Sweltering Summer Reads That Bring the Heat | Spicy Romance & Fantasy Book Recs for 2025

Summer reading used to feel like a chore, but now we're making it spicy. Escaping into a book is my preferred way to spend my summer days and nights. Catch me with a steamy romance novel on the beach or starting a fantasy book series on a rainy weekend. Wherever your summer plans take you, make room in your beach bag for these book recommendations.

If you're craving books that bring the heat—emotionally and romantically—you’re in the right place. Kick off your summer reading list with sizzling contemporary romance and a stack of slow-burn romantasy. Warning: these hot reads will not cool you off, but are guaranteed to keep you hooked all summer long.

Contemporary Romance Books That Sizzle

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood is one of the must-read contemporary sports romances of the year. Tension, trauma, and passion collide as two broken people fake a relationship—and find something real along the way. This book makes a serious splash and rates high on the spice scale with 4/5 .

Also by Ali Hazelwood: Problematic Summer Romance

Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli - Set during a tropical company retreat, this rivals-to-lovers romance serves up the perfect amount of flirtation, banter, and romantic tension. If you’re looking for a little less spice and more emotionally-charged tension between characters, this book will satisfy your craving for chemistry. Not Safe for Work is perfect for fans of forced proximity, witty banter, and emotional slow burn build up, pack your beach bag!

Also by Nisha J. Tuli: Trial of the Sun Queen from the Artefacts of Ouranos series.

Spicy Romantasy Reads to Escape Into

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig is one of the most highly anticipated romantasy releases of the year. This searing slow burn is set in a gothic fantasy world. Join the prophetess, Sybil, and the knight, Rodrick, on their quest. As Diviners vanish one by one, Sybil and Rodrick must navigate a dangerous world—and their growing connection.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis - Enter the dystopian romance that has quickly become an overnight sensation on Booktok and Bookstagram. When enemies are forced to rely on each other for survival, the tension turns electric. Silver Elite will have you turning pages like your life depends on it.

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith  - A standalone romantasy set in a twisted, magical labyrinth. Play this deadly game but beware the only rule: never ever trust your heart. While the fake romance between Genevieve and Rowin intensifies, this dark fantasy is sure to hook you with 3/5 spice.

Also by Kaylie Smith: Phantasma

A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride is a newly released celtic-inspired fantasy romance that will burn bright on your shelf. A deliciously tense rivals to lovers tale with political intrigue, dragon bonding, and fire wielding. This debut book is packed with heat ideal for fans of Fourth Wing.

Bring the Heat to Your TBR

Don't sleep on these swoon-worthy reads. From tropical retreats and brooding knights to dragons and labyrinths, these books are full of spice, stakes, and emotionally intense moments.