Sex Work in Romance Novels
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I want to say that it is hard to believe that in this day and age, sex work is shamed more than it is supported, but unfortunately, it is true. It’s impossible to collect actual demographics, but stigma is very slow to force its way out of the cultural consciousness. While those who engage in criminalized sex work categories may garner more sympathy in contemporary conversations, those who choose to earn their money in other forms of sex work – including adult entertainment, cam work, paid BDSM work, and other forms of erotic work that involve the use of their bodies for visual and physical stimulation – are seen as less acceptable ways to make money.
Sex work has always appeared in romance novels, but historically never in a positive way. Particularly in old-school historical romances, both Regency and Western romance writers have found endless ways to introduce us to the destitute woman who might eventually become a prostitute if she was not rescued by the leading man. As the genre evolved and the sex-positive movement began to incorporate sex work, more nuanced portrayals of sex workers began to emerge, including those working in categories where money was exchanged for physical intimacy. Beverly Jenkins has portrayed several characters who have made lemonade out of their own situations, far from the stereotypical blushing virgins. And I’ve compiled a few more books featuring people who engage in different types of sex work, including cam work, exotic dancing, and sex work in its most traditional form.
you me Us By Brigitte Bautista
Liza and Joe are best friends living in Manila. While Liza, a sales clerk, is trying to obtain a green card marriage to lift herself and her family out of poverty, Joe is (relatively) content with his life as a sex worker. It’s a slow, gradual process between two friends accepting their feelings for each other, and it involves both characters having sex with other people as they act romantically toward each other. This is a fantastic novel, although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Sections and Schemes By Rebecca Kinkade
When Valeria and her neighbor Landon find out they are about to die, they decide to act on their charm and literally go out with a bang. They then discover that the missile warning was an accident, and they must deal with the fallout. Cam girl Valeria is hesitant to enter into a relationship with a lawyer, and Landon is hiding his secrets. Come for the sexy times, stay for the fun (and for the creation of the second and third books of the series).
please by AH Cunningham
The stereotypical image of someone who performs BDSM-related sex work is probably that of a working Dom, wearing vinyl and buckles, carrying a whip and ordering men to shut up and be a man. But AH Cunningham gives us a softer perspective, introducing us to the single dad learning to be a Dom and the professional submissive who works with him in the Gold Room. Outside of this club, the two butt heads have no knowledge of their other relationships; Here, there is only Ayesha, a dance teacher, and Mr. Davenport, the father of one of her students.
just for the camera By Viano Onyeomoh
What happens when you do sex work as a couple, but the one thing that can make your life complete is having your best friend and roommate join in? Kiyan and Jordan have an amazing relationship and a successful channel. When Luca gets involved with a little imagination, there’s a whole extra level of complexity to navigate. I love Viano Onyeomoh’s books for their incredible, unapologetic representation of weird, fat, black characters who have both confidence and insecurity.
If you’re looking for even more classic examples of sex work, there are a few more that I don’t have space to go into detail about, but I want to make sure to mention:
If you’re looking for more books about sex work, check out this list Non-romance about sex work by sex workers. And yes, check whether we’re talking about romance.