You might think of reading as a solitary hobby. Cozying up by a fire with a paperback or Kindle, soaking up the sultry voice of an audiobook actor from your lounge chair on the beach — those are things you’d do alone, right?

What many couples don’t realize is that enjoying literature together can be an incredible bonding experience. And adding erotica to the mix is a great way to add some novelty and heat to your sex life.

Not sure which steamy books to add to your shared reading list? We’ve rounded up some of the best erotica for couples to help you get started.  

The benefits of couples erotica

Sharing erotic stories is a great way to get in the mood — but the benefits go beyond foreplay. Here are four reasons to indulge in erotica with your partner(s):

1. Explore fantasies together

Maybe you’ve been wishing your partner would pay you a surprise visit for an afternoon delight, or they’ve been dreaming of tying you up but weren’t sure how you’d react to the idea of light bondage. 

It’s completely normal if you’ve both been craving something new but need a little inspiration to get your imaginations going. Enjoying erotica together can open you up to new ideas and make it easier to turn your fantasies into reality.

2. Understand each other’s turn-ons

Most people have stimuli and scenarios that turn them on. But like fantasies, turn-ons can sometimes be hard to put into words. Sharing an erotic story can open up discussions about what you and your partner are into.

3. Get in the mood

Some couples enjoy watching porn together to put them in the mood for sex, while others prefer leaving something to the imagination. Reading erotic lit or listening to audio erotica is a great way to engage not just your body but your brain, helping you both prepare for the sexy scenes you’re about to create.

4. Enjoy quality time 

It’s easier than ever to let distractions come between you and your partner(s). Getting lost in an erotic story doesn’t just improve your sexual bond — it can also help you feel closer emotionally, encouraging you to tune out the noise from the outside world and engage in some quality one-on-one time.

10 lip-biting books for couples

Itching to add some orgasm-inducing titles to your shopping cart? Here are some of the best erotic novels and story collections for couples:

1. “Sleeping Beauty Trilogy” — Anne Rice

Anne Rice might be most famous for writing “Interview with the Vampire.” But in the 1980s, she decided to dip her quill in the erotica inkwell, publishing a fantasy-driven BDSM trilogy under the pen name A.N. Roquelaure.

"The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy" offers couples an opportunity to explore intricate erotic landscapes, challenging preconceived notions of love, power, and desire. It's an excellent pick for those enchanted by fairy tales and sensual exploration.

2. “Seven Days in June” — Tia Williams

One of our favorite erotic romance books, Tia Williams’ “Seven Days in June” follows two authors as they reconnect seven years after a sultry week-long tryst. Romantic, sexy, and raw, Williams delivers more than just heat — she also offers a poignant exploration of motherhood and Blackness that will give you and your partner plenty to talk about during your post-coital cuddles.

3. “The Story of O” — Pauline Réage

A boundary-pushing classic from 1954, “The Story of O” delves deep into themes of love, power, and submission, providing the perfect spark for conversations about trust, consent, vulnerability, and the nuanced dynamics of BDSM. 

The book follows O, a Parisian photographer who undergoes a variety of body modifications to please her various doms. The story was so explicit that French authorities at the time brought obscenity charges against the publisher. But it’s resonated with decades of readers, providing a provocative choice for couples looking to challenge conventional perceptions of love and desire.

4. “The Right Swipe” — Alisha Rai

Alisha Rai’s "The Right Swipe" seamlessly blends modern love with emotional depth in a relatable tale set in the world of dating apps, the perfect story to help you and your partner examine the complexities of romance in the digital age. The story prompts discussions about vulnerability, past relationships, and the challenges and triumphs of online dating.  With its mix of humor, romance, and poignant moments, the novel provides couples an opportunity to reflect on their own dating histories, open up about fears and hopes, and appreciate the journey that brought them together. It's a timely pick for couples seeking connection amidst the backdrop of modern love.

5. “The Joy of Sex: A Gourmet Guide to Lovemaking” — Alex Comfort

If you and your partner like picture books, you’ll love 1972’s “The Joy of Sex,” an illustrated instruction manual for making love. Inspired by cookbooks, the book provides mouth-watering “recipes” for things like oral sex, swinging, and bondage that will leave you hungry for more.

6. “While We Were Dating” — Jasmine Guillory

Jasmine Guillory’s “While We Were Dating” is a delightful exploration of romance and vulnerability set against the glamorous backdrop of Hollywood. It’s a fun read to get you and your partner talking about the intricacies of modern love, work-life balance, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in relationships. 

7. “Delta of Venus” — Anaïs Nin

One of the all-time greats of female erotica, Anaïs Nin has plenty of stories worth reading, 15 of which you’ll find in her short-story anthology, “Delta of Venus.” Like smut for sapiosexuals, Nin’s writing is incredibly sexy, but she puts the “literature” in erotic lit, crafting steamy scenes that sound like poetry and make the body sing. 

8. “Dirty Girls: Erotica for Women” — edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Erotica writer Rachel Kramer Bussel put on her editor hat to create “Dirty Girls,” a sexual fantasy anthology full of sizzling stories written by women. The collection celebrates the richness of female sexuality, making it a compelling read for couples keen on deepening their emotional and physical bond.

9. “Best Women’s Erotica of the Year” — edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Another gem from the desk of Rachel Kramer Bussel, this series offers a variety of tales that are as tantalizing as they are empowering. The inclusive collection offers couples of all shapes and sizes an immersive journey into various erotic landscapes, from tender moments to daring adventures. Reading it together will inspire you to explore new realms of sensuality, fostering discussions about fantasies, boundaries, and shared desires with each story acting as a springboard for deeper intimacy and understanding.

10. “Tipping the Velvet” — Sarah Waters

A sensuous journey through Victorian London, “Tipping the Velvet” puts a unique spin on romantic erotica, blending love, history, and LGBTQ sex in a carefully crafted tale of self-discovery. The novel follows Nan, a young English woman in love with a “male impersonator” (drag king), who she follows around a city known for oppressing same-sex couples.

“Tipping the Velvet” is a great choice for woman-woman couples. But the rich storytelling and well-researched historical world-building make it a worthwhile read for partners of every gender and sexuality.

Share the sounds of erotica

Books are great, but listening to stories can be just as fun. That’s why we made Quinn, the audio erotica app created by women for the world. If you and your partner are interested in listening to sexy stories performed by professional voice actors, the wide range of erotic content on Quinn is a great place to start.

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