7 steamy romance reads that are guaranteed to heat up your year-end slump

With year-end around the corner, we’re officially in that weird limbo phase where everyone is juggling deadlines, festive plans, and the overwhelming urge to burrow under a blanket and ignore the world. And honestly? This is peak reading season. More specifically: peak romance reading season. There’s something deliciously indulgent about diving into a story that gives you butterflies and a blush, where the chemistry crackles unapologetically and the plot keeps you glued to every page.

Think of these books as your personal escape hatch—equal parts spicy, dramatic, and emotionally satisfying. Whether you love slow burns that eventually combust or fast-paced romances that sizzle from page one, these steamy reads are the perfect way to close out the year feeling warm, giddy, and thoroughly entertained.

King of Wall Street by Louise Bay

Max King is a ruthless Wall Street powerhouse who suddenly finds himself working with Harper Jayne, the sharp, outspoken woman who refuses to be intimidated. Their clash of wills quickly turns into a heated push-and-pull neither can resist. As their late-night arguments slide into late-night encounters, both must decide if they’re willing to break their own rules for love.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Figure skater Anastasia and hockey star Nate are forced to share a practice rink after an accident derails the team’s schedule. Constant proximity leads to clashing personalities, unexpected friendship, and chemistry that sparks long before either admits it. Between competitive pressures and growing feelings, their bond melts into something intense, intimate, and irresistibly steamy.

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

Set in sun-drenched Italy, 17-year-old Elio becomes captivated by Oliver, the confident American graduate student staying with his family for the summer. What begins as subtle glances and simmering tension evolves into a deeply intimate, transformative connection—fleeting, tender, and filled with emotional and sensual discovery that lingers long after.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Eva, a bestselling author and single mum, unexpectedly crosses paths with Shane, the reclusive writer she once shared a passionate teenage romance with. Their reunion reawakens feelings they’ve buried for years, sparking a magnetic connection that’s as tender as it is scorching. Over seven intense days, they confront their shared history, lingering trauma, and the possibility of rewriting their love story.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

PhD student Olive ends up fake-dating Adam, the intimidating (and secretly soft) young professor everyone fears. What starts as a helpful favour spirals into real chemistry—complete with charged lab scenes, awkwardly adorable tension, and slow-burn intimacy. As the pretend relationship starts to feel alarmingly real, both are forced to face what they actually want.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Alexa and Drew get stuck in an elevator and impulsively agree to attend a wedding together as fake dates. Their weekend fling turns unexpectedly real—think flirtatious dinners, hotel-room chemistry, and the chaos of juggling careers in different cities. What begins as a one-off quickly becomes a very modern, “So... are we doing this?” romance.

Final Offer by Lauren Asher

Cal, the black sheep of a billionaire family, returns to his childhood lake house to fulfil a clause in his grandfather’s will—only to run into Lana, the woman he once loved. Their unresolved past hangs heavy as they’re forced to live under the same roof, rekindling old feelings and reopening old wounds. Between emotional confrontations and undeniable attraction, both must decide whether a second chance is worth the risk.

All images: Amazon

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