There are plenty of great romance novels out there, but there are so many more underrated ones. It’s easy to get lost in the stacks of a Barnes and Noble while picking out the most eye-catching covers, but there’s a whole world of romance novels that deserve that same recognition. Here are some of my favorite self-published romance novels that deserve the hype of any Christina Lauren novel.
“Birthday Girl” by Penelope Douglas
Penelope Douglas is one of my favorite self-published authors. She has plenty of great, steamy reads but this is by far my favorite. The novel follows Jordan and her boyfriend, Cole, who are in desperate need of a place to stay. Cole’s father, Pike, welcomes them in, but there’s one problem. He and Jordan have met before and had an immediate connection, but their age gap and Jordan’s relationship with Cole makes everything more complicated. Are Jordan and Pike able to put their feelings aside? This forbidden romance is steamy, romantic, and everything in between.
“Off Campus” Series by Elle Kennedy
This five book series is set in the same college and highlights the couples that found their fairytale love there. Each book follows a different hockey player from the school and their love interest. Although the stories are all different, they share a few characteristics: banter, steam, and romance. This self-published series is a fan favorite on TikTok too, and has a spin-off series–Briar U!
“Slammed” by Colleen Hoover
Although Colleen Hoover switches between traditional and self publishing, this self-published novel of hers is supremely underrated. Her book narrates the life of Layken, whose reality changed for the worse after the death of her father. She and her family move to a new city to get a fresh start and almost immediately, she falls for her neighbor, Will. He’s perfect and everything to her, until she goes to school and figures out he’s her English teacher. I know this premise sounds a little sketchy, but don’t worry he’s only a student teacher, so the age gap is only two to three years!
“Perfect Chemistry” Series by Simone Elkeles
This is one of my favorite indie published romance series. It follows three brothers caught between gang members and their respective love stories. If you like bad boy-good girl stories, these are definitely for you. Not only is there a lot of intense suspense with the gang violence and war, but the tension between these characters will keep you hooked!
“Sinners of Saint” Series by L.J. Shen
This whole series is a four book, intense romantic series. All of the books are pretty different from each other plot wise, but they are plenty steamy. Each of the main characters will stay in your head for years after you finish them. L.J. Shen deserves so much recognition for this world she’s created for us!
“Gabriel’s Album” by Sian Ceinwen
This book follows Gabriel and Ariana as they navigate love and fame. Gabriel is part of a rising rock band, who’s suddenly the most popular band around. Ariana is just a normal girl who wants a life out of the light. But when the two collide it’s impossible to deny their chemistry.
“Connected” by Rori Pierce
This sweet YA romance follows Beth as she navigates a toxic relationship and secret online love. Her boyfriend Travis is manipulative and invasive, but Beth can’t find it in herself to leave him. She finds her only solace in her online friend whom she tells everything, too. But when her online friend wants to meet in person, will she risk sacrificing everything for him?
“The Boys Next Door’ by Miranda Silver
Diana has always been the good girl. She’s done everything right her whole life, but she’s dying to break free. When her old best-friends and neighbors, the O’Brian twins re enter her life, she’s unable to turn down the opportunity. She embarks on a steamy summer with the two, but can she let herself become the person she longs to be? The one is not for the faint of heart, if you’re not into lots of detailed steam in your book, this may not be for you. But…if you are…definitely check this book out!
“Hold Me Down” by Sara Taylor Woods
Talia has always been in control. She’s been a go getter her whole life, and has never felt the need to rely on anyone else. When she meets Sean, this all changes. He’s unafraid to take control, and surprisingly, she’s unafraid to give it to him. Their relationship blooms into something beautiful, but the steamy scenes are a little risque and can get a little rough.
“Wallbanger” by Alice Clayton
This indie published romance follows Caroline after she moves into her new San Francisco apartment. She’s excited to start off her new life on a dating-hiatus, but there’s one problem. Her neighbor, Simon, is not only irresistible but can’t keep his bed from banging against her wall every single night. This hilarious and hot romance is impossible to put down!