It’s no secret that we love a good book around here. But when May rolls around with a fresh batch of books just waiting to be devoured, the excitement at OUABC reaches a whole new level. Whether it’s moody thrillers, swoony romances, or gothic fantasies, we’re always on the lookout for our next favorite read.

So, we’ve rounded up the books we’re most excited to crack open this May! While these gems aren’t necessarily featured in our upcoming boxes, they’ve definitely earned a spot on our personal TBR piles.

Speaking of TBR lists, don’t forget to keep an eye out for our latest hint! You are in for a treat!

What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Release Date: May 6th, 2025

Second chances, scenic canals, and a very complicated visa situation? Count us in. When Dani unexpectedly lands a job in Amsterdam and even more unexpectedly crashes into her high school ex, she’s pulled into a steamy “marriage of convenience” that might be more about chemistry than convenience. With a lush European backdrop and all the messy magic of finding yourself (again), this one’s perfect for fans of emotional, slow-burn romance and big life reinventions.

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

Release Date: May 6th, 2025

High school cliques, whispered secrets, and one terrifying journal? Julie Soto is giving us dark academia meets paranormal drama in the best possible way. The Thrashers are the elite—a group at New Helvetia High—but when one outsider dies and the whispers begin, things get very creepy, very fast. Add in some ghostly revenge, a gripping mystery, and serious Pretty Little Liars energy, and you’ve got a thriller we’ll be reading with the lights on.

A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen

Release Date: May 13th, 2025

Fantasy lovers, rejoice! This Norse-inspired finale to Jensen’s duology brings gods, betrayal, and a heroine caught between destiny and choice. Freya must decide whether she’ll save her people—or destroy them—while managing magical bloodlines, political alliances, and the thorny problem of a very complicated ex. If you like your romance intense and your fantasy epic, this one’s calling your name.

We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

A creaky old house, a marriage on edge, and a possible ghost with unfinished business? Yes, please. When Emily moves to Dartmoor with her husband after a near-death experience, things start to unravel, fast. With eerie happenings and a protagonist who isn’t sure what’s real, this gothic tale is a slow-burning descent into psychological suspense, perfect for fans of haunted houses and unreliable narrators.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Release Date: May 6th, 2025

Fredrik Backman knows how to tug at our heartstrings—and this time, he’s doing it with four teenagers and one unforgettable painting. This story follows how a childhood friendship forged on a pier becomes the inspiration for a powerful piece of art, changing lives decades later. If you love tales that explore connection, healing, and the quiet beauty of human lives intersecting, this one’s not to be missed.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

Slow-burn romantasy meets gothic mystique in this atmospheric adventure. Sybil, a dream-seeing Diviner, must team up with Rodrick, a rogue knight with a broody attitude and a mysterious future. With disappearing friends, cursed gods, and windswept moors, this story promises peril, prophecy, and a reluctant partnership we’ll be rooting for. Bonus points for morally grey vibes and found family themes!

 

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers

Release Date: May 6th, 2025

True crime meets gripping fiction in this emotionally intense mystery. Seven years after her sister vanished, Nic is still stuck—until another missing girl’s sister offers her a glimmer of hope. As the two women dig into cold cases and buried secrets, this story explores what it means to keep searching, no matter how long it’s been. Perfect for readers who love a layered mystery with heart.

The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

Time travel and second chances? Yes, yes, and yes. Four strangers revisit the moment their lives were changed—only to find their “hour” in the past lasts longer than expected. As they uncover secrets and collide in unexpected ways, this speculative mystery explores how one moment can shape everything. Emotional, twisty, and full of interconnected fates, this one’s got Before the Coffee Gets Cold vibes we’re obsessed with.

The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North

Release Date: May 13th, 2025

Serial killers, childhood trauma, and island secrets collide in this chilling tale. When Dan returns to his hometown to investigate his father’s death, old nightmares come creeping back. Is the monster from his past still lurking? Alex North’s newest thriller promises shock and suspense, plus a psychological look into what we carry from childhood—and what we’ll do to protect the truth.

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis

Release Date: May 27th, 2025

A magical school, a freshly bitten werewolf kindergartener, and the most stressful PTA bake sale in history? We’re in love already. Vivian’s journey into a magical society includes sirens, secret trials, and cursed WhatsApp groups. With laugh-out-loud moments and cozy chaos, this one’s perfect for fantasy fans who like their witches with a side of witty mom energy.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Release Date: May 6th, 2025

Summer nostalgia, second chances, and a yellow speedboat? Fortune returns with a lakeside romance that’s equal parts sweet and swoony. When Alice returns to Barry’s Bay with her grandmother, she reconnects with Charlie—aka the boy from her favorite photo and her past. Warm nights, green eyes, and all the feels? Sign us up.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

Enemies-to-lovers? Check. Tropical setting? Check. Questionable swim skills and a rescue Great Dane? Double check. When Katie fakes her way into profiling a Coast Guard hunk, chaos and charm ensue. With helicopter rides, hurricanes, and heart, this rom-com is everything we love about Katherine Center’s feel-good style—with extra splash.

That’s What We’re Reading Next!

And there you have it! From haunted lodges to time-travel regrets, summer romances to thrilling mysteries, we’re pretty sure your TBR is looking a little taller right now (ours definitely is).

Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, gasp, or swoon, we hope our recommendations have sparked your interest. While these books won’t be appearing in our book boxes (at least not right now!), we’re cheering them on from the sidelines—and maybe preordering a few for ourselves.

📚 What are you reading this May? Let us know in the comments. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club! And if that is not enough to increase your TBR list, make sure to check out our blog on our team’s current reads.