Erotic literature is an underrated genre of porn. Nuanced and often romantic, erotic sex stories range from classic to contemporary, vanilla to kink. Whatever you’re into, they’ll raise your heart rate, satiate your curiosities, and encourage climax.

If you’ve never read an erotic short story or novel, you’re in for a treat — we’ve compiled the best sexual stories to get you in the mood.

Erotica is ethical 

When it comes to porn, erotica’s no new kid on the block. This form of ethical adult content has been around for centuries, with authors exploring their wildest desires and steamiest fantasies safely (and consensually) on the page. 

Nowadays, it’s a strong competitor of video porn, with sites like Literotica, Lush Stories, and Bella growing in popularity. From imagining your first time in real-life to exploring fantasies like a threesome or one-night stand with your best friend, there’s a story for you.

That said, erotica is about more than just becoming turned on and achieving climax. The written word has a funny way of getting your pulse racing and avoiding the problematic psychological effects of mainstream video porn. 

15 of the best erotic novels 

Erotica for women (and men!) is about having the best sex ever — be it through masturbation, partnered play, or group sex. It’s not just guilty pleasure reading, but rather explores human desires and fantasies, and authors just might include yours. These 15 books offer fascinating plots, diverse characters, and unique narratives exploring themes of love and lust that will make you feel aroused and intellectually stimulated. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just getting into it, check out the following 15 reads.

1. “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams

This is a romantic narrative regarding an erotic writer and an acclaimed novelist. A unique take on love and sex, these characters rekindle a flame (and sexual experience) from 15 years prior that never went out. As they do so, they discover that passion isn’t limited to the pages of their books.

2. “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston

Who doesn’t love erotic time travel? This romance sees a modern woman fall for a 1970s punk-rock lesbian. While trapped in time, how quickly Jane falls in love proves that love knows no bounds. 

3. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

This erotic novel echoes sentiments from Beauty and the Beast. A story of a human huntress who finds herself falling for an immortal faerie, it’s the first installment in a popular fantasy series by Maas. With so many “OMG” moments in one novel, you’ll be scrambling to buy the complete set. 

4. “The Right Swipe” by Alisha Rai

This modern, tech-focused romance presents two opposing dating app creators struggling to maintain their professional rivalry amidst their personal attraction. It's intelligent, sharp, and examines the unique challenges of seeking love in today’s digital age. You’ll love this novel if you’re single and browsing apps like Tinder.

5. “While We Were Dating” by Jasmine Guillory

A Hollywood romance, a budding actress, and a charming ad executive. This is an intriguing — and sexy — story of unexpected love and a deep connection that can’t be ignored. Guillory hits a home run with this novel for fans of glitz and glamor.

6. “You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty” by Akwaeke Emezi

Spicy and dramatic, Emezi’s latest smut-piece is about a young bisexual artist getting back into the dating scene after losing her partner. A tale of love after profound loss, she deals with unexpected attractions while navigating her fresh romance. It’s sweet, raw, and surprisingly arousing. 

7. “Mrs. Caliban” by Rachel Ingalls

This erotic tale inspired the film “The Shape of Water.” Written in 1982, it chronicles a forbidden romance between a lonely housewife and a creature from the depths. It may not sound sexy, but trust us on this one. The movie is excellent, too! 

8. “Neon Gods” by Katee Robert

Mythology and fantasy are a subset of erotic — who knew? This retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone puts an exciting, modern spin on ancient lovers. Reviewed as “unspeakably hot,” it’s one of those “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it” novels. 

9. “Lilith’s Brood” by Octavia E. Butler

One of writing’s most popular sci-fi authors, Butler’s done it again. Originally written as a sci-fi trilogy, this book combines three parts in a stunning and sexy exploration of themes like evolution and transformation. At its core, it’s an erotically charged narrative about the ever-evolving human condition.

10. “The Pisces” by Melissa Broder

A woman moves to Venice Beach and falls in love with a merman. Yes, you read that correctly. Perhaps that narrative sparks some wildly fun partnered role play?

In this fantasy novel, Broder spins an intensely erotic tale that’ll have you questioning everything society taught you about love. You’ll never look at the ocean the same way again.

11. “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang

This love story follows autistic economist Stella as she hires — and falls for — male escort Michael. Their attempt at a professional relationship quickly morphs into something much deeper, demonstrating the power of unexpected connections. You don’t want to miss these touching but sexy scenes. 

12. “Ice Planet Barbarians” by Ruby Dixon

This 22-part science fiction series is about extraterrestrial love, so if you prefer a true sex story, this might be too out-of-this-world for you.

Home to blue aliens who abduct women from Earth, these intergalactic relationships are steamy, to say the least. A massive hit amongst readers of various ages, Dixon’s stories get you out of your head and off the planet, all without leaving your bed. How many other erotica novels can do that?

13. “Girl Meets Boy” by Ali Smith

This novel explores love outside the binary by re-imagining Ovid’s myth of Iphis and Ianthe. Starring a non-binary activist and a woman who works for Big Water, this novel is all about love beyond the confines of gender. It’s evocative, creative, and steamy.

14. “Naked in Death” by J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

This futuristic thriller blends mystery and desire as a detective finds herself attracted to her prime murder suspect. Part of a lengthy series, this novel is set in 2058, offering a look at what the author thinks future New York is headed for. It’s written by acclaimed novelist Nora Roberts under a pen name. 

15. “The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty” by Anne Rice

One of the century’s most notable authors, Anne Rice retells Sleeping Beauty with a dark, erotic edge. This provocative story explores the erotic awakening of Sleeping Beauty, and it’s certainly not for children. We suggest having the other three parts in the series lined up and ready to go. 

Explore audio erotica with Quinn 

While we love erotic stories, what if you could explore these narratives more intimately? Quinn is a women-founded audio erotica app that invites you to take your erotic adventure to a whole new level. Exciting and immersive, our audio stories arouse you with sound, allowing you to explore the deepest desires of your whole body — ethically. 

To access thousands of audio stories and guided sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.