25 Top-rated Romance Novels for Busy Moms
The Ultimate Romance Book List for Moms Who Deserve a Little “Me Time”
Let’s be honest: finding time to indulge in a good romance novel as a busy mom can feel like trying to sneak snacks without little eyes catching you. But just like that secret stash of chocolate, a good book is a delicious escape we all deserve. Whether you're stealing a few pages before school pickup or listening to an audiobook while folding the never-ending laundry, romance reads are the ultimate form of “me time.”
In this post, I’m sharing 25 must-read romance novels that are not only top-rated but also perfect for fitting into your packed schedule. We’re talking magical fantasy worlds, swoony historical slow burns, laugh-out-loud contemporary stories, and yes — some gloriously spicy reads. You’ll find fan-favorite tropes like enemies-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine, along with honest spice ratings so you know exactly what kind of heat you’re signing up for. Plus, I’ve thrown in a few tips for carving out precious reading moments and even some online book clubs where you can dish about your latest book boyfriend.
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Why Romance Books Are a Mom’s Best Friend
Romance novels = instant mood boosters. They offer a quick escape from the chaos, sprinkle in some swoon-worthy fantasy, and—best of all—remind us that love, connection, and self-growth are never out of reach (even if your coffee is always cold). Moms love these books because they feature strong, relatable heroines, emotional journeys, and—let’s be real—some much-needed adult time.
Quick & Captivating Reads for a Mom’s Schedule
You don’t need hours of uninterrupted quiet (do those even exist?) to enjoy a good romance. These books are perfect for short reading bursts—nap time, soccer practice, hiding in the pantry—you name it.
Easy to follow plots (no flipping back 5 chapters to remember what’s going on)
Audiobook options galore
Short chapters = instant win
Laughs and feels packed into manageable bites
Highly-Rated Books That Are Actually Worth Your Time
When your reading time is limited, it better be good. These books consistently top reader lists for a reason—gripping storylines, dreamy characters, and endings that make you sigh in the best way.
From Reddit favs to Reader’s Digest recs, these novels come with glowing reviews and a whole lotta heart. Whether you want to binge a whole series or savor one swoony standalone, there’s something here that’ll keep you turning pages.
Sub-Genres That Make Escaping Even Sweeter
Let’s talk flavors. Romance isn’t just one vibe—it’s a full buffet. These sub-genres are perfect for moms who need a little extra oomph in their reading escape.
Fantasy Romance: Perfect when your reality is a mess of Cheerios and missing socks. Think: powerful heroines, magic, kingdoms, and slow-burn tension that builds like a good witchy brew.
Dystopian Romance: Survival stories where love blooms in the ruins. Great for when you're feeling extra fierce (or just sick of the PTA group chat). Bonus: it puts everyday chaos into perspective.
Historical Romance: Bridgerton vibes and beyond. These stories whisk you away to another time—corsets, carriages, and scandalous glances included. A great fit when you’re craving old-school swoon.
Contemporary Romance: Modern-day love stories that feel oh-so relatable—office crushes, small-town charm, single moms finding their spark again. These are the bingeable comfort reads that slide into your real-life feels (and your diaper bag).
Fan-Favorite Tropes We All Secretly (or not-so-secretly) Love
Romance tropes are like comfort food—they hit the spot every time.
Enemies to Lovers – All that delicious tension? YES, please. Watching characters go from snark to swoon is its own kind of therapy.
Grumpy/Sunshine – Opposites attract, and it's a whole mood. Think: sunshine melts the ice king. And we love it every. single. time.
Second Chances – Because sometimes love does deserve a do-over. Bonus points for angsty flashbacks and satisfying reunions.
Surprise Pregnancy – Nothing like a twist of “we’re having a what?!” to shake things up. Whether it’s one night gone sideways or secret baby drama, this trope delivers heart, heat, and high-stakes feels.
Spice Ratings: Because We All Have Different Heat Preferences
Not sure how hot you want your romance? Here's a quick breakdown:
🌸 1 - Sweet: Just kisses and cuddles. Wholesome goodness.
🌶️ 2 - Mild: Some heat, but fade to black. Your grandma might still read it.
🌶️🌶️ 3 - Medium: Open door, but not every other page. Think tasteful spice.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 - Spicy: Scenes are detailed. The tension is real. Bring a fan.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 - Extra Spicy: No detail spared. You’ve been warned. 😉
Choose your level based on your vibe. Just need emotional intimacy? Sweet or mild. Craving a steamy distraction? Extra spicy it is. There’s no wrong choice—only what works for you.
Tips for Sneaking in Reading Time
Because moms are the queens of multitasking, here are a few clever ways to add more bookish joy to your day:
📱 Keep an ebook on your phone for quick chapter grabs
🎧 Audiobooks = game changer while doing dishes or driving
⏰ Schedule “reading breaks” like they’re actual appointments
🛏️ Trade scrolling for a 10-minute read before bed
📚 Set tiny goals—1 chapter a day adds up fast!
Where to Find Your Book Tribe
Reading is more fun when you get to gush over plot twists and fictional crushes. These online book clubs are perfect for moms looking to chat books without needing to leave the house (or put on real pants):
Facebook’s My Book Lovers Club – Chat, swap recs, and post those shelfies
Goodreads Groups – Great for tracking your reads and jumping into monthly discussions
TikTok Book Clubs – Yes, #BookTok is real, and yes, it’s delightful
Contemporary Romance Reads
1. Just for the Summer
by Abby Jimenez
Summary: Emma, a traveling nurse, and Justin, a man whose exes find love immediately after him, both believe they're "good luck charms" for others' relationships. They decide to date each other, expecting it to be temporary. However, as they navigate family complexities and personal growth, their connection deepens, challenging their initial assumptions.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: The engaging plot and relatable characters make it easy to pick up and put down during short breaks.
2. Funny Story
by Emily Henry
Summary: Daphne, a children's librarian, finds herself single in a new town after her fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend. She ends up rooming with Miles, the ex of her ex's new partner. Their fake relationship to make their exes jealous turns into a genuine connection, filled with humor and heartfelt moments.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Henry's witty prose and relatable characters make for an enjoyable read in short sessions.
3. Bride
by Ali Hazelwood
Summary: Misery Lark, a vampire, enters a marriage of convenience with a werewolf to uphold a peace treaty, leading to unexpected emotions.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: A fun blend of paranormal elements and romance that's easy to dive into during limited reading time.
4. This Could Be Us
by Kennedy Ryan
Summary: Soledad Barnes, a single mother, embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery after her divorce. Through introspection and reconnection with her roots, she learns to love herself and opens up to new possibilities with Judah, a man who offers her unwavering support.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Emotionally rich and relatable, with chapters that can be savored individually.
5. Fangirl Down
by Tessa Bailey
Summary: Josephine Doyle, a devoted fan of professional golfer Wells Whitaker, becomes his caddie after her family's pro shop is destroyed. As they travel together, their professional relationship blossoms into a passionate romance, helping both heal from personal struggles.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Fast-paced and entertaining, perfect for quick reading sessions.
6. The Paradise Problem
by Christina Lauren
Summary: Anna and Liam, in a fake marriage, must convince his family their relationship is real to secure a $100 million inheritance. As they navigate a lavish family vacation, their pretend relationship starts to feel real amidst the chaos.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Light-hearted and humorous, with short chapters ideal for brief reading moments.
7. The Rom-Commers
by Katherine Center
Summary: A screenwriter and a novelist collaborate on a romantic comedy script, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Engaging and uplifting, with a storyline that's easy to follow in short bursts.
8. Here We Go Again
by Alison Cochrun
Summary: Two exes are forced to confront their past during a road trip, leading to rekindled feelings.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Emotional depth and relatable characters make it a compelling read during limited free time.
9. Just Some Stupid Love Story
by Katelyn Doyle
Summary: Molly and Seth, former high school sweethearts, reconnect at their 15-year reunion. A playful bet about other couples' futures leads them to question their own relationship status, reigniting old flames.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Humorous and heartfelt, with a plot that's easy to pick up between tasks.
10. Play Along
by Liz Tomforde
Summary: A sports romance that delves into the complexities of fame, trust, and love on and off the field.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Fast-paced and engaging, suitable for short reading intervals.
11. Till Summer Do Us Part
by Meghan Quinn
Summary: When Scottie lies about being married to impress her boss, she ropes in her best friend’s brother, Wilder, to play her fake husband. One problem? They’re now stuck at a couples’ summer camp with her coworkers—and sharing a cabin.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It’s Great for Busy Moms: A hilarious, flirty escape with fake marriage hijinks, camp chaos, and steamy moments—perfect for a pick-me-up between kid wrangling.
12. Time After Time
by Mikki Daughtry
Summary: When Xavier and Andie meet at a New Year’s Eve party, their instant connection feels like fate. But as the years unfold, the story of their love is told through snippets in time—moments of joy, pain, and decision. A poignant exploration of timing, choice, and enduring love.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Told in a series of vignettes, this novel is ideal for short reading sessions. Each scene packs emotional weight, perfect for those craving meaning in bite-sized pieces.
13. Consider Yourself Kissed
by Jessica Stanley
Summary: After a viral moment derails her life, PR professional Holly is sent back to her small hometown to rehab her image—only to run into her high school nemesis turned reluctant ally. Forced to work together on a holiday charity event, they rediscover old sparks and discover what really matters during the most magical time of year.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Cozy small-town charm, festive vibes, and relatable characters make this a warm comfort read you can dip into around holiday chaos or everyday errands.
Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Reads
14. House of Flame and Shadow
by Sarah J. Maas
Summary: Bryce Quinlan finds herself in a new world, desperate to return to Midgard and reunite with her loved ones. Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar is imprisoned, uncertain of Bryce's fate. Their journey is filled with challenges that test their strength and love.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Immersive world-building and compelling characters make it worth the investment, even in small doses.
15. When the Moon Hatched
by Sarah A. Parker
Summary: A captivating start to a new series, blending fantasy elements with a slow-burn romance.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Engaging plot with manageable chapters, ideal for brief reading sessions.
16. Quicksilver
by R.J. Anderson
Summary: An enchanting tale of fae and alchemy, where love and destiny intertwine.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Light fantasy elements and a romantic subplot make it an easy read during short breaks.
17. A Fate Inked in Blood
by Danielle L. Jensen
Summary: A Viking-inspired fantasy romance featuring magic, political intrigue, and a compelling love story.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Action-packed and romantic, with chapters that can be enjoyed individually.
18. The Witch Collector
by Charissa Weaks
Summary: A dark and atmospheric fantasy romance where a witch and her captor navigate a world of magic and secrets.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Intriguing plot and character dynamics that keep readers hooked, even in short reading periods.
19. Court of Blood and Bindings
by Lisette Marshall
Summary: A tale of forbidden love and courtly politics, set in a richly imagined fantasy realm.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Engrossing storyline with manageable chapter lengths.
20. Shield of Sparrows
by Devney Perry
Summary: A forgotten princess is forced into an arranged marriage with a monster hunter prince, but as they journey through cursed lands together, enemies begin to burn into something more. She may have been born to kneel—but she's ready to rise.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It’s Great for Busy Moms: This romantasy blends slow-burn tension, forced proximity, and powerful female growth—perfect for fans of epic love stories with bite-sized action you can devour in stolen moments.
Historical Romance Reads
21. The Lily of Ludgate Hill
by Mimi Matthews
Summary: A Victorian-era romance that combines societal expectations with a heartfelt love story.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Elegant prose and a gentle pace make it perfect for winding down.
22. The Duchess Deal
by Tessa Dare
Summary: A witty and charming tale of a headstrong woman and a reluctant duke navigating love and propriety.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: Humorous and engaging, with a storyline that's easy to follow.
23. It Takes a Rake
by Anna Bennett
Summary: Recently widowed Lady Charlotte Dunthorpe is determined to reclaim her independence and enjoy her second chance at life—preferably without marriage. But when her brother’s best friend, the rakish Lord Crosby, returns to town, sparks fly. What begins as a flirtation quickly grows into something more as Charlotte must decide whether to risk her heart again.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: A breezy and charming Regency romance with quick wit, vibrant dialogue, and emotional depth. The plot is easy to follow even if you only have time for a chapter here and there.
24. When the Viscount Wanted Me
by Lydia Lloyd
Summary: Years after a youthful friendship filled with tension and unspoken affection, bluestocking Eliza and the newly inherited Viscount have a second chance. When fate throws them together again, old feelings resurface in a society where reputation is everything. With banter, longing, and a dash of scandal, their love story reignites against the backdrop of London high society.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: The second-chance trope offers both familiarity and fresh drama, with concise chapters and a slow burn that’s satisfying to read in snippets.
25. You Should Be So Lucky
by Cat Sebastian
Summary: When grumpy baseball pitcher Eddie O’Leary meets charming sports reporter Mark Bailey, sparks fly in unexpected ways. As their reluctant friendship develops into something deeper, both men must navigate personal baggage, public expectations, and the hope for something lasting. This queer romance is heartfelt, full of quiet moments, and refreshingly adult.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Why It's Great for Busy Moms: A tender, character-driven romance with a cozy vibe and shorter scenes that make it perfect for readers who appreciate emotionally mature stories in manageable doses.
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter