I don’t read romance. Nor do I read erotica.
I should, though.
You read the work of, say, Delilah Dawson?
Or Karina Cooper?
Or Tiffany Reisz?
They’re damn fine writers.
And they’re writing damn fine books.
Books that are, by genre taxonomy, romance or erotica.
See, it’s starting to occur to me that in a lot of ways even books that are “one genre” should really have labels where the genre components are broken out like ingredients. Horror is a genre. So is mystery. And yet, so many books contain both horror and mystery in some percentage. Further, some books contain romance and erotica (love and sex, baby) in some percentage. These aren’t mere categorizations; these are storytelling components.
Anyway. So.
I’m writing the second book in my YA trilogy.
And it has a lot more romance than the first book.
It even has some sexytimes.
So, I want to read more romance. And erotica.
And you’re going to tell me what to read.
Make recommendations. Excellent writing. Good story. Romance and/or erotica.
Make with the books. *slaps own ass then feels embarrassed about it*
Diane Nelson says:
For transgressive homoerotica, try Sessha Batto
April 8, 2013 — 9:23 AM
Bryon Quertermous says:
As an editor for Harlequin and their digital-first arm Carina Press, I can heartily recommend anything from us as gold. We have plenty of science fiction and fantasy romance but I’m particularly taken by contemporary romance so I love Shannon Stacey. I would also really, really recommend Lorelie James. She has a very cool cowboy erotica series plus some fun one offs. She also write great mystery novels under her real name, Lori Armstrong.
http://www.carinapress.com
http://www.loreliejames.com
April 8, 2013 — 9:31 AM
Michelle Palmer says:
Rachel Gibson writes fun, sexy, contemporary romance that I cannot get enough of.
April 8, 2013 — 9:34 AM
Kathy Holzapfel says:
Re: the already-mentioned Nalini Singh – I recommend her Guild Hunter paranormal series, especially book one, ANGELS’ BLOOD. Kick-ass heroine and angsty sex.
April 8, 2013 — 9:38 AM
Emmie Mears says:
I’ve heard this is great, and I completely forgot to look into it. Now I will for sure. Thank you!
April 8, 2013 — 11:56 AM
danielrdavis says:
I would say D.J. Davis, but editor requests still need to come in and revisions still need done, etc, etc. 😉
My wife recommends Susan Grant. She was a USAF pilot and many of her heroines are pilots. I’ll ask her for more suggestions when she wakes from cold plague rejuvenation. I also dig Linnea Sinclair’s work, but I don’t think she’s done much in the past couple years..
April 8, 2013 — 9:42 AM
Melissa S says:
For a little stronger loving, Jaqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series. The first one is Kushiel’s Dart. That woman can twist plot and create intercontinental political intrigue whilst writing sex. SO GOOD.
April 8, 2013 — 9:42 AM
A.C. says:
I love Jude Deveraux. Read like A Knight in Shining Armour, which combines contemporary romance with historical romance. Jayne Castle/Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick (strong heroines, weird heroes, crazy storylines – supernatural romance/contemporary romance/historical romance respectively, but all the same woman). Of course Delilah Dawson. Also try Lauren Morrill’s Meant To Be, which is a YA romance novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a quick read.
April 8, 2013 — 9:43 AM
David says:
Circlet Press has been producing fantasy/scifi erotica anthologies from gifted writers for 20 years. Check them out at circlet.com. Stories run the gamut from hetero, homo and even more unusual combination.
April 8, 2013 — 9:45 AM
Jennifer Gracen says:
My favorite Contemporary Romance authors: Victoria Dahl, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins
Their stories have smarts, humor, true heart, and hot sex. That is all.
Go get ya some, babe. And have fun with all the recommendations! 🙂
P.S. I love Miss Tiff (aka Tiffany Reisz). She’s a true original. Ever met her in person? What a fireball.
April 8, 2013 — 9:47 AM
Charikleia Stathopoulou says:
Try J.R. Ward or Gena Showalter. 🙂
The Black Dagger Brotherhood and the Lords of the Underworld. Very nice, fantasy romance/erotica books.
April 8, 2013 — 9:53 AM
M. Peters (@MPetersDesires) says:
Oh, goodness, if it’s excellent writing from a stellar author you want, you’ve got to try Nya Rawlyns. She has a couple new works out, too – Points on a Curve is her newest. Here’s the smashwords links to all of her works. I’m almost finished with Acid Jazz singer right now, and it’s AWESOME. https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/NyaRawlyns
Another fantastic writer I’ve stumbled across recently, who’s getting better with every book she publishes, is Sessha Batto. Her style is gritty, dark, and very REAL. She does a lot of research for her novels, and it shows in the fine, sharp detail. Her page is here: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/SBatto Reading BOTH of these authors changed me in wonderful ways – if I had half their talent, I’d be set for life.
April 8, 2013 — 10:02 AM
M. Peters (@MPetersDesires) says:
Adding an edit to my comment this way: Nya Rawlyns is NOT the author of Points On A Curve; Diane Nelson is. HER stuff is available here (and Points on a Curve? INCREDIBLE-STUFF-BUY-IT-NOW!!!!!): https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DENFTT There is something, as always, with these incredible writers, for everyone – I STRONGLY recommend you check all three of them out.
April 8, 2013 — 10:11 AM
Kate Haggard says:
Since you’re making this request with a mind on your YA, I’m going to come right out and tell you to read YA. A lot of it. To get a feel for how romances play out on the page. Any YA you want since, to be honest, romance and romantic subplots has become a hallmark of the category.
Though the big difference comes when sex comes into play. How it is handled in YA is not, typically, how it’s played in adult romances. I could give you an essay of opinions of this – but I won’t. Just know that erotica and erotic/steamy/spicy romance really won’t help you in writing sex for a YA. (Although read it, because there’s awesome stuff lurking everywhere. Just not with a mind to applying it to this particular work.) Sex in YA isn’t there to titillate and even the most graphic of descriptions aren’t gratuitous.
Anyways, some YAs that have on-screen (as opposed to alluded to or fade-to-black) sex on the page. Some are not necessarily romance:
John Green. (Pick one. Any one. Really.)
Graceling (and companion books) – Kristen Cashore
Shiver – Maggie Stiefvater
Forever – Judy Blume (old, but relevant)
The Marbury Lens – Andrew Smith (warning for sexual assault, though lots of other sex too)
Boy Toy – Barry Lyga
Twenty Boy Summer – Sarah Ockler
In fact, just see this Goodreads list and choose the ones that appeal to you. http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7002.Young_Adult_Fiction_With_Sex?auto_login_attempted=true&auto_login_attempted=true
April 8, 2013 — 10:16 AM
Imelda Evans says:
Have to agree with this, Chuck. Sex is one thing, but I’d be very disturbed if I read anything like erotica in a YA. You have to bear in mind that YA is read by forward-reading ten year olds. And I wouldn’t like to think that even 16 year olds are jaded enough to need erotica. Good old fashioned romance is a better speed. And if you think that’s just the mother in me talking, look at the popularity of Twilight. A more traditional romance (in many, many ways) you would be hard-pressed to find. And it was huge with the kids. There were a lot of things I didn’t like about Twilight. I’m not holding it up as some kind of model. But it shows that you don’t need explicit sex in YA to be popular.
April 8, 2013 — 10:43 AM
Amanda says:
I agree, and I’ve got two to add: Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series, and Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me/Unravel Me.
If you’re looking for adult erotica, I loved Kit Rocha’s Beyond Shame and Beyond Control.
April 8, 2013 — 11:51 AM
elenesallinger says:
For transgressive erotica that will turn you inside out and make you reconsider everything you ever thought about it, try Remittance Girl. Especially her novella Gaijin (which is extremely hard to find and has been banned on many a site) http://www.remittancegirl.com
For some downright kinky fun, you can’t go wrong with Eliza Gayle, Cherise Sinclair or Brynn Paulin.
For exquisite romance from an unexpected source check out Sundays at Tiffany’s by James Patterson.
Just beware the crazy quantity of book porn out there that’s labeled erotica.
All the best!
April 8, 2013 — 10:22 AM
Andrea Anderson says:
jill shalvis is my current fave for contemporary romance. well written stories. my all-time fave author is Diana Gabaldon. she sets the bar very high for what i can read now. and i agree – tiffany reisz is an excellent writer (prepare to blush LOL)!
April 8, 2013 — 10:24 AM
Amanda says:
Kushiel’s Dart – Jacqueline Carey
Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie – Jennifer Ashley
April 8, 2013 — 10:31 AM
Sarah C Mueller (@sarahcmueller) says:
I’ll second Jaqueline Carey and also add Sunshine by Robin Mckinley. For YA, try Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
April 8, 2013 — 10:46 AM
Becca says:
After reading Megan Hart’s “Stranger”, I feel that I need to read everything she’s written. Ever.
April 8, 2013 — 10:51 AM
Todd says:
I like Kelley Armstrong’s series, which is focused on story with the sexy stuff added in and not glossed over. For a more visceral sexual journey Sherrilyn Kenyon will give you a biology lesson. I recommend reading both for good techniques.
My wife is absolutely crazy about JR Ward, which many others have already mentioned. I haven’t read any of her stuff, but my wife preorders all her releases in the signed edition. Good luck!
April 8, 2013 — 11:00 AM
Lisa Kessler says:
I’m a second vote for Kelley Armstrong! She’s got an adult urban fantasy series and also a YA series too…
Definitely worth checking out!
Lisa 🙂
April 8, 2013 — 8:15 PM
Emilie P. Bush says:
Mexican Heat by Laura Baumbach – Undercover DEA agent and undercover SF narcotics officer don’t know who is good and who is dirty in a REALLY well written M/M thriller filled with drug kingpin weddings and hot hot sex. Really, the best I’ve ever read.
April 8, 2013 — 11:27 AM
Emmie Mears says:
Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel trilogy for some seriously beautiful fantasy with strong romance and erotica elements (as well as some brilliant political intrigue and just plain great storytelling).
I don’t read a ton of erotica, but my friend J. Kenner’s book Release Me sort of captured me, and it’s definitely erotica. Hit the Times list a couple months ago, so good for her. But I’m enjoying it a lot so far.
April 8, 2013 — 11:48 AM
Jax Garren says:
As a romance writer (with sci-fi/fantasy elements), I thank you for publicly taking us seriously as fellow writers. We romantics work hard and love what we do, but we frequently don’t like the funny looks given to us by other people who apparently don’t like sex. Or something.
For recs, I have to third (or fourth or whatever) Kresley Cole, both her Immortals After Dark adult series and her Arcana Chronicles YA series. Her writing is juicy. (Not literally juicy, thank heaven. But I can’t think of a better word to describe it than like sinking your teeth into sexy fun.) For historical romance, Sherry Thomas is my favorite. Her work is smart and sassy, and she takes tropes I hate and somehow makes them awesome. I don’t read a ton of erotica, but I love Jeffe Kenedy’s Sapphire. D/s normally makes me want to shoot lasers out of my eyes (No! Handcuff HIS ass to the bed. What are you letting him do???), but she somehow makes the uneven relationship feel balanced. Plus her writing is lovely. With contemporary romance, I second the Victoria Dahl rec. I like how frank and sexually unashamed her characters are. She has completely moved past any hints of the 80s pre-feminist romance, and it’s refreshing every time I read one.
If you don’t mind Urban Fantasy with romantic elements, Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghosts series (starting with Unholy Ghosts) is a gritty work of kickassery that, IMO, everyone who likes awesome (and isn’t easily offended) should read. The romance that builds over several books is fantastic, and her hero is one of my favorites despite his lack of traditional romantic gorgeousness. (And apparently I fangirl these books enough that they get their own paragraph.)
*slaps own ass in solidarity and isn’t ashamed one bit* 😉
April 8, 2013 — 12:07 PM
dayofporn says:
Lauren Willig. Tere Michaels. Kari Gregg. Avril Ashton. All fantastic authors, love their works to death.
April 8, 2013 — 12:17 PM
Vivi Anna says:
Megan Hart
Lauren Dane
Sylvia Day
Lisa Renee Jones
Julie James
Delilah Devlin
Cathryn Fox
Sasha White
All write very passionate exquisite books.
April 8, 2013 — 12:25 PM
Steph Auteri says:
I’m a fan of the collections Rachel Kramer-Bussel puts together. Especially Peep Show. (I suppose I have a bit of the exhibitionist in me.) The stories she pulls together for these collections are always well-written and sexy as hell.
Also, Aqua Erotica popped my erotic lit cherry, so it holds a special place in my heart. Plus, the book’s waterproof. 😉
April 8, 2013 — 12:26 PM
E. M. Wynter says:
Ok, this is important: Go read Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. Talk about cross-genre writing. It’s erotica, paranormal, urban fantasy with a teensy dash of horror. It’s the best male character development I’ve ever seen and the dudes+story are so fantastic, I’ve heard of even some men reading the books along with their ladies. Dark Lover takes about 30 pages to really move (I felt) but after that, it’s genius. And the rest of the books become obsession, and not in the obscenely-unrealistic-Edward-Cullen way, in the these-guys-remind-me-of-everything-I’ve-ever-loved-about-the-men-in-my-life way. Oh, they do real-guy dumb shit, harass each other, they are pretty damn hilarious too. Hope you enjoy!
April 8, 2013 — 12:33 PM
jaimecallahan says:
Courtney Milan writes fantastic historical romance novels. I would recommend any of them without reservation.
April 8, 2013 — 12:34 PM
jaimecallahan says:
I’d whole-heartedly recommend anything by Courtney Milan, who writes fantastic historical romance.
April 8, 2013 — 12:59 PM
Karen Klink says:
I don’t like romances either, but I do like a well-written story, and there are some with romance in them. And erotica. If you want a truly original and unusual romance and very well-written, try Urusula LeGuin’s The Left Hand of Darkness. You can’t get more romantic than The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons is pretty good historical romance. Now I’m off to try those authors you mentioned.
April 8, 2013 — 1:12 PM
Wren says:
I really enjoy Jean Johnson’s Sons of Destiny series for romance and erotica!
April 8, 2013 — 1:22 PM
AMMahler says:
Nora Roberts – The Blood Brothers Series is very entertaining with supernatural and romance. Also, I agree with the poster above on Diana Gabaldon!
April 8, 2013 — 1:29 PM
Reggie Lutz says:
I’ve already seen at least one vote for Diana Gabaldon. I second that. Anything from the Outlander series, but as always it is best to start with book one. And there’s time-travelling goodness! Witchery! Old-timey science and medicines! Also, beer and kilts!
April 8, 2013 — 1:35 PM
C. Cameron (@jazz2midnight) says:
For brilliantly written romance, try “Bet Me” by Jennifer Crusie. Three women, lots of snark, characters who are slightly damaged but mostly coping (both the men and women). I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve reread it.
From Goodreads:
Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. Even if she does wear great shoes and keeps him on his toes.
April 8, 2013 — 2:30 PM
Ashlea says:
I’ve been recommending Courtney Milan to non-romance readers – they’re historicals, but the motivations for the characters are incredibly well thought out and the love scenes have realistic parts to them.
April 8, 2013 — 2:36 PM
Joanna Shupe says:
Surprised no one’s chimed in with Maya Banks yet. She is a great example of a writer who packs an emotional, sexy punch in very few words.
April 8, 2013 — 2:39 PM
authorsamcauley says:
In the growing male/male romance genre (which I’m proud to be a part of) the must reads are TJ Klune, Eric Arvin, Abigail Roux, SJD Peterson, Jordan Castillo Price, and Josh Lanyon. Like other genres, there’s a whole subset of books–fantasy, contemporary romance, BDSM, mystery, sci-fi, and adventure. I highly recommend anything by the above authors, but there are quite a few talented writers just emerging in this genre.
April 8, 2013 — 2:42 PM
Dean Jameson (@JustDeanJameson) says:
Well, from your post, you already are on to Delilah Dawson. Just got “Wicked” by her in the mail, and she’s just breathtakingly good at what she does.
April 8, 2013 — 3:01 PM
Terrie says:
I agree with an earlier comment that if you are writing young adult then full out erotica is probably not going to work. That said, I also have recommendations for romance novels that I would say are not young adult (though I have no doubt that young adults are getting their hands on them). Sherry Thomas: “Not Quite a Husband” and “His at Night.” Jennifer Ashley’s “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.” Courtney Milan: “Unravelled.” Loretta Chase adds humor: “Lord of Scoundrels” makes the top of the list for a lot of romance readers who enjoy historicals. I’d also recommend “Lord Perfect” and “Mr. Impossible.”
I would be a little wary of romance writers from the 80’s. They are, it is true, absolutely classic, but the novels are called Old Skool and typically described as “crazy sauce” for a reason. I’ve been trying to think of a way to avoid the phrase “politically incorrect,” but I can’t think of anything. They can be fun to read but using them as a model for writing today could be problematic.
Patricia Briggs writes paranormal with heavy romantic elements but sex scenes that are more subtle.
I’m not sure this is a useful suggestion, but since she is often credited with being the one who started the whole Regency romance as a genre, Georgette Heyer. For many, she is still the gold standard. There’s no sex. There’s not even any hot kisses. But no one is better at the play of wit between romantic leads. Recommended reads: “Black Sheep” for the bad boy hero; “Frederica” for its intelligent heroine; “Friday’s Child” for the giddy delight of its characters, mostly young men with far more money than wit; and “Cotillion”: the hero is one of the funniest and sweetest imaginable but not known for his mental brilliance and his competition is the stereotypical romantic lead: smart, but a little cynical, a little jaded, a bit of a rake — a brilliantly funny novel. Her books date back to the 60’s (give and take a decade), but she definitely demonstrates the essential romantic dynamic: the absolute rightness of two people at their best with one another.
April 8, 2013 — 3:12 PM
Jess Haines says:
I suggest Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison and Angelfall by Susan Ee. I’m not huge on romance, honestly, but those two books did a phenomenal job of it, and I think they might not be so lovey-dovey that you would probably enjoy the stories. The sexual tension in Angelfall is delicious, and the sex scenes in Dragon Bound… *fans self*
You might also check out Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, if you haven’t already. Focus is far from the romance, but she also does building sexual tension very well. Haven’t read her YA, so I can’t speak for those books, but she does damned fine work writing sexy characters/sexytimez in the Hollows.
<3,
-J
April 8, 2013 — 3:36 PM
Sharon M says:
Contemporary Romance:
Shannon Stacey
Julie James
Jill Shalvis
Erotic Romance (different from erotica):
Kit Rocha
Lauren Dane
April 8, 2013 — 4:25 PM
maria says:
I have recently downloaded a series of erotic fiction from amazon by the author M B Blissett, The Love We Make is a series of 8 episodes involving a married woman and an old school friend, it is hot, steamy and exciting, would totally recommend downloading all 8
April 8, 2013 — 5:25 PM
Dina Keratsis says:
Karen Marie Moning Fever series and Megan Hart’s Dirty (erotic romance)
April 8, 2013 — 5:35 PM
Dina Keratsis says:
Ooo, and Loretta Chase’s Silk is for Seduction.
April 8, 2013 — 5:37 PM
Susan Spann says:
Ouch. Catch me on the mystery/horror round, k? I’m afraid my reading of romance novels is only slightly lower than my hours spent reading FDA regulations. (Of course, what’s sexier than food laws? Admit it. You know you want to read them….)
April 8, 2013 — 5:56 PM
thebnc says:
I am ever so thrilled to see both Loretta Chase and Courtney Milan mentioned. They write some fanTAStic romance. Milan is one of those authors I buy pretty much immediately; I’ve read everything she’s written (some of it 2 or 3 times). And Loretta Chase’s “Lord of Scoundrels” is one of the best romances that I’ve read, and “Mr. Impossible” is a great story that mixes the romance with an Egyptian adventure.
Also good: Kristen Callihan, whose “Firelight” blends some angsty romance with a great murder mystery plot. I really, really enjoyed it.
For YA romance, I agree on the aforementioned “Graceling” — I really liked the way Cashore handled it in a book geared toward teens. Another YA book I enjoyed was “Storm” by Brigid Kemmerer.
Now, to comb the comment list for my OWN TBR pile…
April 8, 2013 — 6:19 PM
Josh Loomis says:
Free romance, just posted today, feast your eyeballs: http://www.blueinkalchemy.com/2013/04/08/free-fiction-miss-weavers-lo-mein-2/
I just realized that I first posted this story a couple of years ago. But it wasn’t available in PDF format before! So there’s that. Yeah.
April 8, 2013 — 7:13 PM
Jordan Summers says:
I’d say Jeaniene Frost for terrific hybrid romance/urban fantasies. Larissa Ione, D.B. Reynolds, and Cynthia Eden for gritty paranormal romances. Shelly Laurenston for funny paranormal romances. Jill Shalvis for great traditional contemporary romances. Joey Hill and Maya Banks for erotic romance. Those two will take your eyebrows off, while giving you compelling characters and intensely emotional stories. Karen Marie Moning because she’s fucking awesome. Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Faith Hunter for urban fantasies with side romances. (Ilona and Patricia do this particularly well.) Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan, and Kieran Kramer for historical romance. (Also older Stephanie Laurens books.)
April 8, 2013 — 7:25 PM
Dina says:
I second Kristen Callihan. Loved Firelight and Moonglow. In the latter book, the scene in the carriage was hot.
April 8, 2013 — 8:18 PM
Kefirah says:
I got into Laurel K. Hamilton’s books for a while, but everything after “Incubus Dreams” got a lot too pornographic, rather than just erotic. I never thought I’d find myself flipping PAST the sexy bits, which is what I did with “Danse Macabre”; it really was too much. But the mix of horror, fantasy, and sex is pretty good up to then. Yes, it’s vamps and were-peeps and necromancers, but it’s well crafted.
April 8, 2013 — 8:39 PM
deadlyeverafter says:
Sir, follow @MissTiffEying and @monokrow on Twitter. Do this thing. I will be in the trash, watching.
–Julie
April 8, 2013 — 8:40 PM
Ralph Pulner says:
Fanny Hill. There’s nothing like half pence novels from the 1800’s to see that every generation thinks they’re the first to invent love and sexy time.
April 8, 2013 — 8:49 PM