FIRST Book Club: 7 Feel-Great Reads You’ll Love for May 17th – May 23rd
Ruth Ware fans, get ready, because the author's anticipated new book, One Perfect Couple, is leading the charge for FIRST Book Club's May 17 to May 24 recommendations. Expected to drop on May 21, One Perfect Couple is Ware's latest foray into the psychological thrilling worlds she's known for, and the book had FIRST's own editors on the edge.
If thrillers aren't exactly your book genre of choice, opt instead for The Dating Contract, a romance FIRST highly recommends by Stacey Agdern. Having just been released in March, Agdern's latest title is just waiting to be devoured by book fans who savor a "slow-burn" love story.
From romantic comedies to historical fiction to thrillers, keep scrolling for FIRST for Women’s full book club recommendation list for May 17 to May 24.
Suspense: Daughter of Mine
by Megan Miranda
“I finished this mystery in one night,” says Anna Traver, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “Whenever I’m in the mood for a story full of twists, Megan Miranda is one of my go-to authors — she paints chilling scenes and characters so well. As suspected, this tale gave me chills from page one.” The novel follows Hazel Sharp, who grew up in a lake town after moving in with her mother and stepfather and his two sons. When her mother goes missing, Hazel assumes she left her. But when two cars are found submerged in the lake belonging to Hazel’s family, she begins to uncover the truth. Says Anna, “The book’s looming sense of danger made this a visceral read!” (Marysue Rucci, 2024)
Romance: The Dating Contract
by Stacey Agdern
“I have a friend who loves romance novels as much as I do, so once in a while, we pick a new release to read, then discuss it over brunch,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “It’s our own mini book club. We just read Stacey Agdern’s latest gem and loved it!” The story follows sports agent Leah Nachman, who is busy reaching a career goal and helping with her sister’s wedding drama when she runs into Samuel Levine — her ex. Leah decides to propose a fake dating contract to help her make partner at her sports agency. Samuel accepts, but will this faux romance reignite their love? Says Melissa, “I really savored this slow-burn, second-chance love story!” (Tule, 2024)
Fiction: The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
“I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but when I saw this Thelma & Louise–inspired title and cover, I couldn’t resist picking it up,” says Rebecca Haynes, FIRST Deputy Health Director. “And it was such a fun ride!” An unlikely pair, Tanner and Louise are thrown together based on circumstances: Louise, 83, is recovering from a broken hip sustained in a fall, and 21-year-old Tanner is wallowing in self-pity after a leg injury took away her college athletic scholarship and big dreams of playing professional soccer. Louise’s daughter hires Tanner as a live-in caregiver for her mother. “I was drawn in by the reluctant relationship that develops between the duo — and the road-trip adventure they share as Louise must elude the FBI,” says Rebecca. “The story was charming and surprising, but also a reminder that we all have something to offer— especially when it comes to helping someone struggling with life’s unexpected turns.” (Berkley, 2024)
Romantic Comedy: Fangirl Down
by Tessa Bailey
“There’s nothing better than a sweet meet-cute between two main characters in a rom-com,” says Lauren Stachiw, FIRST Beauty Director. “And this one — about a pro golfer and his biggest fan — was pure gold!” Josephine Doyle is an avid golf fan and has always cheered on rising star Wells Whitaker. After Wells hits a major rough patch in his golf career, he enlists Josephine to be his caddy. Sparks fly as they begin to work together — both on and off the course. Cheers Lauren, “The racy chemistry between Wells and Josephine was undeniable!” (Avon, 2024)
Historical Fiction: To the Wild Horizon
by Imogen Martin
"A story about a Wild West trek in the 1800s mixed with drama and romance? This book was right up my alley,” says Kate Arcell, FIRST Associate Editor. The year is 1848, and Grace always planned to leave Missouri with her 10-year-old brother, Tom. But when her landlord’s unwanted advances come to a head, they set off on the Oregon Trail with a group of people and a tough journey, led by Captain James Randolph, begins. “I was invested in Grace’s story — her tenacity was inspiring.” (Storm, 2024)
Fantasy: The Prisoner’s Throne
by Holly Black
“My recent craze is the “romantasy” genre — and Holly Black’s books reign supreme,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “I was excited for her new novel!” Prince Oak is trapped in the north, and High King Cardan and High Queen Jude are willing to do anything to get him out. But Oak has a plan, which involves getting the girl he used to love to trust him again — even if it means betraying his country. Says Carissa, “Filled with action and a simmering romance, this story checked all my boxes!” (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2024)
Thriller: One Perfect Couple
by Ruth Ware
“I’m a huge fan of eerie psychological thrillers,” says Shay Trotter, FIRST Associate Editor. “And Ruth Ware’s books are among the hardest to put down!” Scientist Lyla is unsure whether to join her aspiring actor boyfriend, Nico, on an island getaway to film a competitive new reality TV show called One Perfect Couple. But she agrees, and regrets her decision when an overnight storm early into filming changes the game into one of real-life survival. “This plot had my adrenaline pumping,” says Shay. “I was riveted until the last page!” (Gallery/Scout, 2024)
For more FIRST Book Club picks:
FIRST Book Club: 6 Feel-Great Reads You’ll Love for May 3rd – May 9th
FIRST Book Club: 7 Feel-Great Reads You’ll Love for April 26th – May 2nd
