Romance Release Radar: May 2026
- evemrileyauthor
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
The blossoms are out, the days are getting longer, and my TBR pile is officially leaning at a dangerous angle. May is shaping up to be an incredible month for romance readers, with some of our favorite heavy hitters returning to the shelves.
Whether you are looking for a rugged mountain man, a steamy sports romance, or a small town escape, May 2026 has you covered. Put on your sunglasses, grab a cold drink, and let’s dive into the five releases I’m most excited about this month!
Rules for the Summer
by Meghan Quinn
5th May
Nobody does laugh-out-loud romantic comedy quite like Meghan Quinn. Rules for the Summer looks like the perfect seasonal read to kick off your vacation vibes. Known for her crackling dialogue and over-the-top "meet-cutes," Quinn is sure to deliver another story filled with hilarious group chats, undeniable chemistry, and that signature emotional depth that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Hart's Landing
by Melanie Harlow
12th May
If you love a romance that feels deeply personal and evocative, Melanie Harlow is your girl. Hart’s Landing brings us back to the world of small town charm and complicated family legacies. Her books always strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, and I have a feeling this one is going to be an instant favorite for anyone who loves a "slow burn" that eventually catches fire.
Risk the Play
by Kaylee Ryan
19th May
For the sports romance fans, Risk the Play is the sixth book in the Nashville Rampage series, and the anticipation is through the roof. Kaylee Ryan is a master of the "low angst, high payoff" romance. If you want a hero who is absolutely obsessed with his heroine and a plot that focuses on the sweetness of falling in love (with plenty of hockey energy), make sure this one is on your Kindle.
Fever Dream
by Elsie Silver
19th May
Elsie Silver is the queen of small town tension, and her latest release, Fever Dream, is at the top of everyone’s list for a reason. This kicks off the highly anticipated Emerald Lake series, and if it is anything like her Chestnut Springs books, we are in for all the heart, heat, and "found family" vibes we can handle. Expect a hero who is just the right amount of protective and a story that feels like a warm hug (with a side of steam).
Bad Boy Era
by Amy Dawns
26th May
Amy Daws is taking us back to the mountains with Bad Boy Era, the fourth installment in her Mountain Men Matchmaker series. If you like your heroes a little bit grumpy and a lot bit rugged, this is the book for you. Daws has a way of writing characters that feel like your best friends, and her "forced proximity" tropes are always top tier. Get ready for some high-altitude heat and plenty of banter.
Which of these May releases are you hitting "pre-order" on? Let me know in the comments which one you’re planning to read first!
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Love,
Eve x
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