The Smuttiest, Spiciest Erotic Novels, According to BookTok

Spicy, smutty books have no doubt taken the world by storm. Whether it’s romantic erotic novels with maximum level ten heat or a delicious enemies-to-lovers romantasy, the possibilities for steamy scenes are endless. So are the reading options, of which there are many.

That’s where Spicy BookTok comes in. There are plenty of bookish corners of TikTok for all kinds of recs, and spice is no different. If you’re looking for a steamy, smutty read, BookTokers have you covered, no matter your preferences. Want to read about workplace rivals who are forced to team up and contend with their painfully obvious mutual attraction and yearning? Or a princess who is captured by an alluringly handsome Fae king (or pirate, or vampire)? Perhaps you’re searching for a book brimming with praise kinks, monster smut, or polyam romances. And maybe you simply don’t know what you want until you find it. Regardless, whatever you’re in the mood for, BookTok surely has a rec for it.

Part of what makes spicy books so appealing to readers is that they’re a safe space for exploring fantasies. There’s no pearl-clutching or shame surrounding sexuality within these pages; instead, those sex scenes can be seen as empowering, connective, and just plain hot. And while not all spicy readers are women of course, it is worth noting that many of these novels appeal to the female gaze in ways some other erotic mediums do not, creating opportunities for women to acknowledge their fantasies in a comfortable, private, and personal way—and on their own terms. Moreover, there are plenty of spicy books that feature inclusive characters and pairings, with novels that center queerness at their heart.

Now, where to start? That is an excellent question, and to help you out, we’ve consulted some bookish influencers and BookTokers to round up a list of their favorite spicy, smutty erotic novels. So get comfy, draw a bath, and charge your Kindle for a perfect evening of reading and steam.

Nocticadia by Keri Lake

I would highly recommend Nocticadia by Keri Lake! This book is the perfect combination of dark academia with spicy romance that creates a story that you won’t want to put down, while also giving you a morally questionable MMC (male main character) that’s worth begging for.
—Maddie of BookishGhostie

House of Rayne by Harley Laroux

“House of Rayne” by Harley Laroux

House of Rayne is the sapphic romance that nightmares are made of! It’s moody and atmospheric, deliciously spicy, and terrifying beyond belief, and I simply could not put it down.
—Lesia of LitWithLesia

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

“Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid

As a big fan of rivals/enemies to lovers, this book delivers. A perfect combo of chemistry, romance, desperation, hockey, and some very steamy spice. (Big news—HBO just renewed the TV adaptation for season 2.)
—Kat of LittleBlondeBooks

Face Off by Chelsea Curto

“Face Off” by Chelsea Curto

And speaking of hockey romances, it was refreshing to see a woman NHL player in this novel!
—Kat of LittleBlondeBooks

Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti

“Ladies in Hating” by Alexandra Vasti

For regency romance lovers yearning for queer stories: Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti, the latest in the Belvior’s Library series, delivers exactly what you long for. Two rival Gothic novelists trapped in an equally Gothic manor! A page-turning and plot-thickening mystery! And a cute dog—what more could one ask for? Read for the enemies-to-lovers arc; stay for the haunting (and steamy) sapphic longing.
—Sam Valentine, romance bookseller

A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn

“A Not So Meet Cute” by Meghan Quinn

If you have not read A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn—what are you doing with your life? This is a Pretty Woman-inspired book with fake dating, hilarious banter that brings tears to your eyes, and sexual tension like no other. One of the best rom-coms I have ever read! Highly recommend! —Tess of Bookedupchick

Bloodshed by Molly Doyle

If you like to question your morals after reading a book…read this! Check the trigger warnings first, though. —Shaniah of Small Talk With Shaniah

Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder

Bourbon and Secrets by Victoria Wilder

From the very first page, Bourbon & Secrets had me hooked with its fast pace and captivating story. I’ll never get over how they played with bourbon in their intimacy—it added such a sexy, unique vibe. Lincoln’s daughters being so involved brought real warmth, while the spice, plot, and everything else was just perfect. —Ariana of Ari the Dark Romantic

Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark

“Brutal Prince: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance” by Sophie Lark

The queen of the mafia romance subgenre is easily Sophie Lark. Each of her books features a different romance trope and a different kink, so there is a little something for everyone. Trust me, her books are not only utterly addictive and superspicy, but they feature badass women who bring strong men to their knees! Start with Brutal Prince, which is an enemies-to-lovers arranged marriage romance. —Madison of PrincessofPaperback

Braving the Storm by Elliott Rose

Cosmic Imprint Publishing

Braving The Storm by Elliott Rose

I was completely hooked by the forbidden tension in Braving the Storm—the age gap, the forced proximity, and that slow-burn build-up between Briar and Storm were so good. The spice was perfectly steamy, and I loved watching Briar find her voice and fight for the future she wanted, even if it meant being with her step-uncle and dealing with the judgment. —Ariana

Cash by Jessica Peterson

When a city girl inherits her father’s farm, there’s a catch: She has to live and work on it for a year. Enter Cash, the brooding, no-nonsense cowboy who makes it very clear she doesn’t belong. If “save a horse, ride a cowboy” makes your heart race, Cash will leave you swooning. —Madison of Madi Can’t Stop Reading

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

“Dating Dr. Dil” by Nisha Sharma

Romance books allow me to vicariously live through characters that have way more interesting lives than I do. I’m currently reading Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma, and this book has single-handedly proven why I like fictional men better than real-life men. —Ayman of AymansBooks

Fall From India Place by Samantha Young

“Fall From India Place” by Samantha Young

If there’s one book a hopeless romantic has to read before they die, it’s this book—Fall From India Place by Samantha Young. It has the best romantic scenes I have ever read in a book as well as the best spicy scenes. It will tug on your heartstrings and occasionally make you want to rip your heart out to give to Marco (the lead male). —Anita of AnitasLibrary

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

“It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey is the first book I read by her, and oh, my gosh, it was amazing. It’s a cute yet very hot romantic story about an L.A. wild child named Piper who is sent to a fisherman’s town called Westport to run her late father’s dive bar and learn how to be independent. She is greeted with not the warmest of welcomes by none other than a grumpy young fisherman named Brendan.