Best Contemporary Books May 2025

Red, White & Royal Blue

Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, has a nemesis: Prince Henry of Wales. When their rivalry sparks an international incident, they’re forced to fake a friendship for damage control. But as they spend time together, their pretend bond evolves into something deeper. Suddenly, Alex finds himself falling for the prince he once despised. This witty, heartfelt romance explores love, duty, and the courage to follow your heart, even when the whole world is watching.

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Linus Baker, a by-the-book caseworker, finds his orderly world turned upside down when he’s sent to investigate an orphanage on a remote island. There, he meets six extraordinary children and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus uncovers the island’s secrets, he discovers a family unlike any other and a love he never expected. This heartwarming tale of found family and acceptance will leave you misty-eyed and smiling, reminding us all that home is where you make it.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood icon, finally decides to tell her scandalous life story. She chooses unknown journalist Monique Grant for the task, leaving everyone puzzled. As Evelyn recounts her rise to stardom and her seven marriages, Monique finds herself drawn into a world of glamour, ambition, and unexpected love. But as the story unfolds, a shocking connection between them emerges, forcing Monique to confront her own past and redefine her future. This captivating tale of old Hollywood will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Beartown

In the depths of a Swedish forest, where winter’s grip never truly loosens, lies Beartown – a community on the brink. Hockey is their lifeline, their passion, their everything. As the junior team prepares for a crucial game, hopes soar and tensions simmer. But when a shocking incident shatters their fragile unity, the town must confront its darkest secrets and deepest fears. Backman’s prose cuts like ice, revealing the raw humanity beneath small-town facades. A powerful exploration of loyalty, dreams, and the price we pay for belonging.

A Man Called Ove

Meet Ove, a curmudgeonly widower whose world is upended when a boisterous young family moves in next door. Behind his cranky exterior lies a story of love, loss, and unexpected friendship. As Ove’s icy heart begins to thaw, he discovers that life is full of surprises, even when you least expect them. Backman’s touching tale reminds us that it’s never too late to start anew and that sometimes, the most unlikely people can change our lives forever.

Before We Were Strangers

Fate intervenes when two college sweethearts reconnect after fifteen years apart. Matt’s chance encounter with Grace on a New York subway platform reignites long-buried feelings and unanswered questions. As they navigate their shared past and uncertain future, memories of their passionate romance in college resurface, along with the pain of their abrupt separation. Through alternating timelines, we witness their youthful love and present-day struggles, exploring themes of missed opportunities, second chances, and the enduring power of first love. A poignant reminder that sometimes, the one who got away might just be the one you’re meant to find again.

An American Marriage

Celestial and Roy, newlyweds brimming with hope, find their world shattered when Roy is wrongfully convicted. As he languishes behind bars, Celestial’s love wavers, and she finds solace in Andre, her childhood friend. Jones weaves a poignant tale of love tested by injustice, exploring the complexities of marriage, loyalty, and the American Dream. Through intimate letters and raw emotions, we witness the unraveling of a union and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic prejudice.

The Outsider

In a small town, a beloved Little League coach is arrested for a horrific crime. Eyewitnesses and DNA evidence point to his guilt, but he has an ironclad alibi. Detective Ralph Anderson, grappling with personal demons, is drawn into a perplexing case that defies logic. As the investigation deepens, unsettling questions arise, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. King masterfully weaves a chilling tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Charlie’s world unfolds through a series of letters, revealing the raw emotions of a high school freshman navigating friendship, love, and loss. As he finds his place among a group of misfit seniors, Charlie grapples with his past trauma and present uncertainties. Chbosky’s poignant narrative captures the essence of adolescence – the awkward moments, the exhilarating firsts, and the bittersweet realization that growing up means leaving some things behind. It’s a story that resonates long after the final page, reminding us of the beauty in being infinite.

Swimsuit

Diving into a world of glamour and danger, “Swimsuit” plunges readers into a heart-pounding thriller. When a beautiful model vanishes during a photo shoot in Hawaii, ex-cop Ben Hawkins is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As he unravels the mystery, Ben discovers a chilling pattern of disappearances and a killer with an insatiable appetite for fame. Patterson’s signature fast-paced style keeps you on edge, making this beach read anything but relaxing.