Best Romance Books May 2025

Burning Bright

Jem Kellaway’s world turns upside down when his family moves from rural Dorset to bustling 18th-century London. Amidst the chaos of Lambeth, he befriends streetwise Maggie Butterfield. Together, they navigate the gritty underbelly of the city, their innocence slowly eroding. When they cross paths with their eccentric neighbor, the visionary poet William Blake, Jem’s eyes are opened to new possibilities. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings Georgian London to life, weaving a tale of friendship, artistic awakening, and the struggle to find one’s place in a rapidly changing world.

The Lady and the Unicorn

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 15th-century Paris with Tracy Chevalier’s “The Lady and the Unicorn.” This captivating tale weaves together art, passion, and intrigue as it unravels the story behind a set of mysterious medieval tapestries. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era, while her complex characters grapple with desire, ambition, and societal expectations. I found myself utterly entranced, unable to put the book down as I followed the intertwining fates of nobles, artisans, and dreamers.

Remarkable Creatures

Mary Anning’s keen eye and relentless curiosity unearth extraordinary fossils along England’s Jurassic Coast, challenging 19th-century scientific beliefs. As she forms an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster, their shared passion for paleontology defies societal norms. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the salty sea air and the thrill of discovery, while exploring themes of female friendship, class divide, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field. A captivating tale of two remarkable women who dared to challenge the world’s understanding of prehistoric life.

The Virgin Blue

Ella Turner’s move to rural France stirs up unexpected emotions and vivid dreams about her enigmatic ancestor, Isabelle du Moulin. As Ella delves into her family’s past, she uncovers a haunting legacy of religious persecution and forbidden love. Chevalier weaves a mesmerizing tale that spans centuries, blending historical intrigue with contemporary self-discovery. Through vivid prose and rich detail, she explores the enduring power of family secrets and the quest for identity. A captivating read that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.

A Single Thread

Violet Speedwell, a “surplus woman” in post-World War I England, defies societal expectations by moving to Winchester. There, she discovers the art of needlepoint and joins a group of broderers at the cathedral. As Violet stitches her way through grief and loneliness, she finds unexpected friendship and purpose. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the intricate world of embroidery and the complexities of a woman’s journey to independence in a changing society. A poignant tale of resilience and self-discovery.

A Well-Behaved Woman

Alva Vanderbilt was never just a well-behaved woman. Born to a struggling Southern family, she clawed her way into New York high society through a strategic marriage. But Alva wasn’t content with being a trophy wife. She had ambitions of her own, challenging the rigid social norms of the Gilded Age. Through her eyes, we witness the opulence and struggles of America’s wealthiest families. Fowler’s vivid prose brings to life a complex woman who was both a product of her time and ahead of it, leaving me pondering the true meaning of power and legacy.

Portrait in Sepia

In “Portrait in Sepia,” Isabel Allende weaves a mesmerizing tale of family secrets and personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Chile, we follow Aurora del Valle’s journey to uncover her past. Allende’s vivid prose brings to life the sights and smells of old San Francisco and Valparaíso, while exploring themes of love, loss, and identity. I found myself completely absorbed in Aurora’s world, feeling her joys and sorrows as if they were my own. A truly captivating read that lingers long after the final page.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, the wild and talented wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, comes alive in this captivating novel. Fowler paints a vivid portrait of the Roaring Twenties, whisking readers through Jazz Age parties and expatriate life in Paris. As Zelda struggles to find her own identity beyond Scott’s shadow, we witness her passionate spirit and artistic ambitions. The author’s meticulous research shines through, offering a fresh perspective on one of literature’s most fascinating couples. I found myself completely absorbed in Zelda’s world, cheering for her triumphs and aching for her struggles.

Eva Luna

Eva Luna’s life unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of magic and resilience. Allende’s enchanting prose transports us to a world where reality blurs with fantasy, as Eva navigates love, loss, and revolution. I found myself captivated by her journey, feeling as if I were right there beside her, experiencing the sights and sounds of Latin America. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the indomitable human spirit.

Of Love and Shadows

In this haunting tale of passion and political turmoil, Isabel Allende weaves a tapestry of love and resistance in a country gripped by fear. Irene, a fearless journalist, and Francisco, a daring photographer, find themselves drawn into a dangerous investigation that will change their lives forever. As they uncover the brutal truth behind disappearances and murders, their growing love becomes a beacon of hope in a world of shadows. Allende’s lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of human resilience will stay with you long after the final page.