There's a reason why #spicybooks has millions of views on BookTok: spicy romance combines emotional depth with intense chemistry in a way that hooks you. Whether you're just curious about the genre or already know what you want, the spicy romance book market will be bigger than ever in 2026.
But where do you start? How much spice is spicy? And which books are truly worth your time? This article provides a complete overview, from beginner-friendly titles to the most talked-about books on BookTok Netherlands.
What are spicy romance books?
Spicy romance is a term for romance books with explicit or very intense romantic and intimate scenes. It's not a separate genre, but a heat level designation found within contemporary romance, romantasy, dark romance, and sports romance.
How spicy a book is is often indicated by chili peppers in the BookTok community:
- One chili pepper — Romantic, with tension but few explicit scenes
- Two chili peppers — Clear intimacy, but the focus is still on the story
- Three chili peppers — Explicit scenes are a significant part of the book
- Four chili peppers — Many explicit scenes, very high heat
Spicy romance is so popular on BookTok because it directly taps into what readers are looking for: emotion, romance, and tension in one story.
Spicy romance for beginners
New to the genre? Start with books that have a good balance of story and spice, so you're not thrown in at the deep end.
Mile High — Liz Tomforde
The first part in the Windy City series revolves around Stevie, a flight attendant who goes to work for NHL bad boy Zanders' team. What starts as annoyance grows into a slow burn with much more depth than the average sports romance: panic attacks, therapy, and body insecurity are all honestly addressed alongside the tension.
Spice level: two to three chili peppers
Perfect for: Readers who want sports romance with as much emotional depth as spice.
Icebreaker — Hannah Grace
An ice hockey player and a figure skater forced to share the rink, and soon much more. Icebreaker is one of the most cited sports romance titles on BookTok, and has a delightful combination of humor, tension, and spice. Light enough for beginners, satisfying enough for advanced readers.
Spice level: two to three chili peppers
Perfect for: Readers who want to start with sports romance.
The Hating Game — Sally Thorne
Technically on the lighter side in terms of spice, but the tension between the two main characters still makes this book a favorite for readers just starting in the genre. Two colleagues who make each other's lives miserable and eventually develop very different feelings.
Spice level: two chili peppers
Perfect for: Readers who prefer to build a lot of tension before the spice arrives.
Spicy romance for advanced readers
Already more comfortable in the genre and ready for more? These are the titles the BookTok community talks about the most.
Lights Out — Navessa Allen
Nurse Aly becomes obsessed with a masked fitness influencer, and after a drunk DM, he actually shows up at her door. What follows is an intense, dangerous connection where protection and desire intertwine. This book shies away from nothing: breath play, knife play, and primal dynamics all feature, but always with emotional depth behind them.
Spice level: five chili peppers
Perfect for: Readers looking for the spiciest option on the list, with a healthy dose of kink and a protective love interest.
Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout
One of the most read spicy romantasy series on BookTok worldwide. The forbidden-romance story between Poppy and Hawke has everything that makes the genre great: intense chemistry, an elaborate magical world, unexpected plot twists, and spice that is well-integrated into the story. The series now has six parts, the sixth of which was recently released.
Spice level: three chili peppers
Perfect for: Readers who want to combine their spicy romance with romantasy elements.
From Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout
Wait, isn't this the same as the previous book? That's right — the original book is officially titled From Blood and Ash, but it also circulates in the Netherlands as Uit bloed en as. Make sure you grab the first part when you start.
Twisted series — Ana Huang (complete)
Once you start the Twisted series, chances are you'll read all four parts back-to-back. The series consists of Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies — each book follows a different couple, but the characters often reappear.
Spicy romantasy: the best of both worlds
For those who want to combine spice with a magical world and epic stakes.
A Court of Mist and Fury — Sarah J. Maas
The second part of the ACOTAR series is the most discussed on BookTok, and not just because of the plot. ACOMAF is where the spice level of the series noticeably increases, and the book is considered by many to be the best part of the series. Read A Court of Thorns and Roses before you start this one.
Spice level: three chili peppers
Perfect for: Romantasy readers who want more spice in their fantasy.
Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing has a strikingly higher spice level than many other romantasy titles, while the story and worldbuilding remain excellent. Violet and Xaden's dynamic builds slowly, but the payoff is more than worth it. One of the most popular titles on BookTok Netherlands right now.
Spice level: three chili peppers
Perfect for: Readers who want spicy romance with dragons, slow burn, and high stakes.
Dark romance: the spiciest category
Dark romance is the most intense subcategory within spicy romance. These books feature morally gray or outright dangerous love interests, themes of obsession, and situations that would be problematic in real life. Dark romance is consciously read as escapist fiction.
Important: dark romance books often contain strong content warnings around themes such as stalking, violence, and non-consent. Always check trigger warnings before you start, and remember that these books are more fictional than other romance subgenres.
Spice level: three to four chili peppers, depending on the title.
How to choose the right spice level for you?
Not every spicy book suits every reader. Here's how to choose wisely:
- New to the genre? Start with one or two chili peppers, like Icebreaker or The Hating Game.
- Want more tension than story? Go for three chili peppers with strong chemistry, like Twisted Hate or Blood and Ash.
- Love magic and spice? Combine them in romantasy with ACOMAF or Fourth Wing.
- Want a surprise? Our Blind Date Book (Spicy) is specially for this moment: choose your spice preference and let yourself be surprised by the title.
Complete your spicy reading experience
A spicy romance reads best with the right atmosphere. Candlelight, an ice-cold drink or a warm cup of tea, and the right accessories make all the difference.
- Save your favorite scenes with one of our spicy bookmarks, specially designed for the spicy romance community
- Place your drink in a stylish glass can for the complete vibe
- Decorate your reading journal or laptop with our die-cut stickers
- Keep track of your reading list in our daily planner so you never forget which part you still need to read
Or join our Book Mail Club for a monthly surprise full of bookish goodies, delivered straight to your doorstep.
Frequently asked questions about spicy romance books
What does spicy mean in books?
Spicy is a term for romance books with explicit or intense intimate scenes. How spicy a book is is often indicated by chili peppers, from one (mild) to four (very explicit).
Which spicy romance book is best to start with?
Twisted Love by Ana Huang and Icebreaker by Hannah Grace are the most recommended beginner titles on BookTok. They have a good balance of story and spice and are accessible without being overwhelming.
Is spicy romance the same as dark romance?
No. Spicy romance refers to the heat level of a book. Dark romance is a subgenre with morally gray or dangerous love interests and heavy themes. Dark romance is often also spicy, but not all spicy books are dark romance.
Which spicy romance series are most popular on BookTok Netherlands?
In 2026, the Twisted series by Ana Huang, Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, and the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas are the most mentioned spicy romance titles on BookTok Netherlands.
Are spicy romance books always in English?
Most popular spicy romance titles are originally written in English. Some have been translated into Dutch, but the vast majority of the BookTok community reads them in English. With our Blind Date Book you can choose whether you want a Dutch or English edition.
Where can I buy spicy romance books in the Netherlands?
At DopaminePrintsVibe you can order a Blind Date Book (Spicy): a surprise book in the spicy category, delivered quickly from the Netherlands without customs fees.
Ready for your next spicy obsession?
Whether you're starting with Icebreaker, deep into the Twisted series, or ready for the spicy romantasy of Blood and Ash: 2026 has no shortage of spicy romance titles that will blow you away. Let yourself be surprised with a Blind Date Book (Spicy), save your favorite moments with a spicy bookmark and complete your reading moment with a stylish glass can.
Happy reading! 🌶️📚