Spicy books are seriously hot right now, with #BookTok ablaze with recommendations for romantic reads to get the heart pumping and cheeks blushing.
We’ve got your spicy book summer sorted. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary slow-burn love stories or raunchy period romps, here are the books to hook up with:
Your spicy starter…
If The Shoe Fits – Julie Murphy
If the shoe doesn’t fit, maybe it’s time to design your own… Fashion-obsessed Cindy is thrust into the spotlight as a last-minute contestant on the world’s biggest dating show. But being the first and only plus-size contestant on Before Midnight quickly turns her into a viral sensation. Can she defy the haters and housemates, showcase her killer shoe collection to an audience of millions, and land Prince Charming in the process? Murphy’s reimagining of the classic fairy-tale is an enchanting, body-positive story of self-love, with enough spice to leave us spellbound.
The Couple – Helly Acton
In a world where being single is very much the status-quo (finally: an end to the incessant ‘you’ll find somebody soon”!), the last thing Millie wants is romance messing up her perfectly ordered life. But new colleague Ben – chaotic, charming, and just a bit good looking – is about to put that desire to the test. Forced together to launch a revolutionary pill that prevents people from falling in love, the pair will push the science to its limits. Boasting two leads oozing ‘opposites attract’ chemistry, The Couple is razor-sharp, feminist, and very funny.
Some serious sizzle…
A Taste of Greek Summer – Mandy Baggot
When cautious chef Lydia Bloom seeks solace in Corfu writing about the dishes she wishes she was free to create, she brings plenty of her own baggage with her. But Bloom will soon meet brooding Thanos – a local cook offering more temptation than a meze platter. And during one sizzling afternoon in the kitchen together, a saucepan-full of sexual tension comes to the boil… Mandy Baggot’s slow burn romance under the Mediterranean sun will leave readers hot under the collar.
Infamous – Lex Croucher
Aspiring writer Edith ‘Eddie’ Miller and best friend Rose have always done everything together – sneaking bottles of wine, pelting grapes at pantaloon-wearing lads, practicing kissing… But now they’re out in society, Rose is suddenly talking about marriage, and Eddie is horrified. As the pair head to poet Nash Nicholson’s gothic pile for a hedonistic country jaunt, feelings new and old rise to the surface. The bathtub scene alone could give anything in Bridgerton a run for its breeches… Lex Croucher’s follow-up to the acclaimed Reputation is both sweet queer romance and a regency romp with enough heat to make a baron blush.
Glass of cold milk needed…
Talk Bookish to Me – Kate Bromley
Stressed out and suffering from writer’s block, the last person bestselling romance novelist Kara Sullivan wants to see at her best friend’s wedding is ex-boyfriend, Ryan… But the chemistry between these bitter foes is undeniable – and suddenly her wordcount is flowing. For fans of enemies to lovers, Talk Bookish to Me is an unmissable second chance-at-romance romp showcasing Kate Bromley’s trademark whip-smart back-and-forth between two lovable leads. Enjoyed this? Make sure you’re Here for the Drama too!
You Had Me at Halloumi – Ginger Jones
When it comes to love, its feta late than never. Waving goodbye to both job and useless partner; chef Freya Butterly packs her bags for Cyprus to compete in the prestigious Golden Spoon culinary competition. Sparks soon fly in the kitchen as Freya finds herself head-to-head with Xanthos (sun-kissed God and all-round dish), who promises her a true taste of the Mediterranean. Ginger Jones’ debut is a mouth-watering, pun-tastic holiday romance that delivers some serious spice. Trust us: you’ll never look at a cheesecake in the same way again…
