Book Review: Partners in Passion: A Guide to Great Sex, Emotional Intimacy and Long-Term Love

Book Review: Partners in Passion: A Guide to Great Sex, Emotional Intimacy and Long-Term Love by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson

If this is your first sexuality or relationship book, you are sure to find good information on almost any topic that could come up in your relationship(s). Given how little information is generally available on intimacy, relationships and sexuality, this book can be of great service.

If you are a sexuality educator or professional, the list of resources itself is very extensive and worth having even if all of the other information is not novel.

I have rarely come across a book that covers such an extensive range of topics and certainly appreciate the open-mindedness in Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson’s work. They are inclusive of a large range of sexual orientations, relationship styles and sexuality practices. I knew the authors had done their research when they referenced Adele P. Kennedy and Susan Dean’s book Touching for Pleasure: A 12 Step Program for Sexual Enhancement. It was in Kennedy and Dean’s book (and that of other individuals who have worked as a partner surrogate) where I first heard of the concept of touching for our own pleasure.

A book that takes the time to mention treating sex workers as equals, and one that has extensive writing on non-monogamy as well as covers so many other complex issues in sexuality and relationships, is very rare indeed.

I appreciated the nuanced discussion about non-monogamy that can help couples, partners, and even friends of all kinds in their own conversations on sex and intimacy. In particular, the book's material on the concept of a couple falling in love with another couple furthers the dialogue on polyamory.

I always appreciate any discussion on the topic of jealousy, and Michaels and Johnson have included that as well.

Having just finished reading their other recent book, Great Sex Made Simple, I appreciated the section in this book where they talk about what makes great sex:

“…..the secret of great sex has more to do with focusing on what is already pleasurable than on trying to learn new tricks and techniques.” (p. 102)

This little sentence is the most important one in the book and one of the signs that Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson have insightful things to say on the topics of great sex, emotional intimacy and long-term love.

Copyright 2013 by Susan Miranda. All rights reserved. No part of this writing may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder. For reprint permission, email miranda_susan@yahoo.com.