A third choice could be 'The Bride' by Julie Garwood. It's set in a historical period and has a very engaging love story. The sexual tension and the romance are well - written, and it gives you a good sense of the historical era as well.
One great one is 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn. It has a great historical setting and a passionate love story. The characters are well - developed and the chemistry between them really draws you in.
A good example is 'Beautiful Bastard' by Christina Lauren. It's a story about two characters who start off hating each other but then their relationship turns into a very passionate and sexual one. 'Sweet Filthy Boy' by the same authors also has a great mix of romance and smut. It tells the story of a couple who get married quickly and then explore their relationship in a very physical and emotional way.
One of the well - known 'smutty' novels could be 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E. L. James. It's a popular erotic romance novel that gained a lot of attention for its steamy scenes. However, opinions on what makes a 'best' smutty novel can vary greatly from person to person, depending on their personal tastes in terms of plot, writing style, and the nature of the sexual content.
One of the well - known ones is 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E. L. James. It's very popular and has a lot of steamy scenes within the romance plot. Another could be 'Bared to You' by Sylvia Day which also has intense romantic and passionate moments.
Fantasy novels are also a great alternative. 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien takes you to a whole new world full of magic, heroic deeds, and complex relationships. It's a masterpiece that has captivated readers for decades.
For beginners, 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne is a great start. It has a good balance of romance and some steamy scenes. The relationship between the two main characters is fun and flirty, and when things heat up, it's not overly explicit but still gives that smutty feel. Another option is 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. It's a sweet love story with some passionate moments that are easy to get into for those new to this genre.
One of the popular ones is 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. It became extremely well - known for its steamy and controversial relationship dynamics. The story follows the relationship between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, with a lot of passionate and intense scenes.
One common trope is the 'forbidden love' like a relationship between a boss and an employee or two people from different social classes. Another is the 'love triangle' where the main character is torn between two potential lovers. And of course, the 'alpha male' who is dominant and protective over the female lead is quite popular in smutty romance novels.
Some might consider 'Beauty and the Beast' retellings in the fantasy romance genre to have smutty elements in some adult - themed versions. These often explore the relationship between the Beast and Belle in a more sensual way. Also, 'The Cruel Prince' series has some alluring and passionate relationships within its faerie - filled fantasy world that can be considered in the realm of smutty fantasy romance.
I think 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon is also a great historical romance. It combines time - travel with a passionate love story. Claire, a World War II nurse, travels back in time to 18th - century Scotland where she meets Jamie Fraser. Their relationship is complex and full of adventure as they face various challenges in that historical setting.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that beautifully weaves the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of the English gentry in the 19th century. The witty dialogue and complex characters make it a timeless favorite.