The sunshine may be doing a prime job at keeping our skin warm this summer, but let’s admit it: our hearts need to feel the scorch too. We handpicked seven of this season’s erotic romance novels to add to your itinerary, because what is summer without plenty of romance?

Pack these erotic stories into your weekender bag immediately (or retreat to a cozy corner at home) and prepare your heart for major summer adventures.

1. Worth the Wait by Lori Foster

What do a single dad, a restaurant owner, a former SWAT team member and a beautiful lady next door have in common? They are all a part of this delicious erotic story you won’t be able to put down. A gorgeous small-town drama brimming with romance and unforgettable characters, it’s easy to see why Worth the Wait is one of 2017’s most anticipated romances.

2. The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

Two female writers are separated by a century, yet fate ties them together in a sweeping and unforgettable way that will capture the heart of every reader who picks up this book. A superfluously satisfying novel from New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, if you’re craving an epic romance, this is it.

3. The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter

Of all the erotic stories on this list, this one goes beyond steamy — it drifts into the realm of a dark, paranormal and unworldly romance. But oh man, how sweet it is. A cruel leader grows enchanted by a lovely girl. The problem? She is under a curse that prevents her from experiencing joy (and especially not pleasure). A captivating romance that will seduce you into its plot from the first word, The Darkest Promise needs to be on your bookshelf now.

4. The Diplomat’s Daughter by Karen Tanabe

It’s a truth universally known that romance can bloom in the darkest of corners, even if those shadowy corners include World War II, enemy lines, work camps and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A stunning historical portrait of war, passion, and love, The Diplomat’s Daughter is the perfect fusion of historical fiction and a love story that will seize your breath until the last sentence is consumed.

5. Among the Survivors by Ann Z. Leventhal

There is one thing you need to know about Among the Survivors: 256 pages of it won’t be enough to satisfy your love for Leventhal’s voice. A stunning exploration about a 21-year-old girl who must sift through decades of lies, Holocaust stories, anger and deceit to discover her true identity, this sweeping novel celebrates one of life's most important romances: the one we have with ourselves.

6. One Summer Day in Rome by Mark Lamprell

Three couples are drawn to Rome and what unfolds is a summer day of pure love. Oh, and Rome itself (as the city) is the narrator. If you are a hopeless romantic with incurable wanderlust for Italy, then you’re going to devour every delicious word of this enchanting treat. If this plot were a food, it would definitely be an extra large scoop of chocolate gelato.

7. Single for the Summer by Mandy Baggot

Tess Parks has abandoned all hope of love... that is, until one trip to Greece and meeting a restaurateur leads to a change of heart. Tess enters into a fake relationship with him in order to deter his overbearing mother, but it isn’t long before real feelings begin to blossom. But are they mutual? A gorgeous love story set in the landscape of the Greek islands, this needs to be on your summer reading list of erotic romance novels NOW.

For more recommendations on steamy erotic stories and novels, check out the video below:

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