There’s nothing I love more than curling up under one of my favorite blankets and reading a book in front of our fireplace during the winter. And what’s better to warm you up than a steamy romance novel?
When I was a teen I used to sneak my mother’s romance novels with burly men on the cover and read them with a tiny book light I got for Christmas. It didn’t matter if they were sappy heartbreakers or tales of new love at the tender age of 16, I loved them all. I used to blush and skip through all the mushy stuff and just marvel at what I thought love was supposed to be like. As I got older, I started delving into the spicy parts. And my love of romance novels has continued as the perfect way to relax each night (and get warmed up!) Here are a few of my favorite steamy reads to warm you up this winter.
Steam Factor: Moderate 🔥🔥
All Tate Collins and airline pilot Miles Archer have in common is undeniable chemistry, which once in the open, they can't help but realize that this is the perfect arrangement. But can they really handle a sex-only relationship?
Steam Factor: High 🔥🔥🔥
Eva Hammel wants to make it on her own in the world and chooses to work her way up at an advertising agency where she meets the owner of the company, Gideon Cross. There are immediate sparks as they indulge in a physical relationship, but are inevitably drawn to a deeper level as they try to heal from past trauma and pray that it doesn’t tear them apart.
Steam Factor: High 🔥🔥🔥
After falling in love with author Daria’s debut last year, I was so excited to pick up her sophomore novel. Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at age 18 to escape his demanding parents, which meant saying goodbye to his friend and longtime crush, Michelle Amato. Years later, they reconnect when Gabriel's now a successful co-owner of LA’s hottest celebrity gym and things get heated when Michelle is brought on to spearhead marketing. As they work together, old feelings spark, leading them down a sexy path as they face the uncertainty of their future and family pressure.
Steam Factor: Moderate 🔥🔥
I’m a sucker for romances that start with the female protagonist literally running into her love interest. Eve is a chaotic, bright personality who clashes with Jacob, a B&B owner who has to fight his attraction until, one day, he gives in. Jacob has no choice but to accept Eve’s help at his B&B after she (accidentally) hit him with her car, and soon the two enemies find their animosity for one another turning into something special.
Steam Factor: High 🔥🔥🔥
Serena and Junior know that their love with one another is forbidden, but find that fighting their attraction is harder than it seems. From best friends, to enemies, this book will have your heart pumping one second and reaching for the tissues the next as the heirs to two different mafia families fight to survive in their violent world.
Steam Factor: Moderate 🔥🔥
The fate of the entire kingdom rests on Poppy’s shoulders, but she cannot help but long for more as Hawke, an honorable guard, enters her life and tempts her with forbidden passion. At risk of being found unworthy of the Gods, Poppy must fight to stop the world from unravelling as violence and vengeance rules the fallen kingdom.
Steam Factor: High 🔥🔥🔥
Part of a three book series, Jace, Ash, and Gabe have been best friends for years and share everything, including their women. But when they meet Bethany, Jace is struck with overwhelming jealousy that for the first time is jeopardizing his lifelong friendship and he must decide if she is worth turning his back on his friends.
Steam Factor: Moderate 🔥🔥
I first heard of the Zodiac Academy when I was scrolling through TikTok one night and was immediately pulled in by this supernatural bully romance. Twins Darci and Tori are pulled into a magical world as they discover that not only are they Fae, but they are the long-lost heirs to the throne in Solaria. From the moment they walk in the halls of their new school they butt heads with four men who try everything in their power to stake their claim on the throne, while fighting sizzling attraction for one another. If you liked Harry Potter as a kid, and want an adult magic school with spice and intrigue, this book will suck you right in.