The Big Hot & Bothered Romance Recs Roundup!

Here at Hot & Bothered we pride ourselves on turning the act of writing (and reading) Romance novels into a sacred practice. We’ve found that a large part of that sacred practice is loving what we read and trying to imagine those Happily Ever Afters into our own lives. So we’re gifting you this ever-growing list of our favorite Romance novels to date, compiled from recommendations by team members, authors, friends of the show, and, of course, our listeners. These are the books that we couldn’t put down until 3 am, that made us tear up on public transit, and that made our lives better, even in small ways. So grab a glass of something good, get in your comfiest reading spot, and hunker down for our favorite Romance novels ever.

Staff Picks

To work at Hot & Bothered is to love reading about people getting hot and bothered. Our team reads a lot— combined with our Harry Potter and the Sacred Text staff we pretty much go through books like Vanessa goes through Julia Quinn novels and Great British Bake Off episodes. So here are the books that Vanessa recommended to Ariana, who recommended to Molly, who recommended to Lara who… you get the point.

Vanessa (Host and Producer of Hot & Bothered): I have become obsessed with three series: The Reluctant Royals series by: Alyssa Cole. There is an African Prince scam turned on its head; a hot Scot who doesn't know he's a Duke-- it is just a fantastic series. It is so sexy with stakes that feel real and relatable. The Brown Sisters by: Talia Hibbert: Chloe, Dani and Eve are all interesting women with real problems that men have to figure out how to support. These men are swoon-worthy; they respect boundaries, are respectful and are, of course, hot. Also, Hibbert does hijinks and pets so well. Lastly: The Pennyroyal Green series by Julie Anne Long. Thank god this series has 11 books because I have been spacing them out to last and I have only one left. I'm rereading my favorite right now: It Started with a Scandal.

Ariana (Executive Producer of Hot & Bothered): I recommend Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall. The banter in this book is off the charts, and that’s my #1 requirement in a contemporary romance. Also, I love novels that include some level of absurdism happening in the background. In this case, the main character’s best friend has escalatingly absurd work drama that just gets mentioned in passing. I ate it all up like a basket of fries (or should I say ‘chips’?).

Lara (Projects Coordinator of Not Sorry): I recommend any of Jasmine Guillory's books. Originally lent The Proposal by Vanessa, I have devoured any I can find! I love the ways in which all the characters are connected in book to book, in one book someone is a main character and in the next they are the best friend. :) I appreciate the attention Guillory pays to the complexity of bringing past experiences into new relationships. She is generous and empathetic to the characters while also showing the ways they can challenge themselves to grow and embrace new possibilities, as scary as this can be!

Molly (Former Intern): I’m a former(?) lifelong Bachelor fan (my sister and I have recently decided to set ourselves free, but we’ll see how long that lasts), and reading Kate Stayman-London’s One to Watch gave me Bachelor-watching vibes in the BEST possible way. I literally could not put it down— I wanted to see what would happen on every date and with every guy. As someone who loved The Bachelor for so long but struggles with the reality of the show, One to Watch let me experience how the show could be in a different (better) world. (I also second The Flatshare! SO good.)

Norah (Former Intern): Love in Color by Bolu Babalola is a series of romance short stories, adapted from myths from around the world, and was the perfect remedy for my pandemic-shortened attention span. The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary has a delightfully silly conceit (two roommates literally share a bed, but never see each other because they work opposite shifts!) but is moving and adorable in equal measure. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole is a far cry from her fantastic "Reluctant Royals" series, but this Civil War-era romance is thoughtful, exciting, and very steamy.

Hannah (Former Intern): I'd like to recommend Judy Blume's Forever. Reading this from an adult perspective adds another layer of complexity and heartbreak that only teenage love provides. It's problematic, relevant, and made me think about the people I loved in a whole new way. The HEA is not completelyyyy there but I'll take it. And it made me cry.

Author and Guest Picks

This season we had the opportunity to chat with some amazing authors, critics, friends, and just all around cool people. Here’s what your favorite trendsetters considered to be their favorite reads of 2019.

Nichole Perkins recommends… 

Romance Thrillers by Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, and Nora Roberts

Beverly Jenkins recommends… 

Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Grumpy Jake by Melissa Blue

Lush Money by Angelina M. Lopez

Sin and Ink by Naima Simone

Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Margaret H. Willison recommends…

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory 

The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker

The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

Pam Mingle recommends… 

Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James: James' writing is elegant and witty, her research impeccable, and the romance hot.

In the Duke’s Arms by Carolyn Jewell: It's a perfect little gem of a Christmas novella. The characters, especially the Duke of Oxthorpe, are quirky, but oh-so lovable. 

One Day in December by Josie Silver: You can conclude their love stands the test of time. Honestly, I broke down and sobbed at the end.

Keep checking back here for more romance recommendations, from us and from you!

Xoxo,

The Rompod