The best 62 Dating books

Sex At Dawn argues that the idealization of monogamy in Western societies is essentially incompatible with human nature. The book makes a compelling case for our innately promiscuous nature by exploring the history and evolution of human sexuality, with a strong focus on our primate ancestors and the invention of agriculture. Arguing that our distorted view of sexuality ruins our health and keeps us from being happy, Sex At Dawn explains how returning to a more casual approach to sex could benefit interpersonal relationships and societies in general.

• Anyone who wants to know what kind of sex life is intrinsic to human nature
• Anyone who has experienced the strains of preserving monogamy over time, and wonders how lifelong relationships can work out
• Anyone interested in biology and evolutionary psychology

Daring to Trust (2010) offers a clear path to finding the confidence to trust yourself and the world around you. You’ll learn to overcome past trauma and accept life for what it has to offer, discovering how to live in the moment and work toward a better future.

• People who struggle with maintaining their self-control
• Anyone looking to boost their self-confidence
• People curious about human behavior and motivation

The Game (2005) gives readers an inside look into the “pickup community” frequented by men desperate to convince women to sleep with them. These blinks share the advice of a leading seduction guru, and the less than great consequences of his successes.

• Everyone who is interested in seduction
• People who like learning about different subcultures

The internet and modern technology have revolutionized the way we communicate, learn, work and live. They’ve even revolutionized our concept of love. Modern Romance (2015) explains how our idea of “love” has changed in recent generations, and how you can make the most of today’s technology in your quest to find it.

• Seekers of romance
• Aziz Ansari fans
• Anyone interested in technology or the internet

Unrequited (2015) is a guide to the human obsession with people who will never love us. These blinks explore how romantic obsession affects both the obsessed and the object of their desire, why some people are more prone to stalker behavior than others and how to deal with the fallout of unrequited love.

• People who can’t let go of their ex
• Women who are unsure whether it’s appropriate for them to initiate a relationship
• Romantically obsessed creatives

Why Love Hurts (2012) is about the history of love, romance and relationships. These blinks detail the gender differences, cultural expectations and social structures that shape our conception of love and make it one of the more difficult emotions to experience.

• Men who are fed up with being called unemotional
• Women who are tired of being considered clingy
• Singles who struggle to maintain relationships

The State of Affairs (2017) tackles the tough subject of infidelity. Cheating is widely condemned as immoral, and yet, at some point or another, many people do it anyway. This book offers a fresh look at infidelity and asks a difficult question: Is it such a bad thing after all?

• Faithful lovers
• Unfaithful lovers
• Mistresses and manstresses

How Luck Happens (2018) debunks the myth that luck is something we have zero control over, revealing that we certainly can influence the level of luckiness in our lives. Packed with examples and practical advice, this book shows how luck can be improved in the workplace as well as the dating scene.

• Those who are tired of waiting for luck to find them
• People hoping to improve their success in work, love or family
• Anyone who wants to beat the competition

How to Fail (2019) is an honest and revealing look at the abundant rewards that come from making it through the toughest of times. Author Elizabeth Day takes us through many of the formative events in her life that some could call failures, yet she is nonetheless grateful for. Many fear failure like the plague, but it is often unavoidable – and for good reason too, because if we didn’t fail, we wouldn’t learn the many important lessons that make us smarter and better at living life.

• Anyone going through a tough time
• People looking to rebound from a failed project
• Women thinking about starting a family

The Curious History of Dating (2017) guides readers through the history of dating and relationships in the United Kingdom. From the formal dances and rules of the 1700s to the growth of online dating in recent years, these blinks show that dating and finding true love has always been a difficult affair. But thankfully, today it’s easier than ever before.

• Non-Brits confused about the etiquette for dating a Brit
• Long-term couples looking for some historically-based date inspiration
• Curious fans of British social history

Women Who Love Too Much (1985) explores the unhealthy relationships that some women find themselves in again and again. Using real-life case studies and devastating insights, the blinks explain the true reasons behind women’s fascination with unsuitable men and describe how we can move past our insecurities for good.

• Women feeling trapped in an unhappy relationship
• Self-help buffs looking for a fresh perspective
• Those trying to move on from a traumatic childhood

Eight Dates (2019) helps couples navigate the ups and downs of a relationship. Whether you’ve been married for years or have just met the love of your life, the bedrock of any relationship is quality conversation. Uncover your partner’s innermost needs and desires by going out on the eight themed dates set out by the authors in this book. But don’t stop there – the wisdom from these eight recommended dates can be applied to any date you and your partner go on.

• Anyone in a relationship
• Couples looking to bring romance back into their relationship
• Aspiring couples therapists or psychology students

How to Be an Adult in Relationships (2002) is the definitive guide to effective relationships. It focuses on how we can all become more loving, and more open to love, both for our own benefit and that of the wider world. Drawing on the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, author David Richo explores five concepts of mindful loving, and how they can be applied to relationships throughout our lives.

• Couples wanting to deepen their commitment to each other
• Anyone seeking a meaningful relationship
• Individuals wanting to end a relationship peacefully

Love Sense (2013) is an exploration of the science of love. These blinks suggest that humans instinctively desire to connect with each other, and that relationship problems arise when lovers no longer feel secure. They also offer practical strategies for how to develop your love sense – that is, your ability to create fulfilling and long-lasting bonds with your loved ones.

• People aspiring to form long-lasting relationships
• Those who have been in and out of fleeting romances
• Lovers struggling with relationship difficulties

Relationship Goals (2020) offers a blueprint for developing long-lasting relationships with your friends, your spouse, and God. Narrating his own experiences of heartache and healing, author Michael Todd examines common obstacles in modern relationships and gives tips for overcoming them. He also demonstrates how to set precise goals to help you aim for the right relationships.

• Single people concerned about choosing the right partner
• People of faith seeking to strengthen their relationships with God
• Individuals struggling to maintain a healthy marriage

Untrue (2018) aims to challenge the long-held assumption that women are less interested in sex than men. Diving into history and the details of the human body, Untrue reveals that not only do women have strong sexual desires, they’re wired to seek satisfaction from a variety of partners.

• Women curious about female sexuality 
• People who want to learn more about sexuality, gender, and society
• People with an interest in social anthropology

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus (1992) is the best-selling relationship book that helps men and women understand each other and reconcile their differences. The book’s author, John Gray, uses the playful metaphor of opposite sexes being from different planets, and creates a translation guide that can help men, “Martians,” and women, “Venusians,” to understand each other better. This guide can help them build intimacy and create stronger relationships.

• Anyone interested in relationship advice
• Men or women who want practical ideas for improving communication with their partners
• People curious about the best-known relationship guide of the modern era

The No Contact Rule is the tough-talking guide you need if you’re feeling battered by a breakup, can’t seem to let go of your ex, or are stuck in an on-again off-again relationship. Here you’ll find tips and tricks on how to find emotional distance, refocus on yourself, and finally attain closure.

• Anyone who’s just been dumped;
• Anyone who’s just dumped someone; 
• Everyone who just can’t seem to stop texting their ex.

Intimacy & Desire: Awaken the Passion in Your Relationship (2009) explains why all people in committed, long-term relationships run into sexual problems. Driven by case studies of real couples in sex therapy, the book demonstrates how people in relationships can transform their perspective – and confront themselves and each other – to reawaken sexual passion.

• Anyone interested in relationship advice
• Couples looking to overcome sexual problems
• Partners who want to deepen their connection

The Relationship Cure (2002) prescribes a surprisingly simple solution to the problems that ail many of our relationships. Drawing on psychologist John M. Gottman’s extensive research, its insights and tips are equally applicable to relationships between romantic partners, friends, family members, and coworkers. 

• Couples experiencing relationship problems
• People looking for ways to get closer to their friends, coworkers, or family members 
• Anyone wanting to improve their communication and relationship-building skills

The Dreamer and the Fantasy Relationship (2012) is aimed at women who expect too much from unavailable, unreliable men, and want to change their ways. By examining the reasons that women delude themselves about men, as well as the specific lies they believe, it ultimately points the way toward happier relationships and more realistic dreams.

• Women tired of kidding themselves about undeserving men
• Amateur agony aunts who love giving relationship advice
• Unreliable men willing to mend their ways

Mr Unavailable & the Fallback Girl (2008) provides a lifeline for anyone who keeps getting messed around by emotionally unavailable partners. With searing personal insights, tough love, and a large dose of humor, Mr Unavailable is an essential guide to breaking destructive relationship patterns and finding love.

• Anyone who feels chronically unlucky in love but can’t seem to break the cycle
• Women who want to get to know themselves better and develop their self-esteem
• Men recovering from bad relationships who want to avoid becoming “Mr. Unavailable”

Deeper Dating (2014) is a roadmap to intimacy and loving relationships. It breaks down how looking inward can help us identify the kinds of people we’ll connect with most deeply, and shares tools for finding these people and fostering relationships that will inspire and fulfill us.

• Singles frustrated by popular dating advice
• Couples looking to strengthen their bonds
• Those who want to understand attraction and relationships

Spiritual Partnership (2009) is about the new relationships that can develop when we tap into a deep, invisible consciousness. Becoming “multisensory” and engaging in spiritual partnerships with others will lead you to a life of freedom, joy, and authentic power.

• People interested in spirituality
• Couples looking to strengthen their relationship
• Anyone searching for meaning and purpose in life

Loving Bravely (2017) is a primer on finding love through introspection and self-discovery. This guide to love teaches invaluable lessons about how to build relationships that actually last.

• Lonely hearts looking for love
• True romantics seeking lasting relationships
• Anyone curious about the psychology of attachment

Love Worth Making (2018) is a guide to enhancing sex and intimacy within committed partnerships. Drawing from real-life examples of sex and couples therapy sessions, it shows how both daily life and trauma affect our sexual feelings. It takes an emotional approach to untangling sexual problems and offers ideas on maintaining an erotic climate in a relationship.

• Partners who love each other but are struggling to keep desire alive
• New couples who want to learn how to sustain their sexual relationship
• Anyone interested in the emotional side of sexual connection

In Praise of Love (2012) is a passionate defense of love in an age when romance is threatened from all directions. The product of a dialogue between French philosopher Alain Badiou and journalist Nicholas Truong, the book lays bare how our sex-obsessed media, our individualistic striving, and our online-dating culture are all setting love up to fail. Its thesis: love needs to be reinvented for the modern world.

• Restless singles afraid of commitment
• Hopeless romantics longing for more than just shallow hook-ups
• Long-term couples who want to rekindle their bond

Marry Him (2011) is an honest, open and humorous quest for what it means to find the perfect man. It confronts common barriers to finding a partner, like chasing sparks over stability and the never-ending checklist of ideal qualities, and makes a case for rethinking what is important in a partner, drawing on scientific wisdom and often hilarious personal anecdotes along the way.

• Women who are still looking for the perfect man
• Students of love and what it means to have a fulfilling relationship
• Anyone interested in women's personal journeys and discoveries

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (2015) is a comprehensive survival guide for those in a relationship with a narcissist. Dr. Ramani breaks down what narcissism is, highlights the red flags to look out for, and offers two concrete roadmaps – one for deciding to stay, and one for deciding to go. 

• Anyone not feeling seen, heard, or respected by a partner
• People dealing with a narcissistic parent, friend, or colleague
• Those struggling to decide whether they should stay in or leave a relationship

The Five Core Conversations for Couples (2020) examines the five important topics every couple should talk about. It offers expert guidance on the core facets of a relationship that can help you strengthen yours. 

• Young couples looking for relationship advice
• Older couples wanting to fix and strengthen their marriage
• Anyone in a relationship

How to Be a 3% Man (2013) provides straightforward practice methods, tips and guidelines for meeting and dating women. It teaches you what to say to women, when to say it, and what her responses mean.

• Men who have a hard time approaching women.
• Anyone looking for dating advice.
• People hoping to improve their relationship.

The Overthinking In Relationships Fix (2020) is a guide to getting rid of toxic overthinking patterns that put your romantic relationships on the verge of a breakup. It offers advice and easy-to-do techniques to release your worrying thoughts and strengthen your bond with your partner.

• Anyone in a relationship
• Long-distance lovers
• Those looking to overcome toxic overthinking

The Science of Happily Ever After (2014) digs into the history of mating throughout the history of the human species and answers the question of why some couples live happily ever after and some don’t. Part history and anthropology lesson, part self-help, it offers explanations and advice for anyone seeking love.

• Love seekers
• People wondering why it never works out
• Couples in relationships who want to live happily ever after

Talk To Me Like I’m Someone You Love (1993) is a relationship repair tool that coaches couples on how to speak to each other more genuinely.

• Couples in therapy
• People who need relationship advice
• Those looking for better relationship communication

The Ethical Slut (1997) has long been the trusted handbook for anyone exploring sex, romance, and intimacy outside the constraints of monogamy. An updated 2017 edition combines time-tested strategies for navigating polyamory with advice on how to embrace an even greater diversity of orientations and relationship configurations.

• Pleasure-seekers who’d like to explore a greater variety of sexual partners
• Seasoned polyamorists who want to make multiple partnerships really work
• Anyone who lives – or would like to live – outside the strictures of conventional monogamy

Love Unfu*ked (2022) is a no-nonsense, in-your-face guide to identifying and fixing the one thing that’s stopping you from having a meaningful and fulfilling relationship: you. By accepting hard facts about yourself and your habits, you can begin making the changes necessary to be the best version of yourself and stop being the problem that you don’t even know you are.

• The married or committed who’ve grown miserable in their relationships
• Perpetual daters who are wondering why things never work out
• Anyone looking for a more meaningful and satisfying relationship

Polysecure (2020) unites attachment theory, which explains the different types of attachment people form with each other, with consensual nonmonogamy – the increasingly popular practice of having multiple romantic partners. By learning more about your attachment style, you can develop healthy relationship habits, even in nonmonogamy.

• Relationship geeks looking to learn about attachment theory
• Couples considering opening up their relationships
• Nonmonogamous folks who want to do it right

The Power of the Pussy (2014) shares the twelve secret “powers” that women can use to transform their lives by changing the ways they perceive men and dating. Through straight-forward advice and positive encouragement, author Kara King gives readers tools to break the cycle of bad relationships and create the life they want with the man of their dreams.

• Fans of self-help books
• People interested in love and romance
• Single women who want to have better dating experiences with men

Everything I Know About Love (2018) is Dolly Alderton’s very funny and painfully honest recollection of her early twenties, and all the bad dates, heartbreaks, grimy flat shares, and steadfast friendships this period of her life entailed. In 2022, the book was adapted for television by the BBC.

• People on the cusp of adulthood wondering what their twenties will bring
• Those on the other side of 30, still trying to work out what their twenties meant
• Anyone who’s a romantic at heart

The Ultimate Retroactive Jealousy Cure (2017) is a guide to overcoming any jealousy about your partner’s romantic and sexual past. It introduces what retroactive jealousy is, the mindset shifts needed to get past it, and actionable changes you can make today. 

• Individuals in new relationships 
• Long-term partners who still feel uncomfortable about their significant other’s past
• Anyone who’s (considering) diving into the dating world

The Man’s Guide to Women (2016) is a comprehensive and scientifically backed look into the mind, emotions, and habits of women. Drawing on decades of research, it examines the hidden and not so hidden factors that drive women’s behavior and leave many men perplexed. Whether you’re married, dating, or just looking to better understand the women in your life, there’s always room to learn and add a little more compassion into your relationships.

• Romance-seekers who are terrified at the thought of wooing a woman
• Married or committed men looking to better connect with their female partner
• Anyone who wants a healthier relationship with the women in their lives

Closer to Love (2023) examines the secrets of forming a deep connection with others. Highlighting the author’s experiences alongside various experts’ theories and concepts, it offers practical wisdom on fostering self-love and romantic love.   

• Couples struggling with their relationship
• Single individuals looking to fix their love life
• Anyone who wants to build healthier connections

You Can Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse (2018) addresses the epidemic in narcissism and narcissistic abuse in contemporary society, including the devastating impacts on victims.  It offers a step-by-step process for releasing past traumas and confronting negative beliefs to heal from past abuse and thrive in healthy relationships. 

• Anyone feeling trapped in unfulfilled relationships with narcissistic people
• Sufferers of past abuse wondering why they end up in similar relationships repeatedly
• Those seeking to break free from limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that make them susceptible to manipulative people

The Unemployed Millionaire (2009) takes you on a transformative journey from financial despair to self-made prosperity. It provides actionable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of mindset, persistence, and smart decisions in achieving financial freedom. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, it offers a roadmap to success even in challenging circumstances.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for motivation and guidance
• Professionals considering transitioning away from traditional employment
• Anyone facing financial difficulties and seeking help to turn their situations around

More Than Two (2014) is a guide to ethical polyamory that delves into the complexities of building and maintaining relationships with multiple partners. Through a combination of real-life examples and thoughtful analysis, it explores some of the possibilities of polyamorous relationships, provides practical advice on navigating common challenges, and offers insights into fostering open and honest communication.

• People curious about exploring ethical non-monogamy
• Those already practicing consensual non-monogamy and looking for guidance
• Anyone interested in relationship philosophies beyond traditional monogamy

Married at First Sight (ongoing) is a 2,300-plus chapter contemporary romance novel. It follows the fortunes of two characters, wealthy Mr. York and independent spirit Serenity Hunt, who enter into a self-declared “marriage of convenience.” As they come to know each other, however, genuine affection begins to grow between them – forcing us to rethink our romantic idealization of love and marriage.   

• Time-limited romance enthusiasts
• Fans of contemporary fiction
• Anyone who enjoys slow-burning soap operas 

Plays Well with Others (2022) debunks relationship myths and offers advice on how to form and maintain strong bonds. Improve your friendships and romantic relationships, as well as your ability to resolve conflicts, forgive others, and deal with difficult people.

• Professionals seeking better workplace relationships
• Team leaders aiming for harmony and collaboration
• All those interested in interpersonal dynamics

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory (2017) offers practical relationship advice for women seeking to break free from jealousy, possessiveness, and competition through discovering polyamory. Incorporating real-world experiences and practical exercises, it covers exploring your relationship style, conquering jealousy, and “coming out” as polyamorous – helping you craft unique connections tailored to your needs.

• People interested in exploring non-monogamy and alternative relationships
• Those curious about opening up a current monogamous relationship
• Anyone looking to gain confidence in communication skills

Securely Attached (2023) is an insightful exploration into the world of attachment theory and its practical implications in everyday life. It delves into how different attachment strategies, formed during early childhood, influence the way individuals interact and bond with others throughout their lives. Offering a multitude of reflection exercises, questions, and tips, its goal is to help people recognize the attachment strategies they’re currently using and help them transition to earned secure attachment over time.

• People in romantic relationships seeking insight into their attachment strategies
• Parents looking for guidance on building secure attachments with their children
• Anyone who knows or suspects they’re using insecure attachment strategies

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married (2017) is filled with practical guidance for today’s Christian on four seasons of romantic relationship. This thoughtful collection of stories and scriptural wisdom offers ways to transform relationships, from navigating modern dating to honoring divine design within marriage.

• Single Christians wondering if being alone is really part of God’s plan
• Dating Christians who want to know if their current partner is “the one”
• Engaged Christians about to embark on the adventure of marriage

I Didn't Know I Needed This (2023) is the ultimate guide to modern dating’s natural lifecycle, from flirting to first dates to relationships to heartbreak. Drawing on TikTok star Eli Rallo's own hard-won experience, this rulebook combines shallow delights and hard truths into her signature brand of romantic realism. 

• Young women navigating the modern dating world
• Fans of Eli Rallo's TikTok and Instagram accounts 
• Readers seeking wisdom and humor around romance, heartbreak, and self-care

Pride and Prejudice (1813) is the classic story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a couple who must overcome all manner of social and financial obstacles – including their own initial dislike of each other – to find lasting love.

• True romantics seeking an all-time classic love story
• History buffs curious about class life in Regency-era England
• Lovers of classic literature and period dramas

101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged (2004) aims to deepen the understanding between partners contemplating marriage through a series of insightful questions. It covers a wide range of topics, from personal values and life goals to opinions on finance, parenting, and handling conflicts, encouraging couples to explore their compatibility and future expectations together.

• Couples who wish to become engaged
• Marriage counselors and relationship therapists
• Individuals interested in personal growth and communication

Love Life (2024) is a treasure trove of valuable relationship advice. By knowing what to look for in a partner, and what to say in difficult situations, we can walk away from dead-end relationships and find the person who’s right for us.

• People struggling to find a committed romantic partner
• People stuck in unhappy relationships
• Anyone who wants dating advice

How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind (2024) by Todd Baratz explores the challenges of modern love and how we can enjoy healthier, more fulfilling relationships. It provides partnered individuals with strategies to enhance self-awareness, improve communication, and establish healthy boundaries – all while safeguarding their personal well-being and unique identity.

• Couples in long-term relationships
• Relationship-seekers and singles preparing for future connections
• People recovering from breakups

Big Dating Energy (2024) transforms dating into a journey of self-discovery and joy. It equips you with the tools and mindset to navigate everything from first dates to recognizing red flags, creating ideal partner checklists, and knowing when and how to end things. With charm and easy-to-follow advice, it helps you not only succeed at dating but also enjoy the process and learn more about yourself along the way. 

• Singles tired of disappointing dates
• People in the tricky should-we-commit? phase of dating
• Anyone tired of approaching dating and romance from a place of insecurity

Breakup Bootcamp (2020) is a guide to recovery from heartbreak that’s both empathetic and practical. By working on your own thinking patterns, you can rewire your brain and your heart, living well no matter what.

• The broken-hearted
• People struggling with their thoughts and feelings
• Anyone who wants to move forward after a breakup

How to Love Better (2025) offers practical guidance for deepening compassion, fostering honesty, and nurturing stronger connections with yourself and others. It emphasizes embracing change, releasing attachment, and practicing selfless listening to build harmonious relationships that support personal growth and emotional healing.

• People seeking deeper connections and healthier relationships
• Individuals committed to personal growth and self-awareness
• Those looking to heal emotional wounds through compassion

The Opposite of Settling (2025) is a practical guide to modern dating that helps readers find empowering love without losing themselves in the process. Blending mindfulness, research, and optimism, it offers a clear roadmap for navigating dating with confidence, recognizing relationships that lift you up rather than weigh you down, and letting go of fear-based habits.

• Singles who want to learn to date with confidence and clarity
• Couples who’ve gotten lost in their relationships and want to find themselves again
• Anyone who’s ready to get off the apps and find true connection

Smitten (2025) explores limerence, the intense form of romantic obsession that can feel more like addiction than love. Blending neuroscience with practical guidance, it explains why limerence takes hold, how it affects the brain, and how greater self-understanding can help you break free from unhealthy patterns and regain control over your emotional life.

• Self-diagnosed limerents
• Anyone who has ever experienced romantic obsession
• People who want a better understanding of their own brain

In this memoir, Josh Sundquist shares his humorous and heartfelt journey to reconnect with old friends and find love. Through his awkward and endearing anecdotes, he explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of taking chances in life. A relatable and inspiring read for anyone who has ever wondered "what if?" when it comes to missed connections.

• Curious individuals seeking insights into the complexities of modern dating
• Young adults navigating the ups and downs of relationships
• Readers looking for a humorous and relatable account of personal growth and self-discovery

Our Bucket List Adventures by Ashley Kusi is a heartwarming and inspiring book that encourages couples to create and fulfill their own unique bucket list. Filled with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking questions, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to strengthen their relationship and embark on unforgettable adventures together.

• Those who want to create and document meaningful experiences with their partner

• Couples looking for inspiration to plan and achieve their bucket list adventures

• People who enjoy journaling and reflecting on their life experiences