50 Shades of Grey made huge waves when it was first released, introducing many to the steamy side of literature and entertainment. Sex, usually a taboo subject, is suddenly at the forefront of the world’s reading list.
It has since gained a fair amount of praise and criticism. Whether you’re a fan or not, you can’t deny it is a cultural phenomenon and catalyst in the popularity of erotic fiction.
Books Similar to 50 Shades of Grey
Erotica rarely goes mainstream, but 50 Shades of Grey not only set a lot of records during its height but also established a franchise, and sold tons of merchandise (including wine). It’s become one of the niche’s heavyweights, paving the way for other erotic literature.
People have become more comfortable reading about taboo subjects, including the complex dynamics of power and control in relationships. If you enjoyed the intensity and passion of the book, here are a few more stories that explore similar themes.
1. Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Eva Tramell is a 24-year-old graduate wanting to make her own way in the world despite coming from a wealthy background. Gideon Cross is a young, magnetic billionaire who owns the building she works in.
Though the two are instantly attracted, something stops them from instantly coming together. And as they’re drawn ever closer to one another, they realize that the desires and demons they carry may be more alike than they thought.
2. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Abby Abernath is determined to change her life and put her past behind her. She doesn’t drink or swear, dresses modestly, and is purely focused on her freshman year at college.
And then she meets Travis Maddox, a tattooed fighter and ultimate bad boy. When a simple bet brings them together, neither is prepared for the intensity that’s about to come.
3. This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas
When interior designer Ava O’Shea arrives at Jesse Ward’s place, she’s expecting the same stuffy, run-of-the-mill consultation she’s had with many of her clients. Instead, she finds a handsome playboy complete with ego, power, and desires.
She doesn’t want to be attracted to Jesse, but she can’t deny there’s something stirring within her. And Jesse, who is used to getting what he wants, is disinclined to let her go.
4. Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard
By day, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well-respected expert on Dante. At night, he’s a man who uses his good looks and charisma to pursue pleasure.
And then he becomes attracted to his Julia Mitchell—young, inexperienced, and currently enrolled as his graduate student. His attraction not only endangers his career but also sends him down to his own personal hell.
5. The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
Nora Sutherlin is known for her erotica, but now she’s writing something more serious and personal—one she’s convinced will be her best work. But that’s only if it ever gets published.
Forced to rewrite the whole thing, Nora is surprisingly aroused by her editor, Zachary Easton’s demands during their writing sessions. She might know a lot about erotica, but she’s about to learn a few lessons she’s never imagined before.
6. Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige
Alayna Withers is ready to move past her obsessive love phase. She plans on moving up the nightclub she bartends at and avoiding every man who might trigger her past tendencies.
That’s until Hudson Pierce—the new owner of the nightclub—fixes his eyes on her. There is no avoiding him and she is slowly pulled into his embrace.
7. Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks
Faith Malone wants a man who takes without asking—because she’s always willing to give. Who she finds is Dallas cop Gray Montgomery, a man in pursuit of his partner’s killer.
Faith is everything Gray desires in a woman, but he’s determined to keep her at a distance. After all, she’s the only link he has to the killer, and justice has to be his first priority. But when her life is endangered, he realizes how much he will do to protect her.
8. Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren
One-night stands are supposed to be just a do-and-forget affair. But Mia Holland just can’t help but fall head over heels for her fling, Ansel Guillaume.
So she does the most reckless thing she’s ever done: follow him to France. She’ll be there all summer, and all she wants to do is play.
9. Release Me by J. Kenner
Damien Stark has the sexiness and charm to a tee. Anything he wants, he gets. And what he wants now is Nikki Fairchild.
There’s an obvious attraction between the two and they both know it. But the scars they bare aren’t easy to forget or hide, threatening to destroy both of them.
10. Driven by K. Bromberg
Colton Donavan is used to getting what he wants in every aspect of life. Everything but Rylee Thomas, who isn’t fooled by his bad-boy persona. But while Rylee enjoys being in control, Colton may just be the man she’ll enjoy losing it too.
Their attraction is magnetic but the battle of their wills can easily mean destruction. Still, there’s something about one another that stops them from just walking away.
11. Conviction by Nicole Edwards
Samantha Kielty thinks she’s seen it all and knows what she’s made of. But moving from her small office to her company’s larger, more upscale headquarters makes her doubt herself.
Especially when she meets Logan McCoy, her new boss. They both bring out each other’s deepest, darkest desires. But can they maintain the sparks or will the fire burn them up?
Why Do People Enjoy Reading Erotica?
Writing and reading about such a “taboo” subject as sex may be risky but there’s something about people’s desires that can start a domino effect in society. With books like these, people have a space to enjoy, express, and discuss subjects that would otherwise be frowned upon.
Erotica is a powerful form of escapism. You’re transported from an ordinary life to one that’s full of passion and desire. It becomes a welcome break from mundane realities and lets you discover and explore your own fantasies in a safe and consensual manner.
Intense stories also help you enjoy powerful emotions. This can be a way for you to connect with your own emotions, giving you catharsis through a character’s experiences.
What’s your favorite book like 50 Shades of Grey? Share it in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Has Erotic Romance Lost Its Sizzle? A Report on Erotica, Adult Stories and the Romance Book Market
- 10 Best Erotic Novels for a Steamy Read (Updated for 2021)
- Free Romance eBooks: 8 Places to Download Your Favorite Steamy Reads at No Cost
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
