Best new books to read in May 2025 including stunning debut and White Lotus-style thriller

April was a good month for book lovers, with the release of new romances by Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry, as well as fresh offerings from Suzanne Collins and Lauren Roberts. May is poised to be just as exciting, with a slew of eagerly anticipated releases on the horizon.

These include a thriller that combines the elements of and White Lotus, and a debut novel that will resonate with fans of Emerald Fennell's 2023 sensation, . Here are five must-read books scheduled for release in May 2025, catering to diverse tastes in romance, literary fiction, thrillers and fantasy. To stay up-to-date with the latest book recommendations, reviews, and news, consider to our free weekly newsletter, , on Substack.

The Tenant by Freida McFadden

Bestselling author Freida McFadden is back with her latest thriller, The Tenant, which promises to be just as full of twists and turns as her previous works.

The story follows Blake, who has just lost his job and is finding it difficult to keep up with the mortgage payments on the townhouse he shares with his fiancee, reports

As the synopsis unfolds: "Enter Whitney. Beautiful, charming, down-to-earth, and looking for a room to rent. She's exactly what Blake's looking for. Or is she?".

The Tenant is available to buy from from May 6.

Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter

Sunstruck is the riveting debut novel from William Rayfet Hunter, the winner of #Merky Books' 2022 New Writers' Prize.

At the heart of the story is a working-class Black man navigating the lavish world of his university friend Lily's affluent family. He becomes especially drawn to Lily's charming brother Felix as they spend their summer holidaying in the south of France.

However, upon their return to London, the carefully maintained facade of the Blake family begins to crack, exposing their hidden secrets and the far-reaching consequences of their choices on those around them.

Sunstruck delves into themes of racial identity, social standing, and the pieces of ourselves we risk losing when love is on the line.

Sunstruck is available to buy from from May 15.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

If you're a regular on BookTok, chances are you're familiar with the name Rachel Gillig. Following the success of her bestselling One Dark Window duology, the author is back with an exciting new novel, The Knight and the Moth.

This marks the beginning of a fresh gothic duology series, The Stonewater Kingdom.

In The Knight and the Moth, we follow Sybil, a diviner compelled to leave her life behind and embark on an impossible journey alongside Rodrick, a knight whose future remains a mystery to her.

Touted as one of Goodreads' most highly anticipated books of the month, early reviews rave about The Knight and the Moth as "absolutely incredible" and "even better than One Dark Window".

The Knight and the Moth is available to buy from from May 20.

People Pleaser by Catriona Stewart

People Pleaser, the debut novel by Catriona Stewart, introduces us to Maggie Lathrop, an aspiring actress whose fortunes change overnight when she emerges victorious on LoveShack, America's favourite reality dating show.

However, when Maggie is discovered dead in a Los Angeles warehouse and the police hit a dead end in their investigation, her sister Emma takes it upon herself to uncover the truth.

Billed as a fusion of Love Island and White Lotus, this fast-paced thriller is brimming with unforgettable characters and unexpected plot twists. It's the ideal beach read for those intrigued by the reality TV universe.

People Pleaser is available to buy from from May 22.

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani

For all the romance enthusiasts out there, Ride with Me is a must-read. The narrative revolves around Stella, who finds herself jilted at the altar and attending her cousin's hen party just a fortnight later, and Thomas, a Formula 1 driver grappling with his newfound status as the most despised man in the sport.

When the pair unexpectedly wake up as newlyweds in Las Vegas, they consider that remaining married might just solve all their problems. A perfect summer read, even those unfamiliar with the sports romance genre will find themselves instantly smitten with Stella and Thomas.

Ride with Me is available to buy from from May 22.