Love is in the Air | 9 Steamy Romance Novels to Devour

Believe in Love Again!

Forget your dating apps and forget those cheesy reality shows—we’ve got love’s real deal right here. From grumpy bosses and second-chance romances to fake relationships and heartwarming neighbors, these 9 romance novels have got it all for lovers of the beauty and romance of the night. Witty banter, sizzling chemistry, emotional depth, and enough heartwarming moments to make you believe in love again (or maybe for the first time!).

So grab your coziest blanket and your favorite beverage, curl up on your loveseat and prepare to be swept into romance. Ready to meet your new book boyfriends and girlfriends? Let’s dive in! 

Just My Type by Falon Ballard

To win the job of her dreams, a relationship-prone journalist needs to learn how to stay single in this heartwarming and hilarious new romantic comedy from the beloved author of Lease on Love.—Penguin | G.P. Putnam’s Sons

This workplace rom-com romance novel features a quirky protagonist who falls for her grumpy, but undeniably attractive, boss. Expect witty banter, steamy encounters, and a satisfyingly sweet ending.

In a world where workplace romance is often viewed with skepticism and hesitation, this novel offers a refreshing perspective that challenges conventional norms. In today’s fast-paced and often impersonal work environments, many of us yearn for genuine human connections that transcend professional boundaries. This novel fulfills that desire, illustrating how love can be a force for positive change, both personally and professionally. The witty banter between the characters not only entertains but also serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from finding someone who understands and complements our quirks.

This workplace rom-com is more than just a delightful escape; it is an invitation to reevaluate our perspectives on love and connection. It urges us to look beyond surface-level differences and find common ground with those around us. So, dear reader, let this story inspire you to pursue your own happily ever afters wherever they may be waiting.

The Reunion by Kayla Olson

When two former teen stars reconnect at the reunion for their hit TV show, they discover their feelings for one another were not merely scripted in this charming and heartwarming novel perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne.—S&S | Atria Books

In this romance novel, high school sweethearts reconnect years later at a reunion, sparking old flames and a second chance at love. This emotional romance explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of first love.

When you turn the pages of this heartfelt romance novel, you will be drawn into a world where time stands still for a love that was once thought lost. Imagine standing in the bustling cacophony of your high school reunion, surrounded by faces that have grown older but not unfamiliar, amidst the nostalgia and the echo of long-forgotten memories, and long ago lovers find themselves once more pulled together by an invisible thread.

For those who think first loves are best left in the past, sometimes, what we need most is not to forget but to remember with newfound wisdom. This story challenges the notion that moving forward requires leaving everything behind. 

As you immerse yourself in this romance novel, allow yourself to be swept away by its message of hope and renewal. It is a reminder that love, in all its forms, is worth fighting for—not just once, but time and time again.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.—Penguin | Berkley

While the original romance novel was published earlier, the new Spanish edition brings Hazelwood’s beloved STEMinist romance to a wider audience. 

In this romance novel, follow Olive Smith, a PhD student who fakes a relationship with Adam Carlsen, a renowned professor, to convince her best friend that she’s moved on. But what starts as a simple deception spirals into an unexpected journey of self-discovery and genuine connection, challenging the very core of what it means to love and be loved.

This story speaks to the universal human experience of seeking acceptance and understanding in a world that often demands conformity and pretense. Olive’s journey is a testament to the courage required to confront one’s own fears and desires, a theme that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever questioned their path or purpose. 

Join Olive Smith on this extraordinary adventure, and allow her story to transform your perspective on love and life. Embrace the call for authenticity and connection, for these are the foundations upon which truly fulfilling lives are built.

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

A small-town sweetheart and an emotionally unavailable bad boy try to find some common ground in this chemistry-filled romance.—Random House | Delacorte Dell

This sports romance novel follows a figure skater and a hockey player who are forced to work together despite their initial animosity. Expect sizzling chemistry, competitive tension, and a heartwarming journey of self-discovery.

In the realm of sports, where grit and passion are as essential as skill and precision, this sports romance novel delves into a captivating narrative that marries the elegance of figure skating with the raw intensity of hockey. As you turn the pages, you are not merely a spectator to a romance unfolding; you are a participant in an emotional symphony that champions resilience, understanding, and the transformative power of love.

Practice Makes Perfect taps into universal values: the pursuit of excellence, the courage to step out of comfort zones, and the belief in second chances. If you’ve ever faced adversity and found solace in unexpected alliances, this book is for you. By rooting the story in relatable struggles and triumphs, the narrative resonates deeply in those who yearn for inspiration amidst life’s unpredictabilities.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

A shy bookworm enlists her charming neighbor to help her score a date, not knowing he’s the obscure author she’s been corresponding with, in this sparkling and heart-fluttering romance by Kristina Forest.
—Penguin | Berkley

In this romance novel, two neighbors, one a shy baker and the other a charming musician, strike up an unlikely friendship that blossoms into something more. This heartwarming romance novel celebrates the power of community, finding love in unexpected places, and the magic of shared passions.

Consider the shy bookworm at the heart of this tale, Lily Greene. Lily’s world is one of solitude and imagination, where books provide both refuge and adventure. Yet, within her lies a yearning for real-life connection—a desire that many of us can relate to in an era dominated by digital interactions. The novel skillfully taps into this universal longing, presenting a protagonist whose journey mirrors our own quests for meaningful relationships amidst the noise of modern life.

Enter the charming neighbor, Nick Brown—a character who, unbeknownst to our heroine, holds the key to unlocking both her romantic aspirations and her literary dreams. He is the elusive author she has been corresponding with, embodying the very ideals she cherishes. Through their interactions, Kristina Forest crafts a narrative that is both familiar and refreshingly unique, inviting readers to consider the personas we create and the truths we conceal.

This dynamic interplay between identity and perception is a central theme that resonates deeply. How often do we wear masks to navigate social landscapes, hiding our true selves out of fear or insecurity? “The Neighbor Favor” challenges us to question these facades and encourages authenticity as a pathway to genuine connection.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

GIVE YOUR SUPPORT ALERT! This publisher, Joy Revolution, is a new imprint from Penguin Random House, and is committed to publishing young adult romance novels starring people of color and written by people of color. The romance novel Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute is one of their inaugural titles.

A pair of ex-best friends turned high school rivals must work together to survive the great outdoors—and each other—in this cozy enemies-to-lovers romance from the beloved author of the Brown Sisters trilogy.—Penguin | Joy Revolution

This YA romance novel features two ex-best friends who are forced to team up for a wilderness survival challenge. Expect witty dialogue, heartwarming moments, and a celebration of neurodiversity.

In Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert, the dynamic of ex-best friends turned high school rivals forced to navigate the challenges of the great outdoors is not merely an entertaining plot device. It serves as a profound metaphor for the trials and tribulations we face in our own relationships and personal growth. This cozy enemies-to-lovers romance is more than just a delightful read; it is a compelling narrative that challenges us to reassess our perceptions of conflict, competition, and ultimately, love.

Hibbert’s characters are not just relatable; they are mirrors reflecting our own insecurities and desires for reconciliation. Their journey from rivalry to romance is filled with poignant moments that remind us of the power of vulnerability and forgiveness. It challenges the reader to question: What if our perceived enemies are simply misunderstood allies? What if, by extending a hand instead of holding a grudge, we could transform our relationships for the better?

In engaging with this story, we are invited to reflect on our own attitudes toward conflict and reconciliation. We are encouraged to adopt a more compassionate lens, recognizing that beneath the surface of rivalry often lies a history of camaraderie and shared experiences.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

A festive rom-com about a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord…only to fall for his sister.—S&S | Atria Books

This holiday-themed romance novel follows a woman who accidentally agrees to fake a relationship with her boss’s brother… who happens to be the woman she had a magical one-night stand with a year earlier. Expect festive cheer, heartwarming family dynamics, and a second chance at love.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun is not just another festive rom-com; it’s a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the courage to embrace one’s true self. At its core, this romance novel challenges societal norms and encourages readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about relationships and family. It boldly asserts that love is not confined to the expectations others may place upon us, but rather it is an individual journey of discovery and acceptance.

Consider the dilemma of the protagonist Ellie Oliver: a fake engagement that spirals into a heartfelt entanglement with her landlord’s sister. This scenario may seem unconventional, yet it resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societal pressures or familial expectations. By presenting this narrative, Cochrun urges readers to reflect on their own lives—are we living authentically, or are we merely adhering to what is expected of us?

Kiss Her Once for Me is more than just a feel-good holiday read. It implores us to challenge societal constraints, embrace our true selves, and seek love in all its myriad forms. Let this novel be your guide—dare to kiss convention goodbye and embrace the transformative power of authentic love.

The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe

In this smart, swoony, rom-com debut, two college exes find themselves battling against each other―and their unresolved feelings―for a spot in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program.—Griffin

When two exes end up in the same graduate program, they’re forced to confront their unresolved feelings. This academic rivals-to-lovers romance novel features witty banter, emotional growth, and a second chance at love.

In The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe, we embark on a journey that is more than just a romantic escapade—it’s a profound exploration of ambition, resilience, and the complexity of human emotions. As readers, we are invited to witness not only a battle for academic prestige but also a personal reckoning that challenges the very core of what it means to pursue one’s dreams alongside unresolved past relationships.

Through the lens of two compelling characters vying for a coveted spot in a prestigious Ph.D. program, Howe crafts a story that is both relatable and aspirational. This is not merely a contest of academic prowess but a test of character and determination. The Make-Up Test is a romantic comedy for anyone striving to achieve their dreams while navigating the complexities of human relationships. This story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative potential of embracing both our ambitions and our emotions. 

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey

A spicy small town com-com about a grumpy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn…—HarperCollins | Avon

This steamy romance novel follows a woman who anonymously sends love letters to her grumpy neighbor, only to have her secret identity revealed in a hilarious and unexpected way. Expect sizzling encounters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a heartwarming exploration of vulnerability and connection.

Secretly Yours is more than just a guilty pleasure; it’s also an exploration of human connection, vulnerability, and the transformative power of love. Who among us hasn’t experienced the pangs of longing for someone seemingly out of reach? This novel taps into those shared human experiences, reminding us we are not alone on our emotional journeys. Bailey’s use of humor and wit underscores one true thing: life, with all its ups and downs, should be approached with a sense of playfulness. 

I urge you to reconsider any preconceived notions about reading romance novels. Books like “Secretly Yours” offer more than just entertainment; they provide meaningful insights into love, laughter, and life itself. As you turn the pages of Bailey’s novel, let the novel inspire you to seek genuine connections and approach life with a heart full of hope and humor. Embrace the transformative power of love, and let it guide you towards a more fulfilling existence.

Other LitStack Resources

Be sure and look at our other LitStack Recs for our recommendations on books you should read, as well as these reviews by Lauren Alwan, and these reviews by Rylie Fong, Allie Coker, and Sharon Browning.

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