There’s just something about a fresh stack of new releases that feels like a reset button for readers. At Once Upon a Book Club, we’re always keeping an eye on the books we know are going to take over our reading lists (and probably our sleep schedules too). And this May? Let’s just say our TBR piles are thriving.

We’re especially excited because one of this month’s standout titles is getting the OUABC treatment in our Lite Box, which means you don’t just read the story, you step right into it. Our book boxes are all about bringing stories to life with those perfectly timed, unexpected surprises that make reading feel completely immersive (and just a little addictive, in the best way). 

And OUABC Lite? It takes that magic in a fresh new direction. Each box includes beautifully designed paper items tucked inside envelopes, created to engage all five senses (sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch) and bring key moments off the page and into your hands. Just make sure you only open each envelope when you reach the matching page number—trust us, it’s worth the wait. 

So, whether you’re here to plan your next read or just love a good “what should I read next?” moment, here are the May releases we can’t wait for!

 

Verity Guild by Mai Corland

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

If you love a little danger mixed with your romance (okay, a lot of danger), this one is already calling your name. Verity Guild brings together secrets, deception, and blood magic in a story that feels as intense as it is addictive.

At the centre of it all is Kerasea, a high priestess hiding a truth that could destroy everything, and Torren, the man determined to expose her. Forced to work together under very dangerous circumstances, their relationship shifts from enemies to something far more complicated…and risky.

It’s giving tension, betrayal, slow-burn romance, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages way past your bedtime.

Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

This one feels like summer in book form.

Finley has always followed someone else’s lead, but when life takes an unexpected turn, she’s suddenly left without a plan and forced to figure out who she really is. Set against a backdrop of family secrets, new friendships, and a charmingly awkward love interest, this story leans into growth, change, and those messy in-between moments that shape us.

Warm, emotional, and quietly powerful, Change of Plans is the kind of book you close with a full heart (and maybe a few tears).

The Undergrads: Student Union by Julie Murphy

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

Okay, this is the one we really need to talk about, because it’s going to be featured in an OUABC Lite Box!🎉

First of all, this story? A marriage of convenience, college setting, unresolved tension, and undeniable chemistry. Clover and Bennett’s dynamic is exactly the kind of chaotic, emotional, slow-burn romance we love to obsess over.

But what makes this even more exciting is how you’ll experience it. As you move through the story, you’ll hit those iconic “Open Your Gift” moments, turning key scenes into something you can actually feel.

The best part is, Lite boxes are not subscriptions, so you can grab this experience on its own and take it anywhere.

If you’ve been curious about trying OUABC, this is honestly the perfect place to start.

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

Release Date: May 26th, 2026

If you could go back and relive the moments that mattered most, would you?

The Midnight Train leans into that question with a magical, time-traveling love story that feels both intimate and thought-provoking. Following Wilbur as he revisits the most meaningful parts of his life, this story explores regret, love, and the quiet weight of the choices we make.

It’s reflective, emotional, and just a little bit haunting in the way that lingers long after the final page.

Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

If you’re in the mood for something gripping (like, “one more chapter” until it’s 2am kind of gripping), this courtroom thriller is ready.

Leila Reynolds is thrown into a high-profile murder case she’s not prepared for, defending a client who refuses to speak. Between hidden motives, buried secrets, and a courtroom full of tension, every detail feels like it matters.

It’s clever, intense, and full of twists that will have you second-guessing everything, including who you think is telling the truth.

A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys

Release Date: May 26th, 2026

Set in 1920s Detroit, this story is layered with glamour, mystery, and just enough unease to keep you on edge.

Marjorie escapes her controlling family to join an exclusive arts program, only to realize that something about it isn’t quite right. Strange rules, whispered disappearances, and a benefactor who feels both absent and everywhere.

It’s atmospheric, intriguing, and deeply immersive, the kind of historical fiction that pulls you in slowly and doesn’t let go.

 

Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow

Release Date: May 19th, 2026

Dark academia, magical chaos, academic rivals—yes, please!

Gwen and Harrisford are competing for top honors in magical veterinary science (which is already iconic), but when mysterious magical surges begin causing havoc, they’re forced to work together.

There’s tension, humor, reluctant teamwork, and a whole lot of unresolved feelings bubbling beneath the surface. Add in a snarky cat familiar, and honestly, we’re sold on this one. 

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

This one feels bold, emotional, and full of heart.

Set during the Great Depression, it follows a group of women brought together by circumstance, each carrying their own struggles and secrets. At its core, it’s a story about resilience, found family, and what happens when women refuse to stay silent.

It’s powerful, moving, and exactly the kind of story that reminds you why you love reading in the first place.

The Final Target by Nora Roberts

Release Date: May 26th, 2026

If psychological tension is your thing, this one is going straight onto your list.

What starts as admiration quickly turns into something far more dangerous, as Arden finds herself targeted by a man who refuses to let go. Even after distance and time, the threat doesn’t disappear; it evolves.

It’s intense, unsettling, and impossible to look away from. Definitely one of those stories that will require one more chapter each night!

Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

High-stakes, high tension, and a heroine who refuses to back down.

Set in a post-eco-apocalyptic Manhattan, this story follows a powerful heiress navigating an elite academy, dangerous trials, and a connection she’s not supposed to have.

It’s dramatic, fast-paced, and packed with intrigue. This novel is perfect for readers who love their fantasy with a sharp edge.

The Girl With a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

Dark, haunting, and deeply atmospheric, this story blends historical fiction with ghostly folklore in a way that feels completely immersive.

Mercy’s past is a mystery (even to her), but as she’s drawn into a dangerous confrontation with a powerful spirit, the truth begins to surface in ways she may not be ready for.

It’s eerie, emotional, and beautifully layered.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Release Date: May 5th, 2026

Friends-to-something-more, a broken engagement, and a second chance set in a dreamy location, this one is pure romance gold.

Frankie and George’s story is full of history, tension, and unspoken feelings, all set against the backdrop of a healing trip that might change everything.

It’s emotional, romantic, and exactly the kind of story you’ll want to get lost in.

That’s a Wrap (for Now) 💛

If your TBR list wasn’t already out of control, we’re so sorry (but also not really).

May is bringing us everything from swoony romances and gripping thrillers to magical adventures and emotional journeys, and we’re fully leaning in. And if you’re looking to make your reading experience even more memorable, our Once Upon a Book Club subscriptions are designed to bring every page to life with interactive gifts and unforgettable moments.

And of course, don’t forget to grab The Undergrads: Student Union in our OUABC Lite Box because this is one story you won’t just want to read, you’ll want to experience.

Happy reading, and we’ll see you between the pages 📖✨ On a side note, reading is always best done in comfort and style, and we have just the bookish tees for every occasion!