Holidays are here, which means cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate, indulging in long, lazy moments, and spending quality time with the people and activities you love. You know how we are a big advocate of self-pleasure and self-love. These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re all about doing what makes your soul sing, and for many of us, that’s curling up with a book that sets our hearts racing in all the best ways. If you’re hunting for something sizzling, romantic, and irresistibly fun to dive into, don’t worry—I've got you covered. Whether you're a fan of forbidden desires, exploring sexuality, or scandalously bold choices, these picks will spice up your reading list and keep you turning pages deep into the night.

Here’s your ultimate guide to sultry, smart reads that will make your holidays all the more delightful:

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Meet Poppy, the Maiden who’s forbidden to touch, love, or even experience life beyond what her kingdom deems appropriate. But rules were made to be broken, right? With her fierce spirit, Poppy starts to question everything—especially after meeting a guard who awakens desires she’s never allowed herself to feel. More than just being a tale of forbidden romance, it is also a sweeping epic filled with danger, intrigue, and smoldering chemistry that leaps off the page. If you love a strong-willed heroine, a sizzling slow-burn romance, and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book will have you hooked from the first chapter.

What Happens at the Lake by Vi Keeland

Josie just wants a peaceful escape to her late dad’s hometown, but instead, she gets tangled up with her grumpy yet impossibly handsome neighbor. He’s a carpenter with a chip on his shoulder, and despite his efforts to keep her at arm’s length, the sparks flying between them are impossible to ignore (remember Paxton from Never Have I Ever?). This story is all about opposites attracting in the most irresistible way, with plenty of banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of heat. If you’re a sucker for small-town charm with a side of fiery chemistry, this one’s a must-read.

Let’s Play Pretend by Dani Wyatt

Holly and Caleb are two people with messy pasts and even messier hearts, which makes their fake relationship all the more deliciously complicated. She agrees to play his girlfriend to help him out, but what starts as an arrangement quickly turns into something neither of them can control. This story is spicy, heartfelt, and packed with tension. If you’re into love stories where real feelings sneak up on people who least expect them, this is the perfect steamy escape. Also, it's a good read for people who are into kinks.

Your Dad Will Do by Katee Robert

Speaking of kinks, here is another one if you’re into the Daddy kink. Lily is mad, heartbroken, and ready for revenge. After discovering her fiancé’s infidelity, she takes matters into her own hands—by seducing his father, Shane. Yes, you read that right. This bold and scandalous tale is as spicy as it gets, with a heroine who knows what she wants and a hero who’s more than willing to oblige. It’s wildly fun, unapologetically daring, and perfect for readers who love a no-holds-barred exploration of forbidden desires.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron’s Heartburn is the original recipe for a sharp, sassy breakup novel that serves equal parts wit and poignancy. When Rachel Samstat, a cookbook writer with a knack for storytelling, discovers her husband is cheating on her while she’s seven months pregnant, she doesn’t just spiral—she bakes. Using food as her weapon and humor as her shield, Rachel takes readers on a hilariously relatable journey through heartbreak, revenge, and finding herself again. The spicy part? It’s not just the recipes; it’s Rachel’s unapologetic way of reclaiming her life with bold, delicious sass. If you’re craving a fun yet fiercely smart read, this one will leave you satisfied—and hungry for more.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

In Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue, enemies-to-lovers romance gets a royal makeover—and trust me, it’s as deliciously fun as it sounds. When Alex, the First Son of the United States, gets into a very public feud with Prince Henry of England, the two are forced into a fake friendship for the cameras. But what starts as a PR stunt quickly transforms into a secret, swoon-worthy romance filled with stolen moments and flirty banter. This book is pure joy wrapped in heartfelt exploration, tackling themes of identity, vulnerability, and breaking down walls (emotional and geopolitical). The spice? Oh, it’s in their fiery chemistry and the way McQuiston makes falling in love feels like a revolutionary act. Hilarious, touching, and unapologetically queer, this novel will leave you grinning.

To Hell with You, Mitro! by Krishna Sobti

Looking for something more Indian, relatable, and exploratory? Read this groundbreaking novel by Krishna Sobti. Originally written in Hindi and published by the name ‘Mitro Marjani’, it explores the life of Mitro, a bold and uninhibited woman in a conservative Punjabi family, as she openly embraces her desires and challenges societal expectations. The story is steeped in themes of sexual freedom, repression, and rebellion, told with Sobti's signature wit and sharp social critique. If you enjoy books that are bold, feminist, and unflinchingly honest, To Hell with You, Mitro! is a must-read. It’s an empowering and fun critique of patriarchy with a protagonist who refuses to be silenced.

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder

This darkly comic and deeply sensual novel follows Rachel, a calorie-obsessed woman in Los Angeles, as she navigates her complicated relationship with food, her Jewish identity, and her budding attraction to Miriam, a voluptuous Orthodox woman who works at a frozen yogurt shop. As Rachel lets go of her self-imposed restrictions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, pleasure, and acceptance. The novel is unapologetically outrageous, weaving hilarious inner monologues with scenes of sensuous indulgence, both culinary and romantic. Rachel’s journey is as chaotic as it is liberating, making it a wild ride for readers. Go no further if you’re looking for a novel that’s smart, spicy, and unexpectedly tender. 

So, if you're ready to spice up your bookshelf with some unapologetic tales of pleasure, self-discovery, and a whole lot of sass, these books are here to turn up the heat and keep you hooked—because who says pleasure can’t be fun, fierce, and fabulously well-written?

While diving into these spicy reads, you can elevate your experience with a sex toys or water-based lube. Vibrator are perfect for adding extra pleasure to your self-love moments, while water-based lubes ensure smooth and comfortable intimacy. Explore our selection to make your winter reading sessions even more enjoyable and fulfilling!

Also, check out our blogs on Understanding slow sex and what is a kink and its types to improve your knowledge of sexual health.

Written by Disha 

Bio: Disha (she/her) believes she's half therapist because people spill their guts to her with ease. But for now, she's writing sassy pieces on the internet about all things fun and pop culture. With a flair for wit and a curious spirit, she is all about digging into the saucy details of human intimacy.