This book was well-researched and approaches a very important topic that I think too few people talk about. I do think that in trying to center everyone, the arguments lost some of their strength. There felt like a lot of preemptive harm reduction and I was distracted by that. I did love the arguments that were presented and agreed with the premise of the book.

I’ve been interested in relationship anarchy for a while, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it right away. Relationship anarchy can most simply be described as appreciating all types of relationships for what they are. There is of course more to relationship anarchy than this and this book covers every aspect of it, and it’s fascinating.

The writing is easy to read throughout. There are some paragraphs where I had to reread it twice to fully understand what the author is saying, and some sections felt draggy and longer than necessary, but I enjoyed the majority of this book. This book also made me think about my own relationships whether platonic, familial, friendships, or romantic. It made me reflect and reevaluate them which I didn’t expect would happen when I started this book. I wouldn’t classify this as a self help book, but it will make you think about your relationships and question them if they are beneficial and improve your life.

I’d definitely recommend this book, honestly I wish everyone would read this book or at least certain sections of it. It covers important information and aspects of relationships that are often overlooked or ignored. Whether you’re in a monogamous, polyamorous, or any other type of relationship, the ideas in this book could be helpful and a great tool to improve your relationships.

Expansive Love by Tuck Malloy is an informative and thought-provoking guide to relationship anarchy, a concept that encourages valuing all types of relationships—romantic, platonic, familial, and more—equally. Malloy explores how to build and maintain meaningful, ethical connections with a diverse range of people, moving beyond traditional social norms.

The book provides a solid foundation of history, philosophy, and practical advice for those interested in creating relationships based on mutual respect, communication, and consent. Malloy explains the roots of relationship anarchy and how it can help people develop complex, fulfilling relationships that prioritize connection over conventional roles.

What makes this book especially useful is its balance of theory and practical tools. Malloy not only offers insights into the philosophy behind relationship anarchy but also shares actionable steps for navigating the challenges of jealousy, boundaries, and communication.

Overall, Expansive Love is an easy-to-follow, informative read for anyone curious about alternative relationship models. It’s a great resource for those wanting to create diverse, intentional, and enriching relationships that go beyond traditional expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.