The May bank holiday weekend is the perfect excuse to slow down, switch off, and sink into a great book. Whether you’re lounging in the garden, curled up on the sofa, or hiding from unpredictable British weather, a good story can turn a long weekend into a mini escape.
If you’re looking for something addictive, emotional, or completely transportive, we’ve rounded up four romance and fantasy reads that are perfect for losing track of time.
1. When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
If you want a fantasy romance that feels vast, emotional, and utterly immersive, When the Moon Hatched is a stunning place to start your bank holiday reading. This is a story steeped in mystery, magic, and powerful emotional stakes, set in a richly built world where dragons, fate, and fractured loyalties collide. It’s atmospheric, intense, and perfect for readers who love fantasy with a strong romantic pull.
Why you’ll love it:
✨Epic fantasy romance energy
✨Rich, atmospheric world-building
✨Emotional, character-driven storytelling
✨Dragons and celestial mythology
2. The Matcha Maker Café by Lily Chen
If your perfect read involves warmth, comfort, and a slow-blooming romance, this cosy café story is exactly the escape you need. Set in a charming neighbourhood matcha café, the story follows a journey of connection, healing, and unexpected love brewed over shared tables, soft conversations, and quiet moments that linger long after the page is turned.
Why you’ll love it:
💮Cosy café setting with soothing vibes
💮Slow-burn, heartfelt romance
💮Comforting, emotional storytelling
💮Found-family and healing themes
3. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
For something a little softer and more whimsical, this cosy fantasy is a perfect escape. Follow a brilliant but socially awkward scholar as she researches faeries in a remote village, while navigating academic rivalry and unexpected romance. It’s charming, clever, and full of folklore magic.
Why you’ll love it:
🌿Cosy fantasy setting
🌿Academic rivals-to-lovers romance
🌿Faerie folklore and magic
🌿Gentle, comforting tone
4. Ride With Me by Simone Soltani
If you’re in the mood for chemistry that moves fast, tension that builds lap by lap, and a romance that keeps your heart racing, Ride With Me is the perfect binge read. Set in the high-speed world of motorsport, this contemporary romance brings together ambition, adrenaline, and undeniable attraction. It’s full of sparks, emotional push-and-pull, and that addictive “will-they-won’t-they” energy that makes you read just one more chapter… and then five more.
Why you’ll love it:
🏎️High-energy sports romance setting
🏁Strong chemistry and slow-burn tension
🏎️Ambition vs. attraction dynamic
🏁Fast-paced, addictive storytelling
Whether you’re craving celestial dragons, café-side comfort, high-speed romance, or cosy folklore magic, these four books offer the perfect escape for a long weekend. So switch your phone to silent, grab your favourite drink, and let yourself get completely lost in a story.