Quick Sparks, Big Feels: Fast-paced Romance Novels

Some romance plots are like a scenic route—winding, picturesque, and delightful. Then, there are romance plots on the fast track in which attraction is instantaneous and scenes zip by in a flash. Let’s talk fast-paced romances.

Fast-paced romances tend to consist of the following:

Meet-cutes with more sexual undertones

Intense emotional or physical attraction from the get-go

Typically higher levels of sensuality

Greater sense of urgency

Main characters are more willing, initially, to ignore the obstacles keeping them apart

Next-to-no will they/won’t they

More frequent interactions between the main characters

Intimacy/vulnerability between main characters develops rapidly

High-stakes relationships

Subplots tend to be somewhat muted since romance is all-consuming

Fast-paced romance books are ideal for quick-read scenarios such as vacations, one-sitting reads, getting a romance fix, and trying to complete a reading challenge or goal. Also, they’re simply great for any romance fan out there!

Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan

Hendrix Barry has a fabulous life. Your vision board? She’s probably living it. But when tech mogul, Maverick, gives chase—pursuing her, spoiling her, understanding her—is it time to let herself have something more?

From their first charged glance, I knew I was in for a wild ride. Hendrix and Maverick’s chemistry was off the charts! I appreciated that Maverick really respected Hendrix’s fierce independence. Also, Ryan weaves in some feminism which I always like to see.

Book 3 of the Skyland series delivered and made me want to read the first 2 books (didn’t realize it was a series at first 😂).

“Kennedy Ryan pours her whole soul into everything she writes, and it makes for books that are heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming.”―Emily Henry

Not to mention, this book is rated 4.5 on Goodreads.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster

From #1 New York Times–bestselling author Aster comes a swoony, fast-paced romance set in New York City in which a screenwriter and a sexy tech CEO go from lovers to enemies and back to lovers again.

We went from stairwell hookup, to resentment, to fake dating, to billionaire bachelor making sweeping romantic gestures and I was here for it!

“A superbly crafted, splendidly entertaining romance that deftly delivers all the snappy repartee and crackling sexual chemistry of Nora Ephron at her cinematic rom-com best while also offering readers a beautifully crafted love letter to the many joys of New York City.”—Booklist

This deluxe limited edition with gorgeous sprayed edges will brighten any bookshelf.

Last on the List by Amy Daws

Max’s little girl thinks the plus-sized in body and spirit nanny, Cozy, might be her new bestie, so he hires her on the spot. But Cozy hates everything Max represents—corporate greed, money, status, power. One stormy night when the power goes out, Max discovers Cozy doesn’t exactly hate him…

Max is a Type A CEO and Cozy is a care-free spirit. Their personality differences plus the boss/nanny dynamic cause them to hesitate getting involved, but only slightly 😉…

LOVED the body diversity representation! Cozy was such a sassy, confident-in-her-own-skin character and Max was all about it in a sexy possessive way.

This fast-paced romance, with oodles of spice might I add, is Book 5 in Daws’ Wait with Me series. This edition features sprayed edges that are almost as vibrant as Cozy.

Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks

When the tough-as-nails Texan, Cielo, moved to Galway for medical school, she wasn’t looking for love. However, Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, slipped past her defenses.

A new release already scaling the Goodreads charts! This sizzling, second-chance romance consisted of a guarded female lead and an endearing male lead. I enjoyed watching Aidan fight for Lo. You could tell he was aware of his past mistakes and was willing to learn from them.

“…Readers will easily root for brave Lo and devoted Aidan and cheer when they show up for each other…”—Publisher’s Weekly

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings

When manufactured dates start to feel real, Eva has to wonder if the boy that broke her heart has become the man that might heal it. Can an ice queen learn to forgive a man reformed of his toxic masculine ways?

I’m a word girl, and the banter between this black cat and golden retriever was top-notch—witty, funny, and immensely flirtatious. Eva and Rylie’s exchanges brilliantly showcased Eddings’ signature sparkling voice.

P.S. Eddings is a woman after my own heart. She can most often be found reading romance novels under her weighted blanket and asking her husband to bring her snacks. She’s made it her personal mission in life to destigmatize mental health issues and write love stories for every brain.

Well, there you have it—my top fast-paced romances. For more content, subscribe to the little infinite newsletter!