Romance Novels are the New Erotica: 10 Must-Have Books

Nora is a cutthroat literary agent. Charlie is a brooding editor. Both of their worlds revolve around books and the heroes within them.

When they bump into each other during a small town summer vacation, it seems like the perfect setup for the sort of romances they’ve seen in books.

Except of course, for the fact that it is not the first time they’ve met. Not even close. And each meeting has been less than romantic.

However, as they get thrown together over and over during the summer, the two start to realize that it may be time to rewrite their own stories and be the heroes they’ve always read about.

This smart and funny read from popular rom-com writer Emily Henry was named one of the most anticipated books of 2022 by Oprah Daily. A perfect vacation read, you’re sure to fall in love with the characters, as they fall for each other.

Aja Owens has enough problems. That’s why, when her bingo buddy introduces her to her cute grandson, Walker Abbott, she knows she can’t take on another.

Walker is only in town for a few weeks, to take care of his injured grandmother. Still, neither he nor Aja can deny the obvious attraction they feel toward each other. In order to avoid creating any sort of complicated emotional entanglement, the two make a sex pact over a game of bingo. Whenever one of them wins a game, they will sleep together. However, as they grow closer, they learn more and more about how much they have in common, including a struggle with anxiety.

Aja knows Walker is eventually going to leave. She’s just not sure how to stop her heart from leaving with him.

This book combines a steamy and tender romance, with an excellent representation of what it is like to live with anxiety and PTSD. We also love to see a plus-sized woman getting to be the heroine of a romance, without her body being a plot point!

Perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert, you’ll be falling in love with this book faster than you can say “Bingo!”

Delilah Green never thought she’d go back to the small town she grew up in. But when her stepsister convinces her to come to photograph her wedding, she finds herself revisiting the memories of the lonely childhood she’d rather forget.

When she runs into Claire, her sister’s friend, she starts to think the trip might be worthwhile. Claire is trying to raise her eleven-year-old daughter on her own while keeping her bookstore afloat. She’s surprised to discover how well Delilah can push her buttons, and even more surprised to find that she might actually like it. 

This queer romance hits all the right notes (hello, “only one bed” trope!). Snarky and sexy, this is the LGBTQ romance we all deserve!

If historical romance is more your vibe, you are going to love this 1860’s rom-com by Manda Collins.

Lady Katherine Bascomb accidentally makes enemies throughout London when an article she writes leads to the arrest of a murder suspect. One of those enemies is the handsome Inspector Andrew Eversham, who doesn’t want her interfering with his cases.

In order to escape the gossip, Katherine flees to the countryside, only to find herself as a witness to another murder.

Once again, she and the inspector find themselves crossing paths, and realize they might work better as a team, rather than as enemies. As they try to solve the mystery of the murder, they’ll have to also unlock the mystery of their own hearts. 

A murder mystery and flirtatious romance all in one, this book is sure to satisfy!

Be the first of your friends to read this new release, that was featured as a Reese’s Book Club pick!

Kiki Banjo hosts the show Brown Sugar on her college’s radio station, where she offers relationship advice to the students. When she publicly denounces player Malakai Korede as the “Wasteman of Whitehall University,” her show comes under fire.

In order to save their reputations, she and Malakai decide to pretend to date. As they spend time together, though, they start to discover that they have much more in common than they thought. 

Everyone loves a fake dating trope, and Bolu Bablola does it perfectly in her debut novel.

If you’re excited by the announcement that Sarah J. Maas’s New York Times bestselling “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” has been picked up by Hulu, you might be craving some Fae romance to tide you over until then.

Look no further than the “Fortuna Sworn” series by KJ Sutton. This series has been all over BookTok, and with good reason. 

Since her brother disappeared two years ago, Fortuna has been the last Nightmare alive. Nightmares are powerful creatures, who can sense your fear with just a touch. Alone, she’s forced to hide amongst humans until she catches the eye of a faerie named Collith. Collith knows where her brother is, and offers to take her in…if she will marry him, first.

Filled with lush worldbuilding, a love triangle that has fans of the series up in arms, and plenty of spice, Fortuna Sworn is not one to miss. The fifth book comes out early next year, so you have plenty of time to catch up.

Cade Elgin is the last person you’d expect to be running a sex toy shop. Stiff lipped and career-driven, her life is derailed when she inherits the store from her aunt. Now, she’s left selling vibrators and dealing with her irresponsible co-owner, Selena.

Opposites attract, though, and as the two try to keep the store afloat, they find each other nearly impossible to resist.

Don’t miss this #wlw read that will leave you laughing out loud, and 100% satisfied.

The myth of Hades and Persephone gets a dark, sexy twist in this retelling by bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair.

Persephone is not the most convincing Goddess of Spring. Flowers wither at her touch, and she’s chosen to live in hiding, as a human instead. Her life is upended though, when she plays a game of cards with Hades, God of the Dead.

A losing hand sends her to the Underworld, where Hades gives her an impossible bet. Bring life to the Underworld, or lose her freedom forever.

As Persephone struggles to control her powers, a new struggle develops as well: an undeniable attraction to the God of Death.

This retelling is sleek and sensual. The first book in the series, you can bet that Hades and Persephone’s story will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s timeless matchmaker in “Emma,” this story centers on Kamila Hussain. Beautiful and wealthy, she spends her days attending Bollywood movie parties and helping her large group of friends find the perfect romantic match.

She has no need to plan her own romance, of course. Her longtime friend Rohan Nassar, has always been waiting in the background. Kamila is too busy for romance now, but maybe someday…

All her plans come tumbling to the ground when her rival returns to town, with a sudden interest in Nassar. Kamila may be good at helping others with their romances, but will she be able to help herself?

This story has a great slow burn which is perfect for anyone who loves a “friends to lovers” trope.

In this sequel to “A Marvelous Light,” readers get to follow Maud Blyth, as she volunteers to be a companion to an elderly woman, as she travels across the sea. This is the best way she can help her older brother, as he attempts to solve an old magical mystery.

Only one day into her trip, though, the elderly woman ends up dead, and Maud is left alone. Alone, that is, except for the company of magician and actress Violet Debenham.

Violet is everything Maud has been taught to avoid, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this woman. Maud will have to ignore her attraction if she wants to solve the murder, but that is proving difficult today.

Jam-packed with magic, mystery, and romance, this book is sure to capture your heart.