Autumn Escapades: The Coco De Mer Reading List
As the crisp air and golden hues of autumn settle in, there's no better moment to cosy up with a captivating book allowing your imagination to wander.
Allow us to share some of our recent seasonal favourites. From thought-provoking essays and lyrical reflections to irresistible fiction, we've got the perfect reads to accompany your intimate evenings in.
Draw the curtains, slip into something comfortable, light a candle (our pick is of course the Enraptured Figment Massage Candle) and unwind with our autumn escapades.
Rediscover the sensual powers of a good book…
She Chose to Love: Empowering Poetry, Yvette Dulo
A stirring collection of poems that delves deep into the essence of love, resilience, and self-discovery.
With each verse, Dulo invites readers on a transformative journey, celebrating the strength found in vulnerability and the beauty in choosing love—even in the face of adversity. This powerful anthology offers a voice to the silenced and a beacon of hope to those seeking empowerment through the written word.
Whether you're on a path of healing or simply in search of inspiration, Dulo’s poetry will resonate deeply, reminding you of the power and grace within every choice to love.
Slow Pleasure, Euphemia Russell
A profound exploration of the art of slowing down and embracing pleasure in its fullest, most mindful form.
Russell guides readers on a journey to rediscover sensuality and joy, emphasising the importance of presence, self-awareness, and connection in cultivating a fulfilling life. Through a blend of personal insights, practical exercises, and thoughtful reflections, Slow Pleasure encourages a deeper understanding of how we experience pleasure, urging us to move away from instant gratification and towards a more intentional, embodied way of living.
This book is a gentle yet powerful invitation to savour every moment, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary.
An empowering memoir that invites readers to join the author on her journey of self-discovery, body positivity, and radical self-love.
With raw honesty and unapologetic vulnerability, Lee shares her experiences of overcoming societal pressures, embracing her true self, and redefining what it means to feel good in your own skin. This book is a celebration of womanhood, resilience, and the power of owning your story.
Feeling Myself is not just a narrative of personal growth; it’s a manifesto for anyone looking to break free from self-doubt and reclaim their confidence.
A riveting collection of short stories that unflinchingly explores the complexities of human relationships and the darker side of desire.
With her trademark sharp prose and keen psychological insight, Gaitskill delves into the lives of characters navigating the undercurrents of power, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity. Each story in this groundbreaking collection reveals the raw emotions and hidden motivations that drive our most intimate encounters, making Bad Behaviour a provocative and haunting exploration of the human condition.
If you appreciate bold, fearless fiction, then this book is a must-have modern classic that continues to resonate with its unvarnished portrayal of life’s most uncomfortable truths.
Doing It: Women Tell the Truth about Great Sex, Karen Pickering
A bold and refreshing anthology that brings together candid stories from women about their experiences with sex, pleasure, and intimacy.
This collection challenges societal taboos and stereotypes, offering an honest and diverse look at what great sex means to different women. Through personal essays and reflections, Doing It creates a space for women to speak openly about their desires, fantasies, and the realities of their sexual lives.
This empowering book is a must-read for anyone interested in breaking down barriers and embracing the full spectrum of women’s sexual experiences with authenticity and joy.
Are You Judging Me Yet?, Kim Moore
A powerful and thought-provoking poetry collection that delves into the complexities of judgement, self-perception, and societal expectations.
Moore's evocative poems explore the ways in which we are judged by others and how we, in turn, judge ourselves. With sharp wit and poignant insight, she examines themes of identity, gender, power, and the often-unseen consequences of the experiences. This collection invites readers to confront their own biases and consider the impact of perception on our lives and relationships.
Are You Judging Me Yet? is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of poetry and social critique.
A deeply emotional and beautifully written novel about love, loss, and the possibility of second chances. The story follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a couple who once shared a deep love but were torn apart by grief and heartbreak. As they navigate the complexities of co-parenting and rebuilding their lives, they find themselves drawn back to each other, questioning whether their love can be rekindled. Ryan masterfully explores themes of healing, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love in this poignant tale.
Before I Let Go is a touching, powerful story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced the challenges of moving forward while holding onto hope.
Queer Sex: A Trans and Non-Binary Guide to Intimacy, Pleasure and Relationships, Juno Roche
A groundbreaking and affirming exploration of sexuality, intimacy, and relationships from a trans and non-binary perspective.
Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and insightful advice, Roche challenges traditional notions of sex and pleasure, offering a fresh, inclusive narrative that celebrates diverse experiences. This guide delves into the complexities of queer desire, body positivity, and the journey of self-discovery, providing a vital resource for trans and non-binary individuals—and anyone looking to broaden their understanding of queer intimacy.
An empowering, compassionate book that encourages you to embrace their identities and explore their desires with confidence and joy.
Every Woman is a Poem, Kayode Afolab
A heartfelt and lyrical tribute to the strength, beauty, and complexity of women.
Through a collection of evocative poems, Afolabi celebrates the myriad facets of womanhood, from resilience and grace to love and passion. Each poem captures the essence of what it means to be a woman, offering a blend of admiration and deep reflection.
With rich imagery and powerful emotion, a beautiful homage that invites you to appreciate and honour the women in your lives and the poetry that lives within.
The Art of Joy, Goliarda Sapienza
An epic, sweeping novel that celebrates the fierce determination and boundless spirit of its unforgettable heroine, Modesta.
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 20th-century Italy, this powerful story follows Modesta’s journey from a young girl trapped by poverty and societal constraints to a woman who defies all expectations in her relentless pursuit of freedom, passion, and self-fulfilment. Sapienza’s rich, poetic prose and bold exploration of themes like sexuality, politics, and identity make The Art of Joy a timeless and transformative tale.
This is a novel that dares to challenge conventions and inspire you to embrace the full, unrestrained potential of life.