Hi there! I’m Sam, and I’m so excited to be guest posting on little infinite today on behalf of Frolic Media. Over on Frolic, we celebrate all things pop culture, romance novels and female-forward content. Today, I’m delighted to be sharing seven of our favorite steamy romance novels with you. If you’ve never read a romance novel before, fear not! These books are all fun, heat, and happily-ever-after.
Some terms to know before we get started:
- HEA: Happily Ever After. The mandatory happy ending found in every romance novel!
- Hero: Male main character
- Heroine: Female main character
Let’s get into it!
A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
Over on Frolic, we recommend this book ALL THE TIME, and for good reason. When Naledi keeps receiving emails from a man claiming to be her royal betrothed, she assumes it’s spam. But it’s all true: she’s engaged to Prince Thabiso, and he’s determined to find her. When he poses as her coworker, sparks fly. This royal romance is perfect for anyone who ever dreamed of being a princess.
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Four words: Rival dating app creators. If you thought that traditional romance got intense, try combining that with all of the sexy tension that comes from running a dating app. When Rhiannon and Samson reconnect years after their one-night-stand, they’re overwhelmed by the attraction they still feel to each other. Rai is a master of the genre, and this is a great book of hers to start with!
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
If you love pining, this is the book for you. When Esme comes to America to meet Khai, a potential husband, she quickly finds herself falling. The problem? Khai couldn’t seem less interested in her. Of course, it’s a romance, so we know that can’t really be true. This gorgeous book is full of steam, laughter and, of course, romance.
Thirsty by Mia Hopkins
Just look at that cover! With abs like those, you know you’ll like what you find inside the book. When Salvador and Vanessa reunite after knowing each other briefly in high school, their attraction is undeniable. Can these two overcome the tension and danger around them and find their HEA?
Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry!! Though this is more of a slow burn than some of the others on this list, the tension between our two leads is undeniable. When Elle and Darcy first meet, they butt heads. But their tension soon turns to romance as they enter a fake relationship to save face over the holidays. Nothing like a good fake relationship to heat things up.
Shameless by Gina L. Maxwell
If you want to jump into steamy romance headfirst, this is the book for you. The first in Maxwell’s Playboys in Love series, this novel features a dirty-talking hero, sizzling sex scenes and a firecracker plot that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
This is THE quintessential enemies-to-lovers romance novel, and it’s hotter than the sun. Josh and Lucy are up for the same promotion, and they couldn’t hate each other more. But there’s a fine line between hate, lust and love. I can’t express how delightful it is to watch these two characters to move from enemies to friends to….more. This novel is the ultimate slow burn with the ultimate payoff. Block out your whole day. You’re going to need it.
I hope you’ve found a book or two to pick up on this list! And if you’re ever in need of a rec, feel free to hit us up on Instagram or Twitter. We’re here to help you find your HEA!