Sex Relationships Books

Loved them. So did my lover :)

I also discovered that for a last minute gift, you can get Sexy Coupons by Michael Webb and instantly download them for less price (no shipping). They were super as well.

I recently read this book prior to being married. It was invaluable. Very eye opening and stimulating. Mr. Wilson uses plain, no-nonsense language to speak to men in the way they need to hear, to tell them the things they need to know of the Bibles stance on a variety of sexual issues. My now wife read a chapter that I showed her prior to our wedding and said that it helped her immensly and even releived some of the wedding night anxiety she was feeling.

This essay is thorough in its presentation of the Scriptural passages relevant to the different issues of sexual morality: adultery, homosexuality, abstinence before marriage, etc. But that's it. The relevant passages from Scripture are presented, Mr. Wilson assures us that he agrees with them, and that's that. In other words, anyone seeking to understand WHY the Scriptures testify to a certain code of sexual morality will find nothing here.

Most people are familiar with the principles of strict Christian sexual virtue, even if they cannot recite the verses of the Bible that teach it. So teaching abstinence and chastity is not primarily a matter of explaining to people what they must and must not do: they already know all that. What most people are confused about is WHY they must be chaste. So many Christians today say, my faith and trust for eternal salvation are in Christ, I am saved... so why shouldn't I have sex with my girlfriend? Or my gay lover? They just don't see any connection between the Western Christian message of salvation and a strict code of sexual morality, and Wilson's book here will offer them no further insight.

Why does God care how we conduct ourselves sexually? Didn't Christ say, "Let no one call anything the Father has created unclean?" And didn't the Father create sex? So why would sex upset Him? How is chastity relevant to the spiritual life? How and why will unchaste thoughts and behavior corrupt our hearts? When people encounter sexual temptations they are very powerful and without a thorough grasp of the implications of our moral choices and lifestyles to the spiritual life and salvation, very few find themselves strong enough to resist it.

Again, this book only outlines the principles of chastity in a legalistic manner that is based in Protestant Pietism. If the moral reprimand of Scripture strikes fear into your heart, this might be enough to keep you straight. But few people today, Christian or not, are afraid of the Bible.

Sexual virtue as rightly understood in the context of the historical, apostolic Christian faith is a matter of asceticism: to understand why one must struggle to remain sexually chaste, one must first understand why he must fast, why he must deny his impulses and desires generally. So a substantial explanation of the necessity of asceticism is prerequisite to any discussion of sexual chastity; but Wilson does not seem to understand this, and offers no insight in this regard. If you seek a deeper understanding of Christian sexual morality, then, I recommend The Freedom of Morality by Christos Yannaras and Ascending the Heights: A Layman's Guide to the Ladder, by Fr. John Mack.

As I was working my way through the Canon Press family series I went ahead and read Fidelity. Although it's written for men, I think many (though not all) Christian women will find, as I did, that it is a useful corrective to the misinformation they've been assaulted with all their lives. It's not that I learned anything new or surprising about sex in this book; it was more that, especially in the last chapter, Mr. Wilson creates a picture of godly sexuality that puts all the old information into the right context and in the right proportions -- like reassembling a Picasso into a Rembrandt.

I wasn't sure if I should read this book -- it might as well have a "No Girls Allowed" sign on it -- but I am glad I did. Someone needs to write a version that women aren't afraid to buy or read. (Yes, I've read Elisabeth Elliot's books, but they aren't quite on the same level.) Ironically, it may be the very desire to protect the purity of Christian women that tends to keep such a purifying book out of the hands of those whom it might benefit. Granted, women who were lovingly shielded from exposure to what the world has to say (and show and tell) about sex probably don't need it, so Fidelity might do them more harm than good. But for women to whom the harm has already been done -- by their own sin or others', by misinformation or abuse, by media or "education" -- it should be considered as a possible curative. For me, reading Fidelity was like giving my soul a long-needed bath.

(Adapted from a post on my blog.)

I have read other books like this before, but none hold a candle to Wilson in this regard. Fidelity is a must read for every Christian man, married or not. Wilson is blunt, biblical and pastoral in how he treats topics such as fornication, masturbation, rape, adultery etc. He provides a balanced perspective that doesn't pull punches - he truly calls a spade a spade.
His use of contemporary jargon and slang to heighten the sense of obscenity in ungodly actions is excellent - and makes for a memorable and entertaining read.
Wilson uses solid exegesis that doesn't bend or twist the text. He hits the nail on the head every time.
Please buy this book and when you're done reading it, pass it around.

I enjoyed this book because he gets to the heart of the issue surrounding our struggle with lust. I am so used to church talks and lust conquering books that offer a somewhat self-reliant approach. "Struggling with pornography? Get rid of your computer." Well, you may not have a computer, but lust is still festering inside you and as all of us know, you are still going to struggle. Douglas goes beyond the typical approach and convicts the sin. He plainly shows you how ugly lust is and what it does. Then the Holy Spirit steps in and does the necessary work to change the ROOT of the problem.

Instead of offering a bunch of cute ideas on how to boundary your life, he just attacks the sin. From there, if we are honest with our selves, we know what needs to be done. It seems that nothing is better for dealing with sin than good'old conviction.

We were looking for a book about children who were adults when their parents got divorced. Instead this book is about adults who were children when their parents got divorced. So it might be a great book for the right audience, but it did not apply to the situation we were looking for.

This book is beautifully photographed and well written. We have shared it as a couple and alone as well. It has taken the art of "oralization" to a new level.

I was really disappointed in this one--there are lots of photos like the one on the cover, which show nothing. There are no detailed drawings, and few detailed descriptions of techniques (oddly, a whole section on shaving!!) If you want substance, I suggest the "Tickle his Pickle" and "Ride'Em Cowgirl" books--silly titles but full of very detailed drawings and descriptions of techniques, along with some very sweet humor, both from Dr. Sadie Allison.

I've done the weekend & read the book many times... changed my life...amazing.
I live the life I never even dreamed I'd have!!
It's not what most women want to hear...but it works like nothing I've ever experienced!

I hated this book at first when I read it. Women all want men to make sense (to our way of thinking)so we can get along with them like we do with our girlfriends. Not happening. Frustrated? Then we need to learn to respect men for who they are, and how they are naturally. Sure, we grate on each other from time to time, but that's natural because we are, in some ways, essentially different in our viewpoints, emotional lives, strategies, and how to reach our goals. But the beauty comes when a woman can be herself and allow her man to be himself. If you want to learn to have a successful living, breathing, ongoing relationship with a man, then learn how men work. Stop trying to see them through women's eyes. Forget what you've heard. Learn who they are, and it will work much better.

Sure, I wish men read relationship books more often, but it's rare. Men just want to be themselves -- don't you? So let's stop trying to change them. The surest way to kill a relationship with a man is to ask him to change, because he'll feel like you don't love him for who he is. And he would be right. But a good man will naturally adjust and make changes if he feels he is loved, and if he is the kind of man who wants to keep his relationship strong. And why wouldn't he, if he is happy and feels safe with you.

We always have to battle the experience men have had with their mothers, as often mothers don't let their boys be who they are, since it doesn't fit the ways they want to do things. If you get classified as being like that, it's all over.

Read the book, please, and then decide for yourself. But promise yourself you'll read the whole thing through, even if the book gets torn by your throwing it against the wall repeatedly. Truth isn't always pretty, but it sure helps.

We generally judge others' intelligence according to how much they agree with us!

Sterling presents ideas and suggestions; one cannot judge his ideas from an inflexible point of view. If he pisses you off, consider why you are reacting that way. He may be WRONG, but being RIGHT is not the answer to relationship problems! How well is being right or fair working in your life?

'nuff said

I purchased this book and read it through to get a more thorough view of Justin Sterling to determine if my critical observations about him were incorrect. They are not! Justin Sterling is a narcissitic leader who believes that his value are the "correct" ones. He has no background in relationship studies, he does not possess a doctorate or even a Masters in any mental health field. His work is all based on his personal observations and opinions which are based on conjeture and feelings. He has no clinical liscensure or even an ecclesastical ordination to support his work on any professional level whatsoever. I took the Sterling Mens Weekend over 15 years ago and I was totally dismayed by what I saw and experienced. His value system is one of dominance over women, chauvenistic and detrimental to the value of the family unit. My entire family went through his weekend and everyone of them has finally come to the realization that the weekends (Men and Womens) were indoctrinations into a cult. Something I saw after I left and questioned their practices, but was told my observations were inaccurate. I hope that anyone, man or women will think twice before ever dealing with The Sterling Institute of Relationship or Justin Sterling. I am working towards a clinical liscensure in Counseling Psychology and in working with other mental health professionals who have worked with other men and women who have done the weekend, the reflect my sentiments and observations. Too many men and women have become the victims of a cult, I want to see people become healthier not be destroyed by someones agrandizement of his own belief system.

The biggest thing from this book, the "weekends" and organization is Self Esteem! This is on the woman's part. I question why we never talk about women today and their never ending low self esteem?! A woman in high self esteem can take on the responsibility of having successful relationships and marriage. It is up to her to choose the right man for HER- this book gets you on that path. It is up to HER to steer the realtionship where she wants it to go. I like the line from "my Big Fat Greek Wedding" The man is the head of the family and the woman is the neck- she can turn it wherever she goes.
A lot of the reviews are about women being doormats and I love the stepford wife thing-heard that before. For me this is not true. My husband and I have done the weekends and it has helped us. Rather it has helped me to keep the relationship viable. I can have pitfalls of low self esteem, but I don't end up sabbotaging my marriage. I am not a mat, I have never denied my self in my marriage or dating. To boot, my husband knows and tells me I am the reason he is so successful. I enjoy my work, it has paid off!
I am an independent, powerful, successful woman-these kudos are well deserved! Other women need to praise and acknowledge themselves, we are all so alike.
So get this book, I have to get it again- I let someone borrow it and can't remember who. Women- find women who have what you want and listen to them!

IT is a very simple and fun read that proves to be eye opening and that starts working right away, their principles of transformation apply to all areas of life and are very practical

I am still trying to figure out how to read something without analyzing whether what I am reading has validity or not. I understand not being too critical or too receptive, get that totally. Unfortunately, I just cannot imagine reading something without analyzing whether it would work or not. The basis for this book is "Accept your partner, forgive, move on." Ok, get that, too. Unfortunately, not every partner will feel badly for doing something you don't even tell them bothers you. Maybe I misread, misinterpreted the book, but it just seemed like two people who said, "Hey, I know! Let's write a book!" It was a little hard to follow and not a fun read.

Having read plenty of books on relationship and trying to navigate my way into many approaches, I have found Ariel & Shya's book a true gem. The book is a very simple and fun read that proves to be eye opening and that starts working right away, their principles of transformation apply to all areas of life and are very practical, so that is a bonus. I have found it an essential tool to have a wonderful relationship with myself, where I am gentle, loving and compassionate and also their techniques have proved to increase not only the number of dates I have but the satisfaction I get from them. I truly believe this book has transformed the way I relate to men in particular and to life in general, and has had an outstanding impact in all my relationships. What I like the most is that I have learned to have fun and be more myself than ever before! Hesitate not, buy this book now and start living the life you deserve!!

How to Create a Magical Relationship by Ariel and Shya Kane is a very honest and powerful book. Using touching real life examples, the Kanes set the foundation for creating a magical relationship. The ideas expressed in the book are truly life changing and have the power to transform an ordinary relationship into a magical one. For instance, contrary to the idea that a relationship is a 50/50 deal, the Kanes assert that each person is 100% responsible for how the relationship is going. In my experience, this empowering concept can pave the way for compassion and forgiveness by taking away the right to blame your partner.

How To Create A Magical Relationship is supportive of strengthening your relationship with yourself, and as a byproduct, everyone you come into contact with. Whether you are single, dating, in a relationship or married - it matters not. The wisdom in this book is so incredibly valuable that you don't want to miss it!

I love this book! I've read it twice now and I can tell I will re-read it many times in the future. It's full of wisdom and helps me learn how to simply be. It is full of wonderful examples that help illustrate how great transformation is. My current favorite part is a story about a man who chose not to sell his horse to a king. It really illustrates how everything is perfect in each moment. I brought some copies to family members for Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. People keep asking me what Ariel & Shya's approach is like. The answer is that it's not like anything else. They've found the way to enlightenment in a modern, practical way that is easy and fun!

I ordered this book trying to find some help for my situation with my boyfriend. I highly recommend this book to everyone with a loved one in prison, be it your boyfriend, husband, brother, or son. I am recommending this book to his mother as well. Lots of information that's very helpful and also success stories from other women in our situation is included. This is a must have book for anyone loving an inmate.

This book was easy to read, well formatted, funny, and and an excellent resource! I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to help their partner after prison, along with the companion book (How to do Good After Prison--same author). I am an "old-timer" and there were somethings in this book that I had not thought of. My husband thought the companion book was "really good, and dude had some real stuff to say".

Wish I knew about this book before. My husband was in prison 3 1/2 years. He's been home on parole since April 2007, and in January 2008 told me he wasn't happy and needed to do it on his own. He made a promise to me when he went in to get out as fast as possible (he had a 12 year sentence for drugs), told all his friends and family he would do everything for me when he got home, and all he did was sit on the couch and watch TV. While he was gone I took care of getting all his taxes taken care of that he hadn't done since the 90's, got his old bills handled, re-established broken ties with his family, and went to visit him as often as possible (250 mile round trip). I am a college grad, have worked at the same company for 23 years, own my own place, and have never been in trouble. Boy, do I feel like an idiot. Ladies, whatever you do, make sure you don't stand to lose anything if he decides he's done. My husband will mess up somehow, he's already drinking and driving and that's violating his parole. Maybe he's doing me a favor. But if this book has some magic words of advice, I hope it helps you all. Oh yeah, if you think I'm just bitter - he moved out today.

Great book! I passed it on to a friend in a similar situation. Very easy read and had great tips! Thanks!

Although I can't say I got a lot of advice from the book, I can contest that the book holds truth within it. I still believe all the waiting wives and girlfriends, or family and friends a should read this book. It may help you to understand some of the challenges.

Oldest O'Sullivan brother Daniel is a widower. Having married and lost the love of his life, he has no time for romance. That part of his life is over and done with because no one will ever be able to take the place of his deceased wife. But everyday Daniel finds it getting harder and harder to picture her face which in turn depresses him further. When he is coerced into taking his brother Sean's timeshare condo on the beach for a weekend, Daniel figures he can at least be alone in his thoughts. Fate is a trickster, because in his loneliness, Daniel finds a woman named Catherine who rocks his world on its foundation.

Heiress Catherine Montefiore is spending the weekend at the beach. Somewhat shy but very observant, she can't help but notice the rowdy bunch next door partying and having a good time. The more she tries not to watch the harder it is not to, especially when she sees the enigmatic man sitting by himself. His features are striking and Catherine finds herself sketching him. Gathering courage, she and the seemingly lonely man share conversation and laughs, and when it is time for him to return to the loud house next door, Catherine blurts out an invitation that she might just live to regret. Especially when the weekend is over and she notices the man's wedding ring on his luggage.

Having read Shaken and Stirred, the first installment of this delightful series, I was instantly hooked on Daniel and his story. His mourning grabbed my attention and I knew that whatever his story was, it would be a tear jerker. Sex, Straight Up was that and more. The plethora of emotions that Daniel and Catherine experienced was amazing. I felt as if my heart would break when Catherine felt the same way. Her anger and hurt at Daniel's supposedly married state made me wince and I silently urged Daniel to come clean with his story.

Kathleen O'Reilly has a fan for life just because Sex, Straight Up was brilliant. I am hooked on these totally sexy O'Sullivan men and can't wait for the next installment. Consider Sex, Straight Up Joyfully Recommended because I adored it!

Talia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

While reading book 1 of "Those Sexy O'Sullivans" (Shaken & Stirred) a couple months ago, I have to confess that though I loved Gabe madly, I was intrigued the most by his brother, Daniel.

The loss of his wife was something that Daniel couldn't reconcile with. This loss changed Daniel, changed his relationship with his brothers and friends, made him retreat from the world he once knew. In the first book Daniel compelled me to know him better despite his gruff exterior. And with SEX STRAIGHT UP, I'm so glad that I took the time to get to know him.

Meeting Catherine Montefiore on the glorious Hamptons beaches introduces us to the touching man that he is. Daniel is sensitive yet savvy and intelligent, powerfully driven and cares more than anything about those he loves. In "Sex Straight Up", Daniel comes out of his shell and with many touching scenes, excellently written characters and pure romance, Kathleen O'Reilly delivers one of her best stories yet.

Ms. O'Reilly writes a grief-stricken hero who wants to live in the past, but also deep down, wants to move on. Especially after meeting Catherine. But Daniel makes this story for me. He's the heart of it, the power behind each compelling word and finally finds the peace that he's really been seeking that could be felt even in book one. Daniel calls to the heart of the reader, makes a woman fall a little bit in love with him and is a character that will be remembered as one of this author's endearing heroes.

With recurring characters, some laughter, sexual tension and a whole lot of soul-searching, "Sex Straight Up" is a highly recommended read. From start to finish, Daniel draws a reader in and never lets go. I know I'm smitten!

Kathleen O'Reilly just gets better and better!!

I work across the street from the World Trade Center site, and I usually avoid any entertainment related to 9/11. In a moment of boredom, though, I read an excerpt and bought "Sex, Straight Up," anyway.

I'm glad I did. The book is tastefully done. I don't think I could have read it if Daniel relived that morning in graphic detail or if he was guilt-ridden for surviving while his wife died. Luckily, the author focuses instead on what it's like to move on after a sudden loss. The book is more about the people than the tragedy, which I needed.

Also, the writing is much better than the average Blaze. The characters stay true to themselves -- no overnight personality changes or descriptions that could come from any other romance book on the planet. I love her description of Daniel the accountant sorting photographs until the two stacks balance, or Catherine the art appraiser thinking of their romance in terms of art movements.

Bottom line: This short little book is definitely worth the time. It's sexy, of course, but it's also engaging as a story. And it's packed with emotion (not the over-the-top, rage and wail, TSTL emotion, either).

I really liked Catherine. I really, really liked Daniel. And I'll definitely read through the series after this.

Daniel O'Sullivan became a widow seven years ago, on 9/11. He still wears his wedding band. He still misses his wife terribly. He is still unable to move on. Quite frankly, Daniel has no interest in moving on. Until her death, Michelle and he were soul mates. The chances of meeting a second soul mate in a single lifetime is slim. Most people never even find one. The odds are against him and Daniel has no intention of ever searching. However, his brothers have had enough of Daniel using work as a crutch. If Daniel is not busy with the accounting firm, then he was helping out at the family bar, Prime. His brothers, Gabe and Sean, and even Tessa, Gabe's girlfriend, join forces and use guilt to get Daniel to take a three-day weekend off at the summer time-share beach house in the Hamptons. From the moment Daniel hits the beach, he is counting down the minutes until he can return to work. The beach house time is shared with two other people (lawyers) and their dates. It is all snack foods, alcohol, and wild times. Daniel spends most of the first day on the beach of the house next door to get away from the others. When Daniel realizes that the house next door is currently occupied, and the lovely lady is sitting outside, he approaches her to make sure it is okay for him to sit on her section of the beach.

Catherine Montefiore can tell the handsome man wants to get away from the others. After chatting awhile, Catherine is amazed to hear herself offering one of her spare bedrooms for him to sleep in. He agrees. It is all meant to be very chaste. Yet they end up in one bed. Doing something totally new for her, Catherine decides to have a hot affair for forty-eight hours and then return to her normal life. When the two days are up, Daniel returns to his life and Catherine returns to her family's exclusive auction house. She is hardly back into the swing of art appraising when the family's business is hit by a very public scandal. The board believes her grandfather, who actually owns the auction house, of collusion with another business. The board insists on an independent audit. Daniel is part of that independent audit team. As Catherine and Daniel hit the invoices in an attempt to prove her grandfather innocent, they find themselves unable to keep their hands off each other.

***** Harlequin BLAZE is called that for a HOT reason. Expect some hot bedroom scenes with light erotica. Nothing hard core, but still designed for ages seventeen and up. Consider yourself warned. Having said that, I wish to go on record as stating that author Kathleen O'Reilly is one of the few BLAZE authors that I have come to thoroughly enjoy reading. This is the second O'Sullivan man's story. Daniel's story has a sound plot, engaging characters, and focuses primarily on the romance between the main couple. Be sure your beau is within reach as you begin this tale. This is the perfect way to heat up an otherwise chilling winter evening. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Daniel O'Sullivan, an accountant and part owner of the bar known as Prime, lost his wife seven years ago when she was killed in the twin towers. To him, love should be forever so he has been unable to date anyone feeling he would be cheating on his wife. Now Daniel is starting to forget what she looked like and it scares him. Gabe and Sean, his brothers, have been trying to get him back into society and dating again.

Catherine Montefiore works at her grandfather's auction house with her grandfather and mother, her only living relatives. Although she has a degree in art, she feels like she is a disappointment to her family since she does not possess her mother's style or her grandfather's showmanship. Insecure in her artistic skills, Catherine secretly draws the male form. With two disastrous past relationships, she sticks to drawing men during the day and dreaming about them at night. Whenever she can, she escapes to her grandfather's beach house in the Hamptons.

Daniel, manipulated by his brothers, is reluctantly filling-in for Sean at a summer share in the Hamptons with a group of lawyers. When Catherine spots his gorgeous form sitting alone on her beach, she cannot resist drawing him. When they meet, the attraction between them is instantaneous. As they prepare to return home - after spending the weekend together - Catherine spots Daniel's wedding band. When he does not explain about his deceased wife, they part on bad terms. Upon returning to work, Daniel is sent to audit an auction house where financial misconduct is suspected. Coincidentally, it is the place where Catherine works. The suspect? Her beloved grandfather. Will Catherine and Daniel be able to get beyond their personal feelings and work together to solve the scandal at the auction house? Is her grandfather guilty?

SEX, STRAIGHT UP, the second book in the Those Sexy O'Sullivans trilogy, is an entertaining read. This heartwarming, witty romance is filled with interesting, well-drawn characters and a touching, intrigue-filled plot. Readers will find themselves caught up in this steamy story of a man who finds love again after a major loss in his life. I highly recommend SEX STRAIGHT UP. Readers who like this story will also enjoy the first book in this series, SHAKEN AND STIRRED.

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com

For $10 I guess its fine, but I didn't learn anything from this book at all. If anything, I actually feel more alienated. I do not live in the gay neighborhood of my city nor do I hang out exclusively with gay people. However, coexisting with straight people isn't even a passing thought in this book. Basically, if you don't live as a cher-worshipping rainbow flag waving poster child of gaydom, the book paints you as a maladjusted closet case who should be avoided at all costs. I agree with the review that said this is a good guide to turning into a "flaky queen". Also, I cannot even count the number of times alcohol is referred to in this book (and I rarely drink) but any drug use is met with a "kick him to the curb, girlfriend" attitude (I don't do drugs either, but I'm just pointing it out). The book does not answer any central questions about what men want. There is research out there about how important a good body *really* is and how important masculine traits really are for a relationship vs. hookup. This author did not pull any of that in. However, there is an underlying assumption that ALL gay men go to the gym, and usually that is an all-gay gym (so I guess a good body is really important to him...). As far as the authors take on the value that gay men place on education or personal growth - oh wait - neither topic is ever mentioned. The whole book can be summed up with the fact that the author actually gives advice on "what to say if he catches you looking at his Streisand CDs when he comes out of the bathroom". So, essentially, the book is a disappointing series of common-sense superficial tips that anyone who went to high school already knows: "don't seem needy or desperate, be confident, don't go into your whole life story on the first date." I mean, if you're THAT clueless about dating... then go for it. Maybe I would've found this useful at 16 or 17, however. (Oh, by the way I just learned that being 30 is old. It's mentioned about 4 times.) I also like how there is a whole chapter devoted to what you should hide & display in your bathroom (aveda = bad... generic shaving cream = good). Um, by the time a guy is in my bathroom, he is probably on his way to having sex with me so I think it'll just have to be ok if he sees moisturizer with retinol. If he wants to end the relationship over my brand of shaving cream (yes, that is mentioned as well) then I'm done too. What is amazing is that in previous chapters, "being your fabulous gay self" is encouraged, but now we're playing "hide the gay cosmetics?" The book is replete with hypocritical counsel, vague generalizations, and inconsistencies. I suppose, then, it is more of a metaphor of gay dating than a guide to it.

Definitely some interesting points in here for someone in the dating scene! I think this book is a very good buy if you are gay and dating and curious about certain aspects of the gay dating scene like I am right now. I just took it to the beach with me and it was really fun. And the guys on the cover are hot, too!

I don't usually like dating how to books and usually don't write reviews but a friend recommended this for a beach read and it definitely served it's purpose. We were howling. There are some passages that are so eerily realistic in their depiction of the gay guy psyche that they read more like a documentary than a funny how to.

Part of the humor was sharing it with my friends who have had similar experiences.
There are also parts of the book that I cannot empathize with at all, such as the checking a guy's medicine cabinet or music CD's as a part of the dating ritual. But some of these are, I think, tongue-in-cheek parts. Nonetheless, we laughed out loud at some of the unfamiliar topics, too. Yes, even the stereotypical ones that no one wants to admit to, and a lot of the advice which seems geared more toward a gay man's twenties and early thirties. Dating disasters are presented in a good-natured way which both the guilty and innocent should equally enjoy. This book can also be a good ego booster, since every gay man should be able to find at least one passage where he can say "At least I never did that!"

I would say that this book is very entertaining. It runs the gamut of gay dates from hell to smart ways to think about creating good dates. It has great information, it's very well-written, meaning the author has a real style about him, and for the most part it's smart advice. But it's not just an advice book. You should know that upfront. There are lots of personal anecdotes about relationships, sex, dating, etc.

Loved it. It contains some wonderful, practical advice. But really, it's like spending the afternoon with a wise and witty friend who left me feeling better about myself than when I started it. I don't get the naysayers who act as if every so-called self help book has to be written in dense academic text or swamped in psychobabble. There's a lot of dreary stuff out there and I have read most of it. This was really enjoyable. There's some obvious satire in here, mixed with the stories. If you hate being entertained or laughing out loud then some parts of this are not for you I guess.