'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov is often considered. While it's a complex and controversial work, its prose is highly regarded. The story is told from the perspective of Humbert Humbert, a man with an obsession for a young girl. It's not strictly a traditional erotica novel but has elements that are often associated with the exploration of sexual themes in literature.
One of the well - known ones is 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E. L. James. It became extremely popular and explored certain BDSM themes within a relationship. However, it also received a fair amount of criticism for its writing style in some aspects. Another is 'The Story of O' by Pauline Réage, which is a classic in the erotica genre, delving deep into themes of submission and domination.
Some of the best erotica novels include 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov, although it is also a complex and controversial work that goes beyond just being erotica. It has beautiful prose and a disturbing yet captivating narrative. 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn also has some elements of sensuality that make it a favorite for those who like a bit of steam in their historical romance. And 'Bared to You' by Sylvia Day is another popular one. It has a story of a damaged hero and a strong - willed heroine, and their passionate relationship is at the heart of the novel.
'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. The love between Heathcliff and Catherine is wild and all - consuming. It's a story full of passion, jealousy, and longing. While not erotica, it explores the extreme ends of love and relationships in a way that is both captivating and deeply emotional.
'Bared to You' by Sylvia Day is also highly regarded. It has a similar feel to 'Fifty Shades' in terms of the passionate relationship between the main characters, Eva and Gideon. It's full of steamy scenes and an intense love story that keeps readers hooked.
One well - known one could be 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It has elements of fantasy and a strong romantic undercurrent that some might consider has an erotica - like allure. The vivid world - building and complex characters add to its charm.
Rather than erotica graphic novels, I would suggest 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It's a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian revolution, offering deep insights into culture, identity, and coming - of - age.
Some readers might consider 'The Sookie Stackhouse series' by Charlaine Harris to be in this category. The relationship between Sookie and the vampire Bill has a certain erotic quality to it, along with all the supernatural elements and mysteries that are going on in the story.
A well - crafted plot is also crucial. Take 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. The epic journey, the battles between good and evil, and the various sub - plots all come together to create a rich and engaging story that has captivated readers for decades. The world - building in the novel is also extraordinary, which is another important aspect of great non - erotica novels.
One popular one is 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E. L. James. It tells a story of a young woman, Anastasia Steele, who enters into a complex and passionate relationship with the wealthy and mysterious Christian Grey.
A relatively new addition might be 'Asking for It' which tackles BDSM in a more modern context. It shows how consensual BDSM relationships can be formed and maintained while also dealing with the emotions and psychology of the characters involved.
Some people might recommend 'The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty' by Anne Rice (writing as A. N. Roquelaure). It's a very sensual retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story. 'Beauty's Punishment' and 'Beauty's Release' which are also part of the series are also great in this regard. These novels are full of intense erotic and romantic scenarios that take the classic fairy tale in a very different and adult - oriented direction.