Red Hot Reads for Spicy Girl Summer - Hot & Steamy Romance Books for July 2025

It's getting hot out there and we have a reading list that rivals even the hottest of heat waves. Forget "hot girl summer", it’s time to amp it up this year with Spicy Girl Summer. This term was coined by the hilarious podcast, Girls Gotta Eat, and we're fully on-board with the phrase. Let’s embrace this spicy girl summer with book recs that will keep you swooning and drooling for even more heat.

Kiss of the Basilisk By Lindsay Straube - Starting the list off hot with a monster romance like you've never experienced. These shape shifting snakes are meant to train women in the ways of seduction in the hopes of winning the prince's hand. This book will have you blushing in the first few chapters and even gasping in disbelief, but the spice is never ending. Spice Level: 5/5

Add to your cart if you love an unhinged and unforgettable love triangle romance.

Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn - A fake marriage trope sent straight to counseling at an eight day summer retreat. This rom-com book is filled with witty banter and a heavy dose of spice that will have you laughing out loud. Spice Level: 3/5

The deluxe edition with sprayed edges makes for the perfect poolside read.

The Lies of Lena by Kylie Snow - Get spicy with the first book in The Otacian Chronicles, dive into the story of Lena, a mage caught in a web of forbidden romance and forced proximity. This book offers a high level of yearning you won't be able to put down. Spice Level: 3/5

Continue the series with The Sins of Silas

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy - For the hockey smut girlies, the NHL season may be over, but the adrenaline rush can still be felt with this book by the spicy hockey romance queen herself, Elle Kennedy. Sure to satisfy any post-Stanley Cup cravings for some (sp)ice time. Spice Level: 4/5

Wild Love by Elsie Silver - Things get wild when a billionaire finds out he's the father of a 12 year old girl while falling for his best friend's sister. The first in the Rose Hill Series, this small town western romance is filled with your favorite romance tropes. Spice Level: 4/5 

Continue the Rose Hill Series with Wild Eyes and Wild Side

Also by Elsie Silver - Off to the Races

Whichever Spicy Girl Summer vibes you choose - monster smut, hockey hunks, or a laugh-out-loud rom-coms, these romance novels are guaranteed to spice up your July reading list.

Sharing is caring—especially when it comes to steamy book recs. Post your faves on Instagram #SpicyGirlSummer and tag us @behindthecurtainbooks