Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC of this book.

I was looking for something a little different but within the memoir category and I definitely got what I asked for here. Rarely do you find a book or author who speaks so openly about female sexuality in a real and honest way. I enjoyed going on this journey with Alisa and often found myself able to relate to many of the feelings she experienced along the way. There were times where I struggled to remember who a particular partner was, though in the end, I'm not sure it really mattered. As someone who is working towards some self discovery of my own I found this book left me feeling hopeful even though there were moments when it was just okay. I'd read it again and would recommend it for some.

Super interesting of a read, I love the writing the style and the journey Kriegel takes you on as a reader. Such a strong narrative base that it’s easy to pull lessons from to apply to your own life and relationship with intimacy. Would recommend!

This memoir felt like a breath of fresh air, raw and beautifully honest. I loved how the story explores themes of shame, freedom, and the power of giving yourself permission to want and to be wanted. It’s a reminder that desire does not fade with age, and that intimacy can be reinvented at any stage of life. The mix of personal adventure and thoughtful reflections on women’s sexuality made this memoir feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. The writing style is warm and engaging, inviting readers to not only witness Kriegel’s growth but to reflect on their own relationships with pleasure and connection. It filled me with hope and excitement for what it means to embrace desire beyond society’s expectations. It’s a beautiful celebration of courage, self-love, and the thrilling freedom that comes from truly owning your sexual self.

Review: From Sexless Marriage to Sex Goddess by Alisa Kriegel

I’ll admit—I picked this book up because the cover caught my eye. The bold title and striking design made me curious, and I expected something provocative, maybe even a cheeky self-help guide. But as I started reading, I realized it was something more profound: a raw, unflinching memoir about sexual rediscovery in midlife.

Dr. Alisa Kriegel’s story isn’t just about reigniting passion; it’s a coming-of-(middle)-age tale. She writes with vulnerability about her decade-long sexless marriage, the shame and frustration that came with it, and her eventual transformation into a woman unapologetically embracing desire. As someone who’s used to seeing narratives about youthful sexual awakening, this felt refreshingly different. Here was a woman in her 40s, a therapist no less, admitting she’d lost—and then fiercely reclaimed—her erotic self.

What struck me most was Kriegel’s honesty. She doesn’t sugarcoat the awkwardness, the guilt, or the societal judgments women face when prioritizing pleasure later in life. At times, I wished for more introspection on how her professional expertise as a sex educator intersected with her personal struggles, but the memoir’s strength lies in its relatability. It’s not a clinical analysis; it’s one woman’s messy, courageous journey.

The book’s tone reminded me of Eat Pray Love but with a sharper focus on sexuality—less wanderlust, more lust, period. While I appreciated Kriegel’s candidness, I did wonder how her story might resonate differently for readers outside heteronormative relationships. Still, as a conversation starter about aging, marriage, and female desire, it’s a compelling read.

Final Thoughts:

-Unexpected Depth: More than a titillating title—it’s a midlife sexual awakening story.
-Relatable, Not Prescriptive: Reads like a confessional chat with a wise friend, not a how-to guide.
-Wish For More: Could’ve explored intersectional perspectives (e.g., queer/ace experiences).
-Perfect For: Anyone rethinking passion, partnership, or self-reinvention after 40.

I’d recommend it with a glass of wine and an open mind—just don’t judge it by the cover alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for providing an advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.