Books

18 Erotic Novels That Won't Make You Cringe

Erotica is more than '50 Shades of Grey'

Alexia Dellner

By Alexia Dellner

Published Apr 1, 2024

Additional reporting by
Sarah Stiefvater

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When you think of erotica, images of Fabio’s muscular torso and Christian Grey’s red room may come to mind. But there’s so much more to this literary genre than cheesy book covers and hunky billionaires with an affinity for BDSM. Erotic novels can be sensual, provocative and even esteemed. Don’t believe us? Here are 18 books proving just how sexy (and well-written) good smut can be.

Executive Editor

Alexia Dellner

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor focusing primarily on family, wellness and travel
  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK

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