14 spicy romances to read this Valentine’s Day

Whether it makes you want to vomit or it makes you want to swoon, Valentine’s Day is here.

I personally don’t really care about it either way, but I do always take the opportunity to indulge in the fun seasonal foods and sweets and a whole load of romance novels, and quite frankly, the spicier the better. But that’s not for everyone, so there are all levels of spice included in this list because everyone deserves to have their spice needs met.

These titles are largely contemporary, but I have included a sprinkling titles that venture into the fantastical, though they largely feel routed in contemporary romance.

‘The Pairing’ by Casey McQuiston

Two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they're over each other - except they're definitely not.

Perfect, sexy, summer romp that I gave an easy five stars.

‘Deep End’ by Ali Hazelwood

A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Love Hypothesis’.

This only just came out so I haven’t read it yet, but my copy is ready and waiting on my shelves and there’s already a whole lot of fuss about the spice levels in this one - I’m excited!

‘Wild Love’ by Elsie Silver

Small-town, big characters, four addictive love stories . . . meet the single dads of Rose Hill's recreational bowling team.

While I don’t love this series as whole-heartedly as I love the ‘Chestnut Springs’ series, but I still do love this one - it’s a lot of fun with some cool connections to ‘Chestnut Springs’.

‘Done and Dusted’ by Lyla Sage

She's off-limits, but he's never been good at following the rules… For the first time in her life, Clementine 'Emmy' Ryder has no idea what she's doing. Luke Brooks is Meadowlark's most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. As things between Emmy and Brooks heat up, it gets more difficult for him to keep his hands off of her. Can he help her get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?

This is the first book in one of my favourite series of all time, not just cowboy romance series, or romance series, but series of all time. I adore it.

‘Holding the Reins’ by Paisley Hope

Nash Carter. Retired ice hockey player and part time cowboy. Also my brother’s best friend and therefore strictly off limits. Despite the fact he can’t stop staring at me like I’m his favourite snack. And I…like it?

While not Lyla Sage, this is a really fun cowboy romance series that fills the gap while waiting for new Rebel Blue Ranch.

‘The Fake Mate’ by Lana Ferguson

Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson, perfect for fans of Rosie Danan. Fake mate…or perfect date?

I was so surprised by how much I ended up loving this fated mates romance - it’s a huge amount of fun.

‘The Dead Romantics’ by Ashley Poston

Florence Day is a ghost-writer with one big problem. She’s supposed to be penning swoon-worthy novels for a famous romance author but, after a bad break-up, Florence no longer believes in love. And when her strict (but undeniably hot) new editor, Benji Andor, won’t give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye.

I still remember the feeling of reading this so vividly. The swoony romance, the tension, and the stakes are pitch-perfect and it cemented Poston as a favourite romance author of mine.

‘Tentacles and Triathalons’ by Ashley Bennett

Leviathan Fitness is the favourite place of monsters, muscles, and a tentacled creature who can seduce even the hardest to win over human.

I know, I know. This isn’t contemporary and it’s a bit odd, but it does feel contemporary with the personal and interpersonal issues that are tackled. I picked this up on a whim of a KU browse and read the whole thing in one go.

‘First Time Caller’ by BK Borrison

A hopeless romantic meets a demoralized radio host in this cosy, Sleepless in Seattle inspired love story from fan-favourite author of the ‘Lovelight’ series, B.K. Borison.

I haven’t read this one yet as it’s not out at the time of writing this (released 13 February) but ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ is a favourite of mine and I’m so excited for it.

‘The Graham Effect’ by Elle Kennedy

Gigi Graham has exactly three goals: qualify for the women's national hockey team, win Olympic gold, and step out of her famous father's shadow. She needs to improve her game behind the net, and she needs help from Luke Ryder. Ryder is six-foot five, built, opinionated, rude…and sexy as hell. But he's still the enemy.

I loved Elle Kennedy’s books back in the day but I’ve had a rougher experience with her later novels. I have hopes that she’ll have clawed it back when I dive into this series though - it’s a hockey romance!

‘The Paradise Problem’ by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren, the instant New York Times bestselling and 'reigning romance queens' (PopSugar), returns with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance.

I’ve enjoyed all of the Christina Lauren novels I’ve read so I expect this to be no exception - they all feel sunny and warm and fun.

‘Lights Out’ by Navessa Allen

I want someone with a soul as black as night. Someone who would burn the world down for me and not lose a single minute of sleep over it. Trauma nurse Aly escapes her hard-working days by thirsting after masked men online.

This very much looks like an odd one out, because it is. It’s a dark romance that I’m pretty nervous about diving into, but also very intrigued…

‘Delilah Green Doesn’t Care’ by Ashley Herring Blake

Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls - nothing is there for her except memories of a lonely childhood. When Delilah's estranged stepsister pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a large check, Delilah finds herself back in Bright Falls once more. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland.

I absolutely adore this trilogy of interconnected small town romances and though they can be read as standalones, I really do recommend reading them in order as they build on each other as they go. I love these characters.

‘The Pumpkin Spice Cafe’ by Laurie Gilmore

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job. Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

I’ve heard very mixed things about this, but it sounds like an autumnal Hallmark movie and I do love a Hallmark movie…

I hope one of those romances tickles your fancy this Valentine’s weekend and that you manage to score big on the discounted choclate on Saturday!

Written by Sophie