If you’ve made it to #BookTok — which I’m assuming you have at some point since the hashtag has over 34 million posts — you’ve probably heard of monster smut by now. And if you haven’t, welcome, and try not to trip over the tails or snag a wing. This seemingly niche romance-and-fantasy-combo genre is currently all the rage in the publishing world.
A lot of monster-human romance books are rooted in escapism and pure fantasy, writes Emily Gould in her recent essay on how she fell for monster sex books (specifically, ones with minotaur). For Charlotte Swan, author of the novel Captured by the Orc General, she made it clear that she’s not interested in Edward Cullen — or even Mr. Tumnus. “A lot of you are giving me buff man with horns, he may have a few claws. That’s not what I’m talking about. I need scales. I need leathery wings. I want him flapping,” she says in her viral TikTok.
So, what is monster smut? And, more importantly, are monster romance books going to be your new literary erotica obsession?
What Is Monster Romance? BookTok’s Latest Smut Obsession
@kay_lets_read The gang is back 😈 @charl1eswansong #booktok #smuttok #smut #fypシ #kayletsread #bookclub #monsterromance #bookworm #wattpad #ao3 #monstersmut #spicybook #orcromances ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design
Monster smut isn’t exactly a “new” genre. I mean, think about the early 2000s or the era of Twilight when all things vampire and werewolf were all anyone could talk about. But what makes this reawakening of monster romance today so different is that the monsters in these books aren’t simply separated from humankind by sparkly skin and red eyes. No, there are full-on scales, hooves, and feathers involved. And the dicks?? Huge. Plus, sometimes, even two dicks are on a single creature. And no, they don’t change back into a human form — I’m talking about fucking legit monsters, claws and all. Think Beauty and the Beast, but the Beast never turns into a prince. Monster smut depicts characters that are basically warm-bodied, high-tech fucking machines. Did I mention some of their dicks are ribbed?! Plus, there’s always the idea that this giant ferocious creature becomes loving and caring just for one person. Who doesn’t love a good protector — even if they’re a literal monster?
The Best Monster Romance Books
While the extent of my own monster-curiosity doesn’t go past Damon Salvatore, if you find yourself a little intrigued at the idea of reading about some serious monster dick action, you’re not alone. The world of monster smut is vast, so below is a roundup of our favorite monster romance novels.
Ice Planet Barbarians By Ruby Dixon
This whole series focuses on alien abductions and finding love when the planet is doomed. Intrigued? I forgot to mention that these barbarian alien men are huuuuge.
A Soul To Keep: Duskwalker Brides By Opal Reyne
A girl is sacrificed to a demon but it turns out that the demon is pretty fucking hot.
A Lady Of Rooksgrave Manor By Kathryn Moon
Aside from monsters, if you’re looking for a theme that’s sex, sex, and more sex? This story about Esther the maid and the creepy house where she starts a new job is going to definitely feed into your fantasies.
Deceived By The Gargoyles By Lillian Lark
Who doesn’t love having three hotties fighting over their love for you? Even if those hotties are gargoyles.
Tentacle Entanglement By Siggy Shade
I mean, think about eight arms instead of two. Need I say more?
The Dragon’s Bride By Katee Robert-Hird
Think Beauty and the Beast except with a dragon. Yup.
Yearning For Her By Tiffany Roberts
If sexy demons with lots of piercings and dyed hair is your thing (or you’ve dated someone who fits this exact description), this is the book for you.
Stalked By The Kraken By Lillian Lark
Think about a sex contract between a witch and a mystical creature — oh and it’s all underwater so you know things are going to get wet.
Morning Glory Milking Farm By C.M. Nascosta
Don’t trust just me! Nascosta is a recommendation that’s all over #BookTok. Fair warning, there is a lot of semen in this book… and that’s the only spoiler you’re going to get.
