XtoysKamasutra Sex Positions Book Review: A Playful Couples' Guide
Editor's opinion
This is a light-hearted, inclusive illustrated guide aimed at couples who want a bit of variety without any pressure. It suits newcomers and gift-givers best; anyone after an exhaustive or explicit reference will find 69 positions a modest, curated selection rather than a comprehensive manual.
A sex positions book has one job: to give a couple ideas they might not have thought of, and enough guidance to try them without an awkward tangle of limbs. Secret Play's hardback pitches itself as a relaxed, inclusive entry point rather than a scholarly tome, which sets sensible expectations from the outset.
What a buyer is really weighing here is tone and scope. At 69 illustrated positions with written explanations, it is designed to be approachable and playful. The question is whether you want something gentle and encouraging or something more comprehensive, and whether the square hardback format earns its place on your shelf.
The good and the bad
What works
- Clear illustration paired with step-by-step text for each position
- Written to suit any gender and orientation, so genuinely inclusive
- Sturdy hardback that lies open and stands up to repeated handling
- No batteries or charging, so nothing to fail over time
- Works equally as a gift or a conversation starter
What to be aware of
- 69 positions is a curated selection, not an exhaustive reference
- Illustrated rather than photographic, which some buyers prefer either way
- Square 20cm format is not especially discreet to leave lying around
- A novelty for many couples rather than a long-term keep
Buy it if
Couples wanting a low-pressure way to add variety, and anyone after a tasteful, playful gift for a partner or as a hen-do or anniversary present.
Skip it if
Anyone seeking a truly comprehensive or explicit reference, who should look for a larger illustrated or photographic encyclopaedia with a broader index of positions.
What You Actually Get
The core of the book is 69 positions, each shown with an illustration and a written explanation of how to move into and hold it. That pairing matters: an illustration alone can leave you guessing, while the step-by-step text is what makes a new position achievable rather than aspirational.
Because the guidance is written to suit any gender and orientation, it avoids the common trap of assuming one particular pairing. That inclusivity is a real strength, though it also means the tone stays broad and welcoming rather than deeply detailed on any single variation.
Format And Finish
At 20 x 20 x 1.5 cm, this is a compact square hardback. The format is chosen so the book lies open easily, which is genuinely useful when your hands are otherwise occupied, and the solid cover should survive being handled repeatedly on a bedside table.
The flip side of that neat square shape is that it looks unmistakably like a book about its subject. If discretion matters to you, it is worth knowing this is more of a display piece or a shared shelf item than something that disappears into a drawer unnoticed.
How It Compares
Against a full illustrated encyclopaedia, 69 positions is a modest, curated list. That is a deliberate choice: this book is pitched as an easy starting point with a playful dare-to-try-them-all spirit, not a reference you exhaust and shelve.
Compared with app-based or photographic guides, the illustration approach keeps things tasteful and timeless, and there is nothing to update, charge or subscribe to. Whether you prefer drawings or photographs is personal, but the hardback format has a permanence a phone screen does not.
Care And Longevity
There is very little to maintain here. A hardback with a sturdy cover asks only that you keep it dry and away from anything that might stain the pages, and it should last for years.
The honest longevity question is not the binding but the interest. Many couples find a positions book is something they enjoy for a burst of exploration and then revisit occasionally. Bought with that in mind, it earns its keep; bought expecting a lifelong reference, it may feel slighter than hoped.
The bottom line
As a gentle, inclusive nudge towards trying something new, this hardback does exactly what it sets out to do, and it makes a safe, tasteful gift. Just buy it as the playful starting point it is rather than a definitive manual, and it will not disappoint.
Frequently asked questions
How many positions does the book include?
It contains 69 positions, each presented with an illustration and a written, step-by-step explanation of how to get into and hold it.
Is it suitable for same-sex couples?
Yes. The guidance is written to suit any gender and orientation, so it is designed to be useful to a wide range of couples rather than aimed at one audience.
Does it use photographs or illustrations?
It uses illustrations paired with written explanations. This keeps the presentation tasteful, though buyers who specifically want photographic guides should bear that in mind.
Would it work as a gift?
It is well suited to gifting, being a tidy hardback with a light-hearted, inclusive tone. Do note the square format looks clearly like what it is, so it is not the most discreet surprise.
Is it a good choice for beginners?
Yes. The step-by-step explanations take the guesswork out of trying something new, and the relaxed approach means neither partner needs prior experience.