Is it time to cancel the term “bodice ripper,” for its connotations of aggressive, potentially non-consensual sex? Some readers think so. But, thankfully, not all bodice rippers fall under that brand anymore.
Today, bodice rippers are broadly recognized as “sexually explicit romantic novels with a historical setting,” according to Book Riot—and they’re just one category of a once clandestine publishing genre that is now booming: romance.
Romance is a wide-ranging genre, but it includes a single, fundamental element: the HEA, or “happily-ever-after.” If a book doesn’t have that, it’s not a romance—even if the plot features romance.
I’ve been reading romance since high school, when I would hide my bodice rippers in a box under my bed that I thought my mother knew nothing about. I worked my way through the enormous collection at Amy’s Books, the beloved (now closed) used bookstore in my small Pennsylvania town. Back then, Mary Balogh wrote my favorite “bodice rippers,” with her spitfire heroines and good sex scenes.
Because romances tend to be enjoyable, quick reads, they make excellent beach books. So here are Rewire News Group’s top recommendations for some steamy summer reading. Most picks are mine, but you’ll see I’m not the only romance fan at RNG.
Romances with strong and tender BIPOC leads
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
This is the final book in the Brown Sisters trilogy. This series is so refreshing because it features enjoyable, diverse characters with multiple identities navigating life, love, and friendship across London: chronic illness for Chloe, bisexuality for Dani, and autism for Eve. Read this series in whatever order you like—all three books are marvelous, laugh-out-loud funny and poignant, with plenty of spice.
An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera
Adriana Herrera’s protagonists tend to be Afro-Latina and Caribbean women. This is the second in her Las Leonas (The Lionesses) series. It’s set in Paris, where Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan collides with Cora Kempf Bristol at the 1889 Paris Exposition. Manuela is trying to sell her paintings and Cora is trying to become a business mogul. Mutual desire ensues. Will they be able to beat the competition, achieve their dreams, and secure a happy future together?
Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
The second installment of Nisha Sharma’s If Shakespeare Were An Aunty trilogy is a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance that follows an event planner and fine dining chef who must work together to put on their best friends’ big fat Indian wedding. The only thing spicier than the romance are Chef Benjamin Padda’s kathi rolls.
– Natasha Roy, staff editor
Reel by Kennedy Ryan
Ryan writes nuanced Black women characters who always get their happily ever after. In this book, struggling actor Neevah Saint’s fate changes when broody director Canon Holt casts her as the lead in a big-budget biopic set during the Harlem Renaissance. Neevah’s hiding a lupus diagnosis and Canon’s hiding his growing feelings for her, but it is Hollywood magic when these two finally fall in love. P.S. If you enjoy Reel, then you’ll likely enjoy the next two books in this series: The Close-up and Score.
– Evette Dionne, newsletter editor
Romances with relatable contemporary characters
Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake
In the third installment of the Bright Falls trilogy, Iris Kelly finally gets the spotlight. Iris is a romance writer surrounded by happy endings, but she’s completely out of ideas with a rapidly-approaching deadline. Enter Stevie, a hopeful theater actress and Iris’ latest one-night stand. When they’re both cast in the same play, Stevie asks Iris to pretend to be her girlfriend so she can save face with her friends. Shenanigans ensue—and genuine feelings are not far behind. Guest starring couples from Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, this third book has real heart.
Soon by You by Dahlia Adler
Dahlia Adler’s latest book, released in May 2026, is a welcome addition to the hot Jewish romance subgenre. Soon by You offers a contemporary take on the bodice ripper, with modern Orthodoxy meeting The Wedding Singer. Protagonists Ari and Judah are self-aware, snarky, and hot together. This opposites-attract romance maintains electric tension in the midst of modesty culture and keeps the steam as hot as it is sweet.
Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
Are you into romance novels where fat women aren’t reduced to the size of their bodies? Check out Plus Size Player. Influencer Nina Ford loves to date around. Why limit herself to one man when there are many partners who can meet her needs? But there’s something about Russell Long, a.k.a. “Fun Guy,” that she can’t shake. He doesn’t want to just take her on amazing dates; he wants Nina to consider a serious relationship. And maybe, just maybe, he can convince Nina that he can be the only man she needs.
– Evette Dionne, newsletter editor
For fans of queer lust
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
I would describe this book as “disaster bisexuals chaotically romp across Europe.” Decadent for foodies and queers alike, The Pairing reunites former lovers-turned-exes on a three-week European food tour they were supposed to take together years ago. What caused the rift? Have they learned anything about themselves since—or about each other? The book has a steamy situationship, trans representation, and a Eurotrip some of us can only dream of!
Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner
College student Cassie unknowingly hooks up with her best friend’s mom over her school’s family weekend. This novel adeptly explores a common phenomenon in the queer community—age gaps—with great affection, insight, care, and wisdom. This might be one of the hottest books I’ve read from an emotional intelligence standpoint. (And there’s a memorable strap-on scene!)
Wilsner also wrote My Best Friend’s Honeymoon, which is ideal for readers seeking a toe-curlingly steamy beach read with a head-over-heels fat main character. Expect complicated, best-friends-to-lovers dynamics.
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
Imagine this: A reality show features couples faking an engagement for six weeks in hopes of convincing their families that their love is real and winning $100,000. It’s the perfect scenario for aspiring influencer Kris, who sees Instant I Do as a chance to elevate her brand. Meanwhile, D’Vaughn thinks a TV show will give her the courage to finally tell her family that she’s queer. What’s the worst that can happen? A lot, actually, including love.
– Evette Dionne, newsletter editor
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Want spice, but not into romance?
All Fours by Miranda July
This entry in the “moms gone feral” category of novels involves a startling array of sexual encounters. Instead of driving cross-country as planned, the protagonist—a “minor celebrity” with an erratic internal monologue—exits the highway after 30 minutes and embarks on a very different adventure at a hum-drum motel. All Fours is arousing, yes, but it’s also unpredictable, playful, and thoroughly charming. As for the “happily ever after,” that depends on whether freedom’s your thing.
– Catesby Holmes, editorial director
Bad Dyke: Salacious Stories from a Queer Life by Allison Moon
I read this short book of essays in my early queer years and loved it. Sexy, hilarious, and smart, Allison Moon tells poignant and tender stories “of falling in and out of love” while falling “in and out of bed.” She also writes novels about lesbian werewolves!
Want, edited by Gillian Anderson
X Files and Sex Education alum Gillian Anderson compiled this steamy collection of sexual fantasies from letters and essays submitted to her. It reveals what turns people on around the world and shows that fantasy doesn’t always need to be roleplay to be satisfying.
