When you are heading down to the beach or someplace quiet on vacation, it is a perfect time to catch up on some reading. If you are in the mood for a novel that has a little spice, then there are tons of books on the market that will make you blush and clutch your pearls.

Writing an erotic novel is not something that everybody can write. For erotica, perhaps more than any other genre, wording is crucial. If it’s too technical, it’ll read like a science textbook and turn off readers. If it’s too flowery, you’ll make them laugh and not in a good way. Authors who excel in these genres know how to find the sweet spot between these two.

There is are different levels to an erotic novel. Contrary to popular belief, erotica and porn are not the same. Erotica has a discernible story and character development. Some intimate scenes are explicit, while others rely on innuendo and suggestion.

Let these romance and erotica books inspire you on your next vacation!

“Sweet like plantain, hot like pepper. They taste the best when together….”

Honey and Spice

Amazon

$19.59

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“Honey and Spice” is the debut novel from Bolu Babalola, a British-Nigerian author. This romance book has been praised by The New York Times, which called it “sexy, messy and wry.”

The story follows a young Black woman in Britain who not only avoids love, but also hosts a radio show giving out relationship advice for the campus. After one very public kiss, she finds herself entangled with the same man that she publicly warned her listeners about.

Various publications praised Babalola for the way she blended the vernacular and rhythms of Black American music with Black British culture, and how she integrated Pan-African influences to make her work rich.

“Honey and Spice” is the perfect novel to read while on vacation.

Can’t choose just one story? How about an anthology?

Brown Sugar: A Collection of Erotic Black Fiction

Amazon

$14.00

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Brown Sugar: A Collection of Erotic Black Fiction

When one story isn’t enough, an anthology is a great alternative.

If you’re looking for spicy, melanated goodness, where Black love and lust are at the forefront, look no further. This collection of stories are penned by nineteen authors, both new and established. The editor, Carol Taylor, is also featured in the book.

This 256-page book is available in hardcover, paperback and as a Kindle download.

Readers were impressed on the whole. One said they were happy it was inclusive. It wasn’t so couple-specific, that single people felt left out in the cold. She added, “you don’t have to be African-American to enjoy this one.”

How about a novel featuring lesbian love and lust?

When Dell Met Angel

Amazon

$18.99

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Love between women is special, and deserves to be told.

This story follows Dell and Angel, two women who originally crossed paths at a business event. While one woman wants to take the relationship seriously, the other has her reservations. The tale is engaging enough for Amazon users to give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

One expressed appreciation that the book centers Black, gay women, which is very uncommon. In addition to paperback, “When Dell Met Angel” is available on Kindle.

Looking for a novel with strong, Black women protagonists?

Black Silk

Amazon

$19.99

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If you’re looking for stories that highlight Black and brown women who are unashamed of their sexuality, then “Black Silk: A Collection of African-American Erotica” might be of interest.

The 352-page book is available as a paperback and for Kindle.

One Amazon user who read the book praised the strength of the prose, the flow of the stories and the range of authors. She also pointed out that while the stories were sexy, they weren’t crass or “disgusting.”

Erotica With A “Melanated” Focus

Erotique Noire

Amazon

$20.00

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“Erotique Noire,” a collection of spicy stories, was originally published in 1992, but it still has a following today.

Readers have different opinions about the level of spice here, which is subjective. The general consensus regarding the quality of prose and poetry, is that both are strong. Some of the authors included are Alice Walker, Audre Lorde and Terry McMillan.

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