.png)
Welcome to our - Best Polyamory Books for 2026 - buying guide!
We've curated a collection of new releases, a couple of just-for-fun playful titles, and a few of the classics that have shaped the modern consensual non-monogamy landscape.
Jump into one of three delicious categories…
1. New releases reshaping how we love in 2026
- Polyamory for Dummies
- Radical Relating
- The Non-Monogamy Playbook
- Saying Yes, My Adventures in Polyamory
2. Playful picks to spice up your downtime
- Polyamory Coloring and Activity Book
- Illustrated Polyamorous Group Sex Positions
3. Classic books for understanding polyamory
- Ask Me About Polyamory (Best of Kimchi cuddles)
- Sex at Dawn
- Designer Relationships
- Fifty Years of Polyamory in America
Whether you're just dipping your toes into the waters of open relationships or you're a seasoned kitchen-table-polyamorist looking to expand your library, we hope these reads satisfy your curiosity.
New releases reshaping how we love in 2026
Polyamory for Dummies
Released: December 24, 2024
This accessible breakdown turns relationship complexity into bite-sized wisdom, proving that the only dummy move is not communicating your needs.
Brought to you by Jaime M. Grant, PhD; an activist, researcher, and coach with 30+ years of experience in women's and LGBTQ+ issues. She is author of Great Sex: Mapping Your Desire and host of the Just Sex podcast.
Radical Relating
Released: September 16, 2025
This revolutionary text dismantles relationship escalators while building bridges between different styles of consensual non-monogamy.
By author, Mel Cassidy, a queer multi-disciplinary somatic practitioner and relationship coach. Cassidy works with queer and questioning people (and those who love them) seeking liberating relationship experiences, with a focus on honest and consensual non-monogamy.
The Non-Monogamy Playbook
Released: January 13, 2026
This tactical guide goes from unpacking monogamy to threesomes foursomes and moresomes, and breaks down everything you need to know like “How to open up without fucking up”.
From body positive sex educator, Ruby Rare and author of Sex Ed: A Guide For Adults, she’s spoken at the Women of the World Festival, BBC Woman’s Hour, Anti Diet Riot Club, and Refinery 29 events, as well as hosting her own events on a whole host of topics.
Saying Yes, My Adventures in Polyamory
Released: January 13, 2026
This memoir doesn't just kiss and tell…it communicates and connects. Follow one person's journey through the highs, lows, and awkward moments of discovering that love isn't a finite resource.
Natalie Davis is the editor of the online publication Polyamory Today, and her work has appeared in Heart Affairs, Discovering Polyamory, Monogamish, and The Memoirist.
Playful picks to spice up your downtime
Who said processing your feelings couldn't be fun & colorful?
Polyamory Coloring and Activity Book
De-stress between relationship check-ins with a fun adult coloring and activity book that understands your relationship dynamics.
Illustrated Polyamorous Group Sex Positions
This cheeky gender-irrelevant illustrated guide proves that polyamorous sex positions can be funny as well as sexy. Don’t forget to pay attention to who is bent over vs who’s knees are bent in the friendly ikea-assembly-instructions-esq diagrams.
Classic books for understanding polyamory
When searching for books about polyamory, here are a few solid standbys that have held up over time.
Ask Me About Polyamory, The Best of Kimchi Cuddles
Before there were polyam TikTok influencers, there was the online-comic Kimchi Cuddles making us feel seen with relatable comics. This essential collection highlights everyday moments of multiple relationships with humor and will have you wanting to share with your partners saying, "This is literally us!”
Sex at Dawn
Are humans a monogamous species? Did we evolve that way, or is monogamy a construct of patriarchy? This book has launched a thousand conversations about evolutionary psychology and non-monogamy. While not technically a book about polyamorous relationships, these questions relate heavily to both the theory and practice of consensual non-monogamy.
Designer Relationships
Imagine there was a “build-a-bear" but for relationships. In Designer Relationships you’ll learn that romantic partnerships can be tailored rather than taken off the rack. Packed with practical advice to help you navigate and design your best possible relationships.
Fifty Years of Polyamory in America
This historical deep-dive shows that polyamory didn't start with your cool friends in Brooklyn. Trace the movement's roots and realize your relationship structure has been challenging norms since before dating apps made everyone's options seemingly endless. Expect this one to become an instant classic.
Ready to expand your polyamorous library?
Click through to purchase any of these titles from our partner Bookshop.org, where your purchase supports independent bookstores.
For the poly-curious, newly navigating, or just poly adjacent, this book covers all the basics
Pros
- Beginner-friendly breakdown of polyamory, consensual/ethical non-monogamy, and relationship structures
- Inclusive of all poly configurations... from triads and quads to solo poly and relationship anarchy
- Packed with actionable communication tools & boundary-setting tips
Cons
- Experienced poly practitioners may find some concepts to be introductory
A Bold Guide to Poly Relationships with a Queer Lens
Pros
- Queer and poly-affirming framework that challenges mononormative relationship structures
- Perfect for solo readers doing their own inner work, partners exploring opening up together, or even a polycule book club
- Inclusive and accessible for readers at any stage of their consensual non-monogamy journey
Cons
- Physical book means you'll have to share it with your partners — or just buy multiple copies
The ultimate practical handbook for writing your own rules in love and relationships
Pros
- Covers a wide spectrum of non-monogamy styles
- Approachable tone makes navigating complex relationship dynamics feel exciting, not overwhelming
- Written for real people navigating real connections
Cons
- No cons to learning new tools, even for those already well-versed in polyamory
Adventures in Polyamory, at the crossroads of convention and curiosity, a memoir
Pros
- Relatable, honest storytelling that speaks directly to the polyamorous and CNM experience
- Balances humor & authenticity, making complex relationship dynamics accessible and entertaining
- Perfect for solo readers, partners, or sharing with your entire polycule
Cons
- May cause an irresistible urge to say yes to new adventures
Who says learning about consensual non-monogamy can't be a blast
Pros
- Fun puzzles, comics, and games make learning about polyamory engaging and approachable
- Lighthearted and inclusive content is perfect for sharing with partners
- A mindful self-care activity between the beautiful chaos of managing multiple relationships
Cons
- Coloring activities require separate art supplies not included with the book
A sex positions book for groups of 3 or more with cute gender neutral illustrations
Pros
- Each section is based on the number of participants
- All positions shown work with any combination of genders
- Illustrated with friendly gender neutral bodies without showing any genitalia
- Each position also includes text descriptions
Cons
- This book contains adult content
Before polyam was making headlines, Kimchi Cuddles webcomics was already speaking our love language!
Pros
- Covers a wide range of relatable topics
- Genuine, heartfelt representations of jealousy and compersion, open communication and queer identities
- Makes a great gift for new or experienced polyamorists alike
Cons
- No cons to celebrating our favorite web comic series from back in the day
A deep dive into the evolutionary, anthropological, and biological roots of human sexuality
Pros
- Science-backed validation for non-monogamous relationship structures
- Accessible, witty writing that sparks meaningful conversations with partners and metamours
- A must-read foundation for anyone exploring or practicing ethical non-monogamy
Cons
- Not technically about polyamory, focuses more on evolutionary biology than consentual or ethical relationship practices
The ultimate guide to stitching together relationships that actually fit your life!
Pros
- Practical, actionable advice perfect for all relationship structures — from monogamish to full polycule
- Empowers readers to build intentional, custom-fit partnerships rooted in communication and consent
- Accessible for both newcomers and experienced non-monogamous folks
Cons
- Best results require honest self-reflection — not always an easy process!
Learn about the origins of polyamory in America dating back to the free-love era
Pros
- A comprehensive, eye-opening history of the polyamory movement spanning five decades
- Deepens understanding of poly culture, language, and community roots
- Excellent research tool for anyone, interest in actually practicing non-monogamy not required
Cons
- Primarily U.S.-focused, so international poly history may feel underrepresented
Drop a comment below sharing which book has most influenced your relationship style, or what titles you think should make our 2027 list.
We’d love to hear your experience, it might be exactly what another reader needs to find their way forward.
If you are noticing that we left off the links to Amazon, don't worry that was on purpose. We've been questioning our relationship with Amazon lately, and to be honest, we might be breaking up. Stay tuned for future news about the recent drama between our site and Amazon.com.
As we close the covers on this list of "Best Polyamory Books for 2026", remember that the beauty of consensual non-monogamy lies in its endless capacity for personalization. Love as thou wilt.
