I can confidently say 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard has its moments of intensity, but 'spicy' isn't the word I'd use. The romance between Mare and Cal simmers with political tension rather than physical heat—think more forbidden glances and power struggles than steamy scenes. The real spice comes from the betrayals and bloodshed, which are plentiful.
That said, if you're craving something with more romantic fire, I'd point you toward 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout or 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. Those series crank up the heat with explicit scenes and sizzling chemistry. 'Red Queen' focuses more on the adrenaline of rebellion, with a side of slow-burn attraction that’s more about emotional stakes than physical desire. It’s a gripping read, just don’t expect it to set your Kindle on fire.