If you’re like me, summer is super busy. Here in Chicago everyone crams at least two seasons, sometimes four worth of activities into the 100 days of warm weather and road construction. Its better than planning an event that everyone abandons due to heavy snow.
But as summer winds down, reality creeps back in, and so does the need to escape with a good book. Or a great one.
If you love romance novels, but don’t have the time to find your next great read, fret no more. I am bringing the best of the best to you so that you can finish out the summer or start the school year with a treasure trove of romance.
The following list is my top ten list of contemporary, steamy romance stories you can’t end the summer without reading. Alpha heroes and smart, sophisticated heroines bring you into their worlds of money, power, and… other things as well. Most of these have been the best sellers in the steamy billionaire romance tropes on everyone’s list this year. And for good reason.
If You Were Mine by Melanie Harlow
With more than 2400 great reviews using words like “steamy, sexy, heartfelt, hilarious,
utterly addictive, passionate and swoony,” this one night of shouldn’t becomes a should read for sure.
Theo MacLeod wasn’t supposed to be the one.
Tall, dark and handsome suits me just fine, but the cocky grin, know-it-all attitude, and mammoth ego? No thanks. I only hired him so I wouldn’t have to sit at the singles table again. It was just pretend.
He wasn’t supposed to kiss me.
My heart wasn’t supposed to pound.
We weren’t supposed to spend the night together—the hottest night of my life.
One night turns into a snowed-in weekend away, and even the blizzard of the century can’t cool the fire between us. I can’t get enough—of his smile, of his body, of the way he makes me feel.
Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger
Over 6000 Amazon reviewers called this book unique, brilliant, saying they have never read a book that made them feel so much. When an author goes in search of inspriration, she finds romance instead and things really take off from there.
This book comes with a warning from the author: Warning: This is not a “traditional” romance. There is an HEA, but not in the way you will expect it. Go in blind and enjoy the rollercoaster, or move on to something fluffier. This novel has sharp teeth…and bites.
She’s right, but it’s worth every second of the ride!
Impulse by Lexy Timms
Reviewers have called this steamy billionaire romance “brilliant” and written “I completely loved this marvelous tale. I absolutely adored this entire series. Loving all the fabulous characters, exciting characters. Such a beautiful romance too. It was such a brilliant, wonderful story. Congratulations Lexy Timms!!”
Crave by Tracy Wolff (vampire)
- The #1 New York Times Bestselling Series
- An Amazon Best YA Book of 2020
- Glitter Magazine’s #1 Pick for Best YA of 2020
- Optioned for Film by Universal
Just a warning before you get completely hooked: This is a six-book series, so set aside time.
My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. I still can’t decide which of these warring factions I belong to, if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.
Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.
Which could spell death for us all.
Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally—as the bait.
Secret Desire: A Billionaire Boss Hot Romance by Jessie Jocelyne
“My greatest accomplishment was not the billions I made. But the pleasure I gave her.”
With a back cover tagline like this one, Secret Desire promises to bring the heat, and it does indeed. Also a sassy, curvy heroine, a grumpy boss and some great laughs.
My name is Steven Cox. I am a titan on Wall Street. I don’t beg, I demand. I don’t say please, I bark out orders. And I never mix business with pleasure, except…
I’m about to break all my rules.
Once Upon a Billionaire by Jessica Clare
This is book four in the fabulous Billionaire Boys Club Series and the books continue to deliver. It’s a fast read, sexy as hell and fun.
As a member of the royal family in a small European country, Griffin Verdi’s presence is requested at the wedding of the century. The scholarly billionaire feels out of his depth in social situations, so a good assistant is required—especially when dealing with royal etiquette.
Unfortunately for Griffin, he’s stuck with Maylee Meriweather, a pretty, charming, and thoroughly unsuitable woman who doesn’t know a thing about high society—but she sure can kiss.
Owned by Georgia le Carre
This is the first in the Billionaire Banker series and be prepared to jump right into Book 2. You won’t be able to help yourself, that’s how compelling this story is.
Throbbing with raw masculinity and arrogance, this is a man who owns all that he pursues. And now he wants her. Lana cannot deny she is both intrigued and intoxicated by the world Blake inhabits and the smouldering passion he stirs in her body, but she is also fearful for this man is addictive and right now she is very vulnerable.
Throbbing and smoldering is right! Keep a cool drink or a hot man close by!
The Do-Over by T.L. Swan
The latest installment in the Mile High Club series from this Wall Street Journal and USA today author is about a billionaire who takes off backpacking in Europe in search of something to fill the void in his life. Of course, he finds romance. His journey to find himself, and get out of the friend zone and win the girl, make for a swoon-worthy romance and a terrific read.
Dr Mitchell by Raylin Marks
A little irreverent, a lot sexy, this is the story of a one night stand that turns into more, of course. In this case the doctor of the title save the father of our heroine. But will she reward him with what he wants? Can she overlook his player status and dive in for more?
With almost 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this is a must-read romance. Sneak it the heat before summer fades.
Off Limits by M.S. Parker
This is the first book in the Scottish Billionaire series from USA Today bestselling author M.S. Parker. With more than 4,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, and a more creative meet-cute than many romances I have read, this is one to make time for during these last few summer weekends.
When Alec mistakes a young woman’s workplace for a “happy ending” massage parlor, things get more complicated than he prefers. Especially when their lives become entwined in ways never imagined.
Meet Lumen Browne and multi-billionaire CEO, Alec McCrae. They are an unlikely couple, and as they struggle to fit into each other’s lives, Alec and Lumen must decide if they’ll fight for love…or walk away.
And let’s not forget my own Beguiling Bachelor Series.
Four men of wealth and privilege considered Chicago’s most eligible bachelors.
Four friends since childhood. They have everything. Education, success, position, money and incredibly good looks. Everything should be perfect, but it’s not. Instead of flying high, these men are weighed down with family obligations, secrets and lies. They are hounded by women, jealousy and youthful mistakes.
What they each need is a fresh start—with the right woman.
And that is just what they are going to get.
Bedazzled Wyatt and Keeli meet in an elevator, beginning the ups and downs of this Cinderella story. She is a starving artist, he is one of Chicago’s most powerful men. But they both want to make it on their own terms, until the terms come between their love. Can they find their way back to one another when they are Bedazzled?
Beholden Randall and Sloane have known each other since school, when she was his best friend’s girlfriend, then fiancé. But now she’s free and she needs his help. Can he overcome his jealously? Can she take his support when it’s offered? Will they find love if they are Beholden?
Bedeviled Alex and Charlotte are each hiding secrets, secrets that could keep them apart when all they want is each other. When the past comes calling the couple is thrown together and must find a way to bare their souls in the name of love or remain Bedeviled.
Besotted Tyler and Regan have danced circles around one another since childhood, their attraction undeniable. Tyler can’t make a move with danger threatening his every action. But a different threat lurks—a man who might steal Regan away. It’s time for Tyler to put up or shut up because he is Besotted.
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Now that you’ve read my list, what’s on yours? Share your summer favorites in the comments below.