If you read sexy contemporary romances, you’ve probably come across a book by Jill Shalvis. She has written over one hundred love stories! Her award-winning romance novels are bestsellers and they’re the perfect form of escapism. The characters she creates are the kind of people you want as your friends, but the author’s real genius is the sense of community in every book.
The emphasis on friends and family can be found in her earlier work. In these hot category romances, the main characters have already endured tough times before the story starts. Whether it was trauma, loss or failure, they have gone through the struggle and are now searching for a way to belong. They find it with the one person who is nothing like them.
The opposites-attract trope occurs frequently in Shalvis’s stories. In Eat Your Heart Out, a breezy and sensual novella originally published as a Harlequin Duet in 2001, TV chef Dimi needs to transform her persona if she wants to save her show. She’s too serious and needs to add some heat and humor into the mix, even if her dreamy new producer Mitch has to tease it out of her.
Bad boy Mitch is surprised by the wild chemistry he shares with good girl Dimi. Their approach to life is very different. Because of his grief, Mitch likes to keep life casual. Dimi is searching for a love that lasts a lifetime. There have been some changes in her life and she’s lonely, even though she’s close to her family and colleagues.
Shalvis’s romance stories are frequently set in small towns or tight-knit neighborhoods, but these places aren’t always so welcoming and friendly. In Naughty, But Nice, a Harlequin Blaze first published in 2002, Cassie had been labeled a bad girl because of her family’s reputation. She left home the moment she could and became a successful lingerie model. When she returns to her hometown, she’s ready to cause trouble and get some justice.
Tag is the sheriff and he’s thwarting her plans for revenge on the small town. However, he isn’t completely powerless to Cassie’s seductive charms. Cassie knows she’s not his ideal woman. He wants someone low-maintenance and yet he’s fascinated with her. She wants a red-hot fling with Tag on her terms, but she’s met her match with the sexy sheriff.
These classics are difficult to find in print, but you can get them in digital formats. If you’re looking for a low-angst romance with lovable characters, it’s worth searching for an older romance novel by Jill Shalvis. Expect a story with heat and humor!
Recommended Reading List
Have you already the books mentioned above? Here are some more sexy contemporary romances by Jill Shalvis:
- All He Wants for Christmas by Jill Shalvis: In this hot and romantic Christmas novella, Dustin wants more than a holiday hookup with his grumpy co-worker Cristina.
- Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis: In this fun and steamy Christmas novella, a reformed bad boy wants a do-over with the teenage sweetheart he allowed to get away.
- One in a Million by Jill Shalvis: In this small town romance, jilted bride Callie doesn’t want a relationship and swears falling into bed with Tanner—again and again and again—will not change her mind.
- Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis: Readers are going to love the funny one-liners, the sensual moments and the tender intimacy that develops between the hero and heroine as they rescue a three-legged dog.
Want to read more vintage romance novels by beloved authors? Check out these classics!