20 Exciting and Spicy Romance Books That Are Burning Up BookTok

With its raw, unfiltered discussions and enthusiastic recommendations, BookTok has cultivated series of 20 Exciting and Spicy Romance Books – a haven for readers seeking stories that deliver not just compelling plots and captivating characters, but also an undeniable, palpable heat.

In the ever-evolving landscape of online communities, BookTok has emerged as a powerhouse, transforming the literary world and catapulting countless books to viral fame. While diverse genres find their footing, it’s the “spicy romance” category that truly sets the platform ablaze.

What makes a romance “spicy” on BookTok? It’s more than just a closed-door scene; it’s about unapologetic passion, undeniable chemistry, and often, a healthy dose of explicit content. From contemporary bad boys to fantastical beasts and morally grey anti-heroes, these books explore desire in all its forms, resonating deeply with a readership eager for open and honest portrayals of love and lust.

If you’re looking to turn up the temperature on your reading list, here are 20 exciting and spicy romance books that have captivated the BookTok community and continue to leave readers breathless-

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas:

While the first book has less “spice,” this fantasy romance series truly heats up with subsequent installments, particularly A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Silver Flames. Its intricate world-building, powerful Fae, and intense emotional connections, combined with escalating spice, have made it a BookTok phenomenon. 

2. Twisted Love (Twisted series) by Ana Huang:

The first book in a popular contemporary series, Twisted Love features a possessive, morally grey billionaire and a sunshine heroine. Their intense, forbidden romance is packed with steamy encounters, making it a fan favorite for its “touch her and die” vibes.

3. Icebreaker (Maple Hills series) by Hannah Grace:

This new adult hockey romance offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. The grumpy hockey player and the driven figure skater find themselves forced together, leading to sizzling tension and heartwarming moments that BookTok adores.

4. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey:

A classic grumpy-sunshine, small-town romance with an heiress exiled to a fishing village. Tessa Bailey’s signature witty banter and undeniable sexual tension make this book a go-to for contemporary spice.

5. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood:

Though starting as a slow-burn, this STEMinist fake-dating romance delivers significant payoff in the spice department. Its quirky characters, relatable academic setting, and undeniable chemistry between a brilliant but awkward scientist and a brooding professor have charmed countless readers.

6. Neon Gods (Dark Olympus series) by Katee Robert:

This modern Hades and Persephone retelling dives headfirst into dark, sensual themes. Robert’s entire “Dark Olympus” series is known for its high heat and exploration of power dynamics and consent in a mythical, urban setting.

7. Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) by H.D. Carlton:

For those who gravitate towards the darker side of romance, Haunting Adeline is a stalker romance that has generated immense buzz (and debate) on BookTok for its extreme spice and very dark themes. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

8. Hooked (Never After series) by Emily McIntire:

A dark, morally grey Captain Hook retelling, Hooked serves up a villain who is utterly obsessed with his heroine. It’s a prime example of BookTok’s love for twisted fairy tales with plenty of explicit scenes.

Read similar – 15 Dark Romance Books That Explore Obsession and Passion

9. Credence by Penelope Douglas:

Another entry for dark romance enthusiasts, Credence features an age-gap, isolated setting, and a polyamorous dynamic. Penelope Douglas is a staple in the “spicy” BookTok community for her raw and intense narratives.

10. Priest (Priest series) by Sierra Simone:

This highly controversial and intensely spicy book explores forbidden love between a woman and a Catholic priest. It’s known for its explicit content and exploration of religious themes alongside passionate romance.

11. The Deal (Off-Campus series) by Elle Kennedy:

A college sports romance with a fake-dating trope that turns into something much more. This series is praised for its lovable characters, hilarious banter, and satisfyingly spicy moments.

12. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas: An unconventional age-gap romance that pushes boundaries, Birthday Girl explores a complex and deeply intimate relationship, earning its spot on many “spicy” recommendation lists.

13. From Blood and Ash (Flesh and Fire series) by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This fantasy romance series features a “chosen one” heroine and a mysterious, powerful male lead. The spice escalates throughout the series, becoming a major draw for fans of the genre.

14. The Ritual (Ritual series) by Shantel Tessier: A dark mafia romance that doesn’t shy away from intense, possessive themes and very explicit scenes. It’s a prime example of the “touch her and die” trope taken to the extreme.

15. King of Wrath (Kings of Sin series) by Ana Huang: Another hit from Ana Huang, this arranged marriage, billionaire romance is filled with delicious tension and a high level of spice, appealing to fans of powerful, brooding heroes.

16. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: While perhaps not as overtly “spicy” as some other titles on this list, this immensely popular M/M romance between the First Son of the U.S. and a British Prince delivers significant heat alongside its witty charm and feel-good plot, proving that “spicy” isn’t limited to one subgenre.

17. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas: A highly popular fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers workplace romance. While it’s more of a slow-burn, the payoff in terms of sexual tension and eventual spice is highly rewarding for readers.

18. Her Soul to Take (Souls series) by Harley Laroux: Delving into the dark fantasy romance subgenre, this book features a demonic entity and a human woman, with explicit scenes that are both intense and unconventional, appealing to those looking for something truly different.

19. Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas: An intense high school romance with themes of bullying, mistaken identity, and a deep connection forged through letters. It’s known for its angsty plot and significant spice.

20. Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren: An early and enduring example of a popular workplace enemies-to-lovers romance with a high heat level. This book, and the series, cemented Christina Lauren as a go-to for steamy contemporary reads.

BookTok’s influence on the romance genre is undeniable. It has created a space where readers can openly celebrate their love for “spicy” books, share recommendations without judgment, and connect over shared literary obsessions.

The books on this list represent just a fraction of the scorching reads available, but they are consistently lauded for their ability to deliver passion, intensity, and unforgettable romantic experiences that keep the BookTok community buzzing. If you’re ready to add some serious heat to your reading list, these titles are sure to deliver.