I'm an avid bookworm and these 12 SPICY beach reads are so hot they might melt your popsicle - and trust me, they're worth the heatstroke
But still, by far, my guilty pleasure is a good old-fashioned steamy romance novel or, as readers call them, ' smut ' books (aka super sexy).
After years of indulging in these so-called 'smutty' books, I have rounded up the top 12 that will have you sweating at the beach this summer (and not just from the sun!).
From enemies to lovers to summer camp flings, whatever your style is, there is something on this list for you.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Two words — Abby JIMENEZ!
As an avid reader I find myself continuously impressed with each book of her books. 'Just for the Summer' is by far my favorite Lake Minnetonka tale with sweet romance, spicy tension, and perfectly thoughtout characterization.
Trust me, reading this will feel like you are right at the lake with Emma and Justin! (P.S. — This is the 3rd book of the series!!).
$10 (was $18) Shop
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
It seems Emily Henry has earned the title 'Rom-Com Queen' amongst romance readers — and we understand why.
Henry's voice is undeniably unique with sweet, feel-good tales that take readers all over the United States.
'Book Lovers' is in my top two of her novels with its homey energy and small town charm! Falling in love with Nora and Charlie is inevitable. If you love books, stolen kisses, and small town romance this is for you.
$9.69 (was $17) Shop
Love and Other Words Paperback by Christina Lauren
Never has a book destroyed me so viscerally as Christina Lauren's did.
'Love and Other Words' is truly a beautifully tear jerking tale that will leave you sobbing on the beach (but in the best way!).
It's sad, it's hopeful, it's real, it's romantic — all puns aside, no words can put this specific pick into clear focus. Just read it. Do it.
$7.49 (was $17) Shop
Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1) by Lucy Score
Of late, Lucy Score's 'Knockemout' series has been my afterwork page turner!
Book #1 is a must-read (as are the other two!) with mystery, action, drama, and of course — SPICY scenes.
If you are a lover of crime dramas and smut, you will become obsessed with these books. Namoi and Knox are polar opposites and endlessly adorable together #MeantToBe!
$10.61 (was $19) Shop
Just One by Gayle Forman
To this day, 'Just One' is still one of, if not the, best romance novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
I have reread this 3-in-1 book close to four times now because it truly is a European romance for the ages! Taking place long distance, this whirlwind book spans years of love (all based on one single day).
A dutch boy meets and American girl — and the rest is, well... you'll have to read to find out!
$14 Shop
Unfortunately Yours: A Small-Town Rom-Com by Tessa Bailey
Vineyards and an ex-military hottie? Say less!
Tessa Bailey is another rom-com writer whom I regularly read and her work is some of the best for decompressing.
This swoon worthy novel takes place in Napa Valley where a country girl gone city unites with an unlikely ex-military/wine making match.
It is love at first insult and oh so swoony!
$11.20 (was $19) Shop
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
As a girl who grew up on the East Coast in an extremely small town — the 'Dream Harbor' series is my comfort place.
Seriously reading any of the books from this series feels like sipping a warm mug of hot chocolate!
'The Cinnamon Book Store' is a fun take on a summer romance between a bookstore worker and boat boy with a scavenger hunt plot.
Though the endings are predictable and the characters almost too good to be true, these books are the perfect cozy read.
$10 (was $19) Shop
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
We love enemies to lovers!
This sassy book is the school teacher romance you never knew you needed. From college to the school they teach in, Emily and Jack duel it out in every way possible.
Then they end up in their bosses closet together...
Spice up the summer with this absolute must-read Kentucky romance.
$9.39 (was $18) Shop
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
A classic!
Sticking with the enemies to lovers theme, this viral read is a hands-down must-red for anyone and everyone.
Sally Thorne just NAILS it. From co-workers to secretly in love, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman love to hate one another. (That is of course unless they're in the elevator...)
Catch the movie version with Lucy Hale on streaming platforms too!
$10.44 (was $19) Shop
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set by Sarah J. Maas
ACOTAR is the TikTok sensation that continues to leave readers jaws dropped and itching for more.
Sarah J. Maas is an award-winning fantasy writer whose worlds are so detailed they feel real. The ACOTAR series, despite not being a huge fantasy reader is one of my favorite series to date.
Packed with action, tragedy, hot scenes, and men with wings (literally). This series is mega so buckle in for the long haul.
$32 (was $95) Shop
No More Secrets: A Small Town Love Story by Lucy Score
I never imagined myself as a farm romance gal until I read this novel by Lucy Score.
The 'Blue Moon' series is seriously to die for. Three farm raised brothers, all single, and all get their own happy ending romances.
'No More Secrets' is all about Carter and Summer — Veteran and rising NYC gossip writer. But when secrets come out and decision have to be made things get real (and real steamy).
$10.50 (was $19) Shop
Wildfire: A Novel (2) (The Maple Hills Series) by Hannah Grace
The latest SMUT trend is hockey.
Yes, hockey. It seems there is something undeniably sexy about hockey players and in the 'Maple Hills' series I finally understood why.
Burly, sweaty, muscly hockey player meets adorably feisty blonde with family drama. Will the two be able to stay away during a summer of camp counseling ayer an unexpected one night stand?
Let's just say you'll need some major ice rink time to cool down after reading this book.
$11.29 (was $19) Shop
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