The erotica industry has been booming since the lockdown, thanks in part to the rise of book influencers. If you’re a fan of 'smut' wrapped in the guise of romance novels, you’re in for a treat. We’ve curated a selection of novels featuring all your favorite tropes—whether it’s enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating sunshine and grumpy dynamics, and more. These reads promise to give you butterflies and leave you blushing. PSA: They also contain some of the spiciest scenes ever! Here are five of our favourite picks.
If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting
First up is a classic enemies-to-lovers story featuring Tristan Stiles, a pro hockey player known for his notorious reputation and scandalous charm. When his best friend’s sister moves in with him after quitting her job, their relationship quickly heats up with intense arguments and playful taunts. Tristan’s irresistible allure and shirtless physique turn a once-secret crush into a blurring line between hate and love. Add this steamy read to your list ASAP!
A Little Naughty by Tia Louise
We all love a misunderstood boy, don’t we? This book gives you just that and more. What starts as a series of questionable choices—flirting with a dangerous criminal to rescue a girl and hosting an extravagant masked gala—takes a wild turn when Raif Jones, a bad boy with a magnetic presence, arrives on a motorcycle and sweeps a small-town woman off her feet. What happens next is for you to discover. But what we can tell you is that you will surely be reading some of the steamiest chapters here. So, get a copy now!
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
In Ali Hazelwood's "A Forbidden Affair," biotech engineer Rue Siebert’s stable and successful life at the promising start-up Kline is upended by a hostile takeover led by the irresistibly attractive Eli Killgore. As Eli pursues the acquisition, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Rue, despite knowing she’s off-limits. Their mutual attraction ignites a secret, no-strings-attached affair set against the high-stakes backdrop of corporate competition. Their secret romance will get you hot and burning, leaving you wanting more.
Love Unwritten by Lauren Asher
If you love the classic Sunshine X grumpy trope, then trust us, you are going to love this one. Rafael Lopez— a workaholic billionaire and single father, finds his carefully guarded heart contested when Ellie Sinclair, a hopeless romantic and songwriter he once knew from high school, becomes his son’s nanny. Their seemingly incompatible worlds—his structured, corporate life and her creative, carefree nature—collide during a summer vacation on two islands. As they spend time together, old feelings resurface, and well…. the story unfolds.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
This highly anticipated release is perfect for fans of the fake-dating trope. When Daphne’s ex-fiancé, Peter, starts a new relationship with his childhood friend Petra, Daphne's love story becomes just the prologue. Now rooming with Petra’s ex, Miles, Daphne finds an unlikely ally in him. As they bond over tequila and concoct a plan involving fake social media posts, their staged romance starts to feel real. What begins as a strategic charade may lead Daphne to question if falling for her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex is as improbable as it seems.
Lead image credits: Pexels
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