25 Steamy Erotic Books for When You’re Looking To Get In the Mood

‘It’s In His Heart’ by Shelly Alexander

It’s In His Heart by Shelly Alexander is a romantic story with some racy scenes mixed in, so it’s perfect for beginners. 

The novel follows Ella Dennings, a recent widower who’s looking for some peace and quiet in her Red River Valley cabin for the summer. That is, however, until she arrives and is met with Cooper Wells, her late husband’s best friend and a notorious ladies’ man. 

‘The Unsung Hero’ by Suzanne Brockmann

The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann, a novel known for stirring up a perfect recipe of action and sex, is the first of the wildly popular Troubleshooters series.

The novel follows Navy SEAL Lieutenant Tom Paoletti as he creates his own makeshift counterterrorism team, assembling his most loyal officers: two elderly war veterans, a couple of misfit teenagers, and Dr. Kelly Ashton, a friend who he’s always had a connection with.  

‘If I Were You’ by Lisa Renee Jones

What if you discovered another woman’s deviant lifestyle and assumed it for yourself? That’s exactly what happens in If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones when the main character Sara McMillan finds a journal in an abandoned storage locker containing the sexual escapes of an ever-so-mysterious Rebecca. In an attempt to find what happened to Rebecca, she immerses herself in the high-stakes art gallery world Rebecca inhabited—and is magnetically drawn to two men. 

‘Wallbanger’ by Alice Clayton

Friendship, comedy and a ton of sexual tension are the main pillars of Wallbanger by Alice Clayton, a novel about a bad boy and his curious neighbor. The novel follows new-in-town Caroline as she moves into a new apartment and begins to hear all of her neighbor Simon Parker’s sexy wall-banging escapes. One day, after having had enough sleepless nights, curiosity gets the best of her. 

‘Welcome to Temptation’ by Jennifer Crusie

In Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie, Sophie just wants to help her sister. Instead, she finds a trail of murder, mayhem and lust when she meets the town’s handsome mayor, Phin Tucker.

‘Lick’ by Kylie Scott

You know the expression ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’? Well, for Lick protagonist Evelyn Thomas, marrying one of the hottest rock stars in the world isn’t exactly something she can forget. 

‘The Flame’ by Christopher Rice

The Flame by Christopher Rice is Rice’s first erotic novel, and wow is he good at it! The novel follows Cassidy Burke after one wild night celebrating Mardi Gras makes her rethink her marriage and her closest friends. Are there tensions there she’s too scared to pursue?

‘Beguiled’ by Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand

Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand tells the story of Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in upper-class Charleston, and Logan Woods, a crime journalist who’s eager to become an author. When a string of robberies begins around them, the chaos brings them together in ways they never saw coming. 

‘The House’ by Cassie Alexander

The House by Cassie Alexander is a true treat for any erotic novel beginner. It’s a choose-your-own-fantasy book, so push the sexual envelope as much or as little as you want. 

In the beginning, the story follows a woman who’s going through a rough divorce when she receives a mysterious package in the mail. “It contains a key to the House: a magical mansion where anything you might imagine could satisfy you lies behind locked doors,” the description reads. 

‘Dark Lover’ by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward is the erotic vampire book to top them all. The novel follows Wrath, the leader of the vampire warriors who’s on a mission of revenge after the slayers killed almost everyone he holds dear. 

‘Enchanted’ by Nancy Madore

Enchanted by Nancy Madore is a collection of fairy tales with a sensual twist. From princes having affairs to a young brides sensual curiosities, this is the perfect read to push the envelope a little bit. 

‘Real’ by Katy Evans

As you can tell by the cover, Real by Katy Evans can get real steamy. The novel follows boxer and eternal bad boy Remington Tate as he meets Brooke Dumas, a woman who’s just hired to be he trainor who he can’t get enough of. “If what happens between Brooke and Remy is ever as light as a flirtation, it quickly becomes an erotic obsession for them both, and promises so much more,” the description reads. 

‘Beautiful Oblivion’ by Jamie McGuire

In the first of the The Maddox Brothers Series, Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire follows Trenton and Cami, two lost souls craving connection. But as they get to know each other, Cami reckons with one main question: Is she willing to give up her self-control to have him?

‘Fallen Too Far’ by Abbi Glines

If you loved the undeniable tension between stepbrothers like in Cruel Intentions, Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines might be the book for you. The novel follows Alabama farmgirl Blaire as she moves to Florida with her dad and her new stepbrother, Rush Finlay. “But as the summer goes by, Blaire begins to see a side of Rush she never expected, and the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore,” the description reads. 

‘Rush’ by Maya Banks

Speaking of questionable connection, Rush by Maya Banks follows succesful businessman Gabe Hamilton as he catches a glimpse of Mia Crestwell, his best friend’s little sister and the woman he’s desired for so long. 

“Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected,” the description reads. 

‘Taking the Lead’ by Cecilia Tan

While she’s an icy heiress on the outside, Ricki Hamilton is also a mistress of LA’s most exclusive private club in Taking the Lead by Cecilia Tan. But while her sexual escapades are fun, she finally meets her match when the hottest rock star in the world, Axel Hawke, comes in the door. 

‘Gifting Me To His Best Friend’ by Katee Robert

Gifting Me To His Best Friend by Katee Robert is a novel about exactly what the title suggests: one Christmas, a husband gives his best friend the ultimate gift, his wife. “There are no rules except the ones we make, and sharing me brings both Derek and Grayson closer than any of us could have imagined,” the description reads. 

‘A Court of Mist and Fury’ by Sarah J. Maas

While this is book two of the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury turns up the heat in Feyre’s debate over two people: her husband-to-be Tamlin and the Rhys, who she swears she hates. 

‘The Siren’ by Tiffany Reisz

Book one of the Original Sinners series, The Siren by Tiffany Reisz follows notorious erotic novelist Nora Sutherlin as she writes her latest book. That is, however, until her charming British editor Zachary Easton demands complete control moving forward. “Nora’s grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining and shockingly arousing,” the description reads. “And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous staying away from him or returning to his bed?”

‘Brutal Prince’ by Sophie Lark

In this story of star-crossed lovers, Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark follows Aida Gallo and Callum Griffin, the youngest of their rival families who are arranged in marriage after a major incident left everything in the balance. “Cold, ambitious, and brutal, Callum is determined to tame his headstrong new bride,” the description reads. “But Aida is more than capable of giving as good as she gets.”

‘Off the Clock’ by Roni Loren

Off the Clock by Roni Loren follows Marin Rush, a woman who loves studying sex (not so much having it) as she enters The Grove, a high-end, experimental sex therapy institute. As she arrives, however, Dr. Donovan West, her new hotshot colleague, sees her weaknesses and assigns her a list of R-rated tasks to succeed. Of course, he soon realizes he’s the only one fit to help her with her tasks too. “As long as they keep their erotic, off-the-clock activities strictly confidential and without strings, no one will get fired–or worse, get attached…,” the description reads. 

‘Beautiful Bastard’ by Christina Lauren

Originally written as Twilight fanfiction, Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren follows hot-shot media mogul Bennett Ryan as he moves back to Chicago and meets his new assistant, the “gorgeous, innocently provocative” Chloe Mills. 

“As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other,” the description reads.  

‘Night Shift’ by Joanna Angel

In another choose-your-own-fantasy novel, Night Shift by Joanna Angel follows 25-year-old Taryn Joyner as she begins a night job at Dreamz, Tampa, Florida’s premiere porno shop. From there, readers can choose what explorations she gets up to, from finding out the wonders of masturbation to some steamy hookups. 

‘Bared to You’ by Sylvia Day

Book one of the Crossfire series, Bared to You by Sylvia Day introduces readers to characters Gideon Cross and Eva Tramell, two abuse survivors with undeniable chemistry. As they explore their connection, and each other’s bodies, they begin to heal some wounds and uncover fresh ones. 

‘Hate to Want You’ by Alisha Rai

In another star-crossed lovers tale, Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai tells the story of Livvy Kane and Nicholas Chandler, two members of rival families who meet once a year for an unforgettable night of lust and desire. That is, however, until Livvy doesn’t appear for one year, leading everything they know about their dynamic, and their agreement, to spiral.