Lusciuos Love Stories

Luscious Love Stories feature the sexiest of love scenes. Some titles were included on this list because their love scenes boosted average reads into better-than-average books. Technically, Regency Romances should not be a part of this list, but some Regency Romance authors do push the envelope.

(List begun 04/96, updated 11/12)

  • The Secret Swan (2001) by Shana Abé (A at AAR)
  • The Truelove Bride (1999) by Shana Abé (B+ at AAR)
  • Wicked (1999) by Jill Barnett (A- at AAR)
  • A Dove at Midnight (1993) by Rexanne Becnel (A at AAR)
  • Court of Love (1995) by Denée Cody
  • Queen of the May (1997) by Denée Cody
  • The Marriage Bed (2001) by Claudia Dain (B+ at AAR)
  • The Warlord (1995) by Elizabeth Elliott
  • The Bride (1989) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Honor’s Splendor (1987) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • The Prize (1991) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Saving Grace (1993) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • The Secret (1992) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Golden Surrender (1985) by Heather Graham
  • The Viking’s Woman (1990) by Heather Graham
  • Lord of the Wolves (1993) by Heather Graham
  • The Blue Viking (2001) by Sandra Hill (B- at AAR)
  • By Arrangement (2000) by Madeline Hunter (A- at AAR)
  • By Design (2000) by Madeline Hunter (A at AAR)
  • By Possession (2000) by Madeline Hunter (B+ at AAR)
  • The Protector (2001) by Madeline Hunter (B+ at AAR)
  • Midnight Warrior (1994) by Iris Johansen
  • The Conqueror (1990) by Brenda Joyce
  • Shadowheart (2004) by Laura Kinsale (B- at AAR)
  • Fearless (2006) by Helen Kirkman (A- at AAR)
  • Hearts Aflame (1987) by Johanna Lindsey
  • Prisoner of My Desire (1991) by Johanna Lindsey (A at AAR)
  • What a Scoundrel Wants (2008) by Carrie Lofty (B+ at AAR)
  • His Lady’s Ransom (1995) by Merline Lovelace
  • Untamed (1993) by Elizabeth Lowell (A at AAR)
  • Forbidden (1993) by Elizabeth Lowell (A at AAR)
  • Enchanted (1994) by Elizabeth Lowell (A at AAR)
  • Master of Desire (2001) by Kinley MacGregor (B- at AAR)
  • A Bed of Spices (1993) by Barbara Samuel (A at AAR)
  • The Robber Bride (1999) by Deborah Simmons
  • The Wolf and the Dove (1974) by Kathleen Woodiwiss (A at AAR)

Regency Romances

  • The Christmas Bride (1997) by Mary Balogh
  • The Ideal Wife (1991) by Mary Balogh (B at AAR)
  • The Notorious Rake (1992) by Mary Balogh (A at AAR)
  • A Precious Jewel (1993) by Mary Balogh (A at AAR)
  • Snow Angel (1991) by Mary Balogh
  • Tempting Harriet (1994) by Mary Balogh
  • An Arranged Marriage (1991) by Jo Beverley
  • A Christmas Angel (1992) by Jo Beverley
  • Gallant Waif (2001) by Anne Gracie (A at AAR)
  • Tallie’s Knight (2001) by Anne Gracie (A at AAR)
  • A Highly Respectable Widow (1992) by Melinda McRae
  • Dedication (2005) by Janet Mullany (B at AAR)
  • The American Duchess (1983) by Joan Wolf (A at AAR)
  • The Counterfeit Marriage (1980) by Joan Wolf
  • The Double Deception (1983) by Joan Wolf
  • The Husband List (2000) by Victoria Alexander (B+ at AAR)
  • Love with the Proper Husband (2003) by Victoria Alexander
  • The Marriage Lesson (2001) by Victoria Alexander (B+ at AAR)
  • The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (2009) by Jennifer Ashley (A- at AAR)
  • Duke of Sin (2004) by Adele Ashworth (A at AAR)
  • My Darling Caroline (1998) by Adele Ashworth (A- at AAR)
  • Stolen Charms (1999) by Adele Ashworth (B+ at AAR)
  • Winter Garden (2000) by Adele Ashworth (A at AAR)
  • The Bridemaker (2002) by Rexanne Becnel (B at AAR)
  • A Lady’s Pleasure (2006) by Renee Bernard (B at AAR)
  • Brazen Angel (1997) by Elizabeth Boyle (A at AAR)
  • Upon a Moon Dark Moor (1988) by Rebecca Brandewyne
  • Portrait of My Heart (1999) by Patricia Cabot (B+ at AAR)
  • Bride (1995) by Stella Cameron (B at AAR)
  • Impulse (1997) by Candace Camp
  • The Blood of Roses (1989) by Marsha Canham (A at AAR)
  • The Iron Rose (2003) by Marsha Canham (A at AAR)
  • Never Romance a Rake (2008) by Liz Carlyle (A- at AAR)
  • Tempted All Night (2009) by Liz Carlyle (A- at AAR)
  • A Woman of Virtue (2001) by Liz Carlyle (A- at AAR)
  • Don’t Tempt Me (2009) by Loretta Chase (A- at AAR)
  • Lord of Scoundrels (1995) by Loretta Chase (A at AAR)
  • Your Scandalous Ways (2008) by Loretta Chase (A at AAR)
  • Heart of Deception (1999) by Taylor Chase
  • Calypso Magic (1988) by Catherine Coulter (A at AAR)
  • Midsummer Magic (1987) by Catherine Coulter (A at AAR)
  • Moonspun Magic (1988) by Catherine Coulter (A at AAR)
  • Night Fire (1989) by Catherine Coulter (A at AAR)
  • The Sherbrooke Bride (1992) by Catherine Coulter (A at AAR)
  • Dance (1996) by Judy Cuevas (A- at AAR)
  • That Scandalous Evening (1998) by Christina Dodd (A+ at AAR)
  • A Well Pleasured Lady (1997) by Christina Dodd (A at AAR)
  • Bound by Your Touch (2009) by Meredith Duran (A at AAR)
  • Always a Scoundrel (2009) by Suzanne Enoch (A- at AAR)
  • Vice (1996) by Jane Feather (A at AAR)
  • Lord of Fire (2002) by Gaelen Foley (B+ at AAR)
  • To Have and To Hold (1995) by Patricia Gaffney (A at AAR)
  • The Lion’s Lady (1988) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Guardian Angel (1990) by Julie Garwood (A- at AAR)
  • The Gift (1991) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Castles (1993) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • Rebellious Desire (1986) by Julie Garwood (A at AAR)
  • If His Kiss Is Wicked (2007) by Jo Goodman (A- at AAR)
  • My Steadfast Heart (1997) by Jo Goodman (B+ at AAR)
  • Secret Desires of a Gentleman (2008) by Laura Lee Guhrke (A- at AAR)
  • The Beloved One (1998) by Danelle Harmon (A/B at AAR)
  • The Defiant One (2000) by Danelle Harmon (B+ at AAR)
  • The Wicked One (2001) by Danelle Harmon (A- at AAR)
  • The Wild One (1997) by Danelle Harmon (A at AAR)
  • The Affair (2003) by Sandy Hingston (B- at AAR)
  • Beyond Innocence (2001) by Emma Holly (B- at AAR)
  • Beyond Seduction (2002) by Emma Holly (B- at AAR)
  • Absolute Pleasure (2003) by Cheryl Holt (B- at AAR)
  • Notorious Pleasures (2011) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A at AAR)
  • The Leopard Prince (2007) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • The Raven Prince (2006) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • The Serpent Prince (2007) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • Thief of Shadows (2012) by Elizabeth Hoyt (B- at AAR)
  • To Beguile a Beast (2009) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A at AAR)
  • To Desire a Devil (2009) by Elizabeth Hoyt (B+ at AAR)
  • To Seduce a Sinner (2008) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • To Taste Temptation (2008) by Elizabeth Hoyt (A- at AAR)
  • Wicked Intentions (2010) by Elizabeth Hoyt (B at AAR)
  • Lessons of Desire (2007) by Madeline Hunter (A-/B at AAR)
  • The Sins of Lord Easterbrook (2009) by Madeline Hunter (B at AAR)
  • Beast (1997) by Judith Ivory (A at AAR)
  • The Indiscretion (2001) by Judith Ivory (B+ at AAR)
  • Untie My Heart (2002) by Judith Ivory (A- at AAR)
  • Lord Ruin (2002) by Carolyn Jewel (B- at AAR)
  • Scandal (2009) by Carolyn Jewel
  • The Seduction (2000) by Nicole Jordan (B- at AAR)
  • To Tame a Rogue (2001) by Linda Kay (B+ at AAR)
  • My Sweet Folly (2006) by Laura Kinsale (A at AAR)
  • Dreaming of You (1993) by Lisa Kleypas (A at AAR)
  • Lady Sophia’s Lover (2002) by Lisa Kleypas (A at AAR)
  • Mine Till Midnight (2007) by Lisa Kleypas (B+ at AAR)
  • Seduce Me at Sunrise (2008) by Lisa Kleypas (A- at AAR)
  • Tempt Me at Twilight (2009) by Lisa Kleypas (B- at AAR)
  • Suddenly You (2001) by Lisa Kleypas (B at AAR)
  • Then Came You (1993) by Lisa Kleypas (A at AAR)
  • Where Dreams Begin (2000) by Lisa Kleypas (A- at AAR)
  • Worth Any Price (2003) by Lisa Kleypas (B+ at AAR)
  • Devil’s Bride (1998) by Stephanie Laurens (A/B+ at AAR)
  • A Rake’s Vow (1998) by Stephanie Laurens (B at AAR)
  • A Rogue’s Proposal (1999) by Stephanie Laurens (B at AAR)
  • Scandal’s Bride (1998) by Stephanie Laurens (A-/C- at AAR)
  • A Secret Love (2000) by Stephanie Laurens
  • All About Love (2001) by Stephanie Laurens (B at AAR)
  • What I Did for a Duke (2011) by Julie Anne Long (A- at AAR)
  • Whitney, My Love (1985) by Judith McNaught (B at AAR)
  • Basket of Wishes (1995) by Rebecca Paisley (A at AAR)
  • Silk and Shadows (1991) by Mary Jo Putney (A at AAR)
  • Splendid (1995) by Julia Quinn (A at AAR)
  • When He Was Wicked (2004) by Julia Quinn (B at AAR)
  • A Scotsman in Love (2009) by Karen Ranney (B+ at AAR)
  • Tapestry (1996) by Karen Ranney (A at AAR)
  • Upon a Wicked Time (1998) by Karen Ranney (A- at AAR)
  • Almost a Gentleman (2003) by Pam Rosenthal (A- at AAR)
  • The Edge of Impropriety (2008) by Pam Rosenthal (B- at AAR)
  • Awaken, My Love (1995) by Robin Schone (A at AAR) Time Travel?
  • Gabriel’s Woman (2001) by Robin Schone (A- at AAR)
  • The Lady’s Tutor (1999) by Robin Schone (A- at AAR)
  • The Lover (2000) by Robin Schone (B- at AAR)
  • The Devil Earl (1996) by Deborah Simmons (B+/B at AAR)
  • The Vicar’s Daughter (1995) by Deborah Simmons (A at AAR)
  • The Price of Innocence (1999) by Susan Sizemore (B+/C- at AAR)
  • A Love for All Time (1987) by Bertrice Small (B+ at AAR)
  • A Rose at Midnight (1993) by Anne Stuart (A at AAR)
  • A Fire in the Heart (1990) by Katherine Sutcliffe (A at AAR)
  • My Only Love (1993) by Katherine Sutcliffe
  • Private Arrangements (2008) by Sherry Thomas (A- at AAR)
  • Reckless (2010) by Anne Stuart (A at AAR)
  • Passion (2005) by Lisa Valdez (B at AAR)
  • Patience (2010) by Lisa Valdez (B at AAR)
  • Once in a Blue Moon (1993) by Penelope Williamson
  • Untamed (2008) by Pamela Clare (A- at AAR)
  • Another Eden (1992) by Patricia Gaffney
  • Wild at Heart (1997) by Patricia Gaffney (B+ at AAR)
  • Irresistible (1994) by Catherine Hart
  • Never Marry A Cowboy (2001) Lorraine Heath (B- at AAR)
  • Blaze (1986) by Susan Johnson
  • Pure Sin (1994) by Susan Johnson
  • Silver Flame (1988) by Susan Johnson (A at AAR)
  • The Heart Breaker (1998) by Nicole Jordan
  • Day Dreamer (1996) by Jill Marie Landis (A at AAR)
  • Savage Thunder (1989) by Johanna Lindsey
  • Winter Fire (1996) by Elizabeth Lowell
  • Only His (1991) by Elizabeth Lowell (A at AAR)
  • Only Mine (1992) by Elizabeth Lowell
  • Only You (1992) by Elizabeth Lowell
  • Only Love (1995) by Elizabeth Lowell
  • The Outsider (1996) by Penelope Williamson (B+ at AAR)
  • Ashes in the Wind (1979) by Kathleen Woodiwiss
  • The Flame and the Flower (1972) by Kathleen Woodiwiss (A/D at AAR)
  • Getting Her Man (2002) by Michele Albert (B at AAR)
  • Baby, Don’t Go (2000) by Susan Andersen (A- at AAR)
  • Be My Baby (1999) by Susan Andersen (A- at AAR)
  • Phantom Waltz (2001) by Catherine Anderson (B+ at AAR)
  • A Date With Dr Frankenstein (9/1995) by Leanne Banks – SSE-983
  • Expectant Father (5/1996) by Leanne Banks – SSE-1028
  • A Crack In Forever (1998) by Jeannie Brewer (A+ at AAR)
  • Bodyguard (1999) by Suzanne Brockmann (A at AAR)
  • The Defiant Hero (2001) by Suzanne Brockmann (A- at AAR)
  • Over the Edge (2001) by Suzanne Brockmann (A at AAR)
  • French Silk (2002) by Sandra Brown
  • Mirror Image (1990) by Sandra Brown (C- at AAR)
  • Slow Heat in Heaven (1990) by Sandra Brown
  • Unlawful Contact (2008) by Pamela Clare (B+ at AAR)
  • Anyone But You (1996) by Jennifer Crusie (B+ at AAR)
  • Sizzle (1994) by Jennifer Crusie (B- at AAR)
  • Welcome to Temptation (2000) by Jennifer Crusie (A at AAR)
  • Montana Man (1989) by Barbara Delinsky
  • This Time Forever (1992) by Kathleen Eagle (A at AAR)
  • Taming the Beast (4/2001) by Amy J. Fetzer – SD-1361 (B+ at AAR)
  • Lola Carlyle Reveals All (2002) by Rachel Gibson (A- at AAR)
  • The Trouble With Valentine’s Day (2005) by Rachel Gibson (B at AAR)
  • True Love and Other Disasters (2009) by Rachel Gibson (B at AAR)
  • Truly, Madly Yours (1999) by Rachel Gibson (B+/C- at AAR)
  • All U Can Eat (2006) by Emma Holly (A at AAR)
  • Menage (1998) by Emma Holly (A- at AAR)
  • After the Night (1995) by Linda Howard (B at AAR)
  • Dream Man (1995) by Linda Howard (A+/A at AAR)
  • Duncan’s Bride (9/1990) by Linda Howard – SIM-349 (A at AAR)
  • Heartbreaker (8/1987) by Linda Howard – SIM-201
  • Kill and Tell (1998) by Linda Howard (A+/B+ at AAR)
  • Mackenzie’s Mountain (4/1989) by Linda Howard – SIM-281 (A at AAR)
  • Mr. Perfect (2000) by Linda Howard (A/B at AAR)
  • Absolute Trouble (1998) by Michelle Jerott (B+ at AAR)
  • High Energy (1996) by Dara Joy
  • The Three Musketeers: Surrender the Dark (1995) by Donna Kauffman
  • Wild Rain (1995) by Donna Kauffman (A- at AAR)
  • Romeo, Romeo (2008) by Robin Kaye (B+ at AAR)
  • All Tied Up (1/2002) by Alison Kent – HBZ-24 (B+ at AAR)
  • The Shaunnessy Accord (2004) by Alison Kent
  • Smooth-Talking Stranger (2009) by Lisa Kleypas (B at AAR)
  • Grand Passion (1994) by Jayne Ann Krentz (A-/C+ at AAR)
  • Lady’s Choice (1989) by Jayne Ann Krentz
  • The Pirate (1990) by Jayne Ann Krentz (B- at AAR)
  • Trust Me (1995) by Jayne Ann Krentz (A at AAR)
  • A Lick and a Promise (1/2005) by Jo Leigh – HBZ-165(C+ at AAR)
  • Scent of a Woman (1/2002) by Jo Leigh – HBZ-23 (A- at AAR)
  • Secret Games (2/2002) by Jeannie London – HBZ-28 (B+ at AAR)
  • Too Hot to Handle (1986) by Elizabeth Lowell (A at AAR)
  • To the Ends of the Earth (1998) by Eliabeth Lowell (A- at AAR)
  • This Matter of Marriage (1997) by Debbie Macomber
  • Follow Your Heart (1998) by Raynetta Mañees
  • Lofting (2001) by Alma Marceau (B+ at AAR)
  • Love In A Small Town (1997) by Curtiss Ann Matlock
  • The Loves of Ruby Dee (1996) by Curtiss Ann Matlock
  • Behind Closed Doors (2002) by Shannon McKenna (B at AAR)
  • Standing in the Shadows (2003) by Shannon McKenna (B at AAR)
  • Dancing Shoes and Honky-Tonk Blues (2007) by LuAnn McLane (A- at AAR)
  • The Real Deal (2004) by Lucy Monroe (A at AAR)
  • Heaven, Texas (1995) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (A at AAR)
  • It Had To Be You (1994) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (A at AAR)
  • Kiss an Angel (1996) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (B+ at AAR)
  • Lady be Good (1999) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (A- at AAR)
  • Nobody’s Baby But Mine (1997) by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (A at AAR)
  • Dangerous Lover (2007) by Lisa Marie Rice (B+ at AAR)
  • One Summer (1994) by Karen Robards (B- at AAR)
  • Sea Swept (1998) by Nora Roberts (A/B at AAR)
  • Born in Fire (1994) by Nora Roberts (A at AAR)
  • Born in Ice (1995) by Nora Roberts (A at AAR)
  • Annie and the Outlaw (10/1994) by Sharon Sala – SIM-597
  • Good Time Girl (2/2002) by Candace Schuler – HBZ-27 (B at AAR)
  • Catch a Mate (2007) by Gena Showalter
  • Hunt Her Down (2009) by Roxanne St. Claire (B at AAR)
  • Fire and Ice (2008) by Anne Stuart (B+ at AAR)
  • By the Book (5/2003) by Nancy Warren – HBZ-85 (B at AAR)
  • The One I Want (2008) by Nancy Warren (A at AAR)
  • Whisper (7/2002) by Nancy Warren – HBZ-47
  • Guilty Pleasures (10/2002) by Cathy Yardley – HBZ-59 (B at AAR)
  • Inferno (2006) by Vivi Anna (A at AAR)
  • Bitten (2001) by Kelley Armstrong (A- at AAR)
  • Full Moon Rising (2006) by Keri Arthur (A at AAR)
  • Bewitching (1993) by Jill Barnett (A at AAR)
  • Demon Moon (2007) by Meljean Brook (A- at AAR)
  • The Changeling Bride (1999) by Lisa Cach (A at AAR)
  • Of Midnight Born (2000) by Lisa Cach (A- at AAR)
  • A Hunger like No Other (2006) by Kresley Cole
  • Dark Desires After Dusk (2008) by Kresley Cole (B at AAR)
  • Dreams of a Dark Warrior (2011) by Kresley Cole (B at AAR)
  • Kiss of a Demon King (2009) by Kresley Cole (B at AAR)
  • Lothaire (2012) by Kresley Cole (A- at AAR)
  • No Rest for the Wicked (2006) by Kresley Cole
  • Pleasure of a Dark Prince (2010) by Kresley Cole (B+ at AAR)
  • Derik’s Bane (2004) by MaryJanice Davidson (C+ at AAR)
  • Lord of the Storm (1994) by Justine Davis (A at AAR)(futuristic sci-fi)
  • Skypirate (1995) by Justine Davis (A at AAR)(futuristic sci-fi)
  • To Hell with Love (2007) by Sherri Erwin (A- at AAR)
  • Daughter of Fire (1996) by Quinn Taylor Evans (A at AAR)
  • Daughter of the Mist (1996) by Quinn Taylor Evans
  • Skin Dive (2011) by Ava Gray (B+ at AAR)
  • Skin Game (2009) by Ava Gray (B- at AAR)
  • Skin Heat (2011) by Ava Gray (A- at AAR)
  • Skin Tight (2010) by Ava Gray (B+ at AAR)
  • Night Life (2007) by Elizabeth Guest (A- at AAR)
  • Son of the Morning (1997) by Linda Howard (B+ at AAR)
  • Pleasure Unbound (2008) by Larissa Ione (B- at AAR)
  • Knight of a Trillion Stars (1995) by Dara Joy (A at AAR)
  • Mine to Take (1998) by Dara Joy (A+ at AAR)
  • Rejar (1997) by Dara Joy (A at AAR)
  • Ritual of Proof (2001) by Dara Joy (B+ at AAR)
  • Driven (2007) by Eve Kenin (A- at AAR)
  • Unleash the Night (2006) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (A at AAR)
  • Master of the Night (2004) by Angela Knight (B at AAR)
  • Warrior’s Woman (1983) by Johanna Lindsey
  • Tiger Eye (2005) by Marjorie Liu (B at AAR)
  • Branded by Fire (2009) by Nalini Singh (B at AAR)
  • Caressed by Ice (2007) by Nalini Singh (B+ at AAR)
  • Slave to Sensation (2006) by Nalini Singh (A at AAR)
  • Visions of Heat (2007) by Nalini Singh (A- at AAR)
  • Dark Lover (2005) by J.R. Ward (A- at AAR)
  • Lover Revealed (2007) by J.R. Ward (A- at AAR)
  • Fairyville (2007) by Emma Holly (A- at AAR)
  • Prince of Ice (2006) by Emma Holly (B at AAR)
  • Wicked Burn (2008) by Beth Kery (B-/C+ at AAR)
  • After Twilight (2001) by Ashley/Feehan/Thompson (B- at AAR)
  • An All Night Man (2005) by Jackson/Jossel/Perrin/Sneed (B at AAR)
  • Bad Boys on Board (2003) by Foster/Kauffman/Warren (B- at AAR)
  • Behind the Red Doors (2003) by Thompson/Bond/Kelly (B+ at AAR)
  • I Love Bad Boys (2002) by Foster/Denison/Kauffman (B at AAR)
  • Lovescape (1996) by Avery/Conn/Hill/Joy (B+ at AAR)
  • Once upon a Pillow (2002) by Brockway/Dodd (B+ at AAR)
  • The Only One (2003) by Feehan/Grant/Squires (B+ at AAR)
  • Outlaw Love (1997) by Brockway/Joyce/Logan/Mittman (B+ at AAR)
  • Secrets, Volume 6 (2000) by Fraser/Davidson/Gaines/Knight (B at AAR)
  • Secrets, Volume 7 (2001) by Welles/Lawless/Dubois/Knight (B- at AAR)
  • Secrets, Volume 8 (2002) by Cesarini/Davidson/Gaines/Maverick (B-/C at AAR)
  • Secrets of a Perfect Night (2000) by Laurens/Alexander/Gibson (B at AAR)
  • Tales from the Temple I (2004) by Leigh/Wilde/DeSalvo/Douglas/Kelly/Aames (all but Aames recommended)
  • The Governess Affair (2012) by Courtney Milan (A- at AAR)

This list is currently closed for submissions.