Grab a Tall Drink of Water: Here are the Sexiest Books of 2021

Rachel Lynn Solomon's The Ex Talk follows radio hosts Shay Goldstein and Dominic Yun as they fight tooth and nail to impress their boss and viewers behind their fraudulent podcast about relationship advice. Shay and Dominic might be work frenemies, but it's only a matter of time until their witty banter steamrolls into something more sensual, and definitely complicated.

A.C. Arthur's The After Party is a sexy thrill about three coworkers turned best friends and their problematic, egomaniac boss. When news breaks there was a murder the night of the company holiday party, Venus, Draya, and Jackie must rely on each other (and on lots of sex) to get through the challenges coming their way. Nothing says de-stress like a quick romp in bed with your lawyer, right?

Over a decade has passed since Michelle and Gabriel parted ways, and a lot's happened. Gabe is back in New York City momentarily for the grand opening of his gym, which Michelle, a marketing expert, just happens to be overseeing. An attempt to keep things strictly professional quickly takes a very sexy, heated turn, and Gabe is back in the same spot he was in 13 years ago. Does he stay in NYC or cut things off with Michelle for good? Readers who devoured You Had Me at Hola will love Alexis Daria's forthcoming novel, A Lot Like Adiós.

How to Fail at Flirting author Denise Williams is back with another sensual and swoony read sure to captivate readers until the very last page. The Fastest Way to Fall centers around lifestyle writer Britta Colby and fitness coach Wes Lawson, whose virtual business partnership takes an unexpected, titillating turn after an in-person training session. They say mixing business with pleasure is never a smart idea, and these two lovebirds are about to find out.

Anne of Green Gables gets a 21st-century makeover in Brina Starler's Anne of Manhattan. The last thing Anne expected was to walk onto campus and spot Gilbert, the hunk she fooled around with on a California beach five years ago. With graduation around the corner, the two will have to put their differences (and sexual tension) aside in order to get their thesis done. But late nights in the library can only lead to one thing . . .

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert centers around Eve Brown, a self-proclaimed hot mess, and Jacob Wayne, a bed and breakfast owner who's on the hunt to fill an open chef position. After accidentally hitting her new boss with her car and breaking his arm, Eve is determined to prove Jacob didn't make a mistake in allowing her to take over his B&B, his kitchen, and . . . his spare bedroom. The more time they spend around each other, the more things begin to heat up — and we don't mean in the kitchen.

Upon learning that her mother has accepted an engagement from Zeus on her behalf, Persephone travels to the forbidden underworld in haste. There, she connects with Hades, the king of the underworld and temptation. After spending several devilishly steamy nights in bed with one another, Hades realizes he never wants Persephone to return to Olympus again. Katee Robert spins a sultry twist on Greek mythology in her latest book, Neon Gods.

Tia Williams's Seven Days in June might just be the sexiest book of the summer. The story follows two writers who find themselves back in each other's lives after a chance encounter at a work event. It's a professional environment, so they can't be caught rehashing their sexy-as-hell past in public, but that doesn't mean they can't still have fun behind closed doors.

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that it doesn't get much sexier than Christian Grey. From Fifty Shades author E.L. James comes Freed, a deeper, darker, and more tantalizing take on the mega-popular series told through the eyes of the desirable Christian Grey. Between the sweeping romance, Christian's complex past, and his undeniable hunger for Anastasia Steele, this is a love story worth reliving.

If you love a sexy romp between coworkers, you need to pick up a copy of Alison Cochrun's novel The Charm Offensive. Dev Deshpande is known for producing the best love stories on the Bachelor-esque dating show Ever After. What he wasn't planning on doing this season was falling for the lead, a tech wizard named Charlie Winshaw. Making out in alleyways, secret hotel rendezvous, stealing arousing glances at each other from across set, it's all very exciting and naughty. Charlie agreed to be on the show thinking he'd walk away with a wife, but as time goes on, his fairy-tale ending starts to take a turn toward someone else.

Jasmine Guillory is the queen of writing the most compelling and racy sex scenes, and her latest title, While We Were Dating, is no exception. Signing movie star Anna Gardiner as the face of his next ad campaign is a big deal for Ben Stephens. The physical attraction and passion between the two of them is far too perfect to put into words, but is it enough? If you're burning for more, Guillory has five more books just like this one in her Wedding Date series.

Lady Violet has gotten herself into a real work-life/love-life pickle in Elizabeth Everett's 2021 title A Lady's Formula For Love. Lady Violet has dedicated her career to being a scientist, and she's finally landed the job of a lifetime, working for the Crown. However, she'll have to walk on pins and needles to ensure her romantic feelings toward protection officer Arthur Kneland won't derail the whole operation.

Christina Lauren's latest love story, The Soulmate Equation, follows Jess Davis's unanticipated journey to love with Dr. River Peña, the CEO of Jess's new favorite dating app. The premise of GeneticAlly is to match singles based on DNA research, and data just so happens to be Jess's love language. However, dating River means representing the up-and-coming company, and from what Jess knows of River already, they're definitely no match made in heaven — or are they?

Roni Loren's Yes & I Love You follows Hollyn Tate, a renowned commentator publicly known as Miz Poppy. On the cusp of losing her job, Hollyn enlists the help of the incredibly handsome Jasper Deares. An improv star, Jasper knows better than anyone that conquering your fears (like getting up on stage) can lead to discovering the best version of yourself. What was supposed to be a fun, quick lesson on confidence and overcoming your fears turns into a steamy love affair that leaves both characters surprised and yearning for more.

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean centers around London's most talked-about suitress, Lady Sesily Talbot, and her sibling's right-hand man, Caleb Calhoun, who's aching to satisfy the needs of Sesily, especially after the fiery kiss they shared. She's the only woman in all of London he can't have, but her actions and whispers of affection might prove otherwise.