Ahead, you'll find the perfect sexy summer reading list: a balance of new and perennial page-turners that are ideal for your upcoming vacation or an afternoon by the pool. So whether you're into enemies-to-lovers, cozy hometown lovers, bawdy bodice-rippers, or something else entirely, one of these summer romance books is sure to put you in the mood. Consider this your sex-writer-approved summer reading list to combat your news blues and get you into a heated frenzy that matches the weather outside: no fade to blacks allowed.
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For Butter Or Worse by Erin La Rosa (2022)
When two rival cooking-show hosts create a live television scandal that rocks the Twitter-verse, the only natural solution is to convince viewers that their sniping is a decoy for their burgeoning off-screen romance (and who doesn't love a fake dating trope?). Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this tasty debut novel from Erin La Rosa, which has all the necessary ingredients (too many food puns?) for a perfect summer read. The banter-heavy, laugh-out-loud rom-com also has a surprising amount of depth for all its lightheartedness, with a layered enemies-to-lovers arc you'll really want to sink your teeth into — so much so that I even found myself wiping away a tear or two at the climax. If that's not enough of an endorsement, just know that it features the line, "Hey, are we about to sixty-nine?" Spoiler alert: They are.
Amazon For Butter or Worse: A Novel, $, available at Amazon
Well Matched by Jen DeLuca (2021)
Though Well Matched is actually the third book in Jen DeLuca's Renaissance Faire-set romance series, it stands on its own as the sexiest. While the first and second books are more entrenched in the goings-on of the volunteers at their small town Ren Faire, April's story is different. A single mom, who's always done her best to not get involved, she starts up a casual quid-pro-quo relationship with the town himbo/gym teacher/sexy kilt-wearing Faire volunteer. He'll help her renovate her house, and she'll "pretend" to be his girlfriend for his big family reunion. But, of course, things start to feel all too real as the pair falls into bed with each other. And onto the floor. And against a wall. And in the shower. And . . . uh, yeah, we mentioned it was sexy, right?
the ripped bodice Well Matched, $, available at the ripped bodice
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory (2018)
If you loved Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Date, this East L.A.-set follow-up is even better (and spicier!). On the heels of an extremely public proposal gone extremely wrong (a person should know they're about to be proposed to!), the last thing Nikole wants is something serious. This allows getting into a casual relationship with Carlos, the sexy stranger who saved her from public humiliation, to make total sense. But while casual starts off as just occasional rosé-influenced sex on the couch, things get heated fast in a steamy romp you won't be able to put down.
Barnes & Noble The Proposal, $, available at Barnes & Noble
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (2020)
If you've always wanted to read a romance that features a time-traveling lesbian from the 1970s, this one is a must. Okay, I know it sounds like I'm joking, but the star-crossed romance between modern-day bisexual August and her mysteriously always-on-the-same-train crush Jane melted me to my core. The pair's journey of discovery (both sexual and otherwise) is just as sweet as it is spicy, making it the perfect summer read for a dreamy romantic. Plus, the sex is so well-written that I was actually able to suspend my disbelief for a few pages and believe that getting it on in a powered-down NYC subway car could be sexy. I know.
bookshop One Last Stop, $, available at Bookshop
Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert (2020)
The Brown Sisters series of romances are some of my favorites in the last few years. As members of an eccentric British family, each sister has their own relationship issue to work out through the course of the novel. Dani's fuck-buddy setup (with her sexy yet stoic campus security guard) allows for a book that's chock-full of fun sex scenes. What surprised me, though, was the focus on Dani's plus-size body during sex. Reading them was a revelation for someone who also struggles with body image issues (and the dreaded realization of what angle you're showing your partner when you ride on top). I found myself working through my own image issues with Dani and received a sexual self-esteem boost I didn't know I needed. A worthwhile read, indeed.
Amazon Take a Hint, Dani Brown: A Novel, $, available at Amazon
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012)
Okay, so, technically this is not a romance novel. It's not even really a romance, but it does have one of my favorite sex scenes of all time. As we come up on ToG's ten year anniversary, I feel compelled to remind everyone of SJM's first series. If you're an ACOTAR fan but haven't delved into the story of Celaena Sardothian, an assassin who is enrolled in a dangerous game to win her freedom, I highly recommend trying out this sweeping, epic fantasy. The aforementioned sex scene is so hot that the lead literally catches on fire. Plus, it's the only book on this list that has sex on a beach. This series is perfect for Game Of Thrones fans, who have been craving a female-led version (or wished it were perhaps a little kinder to women).
Barnes & Noble Throne of Glass, $, available at Barnes & Noble
Book Lovers by Emily Henry (2022)
You know all those Hallmark movies where the overworked hero travels to a small town (presumably to launch some big retail space that will decimate local businesses), but he actually learns lessons about living life at a slower pace (and falls in love with a local sweetheart, obviously)? This book is not about that guy — it's about the girl he left behind in the big city. I could not have loved the story that unfolds about Nora, an unapologetically fierce, career-oriented book agent, and her forced vacation (slash intervention) to the small town where (unbeknownst to her) her rival, Charlie, grew up . . . and happens to be in town for the foreseeable future. The pair's razor-sharp banter is on-point, the chemistry is palpable, and the slow burn is utterly delicious (though often frustrating). When Nora's phone interrupts one of the hottest skinny-dipping scenes I have ever read, I found myself cursing out loud. But, like most things, the prolonged pleasure is well worth the wait.
bookshop Book Lovers, $, available at Bookshop
From Blood And Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout (2020)
If you are less inclined to read about two normal humans falling in love and are itching to get your sex scenes from something a little more magical, stop what you're doing and buy this book. Thanks to the help of her sexy security guard, Hawke, heavily sheltered Poppy figures out that something in her world is amiss. When the blinders are lifted, she's exposed to a dangerous world of vampires that only Hawke can help her through. If you're reading this and thinking Ehhh, vampires? Really? I promise these vamps are nothing like what you've seen before. The four-book series also features an ancient ritual called "The Joining," which is a threesome scene that's lived with me long after finishing it.
Amazon From Blood and Ash (Blood And Ash Series), $, available at Amazon
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (2013)
If you read romance novels and aren't familiar with Christina Lauren yet, you should be. The writing duo has topped the best-seller list with their steamy novels for the better part of the last decade. But, I'm partial to the pair's novel debut, Beautiful Bastard. I read the series in its original form as Twilight fanfiction (yes, I'm outing myself as a fic reader and a former TwiHard in one go!), but its published form is even better. Though the central relationship between boss and employee can be perceived as problematic, the erotica is so well written, I found myself forgiving it. I'm also not usually a fan of blow-job scenes, but this one features my favorite of all time.
Amazon Beautiful Bastard, $, available at Amazon
Delta Of Venus by Anaïs Nin (1977)
A good summer reading list must include at least one or two classics of the genre, and Delta of Venus is romance legend. The collection of erotic short stories set the foundation for everything you know and love about romance novels today. Nin was a pioneer in writing sexually explicit scenarios for the female gaze. Rekindle your love for literature with this classic that will set your body ablaze.
Amazon Delta of Venus, $, available at Amazon
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (2021)
All your favorite romance tropes converge in this steamy story from Tessa Bailey. Enemies to lovers? We've got that. Small-town meet cute? That, too. Grumpy love interest with a heart of gold? Check. Plus, this one is overflowing with all the dirty talk your pounding heart can handle. Seriously. I've never read a heroine who likes to say the word "cock" quite as much as Piper, a Hollywood starlet relegated to a tiny PNW town. No shade. Because Piper knows exactly what she wants, it makes for some explosively hot sex scenes, quite a few of which were so explicit they had me fanning myself.
Amazon It Happened One Summer: A Novel, $, available at Amazon
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)
Helen Hoang's debut romance book has sex built into the premise of the plot, which makes for an epically fun (but still sexy read). Stella, who lives life in black and white and numbers (due to her autism), knows she excels in all areas but one — sex. In order to help, she does the most logical thing she can think of: Hire a male escort to help her practice. Because practice means perfect, right? So practice they do. Despite the professional nature of the set-up, the "practice sessions" range from laugh-out-loud funny to heart-wrenchingly sweet to deeply sexy to informative. If you're looking for a filthy book that still makes your heart go awww, this one's for you.
Amazon The Kiss Quotient, $, available at Amazon
The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe (2022)
Queen of the bodice-ripper Joanna Shupe is back with a brand-new summer smash that will have your body tingling. As one last hurrah before being sent off to marry a business tycoon who has made clear their arrangement is purely political, Katherine decides to take a lover at her masquerade sendoff. He's young, he's roguish, he's handsome (she assumes) — everything she could want. But the man behind the mask is actually her betrothed, and he's still uninterested. If you thrive with the tension and courtly politics of Bridgerton, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Amazon The Bride Goes Rogue: A Novel (The Fifth Avenue Rebels Book 3), $, available at Amazon
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2021)
Falling in love via Post-it note? This romance of two strangers sharing the same apartment (one during the day, and one during the night) made me believe that it was possible. Though this romance leans heavier on feelings than sex scenes, it had enough foreplay to keep my heart rate elevated.
Amazon Flatshare, $, available at Amazon
How Not To Fall by Emily Foster (2016)
If you've read sex educator Emily Nagoski's non-fiction smash Come As Your Are, you're going to adore her first foray into fiction (written under a pseudonym). Currently the director of wellness education at Smith College, Foster imparts her sexual expertise into a carefully crafted novel about two educational professionals that decide to take things to the next level. The sex scenes manage to use anatomical language while keeping a lusty mood present. I didn't think anyone could make the word "vulva" sexy, but here we are.
Amazon How Not to Fall (The Belhaven Series), $, available at Amazon
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay (2022)
A prince who'll do anything to step out of the starlight falls for a daring American starlet whose not-quite-crown-friendly self is rejected by his family, stirring up even more drama than they intended. Sound familiar? This whirlwind romance book, which is extremely loosely based on the love story of Duchess Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has some of my favorite romance tropes. A secret relationship, royalty, fame and sparring banter that never grows old come together (literally!) in a steamy romp that anyone will enjoy.
Amazon American Royalty: A Novel, $, available at Amazon
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume (1998)
It wouldn't be a romance novel reading list without the presence of Jude Blume. Let's be real, the famed author was responsible for the sexual awakening of an entire generation of women. Though her highly controversial, Forever, tends to be the sexy book that gets the most press, Summer Sisters is where her best sex scenes are hidden. The book follows the sheltered Vix, who joins her wilder (and more sexually experienced) friend, Caitlin, for a summer in Martha's Vineyard. Vix's tale of self-discovery and sexual awakening includes the first scene I ever read of a woman getting head (at the time I had no idea that was even a thing, and boy was I grateful to learn). After giving it a reread, I can confidently say it's just as hot as Martha's Vineyard in July.
Amazon Summer Sisters, $, available at Amazon
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