As the nights grow longer and the chill of December settles in, there’s nothing better than curling up with a story that burns hotter than the fire in your hearth. Fairytales have always been about transformation, danger, and desire—but these retellings take the familiar and twist them into something far more daring.
This month, I’ve gathered five tales that steam like mulled wine and pulse with forbidden magic. They’re not the bedtime stories you grew up with—these are the ones you whisper about, the ones that keep you awake long after midnight, heart racing and imagination alight.
From ruthless crime lords masquerading as Hook, to gods of the underworld who tempt with shadows and flame, these authors invite you into worlds where passion is perilous and pleasure is power. Whether you’re looking for a guilty indulgence or a full-blown escape, these books will keep you warm, wicked, and wonderfully enthralled through the long, cold nights ahead.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, or spark up something greener, wrap up in your coziest blanket, and let’s step together into these darkly delicious tales…
A Touch of Darkness
(Hades & Persephone #1) — Scarlett St. Clair
Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness dives into the mythological underworld with a focus on Persephone’s struggle to reconcile her mortal identity with her divine destiny. When she meets Hades, she is drawn into a dangerous bargain that forces her to confront her own desires and fears. Unlike lighter romantasy, this book leans heavily into erotic tension, with Persephone’s journey framed as both sexual awakening and empowerment. St. Clair’s prose is lush and immersive, pulling readers into a world where gods are flawed, love is perilous, and passion is transformative. The spice level is high, but it’s balanced by emotional vulnerability and mythic grandeur. This makes it a perfect recommendation for readers who want their romance both steamy and epic.
I've added this one to my TBR list. Care to join me?
A Ruin of Roses
(Deliciously Dark Fairytales #1) — K.F. Breene
K.F. Breene’s A Ruin of Roses is a fan-favorite in the spicy retelling niche. The story follows Finley, a woman trapped in a cursed village where the Beast lurks. Unlike traditional Beauty and the Beast narratives, this retelling emphasizes Finley’s agency and resilience, pairing her with a Beast who is both terrifying and alluring. Breene’s prose is sharp, witty, and unabashedly sensual, with scenes that push the boundaries of erotic fantasy. The book balances humor with darkness, making it accessible while still deeply satisfying for readers who want spice with substance. It’s particularly appealing to women in their 30s who appreciate heroines with grit and stories that blend romance with survival.
I devoured this book and the two that followed in the series last year. It pushed even my boundaries, and I still savoured every minute. Will it make it on your list?
Hooked
(Never After #1) — Emily McIntire
Emily McIntire’s Hooked is not a whimsical trip to Neverland—it’s a gritty, sensual plunge into obsession, revenge, and forbidden desire. James “Hook” is no pirate; he’s a crime boss with a vendetta against Peter Michaels, the man who ruined his family. When Wendy, Peter’s daughter, stumbles into James’s orbit, she becomes both pawn and temptation. McIntire crafts a tale where innocence collides with corruption, layering psychological tension with erotic heat. Readers in their 30s will appreciate the mature exploration of trauma, power, and intimacy, all wrapped in a familiar fairytale framework. This book is unapologetically spicy, with scenes that push boundaries while still grounding the romance in emotional stakes. It’s ideal for fans who crave morally gray characters and a heroine who learns to embrace her own darkness.
This book steamed up my summer. Will you add it to your bookshelf?
Neon Gods
(Dark Olympus #1) — Katee Robert
Katee Robert is a powerhouse in the spicy retelling genre, and Neon Gods exemplifies why. This novel reimagines Olympus as a city of power brokers and shadowy deals, where Persephone flees her controlling mother and finds sanctuary with Hades, the feared ruler of the underworld. Their alliance quickly turns into a passionate, public spectacle designed to scandalize the upper echelons of Olympus. Robert’s writing blends political intrigue with erotic tension, creating a romance that is both strategic and deeply sensual. The book explores themes of autonomy, rebellion, and the reclamation of desire, making it resonate strongly with women in their 30s who crave stories of empowerment alongside spice. The chemistry between Hades and Persephone is electric, and the narrative balances plot-driven suspense with unapologetically steamy encounters.
Added to my TBR list! Cannot wait to get my hands on this!
Neon Gods
(Dark Olympus #1) — Katee Robert
Katee Robert is a powerhouse in the spicy retelling genre, and Neon Gods exemplifies why. This novel reimagines Olympus as a city of power brokers and shadowy deals, where Persephone flees her controlling mother and finds sanctuary with Hades, the feared ruler of the underworld. Their alliance quickly turns into a passionate, public spectacle designed to scandalize the upper echelons of Olympus. Robert’s writing blends political intrigue with erotic tension, creating a romance that is both strategic and deeply sensual. The book explores themes of autonomy, rebellion, and the reclamation of desire, making it resonate strongly with women in their 30s who crave stories of empowerment alongside spice. The chemistry between Hades and Persephone is electric, and the narrative balances plot-driven suspense with unapologetically steamy encounters.
Added to my TBR list! What say you?
With a list of stunning, dark and delicious books like this, you know where you will find me - curled by the fire, my cat in my lap, smiling because winter is just getting started, and I am SO prepared to tuck in for the night.
What do you have on your steamy winter reading list?
With Love,
Grab your copy of Snow: The Complete Erotic Series now!
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With Love,
Check out her books:
Snow White and the Wicked Queen: Chapter 1
Snow White and the Vicious Curse: Chapter 2
Snow White and the Seven Thieves: Chapter 3
Snow White and the Poisoned Apple: The Final Chapter
Prefer to read the whole story at once? Grab your copy of Snow: The Complete Erotic Series now! All five books are available now as ebooks and paperbacks. Coming soon in Large Print format!
2nd edition coming 2025!
