A burgeoning subgenre of fantasy fiction, dubbed “romantasy,” is drawing increased attention – and scrutiny – for its explicit content. While blending romance and fantasy elements isn’t new, recent novels are pushing boundaries with intensely erotic scenes, sometimes featuring encounters with inanimate objects.The trend is particularly popular among teen readers, sparking debate over appropriate categorization and the potential impact on young perceptions of relationships, as detailed in a recent report by Welt.
- Romantasy books featuring explicit sexual content are gaining popularity among teens.
- These stories sometimes include characters engaging in sexual acts with inanimate objects like teddy bears or doorknobs.
- Sixteen-year-old book influencer Mina Perroni views the trend with relative ease.
- However, she criticizes the placement of these so-called “smut” novels in the young adult section.
- A sex therapist emphasizes the importance of providing context for such content.
What’s being dubbed “romantasy” – a blend of romance and fantasy – is having a moment, but a growing subgenre is pushing boundaries with intensely explicit content. These “smut” novels, as they’re often called, are particularly popular with readers aged 14 to 17, and feature erotic scenes that go beyond typical romance tropes, sometimes depicting encounters with objects like doorknobs or pillows.
The trend has sparked debate, particularly regarding the placement of these books in young adult sections. Journalist Marlen Hobrack recently highlighted this issue in an article for Welt.
Examples from the Romantasy Genre
«Banged my Birthday Bear» by Holly Wilde
The story centers around a party favor – a cute teddy bear – that unexpectedly transforms into a muscular man. The protagonist is surprised, but not necessarily repulsed, and proceeds to have sex with the stuffed animal.
Excerpt from the book:
“I was really drunk. So I, like a horny girl would do, started fucking it with my boyfriend. Except he wasn’t. He was passed out on the couch – and I ended up fucking a teddy bear.”
«Unhinged» by Vera Valentine
In this novel, a front door comes to life, developing feelings for the woman who lives inside. The door narrates its experience, describing the excitement of fleeting touches on its knob and surface, ultimately leading to a sexual encounter.
Excerpt from the book:
“Once I went too far: Her breasts pressed against me as she stood on her tiptoes to look through the peephole. Her t-shirt rustled over my smooth surface. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t hold back my bolt – it slid back excitedly at the contact with her soft cheek.”
«Stuffed» by Sylvia Morrow
This story features a talking decorative pillow that the main character idealizes as a “perfect, germ-free” sexual partner. The book explores the idea that the character finds human intimacy uncomfortable and prefers an object that lacks skin, scent, and expectations. A sequel, «Double Stuffed», also exists.
Excerpt from the book:
“My legs clamp tight as I press against the pillow as hard as I can, my pants soaked – and by this point, probably the pillow too. My clitoris is pressed against the layers of fabric, relentlessly rubbed against the firm block of feathers and cotton, over and over again, until my legs clench and tremble.”
«Pounded by Pluto» by Leonard Delaney
According to the Amazon description, the dwarf planet Pluto takes on human form and appears as a mysterious stranger who seduces the protagonist. The plot is intentionally over-the-top, focusing less on astronomy and more on the idea of a celestial body becoming a seductive lover.
What are your thoughts on romantasy books with explicit scenes being placed in the young adult section?
Why the Appeal for Teens?
Sixteen-year-old Swiss “Booktoker” Mina Perroni experiences the trend daily within her online community. “Many are looking for curiosity, orientation, and a safe space to test feelings or boundaries.” She also points to the power of social media hype: “What is frequently recommended automatically ends up on the reading lists of younger users.” Perroni admits she herself often read smut novels in the past.
She views the examples cited with a degree of detachment. “For me, much of it seems more like exaggerated fantasy or even humor, less like realistic erotica.” She believes these scenes are often deliberately dramatized for entertainment purposes, rather than accurately portraying sexual reality. However, she acknowledges the potential impact, stating, “Without personal experience, the perception of relationships could shift.”
Perroni is critical of the placement of these novels in the young adult section. “Young adult is often associated with ages 12 to 16 – and that definitely doesn’t fit with the titles mentioned. More transparent and precise categorization would be sensible and necessary.”
“If a Book Resonates, They’re Usually Ready for It”
Zurich-based sex therapist Katrin Lukas doesn’t believe erotic literature is inherently problematic for young people. “Young people are constantly exposed to sexual content today. What’s crucial is the framework within which they can contextualize such scenes – their knowledge of bodies, consent, relationships, and desire.”
She finds a strict age limit unhelpful: “If a young person finds a book engaging, they are usually internally prepared for it.” More important is guidance and context. “Without age-appropriate education, perceptions of bodies or role models can become distorted.” Because many young people are reluctant to discuss sexuality with their parents, other avenues are needed: “Parents can make information accessible, but it’s important to have accessible, professional resources – online, in apps, or in short videos.”
She emphasizes that literature can create opportunities for discussion and self-reflection.
Thomas Sennhauser (ths) has been working for 20 Minuten since 2020. He began as a video journalist and moved to the News & Society department after two years, where he writes about social issues and analyses events abroad.
