If you’re looking for some erotica to spice up your downtime, there is a whole library of erotic literature waiting for you on and offline!
The world wide web has so many fulfilling and important uses. Internet banking, electronic communications, news updates, business facilitation, social interest forums, medical queries, ancestry research, retail—the list is seemingly endless. And yet, despite its many and varied uses, most of us still use the internet primarily as a vehicle to view pornography, erotica and erotic literature.
According to some sources, one erotic live-cam site alone attracts 2.5% of the entire planet’s internet users every month! But, of course, with the internet’s propensity for diversity and variety, it’s not all just boob pics and webcams. [Read: 37 health benefits of masturbation, bad side effects, and other must-knows]
What is erotica?
Erotica is a form of literature designed to arouse the readers in a sexual manner. It comes in a variety of forms including verses, short stories, and novels. Some of the most popular themes include orgies, sadomasochism, incest and other sexual fetishes.
Erotic literature blossomed in the 1500s, when printing was invented. The English bard William Shakespeare even wrote two erotic poems in his day: one, a story of the goddess Venus and her mortal lover, Adonis, refusing to make love to her despite her supplication in “Venus and Adonis,” and another entitled “The Rape of Lucrece.”
However, that doesn’t mean erotica was not present in ancient times. The biblical “Songs of Solomon” tells of a love between a man and a woman, heavily coated in metaphors to conceal its sexual nature.
To illustrate, a section alludes to the woman’s chastity, describing her as a locked garden. However, the next line tells of the woman’s invitation to enter the garden and taste the fruits found within, which the man happily accepted. [Read: How to turn yourself on with your senses]
The literary nude wave
An increasingly popular member on the erotica e-scene, erotic literature might have been around for a long time, but it’s really only just started hitting the web in the strength and numbers currently seen.
Tastes do vary, though, and although there are a couple of tried-and-tested favorites amongst those familiar with the scene, there are also many other options that appeal to slightly more niche crowds. [Read: 13 non-porn erotic movies that are sure to leave you wet and bothered]
That taken into account, this list of erotic literature sites and literary classics should be able to provide either the perfect first step for the beginner in this field, or a few unknown options for even the most experienced ero-reader.
Quite a decent and informal-feeling erotic literature site that presents a broad range of sensual topics.
Not the greatest quality-wise, but it does have a very grass-roots feel that may appeal to a large number of readers.
Possibly the title least open to misinterpretation on the list, Anal Amy is a blog site, and who knows *or cares* whether the tales written therein are real or not.
This is definitely one for the more voyeuristic readers. AA is a bit of a one-trick pony, but it still has its appeal. [Read: What does anal sex feel like both physically and mentally?]
A very comprehensive erotica sight, A Sex Stories’ special strength is an extremely well-designed and intuitive interface. Want to get straight to the stories you want to read? Then this is the site for you.
Girlonthenet is a sex blogger who loves to share their own stories, which they say are “mostly true.” This site differs a little as there are audio stories to listen to, so if you prefer to hear rather than read, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. [Read: Moaning in bed – 15 sexy reasons why girls moan and gasp during sex]
One of the biggest and broadest repositories, ASSTR has a little bit of something for everyone—even the notorious Kristen archives, as discussed in the next point. [Read: 12 anal sex positions that make backdoor sex feel so darn good]
Essentially a sub-category of ASSTR, as mentioned in #5, Kristen Stories has a huge and varied archive, although not nearly of the same depth and breadth as 5 and 7. The difference between Kristen stories and the competition, is that they have no competition.
The reason for this is that Kristen goes places that other sites dare not. Which all sounds well and good, but some of these stories might land you in legal trouble if you’re not careful, depending upon which country you live in. Tread carefully, readers!
The Grand Dame on the block, Literotica has long been an industry leader. With both a huge array of categories, and a huge number of stories within, there is literally something for everyone.
Well, actually not. Literotica used to have some slightly dubious categories as well, along the lines of those found in the Kristen Stories archives, but those seem to have gone now.
There is still a lot of pretty fierce stuff, though, that will leave weaker stomachs feeling a little bit queasy. However, if you just want to have a browse, dip a toe into new waters and get a taste for the whole scene in the easiest manner possible, then this is the site for you. [Read: Porn for women – Why do we like it and where can we find it?]
8. Bellesa
Bellesa is a Canadian site that is also a porn site. If you’re not sure if you want something visual or you want to read a story, you can do both here, all without having to venture anywhere else.
You can choose one option from the tiered subscription system, or go with the free version, albeit it’s limited.
From short stories to series that take you through the sexual escapades of your favorite characters,
Remittance Girl is a very popular erotica site that has a huge amount on offer. There are also free e-books to choose from.
A bog standard, no-frills erotica site, this option does contain a very large number of stories. Some of them may go a little further than you are willing to, but hey…that’s where free will comes in!
Obviously focused upon the whippers, floggers, and clampers, this site is nonetheless a very classy piece of work—the online source for all Mr. and Mrs. Grays. [Read: 16 most common fetishes and really weird ones too]
Sinclair Sexsmith shares their sexual escapades on this website, which is also packed with all the kink you could want.
There is also a large section of lesbian-only porn, so if that floats your boat, you’re good here. [Read: Lesbian sex – 23 positions, girl-on-girl sex secrets, myths, and other must-knows]
Quite a chaotically put-together site that is more blog-like than professional. There are plenty of decent stories in there, though, if you can navigate your way past the tacky wallpaper.
A site that covers a whole lot more than stories, Libida’s literary offerings are a lot tamer than many, but also more fun and less in-your-face. [Read: 30 day sex challenge – 30 sex positions for 30 days]
Focusing upon the “short” in “short story,” Caffieri has a whole host of well-written stories to cover most day-to-day fantasies. Nothing too risqué, but definitely enough to make a parson blush.
Nifty is another of the larger and better-populated sites on the list, but another that is quite hard to navigate. It is bound to throw up a few gems, though, if you’re willing to persist.
It might take you a few minutes to work out what’s different about this site, but it will eventually occur that it’s an erotic literature site focused upon straight women. It doesn’t sound like much of a niche, but in the porn market, it most certainly is.
Far more sites are devoted to the weirdest of perversions than this seemingly innocent sector. If this is what you’re after, this site does the job perfectly. [Read: 20 kinky things to do with your boyfriend beyond the bedroom]
Lelo is a stylish-looking site that will take away any concerns you have about erotic sites being at all “sleazy.” With regularly updated stories, you can read about all the kinks you want, with a huge range on offer.
The second “darker side of sex” option on the list, this one is nowhere as slick or well organized, but it has plenty of whipping and stripping stories, nonetheless.
This site is a little bit different than the others, as it’s focused primarily upon the writing community, giving them an online option to air their work.
These offerings include everything under the sun, but the erotic section is well-represented with some really compelling and well-written stories. [Read: 13 most common sex positions and sexy ways to spice them up to expert level]
Erotic novels to tickle your fancy
If websites aren’t your thing and you prefer to read a book/novel, the good news is that you’ll find countless erotic literature in paper or e-book form.
Let’s take a look at some of the best erotica you can read at your own pace. [Read: Sexy words – 23 seductive words, dos and don’ts to make dirty talk sound erotic]
1. Fanny Hill
Also known as “Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure” tells the tale of a young girl from Liverpool who ventures into London after the death of her parents. In a brothel, she finds the pleasures of masturbation, be it by herself or with another girl.
She later escaped the brothel, only to be put up in an apartment by a nobleman as his lover. However, she was thrown out when Mr. H, the lover, found her having an illicit affair with his well-endowed servant.
Fanny Hill entered another brothel, where she engaged in orgies, rape fantasies, and anal sex with three other prostitutes and their clients.
2. Justine, or The Misfortunes of Virtue
This erotic literature narrates the challenges of a girl who falls victim to rogues of all kinds in her search for virtue.
The Marquis de Sade tells the story in true Sadean fashion, with generous heaping of “sadism,” derived from his name, and blasphemy against the church, as with Justine’s conversion into a sex slave by monks in a monastery.
‘Juliette, or Vice Amply Rewarded,’ the novel accompanying Justine, tells the story of Justine’s sister who has turned into an amoral nymphomaniac murderer, whose adventures are characteristic of pornographic violence. [Read: 50 shades of dangerous sex. the right way to get risqué]
3. Venus in furs
Written by Austrian Author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, this erotic literature tells the story of Severin, a man whose obsession with a woman, Wanda, drove him to ask to be her slave.
At first, Wanda fails to understand his requests to dominate him. However, Wanda eventually finds joy in doing so, and even recruits three more African women to degrade him further.
The term “masochism” is derived from the author’s name.
4. The Lustful Turk, or Lascivious Scenes From a Harem
This is the story of Emily Barlow, whose voyage to India was cut short, when she was abducted by Moorish pirates. The Dey of Algiers, Ali, took her into his harem, where she was introduced to the glories of sexual passion and anal sex.
Her friend, Sylvia Carey, expressed her disgust in a letter sent to Emily. In retaliation, Ali concocted an elaborate plan to capture Carey and add her to his harem. [Read: 57 signs and rules to have a threesome and the best three way tips and positions]
5. Jin Ping Mei
This erotica novel tells the tale of a lustful merchant, Ximen Qing and the struggle for power and influence between his six wives and numerous concubines. The novel details as many as 72 sexual encounters between Ximen and his 19 sexual partners.
The novel gained notoriety in China, similar to Fanny Hill’s influence in England.
6. The Carnal Prayer Mat
The Carnal Prayer Mat describes the story of a young scholar called Weiyangsheng, whose only aspiration is to seek the most beautiful woman in the world and have sex with her.
During his quest, he had his penis surgically enhanced by a Taoist monk, who spliced a dog’s penis into it. After which, he has numerous sexual relationships with married women, which eventually led to his downfall. [Read: What is considered cheating? the painful types and ways to set boundaries]
7. The Story of O
This erotic literature is the story of a Parisian fashion photographer in the world of female submission.
The story opens with Rene, her lover, delivering O, naked, bound, and blindfolded to the chateau of Roissy, where she was taught to serve the members of an elite secret society. O was expected to be constantly available for sexual intercourse, be it oral, vaginal or anal stimulation.
8. Tropic of Cancer & Tropic of Capricorn
These are Henry Miller’s semi-autobiographical books, detailing his struggles in New York, including his sexual exploits with women. The books were published in the 1930s but were banned for its sexual content.
However, it was republished in the 1960s leading to obscenity trials in the U.S. Supreme Court, where the books were eventually declared as non-obscene. [Read: Sexual bucket list – 35 dirty deeds to build your naughty wishlist]
9. Ada or Ardor
This is an erotic novel written by Vladimir Nabokov. Ada, or Ardor tells the story of Van Veen and his lifelong relationship with Ada, who he believes to be his cousin, but is later discovered to be his sister. The novel is set in an alternate Earth called Antiterra.
Nabokov’s earlier novel, Lolita, deals with a middle-aged man’s obsession with his 12-year old stepdaughter Dolores, who he privately calls his nymphet, Lolita.
10. Anais Nin’s “Little Birds”
This popular erotic literature a collection of 13 short stories exploring various sexual themes including lesbianism, exhibitionism and pedophilia.
The title story tells of an exhibitionist who lures his victims, mostly young schoolgirls, into his attic using little birds.
This is the author’s second set of erotica, the first of which is “Delta of Venus,“ consisting of 15 short stories dealing with sexual restraint, masculinity, patriarchal dominance and incest. Nin and Henry Miller, might I add, were former lovers. [Read: How erotica saved my sexless marriage]
11. Anne Rice’s Sleeping Beauty Quartet
This is an erotic retelling of the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, where instead of a kiss, Beauty is awakened from her sleep by the Prince’s forceful copulation.
The first book details her capture and her introduction into the world of male domination, female domination, anal sex, pony play and sadomasochistic orgies, with other sexual tributes in the kingdom.
The second book features her sale at auction as a slave to the villagers, as punishment for her disobedience in the castle.
In the third book, Beauty and the princes are captured by Arab soldiers to be included in the Sultan’s harem, but are later rescued by the Captain of the Guards. The last book opens 20 years later, featuring Beauty as the new reigning Queen, ready to receive her own tributes. [Read: 25 femdom secrets to be a dominatrix mistress and dominate a man in bed]
12. Fifty Shades of Gray
Fifty Shades of Grey is an erotic trilogy penned by E.L. James, featuring the love affairs of a plain Anastasia Steele and a young and dashing millionaire, Christian Grey.
The trilogy includes a variety of sexual elements, including sadomasochism, dominance/submission and bondage, along with generous usage of sexual toys and implements.
It is a modern day fairytale with Grey as Prince Charming incarnate. [Read: 50 shades of grey – a new frontier in kink on film?]
13. The Almond: The Sexual Awakening of a Muslim Woman
Written by Nedjma, The Almond is a story of a Muslim woman who escapes her arranged marriage when her controlling husband passes away. After that, she goes on a journey of sexual enlightenment. The book is autobiographical and is based in North Africa.
Once Badra begins a relationship with a wealthy doctor, she begins to understand the power of pleasure and the book documents her sexual awakening and the progress of their all-consuming relationship.
14. Emmanuelle
Emmanuelle follows the story of a 19 year old from Thailand who becomes bored with her life and decides to travel further afield and see what lies beyond the shackles of her ordinary life.
She then meets an older man called Mario, who teaches her everything there is to know about the fruits of sexual pleasure and what her body is capable of.
Emmanuelle soon discovers that sexual fulfillment is more enjoyable than living a life of boredom and routine. [Read: Sex for the first time – 37 must-knows and secrets about losing your virginity]
15. Gordon
Written by Edith Templeton, Gordon is often referred to as the original type of Fifty Shades. The book was considered so risqué at the time of writing, it was banned and had to be released under several different names.
The story is based in London, post World War II. Louisa is a wealthy and well-dressed woman who, in the middle of a messy divorce, meets Richard Gordon.
From the moment they meet, fireworks fly, and Louisa is pulled into the world of submission where she willingly gives in to Gordon’s every sexual whim. Along the way, she falls in love but also finds the ultimate in sexual pleasure.
16. Killing Johnny Fry
Cordell Carmel finds his girlfriend in bed with another man – Johnny Fry. Understandably furious and betrayed, Carmel vows revenge on Fry, and the story follows his maelstrom of emotions as he attempts to get his own back on the man who ruined his relationship.
Throughout the story, there are some seriously explicit sex scenes that explore different kinks and a darker side of sex that seeks revenge through personal pleasure. [Read: How to get revenge – Cold, calculated moves to hit back and get even]
17. Addicted
Written by Zane, Addicted is the story of a sex addict who is bored with her marriage. She seeks sexual thrills at every turn, often getting herself into dangerous situations along the way.
The book is a thriller as much as erotica, but that’s a great blend for those who like a story to follow, and not just endless sex scenes!
18. G-Spot: An Urban Erotic Tale
Juicy Stanfield is the girlfriend of a famous and powerful club owner who is also known for his dangerous underground dealings. He demands the utmost loyalty from his girlfriend, but she finds herself rebelling against his controlling ways.
She knows that if she cheated, her boyfriend would try to kill her, so instead she looks for other ways to fulfill her sexual yearnings.
G-Spot explores fantasies, voyeurism, and untapped sexual desire. Eventually, Juicy tries her best to get away from her controlling partner, so she can finally get out there and explore her sexuality in person. [Read: What is a G-spot? Learn how to make her squirm with pleasure]
19. The Complete Kama Sutra, by Mallanaga Vatsyayana, Alain Danielou
This is the modern translation of the ancient classic and will certainly give you plenty of food for thought!
You’ll learn positions that will make your insides clench with desire, while also allowing you to tap into sexual potential you can use with your partner in the future.
20. The Satyricon
This is definitely a classic and ancient type of erotic literature, but that doesn’t mean it lacks spark – quite the opposite!
The story follows two scholars during Roman times as they travel around the Mediterranean and find more than education, and a lot about sex! [Read: 16 of the most awful and hilarious sexual encounters]
21. The Decameron
The Decameron dates back to the 14th century and is a collection of 100 erotic stories.
The newest version was translated from the original, which was written in 1842. As such, some of the language is certainly old-fashioned, but that gives the book a certain something which adds to its erotic flavor.
22. The Sins of the Cities of The Plain
The Sins of The Cities of The Plain is thought to be the first erotic literature dedicated to homosexuality and as such, it faced a lot of criticism when it was originally published in 1881.
Based in Victorian times, the story follows our main character as he learns more about his sexuality and experiments along the way. [Read: Am I gay? 14 signs and secrets]
23. Lady Chatterley’s Lover
This is another classic erotica novel that everyone has heard of. If you haven’t read it, it’s time you got with the times!
Originally published in 1928, the story follows Constance Chatterley who is married to a man paralyzed from the waist down. He becomes very frustrated that he can’t sexually satisfy his wife, and he takes the difficult decision to suggest she has an affair.
Constance then finds herself in a passionate affair with Oliver Mellor’s, a gamekeeper. There are social barriers between them but it seems their sexual attraction overrides all of it. [Read: Emotional affair – What is it, 76 signs and steps, 7 infidelity stages, and what to do]
Erotic comics & ecchi/hentai
Of course, it might be that books and websites aren’t for you and you prefer something a little more niche. In that case, perhaps erotic comics, ecchi, and hentai are for you. These are some of the best comics and books to check out:
1. Small favors, by Colleen Coover
2. Crossplay, by Niki Smith
3. Letters For Lucardo, by Noora Heikkila
4. Yes, Roya, by C Spike Trotman
5. Sunstone, by Stjepan Sejic
6. How to Build. Dungeon, by Yakan War & Toshimasa Komiya
7. Don’t Meddle With My Daughter, by Nozomu Tamaki
[Read: Erotic literature at its best – The most sexual books you can ever find]
Whether you’re alone or in very good company, you’re bound to find something on erotic literature list to warm up any cold winter’s night—no matter how frosty you might otherwise be!