Sexy Books: Fantasy, Science Fiction and LGBT Treasures

Takeaway: From alien encounters to virtual reality sex games, this list veers away from mainstream, but still has something for everyone.

Did our recent list of classic and kinky erotic novels leave you panting for more? Then read on. This time around we’re taking a look at some of the more unusual erotic stories on the market. From alien encounters and virtual reality sex games to gay love during the Civil War, these stories celebrate sex that veers away from the mainstream!

Fantasy and Science Fiction Smut

"Kushiel's Dart" by Jacqueline Carey

What it's all about: Phèdre is a talented courtesan and gifted spy who discovers a plot to destroy the sexually liberated land of Terre d’Ange. This is the first in a trilogy of books that see Phèdre fighting to save her homeland while pushing her body to its limits.

Why you'll love it: Carey’s Phèdre could so easily have become a clichéd sexpot, but she’s a powerful heroine that moves the action along. The sadomasochistic sex scenes are steamy, but the storyline’s just as good.

"The Velderet" by Cecilia Tan

What it's all about: Tired of the repressive regime of their vanilla planet, roommates Kobi and Merin travel to a virtual world to satisfy their desires for domination. It’s a good thing too, because when a tribe of kinky aliens looks to conquer the planet, our heroes know just how to handle them!

Why you'll love it: This is the first full-length novel from this acclaimed erotic short story writer, and it's exciting to find something meatier to sink your teeth into. The sex is hot, but it’s also anchored by a compelling plot and well-drawn characters.

"Thrones of Desire: Erotic Tales of Swords, Mist, and Fire," edited by Mitzi Szerato

What it's all about: "Thrones of Desire" is a collection of salacious short stories inspired by the iconic "Game of Thrones"series. This is a classic fantasy, where elements of chivalry, sorcery and revenge come together - with a healthy dose of lust, of course.

Why you'll love it: It's everything you loved about "Game of Thrones", but sexier. The contributing writers skilfully create tales that are as romantic as they are steamy.

"Embrace the Night" by Crystal Jordan

What it's all about: It seems like your classic tale of a woman searching for a one-night stand to erase the pain of a love lost. Except that our heroine’s a witch, her ex has been found dead and the lover she wasn’t meant to ever meet again is the detective investigating the case.

Why you'll love it: It might have werewolves and vampires, but it’s no "Twilight" (although you may be surprised to learn that that's the story that inspired "Fifty Shades of Grey.". Instead, this is a grown-up fantasy tale, with warlocks, elves, a liberal sprinkling of magic, and plenty of down and dirty sex.

"Eroma" by Piers Anthony

What it's all about: The novel takes us inside a steamy virtual reality game, where the players must complete sexual challenges to take the prize. As the virtual players are pushed to their limits, an eager audience watches their every move.

Why you'll love it: It’s more explicit than Piers Anthony’s more mainstream fodder, but it has the twists and rapid pace that made him a household name. And because it's an e-book, you can enjoy it in public - without the disapproving stares.y

LGBT Erotica

"Purgatory: A Novel of the Civil War" by Jeff Mann

What it's all about: Ian Campbell, a closeted Confederate soldier, is charged with watching over captive Union recruit Drew Conrad. Despite fighting for opposing sides, the men cannot deny the attraction between them.

Why you'll love it: Don’t let the stuffy name and dated black and white cover fool you. This is no dry, historical account of America’s wartime past!

"Don Juan in the Village" by Jane Delynn

What it's all about: Through a series of interconnected short stories, we follow the narrator through Big Apple bars to Los Angeles S&M clubs in the search for Ms. Right.

Why you'll love it: This moving and sensual coming-of-age tale has been celebrated as a must for young lesbians. Delynn’s frank writing style can be confrontational, but it’s also very refreshing to read.

"History's Passions: Stories of Sex Before Stonewall," edited by Richard Labonte

What it's all about: Four writers imagine what it must have been like for gay men living before the liberation that followed the Stonewall rights. Their novellas take us from California’s booming gold mines to the era of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Why you'll love it: By choosing novellas rather than more traditional short stories, Richard Labonte made his anthology much meatier than average. The stories are sensitive to the time periods they’re set in without sacrificing sizzle.

"Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica," edited by Tristan Taormino

What it's all about: This anthology celebrates diversity with stories written by transgender, intersexed, genderqueer and gender-variant authors.

Why you'll love it: The collection doesn’t just pay lip service to gender and sexual diversity; it’s truly inclusive, which makes it a fascinating read no matter what your orientation.

"Scarlet Thirst: Red Hot Diva" by Crin Claxton

What it's all about: Butch dyke Rob shakes up the world of naïve Rani when she introduces her to the vampire lifestyle. Rather than sucking the life from the humans that inhabit their world, these rather more polite creatures simply feed a little from their victims.

Why you’ll love it: Far from just cashing in on the "Twilight" trend, this vampire novel revamps the genre with its vivid descriptions and sassy characters.

Looking for more erotic reading? Check out 10 Must-Read Erotic Novels: Classic and Kink Gems. Do you have a favoriet sexy read? Send us the title!