Best New Book Releases By Genre: May 2026
Discover which books you should add to your reading list that are being published in May. I found books from a few of my all-time favorite authors, including one that I already read and gave five stars!
I sorted my list by genre so you can easily find a new book you’ll love. There are options in romance, mysteries/thrillers, and fantasy, as usual.
*Disclosure – I earn a small commission from any purchases you make through the links below at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting this book blog!
May Romance New Releases
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Admittedly, Carley isn’t my favorite romance author but I know she is beloved by most readers so I wanted to include her new release on this list! After reading the synopsis, I’m definitely intrigued by this one which is making me want to give it a try! It reminds me a little of People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – an all time favorite of mine!
As lifelong friends, Frankie and George have had their share of ups and downs, but after one too many clashes, on the eve of Frankie’s wedding, she isn’t even sure George will show up. When he does, it feels like all is right in the world…until her fiancé dumps her the next day.
George comes up with a wild plan and convinces Frankie to still go on her honeymoon, but with him. They’ll enjoy lush rainforests and ocean views, all while truly repairing their friendship. | Buy From Amazon
A completely unexpected five star sports romance! I’ve read and loved Lynn Painter’s other adult romances, but this one easily jumps to the top. I was cracking up throughout the whole book and absolutely swooning over the unlikely connection between the main characters. (I also may be biased because the female main character is an accountant, just like me!)
A football player looking to help the team with a positive PR stunt agrees to go on the news to clear the air with a fan who got into a tussle with the team’s mascot. Their banter is unexpectedly delightful when she isn’t afraid to call him out on a dropped pass, and he ends up sort of asking her on a date on live TV.
She’s shocked he would actually be interested, but after spending some time together they both realize the slightly ridiculous start to their relationship may have uncovered the one person they’re meant to be with! There are also so many incredible side characters in this story, that make this an extremely well rounded novel and a blast to read start to finish! | Buy From Amazon
One of the best authors in the cowboy romance genre is back with the first book in a new series! Emerald Lake will be the setting for this series and Book 1 features a professional bull rider who reluctantly agrees to be the lead on a reality dating show. I literally cannot resist a romance with a reality TV plot, so I can’t wait to get my hands on this!
Emmett desperately needs money to save his family’s ranch, and an opportunity presents itself by way of Romance Ranch, a new reality dating show. He’s planning to fake his way through, but it all gets a little too real when location consultant, Julia, walks on set.
Not only is she part of the crew, she’s also the little sister of his biggest rival. An enemies to lovers trope that gets all sorts of complicated since he’s supposed to be looking for love among the ACTUAL contestants! | Buy From Amazon
I always look forward to Annabel’s new summer romance. She has a unique way of capturing the lives of middle aged women (sometimes with kids, sometimes divorced) that is incredibly relatable. No matter what your situation, I think most women can find something recognizable in her main characters, which makes reading their stories feel all the more engaging!
When a single mom moves back home to help her dad and brother keep their family home, she ends up in a whirlwind fake romance with a wealthy local. One night she comes across Stewart dealing with a flat tire after a very public and very humiliating breakup. Dolly is used to being helpful, but she ends up doing more than getting him back on the road.
He convinces her to be in a fake relationship with him in return for something she desperately needs, and figures what can it hurt! Soon she’s attending high society parties alongside a man she never expected to actually start falling for… | Buy From Amazon
Mystery/Thriller New Releases
The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
A serial killer who returns every May 1 to claim a new victim. Two teenagers who are irreversibly linked after one fateful night. A thriller you won’t be able to put down!
Jules is a popular high school teen who inexplicably survives a horrible attack by the May Day killer. That same night, Quinn is arrested after breaking up a fight and nearly killing someone. A year later, they find their lives are still connected and every anniversary from then on, we revisit them as they grow older, but still with no answers.
I love the idea of this thriller taking place over such an extended period of time! In a sea of books in this genre that can feel repetitive, this sounds like a fresh take on a gruesome situation. | Buy From Amazon
Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
Simone and her teenage daughter Lucy take a trip to Texas for some quality bonding time before Lucy heads off to university, but everything goes terribly wrong on their very first night. Simone wakes up in their remote desert cabin to find Lucy gone and a stranger’s cell phone left in her place. When the phone rings, the caller makes it clear they’ve taken Lucy, and they’re not asking for money. Instead, they demand that Simone commit a crime in order to get her daughter back.
From that moment, every choice uncovers another secret and every new truth forces a harder decision. The question remains: how far would you go to protect your child? Mixing tension and compassion, high stakes and the mother / daughter bond, this thriller will keep you on your toes! | Buy From Amazon
Fantasy New Releases
Seek The Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth
My fellow millennials might recognize this author as the writer of the incredibly popular Divergent series! She’s BACK with a new romantasy. There’s honestly not a lot of info in the book summary, but it’s got a 4.4 rating on Goodreads from early readers! It sounds like this walks the line between fantasy and science fiction, with epic world building and lots of action.
Elegy Ahn is happy to be a soldier fighting against the Talusar, a powerful neighboring nation that worships a deadly Fever, one that grants mysterious gifts to half of those it strikes. Her world is upended when she’s summoned to hear a prophecy alongside the most feared of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Together, they learn that one of them is destined to lead their people to victory over the other, but neither knows which one it will be.
The book explores what happens when two people are told they’re destined to destroy each other, and how love and loyalty complicate that fate. Will they accept what they’ve been told or fight for the life they want. | Buy From Amazon
Let me know in the comments which one you’re most looking forward to reading!