A good sex positive discussion of a myriad of areas of partnered relations. The research and notes are comprehensive. The writing is good and the use of input from experts and regular people kept it lively and fun. Every couple should read this book. The first couple of chapters are very pertinent to dating as well as existing committed relationships. ( )

I liked this book. Nothing in it was earth-shattering for me, yet I have caught some of my ways of thinking about my relationship with my husband changing subtly in a positive way. I was expecting more discussion of emotions and psychology (why, I'm not sure), but the focus does seem (to me) to be especially on sex as the primary means of building intimacy. Again, though, it seemed to work for me. My husband and I had been growing a bit sexually distant since our daughter was born two years ago, with all the demands of parenting and changing work roles, but I've been (again, seemingly without conscious thought) implementing some of the authors' recommended actions and have found our physical intimacy--and, as a result, our emotional intimacy--increase a great deal.
I was surprised at how much focus was placed on open relationships in the book. It seemed an "inordinate" amount of book space was used to discuss open relationships, but perhaps that is to help the more conventionally minded to come to grips with the idea. In any case, my husband and I have discussed the possibility of opening our marriage and have left it open (no pun intended) as a potentiality, and we know several people in open marriages and long-term relationships, so this was not new material for me. Despite that, the discussion did offer me some new ideas to consider regarding how opening a relationship can be employed, very mindfully, as a tool to strengthen the primary relationship. Many of the other resources about opening relationships that I have encountered have seemed to focus more on the physical and logistical ways to make such arrangements work, and on the potential for envy and jealousy and how marvelous things can be--but without this focus on keeping the emotional and physical/sexual health of the primary relationship of prime importance.
Thus, all in all, I find this a good book that I would recommend to anyone lamenting relationship changes with one or more significant others, though possibly not for the ultra-conservative--though I believe the book has much to offer anyoone. ( )

As other reviewers have stated, this book does stretch boundaries and can make some people uncomfortable. However, the advice given and topics explored can serve as great discussion for a couple, rather you agree with the authors or not. Its a great book to read with an open mind. ( )

Partners in Passion is a book received for review though librarything.com. This book was picked because it was intended to bring couples closer together through sexual relations. This book had good relational and commination technique recommendations. From this book I guess I would be considered “vanilla“ which many modern people would rate as boring and plain but I cannot see myself opening my relationship with my wife to other people. Call me boring if you want but it is only my wife and I in this sexual relationship. She is only for me and I am only for her and I want to learn all I can to please my wife. I’d agree, this book really is aimed at a more “adventurous” and maybe worldly audience in my view. I appreciate being chosen for this review and I apologize for my delayed review.

Partners in Passion is for the couple who is really wanting to stretch the boundaries or strengthen their existing sexual relationship. This isn't the advice you would expect to get from your parents. While being practical, most of the material is about concepts rather than techniques. Some of it may be uncomfortable to you, but I believe there are useful tidbits for even the most prude audience. However, this book really is aimed at a more adventurous audience, in my opinion.