I usually publish my anticipated releases by season, but similar to this March and April, May itself is filled with so many good book coming out from some of my favorite authors. I also plan on doing a separate post for June anticipated releases, since again there is an amazing line up of books coming out throughout 2022. I have a bunch of these books on hold from the library already & plan on buying others upon their release day. 

Inheritance (e-novella) & Rivals (American Royals #3) by Katharine McGee | RD: May 3 and 31

Inheritance takes place before the events of American Royals – I know I could listen to this novella on audio (Penguin Random House has been doing a ton of audio releases before digital/print, like with Ali Hazelwood’s novella collection), but I really am a text reader over audio. I also plan on rereading American Royals & Her Majesty before Rivals, so I think it will be a fun way to kick off my reread before the final book in one of my all-time fave YA series. Add Inheritance & Rivals on Goodreads

Book Lovers by Emily Henry | RD: May 3 

I think Emily Henry’s Books Lovers is every contemporary romance fan’s most anticipated book of May – as the title suggests, this is likely the most bookish of her contemporary romances yet, with the main characters as an author and editor. Add it on Goodreads

By the Book (Meant to Be #2) by Jasmine Guillory | RD: May 3

Although I do admit that I am a tad tired of the Beauty & the Beast retellings in YA and contemporary alike, I am here for anything that Jasmine Guillory writes and I loved Julie Murphy’s Cinderella retelling, If The Shoe Fits, the first installment in the Meant to Be companion series. Add it on Goodreads

The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall | RD: May 3 

Katy Birchall’s The Secret Bridesmaid is such an under hyped gem from 2021 and I so am looking forward to similar reading feels with The Wedding Season , following a jilted bride and her summer of attending 7 weddings. Add it on Goodreads

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston | RD: May 3 

Every YA contemporary fan is going to get their hands on Casey McQuiston’s I Kissed Shara Wheeler this May. I LOVED Red, White, & Royal Blue and felt meh about One Last Stop, but I have high hopes for I Kissed Sara Wheeler! Add it on Goodreads

Set on You by Amy Lea | RD: May 10 

I fortunately have an ARC of Set on You and will be sharing my review thoughts closer to release, but I think this one will be another fan favorite this spring & summer. The book follows a fitness influencer whose gym nemesis keeps popping up again and again, including at their grandparents’ engagement party. Add it on Goodreads

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune | RD: May 10 

Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After is one of my most anticipated debuts of 2022. This is a romance set over six summers in a lakeshore town. Add it on Goodreads 

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon | RD: May 17

Rachel Lynn Solomon’s See You Yesterday is one of my most anticipated YA books, let alone book releases, of 2022. I am so excited to see one of my favorite authors take on a college-set YA (with a time loop!!). Add it on Goodreads

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren | RD: May 17

Just like all of their books, Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder is for sure going to be another fan favorite this season. I think this adventure romcom will especially appeal to fans who like plots with action, as exes Lily and Leo team up to follow Lily’s treasure hunter father’s hints around the Canyonlands. Add it on Goodreads

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub | RD: May 17 

I’m a huge fan of Emma Straub’s books, and I think her upcoming book, This Time Tomorrow, will be the perfect book for anyone who lovers the 1990s, following a forty year old who is transported to 1996 on her 16th birthday. Add it on Goodreads 

Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman | RD: May 17

I lovvveeed Abbi Waxman’s The Bookish Life of Nina Hill & have been meaning to read more of her work. I’ve heard the main protagonist of Adult Assembly Required (I love the title!) is similar to Nina Hill. Add it on Goodreads 

Tokyo Dreaming (Tokyo Ever After #2) by Emiko Jean | RD:May 31

I was super fortunate to receive an ARC of Tokyo Dreaming, the sequel to Emiko Jean’s Tokyo Ever After, and this is your reminder to read book #1 ASAP or have this sequel preordered. This YA series following a protagonist who finds out her father is the Crown Prince of Japan make the perfect books for readers who love anything having to do with royals. Add it on Goodreads

What books are you looking forward to in May? Any that I didn’t mention? Share in the comments!