Hey, book lover. Temperatures are heating up, and vacay season is here. It’s the perfect time to get lost in a juicy summer read. So, we’ve compiled a list of our fav sexual wellness books to help you spice things up between the sheets. No, these aren’t exactly the stories you’ll find in Oprah’s Book Club. But, trust us, these can’t put ’em-down books are packed with tips and tricks written by experts to help you experience real-life romance and intimacy. Whether you’re ready for a sexual makeover or just want a few tips, these books are loaded with ideas to help you connect with your partner. We especially like how the authors keep it real and think you will too.
1. Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life
Am I broken if I can’t orgasm during intercourse? Is it normal I’m not spontaneous? If you have questions about your sexual desire (or lack thereof), this number-one Amazon bestseller has the answers. It explains why some couples stop having sex and what they can do to rekindle the light. Best of all, it embraces and celebrates your individuality to help rev up your body confidence. There’s even a compatible workbook that includes exercises, tools, and information designed to help you better understand your sexual well-being and communicate with your partner in a way that makes you comfortable exploring.
Dr. Emily Morse
Ready to have the best sex of your life? Then, it’s time to boost your sex IQ. In this tell-it-the-way-it-is book, our friend and Chief Sexologist, Dr. Emily Morse, will change how you think about your sexuality and pleasure the way only she can. Geared towards all sexual orientations, she’ll help you tune into your sexual intelligence by connecting with your body and your desires. She talks about how to get rid of the psychological and physical obstacles standing between you and the pleasure you deserve. She also shares the secrets behind orgasms and how to have more. Christina Aguilera was so right when she said it is the type of sex talk we need more of!
3. That Sex Book: How to Talk About and Get a Hot Sex Life After 50
If you’ve been following us, you know we are big believers in sex after menopause. Sex boosts immunity, is a stress reliever, and is good for your heart. A few studies have even found that people with active sex lives live longer. Hallelujah to that! That’s just one of the reasons why we love Dixie Carlton’s take on ramping it up after 50. As a self-proclaimed “everyday girl next door,” Carlton makes you feel like you’re at Starbucks having coffee with your best friend. Her relatable stories about going to the drugstore for the morning-after pill at 52, her friend’s advice on how to get a “really good bonk,” and her thoughts on why sex still matters will keep you laughing, thinking, and experimenting.
4. Bang - Masturbation for People of All Genders and Abilities
Masturbation teaches you what turns you on and how you like to be touched. Once you know what makes you feel good, you can better show your partner what you like. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever. Let’s call a spade a spade, though. Self-pleasure isn’t exactly the most popular topic of conversation. We think it should be, though. Kudos to Vic Liu for putting it out there and writing this step-by-step illustrated guide. This manual covers it all, including lessons on anatomy, orgasms, troubleshooting, tools, and toys. Not only does the book debunk myths, but it’s also thoughtfully and intentionally designed to meet the needs of all ages and genders. There’s even a section written by people with disabilities for their peers.
Meg-John Barker & Jules Scheele
When it comes to sex, there’s a long history of shame, embarrassment, and fear-mongering. Where did it come from? Why are we letting it affect us? This illustrated book takes you into a Scooby-Doo-ish cartoon world of haunted houses to explain how we got here and why. If you like graphic novels, you’ll enjoy reading this friendly guide that unmasks the villains who give sex a bad name.
6. 101 Nights of Great Sex: Secret Sealed Seductions for Fun Loving Couples
If you need date night ideas, look no further. This is not your ordinary self-help book. It includes 101 sealed envelopes designed to take your relationship to unexplored places. Here’s how it works. Once a week, you and your partner take an envelope with a secret seduction from the book. Follow the instructions, and sometime during the week, you’ll each get an erotic surprise. The new release includes eTeases, three clues to the adventure your partner is planning for you. Your destination? Renewed passion and nights of intense sex.
7. From Ouch to Ahhh: The New Mom’s Guide to Sex After Baby
If you’ve just had a baby, you’ll want to check out this guide for new moms. From Ouch to Ahhh, written by an experienced sex educator and mother of two, is based on real-life stories and experiences. Episiotomies, breastfeeding, exhaustion, and other challenges that come along with your bundle of joy can certainly put a wrench in your sex life. This compassionately written book can help you take a step back and approach sex in a way that honors your feelings and your body’s needs.
And, there they are. Our top seven sexual wellness summer reading picks for 2024. These page-turners are perfect for new moms, passion seekers, and anyone who wants to keep their relationship hot. After all, when it comes to relationships, intimacy leads to new beginnings and happy endings.
