Best Romance Books May 2025

The Betrayals

In “The Betrayals,” Bridget Collins weaves a mesmerizing tale of ambition, secrets, and forbidden love. Set in an elite academy where students compete in the mysterious grand jeu, the story follows Leo Martin as he returns to his alma mater, haunted by memories of a passionate affair. As he uncovers long-buried truths, Leo finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of power and deception. Collins’ lyrical prose and intricate world-building captivate, leaving readers questioning the nature of art, loyalty, and the price of greatness.

The Binding

In a world where memories can be bound into books, young Emmett Farmer is apprenticed to a mysterious bookbinder. As he uncovers the secrets of his craft, he stumbles upon a forbidden volume—his own. Torn between curiosity and fear, Emmett delves into a past he can’t remember, uncovering a love story that challenges everything he thought he knew. Collins weaves a spellbinding tale of magic, romance, and the power of the written word, leaving readers breathless until the very last page.

The Essex Serpent

Sarah Perry’s “The Essex Serpent” is a mesmerizing tale of Victorian-era intrigue and romance. Set against the backdrop of a small English village, the story follows Cora Seaborne, a recently widowed amateur naturalist, as she investigates rumors of a mythical sea creature. Perry’s lush prose brings the marshy landscape to life, while her complex characters grapple with faith, science, and desire. I found myself completely absorbed in this atmospheric novel, feeling the damp chill of the Essex coast and the palpable tension between the main characters. A truly captivating read that lingers long after the final page.

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock

Jonah Hancock’s life is turned upside down when a sea captain sells him a mermaid. As rumors of this mythical creature spread through London, Jonah finds himself thrust into high society, where he meets the alluring courtesan Angelica Neal. Their worlds collide in unexpected ways, weaving a tale of ambition, love, and the extraordinary. Gowar’s vivid prose brings 18th-century London to life, with its gritty streets and glittering salons. A captivating blend of historical fiction and magical realism that will leave you spellbound.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller finds a strange book. As she reads, she’s swept into a story of love and longing, of adventure and sacrifice. The book speaks of Doors—portals to other worlds—and January discovers she possesses the power to open them. But her guardian, the wealthy Mr. Locke, will stop at nothing to keep her gift hidden. As January uncovers family secrets and her own identity, she must choose between safety and the wild freedom of endless possibilities.

Magic Lessons

Delving into the rich tapestry of the Owens family history, “Magic Lessons” weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of magic. Set in 17th-century Salem, Hoffman’s lyrical prose brings to life the story of Maria Owens, the matriarch who started it all. As Maria navigates a world of prejudice and danger, her journey becomes a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative nature of love. This enchanting prequel will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Book of Magic

In “The Book of Magic,” Alice Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Set in the enchanting world of the Owens family, this novel follows three generations of witches as they grapple with an ancient curse. Hoffman’s lyrical prose brings to life a world where magic shimmers just beneath the surface, and where the bonds of sisterhood are tested by fate. As I turned each page, I found myself captivated by the rich characters and their struggles, feeling as if I were right there with them, experiencing their joys and heartaches. A truly magical read.

Practical Magic

In a quaint New England town, two sisters grapple with their magical heritage and a family curse. Gillian, wild and restless, flees their ancestral home, while Sally craves normalcy. But when tragedy strikes, they’re drawn back together, confronting their powers and the whispers of the past. Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, infused with a touch of whimsy and the bittersweet scent of midnight blooms. A bewitching story that lingers long after the final page.

The Rules of Magic

Susanna Owens knew her children were different from the moment they were born. Franny, with her blood-red hair and pale skin, could commune with birds. Jet, as dark and beautiful as her sister was fair, read people’s thoughts. And Vincent, their baby brother, was already displaying a dangerous fascination with candles and fire. Determined to shield them from their family’s cursed legacy of magic, Susanna set strict rules. But when the siblings visit their Aunt Isabelle in Massachusetts, they discover their true selves and the power that lies within. A spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family, “The Rules of Magic” weaves a captivating spell that will enchant readers long after the final page.

Malibu Rising

Malibu, 1983. Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of summer. By morning, their lives will be forever changed. Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; Jay, the championship surfer; Hud, the renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. The alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface. I was captivated by the Riva siblings’ complex relationships and the way their past intertwines with their present. A perfect beach read that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yearn for the California coast.