The Book Beat - May 2025
Bringing you this month’s bookish buzz, from hot new releases to must-see screen adaptations. This month, One Golden Summer and so many more releases.
Table of Contents
Book to Screen Adaptation News
Buzzy New Releases
I have been waiting for this month of reading since last year! So excited for the May summer reads. If you’re in the mood for second chances, sizzling romances, steamy fantasy, or heart-thumping thrillers, this month is stacked. Here are some of my top picks:
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6) — ✹Top pick for me✹
We’re heading back to Barry’s Bay — this time it’s Charlie Florek’s turn. If Every Summer After left you wrecked (in the best way), this one’s going to feel like slipping back into your favorite lake-soaked love story. I am beyond excited for this story and I have been following along with Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After read-along on Instagram.
Summers by the lake + second chances + now & then timelines + all the swoon-worthy moments.
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon (May 6)
Second-chance romance with a side of stroopwafels? A picturesque return to Amsterdam and a fake marriage for a visa? Sign me up for all the complicated feels and canal-side longing.
Marriage of convenience + second chances + love letter to Amsterdam
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | AmazonCan’t Get Enough (Skyland Book #3) by Kennedy Ryan (May 13)
The third installment in the Skyland series will without a doubt leave readers emotionally wrecked, but I’m a glutton for punishment. *adds to cart*
Forbidden romance + he falls first + grief + emotional + BIPOC rep
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | AmazonThe Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20) —✹Top pick for me✹
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good and fun rom-com, then pick this up - Katherine Center does not disappoint and I always leave her books feeling hopeful.
Tropical summer vibes + found family + self love + coast guard rescue MMC
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | AmazonIt’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27) —✹Top pick for me✹
This one’s got some of my favorite tropes, a dreamy beach setting, and it’s by an author I always look forward to. Annabel Monaghan is known for writing leading ladies who feel grounded, grown-up, and refreshingly real.
Summer vibes + rivals to lovers + opposites attract + emotional healing
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood (May 27) —✹Top pick for me✹
Ali Hazelwood returns to the Not In Love universe with a story set in a romantic Italian villa, where Maya finds herself sharing space with her brother’s best friend.
Brother’s best friend + age gap + he falls first + vacation vibes + grumpy sunshine
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Rewind It Back (Windy City #5) by Liz Tomforde (May 20)
This entire series is on my list still!! If you like a sexy sports romance then you will probably enjoy this series. This book follows Rio’s love story.
Hockey romance + girl next door + first love + childhood friends
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Fallen Court (Filthy Rich Fae #2) by Geneva Lee (May 22) —✹Top pick for me✹
Book two in the Filthy Rich Fae series hits shelves this month, promising more intrigue, heat, and high-stakes fantasy drama.
Mafia meets fantasy + touch them and die energy + Fae royalty + secrets + light worldbuilding
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Silver Elite by Dani Francis (May 6) —✹Top pick for me✹
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, this one follows a young woman hiding her psychic abilities—and her feelings for her commanding officer—while working undercover to dismantle a ruthless regime.
Book 1 of a trilogy + urban dystopian + romantasy + enemies to lovers
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (May 20)
This book poses the question: “What if you could have one last meal with someone you’ve loved, someone you’ve lost?” Color me intrigued!
Paranormal + magical realism + love and loss + heart-wrenching
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig (May 20)
Rachel Gillig, author of the beloved One Dark Window duology, returns with a haunting new fantasy. This gothic tale follows a prophetess thrust from the safety of her cloister on a perilous journey to challenge the gods themselves.
Book 1 of duology + high fantasy + dark gothic romance + atmospheric + slow burn
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North (May 13) — ✹Top pick for me✹
This upcoming thriller promises to be equal parts chilling and emotional—a haunting story of fathers and sons, buried secrets, and the lingering grip of past trauma.
Serial killer thriller + gripping + suspenseful + criminal profiler
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
The Tenant by Frieda McFadden (May 6)
Frieda McFadden is known for her twisty, unsettling thrillers—and this one looks just as chilling. A dark tale of revenge, privilege, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Psychological thriller + murder mystery + suspense + high stakes
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay (May 6)
Five families gather for a festive Parents Weekend dinner—cocktails flowing, laughter echoing late into the night. But as the evening wears on, their kids from Campisi Hall never show up.
Multi-POV + family dysfunction + past and present timeline
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
The Thrashers by Julie Soto (May 6)
At New Helvetia High, the Thrashers are the elite inner circle everyone wants to be part of. But when Emily Mills—desperate to join their ranks—ends up dead, the rumors start swirling.
Young adult + morally grey characters + murder mystery + thriller + drama
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding (Vacation Mysteries #2) by Catherine Mack (May 13)
Book two in this charmingly clever series finds author Eleanor Dash trading writer’s block for wedding bells and murder clues—this time, sleuthing her way through a mystery at her best friend’s Catalina Island nuptials.
Romance + adventure + cozy + murder mystery
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (May 6)
Comedian Nate Bargatze shares stories from his wonderfully average life in this hilarious memoir. With his signature deadpan delivery, this sounds like a must-listen on audio.
memoir + comedy + dry humor + full of heart
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
The Blue Book by Elin Hilderbrand (May 6)
Elin Hilderbrand fans, rejoice—The Blue Book is your ultimate guide to 'Elin’s Nantucket,' filled with her favorite beaches, bites, shops, and scenic spots. Think of it as a beachy companion to her beloved novels.
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
My Friends by Fredrik Backman (May 6) —✹Top pick for me✹
A heartfelt and humorous story about four teens whose powerful bond echoes decades later, changing a stranger’s life. This one feels like it could stick with you
Good for book club + friendship + art + heartfelt +summer vibes + tear jerker
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin (May 6)
Freya returns home to fix up her inherited house—and her fractured past—only to find her runaway niece hiding there. A moving story about family, forgiveness, and starting over.
redemption + generational curses + found family + small town setting
Goodreads | Bookshop.org (buy local) | Amazon
The Bombshell by Darrow Farr (May 27)
A young woman’s political awakening ignites a national movement—blending first love, radical passion, and the power of youth-fueled rebellion.
debut + cinematic + coming of age + action-packed
What’s on your TBR for May?
From Page to Screen: The Latest in Adaptations
The Husbands (TV Series – Apple TV+) Apple TV+ is bringing Holly Gramazio’s bestselling debut to the screen with The Husbands, an eight-episode comedic drama starring Juno Temple (Ted Lasso, Fargo). I adored Juno in Ted Lasso, and while the book was a fun read, I have a feeling this adaptation might outshine it (don't revoke my bookworm card!). Apple’s track record with adaptations gives me high hopes. Read More
Count My Lies (TV Series – Hulu) Lindsay Lohan is set to star in and executive produce Count My Lies, a Hulu drama currently in development. From the creators of This Is Us, the show follows compulsive liar Sloane Caraway, who lands a nanny job with the glamorous Lockharts, only to find their perfect life is full of secrets. If greenlit, this would be Lohan’s first leading TV role. Read More
The Last Mrs. Parrish (Movie – Netflix) The Last Mrs. Parrish, a Reese Witherspoon book club pick from 2017, is getting the movie treatment at Netflix with Jennifer Lopez in the lead and Robert Zemeckis directing. I still haven’t read the book (shame!), but this is moving up on my list. Read More
Listen for the Lie (TV Series – In Development) One of my favorite thrillers from last year, Amy Tintera’s Listen for the Lie, is heading to TV. The story follows Lucy, suspected of killing her best friend, as she investigates the truth amid a true crime podcast frenzy. Rachel Shukert (Nine Perfect Strangers) is set to write, with Tintera also on board as executive producer. Read More
Bad Summer People (TV Series – TBA) Sarah Michelle Gellar is back, starring in and executive producing Bad Summer People, based on Emma Rosenblum’s bestseller. Think The White Lotus meets Big Little Lies, with a dead body, juicy secrets, and scheming summer frenemies set on Fire Island. Read More
Reminders of Him (Movie – Universal, February 2026) Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him is headed to theaters in 2026, with Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow (Outer Banks), and Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) in the cast. I adore this casting! Directed by Vanessa Caswill and co-written by Hoover, the story follows a young mother rebuilding her life after prison and trying to reconnect with her daughter. Read More
Pictures of You (TV Series – Optioned) Emma Grey’s Pictures of You has been optioned by Magpie Pictures, with plans to turn it into a mystery thriller series. The book centers on Evie Hudson, a forensic linguist who loses over a decade of memory—and her husband—in a tragic accident. As she pieces her life back together, she confronts buried truths and the possibility of love again. Read More
Coming Soon to the Screen
Book-to-Screen adaptations releasing this month I am excited for!
The Murder Bot Diaries
Book: The Murder Bot Diaries
Adaptation: TV Series
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Release Date: May 16th 2025
Apple TV+ is bringing Martha Wells’ acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries to the screen, with Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood) set to star (SCREAMS!!) as the cyborg security agent. The story is told from the perspective of a security robot that gains autonomy from the megacorporation that owns it. Instead of turning violent, it takes on security contracts and gradually builds relationships with both humans and other AIs. My husband loves this series and I love Alexander Skarsgård so this is a must watch for us!
My BOTM (Book of the Month) Picks
Not to sound like a broken record, but where are all the rom-coms this month?! This is peak romance season—I want swoons, sun, and a happily ever after. Still, I couldn’t resist grabbing two that caught my eye. What can I say… I’m weak for a good cover and a promising blurb. If you’re interested in joining Book of the Month, you can join here! (While I won’t discuss each book individually, many of these are listed in the New Release section!)
It was a tough call between Silver Elite, The Man Made of Smoke, and The Bombshell this month. In the end, Silver Elite won me over—between the Hunger Games vibes and those special edition sprayed edges (yes, I’m an absolute sucker for pretty edges), it had to be mine. Here’s what landed in my May box:
Keep the pages turning,
Danielle
Books and Sweets and Books and Trains (travel). Together, we create the perfect world!