While BookTok might be all Fae Smut and spicy explicit romance, we know there are plenty of readers looking for the sweeter side of romance. We’ve curated a list of ten low-to-no-spice romance books perfect for the hopeless romantic reader. Be sure to add these to your TBR and let us know what you think!
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by Amy Clipston
A restless traveling nurse inherits half of a cozy seaside inn, but her plan to sell it is challenged by her rugged, grumpy co-owner, who is fiercely devoted to the place. This clash of opposites — her sunshine and his broodiness — sparks a battle of wills that unexpectedly transforms into a deeper connection. Now, with a looming threat to the inn and a new arrival stirring up old secrets, they must decide if they can set aside their differences to build a future together.
Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh
For years, aspiring actress Rosie Waterman has chased her big break in New York, only to find herself jobless and homeless. A last-ditch offer to direct a regional theater production of Cinderella in Wisconsin seems like her only option. Until she discovers the “theater” is a retirement community and the “actors” are a troupe of inexperienced senior citizens. Forced to lead this unlikely cast, Rosie learns that maybe her dream wasn’t about becoming a star, but about finding a new purpose and a different kind of stage.
Beg, Borrow, Or Steal by Sarah Adams
After his surprising return to their small Kentucky hometown, legendary nemesis Jack Bennett becomes romance writer Emily Walker’s new neighbor and colleague — and she’s not happy about it. Their rivalry escalates into a fierce battle of wits until Emily finds herself in a bind, forcing her to ask Jack for help in a high-stakes mission that could expose her secret. As they work together, the lines between enemies and allies blur, leading to a steamy alliance that just might become a new kind of love story.
Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey
Opposites collide in an unexpected house swap that forces two women to confront their lives and feelings for the first time. As a small-town waitress and a career-driven publicist trade lives — and cities — they find that an escape from their problems might just be the key to finding their true selves and the love they’ve been avoiding. When their paths cross again, they must choose whether to retreat to their old lives or embrace the new ones they’ve built.
While We’re Young by K.L. Walther
A tight-knit trio’s friendships are on the brink of imploding as unrequited love, a broken heart, and a secret romance collide. Hoping to mend their fractured relationships, Grace orchestrates an adventurous skip day to Philadelphia, a city of second chances. But as they race through the city, dodging her suspicious brother and crashing a wedding, their long-held secrets threaten to finally unravel everything.
Hail Mary by Martha Keys
After his student visa expires and a past mistake blocks him from the one he needs, an aspiring NFL draftee’s hopes are fading fast. But when he saves a stranger’s life, he’s offered a lifeline—a marriage of convenience to help him get the visa he desperately needs. As the line between their fake relationship and genuine feelings starts to blur, he must decide if winning the biggest game of his life is worth risking his heart.
The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja
When successful corporate lawyer Lia Juma returns to her family’s summer cottage, the perfectly crafted life she’s built begins to unravel, forcing her to confront a secret from her past. The source of her buried dreams and unspoken secrets is Wesley Forest, the boy she left behind a decade ago. Now, with old feelings resurfacing, Lia must decide if a second chance with Wes is worth risking everything for.
Wes and Addie Had Their Chance by Bethany Turner
Haunted by her past as a high-ranking CIA analyst, Addie Atwater-Elwyn returns to her quiet hometown, only to find her first love and childhood sweetheart — now a successful senator — has also come back. When secrets from both their pasts unravel, Addie must decide if she can trust the man who broke her heart or risk everything on a second chance.
It Happened at Christmas by Christen Krumm
Working as a maid to pay for her tuition at an elite boarding school, Murphy Cain spends her days in the shadows until a single moment thrusts her into the spotlight: she’s mistaken for the girlfriend of her crush, the charming Tripp Wright. This new identity offers her a taste of belonging she’s never had, but it comes with a difficult choice: maintain the lie and enjoy the perks or reveal the truth and risk losing it all. With Tripp’s best friend complicating matters and Christmas break ending, Murphy must decide if she’s willing to risk everything for a chance at a real connection.
Brewed With Love by Shelly Page
When plant witch Sage Bishop needs to save her family’s failing apothecary, she only has one shot: a potent tonic that will put her business on the map. But when her ex–best friend and first love, Ximena Reyes, is hired, she flees the shop, allowing someone to steal the tonic and wipe a high school cheerleader’s memory. Now, Sage must reluctantly partner with her ex to solve the mystery and save her family’s legacy while trying not to fall for her all over again.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Once the most powerful witch in Britain, Sera Swan lost most of her magic and was exiled after resurrecting her great-aunt. Now running an enchanted inn with her quirky great-aunt and a talking fox, Sera discovers an ancient spell that could restore her power, but she needs help from an aloof, magical historian named Luke Larsen. Forced to work together, they find themselves drawn into a magical journey where Sera learns that true power might not come from magic at all, but from the found family that surrounds her.
Sometimes you just need the sweet side of a romance story to dive into and experience the angst, slow build of intimacy, and trust a relationship takes.
Want a darker, spicier recommendation? Check out Thrilling Horror Erotica Novels You’re Bound to Love.
Be sure to check out our Romance shelves on Bookshop!
