Love is in the air this May, and nowhere is that more evident than in the 12 best new romance books [1] coming your way this month. May's selection of swoony reads [2] includes fresh releases from acclaimed romance authors including Emily Henry, Alyssa Cole, and Christina Lauren, but it's also full of dazzling debuts. From a secret palace romance to a pair of books written with literature-lovers in mind, these stories range from Hallmark-movie cute to next-level steamy. No matter what kind of love story you're looking to fall for this May, at least one of these 12 new romance book releases [3] is sure to win you over.
The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser
In a single month, Thea Mottram's husband of 20 years leaves her and she's let go of her job in The Bookshop of Second Chances [4] by Jackie Fraser. However, that's just the beginning of Thea's story. Shortly after her life falls apart, Thea discovers a distant uncle left her his home in Scotland and his antique book collection. In hopes of escaping her problems, she heads to the small coastal town, where sparks fly between her and the local bookshop owner.
Out May 4
It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark
It Had to Be You [5] by Georgia Clark takes a page out of Love Actually's book by telling a series of interconnected love stories. At the centre of the book's inclusive romantic tales is the wedding planning business In Love in New York, which is run by Liv Goldenhorn, and, in the aftermath of her partner Eliot's death, Eliot's young girlfriend Savannah. As Liv and Savannah learn how to work together, readers get a ringside seat to watching a variety of couples prepare for their big day.
Out May 4
Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane
Bestselling author Mhairi McFarlane's Just Last Night [6] is as much about the power of friendship as it is about falling in love. Eve has been in love with Ed since they were teenagers, and she finds it hard not to imagine what might have been had they pursued their feelings. But when a shocking event changes their lives forever, Eve finds herself heading in an entirely unexpected new direction.
Out May 4
Rattlesnake Road by Amanda McKinney
If you're looking for a darker romance read, Rattlesnake Road [7] by Amanda McKinney could be the book for you. This mystery-romance follows Grey Dalton, a woman who retreats to a remote cabin to regroup after an emotional trauma only to find herself torn between a cowboy and a dangerous businessman.
Out May 4
People We Meet on Holiday by Emily Henry
Beach Read may very well have been the best romance book of 2020, and now Emily Henry is back with a new rom-com destined to steal your heart. People We Meet on Holiday [8] is an emotional, vibrant story of two friends' last chance to finally acknowledge that they're in love. Every summer for a decade, Poppy and Alex have spent one magical week of holiday together — or at least they did until they stopped speaking two years ago. Now Poppy is putting everything on the line to get their friendship back on track, and she only has one week to show Alex they're better together than they are apart.
Out May 11
Happy Endings by Thien-Kim Lam
Thien-Kim Lam's steamy debut Happy Endings [9] is a second chance romance with a wonderfully unique premise. Trixie Nguyen is busy making her sex toy business a success when she runs into her ex who dumped her via Post-it note. The ex in question, Andre Walker, instantly realises there's still chemistry between him and Trixie, but he's more interested in partnering with her on a business venture that could benefit both her sex toy business and his soul food restaurant. However, when Trixie gets an exciting business opportunity, she and Andre's fresh start could end before it even begins.
Out May 18
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Writing duo and reigning romance queens Christina Lauren are back with The Soulmate Equation [10], their most ambitious book to date. After being abandoned by both of her parents and her ex, single mom Jessica Davis isn't interested in looking for love — at least not until GeneticAlly, a DNA-based dating site, comes along. Jessica may not believe in love, but she does believe in science, so imagine her surprise when the app matches her with the extremely stuck-up cofounder of the company, Dr. River Peña.
Out May 18
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
The Summer Job [11] by Lizzy Dent is a hilarious rom-com about a woman named Birdy who decides to impersonate her best friend for the summer after her pal ditches her job as a wine expert in a Scotland hotel. Unfortunately for Birdy, being someone else isn't as easy as she thought it would be, and her situation is only complicated further by the presence of a gorgeous guy she can't stop herself from falling for.
Out May 18
How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole
After losing her job and her girlfriend, Makeda Hicks is in no way interested in taking up the role of Princess of Ibarania in How to Find a Princess [12] by Alyssa Cole. Unfortunately for her, the stubborn and gorgeous P.I. Beznaria Chetchevaliere, who was sent to track her down and bring her back to Ibarania, isn't going to take no for answer. And to be fair, Makeda is far too intrigued by Beznaria to put up much of a fight.
Out May 25
Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick
Did you love Red, White, and Royal Blue? Then meet your new favourite book, Playing the Palace [13] by Paul Rudnick. New Yorker Carter Ogden grew up daydreaming about the openly gay Prince of Wales, but he never thought he would actually meet him. However, when he and Prince Edgar connect the sparks are instant, and soon Carter is swept away in a fairy-tale romance with more than a few complications.
Out May 25
Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley
Talk Bookish to Me [14] by Kate Bromley is an ode to romance novels and the people who write them. Acclaimed romance novelist Kara Sullivan is facing two deadlines: delivering her next historical romance to her editor and making sure her best friend's wedding goes off without a hitch. The solution to both of her problems arrives in the form of her first love and fellow member of the wedding party, Ryan, who becomes her unexpected muse and potential real life happy ending.
Out May 25
Wild Love by Lauren Accardo
Lauren Accardo's enchanting small town romance Wild Love [15] follows Sydney, a woman who is trading in her big city life to run her mom's remote bookstore, and Sam, a real life mountain man and mechanic who has sworn off love. When Sydney literally runs into Sam, the chemistry between them is palpable, but these two mismatched romantics have a lot of healing to do before they realise they're perfect for one another.
Out May 25