Best New Romance Books to Read in May 2026
If you’re anything like me, you don’t want every new romance release; you want the ones that are actually worth your time.
With so many new romance releases dropping in May, I’ve narrowed it down to the books I genuinely think are worth your time – including several I’ve already read and loved. If you want the romances delivering the best emotional payoff, chemistry, humor, and binge-worthy reading experience this month, start here.
👉 Want to see everything releasing this month? → Browse all upcoming romance book releases
Not sure which of these are actually worth reading? → Browse my guide to the best romance books of 2026
Planning your summer reading list? Don’t miss these → Best Summer Romance Books of 2026
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*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
💕 My Top 10 Romance Books to Read in May 2026
If you only pick up a few romances this month, these are the releases I’d prioritize first:
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Releasing May 5, 2026
Friends to Lovers | Emotional romance | Childhood friends
I ended up loving this even more than I expected and honestly think it might be my favorite Carley Fortune book yet. The emotional tension between George and Frankie is absolutely aching in the best way, with years of suppressed feelings, devastating yearning, and the kind of friends-to-lovers payoff that made my chest hurt at times. Add in the dreamy Tofino setting and one of the most emotionally intelligent heroes Fortune has ever written, and this became the complete package for me.
Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn
Releasing May 5, 2026
Neighbors to Lovers | Forced Proximity | Romantic Comedy
Thankfully this delivered exactly what I wanted from a Meghan Quinn summer romance. It’s ridiculously funny, and completely bingeable, but what surprised me most was how much I genuinely loved Theo and Renley together underneath all the outrageous humor. Theo is such a refreshing Meghan Quinn hero – supportive, sincere, and quietly obsessed – while still bringing plenty of chemistry and dirty talk. Between the evolving “rules,” truth-or-dare antics, and Rupert absolutely stealing scenes left and right, this was one of the most entertaining romcoms I’ve read this year.
Fever Dream by Elsie Silver
Releasing May 19, 2026
Reality Show | Forbidden Romance
While I cannot stand watching reality TV, I absolutely adore romance books based on reality dating shows, and if Elsie’s writing it, I’m reading it. I love that it features a bull rider who is wiling put himself on the line to save his family’s farm and who ends up falling for his rival’s younger sister.
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Releasing May 19, 2026
Second Chance | Friends to Lovers
I already read and loved this friends to lovers romance that brings together Katherine’s incredible writing with a storyline that is both hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time. Cooper will become your next favorite book boyfriend as you watch him navigate the forced proximity of being on a cruise ship with this former best friend who is clueless about his love for her.
Score by Kennedy Ryan
Releasing May 19, 2026
Second Chance | First Love
After reading Reel, the first book in Kennedy’s Hollywood Renaissance series, Score instantly earned a spot on my TBR list as I need the full story of why Verity and Monk can no longer be in the same room together and yet find themselves working on the same movie as screenwriter and musical score composer. Kennedy’s books always bring an emotional intensity that I cannot get enough of so I expect this one to be a real page turner as a second chance romance.
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Releasing May 26, 2026
Fake Dating | Opposites Attract
Annabel knocked it out of the park again with this one that I cannot recommend enough. She created another strong heroine that I want to emulate, a dashing, quiet hero who surprises me in the best of ways, a best friend who I think everyone deserves in real life, and a slow burn love story that tugged on all my heartstrings. It’s a must-read!
Birds of a Feather by Kate Stewart
Releasing May 26, 2026
Adversaries to Lovers | High Stakes
If you’ve become a rabid fan of Kate’s Ravenhood series, you already know this one is going to be intense. We’ve been waiting years for Tyler’s ultimate love story and I sincerely hope that it’s going to put me in a reading stupor after I’m done with it like The Finish Line did. Plus, at 720 pages, I know we are in for quite a roller coaster!
Bad Boy Era by Amy Daws
Releasing May 26, 2026
Best Friend’s Brother| Grumpy/Sunshine
I’ve been devouring Amy’s Mountain Men Matchmaker series ever since Everly started her matchmaking schemes for each of her uncles, so of course I’m super curious how her own love story will unfold! This is such a fun setup, having her best friend’s grumpy brother descend upon the mountain, and I cannot wait to see how much flak the uncles will give this tattooed Irishman!
Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick
Releasing May 26, 2026
Friends to Lovers | Romantic Comedy
This book had me at “Guide to Losing My Virginity” checklist! This is Brooke’s debut novel so I hope this romcom delivers on the hype, but so far it’s sold me on the story setup of the romance-book-loving, virgin teacher who finally overcomes her anxiety toward love and finds her happily-ever-after.
The Muse by Jewel E. Ann
Releasing May 28, 2026
Emotional romance | Opposites attract
Jewel always writes layered, emotional stories that make me think and feel and reach for the closest box of tissues. She he blew me away with The Homemaker last year, so I cannot wait to see how she plans to rip my heart out and patch it up again with this new romance.
Want to see which of these I’ve loved the most so far? 👉 See my 5-star romance reads of 2026
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