For many, sex is fun and pleasurable—but it's also pretty important to human existence. Sexual pleasure can play a key role in nurturing healthy relationships and, ultimately, extending your lifespan.

Some novels centered on intimacy and relationships are genuinely worth your time—if you enjoy thoughtful storytelling. Others lean too hard on shock value or forget that strong writing still matters.

Imagine feeling deeply connected to the people in your life, knowing that you are understood, valued, and loved for who you are. This sense of connection comes from intimacy—a crucial element in ...