We have made it to my favorite part of the season where cozy reading weather is upon us. While I am a book girlie all year round, there is just something about cuddling up with a good book, a seasonal drink, and a cozy blanket that makes reading so much better. My pick of the season? A good ‘ol hometown romance book… with a bit of smut in it, of course.
ICYMI, we are quickly approaching the holiday season, meaning soon enough the hometown bars will start to feel like a high school reunion. In romance novels, heading back to a small hometown always means something steamy is going to happen. And whether you’re looking to have your own fall break fling, or simply want to image yourself as a hometown hottie, these books are perfect for setting the hometown romance vibes. So grab your suitcase and something cozy to sip on, because things are quickly heating up in some small towns. I’ve picked my favorite hometown romance and smut reads for the autumn season— and they are steamy AF. From enemies to lovers to fake dating, there are books here for everyone — no matter their favorite trope. Happy reading!
- Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score
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In this book by Lucy Score, protagonist Marley returns home to Culpepper after a massive heartbreak and realizes that not much has changed. She accepts a job at her former high school out of desperation and finds herself trying to teach gym and coach without feeling the sting of teenage torment. But, after a minor mishap leads her to be forced to sign an ethics contract, she winds up in a fake relationship with Jake, the former bad boy turned cute tattooed track coach, who promises to help her coach. It’s spicy, sweet, and the perfect read when you’re home for the holidays.
- When In Rome by Sarah Adams
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This is one of my faves at the moment. Pop princess Amelia Rose, known by fans as Rae Rose, decides to take inspiration from her favorite movie Roman Holiday, and make an escape to Rome… Kentucky, that is. After a twist of fate leaves her broken down in the small town, she meets hometown golden boy Noah Walker, who runs of pie shop and keeps the town from gossiping. Despite his initial grumpy reaction, he offers her his guest room — but only until her car is fixed. Even though they both know that she will have to return to tour, that doesn’t stop Noah from showing Amiela the charm of small-town living. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving read.
- Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey
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Faking dating tropes always have the biggest swoon factor, IMHO. Georgette Castle’s family is known for their home renovation business, but no one has taken her seriously since she traded in the family business for party planning. Georgie loves her job, but the lack of a dating history in her hometown pushes her to decide to give herself a renovation. But, with no great dating aspects, she turns to her brother’s best friend Travis Ford for some help in the dating department. The deal? Some fake dating to help him get a job, but Travis realizes quickly that Georgie isn’t a kid anymore, and soon it’s clear that the way he wants her is anything but fake.
- The Widows Guide to Second Chances by Valerie Pepper
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Devon Rayne has done her best to escape the memories of her firefighter husband she lost five years ago, but when her grandmother needs her to return home to take possession of her childhood home, she is forced back into her hometown for six months. But Devon doesn’t know that paramedic Aaron Joseph has wanted her for years, and will a little help from the whole town, he is ready to win her over. But will Devon open her heart to love again? Snaps for men who will do anything to get the girl, IMHO.
- Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
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Fern Brookbanks has spent years thinking about Will Baxter, who she spent 24 hours with in her early twenties. After a day-long adventure, they made a pact to meet up again, Fern showed up. Will didn’t. Now, she’s 32 and back in her hometown attempting to take over running her late mother’s lakeside resort, something she never wanted to do. As she is grasping for normal, in strolls Will Baxter, 9 years late and immaculately dressed. Something is different about him and Fern isn’t sure she can trust him, but all those years ago he saved Fern and now she has to do the same for him. This one gives all the Dirty Dancing vibes, emphasis on dirty.
- Done and Dusted by Layla Sage
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If you plan on spending Thanksgiving Eve at a hometown bar, this is the perfect read. Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has done everything on her to-do list, she left her small town, went to college, and made a career of riding horses. But, after an injury ends her career going home is her only option. Luke Brooks is not only the town bartender and bad boy but also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. Despite his friendship with Emmy’s older brother, it has been years since they have seen each other until she walks into his bar. Emmy is focused on getting her life back together and Luke knows better, but he might be just what she needs to get herself back. I swear there is just something extra addictive about smut books where they have known each other their whole lives.
- Never Saw You Coming by Erin Hahn
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OK, so technically this is a YA read, not smut, but it’s got the cutest plot so I stand by my rec. Meg Hennessey just found out everything she knew about her childhood was a lie. Now she is headed to meet the family she never knew existed. In her new “hometown”, she meets Micah Allen, the son of a former pastor who is in prison. Micah is struggling to understand his faith and is pressured to forgive his father. The pair grow closer and begin to feel the messy and unexpected feelings of first love while deciding what they believe instead of what they were taught was right. This is the perfect read to give you butterflies this cuffing season.
- Totally Folked by Penny Reid
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Sign me up for all smutty novels set in small towns. Sheriff deputy of Green Valley, Tennessee, Jackson James, is a rule follower. But, despite his good guy job, he is a notorious bachelor in town. Movie star, Raquel Ezra, likes to always leave everyone wanting more, but after years of leaving, leaves her craving reality and stability. When she returns to the sleepy Tennesee town, she crosses paths with the deputy, and rumors of the history of their one-night stand, plus the small-town scandal start to swirl, leaving them to figure out what’s more important – their rules or something real.
- In the Long Run by Haley Cass
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Enemies to lovers has to be my favorite trope of them all. Taylor Vandenberg left her hometown of Faircombe, Tennessee as fast as she could, and she has never regretted it. Actually, only two things can bring her back, her family and Brooke Watson. Unlike Taylor, Brooke has never left her hometown and is dedicated to protecting it from getting erased like other small southern towns. She will do anything for her work, even work with Taylor who seems to be everywhere Brooke is since her return. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
- This Used to Be Easier by Katia Rose
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We love a couple that had a moment and has been pining for each other ever since. Meg Doyle always imagined coming home from college would involve a limo and maybe a red carpet, instead all she has is a suitcase and nowhere better to go. In between constant reminders from friends of what she is missing, a mom who is trying to know lesbian slang, and a constant job hunt, there is Connie Shipley, almost everywhere Meg goes. She hasn’t spoken to Meg in years, but that doesn’t stop Meg’s heart from stopping every time she sees her, and remembers the kiss Connie started four years ago. The suspense is killing me!
