Title: Luxurious Loving: Tantric Inspirations for Passions and Pleasure Author: Barbara Carrellas Publisher: Quiver Books Publish Date: 2006 Pages: 128 Genres:: How-To Guide, Non-Fiction Reviewer: Layla Tichtchenko

Rating:

Barbara Carrellas has created Luxurious Loving for lovers with time and dedication to lovemaking. She presents it as not just an act, but an art form. It is an advanced study in sexual stamina and the energy we use to create the sensations that arise from sexual pleasure. Suffused with crisp black and white photography of lovers in various poses, they take you on a tantalizing Tantric journey for an advanced thinker. This was an indelible investigation into the deeper and spiritual side of lovemaking.

However this book is not for the casual. This volume of voluptuousness is an advanced exploration into the more obscure avenues of the sexual. The peculiar trust exercise called a “Breath Kiss” is a prime example of the level of intimacy required to partake in this activity. She suggests that you and your significant other breathe in and out of each others mouths. You breathe into their mouth and they breathe in your breath. Then you reverse. This truly is a bizarre test of the limits of trust between couples.

Beginners beware; there are many terms that may be unfamiliar as Barbara Carrellas introduces you to a world of tantra and aromatherapy as well as encouraging you to explore scents sparingly and with regard to the other person’s tastes. She encourages everyone to be open and explore their bodies as well as that of their lover.

There were several slightly absurd things, such as the suggestion that dancing naked with your partner will “produce exciting new levels of intimacy”. And in the beginning there is a somewhat absurd comparison between great sex and the luxury of a five-star hotel. There is also a rather amusing photograph of a couple doing what she calls the “wave” where you are encouraged to undulate like a wave or a sea creature in an attempt to loosen up your pelvic region. Obviously this is for the seasoned lovers.

Aside from the somewhat absurd seeming suggestions and photographs there were many useful instructions for many lovers and their partners who have been together for a long time. There is a fun photo of lovers laughing. The man has the woman sideways and she is laughing. Luxurious Loving encourages lovers to use laughter as a passion building exercise. Many couples could use this piece of advice as they remind themselves that not to take sex so seriously.

This was absolutely beautiful from the erotic photography to the sensual, spiritual suggestions. It offers a true broad and advanced way for couples to delve deeper into each others intimate psyche. Well worth the price, Luxurious Loving is a tasteful expression of the blend of Eastern and Western views on eroticism and the exploration of the spiritual side of sex.