Wild Monogamy: Cultivating Authentic Intimacy to Keep Passion and Desire Alive

by Mali Apple, Joe Dunn

National Indie Excellence Gold Medal
Living Now Book Silver Medal
Independent Publisher Book Bronze Medal

Endorsed by therapists, Wild Monogamy draws on stories from real people and the latest research to encourage couples to develop—or redevelop!—their intimacy on all levels. You’ll learn how to create an environment of love and trust in which you can compassionately and creatively work with personal challenges, explore your desires, and enjoy new depths of connection together.

Enhance your emotional connectionBreak free of fears, insecurities, inhibitions, shame, and self-consciousnessTransform everyday moments into moments of playfulness and passionSee intimacy issues as perfect opportunities for healing, growth, and pleasureDesign your own intimate adventuresIgnite your attraction and desire for each otherIn the process, you will turn your long-term relationship into a long-term adventure!

Genres: Nonfiction, Relationships

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2023

About the author

Hello! I’m Mali (rhymes with Bali). Along with my partner in life and love, Joe Dunn, I’ve dedicated my life to exploring how to keep long-term committed relationships fulfilling, sexy, and fun. We coach people around the world on creating and sustaining intimate relationships that are connected, passionate, and satisfying, including how to work together on issues from insecurities and inhibitions to shame and jealousy.

Our first book, “The Soulmate Experience: A Practical Guide to Creating Extraordinary Relationships,” has won multiple awards and has been translated into Spanish and Danish. Our newest book, “Wild Monogamy: Cultivating Erotic Intimacy to Keep Passion and Desire Alive,” was published in April 2023 and has just won the National Indie Excellence Award.

Learn more at MaliAndJoe.com, and come say hello on YouTube (youtube.com/c/maliandjoe), TikTok (tiktok.com/@maliandjoe) or Facebook (facebook.com/maliandjoe).

Reviews

[Laura (thenerdygnomelife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time going through "Wild Monogamy," as it's not a book designed to be devoured in one sitting but instead, one that's worked through with intention and effort. It's comprehensive in covering a number of topics, from communication, to finding comfort in being experimental, to new ideas for increasing libido. While the authors are very careful to point out that they are not therapists, also included is a focus on many of the thinking patterns that can be problematic in your sex life, along with helpful tips for working through them. Out of all of it, the prompts for communication included at the beginning of the book are the most helpful. I likely wouldn't have read this book if it weren't for winning a free copy in a giveaway (thank you to the authors!) but I'm glad I did.

[Mara Metzgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this as an advance copy because I'm married 25 years and was thrilled to see a book written for my demographic. This book is not erotica. It is a simple, practical guide for how to have the talks with your partner that might open up new experiences enjoyable for both of you. Mali and Joe provide creative and judgment-free ways to tap into the intimacy you already share and play at the edges of your comfort zone - but only when you're ready. Consider reading this WITH your partner to achieve the best conversations!

[Lisa Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free from Library Thing for my review. As a couples therapist, I'm always telling couples that if communication is Relationship 101, then communication about SEX is like Relationship 601. Talking about sex is fraught with difficulty and just downright hard. This book is worth its weight in gold JUST for the Intimacy Inquiry at the beginning (65-ish questions to discuss about sex and intimacy) and the fantastic appendix chapter "Sexy Date Ideas". If this was all you got out of the book, it would be well worth the price. But there's so much more! It's a lot of information, and you could totally just go straight to the parts you need - for example, there's a full chapter on utilizing jealousy for good (and also they have an online class about jealousy at their website www.MaliAndJoe.com). I think this book is great for therapists - I know I used my discomfort at certain sections as a gauge to where I need to learn more and cultivate more openness - but also just to get ideas on how to work with couples having various issues; for example, there's section on how to eroticize performance anxiety or shame. And if you are a couple with ANY kind of sexual issues or just curiosity about expanding your intimate connection, this would be a great book for you. There are also free guides and videos on their website - and although they are not therapists, they do offer coaching and clearly know this subject matter inside and out. Highly recommend.

[Sweet-Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is "wild monogamy". It was a great read and worth a read if you also want to strengthen your monogamic relationship. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Mali and Joe on TikTok and I just love their inspirational stories about romance and couples! I decided to read Wild Monogamy just to be curious and I learned so much. I got married late in life as did my husband and I must say I really feel like it has helped our relationship blossom. There’s so much going on in a relationship, but sometimes you forget about the basics of just being good to one another and continuing to learn how to keep interest in your relationship. I started reading it on my own and not sharing anything with my husband and then I decided that “this is too good not to share”. I highly recommend this book to new couples and not so new couples. I don’t think you’ll regret it. Just open your mind and explore a new beginning!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the name of the book "Wild Monogomy" might invoke the concept of being in only a relationship with one other person (and indeed, this IS the basic premise of this book) being a woman who has lived in a relationship with no intimacy for years, I wondered if it would resonate with me. I am delighted to find out how in error I was. I began reading this in hopes of finding some way to rekindle my own love life, and ended up finding a deeper love for myself. I don't know if it's the way the authors have both voiced some of their misgivings and adventures with their relationship or just seeing that I was not in some way unlovable that helped me to find a peace within myself and my situtation. The creativity that Mali and Joe share with the reader, as well as their willingness to be as open as they feel they can be set something within myself free. If, at some point in the future, that avenue opens up again for me. I am ready. If not, I am so honored to have been able to have this information and joy in the knowledge of how unique and wonderful I am either way. It's a high recommendation in my world.

[Megan Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mali and Joe have done it again. I have been a fan of theirs since before Soulmate Experience (their first book) but Wild Monogamy was the conversation I didn't know my heart needed. They did an incredibly thorough job of sharing diverse stories I was able to relate to and providing direction for where to go next. If you've been looking for a conversation on the beauty of monogamous relationships and how to keep them alive and vibrant over time. If you're tired of the same ole boring narrative of what it means to commit in a monogamouse relationship - Wild Monogamy is a game changer. I have always been, and will forever be grateful for the wisdom Mali and Joe impart upon us through their writing adventures. Thank you!

[Elizabeth Aebischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mali and Joe’s book Wild Monogamy has transformed our 25 year marriage. Wild Monogamy is truly a gift to couples who are committed to loving each other intimately but get sidetracked by all of the demands of LIFE. Mali and Joe remind us to prioritize the joy of a vibrant sexual relationship. They offer a path of mindfulness and empathy, sharing thoughtful insights and stories that aim to inspire partners to love each other deeply and passionately…and to have FUN!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This frank look at intimate relationships can benefit anyone, no matter where you are in your relationship. I appreciated the author's honest and vulnerable discussion of what makes our relationships work and conversely, what makes them infinitely complicated. Their list of questions at the beginning of the book are a great jumping off point for honest conversations with your partner.

[Sandy Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enthusiastically support this book and was given an advance copy to read. It is well written and very useful in helping to fuel healthy discussion to elevate your emotional intimacy in your relationship. It sure sparked interesting conversations with my lover! Thank you Mali and Joe!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
It gives you great advice on how to bring the fire back into your relationship.
There are a lot of questions which you should be honest with yourself about to gain the most out of it.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really interesting as it delves into the who what and why of sex. It has short stories and details from couples. This book is really interesting and detailed and goes into many aspects of sex, psychology and relationships. Great read.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book! Not what I had expected by any means and glad I kept reading. This book will have you wanting to spice that marriage or relationship up that's for sure!