What to Read & What to Skip: My May 2026 Romance Reads
May was stacked with romances that completely consumed me, which honestly made the few disappointing reads stand out even more. I had multiple books this month that reminded me why I love romance so much in the first place: emotional yearning, unforgettable chemistry, characters you become obsessed with, and stories that make you ignore your responsibilities until the final page.
This month also confirmed two things: second chance romance is having a moment and queer romance continues to deliver some of the most emotionally layered stories I’m reading right now. If you’re already building your summer reading list, several of these absolutely deserve a spot on it alongside my list of → Best Summer Romance Books of 2026.
→ If you want even more new releases, browse Upcoming Romance Releases
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My May Reading Snapshot
- ⭐ Top Read: Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
- 💘 Best for Trope Lovers: Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn
- 🔥 Most Addictive: Still Into You by Erin Connor
- 😬 Skip It: Love You More by Emily Giffin
- 📚 Total Read: 11 books
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Romance Books Worth Reading This Month
Our Perfect Storm
by Carley Fortune
⭐ 5 stars
Carley Fortune somehow topped herself with this one. This friends-to-lovers romance is packed with aching yearning, emotional intimacy, and one of the best book boyfriends she’s ever written. I genuinely could not put it down.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
Still Into You
by Erin Connor
⭐ 4.5 stars
This was my second time reading it for the SRRB Book Club and somehow it hit even harder. The pacing is incredible for a second chance romance and the metalcore rock star hero is absolutely down bad for his woman from page one. The writing, music atmosphere, and emotional tension all work beautifully together.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
→ If you’re looking for more like this, check out my list of Books Like Still Into You to fill your TBR.
Rules for the Summer
by Meghan Quinn
⭐ 4 stars
This is exactly the kind of chaotic summer romcom I want in my beach bag. The banter is hilarious, the slow burn payoff is worth the wait, and the constantly changing “rules” between the characters made this impossible not to binge.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
→ If you love tension-filled slow burns, check out my list of Best Slow Burn Romance Books.
The Fake Divination Offense
by Sara Raasch
⭐ 4 stars
This queer fantasy romance completely charmed me with its cinnamon roll hero and elite he-falls-first energy. You’ll definitely appreciate this book more if you’ve already read the first in the series because the emotional payoff hits harder.
You Won’t Forget Me
by Mazey Edding
⭐ 4 stars
One of my most anticipated queer romances of the year absolutely delivered. The internet trolling storyline felt painfully realistic and added so much emotional weight while still giving readers the compassionate mental health representation Mazey Eddings does so well.
Just for the Season
by Rachel Griffiths
⭐ 4 stars
This historical romcom reminded me why I love this genre when it leans fully into fun. You get a heroine defying expectations, a hero desperately trying not to fall for her, and enough matchmaking chaos and suitors to keep the story endlessly entertaining.
Read more + grab your copy
Read my full review
→ If historical romance is your comfort genre too, don’t miss my list of Best Historical Romance Books.
Reasons to Be Loved by You
by Hannah Brown
⭐ 3.5 stars
I’ve been waiting for Nikki’s story and while this can absolutely work as a standalone, longtime readers will appreciate the payoff more. The opening hooked me immediately and the tension stayed strong throughout, though the ending lost a bit of momentum for me.
Good Romance Books (But Not My Favorites)
First and Forever
by Lynn Painter
⭐ 3.5 stars
A super quick read with genuinely funny banter between a football fanatic and the NFL star she fake dates after a PR disaster.
→ If fake dating is your catnip, check out my Best Fake Relationship Romance Books list.
Dearly Departed
by Chip Pons
⭐ 3.5 stars
A sweet grumpy sunshine queer romance that explores grief and isolation in a surprisingly tender way. Chip Pons is definitely an author I’ll continue watching in the queer romance space.
Big Stick Energy
by Sarina Bowen
⭐ 3.5 stars
A fun hockey office romance where the longtime admirer finally gets noticed by the hockey star she’s secretly loved forever.
Romance Books I’d Skip This Month
Love You More
by Emily Giffin
⭐ 1.5 stars
I went into this expecting the emotionally messy relationship drama that made Emily Giffin’s earlier books so addictive, but this completely fell flat for me. The romance lacked chemistry, the story relied too much on telling instead of showing, and the final twist only made the ending feel more frustrating than impactful.
What to Read Next
- Start here → Best Romance Books of 2026
- Don’t miss → Upcoming Romance Releases
- Find your next trope → Best Second Chance Romance Books
- Or browse → Best Fake Dating Romance Books
- Discover more → Browse all May 2026 Romance Book Releases
💌 Want More Honest Romance Book Recommendations?
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