Cliterature, Dick Lit, Literotica - whatever you want to call it, this category of steamy romance novels often induces eye-rolls and turned up judgemental noses for being akin to porn. But, we're sex-positive around these parts and also have nothing against (ethical) porn, so we love smut.
Erotic art and literature has been around since the dawn of time in many forms. Humans are naturally sexually curious, and so whatever creative medium exists, you can bet your bottom dollar there will be an explicit take out there.
Writing is no different, and historians have found romantic and sensual text from most eras, from the erotic prose of the “oldest love poem” from Istanbul in the 20th Century BC, the queer-focussed erotic lyric poems of Sappho from the Greek island of Lesbos, to the near infamous work of John Cleland’s Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure (popularly referred to as Fanny Hill) back in 1748, now known as one of the most banned books in history.
These days, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to smutty erotic literature, and you only have to look to the 3.8 billion views on the hashtag #smut over on TikTok (or rather, SmutTok) to see the popularity of the genre is well and truly booming.
If you’re looking for a happy medium of literature and porn, the world of smut is a delicious halfway point between reading for leisure and reading for *ahem* pleasure. Smut isn’t always purely explicit though, in fact there’s a wide spectrum of spice ranging from light romance and implied sex scenes to full on audio porn designed to get you off, with so much juice in between.
Reading or listening to smut is an easy and enjoyable way to keep your sex drive at a steady simmer and letting your imagination run wild. Research even suggests that those who "read romance or erotic novels have an astounding 74% more sex with their partners than those who don't."
Not only do regular readers (and listeners) along the smutty spectrum report an increased frequency of sex, but also enhanced levels of desire, libido, sexual satisfaction and novelty.
So, ditch the personal development books, and get yourself into some smut. Not sure where to start? Here's a handy guide to ease yourself in.
Spicy Romance [Level 1]
🌶️ / 5
This category consists of romance novels with a solid plot that leads to the main characters slowly getting more intimate.
Spicy Romance tends to prioritise character development and the story arc, building up to a few light sex scenes. Enough to quench the anticipatory thirst, but not overly descriptive when it comes to the down and dirty.
This category is perfect for you if you want the experience of reading / listening to a book with a solid storyline, you love swooning over the characters but are also partial to indulging in a bit of romantic sexual fantasy.
Suggestions:
Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
You & Me on Vacation by Emily Henry
Smut [Level 2]
🌶️🌶️ - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
This category consists of books with a highly erotic focus. These books tend to vary in the amount of storyline, but are ultimately designed to arouse the reader in some way.
Smut can be split into three levels, depending on the ratio of plot to sex scenes, the description of said sex scenes and the intensity.
Thus, this category can range from two to four chillies on the spicy chilli rating.
Some books on the spicier end have significant content & trigger warning, so be sure to check.
Suggestions:
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Erotica [Level 3]
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
This category is purely explicit erotica and porn designed to arouse the reader or listener and inspire self-pleasure sessions to get you off.
Often designed with sapiosexuals in mind, this type of erotica will still tend to include a light storyline to set the scene before diving headfirst into the good stuff.
Written Erotica will include very detailed descriptions of characters' bodies, sexual acts and what is conspiring between the characters.
Audio Erotica employs talented voice actors and creators who set the scene with realistic sound effects, commentary and moans.
Suggestions:
Priest by Sierra Simone
Praise by Sara Cate
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Where can you consume smut?
Depending on which level of spice you’re after, there are a range of places that you head to for all your erotic needs.
For the readers:
If you’re a paperback lover, you can stock up on spicy romance novels at your local bookshop or library. If you’re a kindle girly, there’s a huge variety of spicy books you can purchase and get via Kindle Unlimited with the benefit of not having to find space on your bookshelf for your new smutty addiction (trust me, it’s imminent!).
For written erotica, check out website Aurore, a curated collection of erotic stories written by and for women and LGBTQ+ folks based on their own real experiences. Members get access to over 150 stories, plus audio options too - including one written and recorded by yours truly - 'Solo Pleasure with Eleanor Hadley'.
For the listeners:
Whether you’re an audiophile or just love listening on the go, there are a multitude of places you can listen to smut. The Audible app has plenty of options to pay for audiobooks or grab a monthly membership. To listen for free, grab the apps Libby and BorrowBox to ‘borrow’ audiobooks from your local library - all you need is a library card, which is super easy to get.
Then, we have specific audio erotica apps designed with your listening pleasure in mind, complete with all the moans and groans of a spicy voice actor portraying your favourite steamy scene.
Audio Erotica has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years as a more female-friendly answer to traditional visual porn as it allows the listener to insert themselves into the story. Here are a couple of my faves.
The Quinn app features creators who mostly write, record and edit their own audios within a huge array of categories and themes.
My faves: Mitchell, Chris Yamez & Cera
The Dipsea App also features spicy audio with professional voice actors, guided self-touch, partner exercises and written stories.
My faves: Leather & Lace & Behind Closed Doors
Find more
For more spicy romance & smutty book recommendations and reviews, check out these creators on Tik Tok - also try www.romance.io to search by spice rating, genre, trope & more.
@tierney.reads
@gabwithgaby
@read_between.the_wines
@celesteraine
