When it comes to erotica, women know what women want.  

Female erotica authors combine authenticity with sensuality to leave readers wanting more. They're uniquely powerful, penning their wildest desires and most passionate ideas into resonant novels that are just as much about the plot as the sex. 

Women-written erotica is a must-read genre for exploring your sexuality and getting in the mood. Whether you’re looking for a soft romantic scene or all-in smut, you’ll find something on this list for you.

What is erotica written by women? 

Women's erotica offers a unique look at themes like female fantasies and the intricacies of the feminine sexual experience. While much of mainstream erotica and porn stems from a predominantly male viewpoint — AKA the male gaze — women-authored erotica does more. Along with the sensual stuff, it often prioritizes emotional connection and context, weaving narratives that more accurately represent female sexuality's multifaceted nature. 

Women writers have contributed to a more relatable landscape of erotic literature throughout history, capturing authentic emotions and intriguing stories. They allow readers to get lost in a unique combination of fantasy and relatability — and of course, sex.

The best erotica for women: 12 recommendations  

Erotic literature, often called smut, has long been a space for readers and couples to explore sex in new and exciting ways. From kinks and fetishes to fantasies of all shapes and sizes, you’ll find your deepest desires in the pages of a book.

If you're interested in the female perception and experience of sex, who better to read than female authors? To get started, try one of these sexy standout tales:  

1. The Pisces by Melissa Broder

This enchanting erotic novel defies the norms à la The Shape of Water. Longlisted for the Center for Fiction's first novel prize, Broder's tale sees the protagonist, Lucy, entwined in an obsessive affair with Theo, a merman. 

Set against the backdrop of Venice Beach, Lucy must redefine love and sexuality after a dramatic breakup during a hot California summer. Broder seamlessly weaves mythological elements into an intensely real story you won't be able to shake.  

2. Scarlet by Emmanuelle de Maupassant 

This steamy short story won’t take you long to read, but you might have to visit it over and over again. Inspired by the “The Red Shoes” folktale — about a woman cursed to dance forever — de Maupassant explores what people are capable of when there are no limits and no shame, just desire. If you aren’t convinced, the Goodreads reviews alone will win you over.

3. The Discipline by Jade A. Waters 

The Discipline, the second book in the Lessons of Control series, is an enlightening and dirty story of submission and dominance. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy its many steamy scenes.

As Maya dives into the taboo world of pleasure and power dynamics with Dean, readers enjoy a front-row seat to her sexual evolution. Maya's limits are pushed inside and outside the bedroom, and she realizes she's unsure who Dean is. This story pairs steamy encounters with a genuine exploration of what it means to surrender control. How far will they go, and where will it take them? 

4. Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson 

Winterson's erotic novel is one of the sexiest examinations of love and loss. Here, the genderless and nameless narrator recounts past lovers, with a fiery focus on an affair with Louise, a married woman. This seductive and enthralling narrative explores the anatomy of relationships, including the unique complexities of longing and obsession. 

5. Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker

Parker is a stay-at-home mom and erotic novelist who's created a stunning narrative set in the close-knit world of an Orthodox Jewish community. 

This book follows Tzipporah, a divorced, sexually repressed woman with hidden desires and deep religious beliefs, and Elan, a neighborhood butcher with a penchant for dominance. Will Tzipporah find what she needs in Elan, solidifying her place in the community while enjoying kink behind closed doors? 

6. Agnes Moor's Wild Knight by Alyssa Cole 

A historical erotic romance, Cole's novella describes the escapades of Agnes Moor, a Black woman in King James IV's court. The story hinges on a tournament where a mysterious knight defeats his competition to win a kiss from Agnes and, ultimately, her heart. 

This story has fascinating themes of race and politics in a historical setting, all intertwined with sensual scenes that'll leave your heart racing.

7. Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel  

Published in 1989, Like Water For Chocolate follows the protagonist, Tita, the youngest of an all-female Mexican family. She's been assigned to care for her mother instead of marrying, but she falls in love with Pedro, cooking sumptuous meals for him. 

But, plot twist — Pedro then marries her sister. This book is about love, tradition, and tragedy simmering together in a sexy tale of longing. 

8. Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen 

This contemporary MLM romance novel follows the story of Caleb and Joshua, best friends who escape a cult after Josh is accused of a crime. Outside the confines of the cult and in a world they barely know, they grapple with their feelings for each other in a passionate tale of freedom and self-discovery. 

This is Hello Goodbye Book 1 by Bowen, and it's fiery, to say the least. If you’re into steamy queer romance with themes of confinement, this book is a must-read.

9. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

If you aren’t on the A Court of Thorns and Roses hype train yet, where have you been? A Court of Silver Flames is actually the 5th book in the series, but it’s by far the spiciest, earning its spot on this list with ease. We won’t spoil the plot in case you want to read the whole series — just trust that it’s worth the read.

10. Hold Me Down by Sara Taylor Woods

Hold Me Down is Book 1 in the Carolina Girls series, so you know you’ll get more once you finish this erotic novel. The first book tells the story of Talia, a college student struggling with her submissive side. In an intriguing look at the world of BDSM, Talia meets Sean, a doctoral student who wants to teach her something totally different. 

Woods explores themes of bondage, consent, and self-acceptance through sexy, kinky encounters that will leave you blushing. As independent as Talia is outside the bedroom, she finds submitting to Sean completely empowering.

11. Twisted Love by Ana Huang 

In Twisted Love, Huang’s ruthless and traumatized protagonist, Alex, is irresistibly drawn to Ava, his best friend's broken sister. Alex is assigned to look after Ava, and their undeniable chemistry pulls them closer, even as their pasts try to keep them apart. 

In this erotic tale of opposites-attract love, Huang blends sexual fantasy, romance, and suspense expertly. It’s the first book in the series, so there’s more when you’re itching for it.

12. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur 

A queer romantic comedy, Bellefleur's novel tells the story of Darcy, an analytical stick-in-the-mud, and Elle, a bubbly astrologer who truly believes in soulmates. 

After a disastrous blind date, Darcy lies to her brother, and the two women begin a fake relationship. However, as they spend more and more time together, Darcy and Elle start to fall for one another, blurring the lines between business and romance. Add this heartwarming and witty story to your reading list for the perfect balance between love and sex.

Find more sexy stories for women on Quinn 

If you love erotic literature, you’ll enjoy audio erotica, too. Available on Quinn, an audio erotica app created by women for everyone, these narrated sex stories are a sensual and ethical avenue for exploring your sexuality through masturbating and achieving orgasm. 

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