Here by popular request is The Nora Theory’s list of the best romance novels that contain a tamer spice level. Even if you are (like me) someone who does not shy away from the spiciest the genre has to offer, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up. Many of these books turned out to be fantasies, because personally if there’s not going to be a lot of sexy time, I want there to be magic. Or murder. Or both. Actually, preferably all three, but I digress.
Remember, spice level is largely subjective, and everyone has their own interpretations. Make sure to use your own best judgment, but all of these are books I think my mother could read without calling to lecture me about how concerned she is about my reading habits. I would, or have already, recommended some of these to my teenage sisters. If you are looking for a love story that is on the milder side of spice, these are some of the best.
North is the Night by Emily Rath
North is the Night by Emily Rath is the first book in a fantasy duet inspired by Finnish myth and folklore. This book is a significant departure from Rath’s previous work with ultra-spicy contemporary romances, so readers might be surprised by what they find in this beautiful fairytale. There is a touch of spice in this book, but nowhere near what Emily Rath usually writes. The spice is absolutely not the point here, and there is only the barest sprinkling. The only reason North is the Night wasn’t on The Nora Theory’s best books of 2024 list is because I didn’t finish it in time. This book is a beautifully well-written story with incredible characters and a phenomenal world. It just might make you cry, but this book is worth the tears.
Kindle: Free with Kindle Unlimited or $14.99
Hardback: $20.00
Heartless Hunter + Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
The Crimson Moth duology is a high stakes enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance between a witch and a witch hunter in a world filled with danger was such an intriguing premise, and this book delivered on all that was promised. Romance-wise, this is definitely a slow burn, but absolutely worth every second of the wait. The spice is pretty tame, all things considered, but it’s the perfect level for this story. The steamy scenes blend seamlessly in with the plot in a way that seems very natural and true to the characters. I’ve had so many five-star reads already this year that it’s starting to seem like I’m just tossing them out like Mardi Gras beads, but I can’t help it if the authors of 2025 keep consistently putting out absolute bangers. The Crimson Moth books are perfect for both YA and adult readers, with a plot that will have your heart racing from start to finish. 10/10 recommend this gorgeous fantasy.
Kindle: $11.74 (Heartless Hunter) $11.99 (Rebel Witch)
Hardback: $13.20 (Heartless Hunter) $14.98 (Rebel Witch)
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
This story takes the old fae legends, like not eating faerie food, that fuel many of our fantasies and infuses them with new ideas and perspectives. Lore of the Wilds has light enemies-to-lovers themes, a tension-filled love triangle, and a glorious magical library. Look, there are some writing issues with this book. There are some things I wish were better explained, or introduced much earlier in the book. That said, I am all about vibes in a book. And the vibe of this book was fantastic. I liked the characters, I liked the overall story, and I will be reading the next in the series as soon as it’s available.
Kindle: $14.99
Paperback: $13.99
Hardback: $14.00
The Kindred’s Curse Saga by Penn Cole
The Kindred’s Curse Saga captured my heart and soul. It’s heart-wrenching, and exciting, with an expansive magical system and a world full of things to love. While the characters, world, magical system, and plot are all very different, this series made me feel the same way I felt the first time I read the Throne of Glass series. This series is not super spicy, more focused on plot and character than the steamy scenes, but there is some spice. A warning, however. It is a slow, slow burn. These characters dance circles around their feelings, try to make each other jealous, and face a great many serious obstacles in their journey to love. Patience is required (or a fierce mania in which you abandon all adult responsibilities and read all three books in a matter of days). But the reward is utterly worth it and feels well earned.
Kindle: free with Kindle Unlimited or $4.99 (Spark of the Everflame) $5.99 (Glow of the Everflame) $7.99 (Heat of the Everflame)
Paperback: $15.99 (Spark of the Everflame) $15.99 (Glow of the Everflame) $17.95 (Heat of the Everflame)
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young is a genre bending tale of young love, tragedy, and a mysterious island with all kinds of secrets. This book is a mix of all my favorite things: a little romance, a little mystery, and a little magic. Readers don’t see a lot of active magic or gratuitous spice in Spells for Forgetting, just hints and whispers. Yet, the story is still infused with a deep sense of enchantment and personal history, especially for a story that is at least partially a mystery. It is wonderfully unique, and beautiful and emotional story of young love and darkness in a small town.
Kindle: $6.99
Paperback: $9.73
Hardback: $25.83
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Familiar. Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo’s first entry into adult fantasy, is one of my all-time favorites, so I knew this book was going right to the top of my To-Be-Read list. What I found was a spectacular fantasy with impactful themes and a historical world that hits several genres and so many things that make a truly great story. The Familiar is filled with constant intrigue, and is, at times, deeply heartbreaking. This book has a very suspenseful second half, and is an incredibly powerful story. It had a serious emotional impact, and while I was reading I felt all the feelings. Is it historical fiction, fantasy, or romance? It is a love story certainly, with romantic elements. It’s a fantasy that is fully grounded in historical events. The Familiar is richly steeped in history but obviously takes liberties with the details for the sake of moving the story along.
Kindle: $14.99
Paperback: $15.99
Hardback: $14.99
The Duke & I by Julia Quinn
Plot-wise, the book is remarkably similar to the show. There are relatively few departures in terms of the overall storyline, and the differences are minor. The Lady Whistledown of the books lacks a certain amount of the magic and bite of her television counterpart, but this author will chalk that up to the brilliant voice talents of Julie Andrews. The book version is still plenty juicy, though, but almost plays a diminished role in comparison with the love story occurring. The effect of these books as a romance novel instead of a TV show was a sweet and touching love story. The Duke & I featured slightly less drama than season one of Bridgerton but with more emotion attached to the tamer events of the story. Overall, I prefer the show. There is a magic that Shonda Rimes brought to life from these stories, but the book is still absolutely excellent, and worth a read if you, like me, have no idea what to do with yourself after finishing Bridgerton.
Kindle: $1.99
Paperback: $9.99
Hardback: $19.14
The Love of My Afterlife by Kristy Greenwood
The Love of My Afterlife by Kristy Greenwood is a romantic comedy tale of a woman who died tragically, young and alone, and finds herself on a wild journey to find her soulmate. One doesn’t often discover a romance novel, especially a romantic comedy, with a dead main character, so that immediately piqued my interest. I started this book wearing a Beetlejuice t-shirt, which felt right for this book exploring the dynamics of the dead. And I was correct in comparing the two in the first chapter. Not only does the book reference this iconic film, but they share a humorous treatment of death that I always appreciate. Ultimately, this book made me cry, in a good way. Even my creepy black heart loves a good romantic comedy every once in a while. The Love of My Afterlife is perfect for fans of the likes of Lucy Score, or anyone who is looking for something moving and sweet to get started in the romance genre.
Kindle: $10.99
Paperback: $7.07
The Knockemout Series by Lucy Score
The Knockemout series is a three-book series of interconnected standalones, and each and every one of them feel like laying out on a warm towel with a cold glass of lemonade in the sun, or wrapping yourself in a blanket next to a fire with a cup of tea when it’s cold. These small-town romances are the pinnacle of the rom-com genre, with just a little bit of action and edge thrown in.The first book in the series is Things We Never Got Over, and while all three are excellent, this one is my favorite. It’s a grumpy/sunshine romance with a touch of everything: a runaway bride, a lottery winner, and an estranged twin sister causing all kinds of trouble. The heroine is someone you just desperately want to root for, and the hero is a broody but lovable stubborn mess of a man, which makes his journey just all the more satisfying.
Kindle: Free with Kindle Unlimited or $5.99 (Things We Never Got Over) $5.99 (Things We Hide from the Light) $5.99 (Things We Left Behind)
Paperback: $10.61 (Things We Never Got Over) $11.66 (Things We Hide from the Light) $10.44 (Things We Left Behind)
Hardback: $16.44 (Things We Never Got Over) $16.41 (Things We Hide from the Light) $14.92 (Things We Left Behind)
Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburg by Rachael Lippincott
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