The Smuttiest, Spiciest Erotic Novels, According to BookTok

Spicy and dirty books have undoubtedly taken the world by storm. Whether it’s romantic erotic novels with peak level ten heat or a delicious romance between enemies and lovers, the possibilities for steamy scenes are endless. The same goes for reading options, which exist a lot.

That’s where Spicy BookTok comes in. There are plenty of bookish corners on TikTok for all kinds of hobbies, and Spicy is no different. If you’re looking for a steamy, dirty read, BookTokers has you covered, whatever your preferences. Want to learn about workplace rivals who are forced to team up and confront their painfully obvious mutual attraction and desire? Or a princess captured by a seductive Fae king (or pirate or vampire)? Maybe you’re looking for a book brimming with praise, monster smut, or polyam romance. And maybe you just don’t know what you want until you find it. Either way, whatever your craving, BookTok surely has a recommendation for it.

Part of what makes spicy books so appealing to readers is that they provide a safe space to explore fantasies. There is no lust for pearl or shame around sexuality in these pages; instead, these sex scenes can be seen as stimulating, connective, and just plain hot. And while not all spicy readers are of course women, it’s worth noting that many of these novels appeal to the female gaze in a way that some other erotic mediums don’t, creating opportunities for women to admit their fantasies in a comfortable, private, and personal way – and on their own terms. Additionally, there are plenty of spicy books that feature inclusive characters and couples, with novels that put homosexuality at the heart.

Now where to start? It’s a great question, and to help you out, we consulted bookish influencers and BookTokers to compile a list of their favorite spicy and dirty erotic novels. So sit back, take a bath, and charge your Kindle for the perfect evening of reading and steaming.

Nocticadia by Lake Keri

“Nocticadia” on the banks of Lake Keri

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

Rayne’s House by Harley Laroux

“Rayne’s House” by Harley Laroux

Rayne’s House is the sapphic romance nightmares are made of! It’s moody and atmospheric, deliciously spicy and terrifying beyond belief, and I just couldn’t put it down.
—Lesia from LitWithLesia

Passionate rivalry by Rachel Reid

“Heated Rivalry” by Rachel Reid

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

Face to face by Chelsea Curto

“Face to Face” by Chelsea Curto

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

Ladies in Hate by Alexandra Vasti

“Ladies in Hatred” by Alexandra Vasti

For Regency romance fans hungry for queer stories: Ladies in Hate by Alexandra Vasti, the latest in Belvior’s Library series, delivers exactly what you crave. Two rival gothic novelists locked in an equally gothic mansion! A page-turning mystery that thickens the plot! And a cute dog, what more could you ask for? Read for the enemies to lovers arc; stay for the haunting (and steamy) sapphic desire.
—Sam Valentine, fiction bookseller

Not so cute by Meghan Quinn

“Not So Cute” by Meghan Quinn

If you haven’t read Not so cute by Meghan Quinn – what are you doing with your life? It’s a Pretty woman-inspired book with fake encounters, hilarious jokes that bring tears to your eyes, and sexual tension like no other. One of the best romantic comedies I’ve ever read! I highly recommend it! —Tess of Reservedupchick

Bloodshed by Molly Doyle

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

Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder

Bourbon and secrets by Victoria Wilder

From the first page, Bourbon & Secrets hooked me with its fast pace and gripping story. I will never get over the way they played with bourbon in their intimacy – it added such a sexy and unique vibe. Having the Lincoln girls so involved brought real warmth, while the spice, intrigue and everything else was just perfect. —Ariana from 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 his books features a different romantic trope and a different issue, so there’s a little something for everyone. Trust me, her books are not only totally addictive and super spicy, but they feature badass women who bring strong men to their knees! Start with Brutal Princewhich is an arranged marriage romance between enemies and lovers. —Madison PrincessofPaperback

Brave the storm by Elliott Rose

Cosmic Imprint Edition

Braving the Storm by Elliott Rose

I was completely addicted to the forbidden tension in Brave the storm– the age gap, the forced proximity, and that slow buildup between Briar and Storm was 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 facing judgment. —Ariana

Species by Jessica Peterson

When a city girl inherits her father’s farm, there’s a problem: she has to live and work there for a year. Enter Cash, the brooding, no-nonsense cowboy who makes it abundantly clear that she doesn’t belong. If “save a horse, ride a cowboy” gets your heart racing, Species will leave you fainting. —Madison from Madi Can’t Stop Reading

Meeting with Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

“Meet Dr. Dil” by Nisha Sharma

Romance books allow me to live vicariously through characters who have much more interesting lives than mine. I am reading Meeting with Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma, and this book single-handedly proved why I like fictional men better than real-life men. —Ayman from AymansBooks

Falls of India Place by Samantha Young

“Fall of India Place” by Samantha Young

If there’s one book a hopeless romantic should read before they die, it’s this one…Falls of 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 touch your heart and sometimes make you want to rip your heart out and give it to Marco (the main male). —Anita from Anitas Library

It happened one summer by Tessa Bailey

“It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey

It happened one summer by Tessa Bailey was the first book I read by her, and oh my god, it was amazing. It’s a cute yet very hot romantic story about a wild child from Los Angeles named Piper who is sent to a fishing town called Westport to run her late father’s dive bar and learn to be independent. She isn’t greeted in the warmest way by none other than a grumpy young fisherman named Brendan.