Five of the best sexy books if you don’t like smut
WORDS BY FREYA BENNETT
“Whether you’re a smut enthusiast or seeking a steamy subplot within a well-crafted novel, the literary world is your oyster.”
I’ve been an accidental stay-at-home mum for the past seven years and while I adore my children, having an escape is essential. Years of lockdowns and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis mean that holidays, spa weekends, or solo adventures are as rare as a full night’s sleep and so, I’ve found my retreat in reading.
I’ve always been an avid reader, but now, I’m tearing through books like my big kid tears through snacks. I’m discovering my taste and delighting in the wonderfully weird and wide-ranging preferences of others. This diversity makes life – and reading –much richer and more fascinating. An online debate about a new release truly gets my adrenaline going.
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There’s a reason smut literature is rising in popularity. With the troubling growth of mainstream, degrading porn and no viable alternative, especially for women, I’m a big proponent of smut. However, despite numerous attempts and a deep, soul-searching expedition, I’ve realised smut isn’t for me. While I’d love to escape into divine fantasy, I find myself grimacing, cringing and generally feeling like a prude at a nudist beach when delving into the world of smut.
To be clear, I’m here for smutty content for those who enjoy it! We don’t yuck anyone’s yum over here, but sadly smut doesn’t tickle my fancy. Just when I thought sex in books wasn’t for me, I (along with the entire world) read Normal People and realised I love a sexy book as much as the next person, just not a smutty one.
The difference, I’ve found, is in my preference for a strong narrative where sex is seamlessly integrated into the story. In smut, the main draw is the explicit content, with the plot often taking a backseat. I want a book with a compelling storyline where the sex scenes enhance the narrative. With smutty books, I find myself skipping over the sex scenes, eager to get back to a story that, more often than not, doesn’t hold my interest.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite sensual – not smutty – books for those who still want to enjoy steamy reading. Note, these books aren’t about sex and they may not even have a huge amount of sex in them, but the electrifying chemistry perfectly written into the characters is enough to get me hot under the collar.
All Fours by Miranda July
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All Fours delves into the psyche of a woman on the brink of menopause, exploring themes of self-discovery, sexuality and relationships. The unnamed protagonist embarks on a journey, redirecting her cross-country trip from LA to NYC to seclude herself in a nearby motel. July masterfully captures the intricacies of chemistry beyond mere physicality (though that’s also part of the story). The initial chapters tantalise with suspense as we intimately experience the protagonist’s desires alongside her. Hilarious, deep and heart-warming, this has been one of my favourite novels this year.
Favourite sexy quote
“Our hands found each other; I pulled one of his fingers to my lips and he pushed it into my mouth. Throughout my life, men had been pushing their big fingers into my mouth and although I went along with it, I always thought, ‘Are you out of your mind? What should I put in there next? Your shoe? How about I just lick the pavement?’ But this was entirely different. I wish it was a little dirtier. I wanted to eat his day; everything he had done that day.”
Normal People by Sally Rooney
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Normal People explores the intense, often troubled high school relationship between Connell and Marianne. Despite their vast differences, their electrifying chemistry draws them together. This dynamic continues into university, where their ‘situationship’ is marked by a deep physical connection but hindered by their inability to communicate effectively. Rooney’s sharp prose delves into themes of love, identity, social class and the complexities of young romance.
The joy of Normal People lies not only in experiencing the sensuality on the page but also in being gifted the pleasure of watching Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal’s captivating on-screen chemistry in the TV adaptation of Rooney’s novel.
Favourite sexy quote
“He kissed her throat, her collarbone, his hands moving over her body with a kind of reverence. She shivered under his touch, feeling every nerve in her body come alive. When he entered her, it was slow and deliberate, their eyes locked, the connection between them almost tangible.”
Smokehouse by Melissa Manning
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Although not full of sexy times as the above two books are, Smokehouse explores the dynamics of committed relationships, skilfully navigating the challenges of managing – or mismanaging – intense chemistry beyond marriage and what happens when you follow your heart despite the difficult ramifications.
Told through a series of interconnected stories, Manning expertly weaves a narrative where electric attraction blurs moral boundaries, exploring desire’s powerful sway.
Favourite sexy quote
“From Monday to Friday, Nora and Ollie continued as usual: made love on the skins in front of the fire, on the dining table and, once, in the doorway of the smokehouse, Nora’s skirt hoiked, bunched around her waist, one boot curled up behind Ollie’s backside, the sound of his belt buckle banging against the timber frame.”
The Swift Dark Tide by Katia Ariel
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Shortlisted for the 2024 Stella Prize, The Swift Dark Tide is Katia Ariel’s memoir about falling in love with a woman despite being happily married to a man. Written in short vignettes, Ariel takes us on a journey through desire, committed yet open relationships, motherhood and life by the sea. More than sexy, Ariel’s writing is sensual, erotic and deeply moving. Tears were shed.
Favourite sexy quote
“But suddenly, you were looking at me with eyes that had already begun swallowing. And that gaze caught deep in my throat, warped my inner lining. “You are the woman I’m going to do this with,” we said to each other silently, standing in the street in broad daylight, pupils dilated, waters coursing, the sun cutting its bold diagonal between our feet.
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
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Call Me by Your Name is a coming-of-age story about Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and his summer romance with Oliver, a guest at Elio’s family’s cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. Though their passionate affair lasts only six weeks, it leaves a lasting impact on Elio. Aciman’s masterful depiction of desire and intimacy makes this novel an unforgettable exploration of love and longing.
Favourite sexy quote
“He slid his hand under my shirt and began caressing my back, the heat of his palm seeping through the fabric. I shivered at his touch, my breath catching as his fingers traced delicate patterns, igniting a fire within me. His lips found mine again, softly at first, then with an urgency that matched the rhythm of our racing hearts. Time stood still as we lost ourselves in each other, our bodies entwined in a dance of desire and longing.”
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to sensual reading. Whether you’re a smut enthusiast or seeking a steamy subplot within a well-crafted novel, the literary world is your oyster. Happy reading – and may your reading escapades always be as satisfying as they are enthralling!
For more sexy books, head here.
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