Whether it’s Jilly Cooper’s infamous Rivals or Fifty Shades of Grey, there are plenty of steamy under-the-cover books out there.
Now, it turns out that nearly half of Brits have been turned on by what they are reading.
A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed that 46 per cent said they have been aroused by a novel – compared to just 21 per cent who said they’re turned on by interacting with their partner.
Meanwhile 20 per cent said they had been turned on by watching porn, and 15 per cent by films.
The poll also revealed that over a quarter of men admit to having periods where they’re more aroused by a piece of literature than pornography.
It comes as figures show in the last three years, sales of romance and saga fiction in Britain have more than doubled to their highest point in the last decade.
The survey was commissioned by LELO, a Swedish company that manufactures sex toys.
Kate Moyle, in-house psychotherapist for the company, said: ‘Erotic fiction leaves more room for imagination to play a part in fantasies and desires, as it allows the reader to model their own versions of the meaning and writing.
‘Unlike visual content, which dictates a version of attractiveness that may not fit everyone’s preferences, literature gives readers the freedom to tailor the erotic experience.
‘This is why we’ve seen such a rise in audio-erotica popularity—it enables people to craft a version of what is most erotic for them.’
She said reading erotic fiction can also offer a ‘boost’ to our sex lives and make people turn towards a more ‘sexual’ mindset.
‘The act of reading is focused and engaged, which can also promote relaxation,’ she said.
‘In a world full of distractions, technology, and constant notifications, reading allows us to immerse ourselves in a narrative fully.
‘When this is combined with sexually interesting or erotic content, it can build anticipation—one of our most natural aphrodisiacs.
‘By narrowing our attention on the story, reading plays a critical role in evoking desire and arousal.
‘Reading also helps create the context for responsive desire, which can be triggered by sexual or erotic stimuli.
‘When the environment feels right, and the brain is exposed to something it finds erotic, this can help shift us from a non-sexual headspace to a sexual mindset.
‘Many people struggle with distractions that negatively impact arousal, so erotica (or audio-erotica) serves as a great prompt or platform for sexual experiences—both solo and partnered.’
‘New sexual experiences or content introduce novelty into our lives, breaking routines and reigniting passion.
‘In long-term relationships or with regular partners, predictable sex can reduce desire over time. Erotica provides a fresh injection of excitement and can boost sex lives significantly.’
