We asked readers to tell us what their favourite erotic reads were. Here are some of their responses:
Fanny Hill, one of the oldest classic erotic novels. Banned, but read secretly in the parlours of the rich and aristocratic. Nina, Toronto
Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches series are so sexy! Lasher is intoxicating. Julie, Ottawa
A Night in a Moorish Harem. We read this book aloud as a group, boys alternating with girls, Grades 7 to 9, in 1943. It was our first introduction to literary porn. Dick, Sarnia
Our Victoria secret is Madam M. She has written two books called The Little Black Book and The Little Red Book. As Madam says in her introduction, "these are tales to tantalize." We agree. Enjoy. Doug and Susan, Victoria, B.C.
In the lonely days after my first marriage ended, Martin Cruz Smith's Rose caught my breath. It has it all: mystery, history, location – all cloaked in romance. And a luscious love scene involving a bath and gold dust. Vivian Moreau, Victoria, B.C.
The Consummate Husband, by Andy Mong, a noble work of literature and art by a man who knows how to treat his wife like the Queen. Kim, Toronto
Benedetto Casanova: The Memoirs, by Marten Weber. Jamie Smith Tolonen, Victoria, BC
Lady Chatterley's Lover, by D.H. Lawrence. I think many British schoolboys would agree. ;) Ari Swieca, Montreal
Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre contains the most erotic passage ever written in English literature. It's the exchange between Jane and Mr. Rochester when she must leave to tend to her ailing Aunt Reed, who lives 100 miles away from Thornfield. Mr. Rochester doesn't want her to go. They negotiate terms: money, how long she will be away etc. There is no physical contact between them – just words, spoken and unspoken – and body language, but it's a powerful description of how they long for each other. Gives me shivers each and every time I read it. Laurie Glen Norris, Fredericton
Guillaume Apollinaire L es Onze mille verges ( The 11,000 Rods). Surrealistic porn. Hilarious, steamy and a joy to read. Not that it would be tempting, but a great shared read with someone you love. Pat, Toronto
The Fermata by Nicholson Baker is an extraordinarily imaginative and sexy tale of a man who can stop time and create scenes that press every button. Dave, Vancouver
The Republic of Love, by Carol Shields, is one of the best romances I have read. Maria, Ottawa
Like Water for Chocolate, very sensual and extremely well written. George, Alberta
Written on the Body, by Jeanette Winterson. Donna, Montreal