The most recommended books about swearing

Who picked these books? Meet our 20 experts.

20 authors created a book list connected to swearing, and here are their favorite swearing books.
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Book cover of The Crown of Rosemund

Deirdra Eden Author Of Knight of Light

From my list on fantasy that are the most uplifting.

Why am I passionate about this?

Deirdra has spent the last decade captivating audiences of all ages with her bestselling novels and fairy tales. Her specialty is paranormal theology which delves into documented historical phenomena and natural disasters of biblical proportions. She has a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Community Chaplaincy and works with non-profits to support victims of crime. She enjoys reading and writing books that are uplifting and explores the deeper side (both good and bad) of humanity and our purpose.

Deirdra's book list on fantasy that are the most uplifting

Deirdra Eden Why did Deirdra love this book?

What I love about this book is the positive message the author sends through this story. It has all the right elements of good storytelling in a balanced way. This is a book that is clean and appropriate for teens and pre-teens and one they would also enjoy. The author added in the perfect amount of romance and action without having sex, profanity, or extreme violence or even using these things for the character to get her way. That is real talent there for you. The book also follows the age-old and proven writing method of the hero’s story starting with the reluctant hero who has experienced tragedy and then (although young) she transforms into the queen she was meant to be. I also appreciate that there wasn’t a gender struggle as is very overused in entertainment, but that the author showed both strong men and women working together.

By Michele Ashman Bell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Crown of Rosemund as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Anduron, 1498

The king and queen are dead, murdered by one who will stop at nothing to rule. But the young princess―Rosemund―has survived, spirited deep into the forest by her parents' most trusted advisor. There, she finds refuge in a small cottage and a new life, one in which she must play a role that will ensure her survival. Soldiers are combing the countryside, searching for the lost princess, and they will not rest until she is found―and executed. Rosemund's strength grows as she trains for battle and endures the hardships and dangers of peasant life. When chance brings Maxwell,…


Book cover of The Linden Legacy

Monica Hahn Author Of Tales of Tibercon: The Princess and the Pirate

From my list on pirates you’ll fall in love with.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always had a soft spot for pirates. The romanticized version, of course. They epitomize everything I want in a story: adventure, romance, humor, drama, and danger.  As for my life story, I’ve traveled around the world (22 countries in 3 months), am married (got it right the second time), find something to laugh at every day (myself, usually), have a five-year-old (plenty of drama), and the most danger I’ve ever been in was climbing into the bed of a pick-up truck to avoid a grizzly bear and her cub at 3:00 A.M. in Alaska.  

Monica's book list on pirates you’ll fall in love with

Monica Hahn Why did Monica love this book?

This book combines all of the fun of old-time pirates with a futuristic twist. Callista is finally ready to throw away her cover as a party girl in order to take over her family’s corporation, but then she meets Killian, and her plans are in serious jeopardy. Killian needs to put aside being an alien space pirate long enough to try and help Callista save what’s left of humanity from an intergalactic threat. This is just high-octane fun and who doesn’t love space pirates?  

By Kenley Davidson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Linden Legacy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She’s a spoiled society heiress and a magnet for trouble.
She’s also the only one who can save Earth.

Callista Linden isn’t technically a princess, but she’s lived like one since the day she was born. Her life is all about high heels, high speeds, and high stakes, and heaven help any guy who gets in her way. After years of living from one thrill to the next, no one takes her seriously, and she’s careful to keep it that way.

Callista has big plans for the corporation her mother and grandfather have nearly destroyed, but to gain control, she’ll…


Book cover of Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing

Philip Gooden Author Of Bad Words: And What They Say about Us

From my list on swear words.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write fiction, mostly historical mysteries, and non-fiction, generally about the English language. Both aspects of my writing reflect an interest in the past and how it continually shapes the present. The roots of English go back thousands of years to Latin, Anglo-Saxon, French, and many other sources. Yet the newest term to the vast storehouse of language may have been added only last week. Recently I’ve been writing about oaths, swear words, and bad language.

Philip's book list on swear words

Philip Gooden Why did Philip love this book?

This American title is at the more academic end of books on swearing and oaths. Mohr shows how obscenity evolves over time. Words now considered indecent were acceptable in the Middle Ages while careless invocations of God and Jesus were taboo (that’s not to say they weren’t used). The very title of the book neatly illustrates a difference between US and British culture, with the asterisk being used to soften potential offence in the States. By contrast in the UK, the word usually appears naked and unashamed on the cover (as in Frankie Boyle’s My Shit Life So Far).

By Melissa Mohr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Holy Sh*t as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Almost everyone swears, or worries about not swearing, from the two year-old who has just discovered the power of potty mouth to the grandma who wonders why every other word she hears is obscene. Whether they express anger or exhilaration, are meant to insult or to commend, swear words perform a crucial role in language. But swearing is also a uniquely well-suited lens through which to look at history, offering a fascinating record of what people care about on the
deepest levels of a culture-what's divine, what's terrifying, and what's taboo.

Holy Sh*t tells the story of two kinds of…


Book cover of On the Night of the Seventh Moon

Jessica Russell Author Of Hot Winter Sun

From my list on character-driven historical suspense with romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

My first experience with historical fiction was reading The Witch from the Sea by that iconic author, Victoria Holt. This sparked a 40-year-long love affair with that genre that’s still burning intensely. I’ve been immersed in such fiction for a lifetime and have read the works of virtually every great author in this genre. I started my own series in 2020 because I feared this type of no-fluff fiction was becoming obsolete. There were 17th Century English characters making noise in my head so I used my creative writing background to bring them to life on the pages of my books, under the pen name Jessica Russell. 

Jessica's book list on character-driven historical suspense with romance

Jessica Russell Why did Jessica love this book?

I started reading this story and thought at first that it was average. I was going along, wondering what would happen next, and then slam! I had to sit there and say, “What!” Really?” You couldn’t tear me away from it until the final word! It seems that so many authors these days try to replace poignant, dramatic characters and stellar plots with profanity and graphic sex. This writer does the opposite and this book is the absolute best showcase of that type of talent. There was a twist, and then another twist, and then another twist, yet they were all completely believable. That book stayed with me forever and I’ve read it many times since.

By Victoria Holt,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked On the Night of the Seventh Moon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For generations, Victoria Holt has dazzled and entertained millions of readers with her spine-tingling novels of romantic suspense. On the Night of the Seventh Moon is one of her most evocative, magical, and chilling. Come take a journey into a dark and shadowy forest where nothing is as it seems.…

On the night of the seventh moon, according to ancient Black Forest legend, Loke, the god of mischief, is abroad in the world. It is a night for singing and dancing. And it is a night for love.

Helena Trant was enchanted by everything she found in the Black Forest—its…


Book cover of The Grey Bastards

Aiden L. Turner Author Of The Banner of the Broken Orc: The Call of the Darkness Saga Book One

From my list on featuring orcs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved the fantasy genre for as long as I can remember. From playing Warhammer with my father as a child to first reading The Lord of the Rings, The Magician, and countless other unforgettable novels, I was hooked. The Orc was always my favorite bad guy, with their incredible strength and bloodlust. I have spent many a long hour trying to put myself in the mindset of a being so dark, so brutal, and so lovable. Reading the books on this list, and many more, have helped me develop a foundation in the Orc race that almost makes them real.

Aiden's book list on featuring orcs

Aiden L. Turner Why did Aiden love this book?

This book really adds a different dimension to the Orc race, starting with their blood. The race of half-orcs have a sort of hierarchy based on whether their mother or father was an orc, and they have different attributes both physically and culturally. The story follows a platoon, or hoof, of hog riding calvary that are basically a motorbike gang as they patrol the lawless lands. The language is foul and the characters crude and rough, but the writing is brilliant and I loved how the author brought the outlaw type to the orc race. 

By Jonathan French,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Grey Bastards as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'AN ADDICTIVELY READABLE - AND UNDENIABLY COOL - FANTASY MASTERWORK' Kirkus

BRING ON THE ORCS . . .

Jackal is proud to be a Grey Bastard, member of a sworn brotherhood of half-orcs. Unloved and unwanted in civilized society, the Bastards eke out a hard life in the desolate no-man's-land called the Lots, protecting frail and noble human civilization from invading bands of vicious full-blooded orcs.

But as Jackal is soon to learn, his pride may be misplaced. Because a dark secret lies at the heart of the Bastards' existence - one that reveals a horrifying truth behind humanity's tenuous…


Book cover of Bloody Spade

Denise O. Eaton Author Of Arigale: Spite in the Spirit

From my list on fantasy that anime lovers will enjoy.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy has always been a passion and an escape for me. It started with copious amounts of reading, then I found anime when I was only a child as Cardcaptors began to air on TV. I’ve watched hundreds of anime shows since then and continued my penchant for reading and writing almost exclusively in the fantasy genre. In college, I obtained a BA in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing, so I have a good grasp on literature analysis and many works. In addition, I studied Japanese for two years, lived in Japan for six months, and held a position at the anime club while I was in college.

Denise's book list on fantasy that anime lovers will enjoy

Denise O. Eaton Why did Denise love this book?

I loved the magical girl reminiscent transformations in this book mixed with a dark story. I’ve always had a fondness for the genre, and this book gave me a mix of Shugo Chara and Madoka Magica vibes. As a demisexual, I also really felt seen from all of the asexual spectrum representation in the main cast. I am a character first writer, so I loved the large cast and how insanely compelling each character and their backstory was. Every personality is so unique it bursts off the page, which is what really drew me into this book and made it my favorite novel of all time. The aesthetics also really help, since the flashier the magic the better in my opinion.

By Brittany M. Willows,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Bloody Spade as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

A girl full of heart
A thief touched by darkness
A boy with a fiery temper
An unwitting servant of evil

The era of magic was once thought to be a myth, but after the Reemergenceushered forces both dark and light into the mundane world, it has sincebecome a harsh reality. Now those affected by this strange power—aspecialized group of Empowered called Jokers, known collectively asCardplay—must protect their world from the darkness that threatens toconsume it, all the while fighting for equality in a society clinging to normalcy.

But the Reemergence was only the beginning.

When another influx occurs on…


Book cover of Save The Girls

B.D. Lawrence Author Of An Angel and a One-Armed Man

From my list on crime fiction books without profanity, on page sex, or gratuitous violence.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved crime fiction, especially those where justice is served. I love crime stories where ordinary people doing their jobs triumph over evil. But so many crime stories are riddled with profanity, sex, and gratuitous violence. Over the last few years, I’ve searched for books that satisfy my need to read about justice but do it cleanly and in such a way that the story is not compromised. Oh, by the way, I’m also a writer of crime fiction and try to stay true to both justice over evil and telling stories in a clean but realistic way.

B.D.'s book list on crime fiction books without profanity, on page sex, or gratuitous violence

B.D. Lawrence Why did B.D. love this book?

This is another book that deals with the subject of sex trafficking, which is why I was drawn to it.

From the first scene, I was immediately pulled in, fascinated that the protagonist, Jamie Austen, is a lone woman in a foreign land, rescuing helpless victims of this awful scourge. Her courageous and spunky character grew on me. Toler throws in a wonderful twist with a romantic element that Jamie Austen does not want or need but falls for anyway.

This is another example of how an author can deal with difficult subjects yet keep the book clean.

By Terry Toler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Save The Girls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Why are all the best CIA spies always men? They aren't.

Combine the spycraft of Bourne, the toughness of Reacher, and the beauty of a Charlie's Angel and you have Jamie Austen. America's beloved heroine.

The Jamie Austen Spy Thrillers must be good. They've been number one on Amazon in ten different countries.

Jamie's latest adventure takes her to Belarus. Three hundred girls are missing. She is the only one who can save them.
Award winning author, Terry Toler, tells this gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Save The Girls is the first book…


Book cover of Calculated Risk

B.D. Lawrence Author Of An Angel and a One-Armed Man

From my list on crime fiction books without profanity, on page sex, or gratuitous violence.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved crime fiction, especially those where justice is served. I love crime stories where ordinary people doing their jobs triumph over evil. But so many crime stories are riddled with profanity, sex, and gratuitous violence. Over the last few years, I’ve searched for books that satisfy my need to read about justice but do it cleanly and in such a way that the story is not compromised. Oh, by the way, I’m also a writer of crime fiction and try to stay true to both justice over evil and telling stories in a clean but realistic way.

B.D.'s book list on crime fiction books without profanity, on page sex, or gratuitous violence

B.D. Lawrence Why did B.D. love this book?

This is an intense story and kept me on edge while reading, wondering what would happen next. Shannon upped the thrills as the book went on.

I really appreciated the two main characters, Jason and Addison, who are Christians. Unlike many Christian novels, not everyone around them was also a Christian. This book was a realistic example of people who try to live a Christ-like life, but can get caught up in things out of their control.

The romance between Jason and Addison is fascinating as both come into it with so much baggage. I found myself rooting for them and Shannon does a great job building that suspense as well.

By Lynn Shannon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Calculated Risk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

He carries the burden of his mistakes.

The wounds on Jason Gonzalez’s body are nothing compared to the ones on his heart. The former Marine avoids getting close to anyone new, especially his gorgeous next-door neighbor. Until he hears a scream coming from her house in the middle of the night.

Her enemies are too numerous to count.

Addison Foster escaped an abusive marriage and has become an advocate for others. When an intruder breaks into her home and nearly kills her, Addison is rescued by an unlikely protector. But the threats against her aren’t over and she needs help.…


Book cover of I'll Be Seeing You

B.D. Lawrence Author Of An Angel and a One-Armed Man

From my list on crime fiction books without profanity, on page sex, or gratuitous violence.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved crime fiction, especially those where justice is served. I love crime stories where ordinary people doing their jobs triumph over evil. But so many crime stories are riddled with profanity, sex, and gratuitous violence. Over the last few years, I’ve searched for books that satisfy my need to read about justice but do it cleanly and in such a way that the story is not compromised. Oh, by the way, I’m also a writer of crime fiction and try to stay true to both justice over evil and telling stories in a clean but realistic way.

B.D.'s book list on crime fiction books without profanity, on page sex, or gratuitous violence

B.D. Lawrence Why did B.D. love this book?

I love complex, multi-threaded mysteries that keep me guessing, and this book is one of those that was hard to put down.

This mystery kept me enthralled from beginning to end. And I did not figure it out until Ms. Clark wanted me to. Ms. Clark paints fascinating characters caught up in difficult circumstances. There are several twists, the biggest being at the end, which I immensely appreciated.

I usually have things figured out halfway or three-quarters of the way through. Not this one. 

By Mary Higgins Clark,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I'll Be Seeing You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark, a gripping and twisting mystery featuring a television news reporter who finds herself drawn into a terrifying web of treachery, where nothing is as it seems and the truth may be too devastating to pursue...

The murdered woman could have been her double. When reporter Meghan Collins sees the sheet-wrapped corpse in a New York City hospital, she feels as if she's staring into her own face. And Meghan has troubles enough already without this bizarre experience. Nine months ago, her much-loved father's car spun off a New York bridge. Now, investigators…


Book cover of Bound In Death

Catherine Edward Author Of Lycan's Blood Queen

From my list on fantasy/shifter romance to make your heart flutter.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a paranormal romance and fantasy author who fell in love with fantasy as a young girl. My journey as a reader started when I was four, but what changed me entirely was Russian Tales woven with magic. I’m passionate about Lycans, Werewolves, Witches, Vampires, and everything that’s magical. I like to write sizzling tales of love and betrayal.

Catherine's book list on fantasy/shifter romance to make your heart flutter

Catherine Edward Why did Catherine love this book?

Who doesn’t love a good paranormal romance? Pair it with suspense and mystery you have bound series. First of all, I chose this because this is the first paranormal romance series I’ve ever read, the stories that pulled me in and kept me hooked there and later became the motivation to pen my own novel. I love the entire series, but this book in particular has a special place in my heart. Alpha Alerac is searching for his mate Keira, who was taken from him and was imprisoned by a vampire master for over 200 hundred years. The story of Alerac and Keira is really something. Their love, pain and the curse that cause them agony will definitely touch a reader’s heart. 

By Cynthia Eden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bound In Death as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She can’t remember him, and he can never forget her.

For over two hundred years, alpha werewolf Alerac O’Neill has been searching for his mate, Keira McDonough, a woman who was taken from him and imprisoned by a dark vampire master. He’s hunted for her, endlessly, using vampire blood to extend his life. He has become a vicious predator, feared by all the supernaturals. His hold on reality seems to slip more each day because he is consumed by her.

Only…the woman he discovers in a small Miami bar isn’t the Keira that he remembers. In fact, this woman doesn’t…