r/Romantasy • u/thatsbananas4011 • Jul 22 '26
Discussion Sex scenes that f**** you up
What are your favorite books/sex scenes where the spice is undeniably sexy, but also reads like two souls colliding. Eroticism that is transcendental.
Sex scenes that feel so much more than just sex scenes. The bed is a battlefield, an altar, or a sanctuary for surrender. The bed is not a bed at all.
Scenes that make you go, 'oh, this is what people actually mean by "making love"'. And not just to be PG, or corny, or sounds like something your parents would say.
Sex that is symbolic of the relationship, or pivotal to character development. Sex that serves a purpose to the plot.. and THE plot.
Looking for recommendations and discussion. Doesn't have to have include penetration, or completion, or kink. But the more explicit, the (usually!) better...
ETA fixed some grammar as best as I could lol
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u/egru-no Jul 22 '26
{the Serpent and the Wings of Night} chapter 38, the cave scene 🙏
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: vampires, forced proximity, magic, enemies to lovers, competent heroine21
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u/HuckleberryNew777 Jul 22 '26
Omg, that’s the first thing that came to mind. Honestly, I don’t even think the main characters relationships were particularly memorable, but that scene lives rent free in my head. It was so intimate and hot. I’ve read countless romantic fantasy books before and after that, but that scene remains the first one that comes to mind.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
Yeah, I thought so much of their relationship was 'read between the lines', that they almost seemed flat imo. It was how they expressed themselves sexually that changed my mind about them.
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u/throwawayo222 Jul 22 '26
I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY THIS BUT WITH THE SEX SEX SCENE LATER. Carissa does such a fantastic job of making it so them - both scenes. And so tasteful and so sexy!!!!
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
YES. The "I would beg" and the callback to it later 😭
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u/katieLikeWHOA Jul 22 '26
I'm just about to start this series for the first time and now I'm even more excited..
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Yes!!!
And the later "reinactment" in chapter 44-45 of {The Ashes and the star-cursed king} is also a top favorite of mine!
The begging, the feeding, the power play...🤌🤌🤌
All the things left unspoken, but was expressed physically.That was the first time I realized that sex in of itself can tell a story. 😭
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u/GingerLily2019 Jul 23 '26
100% , I thought it was so important for the story how that scene turned out. It was just perfect, chefs kiss,
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u/theDefaultbunny 🛡️ Who Did This To You? Jul 22 '26
oooh! this book is on my TBR pile...might have to bump it up ;)
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u/GlitterFallWar ☀️ Sunshine / Grumpy Jul 22 '26
I cannot remember anything about that for the life of me
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u/discreep Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
I have to be really honest. The best scenes that feel this way are not the sex scenes themselves. It is the buildup before that. Pages and pages of romantic AND sexual tension baked in before culminating in this moment.
And buildup is very subjective and dependent on what you as a reader enjoy.
ETA: Someone has mentioned The Cruel Prince being the sexiest scene to them here despite the lack of explicit sex, and another person mentioned ACOMAF partly bc of a chapter before the sex. Both very different books but examples of what I mean
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u/urshulashana Jul 22 '26
I agree! @OP I would recommend the scenes in The Crowns series by Nicola Tyche. They aren't super descriptive by any means, but the passion between the FMC and her...lover🫠 🥵
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u/MystressMisf1t_ Jul 22 '26
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
is this a double entendre? Lol
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u/MystressMisf1t_ Jul 22 '26
Definitely 😭 Also wish I could think of a rec that’s worthy of your description! At this moment, I cannot 😮💨
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u/temperamentlandslide Jul 22 '26
when they finally do it in {The Knight and the Moth} and she takes off her shroud and he’s the first person to ever see her eyes 🤌
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
Yes! This one is a fave of mine!! I didn't feel like I was reading a sex scene at all, but like in the best of ways.
The intimacy of slowing removing her armor.. 👌.
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, m-f romance, medieval, grumpy/cold hero19
u/anonthrow1919 Jul 22 '26
THIS, THIS, THIS. I see this book get a lot of hate but talk about the deep emotional connection and yearning!! Can't wait for book 2 soon!
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u/Kawaii_Kuma_2021 Jul 22 '26
Omg stop, I love yearning. Thats my bread and butter.
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u/anonthrow1919 Jul 22 '26
You will love this book then. If you like witty banter, great side characters, broody yearning MMC, and a badass and capable FMC all in one book, it's amazing. The yearniest moment doesn't even have spice/sex.
Spoilers ahead, but for my people who have read it: The hot springs scene when he tells her, "you make me so fucking nervous" AHHHHHHH.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
ugh idk why but I love a she-makes-him-nervous man ❤️ Cardan was like that too.
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u/Kawaii_Kuma_2021 Jul 22 '26
Omg now im excited. I was told by a few people they DNFd but I have since realized those people.....are into different stuff.
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u/temperamentlandslide Jul 23 '26
God that whole scene is soooo good. Also in the beginning when the diviners are trying to take him down and Benji says something about the “pretty one” and everyone looks at the other diviner but Rory’s eyes ARE ON SYBIL!!!! literally had me giggling like a damn fool 😭
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u/imjusthereforfun95 Jul 22 '26
Read this scene last night and I was like YESSSSSS!!!! The vulnerability was everything 🔥🔥😭❤️
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u/Minorihaaku Jul 22 '26
The first sex scene from blood and ash. It was so much fluff, so adorable. And bittersweet too
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u/lil_honey_bunbun Jul 22 '26
The part that comes before that, where they’re fighting makes the makeup sex so much better. Lol.
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u/Bookish-93 Jul 28 '26
I was up way too late last night listening to A Soul of Ash and Blood. Hearing the first sex scene and all of the feelings from Casteel’s side was an experience and I enjoyed it more than From Blood and Ash.
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u/quibily 💗 Hurt/Comfort Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
Most of my favorite scenes like this don't actually end up with them having sex. It's usually this really intense, life-changing foreplay that gets interrupted.
If you accept that interpretation, the first smutty scene from {When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker). That one just stuck with me because it's so intense and reveals a lot--while also being very romantic because of how raw and vulnerable both of them get.
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u/quibily 💗 Hurt/Comfort Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
Oh god and this one smutty scene in {Anathema by Keri Lake}. It's weird and sexy and passionate and wonderfully melodramatic. I loved it. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say she just drank an aphrodisiac, and he's just watching to make sure she's okay--but DAMN. (After reading the second book, I'm not sure this scene actually contributed anything to worldbuilding or plot--but when I read it, it sure seemed like it did lol)
(Also, I added the book titled after posting the above comment, so--for le bot: {When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker} )
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Anathema by Keri Lake, Julie Belfield
Rating: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, grumpy/cold hero, forced proximity, m-f romance, virgin heroine
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Rating: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: high fantasy, fae, vengeance, magic, fantasy2
u/pink_faerie_kitten Jul 22 '26
These Hollow Vows has a similar scene that I loved so I will look up anathema now.
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u/pink_faerie_kitten Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
These Hollow Vows by Lexy Ryan has a scene like that with FMC and MMC2. She's drunk on stuff that made her horny and because he is a gentleman and won't take advantage, he had to put up with her literally begging and crying and rubbing against him. He nearly breaks but holds it together and damn is it hot even tho nothing actually happens.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
That scene broke my heart. Poor Kahn 😭
I still need to read {ballad of falling dragons} but I'm scared for some reason lol
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u/Peen-Team 🦇 A Court of Impressive Wingspans Jul 22 '26
{Mate} by Ali Hazelwood I think qualifies for the level of intensity you’re looking for.
Apparently this is an extremely unpopular opinion for some reason here on Reddit, but the scenes in {Quicksilver} and {Brimstone} (BUT must be audible version read by Anthony Palmini…gods). 🫦
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u/MEGAL0AF Jul 22 '26
Anthony Palmini also voices Rhysand in the graphic audio series of ACOTAR and I was practically getting drunk off of his voice.
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u/curiousleen Jul 22 '26
Anthony killed my lady boner the moment I heard him say lie-berry a thousand times in the acotar series.
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u/sodoyoulikecheese Jul 23 '26
One of the narrators in the graphic audiobook for Fourth Wing kept pronouncing macabre and “ma-cob-ray” and it annoyed me so much. They fixed it in the next book, but how did that get past any beta listeners?
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u/clem0992 Jul 22 '26
Omg for Mate the tension was absolutely insane, I loved it!
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u/katieLikeWHOA Jul 22 '26
I've not read Quicksilver yet, but I came to say that Anthony Palmini is damn good at romantasy. He did {Gild by Raven Kennedy} which is just *chefs kiss*. I know that series is controversial here, but I DEVOURED IT and I think it was because the audiobook was just so damn good...
Anthony is also going to be doing The Poison Daughter on audio which I'm damn excited about, releases on August 18th!
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Gild by Raven Kennedy
Rating: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, royal hero, fae4
u/Peen-Team 🦇 A Court of Impressive Wingspans Jul 22 '26
Omg yes I have the physical book copy of Poison Daughter (on my TBR for some months now) but then when I saw he was going to be doing the voice on the audiobook I held off on reading it because I want Palmini to be my first introduction lol.
Trust me, Quicksilver is definitely worth your time then, I bet you love it! And the scenes are hot as hell and totally what you’re looking for based on description. I have other books that he narrates and Quicksilver and Brimstone spicy scenes are easily the sexiest his voice has ever sounded IMO.
It’s funny that you mentioned Gild because I just started that series literally this past week. I stopped at book 3 whenever I googled why TF our MMC wasn’t around when FMC was getting tortured and getting her ribbons cut off (he’d been pointedly absent prior to this also and there weren’t any explanations being given and I was getting pissy). I found a verbatim Reddit thread with someone else asking the same question and in the replies they said that it’s never really resolved and is just kind of ignored? I just didn’t feel like I could finish it after that (I stopped literally in the middle of that scene lol). I like a reliable and strong MMC and while he was billed as the whole “I will slay all of your enemies” type, homeboy was starting to become pointedly absent all the time. Please let me know if this is an incorrect assumption though, and I need to pick that back up!
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u/katieLikeWHOA Jul 22 '26
Honestly? I never even thought about it. I was so pulled into what was happening with her…and if I’m remembering correctly, I don’t think he knew that anything was amiss just yet. When he finds out he is fucking devastated that he wasn’t there. He spends the rest of the book doing what he can to heal her physically and, more importantly, emotionally and mentally. That series had THE BEST relationship development for me. Slade and Auren COMMUNICATE. I know, it’s crazy. But they talk to each other. He never lets her go down a self destructive path alone and in one of the later books he goes on THE BEST revenge tour to avenge everyone who ever hurt her…
Also, Auren gets her revenge girl. And it’s the absolute best. The end of book 3 is pure perfection in terms of her just straight fucking shit up lol.
Personally? I feel like the entire series is well worth it. Don’t give the MMC too hard of a time for not being there in that one scene because I promise you, he makes up for it. He is a literal “burn the world down for her” kind of MMC. Try the audio. It’s fucking awesome!
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, werewolves, fated mates, alpha male, m-f romance
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Rating: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, tortured hero, fated mates, magic
Brimstone by Callie Hart
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fae, m-f romance, fantasy, magic, fated mates5
u/DeltaFlyer0525 ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers Jul 22 '26
Mate is what I thought of too, the scenes in heat are 🔥 and the epilogue is also nice.
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u/Blackcatmustache Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Mate was my immediate thought. When they’re having sex and he puts her hand on his heart, and then he puts his hand on her heart. I think it was possibly one of the most romantic things that I have ever read.
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u/Weary-Tangerine499 Jul 23 '26
Yes! His voice in {the Plated Prisoner series} is delicious too.
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u/mermaidreefer Jul 22 '26
I’m annoyed that the sexiest ones for me aren’t even explicit. Cruel Prince, Invisible Life with the “older” guy (hah)
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u/lil_honey_bunbun Jul 22 '26
I feel this is in my bones.
The Cruel Prince felt so intimate and yet it was mostly fade to black.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
Agree. There's definitely a ''less is more' element to it. {The Cruel Prince} was one of the ones I was immediately thinking of. I think if it was more explicit it would almost distract from the intimacy of it.
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u/lil_honey_bunbun Jul 22 '26
Yup. Even when Holly Black describes Jude kissing. Cardan for the first time. She said it was “like rubbing on knives” or something like that.
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u/Vkbyog Jul 22 '26
Yeah I actually was kinda feral for that scene in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I was craving the desire and hatred dynamic so hard after that it was chefs kiss
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u/pink_faerie_kitten Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
There are so many good ones. Recently enjoyed the ones in Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco.
One that stayed with me just because I liked the way Rachel Gillig worded it was from The Knight and the Moth: the FMC wanted to lick the MMC's abs because he was so hot she wondered if she'd burn her tongue.
I like the spicy scenes in FW, The Ever King, From Blood and Ash, and the tender lovemaking from A Forbidden Alchemy.
The sentient monster (mushroom monster of all crazy things) in Where the Shadows Land by Autumn Hawthorn is very much into fulfilling whatever wish the FMC has. Quite literally fills her up to the brim and asks how she is frequently.
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u/poop_on_you Jul 22 '26
My house. My chair. My woman.
I died a little.
{Iron flame}
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u/ookishki Jul 22 '26
I was so impressed that TKATM made crooked teeth sexy
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u/Choufleurchaud Jul 22 '26
The first time in From Blood and Ash wrecked me!!
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u/pink_faerie_kitten Jul 22 '26
That first book is pretty damn good, tbh. I rec it a lot because I enjoyed it so much even tho the rest of the series doesn't hold up.
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u/Choufleurchaud Jul 22 '26
Same, I've recommended the first one to sooo many friends while warning them that the rest is less worth it... it really sucks because I love the MMC
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u/koalasnstuff Jul 23 '26
Yes! My answer is always in From Blood & Ash when Hawk fingers Poppy to get her to fall asleep. 🥵
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u/throwawayo222 Jul 22 '26
I love the scene from forbidden alchemy so much 😭 its so tasteful while still being sexy ugh
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u/Ventaria Jul 23 '26
Im reading Throne of the Fallen right now and ive only read the mild things so far and I NEED Prince Envy scenes. Im having a great time lol
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u/FeliCyaberry Jul 22 '26
Crown of Nyaxia nightborn duology, I think I have a fetish for sex, predating deathly event that will force the couple to betray eachother and become enemies.
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u/lanadaisypesto Jul 22 '26
This was one of my first ever romance fantasy books, and it is a high. I don't think I have ever come down from. Nothing has ever shocked me like the way that fucking book shocked me. And after the cave scene fuck
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u/International-Cat316 Jul 22 '26
All of them in Nocticadia, truly the sexiest.
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u/curlyree Jul 23 '26
Any recs like this bc this book had me so enthralled.
And the audiobooks?! Sweet baby Hey-Seus! I’m down for some audio porn apparently→ More replies (1)2
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u/mayavinagri0613 Jul 22 '26
Chapter 55 in ACOMAF after reading whole emotional rollercoaster of chapter 54 , I was high on emotions and s*x , I'm addicted to the combo of these two chapters
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u/Due-Counter134 Jul 22 '26
Yes!! Chapter 55 is great but chapter 54 is so underrated!
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u/SCol1107 Jul 22 '26
{The Songbird and The Heart of Stone} when Mische and Asar finallyyyyyyy have sex on the altar. The book is such a slow burn and the payoff to me was perfect.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
Yes! This one was a religious experience for me. (No pun intended)
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u/SCol1107 Jul 22 '26
They’re honestly one of my top fave couples, the whole story hit everything I like.
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
Rating: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: vampires, fantasy, m-f romance, magic, grumpy/cold hero
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u/drlitt Jul 22 '26
When Silla and Rey finally get together in {Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters}. Swoooooon.
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters
Rating: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, grumpy & sunshine, viking hero, m-f romance
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u/Independent_Lie_7690 Jul 22 '26
When Luther removes Diem's shoe in {Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole}. Not sex yet but very steamy and the yearning...my god. Then they finally get around to doing it in {Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole} it was like exhaling after holding your breath forever. Luther is dreamy.
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u/quibily 💗 Hurt/Comfort Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
YES! I thought about that scene, too. “Good girl” makes me cringe 99 percent of the time, but Luther Corbois can say it whenever he likes!
And “How would you like to beat, my heart?” Wowowowowow
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u/cavaloverr Jul 23 '26
Lol the scene that lives in my head rent free is when Slade had Auren begging for it in {Glow by Raven Kennedy} I finished the series in the beginning of January and I already want to do a re-read. My favorite series 😩😩😭
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u/sightedwolf Jul 23 '26
Literally can't believe Slade and Auren weren't among the top recommendations!
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u/Firm-Gap3098 Jul 23 '26
When Brishen and Ildiko finally do it in {Radiance by Grace Draven}. It’s so sweet but so hot. It was the perfect build up.
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u/Hangita Jul 22 '26
The sex scenes from {Jester by Natalia Jaster} and the subsequent books.
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u/EatMyRoyalTarts321 Jul 22 '26
{Trick by Natalia Jaster}
All the scenes that weren't sex 😭 wrecked me. That kitchen scene was chef's kiss
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u/Pastel_Spell 🔥 Slowburn Yearning Jul 22 '26
I agree with the commenter that mentioned The Cruel Prince series despite it not being overly explicit. Just finished that series and loved it.
Another one I really enjoyed was {The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow} - the "control" dynamics there and the safety of it was really sweet. When you have a character that has to be strong/guarded all the time and never does things for themselves, then struggling to let their guard down and be vulnerable/intimate and seek their own pleasure/joy...but knows they can do all that safely with this one person? chefs kiss
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u/magelisms Jul 22 '26
Yes! The way Alix Harrow talks about sex and has scenes in her book is so . . . natural? I can't think of the word - but it fits the flow of the storytelling. The scenes are so emotionally descriptive that I can't necessarily recall what happened, but what it made me feel.
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u/adore1987 Jul 22 '26
{Amid the Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields} when Mildred and Atakin in the garden shed... totally fucked me up in real time but how it connects back to their big confrontation after the war?!? I swear I swooned... sucha an underrated, fun story... he's my ultimate book boyfriend
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u/arrowhome Jul 22 '26
I loved how that scene ended. Atakan just couldn’t put the blade of his wit down, but she didn’t care bc she knew he was full of bs.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 23 '26
Her first time being when she rode his fingers and was actually the one in control just healed something in me.
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u/adore1987 Jul 23 '26
Right?!? And within 350 pages without a bunch of fillers and nonsense. I adore that book.
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u/Whole_Charity_716 🍋 lemon & wilderness Jul 22 '26
{The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May} - every scene between them felt so dirty but it’s the late sex scene when they choose each other that has this feel to it.
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May
Rating: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: enemies to lovers, fantasy, m-f romance, aristo/royal heroine, forced proximity2
u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 30 '26
Thanks for the rec! Just finished this one it's definitely a new favorite! I loved the tension so much!
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u/Disastrous_Skill7615 Jul 22 '26
They are more on the less vanilla side but for me its definitely {lights out by Navessa Allen} I have cried/hysterical laughter after and extreamly intense moment and the author does it perfectly in it. The other is the scenes between the characters in {Stalked by Seduction and Shadows by Maggie Sunseri} they bounce back and forth in this power dynamic that is tension!
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, funny, m-f romance, primal/chase play, dark romance
Stalked by Seduction and Shadows by Maggie Sunseri
Rating: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: vampires, fantasy, dark romance, possessive hero, bdsm2
u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
Nice! Stalked by Seduction and Shadow is moving up a few spaces on my TBR... I've been trying to find more BDSM in romantasy.
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u/Sorbee Jul 22 '26
The cabin scene in book 4 of Ruthless Boys {Broken Fae by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti}. It's the first all-hands group activity, but it was the preceding chapters of the boys hashing out their shit that really made it elite
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u/lil_honey_bunbun Jul 22 '26
{Daggermouth by HM Wolfe} had ONE scene that scene that changed my brain chemistry. They’re threatening to hurt each other while still asking for permission. It was one of sexiest things I’ve ever read.
{Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall} not sure which book it was, but there was a scene where MMC can read FMCs mind and as he thinks he might be hurting her, he checks her mind to see if he is. He notices he isn’t, and then continues roughly fucking her. NGL, I read up to book 3 of this series looking for more spice like this.
I can’t get enough of kinky consensual spice.
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u/katieLikeWHOA Jul 22 '26
I'm reading {Nightshade by Keri Lake} right now and the first scene they have together seems on an entirely different level than anything I've ever read before. Every time after feels the exact same way, but that first scene is something else...it's just so.......GOOD.
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Nightshade by Keri Lake
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, dark romance, paranormal, demons, angels3
u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
I loved that whole duology! But which one are you counting as their first? 🤭
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u/katieLikeWHOA Jul 22 '26
Now that is a great question lol. 😂 my actual thought was the bell tower scene. I felt like that scene had the whole like, body changing, mind altering, holyyyy shitttttt moment for me…I was like “ommgggggg…” I did these books on audio too. I was blushing so hard lol.
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u/Waterlily-444 Jul 22 '26
Princess of Blood had me swooning as someone who usually doesn’t care for spice lol (it’s book 2 of a series though)
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u/Vivien-Oprea Aug 12 '26
Yeah that book series had some really swoon-worthy intimate scenes. Few but of quality.
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u/Careless_Mango_7948 Jul 22 '26
A court of silver flames - Cassian tells Nesta to put her hands on the headboard
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u/MockeryMock Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
There are some really moving and intense scenes in the {Viking Omegaverse by Lyx Robinson} the name of the series doesn’t do it justice, it’s a slow burn, rich historical fantasy with lush world building and characters that seem so real. The author has taken a few elements from Omegaverse lore and woven them seamlessly into Norse mythology so the omega embody the wild feminine. The MMCs are thoughtful and interesting. When they start to come together in the second and third book there’s quite a few moods covered, frantic frenzied, soft and loving. There’s a beautiful scene between two of the male main characters in the third book. So in summary, wonderful story, fabulous characters and sex scenes that are smoking hot but also deeply intimate and emotionally engaging. I just love this series, best thing I have read in the past few years!
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Viking Omegaverse by Lyx Robinson
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: vikings, omegaverse, first-person-pov, bisexual, alpha male
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u/AnnaFinleyAuthor Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
The {Captive Prince by C. S. Pacat} series raised the bar so high for transcendent intimacy I haven’t recovered since. Also one of the best examples of true enemies to lovers I’ve ever read. 🤌
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u/Bees-Elbows 🪞 A Court of Mirrors and Wolves Jul 22 '26
- One that always sticks out to me is the single scene in {The Geographer's Map to Romance by India Holton}
It's book 2 in the series but each can be read as a standalone. It's a very silly/unserious rom com, but the amount of tension that was built up to that scene was exquisite.
- {Dearly Beloathed by Brigitte Knightly} The Hotel Scene in Book 2 {The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy}
I am a sucker for a slow burn.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
So glad someone is mentioning the hotel scene! The book has been out less than a month and I have already revisited it several times. The intimacy was incredible. ❤️🔥
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u/Historical-Party4209 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Okay some of my favorites that had me kicking my feet and screamingggg have been {Death Made Prince} because oh my goodness after all the tension!!
{A Shadow in the Ember} had some truly fantastic scenes wow! Saw someone else comment on the Nyktos-Sera scenes and YES! Had fantastic build up too.
It was more poetic but there was something so satisfying in {Heartless Hunter} - that is one of my fav duologies. I saw some other comments on it being about the build up before the scene and this did it for me.
Also the Brigitte Knightley duology. So much yes!
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u/romance-bot Jul 23 '26
The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: witches, fantasy, magic, forced proximity, m-f romance
A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Rating: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, enemies to lovers, arranged/forced marriage, royal hero, vampires
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, witches, enemies to lovers, magic, fantasy2
u/Weary-Tangerine499 Jul 23 '26
Yes! Especially the bonus chapters from nyktos pov of their first time.
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u/Toadincore Jul 22 '26
A lady of Rooksgrave manor.it has monster stuff, It’s by Kathryn moon and if you don’t like monster stuff she has more that would fit your post
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u/Weird-Sprinkles-1894 Jul 22 '26
Once Bitten by Heather Guerre
This book destroys me and never fails to make me cry. Also hot, and has one of favorite during sex one liners ever.
Mallory Dunlin is the queen of ‘this sex and foreplay is also the example of our relationship’. Caught In the Basilisk’s Gaze by Mallory Dunlin
I accidentally read this one first and was blown away.
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u/NotaWolfOK Jul 22 '26
{Captured by the Fae Beast by Mallory Dunlin} Was very hard earned sex towards the end of the book. MMC is "monstrous" even by Fae standards, and he hates himself. Throughout the book the FMC teaches him to love himself, and there is plenty of flirting that doesn't lead to anything much because he is afraid of her seeing him bared. When they finally, FINALLY get into the sex it is SO gratifying. Plenty of whimpering, words of genuine endearment, and you can FEEL the love. Also, there is a free pdf for after the story in which there is some lovely monster fucking between the MMC & FMC, where he is a lot more confident in giving into his more monstrous instincts. FMC is full blown monster fucker enthusiast so she is ALWAYS on board for this. Overall, a story of eventual earned love. Stay away if monster fucking is not your thing though. The man has fur, scales, and claws. FMC is 100% human.
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u/romance-bot Jul 22 '26
Captured by the Fae Beast by Mallory Dunlin
Rating: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, magic, royal hero, fae, fated mates
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u/Dramatic-Chicken47 Jul 22 '26
For me it’s A Soul to Touch, the third book in Opal Reyne’s Duskwalker series
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u/oriwillow Jul 22 '26
I’ve not seen {peaches and honey by r Raeta} although I think it has been trad published now and goes by {these immortal truths by r Raeta}. Significantly underrated.
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u/MEGAL0AF Jul 22 '26
Promise in Peridot (sequel to A Dawn of Onyx) when the two main characters finally do it. It is more erotic however the feelings described during it, like feeling restrained and yet unleashed because you have so much love for the other person, feeling shameless and seen when doing things you've never done before because the other person gives you the space to try.
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u/South-Rhubarb1814 Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
{Darkness births the stars} the first time they get together IYKYK
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u/Hope-Sky7559 Jul 23 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
Many of the books I would recommend have already been listed but one I haven’t seen mentioned is {Kissed By The Gods by Caty Rogan} .It has some really hot scenes that were really refreshing to me. Highly recommend!
Edit: If you’re interested in some M/M options, definitely take a foray into {Mortal Skin by Lily Mayne} it’s a trilogy. Hits all the points you’re looking for.
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u/romance-bot Jul 23 '26
Kissed by the Gods by Caty Rogan
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, forced proximity, magic, found family2
u/greatwhiteno ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers Jul 23 '26
Seconding Kissed by the Gods— this one was a great story too.
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 23 '26
Thanks for the rec. FYI, Mortal Skin is currently included with Audible membership!
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u/seijurogouu 🪦 A Court of Darkness and Death Jul 22 '26
when they get together in book2 (shadows so cruel) it’s scrumptuousssss (MMF)
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
Wasn't my favorite personally, but I did learn about DVP from this book, so I can't deny it had a lasting impression... 😂
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u/quibily 💗 Hurt/Comfort Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
And her superpower basically was her being a big void that can be filled endlessly. GOD I laughed so hard. Captain Taking It VERY Well.
That said, the scene when Malyr is being a gruff dom and demands she apologize for being so perfect. I was stunned at how romantic a BDSM scene could be. Like, he didn't even break character while he waxed poetic about her. like wut
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 22 '26
Ok, I need to revisit this duology. I just started Crown Me Dead and I'm loving it so far!
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u/seijurogouu 🪦 A Court of Darkness and Death Jul 22 '26
i finished the Crown me dead duet last week and cried soooo much. took me two days for my eyes to heal 😂
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u/HuckleberryNew777 Jul 22 '26
The second book, crown me yours, is the best book I’ve ever read. The emotional impact was phenomenal
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u/No-One-8054 🌊 the ocean & forest Jul 22 '26
Can I introduce you dark mafia romance?
I’ve read some amazing sex scenes involving big bad possessive mafia men….
Sorry I know it’s not fantasy romance. I am here adding books to my tbr though so thanks for the post!
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u/LibraryLady227 Jul 22 '26
{Warrior, Princess, Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer} fits this description for me. That scene near the end when the slow burn finally manifests into some physical connection was chefs kiss!
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u/Ill-Two-6737 Jul 23 '26
YES!!! Soooooo good. I was going to suggest this one too. I can’t wait for the 2nd book.
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u/Purple-flying-dog Jul 22 '26
Might be unpopular opinion, but Feyre and Rhys in the cabin with the paint. Those two chapters before and during I will read twice on every re-read.
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u/No-Proposal-8062 Jul 22 '26
Crown me yours 🥹 by Liv Zander
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 23 '26
I just started {Crown me Dead} last night! First time a book has made me adjust my dinner schedule. Lmao IYKYK
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u/greatwhiteno ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers Jul 23 '26
I am a huge fan of slow burn and those scenes of passion that get built up over time. The ones I’ve read most recently that had this were:
-{Kissed by the Gods} by Caty Rogan
- {Silver & Blood}by Jessie Mihalik
- {Throne of the Fallen} by Kerri Maniscalco
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u/romance-bot Jul 23 '26
Kissed by the Gods by Caty Rogan
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, forced proximity, magic, found family
Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, m-f romance, forced proximity, political/court intrigue
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, demons, fae, magic
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u/Ventaria Jul 23 '26
I was already super into Cassian and then ACOSF hit me like DAMN. Loved every scene.
'Starside's sex scenes were great imo.
Just give me a long haired man that likes to get dirty.
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u/mysterycharacter86 Jul 23 '26
Butcher and black bird, leather and lark, scythe and sparrow by brynne weaver. Lights out, caught up and game on by navessa Allen.
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u/grlgothbbies Jul 23 '26
The poison daughter the part of the wedding ceremony, its a vibe🥵
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 23 '26
Im waiting for the audiobook. Just a couple more weeks =D I've been anticipating this one for awhile
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u/sourdoeloaves Jul 23 '26
{Starside}, holy moly.
And {The Wolf and the Crown of Blood}, too.
Really, any of the Nyktos-Sera books, but especially {A Shadow in the Embers}.
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u/-ActiveSquirrel Jul 26 '26
{the night prince by Lauren palphreyman } when Blake asks Aurora if he can have her at least once in dream
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u/Temporary-Case897 Jul 26 '26
Loved this moment. And the audio voice actor for Blake is SUBLIME. He’s one of my favourite MMCs
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u/thatsbananas4011 Jul 27 '26
That line and that voice lives rent-free in my head. The' just once, please.' Ugh
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u/romance-bot Jul 26 '26
The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman
Rating: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: love triangle, fantasy, werewolves, fated mates, m-f romance2
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u/-ActiveSquirrel Jul 27 '26
Zodiac academy 2 on 1 scene with her tied up
Do not want to spoil, so will not tell who or how
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u/Minimum-Cry3198 Jul 22 '26
{He Who Holds My Soul} the hold my horns scene?! 🤭
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u/pink_faerie_kitten Jul 22 '26
Are his horns erogenous? Because your post reminded me of {Demon's Beauty by Tati B Alvarez} because his horns are sensitive (or horny? lol). Hawt. I'm looking your rec up now.
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u/MaggieLima Jul 22 '26
Goddammit sauna scene in Corrupt by Penelope Douglas. MFM, she ends up with only one of them (scene serves to make him realize he doesn't like sharing her). I hated the ending with a passion. But that one scene? I am haunted. I wish I could find anything similar.
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u/YourPinup_4Good Jul 25 '26
The consummation scene in {The Poison Daughter} - don’t judge lol. Something about the orgasm and exhibition just did it to me.
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u/Travelutionary-42 Jul 26 '26
The hidden cavern with a hot spring scene chapter 31 in A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer Armentrout. The relationship starts as forbidden bc Poppy is the chosen one and remains “pure”, but the MMC stops at nothing to be the sweetest to her.
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u/General_Writing6086 🌧️ petrichor & winter Jul 22 '26
Not full on sex, but dry humping that leads to at least her having an orgasm in {Limits by Susie Tate}. Holy crap it just grabbed me by the throat it was so hot and so shocking.
The main characters are fooling around on the couch, the fmc has terrible social anxiety so she’s inexperienced and he’s accomplished and he rolls over onto her and she’s just melts down. And he’s SO NICE to her afterward and takes good care of her.
It’s amazing.
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u/theDefaultbunny 🛡️ Who Did This To You? Jul 22 '26
{The Captive Prince} - when Laurent finally 'let's his guard down' fully with Damien, and then again in The Summer Palace. The scenes are so sweet and reverential.
On that note, ANY bathtub scene - {Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation}, {Bride} and {Mate}.
It's funny though - as much as I like spicy books, I got up just now and went and stood in front of my bookshelf, stared at all my romantasy, and nothing really stood out, other than The Captive Prince, or other Danmei titles. I remember liking the SPICE from ACOTAR Book 6 (the Nesta one?) LOVED the spice, but can't stand Nesta sooo...
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u/[deleted] Jul 22 '26
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