The smuttiest books to cozy up with this fall

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck

This contemporary twist on When Harry Met Sally follows free spirited aspiring comic Ari, and type A professional chef Josh,. Despite hating one another, Josh and Ari eventually develop a tentative friendship, with no sex involved. Soon, the sparks (and the steam) between them are too much to deny, and the pair must decide if a true romantic relationship is worth the risk of their friendship. Perfect if you are ready to walk through the red and orange foliage in Central Park with a pumpkin spice latte in hand.  

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

Phantasma brings all the tricks and treats that Halloween has to offer. Protagonist Ophelia is a necromancer, and after the tragic death of her mother and the growing threat of debt, she travels to Phantasma, a deadly game where the winner gets to make a wish, in search of her missing sister. While there, she teams up with a literal phantom, and a connection is forged between the two. Phantasma is taking over TikTok for its portrayal of mental health and dark romance. This one is sure to delight fans looking to sit back and relax with a bowl of candy on Halloween night.  

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

This list would not be complete without a sports romance, or at least one involving an athlete. Gabriella Gamez’s The Next Best Fling is about Marcella, a sweater wearing librarian who is in love with her best friend. . .who is also newly engaged. Then she meets Theo, a professional football player, the older brother of her best friend, and in love with his younger brother’s fiancée. When Marcella and Theo are mistaken for being in a relationship, the pair go along with it. Along the way the two discover their growing feelings for each other, and that their perfect person, may be the one they are already fake dating. This book is made for those who are ready to pull out their sweaters by August 31st, and enjoy sports romances that aren’t heavy on the actual sport.  

The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan

Kennedy Ryan is a romance powerhouse and a TikTok darling, and rightfully so. Her writing is incredible, and her characters feel like real people. They are allowed to be messy and make mistakes and still find love, just like us. The Kingmaker follows the love story of Lennix, a Native American woman fighting to make the world a better place, and Maxim, the son of a wealthy businessman whose company destroys the land Lennix’s tribe has lived on for generations. Lennix and Maxim meet multiple times over the course of their young adult lives, and the bond between them always burns strong and bright. The Kingmaker is a passionate love story between star crossed lovers that readers will never forget. 

Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff

For anyone who dreamed of falling in love with the lead singer of their favorite boy band, this one’s for you. The first novel published by 831stories, a new romance publishing company that promises pleasure in all of their books, Big Fan sets the bar high, with its witty writing, horny main character, and sexy love story. Maya is a shamed political advisor after her husband's affair with an intern. At her lowest point she receives a job offer from Charlie, a member of her favorite boy band when she was a teenager. Soon, the two realize that more than just a professional relationship is growing between them, and whether they are willing to face the media storm that comes with being in a high profile relationship. Charlie is a dream book boyfriend, handsome, politically engaged, funny, kind, and supportive of all that Maya wants. Clocking in at 160 pages, this book calls to be read in one sitting cozied up under a blanket with a hot drink.   

On the Same Page by Haley Cass

If you’re looking for a campus novel featuring a lesbian romance, look no further than Haley Cass’ On the Same Page. Gianna and Riley become best friends while studying at Boston University. Despite being complete opposites, the two understand each other like no one else can. After a decade-long friendship, a series of mishaps makes Riley and Gianna question how they define their relationship. The book has been praised for its heart and heat, and has an impressive 4.34 stars on Goodreads. If you’re craving the comfort of a best-friends-to-lovers story, or excited for the New England leaves to change color, you won’t want to miss this one.   

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

The Truth According to Ember  is the first traditionally published romance written by a Native American. We follow Ember, a Chickasaw woman who is repeatedly rejected from jobs. On a whim she puts down her race as white, and ends up getting her dream job. She soon meets the IT guy, fellow Native American Danuwoa. The two embark on a secret work romance, while Ember begins being blackmailed by a coworker. Ember’s real feelings for Danuwoa are getting eclipsed by all of her lies, and she must decide what is most important to her. TikTok readers are loving Ember for being a stressful yet relatable protagonist, and are already clamoring for Danica Nava’s next book. Nava is helping to pave the way for more diverse romance books, where everyone can see themself.    

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming 

Who doesn’t love a good monster romance? This fun and hilarious light fantasy romp follows Cinnamon, a woman dead set on never being the main character. Unfortunately for her, she is chosen to go on a quest to save the demons of the land from an evil goddess. Fortunately for Cinnamon though, her companion is a hot guy who rarely keeps his shirt on. Oh and he’s a dragon who is convinced she is his fated mate. If you ever wondered if a dragon would be good at post sex after care, this book is made for you. 

The Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert 

Team Edward or Team Jacob. Team Damon or Team Stefan. Team Peeta or Team Gale. Katee Robert asks the important question: why do you have to choose? Why can’t you have both? Or in this case, all three. The Court of the Vampire Queen follows Mina, a half vampire half human, who ends up in a relationship with three vampire men as she attempts to discover her true powers. This book brings steam to a whole new level, and with three vampires, it’s the perfect Halloween read.