The best erotic fiction books, according to a sexual wellness advocate
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
In the mood for a certain kind of self-care…
Between work, socialising, exercising and the all-consuming life admin, finding the time to actually sit down and read a book these days feels like a luxury reserved for holidays. It shouldn’t be that way, but for most of us, turning on Netflix or watching YouTube videos feels more tempting after a long day.
Others look forward to their reading time with a lot more passion. Sophie McGrath, founder of sexual wellness brand Bed Intentions, is one of those people. Through her work, which aims to help people enhance intimacy in their daily lives, she has developed a taste for erotic fiction.
Looking for more thought-provoking reads? Try our Life section.
If you’re new to the world of literotica, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Below, we asked Sophie to share some of her favourite stories to read (and listen to) when she’s in the mood for a certain kind of self-care.
A Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister
Given my interest in history, I found this to be a fantastic read on the subject of sex. The book provides fascinating insights into sexual quirks, kinks and myths from the past. It’s filled with shocking, bizarre and even dangerous beliefs, like the idea that feeding a barley cake to a snake could serve as a ‘virginity test’. While it’s entertaining, it also has a serious objective: to address the sexual oppression endured by women and other marginalised groups throughout history. Lister tackles the challenge of crafting an accurate historical narrative about sex by highlighting the religious, political and cultural structures that have shaped our sexual experiences in the absence of personal testimonies.
Find it here.
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
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I’m especially drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships. I love Open Water for its beautifully crafted prose, which reads like poetry and makes the characters’ experiences resonate. Its portrayal of love is both tender and raw, offering a profound exploration of vulnerability and connection that many readers will find relatable. It also tackles important themes like racial identity with sensitivity, giving voice to emotions that are often difficult to express.
Find it here.
Dipsea Stories
Dipsea is a captivating platform that offers an immersive experience through audio stories designed to enhance intimacy. With a diverse collection of sensual and romantic tales, guided meditations and self-love exercises, it caters to a broad range of interests and fantasies. I appreciate how the platform helps users explore their desires, relax and connect with their own sensuality in a supportive, engaging environment. The user-friendly app provides a personalised escape, encouraging a journey of self-discovery and pleasure.
Find it here.
Kink edited by Garth Greenwell and R.O. Kwon
I love Kink for its bold and nuanced exploration of the complexities of human desire. This anthology brings together stories that are both provocative and deeply insightful, offering a rare literary perspective on BDSM and its diverse expressions of love and intimacy. What makes this book stand out to me is its ability to balance explicit content with reflections on power, vulnerability and connection. Each story presents a unique viewpoint, making reading Kink a rich and diverse experience. Most importantly, it sparks meaningful conversations about the wide spectrum of sexual experiences, while always keeping the humanity of its characters at the forefront.
Find it here.
For more sexy reads to try, head here.
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