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If you’ve been keeping up with all the new romance books released in 2025, then you probably know this has been one of the best years ever!
You guys, we’ve gotten some of the most amazing, complex, and heartwarming romance books—I’ve loved every single one of them.
As I promised at the beginning of the year, I’ve made an effort to share all the new romance books coming out every single month—and even books from other genres as well!
If you’re interested in all the new romance books that have been released in 2025, head over to this page.
Here are some of the most exciting romance books coming in May 2025!
From second chances to sizzling one-night-stands-turned-forever, these love stories are perfect for anyone who enjoys emotional depth, witty banter, and characters who feel like real people.
May 2025 Contemporary Romance Book Releases
Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake (May 13th)
A small-town waitress and a Hollywood star reconnect in this swoony sapphic romance.
Ramona once dreamed of designing costumes for the stars, but life had other plans.
Now, she’s waiting tables in Clover Lake when a film crew—and her first kiss, Dylan Monroe—roll into town.
Dylan is Hollywood’s favorite wild child, trying to prove she’s more than a nepo baby.
Shadowing Ramona for normal people research, sparks fly as they realize their history runs deeper than either expected.
But can love fit into their dreams, or will reality win?
This has all the makings of a feel-good, small-town, second-chance romance.
The Hollywood-star-meets-hometown-girl trope always delivers, and I’m already rooting for Ramona to finally chase her dreams.
The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20th)
Katie’s in trouble. Her job is hanging by a thread, and the only way to save it is to fake her way through a high-stakes documentary on a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch.
Problem? She can’t swim. Bigger problem? Hutch is her coworker’s brother, and they hate each other.
With paradise as their backdrop, Katie’s lies start piling up—along with undeniable chemistry.
From helicopter rescues to hurricane chaos, this is a rom-com packed with adventure, tension, and just the right amount of slow-burn romance.
Katherine Center always brings charm and humor, and I love a good forced proximity romance.
Plus, who doesn’t love a hero with a noble job and a bit of an attitude?
Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter (May 6th)
Best friends Evie and Theo decide to get married—not for love, but for financial security.
Evie, a Foley artist with a dream opportunity, needs health insurance. Theo, a struggling teacher, needs to keep his rent-controlled apartment.
Marriage is just a logical solution, right? Except for one tiny issue—Theo has been in love with Evie forever. And this fake marriage? It’s about to get very real.
Friends-to-lovers and marriage of convenience? Sign me up.
It’s giving cozy romance with a touch of angst, and I already know Theo is going to make my heart ache.
Bad Publicity by Bianca Gillam (May 6th)
Andie’s dream job as a publicist comes with one big problem—her biggest client is Jack Carlson, her college nemesis.
Now, she’s stuck on a month-long book tour with him, hopping across Europe while trying not to murder him.
But with forced proximity comes undeniable attraction, and soon, snarky banter turns into something more.
A European book tour with an ex-rival-turned-potential-lover? This sounds like a rom-com dream.
If it gives hating him was easy, resisting him is impossible, I’m in.
Rebel in the Deep by Katee Robert (May 20th)
Nox wants nothing to do with their ex, Lord Bastian, but when he’s arrested as a traitor, they have no choice but to mount a daring rescue.
Along with rebel leader Siobhan, Nox sets out on a dangerous mission across pirate-infested waters.
But saving Bastian is only the beginning because the three of them share a complicated past, and old feelings refuse to stay buried.
Pirates, rebellion, and ex-lovers forced back together? This sounds like high-stakes romance at its best.
Katee Robert knows how to bring the heat, so expect plenty of tension—both emotional and otherwise.
Thunder Game by Christine Feehan (May 6th)
Diego Campos has lost too much, and he’s ready to disappear for good—until he’s ambushed and forced into battle once again.
Amid the chaos, he rescues Leila, a fierce woman with secrets of her own.
Their connection is instant and intense, but with danger on their heels, love might be the riskiest thing of all.
Christine Feehan’s romances always have that edge of danger and deep emotion.
If you like protective heroes and fierce heroines, this one’s for you.
Rules for Ruin by Mimi Matthews (May 20th)
At a secret academy training women to fight the patriarchy, Euphemia is given a mission: bring down a corrupt politician.
But Gabriel, a ruthless businessman, has other plans.
Their battle of wits turns into something far more dangerous when attraction enters the mix.
Mimi Matthews writes historical romance with depth and passion, and I love the concept of a secret academy training women to disrupt society.
Expect slow-burn romance with sharp dialogue and tension for days.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6th)
Photographer Alice returns to the lake where she spent a magical summer as a teen.
There, she crosses paths with Charlie—the boy from that photo, the one that changed everything.
Now, he’s all grown up, and their chemistry is undeniable. But is this just a nostalgic summer fling, or something more?
Carley Fortune is the queen of emotional, nostalgic romances, and I’m already picturing golden sunsets, wistful longing, and heart-melting moments.
If you love summer lake settings and second chances, this one’s a must-read.
You, Me and Forever by Laura Pavlov (May 27th)
Wedding planner Montana has a one-night stand—only to find out her fling is Myles, the billionaire developer threatening to demolish her favorite venue.
Sparks fly as their battle turns into something else entirely, but giving in to love could mean risking her dream.
Enemies-to-lovers, small-town charm, and a high-stakes romance? This has all the drama and tension I love.
Plus, a wedding planner fighting for her venue against a billionaire? Feels like the perfect setup for a delicious romance.
Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria (May 27th)
Divorce wasn’t in Ava Rodriguez’s plans, but when her husband decided to follow his dreams—without her—she figured it was time to let loose.
A no-strings-attached fling with a handsome hotelier? Sounds perfect. Roman Vasquez is all in—until he realizes one night isn’t enough.
But things get complicated when Ava sees him again at her cousin’s engagement party. As the best man. Now, keeping it casual is no longer an option.
I love a good this was just supposed to be fun romance, and Alexis Daria always delivers.
If you like stories where characters try (and fail) to keep their hearts out of it, this is for you.
Jilted by Vi Keeland (May 6th)
Writing about weddings was fun—until she got left at the altar. Now, working at Bride magazine is a cruel joke.
And to make things worse, she’s stuck in a bridal party with a groomsman she can’t stand until she can’t resist.
Turns out he’s her boss’s son, and they’ll be working together all wedding season.
Forced proximity, banter, and a reluctant slow-burn romance? Yes, please.
This gives 27 Dresses meets The Hating Game, which sounds like the perfect mix of romance, frustration, and undeniable chemistry.
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (May 13th)
Hendrix Barry is a powerhouse. She has everything she’s ever wanted—except time for romance.
Enter Maverick Bell, a tech mogul who sees past the armor and challenges her in ways no one else has.
He’s smooth, persistent, and—of course—off-limits. But when someone truly sees you, how long can you keep them at arm’s length?
Kennedy Ryan writes the kind of love stories that make you feel everything.
If you want a romance that’s equal parts passion and deep emotional connection, this is a must-read.
War Games by Amelia Wilde (May 27th)
Ares has no idea who his secret Dom is. And that’s exactly how she wants it until the truth comes out.
This is going to be short, intense, and spicy. If you like power dynamics, secrecy, and high-stakes tension, this one’s for you.
Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt (May 20th)
Wren and Ellis were childhood sweethearts, had a son as teens, and built a life together until they fell apart.
Now in their 30s, their son is heading off to college, and they’re left wondering if they should give their love one more shot.
A road trip, old wounds, and undeniable chemistry make this a heartfelt second-chance romance.
Tarah DeWitt always nails big emotions, and this sounds like the kind of book that will have you rooting for love the whole way through.
Ride with Me by Simone Soltani (May 20th)
A drunken night in Vegas leads to an unexpected marriage between an F1 driver and a woman who just got left at the altar.
Staying married might actually be useful for both of them but can they keep it just business?
Fast cars, high stakes, and a marriage of convenience? This is going to be a wild ride.
What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon (May 6th)
Dani wasn’t planning on moving to Amsterdam. She definitely wasn’t planning on crashing into her high school ex-boyfriend.
And she really wasn’t planning on a marriage of convenience. But maybe, just maybe, this unexpected twist is exactly what she needs.
I love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s books, and this has all the makings of a great romance—second chances, forced proximity, and a setting that’s begging for late-night walks and longing glances over canals.
May is bringing so many amazing romance books, from second-chance love to unexpected flings turning into forever.
Whether you love emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, or a good old-fashioned marriage of convenience, there’s something here for you.
Which one are you most excited to read?
Want to read even more new books in May 2025? Then check out these posts:
- 20+ Fiction Book Releases Coming Out in May 2025
- 20+ Science Fiction and Fantasy Books Coming Out in May 2025
- 20+ New Non-Fiction Book Releases of May 2025
