If you think that most of the characters have vanilla sex in modern romance novels, you just haven't read many of them (or the right ones). First, EVERYBODY masturbates. That is almost a standard scene in these anymore. Often it is with one or more toys. Second, the variety of positions and locations described can be *ahem* inspirational. Most porn movies (granted, that I haven't seen that many) have four sets - bedroom, office, bathroom (shower/tub), and pool. Third, there isn't ANYTHING they do in a porn movie that they don't do in the books.

Besides, reading quietly to one another can be done while hiking in the woods, while fishing, while making dinner with the kids in the next room, while driving, or even while sitting in a Tim Horton's having hot chocolate. You try getting away with those while watching porn.