If you’ve been reading my content for a while, you’ll have figured out that I love anything romance-related, whether it be romance novels or rom-coms. When you invest in romance content, like myself, there are going to be some duds that perpetuate outdated and misogynistic ideals about sex. To save you from the slog, I am recommending six sex-positive books that you are sure to love.
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
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I’m currrently reading Crazy Rich Asians for a class (who would’ve thought?), and I’m loving it. Unlike the film adaptation, which is a pretty standard rom-com, the novel is more complex, delving into capitalism, imperialism, the power of family and yes, romance. The relationship between Nick and Rachel still reads as a fresh, fun romance built on mutual respect—even if there seems to be a slight lack of communication.
- Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
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Sex-positive content doesn’t always need to revolve around sex. Always and Forever, Lara Jean is the third and final novel in Jenny Han’s To All the Boys series. In this third novel, Lara Jean and Peter navigate their sexual relationship. Communication, consent and honesty are all part of a healthy relationship, and Jenny Han is able to communicate this through Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship.
- Boys and Sex by Peggy Orenstein
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If you don’t like reading novels, I have a nonfiction book for you! You might be familiar with Peggy Orenstein because of her famous (and amazing) Ted Talk about girls, sex and pleasure. She followed up with a book—Girls and Sex—to which Boys and Sex is the more boy-centric companion. In the book, Orenstein interviews several young men in college, and we get a searing look at how men navigate their sexual relationships and how toxic masculinity influences their actions. Orenstein talks candidly, never shying away from nuanced topics or topics deemed to include “too much information.”
- Spun Out by Lorelai James
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If you love reading romance like I do, then boy, do I have the book for you! I read Spun Out a couple months ago, and the book’s sexual encounters were both sexy and consensual. I won’t spoil anything for you, but I will never look at leather gloves the same way again.
- The Raging Ones by Krista and Becca Ritchie
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If you aren’t interested in reading books set in reality, you should check out this YA duology set in a fantasy world. The first book, The Raging Ones, follows three characters who are intricately linked—they can feel each other’s emotions and, if they focus, physical sensations. It’s a tricky situation, for sure, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Through it all, Krista and Becca Ritchie focus on consent and open communication, all while not sex-shaming anyone, no matter their sexuality!
- Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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Last, but certainly not least, is Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, one of my favorite reads of last year. The novel is escapist fiction at its best, revolving around a realtionship between the first son of the United States and a prince. We see Henry and Alex develop from enemies to friends and eventually to lovers. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the sex-positivity and consent is refreshing, elevating the book from great to exceptional.
There you have it, six sex-positive books for you to feast your eyes upon! If you ever need any more recommendations, just tweet me or visit my blog!