Readers sometimes ask me about the best steamy romance novels…
and of course, I can only talk about the best steamy romance novels I’ve read personally, which is only a teeny, tiny fraction of all of them out there. Additionally, all book opinions are very subjective, and that’s especially true of spicy romance books! One reader’s swoon is another reader’s cringe, seriously.
Nonetheless, since I read a lot of steamy romance novels, I thought I’d do a roundup for Valentine’s Day. I’ll share steamy historical romance novels, steamy contemporary romance novels, and steamy paranormal romance and romantasy (fantasy romance!) Most of these came out in the last five years or so, but there are a few old ones, too. See what you think! (This post contains affiliate links—your girl’s got to make a living!)
These novels inspired me as I wrote my own cute and steamy romantic comedy novel, Her Knight at the Museum!
Her Knight at the Museum is about a medieval knight who was magically turned into a stone statue…and a modern-day art restorer at a Chicago museum who brings him back to life. I hope you’ll check it out!
Best Steamy Historical Romance Novels |
Knockout, Sarah McLean
Okay, full disclosure—I’m about fifty pages from the end. It’s really good!
To Catch a Raven, Beverly Jenkins
I have a weakness for grifter characters, and the sensual scenes in this book really worked for me.
Thief of Shadows, Elizabeth Hoyt
This is an older one, and it’s basically a superhero story (with a virgin hero!) If you like it, you can read the whole Maiden Lane series.
How to Tame a Wild Rogue, Julie Anne Long
Slow burn, but spicy! I love so many things about this book, starting with the hero.
Lisa Kleypas
This author’s been writing some of the best spicy historical romance novels for decades. In this one, Sebastian is an irresistible silver fox hero.
Best Steamy Contemporary Romance Novels |
Fearless at Heart, Zoe York
It was hard for me to choose a favorite from the Kincaid Brothers series! I loved the emotions in this second chance romance.
Red, White, and Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston
I think this steamy LGBTQ romance about the son of an American president and the Prince of Wales belongs on every romance bookshelf.
The Love Hypothesis, Ali Hazelwood
Hazelwood is one of the biggest names in romance writing today, and the love scenes in this one are hotter than hot.
It Happened One Summer, Tessa Bailey
This is such a fun and original story, and I enjoy the author’s writing style.
The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang
I’m putting this one on the list because I think the love scenes are not only quite sexy but also quite different. They’re true to the main character, who is on the autism spectrum.
Best Steamy Paranormal Romance and Romantasy Novels |
The Kiss Curse, Erin Sterling
I am always recommending this clever, cozy witch romcom.
Tiger Magic, Jennifer Ashley
I enjoyed several books in this older shapeshifter series, and this one might have been my favorite.
From Blood and Ash, Jennifer L. Armentrout
This is book one in the new adult romantasy trilogy. When I first read this one, my schedule was so insane that I didn’t finish the series, so I’m going to re-read this one and then read the other two this spring.
Do you have other suggestions for my “best steamy romance novels” list?
If I love them, I might add them to the post later! I was thinking of doing follow-up posts on medium spice romance 🙂 and clean romance (including closed-door romance), because I read romance at every heat level. If you’d like to see those, please let me know! Thanks so much for reading!
Mr Darcy Takes A Wife by Linda Berdoll (Regency romance)
Outlander (crossover romance) by Diana Gabaldon
The Trials of the Honorable F Darcy by Sara Angelini (contemporary romance)
Thank you! Steamy P&P takes!
all are great suggestions.
🙂 Thank you! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Try the Saint of Steel series from T. Kingfisher: Paladin’s Grace, Paladin’s Strength, Paladin’s Hope, Paladin’s Faith. Lovely reads, lovely listens too as audiobooks!
Ahh, thank you for the recs! I love good audiobook recommendations especially!
I loved The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare and The Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas, which focuses on Sebastion’s son, Garbriel.