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A podcast for book lovers, by book lovers.

We’re not just book nerds, we’re professional book nerds.

 
 

A podcast for book lovers,
by book lovers

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A podcast for book lovers,
by book lovers

Listen now

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April 24, 2025

Fresh Reads, Spring Vibes and Big Book Energy: May 2025 Book Picks

Spring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you won’t want to miss!  Whether you're loading up your Libby shelf or just need help picking your next favorite read, we've got you covered with big book energy and plenty of laughs along the way. 🌸📚  Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel!  Titles mentioned in this episode:   Rachel’s Picks:  
  1. The Tenant - Freida McFadden  
  1. The Love Haters - Katherine Center  
  1. Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood 
  1. One Golden Summer - Carley Fortune 
  1. Big Dumb Eyes - Nate Bargatze  
  1. The Missing Half - Ashley Flowers  
  1. Run for the Hills - Kevin Wilson  
  1. It's a Love Story - Annabel Monaghan 
  Joe’s Picks: 
  1. The Art of Exile – Andrea Max  
  1. Death in the Cards – Mia P. Manansala 
  1. When Love Gives You Lemons – Steven Salvatore  
  1. The Thrashers – Julie Soto  
  1. The Starving Saints – Caitlin Starling  
  1. Disco Witches of Fire Island – Blair Fell  
  1. The Dark Maestro – Brendan Slocumb  
  1. Karen: A Brother Remembers – Kelsey Grammer  
  1. Marsha – Tourmaline  
Shoutouts section:    Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.  Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog!  We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! 

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What we do

We’re not just book nerds, we’re Professional Book Nerds® (PBN) who work at OverDrive, the industry-leader for ebooks and audiobooks through your local library and school. With over 2 million downloads, readers and librarians turn to the PBN team for weekly expert book recommendations, author interviews and all things books.

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Meet the nerds

Joe Skelley

Joe Skelley has always been a lover of reading and the library. His love of libraries brought him to OverDrive where he works on the Marketing & Events team and hosts the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Joe loves to read horror, thrillers, magical realism, and the broad spectrum of YA! When he’s not working, Joe’s listening to audiobooks, working on a DIY project, and (most importantly) hanging out with his Boston Terrier, Roscoe.

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