Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for sending me an early copy of this book.

Intimacy by Ita O’Brien is an insightful, fascinating book.

O'Brien's behind-the-scenes stories were engaging and authentic, and it was interesting to read about her varied experience in this niche field.

An empowering, interesting read which opens the door to reflect on true connection, deep-level desire and relationships - and not just romantic relationships either.

This important book teaches that consent is not just about avoiding bad sex and making it safer, but is also about making sex better. It contains lots of excellent practical exercises and is backed up by real-world experience.

I really enjoyed the insights Ita brought to the book regarding her work as an Intimacy Coordinator. I also enjoyed the exercises that were peppered through the book to encourage the reader to reconnect with themselves, and also to reconsider their relationships with other people. However, I didn't think the two worked so well together. It did end up seeming a bit of a mix of lots of different books.

Intimacy by Ita O’Brien is an insightful and thought-provoking book that completely changed the way I think about connection, desire and communication. O’Brien’s experience as a pioneering intimacy coordinator gives her a unique perspective, and I found her insights both fascinating and incredibly relevant to everyday relationships.

Having worked on productions such as Normal People and I May Destroy You, she has played a key role in shaping how intimacy is portrayed on screen, ensuring that scenes are not just authentic but also safe and empowering for performers. What I loved about this book is how she takes those same ideas and applies them to real life, offering practical guidance on setting boundaries, expressing desires and creating meaningful relationships.

The behind-the-scenes stories were particularly engaging, adding depth and a real sense of humanity to the book. I also appreciated the exercises for self-reflection and connection, which felt genuinely useful rather than just theoretical. They encouraged me to think about my relationships and how I communicate with them.

This book made me reflect on the importance of true connection, not just in romantic relationships but in all aspects of life. It is a brilliant and empowering read that I would recommend to anyone looking to understand themselves and others on a deeper level.

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