Mandii B and WeezyWTF, hosts of the Decisions, Decisions (formerly WHOREible Decisions) podcast, deliver a bold, unfiltered, and raw, sex-positive collection of relatable tales. They tackle everything from pleasure to pain and the journey of healing through progression to reclaim your personal and sexual power.
A provocative and playful exploration that aims to destigmatize kink while educating, inspiring, and promoting sexual and mental health. Thoughtful, painfully honest, and, at times, hilarious, this book offers longtime fans of the podcast and curious newcomers a deep dive into sexual mores, along with answers to the most burning questions Mandii and Weezy have been asked,
- How can women embrace and own their sexuality without apology or shame? - How can you tell when a relationship has run its course? - What’s the best way to forgive ourselves for our reckless choices in our youth? - How do we stay grounded while balancing the desire to “have it all”?
Perfect for fans of Come as You Are and Smart Sex, No Holes Barred offers a bold, modern perspective on the timeless dynamics of intimacy and sex.
I went into this book with low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think the women wrote the book they wanted to write. I appreciated their ability to be actually (not faux) vulnerable, which I see with a lot of public figure memoirs. I also think they did a really impressive job of mixing self-help with memoir and erotica. Its something I had not seen done before. There were parts that felt redundant, there were parts that I didn't need, but overall I think the book was refreshing and inventive.
Let me begin by saying I applaud these woman for coming out with a book and pursuing their goal of further educating women and their fans alike.
Ever since they announced that they will be creating a book I have been waiting impatiently for the release date with great anticipation. But after finishing the book I was left with a plethora of mixed feels about what was delivered.
Now keep in mind this is just my honest opinion and I don’t want to discourage people from reading this book. But I do want to give a complete honest review.
First off let me speak on the positives, I genuinely liked the patriarchal bullshit and matriarchal quotes before each chapter. And the fact the each chapter was flipped between Weezy and Mandi was an interesting transition between both woman.
However, I felt that most of their chapters were too repetitive and at times drug on longer than I felt they should have. I’m not saying I wanted them to rush and get to the point, but their were certain moments when I felt the storytelling or the details were to wordy and just boring to get through.
Secondly, I would have loved it if these woman spoke more on experiences that were not previously shared on the podcast. I understand that not everyone that picks up this book will be a fan, but to rehear stories that I previously knew about where a little tiresome at certain points. I did like it when they went into more detail about their experiences (such as Weezy with her story of sexual abuse).
Lastly, my biggest concerning opinion about this book is the “on the nose” self help, statistics, words of encouragement and therapy like guidance/ advice. Again I understand not everyone is like me, but at certain moments the constant sprinkled in google facts and what felt like instagram worthy affirmations felt pretentious at times. I felt constantly annoyed with the obvious self help questions or advice, that genuinely felt like regurgitated information that people either already know, heard, or seen to come capacity…I hate how harsh this sounds especially considering I am a fan, but if these parts were taken out i would have genuinely loved the book more. When reading through the tips and advice given, it switched the tone and flow for me and made me feel as if the lessons they were trying to teach were too general and obvious. Maybe if they incorporated the advice, lessons and facts in a different way I would most likely enjoy it. But the breaks in between paragraphs of helpful tips came off as disingenuous and lacked a true punch.
Overall, the book was okay in my honest opinion and despite how I feel, I would actually still recommend this book for people that are going through similar situations. This book is truly for a particular type of audience and it feels to me, it is more for the fans than for general readers. I do like the effort they put into this book and considering the fact that this is their first book, there were bound to be some small concerns, but if they were to actually make a second book, I do believe they would find their writing style and their footing.
I was not particularly impressed but I can say as someone who has enjoyed their podcast- it was kind of fun to be nosy and hear more about their personal lives but if you’re not invested in them I can’t see this being a good read to you.
The reviews saying it offends them that this book recognizes race and their lived experiences as black women is coo-coo-bananas though lol it’s not a good book but that is not why 🤣
It’s poorly written and not cohesive. I’m really surprised they had an actual writer for this. You get a lot of fluff and then it ends lol just kind of odd to me.
If you don’t listen to their podcast, I would start there. This book is extremely explicit.
I love their podcast and am a long time listener. I really appreciated their vulnerability, the opportunities they took to educate and advise if you are interested in “alternative” sexual and romantic relationships, or even traditional ones. Because their podcast is educational and entertaining, I was hoping that in this new iteration of them, as authors, would incorporate more substantial maybe even theoretical analysis of their experiences and how communities of sex work can exemplify liberation theory in terms of mutual aid, education, etc.
I gave this book a 3 star because that was my personal hope for the book that was not met. But in terms of a memoir it was savvy, entertaining, and educational- much like their podcast.
After listening to WeezyWTF and Mandii B promoting their book on an episode of The Breakfast Club, I decided to check it out. I had never heard of them or their popular podcast before the BC interview. They were funny, engaging, and confident, and encouraged open discussion about sex, and have built successful careers, and all of that piqued my interest. If I had listened to their podcast before reading the book, I would've had a better idea of what to expect....Because I CLUTCHED my pearls TIGHTLY almost through the entire book!!
But, I think that's one of the points....to encourage a more expansive discussion of what is deemed normal or acceptable and what's considered taboo or inappropriate. And I appreciated that.
I recognize there is a generational difference that also informs my views on privacy or what I consider "TMI". And while there were times I found myself literally saying, "TMI!!" or "Eww!!" out loud, I also appreciated the confidence and vulnerability it took to share personal details with the world.
The parts I found most memorable were the prompts encouraging self-reflection about relationships, goals, and personal power.
This would normally be a book way out of my comfort zone or at least my usual selections. I think listening to the audiobook helped a lot. It made the stories seem very conversational.
I'd suggest listening to the podcast first to familiarize yourself with the topics they discuss. It may not be for you. Like the title suggests, NOTHING is barred, nada!
No Holes Barred is a dual-perspective biography by the hosts of Podcast Decisions Decisions (formerly WHOREible Decisions) outlining the journey they have taken in order to become the self-assured women that they are today. Both women, black, bisexual/ Queer and coming from different economic backgrounds outline how their backgrounds and upbringing played a role in the way they viewed themselves and sex. The book, described as a "dual manifesto of sexual exploration and power", is split in four sections: Pleasure, Pain, Progression and Power. Each section is dedicated to different aspects of their journey. Pleasure is dedicated to discovering what they enjoy about sex, taking into account how their backgrounds and upbringing affected the way they viewed sex and what they like, or conversely, what they did not realize they would like because of their preconceived notions about certain aspects of sex. Pain is dedicated to their lows, both self-inflicted and the effects of other people. Progression is dedicated to them bearing their souls about the parts of their history they disliked the most and what they learned from those parts of their stories. And power was a quick section to wrap up the book, tying a neat little bow on the end of their stories.
What I did not like/ room for improvement: Reading a biographical manifesto by two podcast hosts that I was unfamiliar with presented challenges in actually reading and understanding tone. It may be a pet peeve of mine, which I took into consideration while scoring this read, but I dislike when authors are overly casual/ personal in their writing style. When writing a book you hope branches out past your audience, you need to be cognizant that we are unaware of your sense of humour, your inflections, your tone, etc. I found myself re-reading sentences and paragraphs, especially in the 'pleasure' section, because I could not grasp what tone to use in reading. I would have to go back and re-emphasize different words in order to effectively understand the story and understand the authors' intent with their chapters. I find Mandii did this more often than Weezy, and to a certain extent, it felt like sublimation and like she was using humour to deflect her discomfort in being this honest; which would be hypocritical as the entire purpose of their podcast is to normalize human experiences around sex without shame or doubt. My only other issue was sometimes it became difficult to situate when a story was taking place relative to other stories, especially if one played a role in their perception of another. I had to actively remind myself that these were stories based on real people, and if the authors were TOO specific in the timelines or situating events, it would have identified the individuals involved. The authors went to great lengths to keep the anonymity of the participants sacred, of which I appreciated. Between these two aspects, some stories were hard to follow as I found myself questioning the story, but it did not present too much of a barrier to the overall read.
What I did like/ appreciate: VULNERABILITY. Obviously the pain section was hard to read. The table of contents listed out the names of each chapter, the author behind it, and if it included a sensitive topic, an asterisk to act as a content warning (as well as a trigger warning at the top of the table of contents). There were plenty of chapters that were vulnerable about their rough patches, but I often found myself admiring the vulnerability of the pleasure chapters as well. As women, we're taught to be demure and to deny that we have sex, or kinks, or enjoy pleasure. To admit to everything dirty and kinky you have ever done, including some things that would make most people clutch their pearls, takes massive balls. I found myself at many points asking myself "why would you admit that?" only to realize that's the entire fucking point. Sex is a normal part of human life, and kinks are something all of us experience - although to different degrees. There is nothing wrong with a kink (so long as there is communication and consent from ALL parties) but we are taught to be shamed for it. To be honest about all of it was fascinating as someone who sometimes hides her own personality and interests (ahem) out of fear of being judged or making others uncomfortable. Although, this level of vulnerability paired with some of the critiques about writing style did take me out of the stories a bit. The overly familiar language with the reader sometimes gave me the impression it was not two grown women in their 30s writing this, but rather, a 12 year old boy allowed to curse for the first time. However, their most vulnerable moments in the pain section were completely serious, and for that I commend them. I also really liked when they acknowledged what aspects of their background played a role in their stories, whether it was progression or kink. The final piece before spoilers below include a quote, called patriarchal bullshit, and its corresponding matriarchal response in the beginning of every chapter. Each PB corresponded with the theme of the chapter. Psychologists, philosophers, actors, politicians, etc. all were included in the PBs. I think psychology and philosophy do not get whacked enough as a study for being created through the lens of predominantly cis straight men, and how their upbringing in a patriarchal society reflects their often misogynistic and incomplete theories that still need to be improved upon. I do believe that some of the matriarchal responses could have been more impactful and thought through, instead of "sex good for men so sex good for women" Barbie levels of Feminism 101. But, it puts into perspective how stupid the PB is, and that we only think of people like Freud and Nietzsche as brilliant because they're men.
Who Benefits From This: When I first started reading No Holes Barred, I believed that the people who would benefit from this the most are people who know they have more of a kinkier side and didn't know how to explore it. I didn't know if people who engaged in kink and have done some really dirty things in their time would find it worthwhile. Then I got to the pain and progression chapters, and I realized everyone needs this. Even though many people engage in kink, many of them may not be aware of what goes into making them like what they like and why. This book is a constant reminder to question what you like, and a reminder that there is no shame in your story and journey in how you get there. There are also constant reminders about communication, consent, self love and respect that I think everyone needs a reminder of once in a while. Even those fully immersed in the kink scene need a reminder that you are still a human being, going through transitional periods in life that may affect the way you view yourself and therefore, your sex life. This book is filled with constant reminders that your race, gender, sexuality, gender expression and the way the world communicates with us directly shapes our relationship with sex and ourselves. I think everyone will get something out of this book, even if it takes you a little while to stop feeling like a preteen giggling about sex for the first time in the back of a health class.
Stand Out Chapters and Stories SPOILERS AHEAD Most of my stand out chapters come from Pain, but there are some scattered about: "Why Don't We Cheat Together" - by WeezyWTF: a chapter on non-monogamy and the kink of watching your partner be pleasured. As someone who is staunchly monogamous, I found this chapter fascinating. Her ability to track her growth from monogamous as someone with the "ideal parents" relationship to grow up admiring and understand what exactly she likes about non-monogamy is incredibly introspective. I like how she acknowledged her upbringing and how it affected her views on relationships. I also admired her constant acknowledgement that consent and communication are the only ways this kind of relationship works. Her questions and pieces of advice scattered and highlighted throughout are really helpful for those thinking that non-monogamy might be for them, and if they are considering it, what they need in order to be sure they are doing it the right way. "Is Protection Even Pleasurable?" - by WeezyWTF: By the title, I'm sure we all assume this is a chapter about condoms and safe sex. WRONG. This chapter touched me. It was a chapter about how you can only be safe if you surround yourself with friends and confidants who support you and allow you to be free in your WHOREible decisions, as it provides you with the opportunity to speak freely and communicate openly about what you are doing and what you want. I find that this aspect of our sex lives often goes under the radar in terms of what we are aware of affecting our sex lives. This was a beautiful chapter. "Can I Put Your Penis In a Cage?" - Mandii B: I feel like this should be in the pleasure portion of the book, but their decision. This chapter was all about discovering what you like with a partner beyond what you think you should like. This was one of the chapters that had me clutching my pearls like "that's good?". This chapter is written about Mandii's first experience with a dominatrix teaching her about different kinks that she explores with a partner. She talks about the sexual pleasure that comes from exploring, but not necessarily the sexual aspect, but knowing that your partner feels safe enough to explore with you. I found this to be incredibly insightful. Many of us do not explore what we may like in the bedroom out of fear that it is "weird", and even less do it in a partnership. For her to outline how positive the experience was, even though she did not LOVE what she did, she found she experienced a greater pleasure because she knew how safe her partner felt with her and vice versa. This is also one of the chapters that let me know sex dungeons and sex clubs are SUPER common and I just need to go outside more, lol. A highlight chapter for anyone interested in learning how to communicate with your partner about exploration. This chapter also highlighted the importance of having conversations about where your kinks come from: as a black, queer woman, she highlighted (in a previous chapter) about how preconceived notions of sex can often put someone off wanting to try something new. In this chapter, she highlights kinks like raceplay, and knowing that sometimes, these kinks feel questionable and there can be a sense of guilt for having it. She does not kink shame, nor does she go into detail about where kinks come from, but she does highlight the importance of recognizing what your kinks are and the way they manifest in your relationships, as they can often be harmful or triggering to those around you. "Why Stand Up When You Can Be On Your Knees?" - WeezyWTF: This chapter highlights Weezy's exploration with BDSM and Submission. I have often heard people sometimes say that the "submissive" is really the one in charge of BDSM. That seemed counterintuitive to me, and as someone with negative experiences with men who refer to themselves as a 'dom', I didn't believe her. She shared her first experience ever being dominated, and highlighted the amount of conversation, consent and 'temperature checking' that went into her first - and continued - experience in the realm of BDSM. And you know what, she's right. The person who puts themselves in a submissive position IS the one who sets the tone, and the dom/me needs to follow it. She highlights the importance of knowing your limits, and understanding your partner's limits before you even go into these situations. She highlighted how safe she felt with her first experience being dommed, and why she did. She did an excellent job of laying out what needs to be done in order to know that (1) your dom is in fact a dom and not just a man who wants a power trip, and (2) what a BDSM scene looks like and entails. Not everyone is going to be so lucky as to learn about BDSM and Kink through an experienced, honest and stand up member of the kink scene. Sometimes, peoples' first introduction to kink is media that does not portray it properly and as such, their ability to understand what is good and healthy is skewed. If anyone is considering becoming part of the BDSM scene, listening to Weezy describe her involvement in the scene is necessary to know what to look for in order to advocate for yourself in such a vulnerable and intimidating situation. "Well, What Were You Wearing" - MandiiB. This chapter made me emotional. Mandii talked about her experience as a woman who did not realize she was the victim of sexual violence. She went through her 'grieving' process, and outlined why she did not believe she could have been assaulted, why she felt like she would be blamed, what she thought she could have done. One part of the chapter that stood out for me was her saying that she always had the idea that if someone did something to her, she would loudly and proudly tell someone off because that's just who she is. And instead, she did nothing and cried after the fact. As you can see, I am drawn more to Weezy's stories than Mandii's. But in this moment, I was so connected to Mandii. In my own history, I have had experiences where I was assaulted, and it took me so long to realize it was an assault. I did the same thing - not wanting to believe what happened was an assault, taking too long to understand why I felt violated, and not saying anything because it happened in public and the shock of it overrode my ability to look him in the face and ask what the fuck he thought he was doing. We as a society have a very narrow view of what constitutes assault, and so often we do not want to believe someone close to us or trustworthy could ever do that to us. And in this chapter, she goes into how it does happen. How it's not your fault, and how men will default always to blaming women instead of holding other men accountable. This is a triggering chapter for anyone who has been assaulted, and for anyone who has been and believes no one will believe you because it wasn't a stranger in a bush or getting drugged at a party, this is a very cathartic chapter. "Do You Realize You Raped Me?" - WeezyWTF: Weezy also goes into detail about the night she was raped. Her chapter stood out because of one thing: her admission that she likes to engage in CNC. This was one of those chapters I could not believe she admitted to, but I have come to learn that CNC is a very common kink (although hard not to judge as I have never been in this position, but I am learning actively). She talks about how she felt confused and hurt after her assault because, as someone who enjoys submission and these kinds of fantasies, she didn't like it. This highlights the importance of situation based consent and how CONSENT IS NECESSARY FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY. Even if you believe someone would like something because you've done it before, you need to clear it ahead of time. Everyone has a right to their body and a right to say no, and when engaging in CNC, they have prenegotiated a yes that looks like a no (acting!). It's not a real no. This chapter is so, so important to remind everyone that you are always entitled to a no and it does not matter who you are, what you like, or how public you are about what you like, the person you are with is obligated to ensure you are giving a yes. "What's your price?" - Mandii B: This is a chapter about survival sex work. It was an interesting chapter that highlights how people often do not realize what they are engaging in is sex work. She speaks about how sex work is often viewed through the lens of traditional "street walkers" but she would hang out with men and be paid for it, even if it she did not have to engage in sexual activity. She talked about how it is sex work, and we often don't think about it as such because many people would have to admit that they would provide their bodies in situations that they otherwise wouldn't in order to be able to pay their rent. I found this chapter the most interesting. She speaks openly about all the sexual relationships and situations she's found herself in, and yet this is what she has the most shame about. In a society where women are trying to profit off of their bodies already being objectified and sexualized, she felt a deep shame in it. She said that was giving away her body for the same amount she would spend on a pair of jeans, and the devaluation of her body is what made her feel bad. This was the chapter I approached from the most "academic" standpoint. As a feminist, I can't NOT include sex workers in my feminism. But, when sex work often overwhelmingly necessitates people - more often than not womxn - putting themselves in degrading, humiliating, shameful situations for other people in order to make a marginal amount of money, should we see that as empowering? Or should we see that as the patriarchy still getting what they want out of women's willingness and necessary submission? I found this to be a thought provoking chapter that I still don't have the answer to. "Why Do You Need Me to Need You?" - MandiiB: This chapter outlines the break up of Mandii's most toxic relationship. This breakup was predicated on the thought (from her ex) that 'women need men'. And Mandii's immediate response is no, I don't need you. I always have held this position. I don't want to be in a relationship where someone may only be with me because they think they need something from me. I want to be chosen, I want to know that even though someone can get through life without me, they want me there because I am that much of an addition to their life. And I want the same for me. This was a chapter where Mandii was questioning this mentality - and stays strong in her conviction that no women do NOT need men, nor should we. I think this chapter is really important in highlighting what we need to hear about being able to survive in the modern world and what we need to be the most satisfied in our relationships. So often, feminism and the manosphere pendulum swing back and forth between subjugating women to a life of independence and 'softness' and I believe this chapter hits the nail on the head on the practical balance of what it means to be in a relationship, without outlining what it should really look like.
I listen to and enjoy their podcast, so I should've known what I was getting myself into, but still, this was so much more explicit than I thought it'd be LOL. The self-help bits felt a bit too on the nose sometimes, but I truly think they both have the gift of the gab and are good storytellers/have lived interesting lives. This got me out of a lil reading slump yayyyy
Thank you Simon & Schuster for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review. I wish I could use a few quotes from the book, but I understand why I cannot…
This book was a one star book for me, but how can anyone leave one star for a memoir?! That’s just straight up terrible because it’s a life story. Some life stories probably shouldn’t be turned into books, but that’s not for me to judge here. Some of the stories in this book were five star reads. The details were fun, the stories made me laugh out loud, and the details kept me turning pages. The writing was subpar, and I would give most of the book one star for that. The constant negativity towards white people, and the general overall “wokeness” of the book also brought my rating down to one star because it was over the top and unnecessary. It did not add anything to their story at all, so it just felt like propaganda to me. There were no original thoughts or arguments either, so it was just regurgitated shit that is out there on the internet added as fluff between sexcapade stories. It added nothing to their book at all except to piss off white people I guess. 🤷🏼♀️🙄
I dove into this book after seeing the title and cover. I have never heard of Weezy or Mandii, so I had no clue what I was getting myself into with this book other than it would be a type of memoir full of sexcapades. Boyyyy do I wish I researched for the first time ever before diving into a book 🫠😐
I can honestly read a little bit of anything. I can read about opposite political views, I can read jokes about me or things I believe in, and I can even be okay with things I don’t believe are okay for a little while. I feel like I can usually brush off these things as long as they aren’t consistent or in my face. I read to enjoy myself, so why would I want to continue reading something that constantly pisses me off?! This book started off so fun for me, but by the 40% mark I could not pick it up anymore. It was painful to read. I nearly DNFed this book 50eleven times, and it’s a miracle that I didn’t because I refused to dnf an arc I agreed to leave a review for. I understand that Mandii & Weezy are proud women of color, but if they wrote this book specifically for women of color, then they should put a note on the cover of the damn book so that white bitches like me don’t pick it up. The amount of times white people are spit on in this book gets a little disgusting by the end.
I had originally planned to rip apart the book entirely, but I deleted most of my review notes. I’m not going to do that because it would take up way too much time when I already suffered through the book for long enough. I’m just going to leave a general review and say that this book gave me so much whiplash. Both ladies constantly say how independent they are & allude to their confidence level. Both ladies will take any guy (except a white man 🫣🤔) to bed, but the book started out with how into women they are. I understand and don’t understand different sexualities, but by the end of this book I can honestly say I am more confused than ever as to what these two women want. That’s okay because I don’t really care, but I’m just saying that this book was so fucking confusing. One chapter will talk about how confident they are and how strong/independent and amazing they know they are. Know your worth & all that shit. The next chapter they are depressed & suicidal. Or maybe they’re staying in a three year abusive relationship with a man they prove is cheating on them time and again. Or maybe they need a man in their life to buy them all the things they want and need so that they don’t have to work for it. What about being born rich and having everything handed to her on a silver platter, but moving to NYC and getting sugar daddies that pay for everything. Brag about that for a few chapters only to say that it was your biggest regret in life by the end of the book. Okay, I can’t even keep up anymore. It’s too much. I am so happy to be done with this book that I need to go out and celebrate!! 🎉
I’ll leave 2 stars for now because it’s not out yet, but I reserve the right to change that review to one star in the future…
I really wanted to like this book and was so excited when I won it however, I could not get through it. I really enjoyed the podcast “Guys we F*cked” and what they were trying to do. Even though I never heard of this podcast I assumed it was along the same lines and was really looking forward to it
First, I’ll say for me that although I appreciated the honestly, I was really turned off on how they changed the name of their podcast because they couldn’t get enough sponsors. If you want to change the stigma of a word, you have to be prepared for all of the hard work that entails. This instantly changed how I felt about the book yet I decided to keep trying to push through. From there, I just really struggled. The writing felt disingenuous at times and for lack of a better term, immature.
What I did like was they had asterisk for warnings on chapters that might be triggering. They also included great resources. We’re open to all sexual experiences and gave good, sound advice. They gave realistic expectations and guides.
I’m so glad from reading the reviews that other people were able to get something from it and that it meant something for them.
Ultimately I believe people should still try to read it and form their own opinions if you think the topics would be of interest to you
This book is truly like nothing else you’ve ever read. No Holes Barred is part memoir, part self-help, part erotica and somehow manages to be all three without losing an ounce of depth or intention. Mandii and Weezy hold nothing back. They are raw, hilarious, emotional, vulnerable, reflective, and wildly wise. It’s educational, entertaining, and healing all at once. Nobody else could’ve told this story quite like them. You can feel how much thought and heart went into every chapter. This book deserves every award and accolade it gets. It’s bold, it’s freeing, and it invites you to unlock parts of yourself you might’ve been too scared to touch. Even if your life looks nothing like theirs, even if you’re not into the same kinks, curiosities, or experiences, it’s still worth the read just to witness two women telling their truth with this much courage and creativity. And honestly, you need both the book and the audiobook. The print version is visually alive with personality and clever design. The audiobook? A full-blown performance. The emotion, the tone, the delivery… you’ll feel like you’re right there with them. This is a must-read. No matter your genre. No matter your background. You’ll laugh, reflect, clutch your pearls, and walk away changed.
As a long-time listener and devoted "little big sister" to Mandii B and Weezy "Decisions, Decisions" (formerly "WHOREible Decisions") podcast, I eagerly anticipated their debut book, No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power. I began reading with the same anticipation as if I were listening to their podcast, and I was not let down. The book navigates the complexities of modern relationships with thoughtful honesty, delivering moments that made me laugh out loud and others that brought me to tears. I thought they tackled some of the questions I have been wanting to ask them over the years: How do they embrace their sexuality without shame? How do they forgive past reckless choices? And how do they stay grounded while striving to "have it all?" My favorite chapters were "Why Don't We Cheat Together," "When Do You Know You've Stayed Too Long," and "Why Do You Need Me to Need You." I am always suggesting the podcast to my friends and coworkers, and I am planning to do the same with this book. I wholeheartedly give No Holes Barred 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a fan of the pod, (someone who has not missed a Monday since 2020) I was super excited to read this book, and I really enjoyed it! I love that the chapter alternated between weezy and mandii, and it was totally written in a way where I could hear them speaking. Some of the stories they talk about I can recall them talking about on the pod, but that didn’t bother me bc they go so much more in depth in the book.
Also i like how you can kind of tell around what time a certain story took place and can go back to the pod and see how they were then. Their growth and vulnerability is super admirable, and I feel like their ability to be so vulnerable is a part of why their podcast is so successful. I’ll always support these ladies, and this was a great book. I have no older sisters, or older women in my life where I can have these type of conversations with so it was nice to have read some important life lessons.
I would recommend this book to anyone going through heart break, struggling with a sense of self, someone looking to spice up their relationships- just about any phase of life I feel like you would take away soemthing from this book.
Mandii B and Weezy WTF's "No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power" is a straight-talking, unapologetic guide to owning one own's sexuality, learning from the past, and rejecting shame. Drawing from their popular "Decisions, Decisions" podcast (formerly "WHOREible Decisions"), the authors share personal stories, listener questions, and hard-earned insights about sex, relationships, and growth. The tone is candid and funny, but the message is serious: you deserve to feel empowered in your body and your choices.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from kink and boundaries to emotional healing and knowing when to end a relationship that no longer serves you. What stands out is how open the authors are about their own missteps and lessons. That honesty is refreshing and helps break down stigma and creates space for real conversations about desire, mistakes, and mental health.
"No Holes Barred" is for anyone looking for a no-BS take on sex and self-worth. It doesn’t try to offer one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, it encourages readers to figure out what works for them, without guilt or apology.
As a long-time listener and devoted "little big sister" to Mandii B and Weezy "Decisions, Decisions" (formerly "WHOREible Decisions") podcast, I eagerly anticipated their debut book, No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power. I began reading with the same anticipation as if I were listening to their podcast, and I was not let down. The book navigates the complexities of modern relationships with thoughtful honesty, delivering moments that made me laugh out loud and others that brought me to tears. I thought they tackled some of the questions I have been wanting to ask them over the years: How do they embrace their sexuality without shame? How do they forgive past reckless choices? And how do they stay grounded while striving to "have it all?" My favorite chapters were "Why Don't We Cheat Together," "When Do You Know You've Stayed Too Long," and "Why Do You Need Me to Need You." I am always suggesting the podcast to my friends and coworkers, and I am planning to do the same with this book. I wholeheartedly give No Holes Barred 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
i want to start off by saying i have never listened to their podcast, only interviews of these women which brought me to this book.
wow 👏🏻 this book is truly nothing like i’ve read and i am so impressed by it. it has humor, complete honesty, memoir style writing, some self help and of course erotica. there is no holding back in these pages. you can feel how much of these women’s hearts are in this book and i continue to applaud the honesty they speak on throughout their experiences. i loved the patriarchal bullshit they touched on while adding the matriarchal quotes and views.
even if you don’t find yourself personally relating to these women’s experience it’s worth it to pick up with an open mind. this is so bold, freeing and empowering. i was intrigued and engaged throughout the whole novel.
No Holes Barred by Mandii & Weezy is an unapologetically sex-positive narrative and a powerful revolution in embracing womanhood on your own terms. This book isn't just a guide—it’s a movement.
With unflinching honesty and wit, Mandii & Weezy offer profound insights into overcoming trauma, building healthy, fulfilling relationships, and asserting your power both in and outside the bedroom. Their words challenge taboos, dismantle shame, and inspire confidence with every page.
Whether you're on a healing journey or simply seeking to better understand your body and your boundaries, this book dares you to face your fears, break down barriers, and—most importantly—learn to truly love yourself.
Empowering, raw, and refreshingly real—this is a must-read for every woman ready to own her story. Finished her in two days!💕
I loved everything about this book. As a long time listener of the podcast and as an avid reader, I enjoyed reading these stories because of how dynamic they are. Mandii and Weezy’s growth is what stands out the most to me. Some of the stories are repeats from the podcast. However, they have more detail, more emotional insight, and sprinkles of life lessons that anyone can use along the way. This book is a combination of wild stories, reflection, and deep connection. As the book goes on, the stories get deeper and give more insight into the authors’ mental and emotional state. I wasn’t expecting suicidal ideation, child loss, or the intense heartbreak. I was expecting a good time only! That is what makes this book so good. I got so much more than I expected.
The book was not perfect, but the imperfections are why we love Weezy and Mandii. As a monogamous married woman, I didn’t read the book for advice; I read it for the stories! Anyone who is interested can read this book and enjoy it regardless of their relationship status, sexual orientation, or intimate interests.
I love Mandi and Weezy! This book was so insightful when it came to their personal life journeys. I was excited to get more insight into Weezy’s current relationship! I also, surprisingly, loved Mandi’s chapters way more than Weezy’s. It’s not necessarily a competition, but while listening to the podcast, I often find myself agreeing more with Weezy. However, Mandi’s chapters allowed me to see into her life a bit more intimately.
Overall, I loved hearing their stories. Sometimes their experiences make me question my own…like, am I not having enough wild experiences? lol But I know that’s not the point. It was just nice to hear their stories and and read about their experiences.
i’ve only listened to a few episodes of WHORible Decisions, so admittedly i don’t know too too much about Mandii and Weezy. but after reading this, i def need to go see one of their live shows.
All I can say is wow — Weezy and Mandi, y’all really beared your souls in this book and I loved it so much. As someone who’s listened to the pod for the last 2.5/3 years, listening to this audiobook in your voices while exploring love, sex, power, and pain was so impactful and inspiring. Y’all gave me new perspectives on so many things, and it also helped put a lot of my past trauma into perspective as well. I enjoyed every second of it !
Reading this book reminded me of the time my friend in middle school showed me a Cosmo magazine she had hidden in her closet that we read and were so scandalized, shocked and mystified by. This book is vulnerable, entertaining, and spicy. I’ve never listened to their podcast before so this book was much more explicit than I was anticipating, and certainly not for the everyone. Really appreciated the sexual assault stories.
I’m a huge fan of Weezy and Mandii and I love them dearly.
That being said, this memoire was missing something and it was a conclusion to different stories being told. So many unanswered questions. For example, did Weezy ever ended up talking again to any of the guys she slept with? I feel like I was being edged and then left with blue balls over and over.
I just wanted more. Needed more and didn’t get MORE.
So I went all the way to Essense to try and catch the ladies live... met Mandii on the treat to share my own No Holes Barred story. I enjoyed the ladies stories because they were telling their own truths. They each shared carefully and ended with resources. Felt like I was speaking with my college friends about the shenangians were got into. I also learned there are times where I could be free and let the moments come to me.
A double memoir with a dash of smut and a great deal of realness. I had never listened to their podcast, so I wasn’t sure what I was getting into but I definitely appreciated how they laid it all out there while also examining the societal contexts. I did listen to this book and it did sound like a podcast, it wasn’t super focused on facts like Come As You Are, but was an alternate perspective on being human and showing up as you are.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from a giveaway on here, and I was excited to start this book. It’s not a genre or type of book that I typically go for, but I enjoyed it. I applaud these women for sharing their stories and perspectives on pleasure and power. There were some stories that didn’t exactly need to be in this book, but I feel like overall, I would recommend!
This was a recommendation from the Giggly Squad podcast and I’m so happy that I read it. Well, technically, listened to it. This is for the sexually curious and covers a ton of topics that are both light and heavy. The vulnerability interlaced with the levity and humor of listening to the authors read it were well-executed. Would definitely recommend!
As an OG listener of whoreible decisions who has attended multiple live shows and been listening to the pod for years, I was SO proud of the ladies for making this happen! there was still so much I learned about them while reading this book! the vulnerability was taken to a whole new level, and as I excepted this book had me laughing and crying.
very good book. it encourages the reader to step outside thr norm of sexual understanding and pushing one to be their authentic self. I listen to their podcast first.....so I read it in their voices. I appreciate the honesty in the book as well....alot going on. I also appreciated the trigger warnings.......
I’ve been a long-time listener of the pod and a fan of both Weezy and Mandii, and this book was absolutely amazing. I appreciate their honesty, candor, and truth, the hard stories they share, the humanity, and the power of female connection. This is a book everyone should read, whether they listen to their podcast or not.
This book written by my favorite podcasters, so I may be biased but I thought the stories, trials, and tribulations Mandi and Weezy outline in this book are so powerful. I feel like I can learn from their mistakes, their growth, and their successes. Highly recommend.