Samantha from Sex and The City is a sexually empowered icon that every fan knows and loves, and her sexual escapades are healthily supported by her friends. But what about empowered icons away from the screen and on the page? And what constitutes “sexually empowered” anyhow?
For us here at Bookstr, we’re looking at characters that own their sexuality, and aren’t ashamed of their pleasure, regardless of how many partners they have. Read on for some book recs that feature steamy protagonists who own their sexual prowess in titillating prose.
Henry “Monty” Montague from A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Monty is known from page one to be frisky with various genders throughout his story. He isn’t afraid to satisfy his sexual needs, despite the time period being one where a man lying with another man is highly looked down upon. Throughout the book, Monty is comfortable with his sexuality and engages in games like strip poker. In love with his best friend Percy, and in the midst of coming to terms with his feelings, Monty sleeps with men and women, parties in gentlemen’s clubs, and gambles in an attempt to live life to the fullest before having to take over his father’s estate.
Opal Devlin from Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
Despite past breakups with not so great partners, Opal Devlin owns her own pleasure when it comes to sex with her reluctant roommate Pepper. The two don’t see eye to eye at first, aside from confirming their attraction to each other with the fact that Opal had bought Pepper’s flower farm from Pepper’s estranged mother. Opal is the one who suggests that they sleep together to lessen the tensions, and even encourages Pepper to explore her own sexual desires in the bedroom. Their romance starts as steamy before ending somewhere supportive and sweet.
Violet Sorrengail from Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This one is a no-brainer. The Dragon Rider core is oozing with promiscuity, due to the fact that there’s no guarantee for tomorrow with the war going on. The heated connection between Violet and Xaden Riorson is highlighted from the beginning when Violet states that Xaden is the hottest man she’s ever seen before finding out his identity. While Violet does try to resist the magnetic pull towards Xaden at the beginning of the book due to his background as a marked one, she gives into temptation and falls into bed with him with no regrets.
Overall, regardless of how many partners you have, feeling sexually empowered is at the end of the day being comfortable in your skin, and finding what you and your current partner like in sexy situations. Whether that’s trying new things or keeping the routine in the bedroom, you have the power to feel sexually charged like the characters on this list.
If you’re looking for more sexual tension, check out the article here.
On the opposite side of the spectrum? Try this article instead.
