Sex Relationships Books

In 8 chapters, Machele Kindle, otherwise known as Master Fire, lays out her reasoning and purpose behind her own M/s household's structure. Her approach is purposeful, meant to help her readers consider what they want and how to get it while being grounded in reality. Each section includes three parts: first her reasoning behind each set of expectations, second a set of questions for both wouldbe masters and wouldbe slaves to consider, and finally a copy of the relevant section of her own manual. A good look into one master's mind that does not fall into the common trap of thinking hers is the only way a relationship should function

Overall it was decently written and covers a lot of ground. Worth a look if you've never created a manual.

This is a very important book in the literature about Master/slave relations and, in particular, about Master/slave Households. This book is both very narrow and very broad. It is narrow because it remains true to discussing the often-complex workings of a Leather Household. It is broad in that it succeeds extremely well in covering the intricacies and give and take of such a Household.

For those of you interested in the Leather Master/slave life, it's a "must read."

This book starts with lot of myths related to entitlement,autonomy,romantic love,gender myths,marriage. Recognizing some amount of narcissim in all relationships, does not make it seem so very pathological...

A defining dimension of pathological narcissism is the inability to foster and maintain intimacy. Intimacy is not only feared - it is despised because it is perceived as 'common' and 'degrading'. The narcissist idealizes his sources of narcissistic supply and then habitually discards and devalues them. This book is instrumental both as a somewhat iconoclastic introduction to narcissism and as an anatomy of the frustration that is life with a narcissist. Sam Vaknin, author of "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited".

I read any book about narcissism eagerly, but this one disappointed me. The title "Narcissism and Intimacy" implied to me that this book would explain the frustrating and psychologically devastating maze that is life with a pathological narcissist. It didn't. Maybe because it is a book more about therapy than real life experiences, I found it murky and did not teach me anything new about the subject. Usually I find it heartening to read accounts of the impact of the narcissist on the lives of their significant others, but I really got nothing out of this book. I also got the idea the author was discussing regular narcissism, a personality trait, as opposed to pathological narcissism, a personality disorder. If you want to read a great book that will explain everything you want to know about pathological narcissism, read Sam Vaknin's book "Malignant Self Love", which is long and a little expensive, but really the ultimate book on the subject and worth every penny. If you want something shorter and less expensive, try "When Your Perfect Partner Goes Perfectly Wrong" by Mary Jo Fay.

I feel that this book will help both men and women understand not only themselves but their spouse better. All of us have varying degrees of narcissism and in order to love someone we need to learn to control our own needs for the betterment of the two as one and the one we love. This book helps with giving one a better understanding of how we can do that and what may be holding us back from really experiencing true love and intimacy.

This book is more of a therapist's guide to dealing with a few particular narcisstic marriages. The only thing this book does is to discuss certain narcisstic personalities in a marriage situation. That's about as far as the author takes the topic. Narcissism is only talked about in a marriage setting, not in terms of any love or relationships outside of a marriage. While the author does give some interesting examples and does well comparing and contrasting narcisstic and non-narcisstic personalities, the examples are few and are very particular to certain types of marriges and are hard apply to anything else. The author also doesn't give any clues on how to go about changing narcisstic patterns if you're stuck in them, which is what I was hoping to find when I bought the book.

WHAT SMART COUPLES KNOW: THE SECRET TO A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP tells how to use emotional intelligence to guarantee success in relationships. The ability to understand and transmit emotions is key to a successful relationship, and the author's nearly-30 years of clinical work with such couples lends to a program to help develop skills to turn individuals into satisfying partners. An interactive style offers up specific techniques and exercises for personal development.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book is valuable for not only improving relationships with partners, but also for improving relationships in many other areas of life.
The author writes with a common sense and down-to-earth approach. The first part of the book gives information necessary for good relationships and the second part of the book shows how to achieve results. There are many examples and exercises which will help the reader develop emotional intelligence which is the cornerstone of this book.
This is not the "run of the mill" self-help book. It is a book that you will reference again and again if you are really serious about creating and maintaining good relationships.

I found this book and the idea of emotional intelligence to be an eye opening stepping stone. It brought to my attention possible reasons behind my relationship issues and behaviors. The real life examples used throughout the book simplify feelings and behaviors that can seem so complicating when viewing yourself from within. I would recommend "What Smart Couples Know..." to anyone that wants to be a better partner, parent, family member, or co-worker.

I am a psychologist and have read many books directed at couples, but I found this one to be one of the best. I appreciated its broad scope in psychology that brings into consideration aspects of being human that are integral to relationships. At the same time, the many practical exercises are excellent in helping focus on where we need to grow to have successful relationiships in our lives--as well as increased happiness. I am skeptical of the notion of emotional intelligence, but I think what the author lays out in a very readable and entertaining format is a path to emotional maturity in its many aspects. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. It is a great piece of work.

If you have ever struggled in a relationship or want to know how help yourself become a better partner in a relationship, this is a terrific book. I'm divorced and have just recently started dating. I read Dr. Covalt's book to gain better insight into how my behavior detracts/improves a relationship. There are multiple quizes to give insight into current behavior and information on how to become a better relationship partner. It's very well written in a clear manner without the "mumbo jumbo" of some self-help books. It's a good book for people that are married, dating or single wanting to learn more about their dating behaviors. I would highly recommend this book.

This is a solid book for those seeking to recover from relational brokenness and sexual wounding. I was impressed with Comiskey's understanding of the human condition, and specifically how imbalances in intimate relationships cause tremendous and long-lasting harm. He is a sharp thinker and has many useful ideas for people to work through their struggles.

I was also impressed that he didn't sensationalize the aspects of sexual sin (much of which I find disappointing in other books on this topic). He is frank and honest, but much more realistic and sincere about the underlying problems of relational and sexual sin than the wealth of authors who find tantilizing stories to needlessly illustrate what could easily be stated and understood in simpler forms. Some think that they need gross excesses in detail to build a relationship with readers who are struggling. You won't find that here. What you find is a friend who you can trust; someone who struggles but is more concerned with finding hope in that struggle and glorifying God.

That said, I didn't give it five stars because I think it needs a little editing. Some parts are a little wordy, others have references/quotes from people who aren't not entirely connected to the material. I'm not sure what his fascination is with John Paul II or Karl Barth, but they have an unusually large proportion of the supporting material.

All in all though, a good book, well worth reading and discussing.

I found this book really useful in coming to grips with my own sexual brokenness. Not just for same-sex attractions, this gets at the root of why some people act as they do -- in often despairing, dissapointing ways, and this book helps provide insight to move beyond the guilt.

A unique book that contains great principles and insights into building strong relationships... It is well worth the read.

Such a smart book! Marriage counselors married to each other, Maurice and Seanna are two unique people who have managed to craft a solid, lively relationship for themselves without giving up their individuality. In The New Couple they pass on their experience, strength, and hope to their clients and readers in an interesting and entertaining way. The material is beautifully organized into ten "new laws of love" that make wonderful sense. The book is intellectually compelling and emotionally sensitive...almost too much to ask of any book. (I could not get through the Mars/Venus stuff.)

I found The New Couple so upbeat and full of good advice that I attended a workshop presented by the authors. I left their presence feeling that a relationship is possible, and I've started dating again after ten years of terror at the prospect of repeating my past mistakes. This is nothing short of magic! Read this book, you won't regret it.

I am an avid but sceptical reader of relationship / couple books but it's hard to find anything to criticise in this one. I purchased this book when I decided I needed to clarify exactly what I wanted and needed in a relationship and it has literally become my relationship "bible".

If you want a very clear, simple and complete map for the route to a healthy relationship with both yourself (most important!) and a partner then click purchase now. It could just be the book that should be mandatorily handed to all people considering starting a relationship.

I was having problems with my husband and this book saved our marriage. The rules they present are so simple and clear. They make sense for today's relationships. I recommend this book for every single person and couple. Priceless!!!

Among relationship self-help books, this is one of the better titles of the moment. Taylor and McGee write in a breezy style and sow their text with a large number of example couples, which make their story readable if uninspired. Their forte, however, is the comprehensiveness of their list of rules and the reassuring common sense they must have used in developing them. While none of the rules are new and different individually, listing them in this comprehensive fashion is useful, and makes this book stand out as one of the better examples of the genre.

This book is basically about increasing intimacy, through sex, in a relationship. as a how to guide, it sucks. there are no actual usable pysical tips or guidelines. however if you are looking to spice up a longstanding relationship, this would suit you down to the ground.

After reading several of another reviewer's reviews of this kind of book, my interest was piqued, so while wandering around in my local bookstore I decided to pick one up and see just what some of the girls were reading. I glanced through this very short book (only 129 pages) and all of a sudden I was embarrassed. I looked around, wondering if anybody else had seen what I'd had in hand and instantly locked onto Mrs. Doubtfire's disapproving glare. "Heh, heh," I laughed. She didn't laugh back.

I felt just like I did when I was in junior high school, buying one of those Midwood books from the local liquor store. In case you don't know what those books were, well let's just say the were written for men and were kind of steamy and graphic, some might say sleazy, others might call them dirty books.

I grew up in California, so the liquor stores didn't open till six in the AM, but that was fine by me, because that was just about when I finished my paper route, so there wouldn't be anyone around to see me buy them, just the old guy who owned the place. However, one time I went in, got a couple of my dirty books, went to the register, only to find Miss Swayze, my third period Social Studies teacher, behind the counter. Turns out her father owned the store and wasn't able to open up that morning. I was so embarrassed, especially because Miss Swayze was hot. Every guy at Bancroft Junior High fantasized about her. I felt like I'd been caught doing something really bad.

And that's how I felt holding this book under Mrs. Doubtfire's condemning glare, like a sneaky old reprobate, one of those guys who hangs around schools, sans any clothing at all, save a trench coat. I know it was completely irrational, but that's how I felt. Lickity split I picked up a couple other books, so it wouldn't look like I came in strictly for this one. The girl at the register started to check me out, running her scanner thingy over the bar codes until she got to the last book then she started to check ME out.

"Research for a novel I'm working on," I said.

"Sure," she said.

When I got home I flopped on the couch and read the book and wowza did it ever open my eyes, turned 'em into silver dollar sized, bug-eyed circles. Do girls really think about this stuff? I mean there's a chapter in there called "Oral Treats" followed by another called "The Main Course". Of course there is a lot more included in this book about how to drive a man wild in bed, but my head is still spinning and my mind is still stuck back on that "Oral Treats" chapter. Believe me, this is one book every man wants every woman to read. It gets five stars from me, would that I could give it ten.

As for Mrs. Swayze, she gave me knowing glances for the rest of the year, but she never said a word about it. Not when I bought the book, not in school, not ever. But boy those glances, I'll never forget 'em, because her smile, her eyes, those looks she gave me, they fueled many a fantasy, the best kind of fantasies a boy could ever have.

Jack Priest, Sailor Home from the Sea

After reading the reviews I was execpting a book that was helpful and informative here and there. I've learned lots from this book. It decusses things that I wanted to know but, would talk to anyone about in million years. It's written in a sudective yet tasteful manner. No cut and dried steps, diagrams, or pictures with arrows to guide you along. Too bad! he he he
Oliva St. Claire isn't afraide get to the point or to be a little naughty too. Great Book!

I thought this was a good book. It had a lot of creative ideas for how to not only "drive a man wild" but to just spice up your sex life in general. Although, I should point out that some of the ideas are a little extreme... or, might be for people like me. :)

I'm a gay man and this book was still extremely helpful. I'm so skilled now that the boys call me Fellatio Manz. This is a must-have for anyone who is 'out' to please men!

Going into this book, I didn't honestly think birth order could tell me who would be a good match. Boy, was I surprised! Turns out that birth order is the number *one* predictor of personality. If only I had known that before my last three boyfriends! Do you know what I mean? In a word, birth order tells you what to expect from these potential matches *before* you get into long-term relationships with them. Want to know why that firstborn is going to boss you around all day? Want to know why that lastborn is going to be late for dates? Want to know why that only child is going to be the little egotist he is? Read and weep. Just kidding. . . . Read and find out! You'll finish this book, like I did, with a cozy warm feeling inside, knowing that you, too, now have secret insights into just about everyone!

I just finished reading this book all the way the way through, and all I can say is WOWZA!! I haven't tried all the exercises but the one I did had amzaing results, and I hope to try them all. The isn't a book just for Pagans, although I thought it was when I ordered it. If your sex life or energy level needs a boost, buy this book.

Not a book to learn overnight; a set of exercises and interesting ideas. Like many Eastern disciplines that make sense when you practice them, this book really calls for a long term commitment. Some things, like the subject of this book, are worth discipline and long term practice. This is a book to enjoy over the span of 6 months, or more, with a committed partner.

For 60's/70's hangovers and neopseudotantra orgasmacists ISO the Big O, this guide to good sex says it all.

The Art of Sexual Magic by Margot Anand is a useful tool for those interested in Tantra. It takes some reading,discipline and a willingness to trust your intuition.

Anand says that human sexuality has what we might call magical powers. I prefer to use the less subjective term "transmutational". The exchange of energy during sexual intercourse is not only so powerful that it can create another human being it can also be consciously used to create other things we want in life.

Anand teaches couples to focus on their personal vision during sex, and create changes in their daily relationships and circumstances through the energy they produce.

Anand believes that everyone can experience transformative power if the exercises in her book are diligently followed.

I enjoyed this book but I must admit that years of reading and intuitive training has made me receptive to her ideas.

I was horrified to be buying this book, but thrilled I could on Amazon and not be seen in public. After reading just a few chapters, my attitude toward sex changed. It became clear that with a little effort from me, my husband was more than willing to listen and thrilled to see me change. He was eager to please me and make just that little bit of change in himself as well. (we all know what they will do for a little sex) Her writing is clear, funny at times, and right on target about what to do. This book is a must at a baby shower. It has helped to make my marriage better, which ultimately makes for a happier family.

Husbands and Dads: Buy this book! Read it first to gain some deep understanding of your wife's emotional and mental state after child-birth. Take every word to heart and this resource will break your thinking.

wow, this author is awesome. i think she is so caring and cool and helpful. however, as a new mom in my 20s, i think this book is not for my generation. a lot of it was written with people born in the 40s, 50s and 60s in mind. people in my generation (born 70s, 80s) who are having kids and have low libido already know a lot about sex, erotica and communication. however there were some good tips in the book. she's a cool lady

I bought this book because I'm a fan of Dr. Raskin's other books, and I love this one too. You really feel like she knows you personally. My favorite chapter is how to talk to your husband about sex, but I also like her suggestions on how to get your libido charged. You don't feel ridiculous because she completely gets what the issues are for mothers. Thank you, thank you!

At first glance the title catches one's eye - Great Sex for Moms.
There is a quick glance around to make sure no one is looking as one
picks up the book in the bookstore. That single act of picking up the
book to read the jacket (or ordering it from Amazon.com)is a primary
step in doing what this book advocates. Dr. Raskin constructs her
book around intentionality. Instead of simply accepting the status
quo, the reader is challenged to take steps which will bring a great
sex life - in spite of kids! In these pages it becomes apparent that
the physician part of Raskin has merged with the romantic and mother
sides of her being. She speaks as one with incredible integrity. Her
writing is informed by her mind, heart, and experience. What can beat
that?

Humor is coupled with very specific and helpful suggestions
about re-kindling a healthy, fulfilling sex life. While the subject
matter is serious, there is a playfulness that creates a comfort level
for the reader. At one point Raskin writes, "...I hope my mother and
children never read this chapter..." - Raskin knows her readers well.

Great Sex for Moms is a book for Dads too! If read as a couple,
the conversations which ensue will guarantee a better sex life!

I stumbled across this book at one of the lowest times of my life... I started reading it and it seemed as if the book were written just for me! I started to highlight passages and had to stop as I was highlighting so that it was taking too much time -- I just wanted to continue reading as quickly as possible as I was learning so much.

It was astonishing - I honestly did not know other people felt exactly as I did, and reacted similarly to their crisis as I did to mine. The book did help me get thru that horrible period of my life. I tossed the book several years ago, but from time to time I find myself reflecting on some of the ideas and messages that have stayed with me from the book.

I read this book about 6 yrs ago. At the time I was obsessed with my ex partner.When I started reading this book I totally related to what I was reading . By the end of this book I was left fustrated and confused.The exercises that were suggested At the end seemed simple enough but I found for myself these were totally inadequate and I was left alot more alone and depressed than before I started. Since then I have done alot more reading in love and sex addition and find that this subject is very complexed. I did 5 weeks in rehab for sex and love addition and have been a member of a twelve step fellowship for the last 2 yrs. Through this work I have come across well informed literature which has shown me a path to help heal and understand what I am going through and suggests that this work cannot be done alone. I am 43yrs old and for the first time in my life I feel contentment and present. There is for me alot more literature out there that far outways this book that I personally would not recommend it.

This is the best book that truly spoke to obsessive lovers. I had a hard time putting the book down becuase I related to so many of the people inside. Finally, someone has written a book for both women and men about obsessive, addictive relationships. I feel like I have new insight into problem and can start making positive changes in my life. Excellent book for anyone caught up in another person.

I've been struggling with "getting over" my ex for 6 years now, and this is the first book I've read that has actually helped me. It shows how and why thoughts and behaviors can become obsessive, and gives concrete suggestions and exercises to help change these self destructive tendincies. I highly recommend this book for anybody ready to take their life back and move on to a new, healthy relationship.

I hate those reviewers who write, "this book changed my life," but this book saved my life. I was able to quit a very toxic relationship after 3 years while reading this book. The exercises really help because it's so eye opening to finally see on paper our unhealthy patterns and behaviors. Her section that explains the difference between feelings and thoughts is very enlightening since most of us seem to confuse the two in our communications (saying, "I felt like the movie was kind of slow," when we really mean, "I think this movie is slow, and I feel bored, restless.") This book can really help you get your life back in balance when you think you just can't live without that one magic person.