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20 Best Books on Spicy Booktok To Put You in a Frenzy!

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Booktok has taken the readers’ world by storm and I got swept along and landed on the spicy side of booktok. It shares steamy book recs with different levels and types of smut, so spicy booktok (or spicytok) has now taken over my feed, my TBR and, as you can see from this blog, my list of recent reads. I swear I only wanted to see what the fuss was about!

Turns out, the (well-deserved) fuss was about how wild the smut was, how various genres did smut differently, and also about how heat-inducing the smutty scenes are. I put together a list of books from spicy booktok I loved and blushed over, so go on and find the read that’ll make you hot and bothered in all the good ways!

How I rated these books

I’m a mood reader, so whatever I felt at the end of the book makes it into my rating. But there are a few more things I think of when deciding on it:

  • Whether the plot makes sense
  • Whether there are interesting characters and character arcs
  • If the style of writing is appealing
  • Whether the book is worth a second read
  • What other readers say about them

Best Spicy Booktok Books List

What’s Spicy Booktok?

Spicy booktok, or #Spicytok has a bunch of readers and reviewers who recommend books on TikTok based on steamy content in them. There are some seriously good plots and interesting characters in these books so it’s not only about the smut (even though we are all here for it!).

These books could be in any genre – they don’t have to solely be erotica and that’s the beauty of it. The list I’ve narrowed down has it all, from YA to thrillers to reverse harems.

What Puts a Book on Spicy Booktok?

Spice, or smut, is diverse and the list I’ve narrowed down is pretty good proof of that. Every reader is different when it comes to the level or the type of spice they want, so there’s really no hard and fast rule on how a book gets on #spicy booktok. For example, I could be reading the most graphic spicy scene but if I have to wonder why they’re interested in each other, then it does not do it for me.

But I’ve noticed a few common features in most of the books that make their way to #spicytok. They often:

  • Are smut-heavy
  • Explore various kinks
  • Use sex for plot/character development
  • Make you blush

The books in my list check all those boxes, so my trusty spice meter comes in handy this time too. This is my personal opinion, and your smut preferences might vary, but the meter will give you some idea of the level of smut in each book.

  • 🌶️– sexual language and a little on-page action
  • 🌶️🌶️– a lot of sexual language and some on-page action, may be occurring couple times
  • 🌶️🌶️🌶️– some explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently
  • 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently
  • 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring very frequently

Expect a lot of 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and above in the list!

Best Spicy BookTok Book Reviews

1. It Happened One Summer – My Favorite

It Happened One Summer: A spicy rom-com featuring a wild child socialite, a small-town grumpy fisherman, and the undeniable attraction between them (Bellinger Sisters Book 1)
  • Author – Tessa Bailey
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, chick lit, new adult, adult fiction, humor
  • Content warnings – Injury/injury detail, death of a parent/spouse
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 385
  • Goodreads rating – 4.0
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Piper Bellinger, the party girl, has fallen out of favor with her stepfather after a wild night of partying. He sends her off to Washington to manage her late father’s dive bar as punishment. Enter Brendan, the big bearded sea captain who doesn’t think she’ll last a day. Piper sets out to prove him wrong and one thing leads to another, and somehow they fall in love and lust.

After reading ‘Fix Her Up,’ I became a Tessa Bailey girl through and through and I was very excited when spicy booktok recommended ‘It Happened One Summer.’

For all the grumpy/sunshine lovers, this here is the ultimate one. We have Piper, Hollywood’s “It Girl” bringing laughter and excitement in her wake, and Brendan, a skeptical small town fisherman – total opposites brought together by circumstance. They bicker and tease their way to love, and when they get together, their chemistry goes off the charts.

I also really liked the characters individually. Piper is a flawed and spoiled rich girl but the arc of her growing out of her bratty nature was so endearing. If you’ve watched Schitt’s Creek and fell in love with Alexis, you know what I’m talking about; Tessa Bailey has actually said it’s inspired by the show.

Brendan was an absolute dream – my man did not slow down, with the romance or the spice. He had my toes curling in all those steamy scenes. The smut isn’t too graphic, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I have recs for you further down the list. But if it’s a lot of fluff combined with pulse-racing moments you are looking for, Piper and Brendan’s story is just the thing.

  • Best for – Fans of rom coms, small-town romances, grumpy/sunshine trope
  • Not for – Readers who want more kinky action like BDSM, etc.

2. Twisted Love

Sale
Twisted Love (Twisted, 1)
  • Author – Ana Huang
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, new adult, adult, dark, love, college
  • Content warning – Death of a parent, murder, kidnapping
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 360
  • Goodreads rating – 3.74
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

When Alex Volkov is asked to look after his best friend’s sister Ava Chen, he starts to feel something in his chest. But can the two of them get past their broken pasts for the love they hold dear?

I’m a sucker for Ana Huang romances. Why? Because she serves romance with a whole load of spice, and in Twisted Love, she’s done it with a morally gray alphahole who’s forced to look after his best friend’s sister.

Not that he hates it – Alex increasingly becomes invested in Ava and develops a jealous streak whenever another man goes near her. Ava doesn’t just sit pretty either; she and her gang of girlfriends launch “Operation Emotion” and successfully manage to draw feelings out of the grumpy Alex.

Fair warning people, this MC isn’t for the faint-hearted. He’s possessive, rude, thinks a whole darn lot of himself, and is the definition of a Casanova. I can completely see why Ava was a goner once Alex turned on his charms.

They both bare themselves to each other, and in Alex’s case, it’s so heartwarming to see because his walls crumble down as his connection with Ava deepens. The brother’s best friend trope makes the romance forbidden, turning up the angst and the drama. Plus, this love story is the definition of ‘I’ll burn the world for her’ romance and I’m all here for it.

I just wish there’d been more steam, because that would’ve let us see how the connection between these two grew with each moment of intimacy. I also think the characters deserved more space to explore their relationship in the second half of the book. But if you’re looking for a quick burn with a steamy romance, Twisted Love won’t lead you astray.

  • Best for – Fans of brother’s best friend romances and morally gray alpha holes
  • Not for – Readers who don’t like profanity and readers who are looking for a sweet MC

3. The Deal – My First Elle Kennedy

The Deal (Off-Campus Book 1)
  • Author – Elle Kennedy
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, new adult, sports romance, contemporary, sports, college, contemporary romance, hockey, adult
  • Content warning – Death of a parent, rape, domestic violence, child abuse
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 360
  • Goodreads rating – 4.25
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Hannah has a plan—make a deal with the captain of the hockey team Garret to act as her pretend boyfriend in exchange for tutoring him and maybe finally, her crush would notice her. The whole ‘making a man jealous’ strategy has never backfired, right? Except when one stray kiss with Garret leads to the wildest sex of her life, she is no longer sure if she’s pretending.

If you follow #booktok like a religion, you know who Elle Kennedy is. She’s huge on the platform, especially known for her sports and college romance novels. Booktokers love to review her books, and for good reason – the woman blends romcom and erotica flawlessly.

I’m not gonna lie, I picked up The Deal because I liked the sexy cover of the book. Sports romances are always a hard sell for me but this cover had a sort of ‘smut but in a charming kinda way’ design. That’s exactly what this book is. It has an incredibly moving plot and endearing characters as a foundation, add the steamy chemistry between the MCs to the mix and that was enough reason for me to become an Elle Kennedy stan for life.

The Deal starts off with fake dating so the buildup of chemistry between Hannah and Garrett is all hot and intense. They become friends while helping each other out, and you really see this friendship sustaining when they realize they have feelings for each other too.

Garrett shows Hannah how to truly let go during sex and enjoy it to the fullest. She’s vulnerable in all the right ways during the smut scenes which made the intimacy realistic and made me an emotional mess because of what Hannah went through in the past (spoiler, not telling!).

The smut is fluffy with a sound emotional impact exactly because of this reason. I really recommend this if you’re looking for a warm, fuzzy romance with spicy fluff.

  • Best for – Fans of fluff, rom coms, friends to lovers, fake dating, and hokey romances
  • Not for –  Readers who’re looking for more explicit content, a quick burn 

4. Icebreaker

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Icebreaker: A Novel (1) (The Maple Hills Series)
  • Author – Hannah Grace
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, sports romance, sports, contemporary, hockey, contemporary romance, new adult, college, adult
  • Content warning – Death of a parent, sexual assault
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 435
  • Goodreads rating – 4.02
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

She’s a competitive figure skater. He’s captain of the hockey team. When they’re forced to share a rink, they find themselves stuck together in more ways than one. Despite Anastasia’s best efforts to not fall for a hockey player, fall she does.

My instant selling point about this book was the FMC. Anastasia is absolute royalty for the way as she navigates personal challenges like anxiety and an eating disorder with admirable grace. If I’m even half as badass as this girl, I’d die happy.

She isn’t afraid to get down and let loose either – she had me breathless during the steamy scenes. She might be a baddie in the streets but she’s Nathan’s “good girl” in the sheets. And yes, you guessed it right, the smut is Juicy with a capital J.

Speaking of Nathan, he’s a delicious combo of a jock and the perfect book boyfriend. The best part about Nathan though? He’s not your typical jock; he’s kind, he’s caring, and he’s always willing to go the extra mile for Anastasia. He has my whole heart.

The found family trope in the book is everything. I’m down for besties who have each other’s back through thick and thin – they made the read even better for me because they are wholesome, funny, and creates the perfect backdrop for our love story.

The author takes her own sweet time developing the plot and characters so this isn’t your typical weekend quick burn. Settle down with the arm mug of choice because the romance and the smut are absolutely worth the wait.

  • Best for – Fans of fluff, sport romances, strong FMCs  
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for more explicit content, a quick burn

5. Twisted Games

Twisted Games - Special Edition
  • Author – Ana Huang
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, dark, contemporary romance, new adult, love, adult
  • Content warning – Death of a parent, child abuse, substance abuse, gun violence, kidnapping
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 456
  • Goodreads rating – 4.13
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

His rule as a bodyguard is to never get emotionally involved. He’s sworn to protect the headstrong princess, but with each passing day, he finds himself falling for her. How can they stay true to their responsibilities in the face of love and lust?

I’ve already gushed about how big of a fan I am of Ana Huang’s smut-filled books, and she stayed true to her brand as a smutty romance writer in Twisted Games, too. After I read Twisted Love, I knew I had to read the next in the series, and I was not disappointed in the slightest.

This book took the tension a few notches higher with the steamy chemistry between a royal princess and her new bodyguard. Rhys’ and Princess Bridget’s love is forbidden and could potentially destroy her entire kingdom, so to say this plot had me on the edge of my seat would be an understatement.

Other than the plot, the smut had me hooked. He might be her employee, but in bed he really shows her who’s the boss. Rhys is for all the girls who want a scarred knight instead of your everyday prince charming. The sexual tension between them is so good from the onset because of Rhys’ possessive streak – it’s not my cup of tea IRL, but on a fictional man, possessive looks incredibly hot.

Outside of their physical bond (which had me quite literally blushing), the way their love develops had me swooning for the pair. All in all, this is a great weekend quick burn with the right amount of royalty, spice, and romance, perfectly blended together so pick this up if you’re ready for some royal smut!

  • Best for – Fans of contemporary romance and small town romance
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for a slow burn

6. Haunting Adeline

Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1)

  • Author – H.D. Carlton
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fantasy, dark, contemporary, thriller, mystery, adult
  • Content warning – Child sex trafficking, murder, rape, sexual assault, torture, kidnapping, stalking
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 551
  • Goodreads rating – 4.03
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

When Adeline moves back to her grandmother’s house, she finds startling secrets. But that’s not all. She also discovers that she has a stalker who is not willing to give up on her until he owns her. Having a stalker is horrifying, but Adeline finds herself intrigued, especially when she learns about his intentions.

Okay, right off the bat, yes I did have the same question you’re probably having right now: what on earth is a thriller doing on #spicytok? The answer is, as I found after a jaw-dropping read, that this book is kinky as hell. It explored so many unspeakable kinks between the couple, Zade and Adeline, that I could say I learned a lot from the book.

I do have to give you a sound warning though; this book has trigger warnings for a reason. It is dark and very graphic, so please tread carefully.

The kinks in Haunting Adeline range from the punishment kink to the praise kink so there’s really something for all the daring girls out there. Kinks do make sense, because the premise is kinkier: the man fell in lust at first sight and started stalking the FMC. The smut was truly on brand for such a wild story that I literally had goosebumps while reading these steamy scenes.

There’s also a vigilante trope alongside a murder mystery explored in the plot. I’ll be honest, was I there for the plot? No, it was the kinky smut that did it for me and this book has a well-earned place on #spicytok for it.

  • Best for – Fans of explicit sexual content and kinky smut
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for a good plot in addition to the smut

7. Credence

Credence

  • Author – Penelope Douglas
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, reverse harem, new adult, contemporary romance, dark, adult, menage, erotica
  • Content warning – Incest, rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, suicide
  • Type – Standalone
  • No. of pages – 470
  • Goodreads rating – 3.70
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Tiernan de Has spent her whole life running away from her parents’ fame. When they suddenly pass away and she’s sent to live with her father’s stepbrother and his two sons, lines blur and rules break. Will she finally find her place among them?

Now, I’ll never say no to a good reverse harem; they’re always bound to bring the steam and the spice to the table. This book, though, was on another level. I have to say that from the get go, this novel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s not just reverse harem, it’s also about sexual and romantic relationships between step family members and those can be pretty hard limits for a lot of people.

I personally enjoyed the book because Penelope Douglas is so good at developing the relationships between the characters and showing us how those dynamics change. Douglas’ penmanship really comes into show during the sex scenes as well – the sexual tension is just at the steamy level and the smut is explicit and no rules barred. I love me some spicy debauchery and Credence went all the way in that aspect.

All of this smut paired with the complex story that Douglas has woven together deserves rightful praise. Yes, it’s taboo and problematic, but there’s just something beyond sex in a story about human relationships and complexities. All in all, if you aren’t afraid of toeing the line, then this is the perfect lust-filled read for you.

  • Best for – Fans of explicit sexual content, kinky taboo scenes, and reverse harem
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for a good plot

8. King of Wrath

King of Wrath: An Arranged Marriage Romance (Kings of Sin Book 1)

  • Author – Ana Huang
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, new adult, fantasy, dark, erotica, marriage
  • Content warning – Violence, injury/injury detail
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 398
  • Goodreads rating – 4.08
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Dante Russo, billionaire CEO, is forced to marry Vivian Lau, heiress to new money. Initially unhappy at the prospect of having to make their families happy, they slowly realize the dark chemistry between themselves.

Why is the arranged marriage-to-lovers trope always the key to my heart? King of Wrath is basically Romeo & Juliet but in a modern, steamy context. Vivian’s family blackmails Dante into marrying her and neither are too thrilled at the prospect. So, naturally, Ana Huang takes these two MCs who blister at the sight of each other and spins us a love story of epic proportions.

Right from the beginning, I fell in love with our Vivian and I can see why Dante couldn’t resist her either. She’s rich but independent and hardworking while balancing all the impossible expectations her parents have of her. Dante is as aloof and intimidating as they come, but he sways when he sees Vivian for who she truly is. The man won’t admit he’s in love with her but also can’t stand the idea of losing her, and the sex scene where he gets jealous is so so good – they were HOT but also managed to melt my heart. He’s ultimately willing to put in the work and become a better man for her which is truly the best type of MMC.

With Ana Huang, you know she’ll always deliver. I did feel that some of the writing was a bit recycled from her previous works but that’s no reason to not pick up this book. It has all the stellar tropes, two sexy MCs, and a steamy romance between the pair. Need I say more?

  • Best for – Fans of arranged marriage trope
  • Not for – Readers who don’t like an OTT protective MC

9. Hooked

Hooked (Never After Series)

  • Author – Emily McIntire
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fantasy, dark, contemporary, retellings, contemporary romance, adult, new adult
  • Content warning – Child abuse, death of a parent/relative, pregnancy, torture, murder, violence, kidnapping
  • Type – Standalone
  • No. of pages – 312
  • Goodreads rating – 3.84
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

James’ only wish is to destroy his archnemesis, Peter Micheals. James seizes his opportunity when Wendy, Peter’s young daughter, shows up at his bar one night. In his grasp, Wendy learns that she desires danger, especially in the arms of the villain.

I adore retellings of fairy tales, especially dark retellings. As a kid, I’ve always wondered where the villain came from and what happened to them after the HEA, so the Never After series is a treat to my kid-self (and to the adult-self, of course 😉). I fell in love because it’s a collection of fairy tales about villains getting their own HEA. There’s something just so appealing about the trope and Hooked, with its Peter Pan retelling, is everything.

The touch-her-and-you-die trope in this book is just such a chef’s kiss. James (AKA Mr. Villain/Mr. British Accent Villain/Mr. Mafia) can kidnap me any day because he’s a supreme combo of hot and villainous. I was there for the dark romance, and the dark romance only. The writing is so sultry and intense, perfectly complementing the desire, violence, and depravity between the characters. This makes all the smut-filled scenes even hotter. Heads-up to my girls who like the praise kink: you will not be disappointed reading this one.

Be warned, this is not a healthy’ sunshines and roses’ romance novel. It’s a bad boy meets innocent girl story and the way their relationship develops is dark, to say the least. But if you’re the one who always dreamt of the villain instead of prince charming as a kid, you’ll definitely get hooked on this one.

  • Best for – Fans of villain MMCs, fans of bad boy/innocent girl trope
  • Not for – Readers who don’t like graphic violence

10. My Killer Vacation

My Killer Vacation: A Novel

  • Author – Tessa Bailey
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, mystery, mystery thriller, contemporary, thriller, contemporary romance, adult, new adult, romantic suspense, chick lit
  • Content warning – Murder, violence, kidnapping
  • Type – Standalone
  • No. of pages – 295
  • Goodreads rating – 3.67
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in sunny Cape Cod turns into a murder mystery when a corpse turns up at Taylor’s house. Enter Myles, who’s investigating the mystery. Now Taylor’s not sure which is more devastating, the murder or having to put up with the hot bounty hunter.

Tessa Bailey does it again with one of my absolute favorite tropes – grumpy/sunshine. Bounty hunter meets elementary school teacher? Be still, my beating heart. I’m one of those girls who’ll binge watch a good mystery thriller in one sitting, and when it’s in book form? Even better. Combine it with romance and smut? Sign me up right now.

The cuteness between these two reminded me of Jess and Nick in New Girl. The 15-year-old-me who fell for grumpy Nick walked so that adult-me can run to the smart-mouthed and sexy Myles.

Taylor, the FMC, is the cutest with her sunshine personality and her you-can’t-sit-me-down attitude towards Myles. Together, they bring us heat-inducing smut scenes set in the backdrop of a small town. Nick might be aloof to her at first but he soon develops a domineering streak, so the smut isn’t your average vanilla – that’s all I’ll say.

The romance and smut and mystery in this book make for a delicious combo, so you’re definitely in for a one-of-a-kind treat. If that sounds like your jam, jump right in and blush your way through this small town grumpy-sunshine romantic suspense story.

  • Best for – Fans of small town romances, fans of grumpy/sunshine
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for explicit sexual content

11. The Roommate

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The Roommate (The Shameless Series)

  • Author – Rosie Danan
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, adult, new adult, chick lit, humor
  • Content warning – Accident, blackmail
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 325
  • Goodreads rating – 3.59
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

When consummate socialite Clara Wheaton rooms with charming stranger Josh, she quickly learns that he might be her family’s biggest scandal yet. Despite their differences, Josh and Clara both believe that women deserve to have better sex, and they go on to find out for themselves how.

Let me tell you, I did not expect the level of smut in this book. I thought Rosie Danan had written your standard fluffy rom com so when I came across this book on #spicytok, I was wondering what business The Roommate had there. Then I read it and realized my smut radar was way off when it came to this book.

The attraction between Clara and Josh was the centerpiece from the start, with both of them unable to keep their hands off of each other. Their intimacy was so steamy and graphic that I almost felt like I had to look away (I didn’t though 😉).

I also loved the social commentary in this book, from its sex-positive themes to its commentary on sex work and consent. It was really impressive how serious themes were explored in the middle of the romance and steamy moments.

So props to Rosie Danan for creating the perfect contemporary romance. It’s got all your favorite tropes from opposites attract to forced proximity along with some good, healthy smut. This is for all the ladies who like some fluff in their smut – give this one a go, it won’t disappoint you.

  • Best for – Fans of roommates to lovers trope
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for explicit sexual content

12. Priest

Sale
Priest (Priest, 1)
  • Author – Sierra Simone
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, erotica, adult, dark, BDSM, erotic romance
  • Content warning – Sexual assault, revenge porn, suicide, stalking
  • Type – Standalone
  • No. of pages – 354
  • Goodreads rating – 3.67
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Although there are many rules that a priest can’t break, Poppy might be the one sin he can’t stay away from. While he grapples with his devotion, she becomes harder and harder to resist. What will be his choice?

Taboo sex takes a sinful turn in this book and this time, it’s a forbidden love with a capital F because priesthood and celibacy don’t mix with sex and romance, but mix it does in this book, Priest.

Let’s dive into the juicy stuff first. The sex? Hot. There’s no other word for it and the fact that it’s forbidden? Hott-er. I can see why this book is so popular on #spicytok – it brings erotica to another level, showing us a religious man who struggles with sin. Dare I say that Father Bell’s lust-filled relationship with Poppy is worth every sin because their chemistry is unmatched. Despite their best efforts, they can’t keep their hands off of each other and the yearning, regret, and conflict blending together is pure perfection.

It’s not just about the steamy sex scenes though. It’s also about how both Father Bell and Poppy confront the fine line between devotion to religion and devotion to love. It’s a complex story of interwoven themes and I could not put it down. This is a good weekend quick burn with not just smut, but also a thought provoking plot – all set for an intense read in one sitting.

  • Best for – Fans of forbidden romance
  • Not for – Readers who don’t like taboo sex

13. There Are No Saints

There Are No Saints (Sinners Duet Book 1)
  • Author – Sophie Lark
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, contemporary, contemporary romance, thriller, adult, dark, new adult, crime, suspense
  • Content warning – Child abuse, self harm, murder, stalking, kidnapping, torture
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 378
  • Goodreads rating – 3.84
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Two affluent artists and serial killers, Cole and Shaw, use San Francisco as their hunting ground for prey when they both encounter Mara, a struggling artist. In a twist of events, she goes on to live with Cole. Cole and Mara find lust, chemistry, and understanding between each other in this novel about an antihero.

I know I said I love thrillers and would binge watch a thriller any day, but I was not ready for this – there are truly no saints in this book.

I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit apprehensive about the plot because we had a serial killer for an MMC. So it’s safe to say that this book is absolutely not for the faint-hearted, but does it bring a complex plot and some good smut to the table? Yes, yes it certainly does.

Cole may have started as someone who’s manipulating Mara’s life because of his psychopathic tendencies but oh boy, when he falls for her, she has him at her beck and call. What I love about Mara is that she doesn’t try to ‘fix him’ and instead, she brings complete chaos to his life. Absolute queen.

I wasn’t sure a serial killer could genuinely fall in love (all those murder documentaries I watched didn’t cover that part😅), but it definitely seems to work. There’s so much sexual tension and chemistry between the pair that my face was constantly on fire during the whole read. While I do think that there were one too many red flags, we’re already reading a serial killer’s love story, what’s a couple more?

So, if you feel like popping into the mind of a psychopath in love and lust, give this smutty, steamy book a try. It’s meant for those who dare.

  • Best for – Fans of opposites attract and villain to lover tropes
  • Not for – Readers who don’t like an OTT villain

14. Her Soul to Take

Her Soul to Take (Souls Trilogy)
  • Author – Harley Laroux
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fantasy, paranormal romance, horror, demons, dark, adult, fantasy romance, BDSM
  • Content warning – Violence, death, murder, injury/injury detail, kidnapping, sexual assault
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 493
  • Goodreads rating – 4.04
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

While monsters roam the woods, something ancient and evil calls Rae’s name. She knows that only Leon can help her, but he’s also the demon that stalks her, lusting after her body and soul.

I don’t usually mess with horror – I hit my limits with thrillers. However, I was curious about ‘Her Soul to Take’ because #spicytok convinced me the BDSM sex scenes were definitely worth a read, and they were absolutely right.

Harley Laroux writes about kinky fetishes with no room for judgment in this sex-positive book that is as raunchy as it is respectful. The characters are comfortable with the kinky sex so they enjoy exploring each other, which is what I loved reading about the most. It is on the edgeplay side of BDSM and some scenes do raise eyebrows, but I loved that Leon and Rae didn’t force their pleasure. And that one scene about piercing during sexual play… it might not be for me, but I totally get the thrill of it. Laroux creates a masterpiece with imagery, weaving us through the story like it’s a movie with sex scenes so graphic that this is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

I wish the ending had been a little less anti-climatic – Laroux started with such a great plot about demonic romance but the ending didn’t do it justice. That said, this is still a great read for those looking for some great BDSM smut between intriguing characters in a paranormal setting.

  • Best for – Fans of BDSM smut
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for more fluff and romance

15. Desperate Measures

Desperate Measures (Wicked Villains Book 1)
  • Author – Katee Robert
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fantasy, retellings, erotica, adult, dark, BDSM, contemporary
  • Content warning – Sexual assault, death of a parent, child abuse, murder, kidnapping
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 230
  • Goodreads rating – 3.55
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Jafar burns down her empire and takes Jasmine prisoner. Even as Jasmine endures his punishments, her body loves them, longing for his touch. Will she betray the man she is falling for in exchange for her freedom?

After reading ‘Her Soul to Take,’ I got really hooked onto BDSM smut and immediately picked up ‘Desperate Measures.’ This is a steamy fairytale reimagining of Aladdin and it was OTT in exactly the way I enjoy it.

Jafar owns Jasmine after taking over her father’s empire and the story follows Jasmine as she tries to come to terms with her new circumstances, both terrifying and enticing. Jafar is kinky and villainous and Jasmine wants him. The best part is the daddy/baby girl kink, so if you want to check it out, get down to business with this book.

The plot itself was very good with Jasmine throwing Jafar for a loop, even though she enjoys the chemistry between them. Despite her sheltered upbringing, she learns to survive with her captor and eventually hatches a plan to betray him. I loved how Jasmine does not let the good sex cloud her judgment and how she isn’t willing to give up complete control to Jafar at any point.

As far as retellings go, this is a one-of-kind take on a fairytale and a truly sexy one at that. Go ahead and pick it up because the villain-to-lover trope here is absolutely worth a read.

  • Best for – Fans of BDSM smut, fairy tale reimaginings, and villain to lover
  • Not for – Readers who don’t like an OTT villain

16. Court of the Vampire Queen

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Court of the Vampire Queen
  • Author – Katee Robert
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fantasy, reverse harem, paranormal, paranormal romance, fantasy romance, adult, erotica
  • Content warning – Pregnancy, violence, death, murder, death of a parent
  • Type – Standalone
  • No. of pages – 496
  • Goodreads rating – 3.42
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

When her father gifts her to the dark, powerful, and dangerous Malachi, Mina believes all is lost. But when Malachi introduces her to a world of seduction and love with his two closest companions, she starts to hope again, and dreams of taking back the crown from her father.

I was so impressed with Katee Robert’s ‘Desperate Measures’ that I decided to pick up this book next. This is such a great fear-to-lust-to-love book that I couldn’t put it down from the get go.

There are detailed sex scenes in this book (especially as it’s a reverse harem) where Mina’s owner, Malachi, and his two friends make her the center of their lusty fantasies. It’s not just about the quality of the smut in this book, it’s how much there is. The amount of steamy scenes in this book left me breathless and blushing, so I’d say it’s some brilliantly written smut.

I was also moved by the development of love between these four. Mina, who is a half vampire and half human and doesn’t belong in either world, finds her home among these dangerous men. In turn, they grow to love her fiercely and are ultimately ready to go to war for her – I simply melted.

I was caught off guard by how emotionally invested I was in the story because I didn’t expect an erotica to tear my heart out. It’s a masterpiece of smut and romance set in a fantasy world and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good reverse harem smut that hits all the emotional beats.

  • Best for –  Fans of fantasy smut, reverse harem
  • Not for – Readers who are looking for a slow burn

17. Flames of Chaos

Flames of Chaos (Legacy of the Nine Realms Book 1)
  • Author – Amelia Hutchins
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, fantasy, fantasy romance, paranormal, witches, dark, magic, adult, fae, paranormal romance
  • Content warning – Sexual assault, violence, death, murder
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 563
  • Goodreads rating – 3.76
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Aria is on a mission to find her sister and leaves the human realm behind. But when she returns, she finds that Knox has crowned himself King during her absence. As she learns of her true powers, she struggles with her feelings towards Knox – both sensual and romantic. Knox can’t keep away either, despite Aria being his sworn enemy. Who will win this battle of will?

I was really in the mood for some fantasy spice so when the algorithm recommended ‘Flames of Chaos’ to me, I jumped right in. It seemed like a complicated plot but since #spicytok is usually right about these things, I gave it a try and boy, am I glad I did.

The first half of the story was pure smut. The two MCs, Knox and Aria, might be enemies but they love their physical connection, and so do we; the graphic sex scenes when they get together flawlessly showed their spitfire chemistry. Spicy booktok told me there’d be smut but it was an understatement – there’s a whole LOAD of it.

Despite their obvious sexual chemistry, don’t expect a cute, cuddly romance – Knox means business with Aria. Their personal motives put them at odds with each other to start with: Knox out for revenge, setting the scene for a war 500 years coming and Aria is at the opposite end of the plan for revenge. Set apart, it takes so much angst and pain and yearning to reach for each other, and their journey is made even more dynamic by the heavy doses of smut.

So if you’re in for a fantasy of epic scales with kingdoms, witches, revenge, and magic complemented with some pulse-racing smut, then this is the one for you.

  • Best for – Fans of enemies to lovers trope
  • Not for – Readers who are looking for a quick burn

18. 7th Circle

7th Circle (Hades Book 1)
  • Author – Tate James
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Reverse harem, romance, dark, contemporary, new adult, contemporary romance, fantasy, crime, adult
  • Content warning – Sexual assault, violence, death, murder
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 380
  • Goodreads rating – 4.41
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Hades is a young, powerful, vicious gang leader. When she falls for three men, she has to learn to juggle her sexual needs with the needs of her gang and the people around her. To make things worse, a man she thought she had killed years ago has come back from the dead for revenge. Will she weather these challenges?

I’ve reviewed this fantastic author on my best reverse harem book list too and since Tate James does not disappoint with this genre, I didn’t hesitate when I came across this book on #spicytok. It’s dark, sexy, has a badass heroine, and the spice levels were off the charts!

Hades is a young gang leader, already masterminding massacres despite her young age. She has one older male lover (Cass), one younger (Lucas), and her second in command (Zed) is in on it too, so this book is rightfully filled with drama. She might be getting it on with three guys, but she’s not losing herself in the process which is why this FMC is one of my favorites.

I also loved how all the three relationships developed at different paces. All MMCs have different personalities which keeps the FMC on her toes and the story intriguing. With Lucas, the smut was so steamy and burning that I really needed to take a minute to simmer down after reading his scenes, and the gentle moments of intimacy with Cass was a nice change of pace.

Half the book was filled with smut, so count your guilty pleasures served! If you’re on the hunt for a quick burn, smut-filled reverse harem, make sure you go for this one.

  • Best for – Fans of reverse harem
  • Not for – Readers who are looking for a slow burn 

19. Lords of Pain

Lords of Pain (Dark College Bully Romance): Royals of Forsyth University
  • Author – Angel Lawson
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Reverse harem, romance, dark, college, new adult, contemporary romance, contemporary, erotica, adult, BDSM
  • Content warning – Sexual assault, bullying, stalking, kidnapping, violence, incest
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 356
  • Goodreads rating – 4.05
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Although Story’s tried running from the three men of her past, she’s back at their doorstep years later, looking for protection. When she agrees to be their sex slave, she learns that she has to give up complete control to them. Will she survive the ordeal or fall for all three of them?

I’ll admit this book is one of the most scandalous books I’ve read so far, and looking at my list from up top, that’s saying a lot. Lords of Pain is a reverse harem, BDSM novel where Story, our FMC, becomes the sex slave of three men, Killian, Rath, and Tristan, in exchange for protection.

The setting is Forsyth University and the men, the titular Lords, are at the highest positions of power. And whom do they need now? A Lady. So Story becomes their sex slave contractually, and the author explores the changing dynamics among the four with gusto. As you could imagine, there’s heavy smut – the kind that’s just packed with depravity, degradation, teasing and playing. The Lords, our MMCs, also have morally gray personalities, so what you end up with is a super steamy bully romance.

From the first sex scene itself, the smut has you hooked. It explores a lot of kinks, from dubcon (dubious consent) and BDSM to voyeurism. The romance is dark and obsessive as expected from a novel like this so if you’re up for it, this book packs in heavy smut. #Spicytok hit gold with it.

  • Best for – Fans of reverse harem, BDSM
  • Not for – Readers who’re not into dub-con, edgeplay BDSM

20. Dipped in Holly

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Dipped In Holly (Nick and Holly)
  • Author – Dana Isaly
  • Genre/Sub-genre – Romance, novella, Christmas, holiday, contemporary, erotica, contemporary romance, adult, BDSM, short stories
  • Content warning – Infidelity
  • Type – Series
  • No. of pages – 66
  • Goodreads rating – 3.67
  • Spice meter – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Nick and Holly meet just as Holly’s being dumped at a bar, dressed as a sexy Mrs. Claus, a week before Christmas. Their meeting quickly turns into a steamy one night stand, leaving them questioning whether one night is truly enough to satiate their desires.

I’m a sucker for holiday romances so when spicy tiktok said this was a Christmas novella with the right amount of smut, I immediately went for it. I read it in one sitting and it had me swooning because, man, #spicytok was right again.

Holly is a beautifully written character and although the story is short, we see how she handles heartbreak, gives into her desires, and lets go of control. The MMC, Nick, is older (so a lot more experienced!) and awesome at dirty talk to the point where he manages to seduce Holly with his sexy voice and sultry innuendo. My pulse was racing while reading the steamy scenes and the way he takes control of Holly? Yes, sir.

I don’t usually have a lot of faith in one-night-stands that turn into love, but I decided to give into the holiday spirit of it and I’ve come away with it with a few new ways to use festive lights😉

It’s a quick and steamy read, so if you want a holiday romance that fuels your holiday spirit and smut cravings in one go, here’s your choice. Remember to pick up the next few novellas about Holly and Nick too!

  • Best for – Fans of holiday romance, daddy kink, BDSM
  • Not for – Readers who’re looking for a slow burn, long read

And that’s the whole list! I got these recs from spicy booktok to find out for myself what the appeal is, and find out I certainly did. They are well-written books with intriguing premises, interesting characters, and heavy doses of (diverse) smut. Would I recommend reading them at work? Absolutely not. Will they help you dive into your deepest fantasies? Hell yeah. Sexy reading, folks!

What to read next

If you loved these recs I’m pretty sure you’ll like my list of best smut books. My reverse harem book list also has some pretty hot and heavy books, so be sure to check that one out too. If you need a small break from the kinks and dirty, dirty sex, I’d recommend my brother’s best friend list to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy.

FAQs

1. Is a Court of Thorns and Series spicy?

It’s a fantasy novel wrapped up in lots of spice. The first book starts out mellow and the smut intensifies as you go through each installment of the series.

2. Is It Starts With Us spicy?

It Starts with Us is a feel-good romance with tons of sex scenes, described in great detail, so yes, it’s definitely spicy.

3. Is The Kiss Quotient spicy?

The spice level of The Kiss Quotient is pretty high, as the story follows Stella who hires Micheal to teach her about sex.

4. Does It Ends With Us have spicy scenes?

This is Colleen Hoover we’re talking about so yes, it does have a mature, steamy romance, filled with graphic sex scenes.

5. Is Cruel Prince spicy?

No, I wouldn’t really categorize Cruel Prince as spicy. It has some passionate kissing scenes, so only just light smut.

6. Is The Fine Print spicy? 

There are steamy scenes that are quite explicitly written, so yes, The Fine Print is spicy. However, while the spice is great, there’s only a handful of those scenes.

7. Does Verity have spice?

Yes. You’re not left wanting for any extra-spicy love scenes in Verity because Colleen Hoover goes hard in this one.

8. Is Throne of Glass smutty?

No, not so much. There’s a ton of kissing but really, that’s about it. 

9. Is House of Earth and Blood spicy?

It’s super spicy – some sex scenes are pretty carnal. 

10. Is the book Book Lovers spicy?

There’s a few sex scenes and explicit content, so yes, it’s spicy.

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