May is my birthday month and easily my favorite time of year. Spring is in full swing, everything feels a little brighter, and my bookshelf is overflowing with colorful covers and swoony stories that will see me through summer. (I fully support the idea that birthdays are for treating yourself to new reads.) Here are a few of the romances making this month feel extra special.

*****

Kate Clayborn’s The Paris Match (Berkley) shines as a beautifully written, emotionally layered tale set in the City of Light.

Physician Layla Bailey travels to Paris for her former sister-in-law’s wedding, forcing her to confront the reality of her so-called “amicable” divorce. What begins as an uncomfortable reunion quickly becomes more complicated when Layla finds herself clashing with Griffin Testa, the groom’s brooding, fiercely loyal best man. After a misunderstanding leaves the wedding in jeopardy, the two are reluctantly thrown together in order to smooth things over — though their growing connection soon overshadows the festivities.

Clayborn excels at crafting complex, mature characters, and both Layla and Griffin feel vividly real. Layla’s emotional journey — reckoning with loss, identity, and the cost of staying “friendly” after heartbreak — is handled with care. Griffin, bearing the physical and emotional scars of past trauma and living with chronic pain, is equally compelling. He’s guarded yet tender, with a quiet intensity that makes his vulnerability all the more powerful.

Their relationship blossoms at a slow burn, with plenty of sharp banter, mutual respect, and an intimacy that develops in an authentic and honest way. The dual perspectives enrich the story, allowing readers to fully appreciate each of their viewpoints and the depth of the bond they’re building.

With all the beauty and elegance of Paris as a backdrop, The Paris Match delivers romantic escapism with a heartwarming emotional center. Reflective, poignant, and ultimately hopeful, it’s a standout story about second chances, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to open your heart again.

*****

Alisha Rai takes readers on a whirlwind road trip in the fast-paced romantic adventure Enemies to Lovers (Avon).

When con artist Sejal Chaudhary crosses paths with Krish Anand — who is very much not the FBI agent he claims to be — the two form a reluctant partnership and embark on a cross-country mission driven by desperation and laced with danger. With Krish’s FBI-agent brother Avi missing, the criminal syndicate once led by his mother involved, and Sejal’s dangerous ex closing in, their uneasy alliance quickly turns into a string of narrow escapes, clever twists, and undeniable chemistry.

What makes the story special is the emotional depth Rai brings to her characters. Shaped by a lifetime of instability and betrayal, Sejal is street-smart, guarded, and self-reliant. Krish, despite his deception, is an unexpectedly sensitive hero determined to find his brother and quietly courageous in his growing desire to protect Sejal. Their dynamic unfolds beautifully, shifting from suspicion to trust, with a romance that builds through small, meaningful moments as they begin to see and understand each other beyond their defenses. The enemies-to-lovers arc is deftly paced, and the mounting anticipation of their revealed vulnerability feels well-earned.

Rai also weaves in thoughtful explorations of family — both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose. Balancing humor, action, and romance, Enemies to Lovers is as entertaining as Rai’s previous caper, Partners in Crime. Readers who enjoyed the first book in the series will appreciate revisiting familiar characters and will be eager for the next installment.

*****

Mallory Kass’ sparkling debut, Save the Date (Atria), is a wedding-weekend romance that weaves humor and heart into a delightfully messy story of love in all its forms.

Set on a picturesque island off the coast of Maine, the novel follows three women — bride Marigold, maid of honor Natalie, and Marigold’s older sister, Olivia — as the celebration begins to fall apart in increasingly dramatic ways. When a secret from Marigold’s past threatens to derail the nuptials entirely, the weekend spirals into a series of unexpected detours, forcing each woman to confront long-buried truths about love, loyalty, and the lives they’ve built.

Kass’ careful development of her central characters elevates this tale beyond the usual romcom. Chaotic Marigold grapples with putting her past behind her in order to move forward into the life she thinks she wants; devoted best friend Natalie is determined to get through the wedding despite her quiet, long-held passion for the groom; and no-nonsense Olivia finds herself in an opposites-attract, fake-dating scenario that challenges her in unexpected ways. Each woman’s story unfolds over the course of the weekend, and their different perspectives allow for complex explorations of romance and self-discovery.

The seaside setting provides a breezy backdrop as the protagonists juggle complicated family dynamics, the weight of others’ expectations, and the yearning to choose their own happiness. Warm, witty, and heartfelt, Save the Date is a perfect feel-good read for spring.

Kristina Wright lives in Virginia with her husband, their two sons, two Goldendoodles, and a ginger cat. She’s a regular contributor at BookBub and a lifelong fan of romance fiction. Find her on Bluesky at @kristinawright.