Talk Pleasure to Me is our series where we talk to experts on sex, relationships, and caring for your body (& mind) so you can get inspired on your pleasure journey and learn from the best.
Carly is the founder of AURORE, a space for literary erotica based on our own best experiences. She holds erotic writing workshops to guide people through the healing power of verbalizing their desires and commemorating the best sex of their lives. AURORE takes submissions and gives all voices a platform to express pleasure.
There’s something so intimate about reading together, sharing a story, or better yet—being read to. This is a lost art and something, in my opinion, we should really bring back. I’m all for audiobooks, but there’s really no voice I’d rather tell me a story than my lover’s.
It’s also a phone-down (or in focus mode) analog activity that forces you to tune into each other (yes, even if you’re reading on your phone. It requires presence and interest and tickles a part of your brain that TV and movies don’t scratch).
I’m a big fan of being read to, personally. My boyfriend reads to me while I’m in the bath — it is pure decadence! And when he’s reading erotica, it gets more than a little spicy.
If you’re interested in connecting more intimately with a lover or partner, let me convince you how and why you should read erotica together.
1. Let an Erotic Story Start The Convo
For those trickier conversations about things you’re sexually interested in, a story can be the perfect way to dip your toe in and feel out your partner’s response. Instead of saying “I want this” use a story to introduce an interest or kink.
If you’d like your partner to be more dominant in bed, you can send them a story modeling this role, like “Forty Eight.” It will educate them and act like a lubricant for more serious discussion where you can lay out desires and boundaries.
Want to be teased excruciatingly? Read them “Instructions for Eating My Pussy Right” which details a very slow oral session.
Perhaps you’re intrigued by consensual non consent? That’s a tough one for many to wrap their heads around. Starting with erotic stories will ease them into it.
2. Send an Erotic Story Like A Sext
Ever heard that foreplay begins when your last sexual experience ends? I love this because it really drives home the idea that everything we do with and towards our partner can be erotic and tend the flame for future intimacy.
But! I also know that in long term relationships and with busy schedules, sending acrobatic nudes and lengthy sexts may be something you don’t have time or energy for.
Enter erotica: let the stories do the work for you! Read something that turned you on? Send the link and tell them that. Want them to read a story to you? Same instructions as above. Or make time at the end of the day to enjoy a story together. Short, sweet, low lift and very effective.
Reading stimulates your imagination and is good for your brain which is actually your largest sex organ! Think about THAT.
3. Reenact an Erotic Story
So much inspiration awaits you in real erotica. You can learn new sex moves, dirty talk, recreate forbidden situations, explore BDSM stories, or step into the characters for a bit of role play.
Want to spice things up by pretending to be strangers meeting at a hotel bar? Read “Staycation” for a script—and definitely have a room pre-booked.
Or pretend to be coworkers like in “Business/Pleasure,” a story that explores power dynamics and a man worshipping his boss (this is definitely an HR violation).
Ever fantasized about an erotic massage? Yeah, me too. “Trust Fall” details a delicious line crossing and how it inspires some big changes in a relationship.
Why Erotica Over Visual Porn?
Watching porn together is a common strategy for couples looking to spice things up. But not all porn is created equal, and sometimes women feel more comfortable reading porn rather than viewing it. There’s a reason why erotica is sometimes thought of as “porn for women” or “porn for her.” And there is so much more to explore beyond traditional porn videos or porn stories — from asmr porn to audio porn to spicy books. Smut stories allow us to step out of our bodies and beauty standards and create desire that looks and feels right for us.
There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy erotic love stories with your partner, but it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Reading hot sex stories helps you…
🖤Better verbalize your desires
🖤Discover hidden wants/kinks/fantasies
🖤Learn new moves and techniques
🖤Ignite your imagination
🖤Become a better lover!
Check out the full library of over 300 sexy stories at ReadAurore.com. Aurore publishes sophisticated smut that centers women’s pleasure. Use code FORIA10 at check out for 10% off a monthly or annual subscription.
Wanna be interviewed for this series?
The Foria Practitioner Program is accepting applications from professionals with expertise in women’s health who wish to recommend Foria products to their clients and professional network To be part of the practitioner program, please apply to our affiliate program. Learn more and apply.
Featured in this article
Want more? Sign up for our newsletter
By entering your email, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and understand our privacy policy.