Looking for a steamy read with multiple love interests? Look no further than contemporary reverse harem romances. These books offer a unique twist on the traditional love triangle, with the heroine vying for the affections of multiple men. For even more recommendations in this spicy trope, check out a list of the best fantasy reverse harem books, complete with heat level ratings to help you choose your next read.
1. The Reverse Play by Julie Clarke
The Reverse Play is a sports reverse harem book written by Julie Clarke. The story follows Blake, a woman who dreams of becoming a head football coach in the NFL. Despite the challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated field, she lands her dream job as a coach for the Boston Rebels. However, things get complicated when she develops feelings for three players who are roommates and good friends.
The book is the first in the Rebels reverse harem series, and while the romance is light, it sets the stage for what’s to come. What stands out in the book is Blake’s dedication to achieving her dream despite the obstacles she faces. The story provides a refreshing perspective on women in sports, and the challenges they face in a male-dominated field.
The three football players that Blake develops feelings for are portrayed as all-around good guys, which makes the book a must-read for sports romance fans. The book has a heat level of 🌶️ and is a great addition to the football romance genre.
2. Sticks and Stone by Grace McGinty
Sticks and Stone is a hockey reverse harem book written by Grace McGinty. The book has a heat level of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and tells the story of Nova Stone, who becomes a ghost in her own life until a knock at the door changes her whole world. She applies for guardianship of her infant half-brother, Huey, and meets his uncles: River, the NHL enforcer with his brooding intensity, Devan, who is mysterious and standoffish, and Rigby, the sweetest hockey player you’ll ever meet.
The uncles want to take Huey home with them and are willing to pay Nova millions of dollars for the privilege. When that doesn’t work, they convince her that it would be better for Huey and for her if she moved into their Ann Arbor mansion. They are helpful, but they are also hot, and that is a problem for Nova. She finds herself torn between the three men, all of whom love Huey and are brought together into a found family.
One of the reasons why this reverse harem book is so popular is because it hits all the right emotional notes. McGinty does an excellent job of portraying the characters’ feelings and making the reader care about them. The book also features some mild praise kink and a brooding alpha, which makes for an enjoyable read.
3. Lotto Menby Ann Denton
Katie’s friend Heather won the lottery and wants to fulfill her dream of having a harem. As a result, Katie’s first job as a party planner is to rent a private island and create the ultimate experience for Heather to find her men. However, Katie finds herself struggling to choose between the pilot, the chef, and the tennis pro.
This contemporary reverse harem book is a cute and fun take on the genre. While it is book one in a duet, it can easily be read as a standalone. The book is low on steam but high on comedy and quirkiness, with a unique storyline that sets it apart from other reverse harem books.
For those looking for a light-hearted and entertaining read, Lotto Men by Ann Denton fits the bill. With its engaging plot and charming characters, it’s no wonder why this book is a must-read for fans of the reverse harem genre.
4. Scarlett XOXO by Autumn Reed
Scarlett XOXO is a contemporary reverse harem book written by Autumn Reed. The book tells the story of Scarlett, who moves back to her hometown of Hastings, Texas to take care of her younger brother. Scarlett is haunted by her past mistakes and is struggling to move on from them. However, she finds unexpected kindness from her brother’s teacher and the town’s golden boy, who are also her three suitors.
This unique reverse harem book is more of a polyamorous story that is very clean and tame. The romance between Scarlett and her three suitors takes a back seat to her redemption. The story is well-written and has a light nature that makes it an enjoyable read.
5. Nanny With Benefits by Cassie Cole
Nanny With Benefits is a reverse harem book written by Cassie Cole. The book has a heat level of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and is a quick read that is well-written and straightforward. The story follows a part-time nanny who becomes quarantined with three guys at their secluded lake house due to the pandemic.
What makes this book stand out is how Cole has capitalized on the events of the world and incorporated them into her story. The book is an entertaining read for those who enjoy reverse harem romance novels.
For those interested in exploring the best reverse harem romance books, She Reads Romance Books has compiled a list that includes Lotto Men, which is considered one of the best reverse harem books worth reading.
6. Eight Seconds to Flyby Grace McGinty
In the book, Tessa May Everett is a determined woman who had lost everything she loved in just eight seconds. She had grown up loving bull riding, her father, and her best frenemies, Branch and Beau. But after losing all four things, she is back to reclaim her dreams and become the first woman to compete on the professional bull riding circuit.
Tessa May is not afraid of the Boys Club that already held her to a different standard, and certainly not the reappearance of her former crushes and now rivals. She is going to ride rank bulls in front of cheering crowds. And if she happened to ride a few cowboys on the way? Even better.
This reverse harem book features a polyamorous romance between one woman and four men. However, it is quite tame, making it a good choice for those looking to ease into this category of romance.
Readers will love Tessa May’s drive to ride bulls despite not being accepted into the boys club and not even letting her men stand in her way. She is the type of strong heroine that readers will love to read about.
7. Her Fantasy Men by Shayla Black
Her Fantasy Men is a contemporary reverse harem book that features Kelsey Rena and her three best friends. While Kelsey enjoys spending time with each of them, she has never shown any romantic interest in any of them. The three men decide to find out who has been satisfying Kelsey’s secret desires, and when they do, they will discover a side of her that they have only fantasized about.
What makes this book stand out is the way Shayla Black writes three distinct male leads, each with their own unique qualities. The lifelong friend, the next-door neighbor, and the dominant boss all add to the steamy and sensual atmosphere of the book. The men trying to navigate their feelings about sharing Kelsey is a highlight of the story.
8. Lilac by BB Reid
Lilacby BB Reid is a reverse harem book that falls under the enemies-to-lovers romance sub-genre. The story revolves around Braxton Fawn, who is the new guitarist for Bound, but wasn’t the first choice of her bandmates. The band members are determined to make her tour a nightmare and get rid of her. Braxton has to survive the tour and her attraction to all of them.
The book has a heat level of 🌶️🌶️🌶️, and it is recommended for readers who enjoy more story than bedroom scenes. The author, BB Reid, has created a unique plot that is fueled by the extreme hate between the band members and their new guitarist. The differences between Houston, Loren, and Jericho add to the chemistry between the characters. However, Rich’s character steals the show by the end.
Lilacby BB Reid is a rock star romance that is perfect for readers who enjoy reverse harem books. The novel has a captivating plot that keeps the readers engaged until the end. Romance book blogger, She Reads Romance Books, recommends Lilacby BB Reid as one of the best reverse harem books worth reading.
9. Shared by Her Bodyguards by Cassie Cole
In this reverse harem book, Cassie Cole tells the story of a young senator who is threatened and needs protection. Instead of settling for one bodyguard, she chooses to have three – a Capital Policeman, a Secret Service agent, and a man with whom she already has a secret history.
Readers who enjoy romances with a bit of politics mixed in will love this book. The heroine, a Senator who decides to run for president, doesn’t let her ambition stop her from getting intimate with three hot men.
Cassie Cole is a prolific author of reverse harem books with a wide variety of heroes, heroines, and plotlines. The Reverse Play, one of her best works, is definitely worth a read.
To give readers a glimpse of what they can expect, the article includes an image of the book cover.
10. Faking With Benefits by Lily Gold
Faking With Benefits is a reverse harem romance novel written by Lily Gold. The book follows the story of Layla Thompson, a twenty-eight-year-old woman who has never had a boyfriend and is starting to lose patience. Lucky for her, she has three best friends who are eager to help hone her dating skills: Zack, Josh, and Luke.
After a bad date leaves Layla crying on their shoulders, the three men agree to be her ‘practice boyfriends’ and come up with a lesson plan packed with fake dates, make-out sessions, and classes on flirty texting. In return, Layla just has to make an appearance on their relationship advice podcast once a week.
As Layla’s lessons become more intense, they soon find themselves getting in too deep, and Layla realizes that their friendship isn’t enough for her anymore. She wants more. The book portrays a really authentic and realistic poly relationship between everyone, which is not always the case in reverse harem novels.
Faking With Benefits is a wonderful story about friends who become more while learning about themselves along the way. Lily Gold writes amazing contemporary standalone reverse harem books, and this is one of her best. The book is super sweet, light on the steam, and portrays a genuine and realistic poly relationship between everyone.
11. Pillow Talk by Maya Banks
Pillow Talk by Maya Banks is a friends-to-lovers reverse harem book that turns up the heat with a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ heat level. The story revolves around Zoe and Chase, a couple who decide to share their secret fantasies with each other. Things get even hotter when they involve their two roommates, who happen to be Chase’s firefighter co-workers.
One of the reasons why readers love Pillow Talk is because it is a standalone reverse harem book that can be enjoyed without having to read a series. The book is perfect for readers who are new to the reverse harem romance genre and want to test the waters with a steamy read.
Maya Banks’ writing style is captivating and keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is intriguing, making it difficult to put the book down.
12. Colters’ Woman by Maya Banks
Colters’ Woman by Maya Banks is a small town reverse harem book with a heat level of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. The story revolves around three brothers, Adam, Ethan, and Ryan, who are searching for one woman to share their lives and beds. They are not interested in casual romps but want a woman who completes them.
Adam finds Holly lying in the snow near their cabin, and he believes that she is the one they have been searching for. However, before he can get his hopes up, he needs to gauge his brothers’ reactions. Eventually, it becomes evident that Holly is the one for them.
However, there are a few problems that they need to overcome, including convincing Holly that she belongs with them and keeping her safe from the man who wants her gone. The book also brings a bit of suspense as Holly’s past catches up with her.
Maya Banks does an excellent job of differentiating the male characters, making their personalities, interests, and turn-ons different from one another. This differentiation adds depth to the book and makes it more interesting to read.
13. My 5 Bosses by Penny Wylder
In this reverse harem book, the protagonist finds herself with five bosses who all want her at the same time. Despite her initial excitement at the job offer, she soon realizes the complications that come with having multiple partners.
The five bosses are all close friends and share a lot in common, which makes it difficult for the protagonist to resist their advances. However, she soon realizes that they are used to getting what they want, no matter the cost. Will she be able to handle all five of them, or will they break her in the process?
One of the reasons why readers love this book is because it offers multiple partner scenes multiple times, making it perfect for those who enjoy erotic romance. Penny Wylder’s writing style is known for being hot and steamy, and this office romance is no exception.
Summary
Reverse harem books are a subgenre of romance novels that feature a female protagonist and multiple male love interests. These books have gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the young adult and new adult categories. Reverse harem books often incorporate elements of fantasy and paranormal romance, and typically involve themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and emotional growth for the protagonist. Some popular examples of reverse harem books include “The Selection” series by Kiera Cass and “The Raven Cycle” series by Maggie Stiefvater.