Open door romance books have been gaining popularity in recent years, with their more explicit steamy content and emotionally charged storylines. If you’re a fan of this genre or looking to explore it for the first time, we’ve got you covered with our list of top 10 open door romance novels you should read now. In addition, we’ll delve into what exactly makes a romance novel open door and the appeal of these steamy stories.
First, let’s talk about what open door romance means. The term refers to romance novels that include explicit love scenes between the characters. Unlike closed door romance books, which usually avoid describing intimate scenes in detail or focus only on the emotional aspects, open door romance novels provide readers with vividly depicted intimate encounters. This can range from mild to very spicy, with varying levels of sensuality and eroticism depending on the author’s style and preferences.
Defining Open Door Romance
Although open door romance novels include explicit content, they still maintain a strong focus on the romantic and emotional development between the characters. These stories are not just about the physical aspect of love. Instead, they delve into the deep emotional connections that develop as couples explore their desires and face any obstacles that come their way.
Open door romance novels often explore themes such as personal growth, self-discovery, and overcoming past traumas through love and vulnerability. These novels can provide a safe and enjoyable way for readers to explore and understand their own emotions and desires.
Furthermore, open door romance novels can offer a more mature and realistic portrayal of relationships, which can be refreshing for readers who are tired of the typical fairy tale romance. These books can also provide a sense of empowerment for readers, encouraging them to embrace their sexuality and desires.
The Appeal of Open Door Romance Novels
So why do so many readers gravitate towards open door romance novels? For one, they offer a more in-depth look into the characters’ emotions and desires, with many readers finding the explicitness refreshing and honest. This factor adds richness to the storyline and enhances the overall reading experience by immersing the reader in the characters’ journey.
Moreover, open door romance books often explore more mature themes, such as personal growth, self-discovery, and overcoming past traumas through love and vulnerability. These novels can also provide a safe and enjoyable way for readers to explore their fantasies and ignite their imaginations.
Open door romance novels can also offer a sense of escapism for readers, allowing them to temporarily forget their own problems and immerse themselves in a world of passion and romance. These books can be a form of self-care and relaxation, providing a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life.
Open door romance novels are a sub-genre of romance that feature explicit sex scenes and a focus on the physical aspect of the romantic relationship. These books are often steamy and intense, and can be a great way to escape into a world of passion and desire. Now that we’ve established a better understanding of what open door romance is, let’s dive into our list of must-read novels.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James
“Fifty Shades of Grey” is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of readers. The book follows the relationship between Anastasia Steele, a college student, and Christian Grey, a wealthy businessman with a dark past. The story is filled with intense sexual encounters and explores themes of power, control, and trust. What sets this book apart from other open door romance novels is the way it delves into the psychology of the characters and their motivations.
One of the unique elements of “Fifty Shades of Grey” is the way it uses BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism) as a central theme. While some readers may find this controversial, others appreciate the way it adds depth and complexity to the story. The explicit scenes in this book are not just there for shock value, but serve a purpose in the character development and the progression of the plot.
“The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang
“The Kiss Quotient” follows the story of Stella Lane, a successful econometrician who has trouble with relationships due to her Asperger’s syndrome. She hires a male escort named Michael Phan to help her improve her skills in the bedroom, but ends up falling for him in the process. This book is unique in the way it explores the intersection of disability and sexuality, and the challenges that come with navigating both.
The sex scenes in “The Kiss Quotient” are both steamy and emotional, and serve to deepen the connection between the two main characters. The book also deals with themes of self-acceptance and self-discovery, as Stella learns to embrace her differences and find happiness on her own terms.
“The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory
“The Wedding Date” follows the story of Alexa Monroe, a successful lawyer who gets stuck in an elevator with Drew Nichols, a pediatric surgeon. They hit it off and end up attending a wedding together, pretending to be a couple. As they spend more time together, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. This book is a fun and lighthearted take on the open door romance genre, with plenty of witty banter and charming characters.
The sex scenes in “The Wedding Date” are passionate and romantic, but also serve to highlight the emotional connection between Alexa and Drew. The book also deals with themes of trust and vulnerability, as the two characters learn to let their guards down and open themselves up to love.
“The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
“The Hating Game” follows the story of Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two co-workers who can’t stand each other. They constantly bicker and compete for the same job, but as they spend more time together, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other might be more than just hate. This book is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story, with plenty of humor and heart.
The sex scenes in “The Hating Game” are both steamy and sweet, and serve to show the evolution of Lucy and Joshua’s relationship. The book also deals with themes of ambition and compromise, as the two characters learn to balance their personal and professional lives.
“Beautiful Bastard” by Christina Lauren
“Beautiful Bastard” follows the story of Chloe Mills, an intern at a publishing company, and Bennett Ryan, her demanding and domineering boss. They have a love-hate relationship that is fueled by their intense attraction to each other. This book is a classic office romance with plenty of tension and drama.
The sex scenes in “Beautiful Bastard” are intense and explicit, but also serve to show the power dynamic between Chloe and Bennett. The book also deals with themes of trust and control, as the two characters navigate their complicated relationship.
“The Deal” by Elle Kennedy
“The Deal” follows the story of Hannah Wells, a music major, and Garrett Graham, a star hockey player. They strike a deal to help each other out – Hannah will tutor Garrett in exchange for him helping her land a date with her crush. As they spend more time together, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. This book is a fun and sexy college romance with plenty of humor and heart.
The sex scenes in “The Deal” are both steamy and emotional, and serve to deepen the connection between Hannah and Garrett. The book also deals with themes of identity and self-worth, as the two characters learn to embrace their true selves.
“The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
“The Unhoneymooners” follows the story of Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas, two people who can’t stand each other but end up on a free honeymoon together. They pretend to be a couple to avoid wasting the trip, but as they spend more time together, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other might be more than just fake. This book is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story with plenty of humor and heart.
The sex scenes in “The Unhoneymooners” are both steamy and hilarious, and serve to show the evolution of Olive and Ethan’s relationship. The book also deals with themes of family and loyalty, as the two characters learn to navigate their complicated family dynamics.
“The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary
“The Flatshare” follows the story of Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey, two strangers who share a flat but have never met. They communicate through post-it notes and begin to develop a friendship. As they get to know each other better, they begin to realize that their feelings might be more than just friendly. This book is a charming and heartwarming take on the open door romance genre.
The sex scenes in “The Flatshare” are both sweet and sensual, and serve to show the emotional connection between Tiffy and Leon. The book also deals with themes of healing and self-discovery, as the two characters learn to move on from their pasts.
“The Score” by Elle Kennedy
“The Score” follows the story of Allie Hayes, a college student, and Dean Di Laurentis, a star hockey player. They have a casual fling that turns into something more serious. This book is a fun and sexy sports romance with plenty of humor and heart.
The sex scenes in “The Score” are both steamy and emotional, and serve to deepen the connection between Allie and Dean. The book also deals with themes of friendship and loyalty, as the two characters navigate their complicated social circles.
“The Friend Zone” by Abby Jimenez
“The Friend Zone” follows the story of Kristen Peterson, a woman with a chronic illness, and Josh Copeland, a man who is in love with her but is stuck in the friend zone. They navigate their complicated feelings for each other as Kristen prepares for a major surgery. This book is a poignant and emotional take on the open door romance genre, with plenty of heart and soul.
The sex scenes in “The Friend Zone” are both tender and passionate, and serve to show the emotional connection between Kristen and Josh. The book also deals with themes of love and loss, as the two characters learn to live in the moment and appreciate what they have.
Honorable Mentions
Your reading list wouldn’t be complete without checking out some additional open door romance novels that deserve an honorable mention. While these books may not have made our top 10 list, they are definitely worth your time.
Additional Open Door Romance Books Worth Reading
Book title and author: A brief description of the story and what sets it apart in the open door romance genre.
Book title and author: Another description of a fantastic book that just missed making the top 10, focusing on the elements that make it a great read in the open door romance category.
Book title and author: Yet another open door romance novel deserving of attention, with highlights of what readers can expect from this enticing story.
There you have it—the 10 best open door romance books you should read now, plus a few honorable mentions to keep you busy. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned open door romance enthusiast, these novels offer a diverse and captivating selection to sweep you off your feet and get your heart racing. Happy reading!
FAQs
What is an open door romance book?
An open door romance book is more explicit in its use of sex scenes. Open door literally means that the door to the bedroom is open to the reader. Closed door romances tend to keep sexual descriptions to a minimum and focus on the romantic relationship.
What are the best open-door romance books?
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, Beach Read by Emily Henry, and The Hating Game by Sally Thorne are all great examples.
Who are the best authors in the open-door romance subgenre?
Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, and Sally Thorne are very well-known, but other names include Elena Armas, Helen Hoang, and Christina Lauren.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
