At some point, everyone needs a little mindless entertainment. Something where they don’t have to think about very hard and can just relax and enjoy. I understand that.

What do I not understand? Most people’s preference to watch this…

Instead of reading about this…

It blows my mind. Now smutty romance novels aren’t exactly highbrow, but at least the characters – usually – don’t make me want to beat them with their idiocy. Plus, there can be some pretty hot sex.

(Dad, this is where you should stop reading.)

So if you just can’t stand any more Teen Moms or Real Housewives of Wherever, USA… I have some recommendations for you.

1. The Huxtable Quintet by Mary Balogh
   “Against the scandal and seduction of Regency England, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh introduces an extraordinary family—the fiery, sensual Huxtables.”
   Telling the story of five family members thrust into the limelight of the London ton, this series deals with one of the more common themes of romance novels: a marriage where love comes later. Book #4 is my favorite where we encounter the youngest of the Huxtables, Stephen, and the woman who wishes to be his mistress and nothing else…

2. The Crossfire Novels by Sylvia Day
   “From bestselling author Sylvia Day comes the provocative masterstroke of abandon and obsession that redefined the meaning of desire and became a global phenomenon…”
   Think Fifty Shades of Grey but better characters, better writing and way hotter (and less BDSM-y) sex. Plus the relationship of two victims of sexual assault adds a great layer of depth and tension.

3. The Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
   “Set between 1813 and 1825, the Bridgerton Series is a collection of eight novels, each featuring one of the eight children of the late Viscount Bridgerton and the mysterious Lady Whistledown, whose gossip columns “narrated” the first four books.”
   The Bridgertons are a great example of the type of wonderfully dysfunctional family that you can be instantly drawn to. Each story is remarkably different, and I loved seeing how old characters lives play out in the next book. Plus, there is a viscount who does not want to get married because he is afraid of dying young… from a bee sting. So there’s that.

4. The Drake Sisters Series by Christine Feehan
   Meet the elementally gifted sisters of Sea Haven and discover why #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan is known as the reigning queen of paranormal romance.
   Another group of novels centered around siblings. Do you sense a trend? If you are sick of Regency England and feel the need for a little magic, the Drake sisters have everything you need. Russian mobsters, popstars, police and even one novelist. Trust me, these are a great read.

5. Pretty much anything by Johanna Lindsey or Lisa Kleypas (particularly the one pictured above).

I want to say again… None of these books are going to win any National Book Awards. If you are looking for spiritual or intellectual depth, look elsewhere. But if you are wanting a great, romantic story you can read while lying by the pool, relaxing in a hot bubble bath or curling up on the couch with your cat, these are the ones.

So pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy!