For Readers

Sizzling Romance Novels to Read in the Summer Heat

By: Hidden Gems on July 11, 2023

Hidden Gems Books ARC service.

By: Hidden Gems on July 11, 2023

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If you’re a regular on the Hidden Gems blog, you’ll know that romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program. Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up new books every chance they get. If you’re looking for a new sizzling romance read to enjoy the summer weather with, there’s something for everyone on this list!


A Lethal Betrayal

A Lethal Betrayal by Lori Matthews

With 340+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, A Lethal Betrayal follows coast guard agents Landry and McKenna as they investigate a murder with a dangerously attractive prime suspect.

Pamela M. raves in her five star Amazon review, “An incredible start to the Coast Guard Hawaii series that immediately pulled me into the middle of all that was happening and kept me glued to the book until I read the last word of this fast-paced thriller. I loved the undeniable attraction and sizzling chemistry between Chief Petty Officer Dane Landry and CGIS Special Agent McKenna Rankin…”

“This is a fantastic beginning of a new series based in Hawaii,” Sara B. concurs in her five star Amazon review. The storyline will grab your attention from the beginning and keep you in suspense until the conclusion. There is plenty of drama, action, surprises and an immediate connection between Dane and Mac…”

Shadow Mission

Shadow Mission by Kendall Talbot

With 130+ ratings and a 4.7 star average, Shadow Mission is book five of the six book Alpha Tactical Ops series. In this installment, Cole Tanner must rescue Yasmin Sanders from the clutches of a dangerous man.

Emily P. explains further in her five star Amazon review, “Cole Tanner (‘Cobra’), a member of the Alpha Tactical Ops team, is an incredible hacker whose findings lead the team to a dangerous mission on a freighter. He finds Yasmin Sanders being held prisoner. The strong feisty woman definitely attracts him, but they have their hands full dealing with their enemies on the ship. Yasmin showed Cole what she found. Will they get the answers they hoped to find? Will the family ties and secrets cost them their lives this time?”

“Be ready for high action from the start with this book. Once I started I couldn’t put it down,” Cynthia H. concurs in her five star Amazon review. “Cobra learned to see himself through Yasmin’s eyes, even dreaming of a life where he had a family and someone who could love him. Yasmin learned to trust and find love amid the terror, kidnapping and death that surrounded them in this fifth book of the Alpha Tactical Team…”

Ash Storm

Ash Storm by J.R. Pace

With 120+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, Ash Storm is the second in the three book, military romance Chimera Force series and can be read as a standalone novel.

Ree R. further explains in their five star review, “Ever since Ash’s background was revealed in book 1 I knew there was an interesting story there. I loved this book and I loved Reka for him. His sacrifice was tragic for him on a personal level but a good outcome for another. This story highlights human trafficking and really delves into the psychological aspects of it. It was a well written story and a powerful story as well. Can’t wait to read about the others.”

“…This is the second book in a fantastic series and it was a brilliant read,” Darla T. writes in her five star Amazon review. “It was well-written with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot. Ash and Reka come from different worlds, but they work well together. Full of action, intrigue, and suspense, this book handles a sensitive subject very well. It’ll bring you to tears, have you laughing, cheering, and crying for joy. Heart-wrenching and emotional, this book has it all. I was drawn into this captivating story from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down. It’s a definite must-read. I loved it and am looking forward to the next book…”

The Foster Wife

The Foster Wife by Cindy Dorminy

With 30+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, The Foster Wife follows Amelia, who helps turn perpetual bachelors into marriage material. She may very well have met her match in Phin.

“…I really enjoyed this book which was enchanting and captivating,” Darla T. raves in her five star Amazon review. “A rom-com that will have you laughing out loud in places and swooning in others, The Foster Wife, is a story that you won’t want to put down. I was drawn in and kept hooked from beginning to end. The concept of “training” men for marriage is both comical and original. Cindy Dorminy is a wonderful storyteller and I highly recommend this book.”

Nikita S concurs in her five star Amazon review, “A must read feel good romcom! This was a delightful clean contemporary romance that leaves all the warm and fuzzies!

This sweet story follows two wonderful characters and their path to love. It is filled with hilarious analogies, some unfortunate mishaps, and a magnetic pull between the two main characters.

The story and it’s characters are wonderful, as is the character development. The reader has the delight and entertainment of experiencing the growth of the characters and their shenanigans as they navigate their way through self-doubts to a happily ever after…”

Hawthorne Manor

Hawthorne Manor by Bryan T. Clark

With 25+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Hawthorne Manor is a LGBTQ+ romance which explores what it means to “have it all.”

“…Bryan T. Clark brings one of the most excellent, well written, wonderful and beautiful love stories to the page,” Mak raves in their five star Amazon review. “This is just not one love story but two and they will warm your heart. As I read the ‘Dedication’ for this novel, it really reflects that Mr. Clark tells this story from his heart. I haven’t read many books that get me teary eyed, but prepare yourselves and have those tissues ready!…”

Tracy B. explains further in her five star review, “Mikael and Elliot find one another in a most unexpected place. This thought provoking tale about two lovely gay men who have both been through very unusual life backgrounds shows that if you are open to meeting others with an understanding mindset you can truly find your way to love.”


Hidden Gems readers got to read these sizzling romance novels first, so if you want more hot happily ever afters to read poolside, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. All authors want is for you to consider leaving an honest review of them on Amazon when you’re done reading!

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