releases in May 2025 are unputdownable books that will alter your brain chemistry and leave an imprint. Whether you’re looking to get out of your reading slump or escaping your reality, we’ve curated a guide on books we’re loving this month and itching to dig into this year—books you should be adding to your ‘to be read’ list as well. Trust us, these unforgettable reads might just become your new favourites—it’s made for all sorts of book lovers out there.
From a ruinous love to a diabolical revenge and a gothic, mystical tale, here are the best book releases in May 2025. If you’re craving irresistible page-turners, dive into our top picks from January, February, March and April 2025—packed with a mix of genres guaranteed to keep you hooked, even on the dullest days.
The most anticipated book releases in May 2025:
One Golden Summer
Carley Fortune
Lovers of Every Summer After is in for a treat this year. After much anticipation, the bestselling author is finally bringing Charlie Florek’s story to life in this contemporary romance. This book takes us back to the lake house at Barry’s Bay, where Charlie crashes into the life of Alice, a photographer who loves being on the sidelined. Not anticipating the shameless flirt who makes her nan laugh all the time, Alice gets flustered when Charlie keeps putting her in the spotlight—someone who sees her for her.
Release Date: 6 May
Riding The High
Paisley Hope
Sheriff Cole Ashby is a devoted single dad trying to prove he’s the right man for the job, while Ginger Danforth, a prim teacher with a wild heart, is craving something real. One tipsy night in Vegas turns their longtime friendship into a surprise marriage, and a 90-day secret arrangement quickly turns into something deeper as shared summer days, sweet moments with Cole’s daughter, and unexpected sparks make them wonder—what if this accidental love was meant to be?
Release Date: 6 May
My Friends
Fredrik Backman
Author of Anxious People and Beartown is back with an unforgettable, heartwarming and funny read. My Friends follows four teenages whose friendship changed a stranger’s life 25-years-later. When young artist Louisa inherits the artwork of 3 mistfit teens—each with their own tale to tell—she sets off on a journey to uncover the story behind the painting. While there she discovers love, loss and the lasting power of bonds, and her own artistic spirit.
Release Date: 6 May
What Happens in Amsterdam
Rachel Lynn Soloman
If romances are up your alley, then fall in love with this on. When Dani Dorfman moves to Amsterdam, she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly her world is turned upside down in a good way. Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later there’s still tons of angst, chemistry and animosity, so there’s no one else better to be his new wife then Dani, so he can inherit his gorgeous family home on a canal. And, Dani needs a visa anyway. So, why not jump into this marriage of convenience?
Release Date: 6 May
Shield of Sparrows
Devney Perry
Exploring beyond her normal conventions for small town romances, Devney Perry steps into the world of romantasy with her latest book. Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy where a forgotten princess, born to obey, dares to defy. In a world where gods send monsters and crowns come with blood, she just might become the warrior no one saw coming.
Release Date: 6 May
The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook: Seasonal Recipes for Everyday Luxury and Elevated Entertaining
Meredith Hayden
The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook is your go-to guide for cooking, hosting, and living like a private chef—with 100 unfussy, elegant recipes inspired by summers on Nantucket and life as a chef in NYC and the Hamptons. From quick weeknight dinners to show-stopping party dishes, this playful, soulful cookbook is packed with big flavors, witty tips, and all the cozy, stylish vibes to make every meal feel like a celebration.
Release Date: 6 May
My Favorite Bad Decision
Elizabeth O’Roark
Climbing Kilimanjaro was already a nightmare—but doing it with Miller West, her lifelong nemesis? Pure torture. Or at least, that’s what she tells herself. But as the altitude rises, so do the sparks. He’s infuriatingly charming, annoyingly protective, and maybe not the enemy after all. Eight days, one tent, and zero escape routes, what could possibly go wrong (or right) on the side of a mountain? A he falls first, enemies-to-lovers and angsty romance, this is a must-read for all the romance girlies out there.
Release Date: 15 May
The Knight and The Moth
Rachel Gillig
If you loved The Shepherd King series by Rachel Gillig, then you’ll instantly fall in love with her newest release. Gothic, dark and yet romantic, this fantasy book follows Sybil, a prophetess who is forced to leave her cloistered life to uncover a deadly mystery—and save the world. She must go on a quest to defeat the gods with the one knight whose future is beyond her sight. From ancient oments to brooding man and a love and fate trope, this romantasy book will have you bingeing all night long.
Release Date: 20 May
Rewind it Back
Liz Tomforde
When the girl Rio has only ever loved, Hallie Hart moves into the house next door to update his bachelor pad into a family home, his life gets turned upside down. Their jaded history has him rewinding memories he’s kept secret for years—ones that led them to break each other’s hearts. Full of humour, spicy scenes and gut-wrenching moments, this romance book will make you cry, laugh and love.
Release Date: 20 May
Problematic Summer Romance
Ali Hazelwood
Who doesn’t love a cute summer romance? Ali Hazelwood is back with another swoony book that will leave us kicking and giggling. When Maya Killgore’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and her brother’s grumpy, gorgeous best friend, Conor Harkness—her crush—end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa. The last thing she expects is to fall (again) for Conor, who’s 15 years older and very much off-limits. He says it’s wrong. But, she can’t help how right it feels. Between wedding stuff, swoony seaside views and secrets hiding behind his serious stare, Maya decides maybe a little summer fling with Mr. Off-Limits isn’t the worst idea ever… even if it’s totally, wildly cliché.
Release Date: 27 May
Beautiful Venom
Rina Kent
Stepping outside of her comfort zone, the dark romance author is now entering the world of hockey. Sizzling, toxic and so much fun, Beautiful Venom sees Dahlia Thorne seeking revenge against those who destroyed her life, and her only lead? It’s the Vipers, an elite college hockey team. To infiltrate their secret society, she targets Kane Davenport, the team’s charismatic captain. However, she soon realises that Kane is not the weak link she anticipated but the most dangerous predator of them all. Fans of her previous work can expect a gripping narrative, forbidden attraction, spiciness and dark tension.
Release Date: 27 May
Never Flinch
Stephen King
Deeply intriguing and terrifying, Stephen King brings another thrilling story that will have you gripping the edge of your seat. Never Flinch sees the tale of one killer on a diabolical revenge and a vigilante targeting a feminist celebrity speaking. Featuring a riveting cast of characters both old and new such as Holly Gibney, the twinned narrative story is wildy fun and chilling.
Release Date: 27 May
Releasing 10
Chloe Walsh
The Boys of Tommen series is back and we’re pounding with anticipation. In this book we learn about what happened to Lizzie Young and Hugh Biggs—a love that seemed unbreakable, but even the truest love can be shaken by forces beyond control. This book will probably break your heart and put it back together—we hope.
Release Date: 27 May
You, Me and Forever
Laura Pavlov
In this steamy enemies-to-lovers romance set in charming Blushing, Alaska, a fiery wedding planner finds out her one-night stand is actually the billionaire developer trying to demolish her favorite venue. Sparks fly, lines blur, and falling for the enemy might just cost her everything—especially her heart.
