One of the most enjoyable things in life is sitting on a beach somewhere, with the sparkling ocean stretched out miles ahead, the warm sand beneath your toes, an ice-cold beverage in hand, and absolutely nowhere to go for the next few hours.
Add a spicy book to the mix and we’ve hit 10/10 levels of vacation perfection.
I know I’m not alone, but there’s just something about the consistent lulling waves of the ocean that engross me in every page, and the sexy details unfolding certainly keep me invested in the plot.
Every summer ushers in a new fleet of steamy romances ideal for poolside or oceanside reading, and these are some of my favorites.
In this article
“Problematic Summer Romance” by Ali Hazelwood
Leave it to Ali Hazelwood to keep readers on their toes with this absolute steamfest of a novel that takes you through the forbidden burgeoning romance of an unlikely duo.
So what’s the “problem” you ask? The main character, Maya, is just 23 and the leading man is 15 years her senior. The scandal!
It’s definitely a slow burn sort of vacation romance with power dynamics, lots of tension, and some hidden secrets woven throughout. This one also appealed to my wanderlust because it was set in Sicily, and there are some dreamy flashback chapters to Scotland.
“Lights Out” by Navessa Allen
Even above romance and spicy books, I just can’t say no to a thriller that keeps the twists and turns coming. That said, I obviously had to pick up “Lights Out” by Navessa Allen, which consistently makes “must read” lists on BookTok for its steamy (sometimes downright kinky…) scenes.
This book is about a trauma nurse whose fascination with a masked online stranger (a very “morally gray” sort of male lead) turns into an addictive game of obsession.
This one’s not for the faint of heart; the plot pushes some boundaries. That said, you’ll be glued to the page thanks to the cat-and-mouse tension, sharp banter, and a legitimately surprising plot twist.
“Our Perfect Storm” by Carley Fortune
I’m a huge Emily Henry fan, to the point that I’ve read every single one of her books. I was searching for an author who had a similar approach to storytelling, offering just the right amount of spicy scenes with deep, swirling romance, and was told that Carley Fortune was a must.
I started with her novel, “Our Perfect Storm,” which follows childhood best friends Frankie and George.
The plot: After Frankie gets dumped by her fiancé, the two decide to ease the pain by traveling to the coast of Vancouver Island together. Here, in Tofino, is where years of tension and buried feelings begin to surface. It’s very much a “friends to lovers” slow and passionate tale, made weightier by their emotional baggage, deep longing, and fervent chemistry.
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
Speaking of Emily Henry, I have to include my favorite book of hers on this list of spicy beach reads for a few reasons.
First, it’s aptly named, taking place on a fictional Michigan beach shoreline. Second, I love reading from a writer’s perspective, and this novel features two: January Andrews and Augustus Everett, who are sort of embittered by life, grief, and stalled careers.
They somehow end up living next door to each other for the summer, allowing them to connect. They eventually make a deal to swap genres for their next books. This means they need to see even more of each other. Ya know, to get the voices and storytelling right.
True to Henry’s style, the sexual tension shows up repeatedly and the steamy bits end up being very satisfying.
“Wild Side” by Elsie Silver
Wild is an understatement in this 2025 novel by Elsie Silver.
You get a front-row seat to the story of Tabitha and Rhys, who end up getting married purely out of convenience following a family tragedy that upended both their lives.
Tabitha is not a fan because Rhys comes across as, well, kind of a weirdo. He’s moody, brooding, and distant. But living under the same roof forces them to learn more about each other, and soon enough the undeniable attraction and sexual tension take over.
It’s a fun read with witty banter, emotional vulnerability, and a heaping dash of sultry spice.
The Shortcut
If you want the tension to build, start with "Problematic Summer Romance" or "Our Perfect Storm."
"Lights Out" is as much thriller as it is romance. A trauma nurse, a masked stranger, and a plot that pushes the boundaries.
"Beach Read" and "Wild Side" both trap two people in close quarters and let the friction do the work, one with next-door cottages, one with a marriage of convenience.
Emily Henry loyalists who have already burned through her catalog should go to Carley Fortune next for a similar style.
