There is something about the dark evenings that makes a good book feel even better. The fire is on, the blanket is out, perhaps there is a glass of something nice on the side table, and all you want is a story that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages long after you meant to sleep. If you love your romance on the steamy side, winter is the perfect season to plan a proper reading list.
Instead of grabbing whatever is nearest, a little planning helps you get more from your reading time. Here is how we like to put a winter list together.
Mix Your Subgenres
The joy of steamy romance is how varied it is. Reading the same type of book back to back can make even a great story feel predictable, so try to mix things up across the season. A good winter list might include:
- A paranormal romance for dark, atmospheric nights. Vampires, shifters and fae suit the long evenings perfectly.
- A contemporary romance for something lighter and closer to real life.
- A fantasy romance with a richly built world you can sink into over several nights.
- A reverse harem read if you want a story with plenty of characters and tension. Our introduction to reverse harem books is a good place to start.
- Something darker for when you are in the mood to be challenged.
Switching between them keeps each book feeling fresh, and you may discover a subgenre you had never thought to try.
Start a Long Series
Winter is the ideal time to commit to a long series. Some of the best loved names in the genre have built huge worlds over many books, which means you can stay with the same characters for weeks.
If you enjoy dark, brooding heroes and a paranormal setting, the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels by J R Ward are a popular choice. Laurell K Hamilton and Jacqueline Carey have also written long, immersive series that reward readers who like to settle in for the long haul.
A tip if you are starting a series: read the first book before you buy the rest. Not every series suits every reader, and it is better to find out early.
Balance Comfort Reads and New Discoveries
The best winter lists have a balance of the familiar and the new. Comfort reads are the books, authors or tropes you know you will love. They are perfect for the nights when you are tired and just want to relax. New discoveries are the authors you have heard about but never tried, or a style that is slightly out of your comfort zone.
We like to alternate: one comfort read, then one new discovery. That way you always have something to look forward to, and you never feel stuck in a reading slump.
Make Your Reading Time Special
A reading list is only half the fun. Setting the scene makes those winter evenings something to look forward to:
- Pick a regular night of the week that is just for you and your book.
- Put your phone on silent or in another room.
- Keep a notebook nearby to jot down favourite lines, characters and scenes.
- Rate each book when you finish so you remember which authors to come back to.
Most of all, read what you enjoy and do not feel you have to finish a book that is not working for you. Life is too short for dull romance, especially in winter.
Looking for ideas to fill your list? Browse our selection of scandalous books to read and start planning your season of steamy nights in.