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There were two types of kids growing up: The ones who devoured books like candy and raked in the AR points and the ones who had friends. I, not-so-shockingly, was a member of the former camp. While my love of reading started long before I can remember, it’s one of the few things about me that has remained consistent in my thirty-*cough* years. Of course, that’s not to say my taste in novels hasn’t ebbed and flowed over time. From fluffy YA stories to thrillers like Gone Girl, I’ve dabbled in all genres, but one of my all-time faves? Smut. I’m talking about books so steamy you’ll be sent to HR for reading them at your desk. They’re *that* NSFW.
In case you’re new to the concept of “clit-lit” (I know), let me be blunt: You’re not reading these books for the storylines. Sure, you’ll sometimes get a decent plot and somewhat evolved characters who experience arcs and personal growth. But mostly? You’re gonna get sex. Lots and lots of sex.
Obvi the whole purpose of NSFW books is to get you in the mood, whether you’re looking to charge up your ~personal massager~ or jump your partner’s bones. It’s like porn for people who took all AP classes, which I, for one, am entirely here for. The best part is that a lot of these can be read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription (or purchased separately if you’re not a total novel nerd). So, whether you’re a steamy literature novice or already a long-time fan of the genre, these nine books will help you knock a few off like you still have the libido of a teen. Love that for you.
For the First-Timers: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Let’s start it off with something a little tamer for the newbies, shall we? Playing out like your classic romantic comedy, the fake-boyfriend-turned-lover plotline isn’t exactly revolutionary, even if it involves scientists and a wise-ass professor. But what starts out as a fun and light read eventually takes a heated turn with some wildly vivid scenes. Don’t blame me if you suddenly develop a thing for teachers. Or big hands. Or guys named Adam.
Nerdy Fave: Neon Gods by Katee Robert
You might be slightly thrown by this one if you didn’t pay attention to the Greek mythology unit in school, but that’s okay because we don’t believe in pop quizzes. Neon Gods is, essentially, a raunchy retelling of Hades and Persephone’s love story, but instead of abduction and Stockholm Syndrome, the couple’s relationship is centered more around sex clubs and rebellion. If you’re a fan of a suave, Lucifer-style devil and public sex, you’ve come to the right place.
Timeless Classic: The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A. N. Roquelaure
Gothic, erotic, and almost *too* explicit, the infamous Sleeping Beauty Trilogy is another classic tale that’s been sexually reimagined. The series was written under a pseudonym by Anne Rice in the ‘80s and follows — you guessed it — Beauty as she gets awakened by a whole lot more than just a kiss. While Rice released a fourth (and slightly less graphic) installment in 2015, all of the BDSM-filled novels of this series push the boundaries in ways Fifty Shades could never. Disney fans, you’ve been warned.
Bully Romance Stans: Tryst Six Venom by Penelope Douglas
You’ve got your LGBTQ love stories, and then you’ve got your enemies-to-lovers/questioning your sexuality/so-hot-you-feel-like-you-might-implode LGBTQ stories. Tryst Six Venom is the latter. Following two high school lacrosse players with an intense lust-hate connection, this lesser-known, coming-of-age book by Penelope Douglas nails the complicated power dynamic with bullying elements and plenty of forbidden kink (plus a little sports stuff thrown in, if that’s your thing. If it’s not, don’t let that deter you — it’s not nearly as bad as listening to dudes talk about fantasy football).
For Fans of Silver Foxes: Praise by Sara Cate
Age-differences? Check. Boss/secretary fantasy? Check. A dom/sub element? Check, check, check. The best part about Praise — outside of all the sex, ofc — is the fact that it’s actually pretty well written (and dare I say “cute?”), so you won’t have to cringe your way through awkward dialogue to get to the smutty stuff. Granted, if you’re not into age gaps, you’ll probably want to skip this one, but if the concept of landing a daddy — and in this case, your ex’s daddy — sounds hot, consider this your ultimate DILF fantasy.
As Seen on BookTok: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
If you’ve stumbled upon the smut genre by way of social media, there’s a good chance you already know and love (and possibly ruined your copy of) It Happened One Summer. Your classic opposites-attract trope gets a refresh when a socialite and a surprisingly hot (?) fisherman find themselves in a classic, I-hate-you-but-want-to-bang-you situation. While it’s not the spiciest book on the list, it’s a fun slow burn that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Pack it for the pool, and make sure to bring your portable fan (or snag a secluded spot by the jets) for the steamier chapters.
For Poly Luvahs: Sugar Daddies by Jade West
ICYMI, threesome and polyamorous sex scenes make up some of the hottest content in the romance/smut genre. I mean, come on. More people = more hands and tongues and mouths and parts. That’s just basic math, folks. What reviewers especially love about this Jade West story, however, is the depth of the characters and the different combinations/types of sex they all have together. Warning: There’s a scene in the kitchen that’ll make you want to install an island ASAP, so be prepared for a home remodel after reading this one.
As Graphic As It Gets: Tangled in Tinsel by Trilina Pucci
Not quite a Hallmark love story, Tangled in Tinsel is a seasonal (and surprisingly funny) gift for when you’re in the mood to read about someone getting their stocking stuffed by a bunch of dudes. Literally, that’s the story. An interior designer gets stuck in a cabin with four (!!!) of her clients, and naturally, it results in a hot AF reverse harem. Even though you might never have thought, “Hmmm, I’d really like to have my way with multiple men at once while being caught in a snowstorm,” the notion will forever live rent-free in your mind after this lil holiday treat.
For Fans of Taboo: Credence by Penelope Douglas
If you made it through the list and you’re still looking to push the boundaries, it doesn’t get more scandalous than the controversial Credence. Another sexy read written by Penelope Douglas, this novel blurs the lines of what’s right and wrong in a shocking and completely unhinged way. When I say your body will have actual visceral reactions while reading, I mean it. We’re talking convulsing in your chair, foaming at the mouth kind of reactions. As one reviewer says: “It starts weird. Then it gets weirder. And then it gets super duper effing weird. But keep going. It’s totally worth it.” Put a towel down on your seat because this one’s a doozy.
While these aren’t the novels to go to when you want to contemplate the meaning of life, if you’re looking for something to read in the bath while you enjoy a glass of wine and some water pressure, any of the above will have you well taken care of.
