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15 Books on How to Improve Intimacy and Sex in Your Relationship

Get our therapists’ suggestions on books to help you improve intimacy and sex in your relationship.

Intimacy and sexual satisfaction are critical aspects for many couples, but it can be challenging to start a conversation about it or even know what you can do to feel more in sync.

Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of books on how to improve your intimacy and sex life. Whether you’re looking to spice things up, deepen the emotional connection with your partner, or overcome specific sexual difficulties, these resources can help you get there. 

Keep in mind that these recommendations were thought of as a complement to couples counseling, to help you get the most out of them. 

All the books featured are independently selected by our relationship therapists. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

by Emily Nagoski, PhD

Research tells us that the most important factor for women in creating and sustaining a fulfilling sex life is not what you do in bed or how you do it, but how you feel about it.

Understand the factors that are central to your sexual well-being, and you can influence them to have better sex and more profound pleasure than you ever thought possible.

by Stephen Snyder, MD

Sex and relationship therapist, Stephen Snyder, gives us an award-winning book on how to improve intimacy and sex, for anyone hoping to keep sexual inspiration alive in a committed relationship.

Discover how sexual emotions really work and the hidden rules for great sex.

by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá

A controversial book that challenges everything you (think you) know about sex, monogamy, marriage, and family.

Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá expose the ancient roots of human sexuality while pointing toward a more optimistic future illuminated by our innate capacities for love, cooperation, and generosity.

by Justin J. Lehmiller, PhD

This book takes an unprecedented look into our fantasy worlds and what they reveal about us. It will help you understand your own sexual desires and how to attain them, but also appreciate why the desires of your partner may be so incredibly different.

by Dr. David Schnarch

Marriage counselor, David Schnarch, explains why couples in long-term relationships have sexual desire problems, regardless of how much they love each other or how well they communicate. 

Find a road map to transform your marital conflict into a stronger relationship and a source of new and powerful desire.

by Marty Klein, PhD

This book reveals how our mindsets during sex are more important than any tricks or techniques — and that the way to a healthier, more exciting, more fulfilling sex life lies in first developing our sexual intelligence.

Learn to reorient how you think about sex and experience a truly different way of being sexual.

by Tammy Nelson, PhD

Communication problems can erode a relationship in and out of the bedroom.

This book will help you improve your intimacy and sex life through a proven communication method  Imago Relationship Therapy.

by David Schnarch, PhD

This book will help you understand love, learn helpful “tools for connections”, keep the spark alive years down the road, and overcome sexual and emotional problems.

Know how to invigorate your relationship and reach the fullest potential in your love life.

by Deborah Coady, MD and Nancy Fish, MSW MPH

A book that offers women the tools to successfully take on the many challenges of sexual pain and move toward a healthy, happy future.

Learn to address the problem of chronic pain, understand and prevent misdiagnoses, and regain sexual joy.

by Staci Haines

An encouraging, sex-positive guide for all women survivors of sexual assault — heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian, coupled, and single  who want to reclaim their sex lives.

While most books only focus on the right to say “no”, this encourages women to learn how to say “yes” to their own desires and on their own terms.

by Wendy Maltz, LCSW DST

Renowned psychotherapist and sex therapist, Wendy Maltz, presents a comprehensive program that sensitively takes readers step-by-step through the recovery process.

This book is a highly respected resource for understanding and healing the sexual problems caused by sexual abuse.

by Dr. David Schnarch

By showing couples how they can turn their worst sex and relationship disasters into personal growth and spiritual connection, this book offers couples the best sex of their lives.

Its unique method helps couples develop the love, affection, and commitment that prevent divorce and strengthen families.

by Laura Davis

This book offers practical advice and encouragement to all partners trying to support the survivors in their lives while tending to their own needs along the way. 

For couples that want to deepen compassion, improve communication, and develop an understanding of healing as a shared activity. 

by Jack Morin, PhD

This book offers clear, accessible guidance on how anyone can utilize fantasies and peak encounters as powerful tools of self-discovery.

Learn to increase your enjoyment, overcome sexual problems, revitalize your relationships, and change forever the way you think about your eroticism.

by Douglas Weiss, PhD

Dr. Weiss walks through the languages of sex that you and your partner are pre-wired to enjoy. Once you learn your language, you can communicate and be intimate on a more satisfying level. 

Discover how to agree on what you do sexually, how often you have sex and so much more. So read, practice, play, and enjoy the best sex of your life.

Looking for more Books on Love and Intimacy?

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