Robert Pattinson would "lick the pages" if he read raunchy novel Fifty Shades of Grey.

The actor made the joke when asked if he would discuss the erotic tome in a book club setting.

The Fifty Shades trilogy has caused a splash worldwide thanks to its controversial storyline about an innocent graduate who falls for a mysterious millionaire with a dark secret.

"I'd just sit there and lick the pages," Robert joked to MTV News.

With the movie rights snapped up by Universal Studios, speculation about who will win the lead roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele are sweeping Hollywood.

Robert, Ryan Gosling and Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder have all been tipped for the role of bad boy Grey.

Robert's girlfriend Kristen Stewart has been linked to the part of the romantic heroine, but admitted she still hasn't read the book and feels dubious about discussing it with others.

"That would be disgusting," she laughed. (C) Cover Media