Are you looking to branch out of your genre of choice? Are you tired of picking up the same types of books over and over?
Do you want to spice up your reading and don't know where to start?
We have some exciting ideas for you!
Romance and Erotic Romance is the largest genre of fiction and still growing at a fast pace. And with that, the quality of the available Erotica novels and short stories is increasing too.
Surely, we as Erotic Romance Addicts love this trend. And we still think:
It's time to add some more to it. By more, we mean more books and more spice.
Of course, keeping the orientation what to read does not get easier with an ever increasing offering.
To help you to find your personal steamy getaway, we've curated the best 25 books in the genre of erotica for women. We promise you won't want to put truly Erotic Stories for Women down!
What Is Erotica for Women?
Before we start with the list of the best Erotica Reads for Women, we want you shortly have a look at what we actually talk about.
As per definition: "Erotica is literature or art that deals substantively with subject matter that is erotic, sexually stimulating or sexually arousing" (Source). Consequently, we understand Erotica for Women as Erotic Literature which emphasizes women’s autonomy and pleasure over more male-centric, objectifying sexy stories.
So in short: we're talking about hot, sexy romantic love stories which touch all the senses of us women!
What makes an Erotic Story a qualitatively good piece of Erotica?
We have certain features we think are needed to lift up a sex story (which can be an arousing read too at some situations), to a truly good and capturing read.
Firstly: Every good erotic romance book needs to have a good plot that the reader can follow.
Secondly: The characters have to be believable, realistic, humorous, and likable. Quality Erotica can create stories that you fall in love with and cannot put down. We think that these is the crucial ingredience which make a plain sex story a steamy and arousing sex story for women.
Erotic romance books aren't all about the action if you know what we mean. The best books feature memorable, believable characters and enrapturing plots. After all, there's no spark between two characters if the characters are flimsy in the first place.
If you think Fifty Shades of Grey is overrated, let us open your eyes to a world of erotica by indie authors you've probably never heard of. We promise these will leave your mouth dry with desire.
Read on for what we consider essential but underrated erotic fiction for women.
So let's get started: Here are the Best Erotic Books for Women!
If you are a seasoned Erotic Romance reader, you will probably also know the first few picks of our list. But do not miss the last ones of less famous authors!
Summary of the best Erotic Romance Reads for Women
Want a short overview?
Then check out our video summary about the top Erotic Romance Picks! If you then want to find out more about the each books, just have a look below!
#1 Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence
This book is meant for you if you love literature that contains also drama and tragedy.
Lady Chatterley was introduced to love affairs as a teenager.
After her husband is sent to war and becomes paralyzed from the waist down, she begins to look elsewhere for love and affection.
Lady Chatterley continues to have erotic affairs and the novel follows her during these.
Lady Chatterley is one of those erotic historical romance novels that is unforgettable and a must read Erotic Story for every woman.
#2 Delta of Venus by Anais Nin
The Delta of Venus follows multiple women through their erotic desires.
These stories possess an erotic quality that brings about secretive affairs and will arouse the desire with you as well.
They are not porn stories, but truly arousing female erotic stories!
Anais Nin takes on a genre of writing that has been dominated by male writers and brings her own perspective to the erotic world.
So if you want to read one of the best Erotic Books for Women written by a Woman - there is no way to miss out Delta of Venus!
Outlander puts Fifty Shades to shame. This love story will keep you captivated and turning the pages to see what happens to the beloved characters.
This story follows the life of Claire Randall.
After Claire's husband comes back from war, she finds herself torn between two men and the safety they provide.
You'll follow the plot along with Claire's life and how she decides she must live it to stay safe, yet immersed in passion all the while.
So if you like fantasy combined with a historical storyline - all spiced up with a great love story and steamy sex scenes - Outlander should be a must read for you!
Katherine Danziger meets Michael Wagner. They meet when her friends and family are helping her on her path of self-discovery through adolescence.
Her family openly discusses sex and intimacy, believing that every part of life is important.
Once she meets Michael, another world opens up for her. She begins to explore her own sense of intimacy, discovering herself and her desires. Meeting Michael sets her up to know what she wants out of life.
Follow this funny romance novel through her world of self-discovery.
Believe us:
You'll be forever cheering for Katherine Danziger.
#5 Normal People by Sally Rooney
Also a Netflix show, Normal People has taken the ranks for one of the most popular novels in the past couple of years.
After its debut as a show, it has become more popular as a novel.
This novel by Sally Rooney follows two young people who have come from different backgrounds.
Rooney breaks the barriers of past literature to ignite fuel in us as readers to think about love beyond social bounds. Complicated by social and economic divisions, the love of the two main characters is unpredictable yet awe-inspiring.
Knowing what happens to the two characters, Connell and Marianne, becomes addicting.
#6 Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
Call Me By Your Name, a nifty erotic fiction novel, follows the love story of Elio and Oliver, two young boys who spend their summer in Italy.
The book follows their love and how it continues to shape who they are for years to come.
Oliver is an American graduate who has been chosen by Elio's family to come to stay abroad with them for six weeks to continue to develop his writing skills. Their summer on the Italian Riviera is unforgettable.
Reading about gay romance (and of course lesbian romance) opens up a completely different world in erotica fiction.
And Call Me By Your Name is an ideal starting point into gay erotic romance.
#7 Command Me by Geneva Lee
With over two million copies sold, this book by Geneva Lee is a bestseller in the erotica for women genre.
This book is full of passion, romance, and curiosity.
The romance begins with one kiss with Prince Alexander of Cambridge and it goes from there.
You will be tearing up, laughing out loud and smiling like a fool from page one to the end.
Command me is definitely an Erotic Fiction Book for Women which stimulates all senses and feelings!
#8 The MacGregor Brides by Nora Roberts
Written by the number one New York Times Seller, Nora Roberts, this romance novel is grounded in the intelligence and strong will of female protagonists.
The patriarch of the MacGregor clan wants to see his three granddaughters married before he passes.
To see this happen, he selects three gentlemen as candidates.
The matchmaking doesn't quite go as planned...
#9 The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Henry DeTamble, an adventurous librarian, accidentally travels through time.
On his journey, he meets Clare. The Time Traveler's Life follows the passionate love affair of Henry and Clare, which traps them in time.
If you're looking for a timeless classic that highlights the strong bond of love, this is for you.
#10 Bad Behavior: Stories by Mary Gaitskill
These stories follow multiple characters around, creating a deep sexual desire within all of them.
As a women reader, these short stories will hold your attention. You will follow wild characters, intense sex, and the rawness of the women character's feelings.
If you're a woman reader looking to feel connected to the power of your sexual desires and the intimacy of your emotions, this book is for you.
Bad Behavior is an Erotic Romance Books which will definitely have an arousing effect while reading it...
#11 Unrestrained by Rhyll Biest
Similar to Fifty Shades of Grey, Unrestrained leads its characters through their past traumatic experiences in a healthy manner.
Holly will need to get past Stein's obsessive, intimidating ex-girlfriend to get to Stein. But she has to do more than that, too.
To reach all of Stein, both sexual and emotional, Holly will have to release her own inhibitions. She'll have to overcome her dark secrets to get to Stein's heart.
Unrestrained has a 4.12 rating on Goodreads and is one of the best novels under the genre erotica for women. Don't pass this one up.
#12 Danger Zones by Sally Beauman
If you pick up Danger Zones by Sally Beauman, you'll be hooked.
From page one, the secrets and the sex will draw you in.
The sins in this book will leave you shocked, yet wanting more.
Sally Beauman has had a lot of success writing erotic romance books, and having the chance to read one of her books shouldn't be passed up.
#13 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Less mainstream than other erotic romance novels, the Kiss Quotient follows the lead female who is on the Autism spectrum and a male escort.
Stella hires the escort, Michael, to help her professionally with her own dating insecurities.
As you can probably guess, this professional exchange doesn't quite go as planned.
This sensitive, funny, and sensual novel gives a refreshing twist on the modern-day erotic novel.
#14 Finding Gideon by Eric Jerome Dickey
Gideon has been a hitman his entire life, living on the edge of danger every single day.
While Gideon is tangled in his own dangerous revenge, he is unable to say no to the woman who has his heart.
This novel will give you chills as you follow the story that breaks every rule, the obsession between the two characters forming within yourself as well.
Definitely one of the steamy crime romance books you can read anytime.
If you like novels with love affairs with an immoral twist, this is for you.
Damage follows an obsessive man who has everything he could possibly need. Yet behind the scenes, his life needs more passion and more lust.
Because he follows his obsessions, he is left in a tricky situation with his son's fiancé.
#16 Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Eva Tramell keeps accidentally bumping into a handsome man at work, in the elevator, and during presentations.
Bared to You follows the story of the two who become intertwined with a possessive, sexual relationship.
Gideon Cross is a survivor of sexual abuse and is working on his own trauma. The two go back and forth, forming opinions about whether they want a sexual relationship or a deeper connection.
They continue to navigate their sexual intimacy, working through ways to have a healthy relationship.
Bared to You is definitely a must read Erotic Romance Novel which every Women should have read once in her life.
#17 Dark Desires by Sallyanne Johnson
Sallyanne Johnson had her debut novel, Dark Desires, come out in January of this year. It is part of a trilogy called The Black Series.
The series focuses on mild BDSM that furthers the plot. In an interview with the author, she explains that she loves a story that puts forth a complicated character. Her novel is an erotic romance book that displays two characters that cannot keep their hands off one another because of their intense physical attraction.
With twists and turns, dark secrets, and elements of control, this novel will leave you wanting more.
#18 Sin Brothers Series by Rebecca Zanetti
This series follows three women who want to explore their deepest and darkest desires with men they cannot keep their eyes off of.
The novels will bring to the surface the darkest desires of the women, coupled with a twist of paranormal activity.
Within this series, you'll find some steamy elements of BDSM on display. If you're looking for erotic BDSM stories, this one won't disappoint.
The passion will be irresistible, both for you as a reader and for the characters within the novel.
Forgotten Sins, Sweet Revenge, Blind Faith, and Total Surrender are the four books in the series.
#19 Night Class by Hannah Crow
If you're looking to change your bookshelf more than just adding erotica romance books, you need to add Night Class.
This book is an enchanting erotica thriller book for women.
Night Class is a passionate, yet quick read, centering around Rachel as the main character. It follows her through college, where she becomes entangled with her professor, who has a dark secret.
If you look for more great steamy College Romance Books, check out our Top Picks in this genre!
#20 Forbidden Complication by Amanda
Forbidden Complication by Amanda Boyd is a short erotic story.
Amanda Boyd does not hold back from letting the word porn flow. In just 5,000 words, she gives you more steamy, hot sex than you'd get from a normal novel.
This story is short and steamy, but will leave you downloading more erotic ebooks.
Do not miss how Veronica, a self-confident young woman, finds her way into Mark's heart.
Definitely a must-read if you're attracted to Age-Gap Romance!
#21 Bass-Ackwards by Eris Adderly
Buckle down for this addition to your list of dirty romance novels.
Christina Lee Dodd has her feminist principles down. One day her boss makes her a proposal that goes against all of these principles, and it is extremely hot.
Eris Adderly takes the boss-secretary dynamic that some might find icky and writes about it with sensitivity and snark.
The result is searingly sexy for anyone that wants to explore some dark, taboo reads.
#22 A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
You'll see this one in several lists for romance books, but it's also heavily erotic.
If you love fairies, fantasies, and elves, you're almost guaranteed to like this one because of the world-building and slow burn.
Feyre discovers she has the powers of a High Fae and must navigate the twisty politics of the Night Court while upholding her bargain with Rhysand, the beautiful High Lord of the Court.
The slow burn makes the erotic elements that much more worth it to us.
So definitely the slow burn Fantasy Romance you have to know!
Have you ever wondered what life is like as a dominatrix?
Nora Sutherlin, the protagonist of this story, is a famous erotica writer by day and moonlights as one of the underworld's most famous dominatrixes by night.
In the first book of the series, Nora's new editor Zachary comes to her with a new set of exacting standards. Her books aren't literature, he says.
Erotic literature for women can be literature, though!
Nora's sessions with Zachary are arousing, tense, and well-written. The characters stand out and will stay with you for a while.
#24 Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein
Charlotte Stein is the indie queen of filthy romance books.
Her characters are so human, her writing so poetic, lyrical, and empathetic.
We hope she'll give us an author interview someday!
Her books are also downright filthy and kinky by any benchmark.
If you are looking to explore kink, she does it safely and respectfully. So definitely a real sex story for women!
This particular book is about a woman facing her past tormentor, so if you do not like the bully-romance genre, stay away. Do know that Stein has a unique take on the genre, though.
#25 The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert
Are you looking for best-friends-to-lovers erotica that will make you squirm?
Talia Hibbert is famous for writing romance, but her erotica is also on point.
This one has two protagonists of color: it features a black, neurodiverse woman and an Asian man.
If you're looking for soft-dom, slow burn, and one of the most realistic and pro-feminist erotica books you'll ever read, you'll want to give this one a try.
Convinced to Read Erotic Romance Books?
There's nothing better than walking up to your bookshelf ready to read the next book.
Adding erotic romance books will keep you going back day in and day out to grab another book off of your shelf because you can't set them down.
Although reading erotica novels is often frowned upon or disregarded as porn in words, it's become a billion-dollar industry.
So obviously, you're not alone in your love for erotic romance books! And most importantly, you do not have to hide these high-heat, high-quality Erotic Romance Books.
If you're looking for a community to discuss erotica for women, look no further than our blog posts. We give space for women to discuss their sensual side. We also always give recommendations for erotic books that you'd love!
If you're ready to buy erotic eBooks or your next erotic romance book, get it through our website!
The best way to start?
Just browse through our Selection of Top Lists and let yourself guide by you needs!
There you'll find there a special selection about almost every genre like Mafia Romance, College Romance but also more kink-scentric topics like Reverse Harem, BDSM or Erotic Cheating Stories.
Our erotic romance blog has everything you need to find your next book!
And a special hint just for you: do not forget to check out our FREE erotic stories too!
They are short and truly focused on sex! But if you just have little time, they will do their job!