This book was very informative, eye opening. While there are a lot of puns I can throw in here, I will refrain (barely). This book is the information you need and don’t want the FBI to see in your search history. The topics that are too taboo to discuss with anyone, other than your best friend who probably still won’t know the right answer. This one is going to be saved to my kindle for life reference, just beside prepping for dummies and homeopathic treatments that I’ll need one day because it contains precious cargo. Chapter 46 is life. Heather Bartos is out here doing the Lords work for women of all ages

While I havent had menopause yet, this is a very interesting book and I learned a lot! I will definitely share some of this knowledge with my patients.

Dr. Heather Bartos presents a lively, empowering, and humorous exploration of midlife intimacy in *Quickies*. Featuring 100 concise lessons, this book blends practical advice, scientific insights, and playful humor to help readers rekindle passion, boost self-assurance, and strengthen connections.

With a thoughtful yet lighthearted approach, Bartos tackles topics like aging, relationships, and self-love, offering relatable guidance that feels like a conversation with a trusted confidant. Her engaging style makes the book both enjoyable and inspiring.

Ideal for those seeking to embrace their sexuality with renewed confidence, *Quickies* is a valuable and uplifting resource for keeping the flame alive at any stage of life.

Reading this book is like receiving advice from a best friend with a great sense of humor who shies away from no topic. Oh, and she's an OB/GYN and menopause specialist, so she knows what's she's talking about.

Though the subtitle of this book may have you believe that's it's only for middle-age women, I think the vast majority of this book is a must read for women of any age. The first part of this book sets the record straight on outdated, patriarchal myths about pleasure and intimacy. Part two shows you how to be proud of your kinks and curiosities with no shame. The last section includes all the taboo topics that you may not even be comfortable talking about with your bestie.

Topics include:
* How to spice up missionary and doggy style, plus a few other positions you may want to try.
* What is your G-spot, C-spot, and A-spot? How to find them and get pleasure from them.
* Squirting...what it is and how to do it.
* Dirty talking tips

There are so many more topics (100 to be exact) that are broken up into easy-to-read lessons, that are each a couple of pages in length. I love reading non-fiction books like this about women's health and wellbeing. I have read quite a few and I still learned many new things in this book. For example, what vabbing and TV dinner sex is. I had a great time reading and learning. I really appreciated the author's sense of humor.

This books was excellent - 100 short chapters for middle aged women from an ob/gyn. It closely follows her podcast.

Heather Bartos, an OBGYN, provides this book as a self-help guide for women of a certain age (over 40 or having gone through menopause) that need a little nudge into getting that old feeling back of feeling sexy. It's full of short writings on different topics that are for a variety of people experiencing different symptoms of getting older and just not feeling their best. It is super interesting and would be great for men to read as well! Would recommend!






Thanks to NetGalley, Heather Bartos and Empress Editions for allowing me to review this ARC!

A quick but surprisingly comprehensive read, Quickies is packed with insightful, sex-positive wisdom. Dr. Bartos approaches topics around sexual health, intimacy, and self-confidence with humor, honesty, and care. It’s an empowering guide that touches on everything without overwhelming—perfect for anyone looking to learn more about themselves and their body.

This book starts off strong, tackling the real challenges of aging and sexuality with honesty and insight. It covers important topics like perimenopause, menopause, and their effects on libido, as well as issues like hysterectomies, depression, and incontinence—things that don’t always get discussed openly but are crucial for many women navigating midlife.

However, by the time I got to Part 2, things took a turn that felt way beyond what I was expecting. The book delves into a range of sexual topics with incredible detail—perhaps too much detail for my personal comfort. The descriptions of not just the G-spot but also the A-spot and C-spot were eye-opening, to say the least. And while I appreciate thorough explanations, some of the suggested positions made me wonder if I’d need a chiropractor rather than a romantic evening.

Then there’s the exploration of BDSM, swinging, and other alternative lifestyles. I can’t say I was prepared for just how deep the book went into these areas. While I respect the author’s dedication to covering all aspects of sexuality, there were definitely moments where I felt way out of my depth. Let’s just say some of the mental images I conjured up are here to stay—whether I want them to or not!

That being said, I did learn a few things. Turning 50 has made me more open to educating myself, even if some of this information was beyond my comfort zone. I also now have a much clearer understanding of swinging and, well… certain intimate techniques I hadn’t planned on researching. I do have to wonder if all the menopause experts telling us to lift weights aren’t just trying to help us stay strong for our golden years of adventure in retirement communities!

Overall, Quickies is informative, thorough, and not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a straightforward guide to midlife intimacy, be prepared—this book goes all in. But if you’re open-minded, curious, or just looking for a wild read, it definitely delivers.

Thank you NetGalley and Empress Editions for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 stars

This book reads like a sex-ed class for midlife women.

I appreciated the accessability of the information and the informal, approachable manner in which it was delivered. Though I teach college level human sexuality every year I still found lots of new information in this book. I especially liked the focus on embracing sexuality as we age and the concept of body positivity. Sex is not about how you loook but about how you feel is an important take away for many of us as we age and grapple with the ways our bodies are changing.

This book can be read cover to cover like I did or dabbling in on the chapters that are relevant to you. I think this is especially true in the second section. Some of those topics may not resonate with everyone. I also see this as a book that can be revisited from time to time as new situations arise.

Not sure how this could have been achieved but I think some illustrations would have helped. For those of us who do not visualize easily it was hard to picture some of the things the author was describing.

My only "criticism" is that in trying to find 100 things I think there were a few parts that were repetiive. However, the positive far outweigh any of those concerns and I recommend this book to all mid-life women even those who are happy with their sex lives. The take away nuggets were invaluable!

This informative book is written in short, easy to absorb chapters. It covers serious topics with humor, and the conversational tone makes it accessible and appealing to a wide range of readers.

This is not only a book written by an expert for mainly women over 40, but it is also a testament to life.
I liked the writer's outlook and staying entreatingly informed about what women experience, what they may experience more - and the writer is funny.
4.5 stars

I was super intrigued by this book, and was really surprised that it basically does everything it says it will. It has 100 lessons that are a few pages each that cover a huge range of topics that are about women’s bodies and sex (or sex adjacent). I feel like an equally wide range of women could get something out of this book. Are the really spicy chapters too much for you? Skip them. There are plenty more lessons in there. Not feeling the sections on the innate spirituality of sex? No problem-just skip them. I am really impressed with Dr. Barton’s ability to talk about women’s bodies, hormones and desires in such a natural and positive way. I would and will absolutely recommend this book to all my friends. It is for women’s my age, I think (peri-menopausal), but I think there is a lot of knowledge to be gained by women of any age (keeping in mind the sexual content). Thanks to NetGalley and Empress Editions for the digital ARC of Quickies.

Thanks for the early read!
This was a fun one. First of its kind for me and it covers just about EVERYTHING in a lighthearted, non-judgmental manner. I appreciate that it did cover a lot of topics that are not generally spoken about. Quick chapters. Action points. Super informative

Quickies is fabulous! It's focused on peri and post menopausal women and their health and pleasure but I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a re-boot or some fresh self-positive ideas for their intimate life. It's incredibly inclusive, positive and joyful. I loved how it included lots of difference, referring to mental health issues, those having cancer treatments and so many other individual circumstances.

If I had a quibble, it's that the format of 100 lessons and the length of the book means that the lessons are all at the surface level. That said, author Heather has a lot to offer and this book serves as a jumping off point for learning and reading and listening to more of Heather's ideas.

Recommended!
Thank you Heather Bartos for the ARC. I'll be buying a copy!

Every so often, a book arrives that doesn’t just sit on the shelf—it winks at you. Quickies is that book. Equal parts irreverent, empowering, and tender, it’s the literary equivalent of your boldest, most loyal girlfriend pulling you into the powder room at a party to remind you who the hell you are.

Dr. Heather Bartos has done something magical here: she’s written a smart, unfiltered, laugh-out-loud guide to rediscovering intimacy, agency, and joy in midlife—without ever sounding preachy or prescriptive. This isn’t about “getting your sexy back”—it’s about redefining sexy on your terms, with science, sass, and soul.

What will make Quickies stand out on my shelves? It’s unapologetically written for midlife women, by a woman who gets it. The chapters are deliciously short—perfect for nightstand grazing or gift-giving.

I’ve watched this book spark real conversations in the shop—between friends, mothers and daughters, even curious husbands who thought they were just tagging along. It’s more than a read. It’s a permission slip.

Quickies deserves to be dog-eared, underlined, and passed from woman to woman like a secret worth sharing. Buy one for yourself. Then buy three more for your coven.

—Stella, Owner of Stella’s Bookstore

Where was this book 5 years ago, 10 years ago, 20 years ago??? Wow, a lightening read, funny as hell and so warm and kind. I can't believe a DOCTOR wrote this--where is this woman? Dr. Bartos writes about everything from "vabbing'" and "cuckolding" to "sacred sexuality" - I learned so much and I learned things I didn't even know I didn't know! I would recommend this to every woman I know regardless of age.

I liked the format of lots of little bits of info. It ran the gamut of not just physical but so many mental & relationship aspects as well, which is important, especially for a more "seasoned" female (40 is not old!). While I appreciated the overall positivity of the book, I felt like sometimes it was slightly repetitive...not necessarily a bad thing - especially when you can easily skip what you don't find applicable. I also loved that she gave links/references in certain categories. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC opportunity.

The book about sex your mother never told you about. Midlife isn’t for the weak and figuring out how to navigate the many changes your body and life experiences as we grow older can leave a person feeling overwhelmed. Simple, short chapters that deal with a variety of topics on sec and relationships for the perimenopausal and beyond. Great source of information with some great humor sprinkled throughout to ease a bit of the awkwardness

I expected Quickies to be cheeky and fun—and it is—but it’s also surprisingly wise. Dr. Heather Bartos blends humor, heart, and real-life medical insight into short, powerful lessons that feel like a conversation with your boldest, most brilliant friend.

This isn’t just a book about sex (gasp!) it’s about reclaiming your body, your voice, and your joy in midlife. Some chapters made me laugh out loud, others hit deeper than I expected. I finished it feeling seen, stronger, and a little sassier. This one’s going on my nightstand—and probably in a few gift bags too. It will make an excellent summer read for any woman of any age.

A refreshingly sex positive sex ed class for those of us hitting the mid age years. I liked how it was divided into so many topics and it felt like an easy read even though most of it was eye opening to me!

Quickies by Heather Bartos, MD is a bold, funny, and refreshingly honest celebration of midlife sexuality. With a structure built around short, digestible lessons, this book offers encouragement, education, and empowerment in equal measure. Bartos writes less like a clinician and more like a wise, hilarious friend—cheering readers on as they reclaim what she calls their “sexily ever after.”

Although written for women in their fifties and beyond, I found the insights highly relevant even as a thirty-five-year-old. The chapters touch on everything from libido, body confidence, and intimacy to sex after kids, illness, divorce, and more. It explores how our sex values evolve over time and gives readers permission to reconnect with pleasure on their own terms.

Whether you’re actively navigating changes in your sex life or just ready for a reframed conversation about what it means to feel sexy at any age, Quickies is a supportive, empowering read with a lot of heart—and even more laughs.

I thought this book was very informative and I enjoyed the 'quickies.' It meant you could just read a few chapters at a time, which was really good.

This was a great read for older women. I’m in my forties and and I got good information from this book. If you have problems with confidence or sex this is the book for you.

Book Review of Quickies: One Hundred Little Lessons for Living Sexily Ever After in Midlife

Heather Bartos’s “Quickies: One Hundred Little Lessons for Living Sexily Ever After in Midlife” is a refreshing and empowering guide that challenges societal stereotypes surrounding midlife and menopause. As an OB/GYN and renowned menopause specialist, Bartos brings a wealth of expertise and a unique perspective to the conversation, offering readers practical advice and insights on navigating this significant life stage.

Key Strengths
-Accessible and Engaging Writing Style: Bartos’s writing is clear, concise, and engaging, making the book an enjoyable read for women navigating midlife.
-Practical Advice and Insights: The author provides readers with actionable tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life during midlife, covering topics such as sexual wellness, relationships, and self-care.
-Empowering Message: “Quickies” is a powerful call to action, encouraging women to take control of their health, happiness, and lives during this significant life stage.

Potential Considerations
-Limited Focus on Specific Topics: Some readers may find that the book’s broad scope means that certain topics are not explored in depth.
-Personal Experiences and Anecdotes: While Bartos draws on her professional experience, some readers may appreciate more personal anecdotes or case studies to illustrate key points.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Content Depth: 4 - A comprehensive guide covering a range of topics related to midlife and menopause.
-Writing Style: 5 - Bartos’s writing is engaging, clear, and accessible to a broad audience.
-Practicality: 4.5 - The book offers practical advice and insights that readers can apply to their lives.
-Empowerment: 5 - “Quickies” is a powerful and empowering guide that challenges societal stereotypes and encourages women to take control of their lives.
Overall: 4.5 - A vibrant and uplifting guide that will help women navigate midlife with confidence and style.
Overall Score Description: A sparkly, sassy, and supportive companion for women navigating the twists and turns of midlife.

Ideal Audience
-Women in midlife seeking guidance on navigating menopause, sexual wellness, and relationships.
-Healthcare professionals looking for a comprehensive resource on supporting women during this life stage.
-Anyone interested in exploring the complexities and opportunities of midlife.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Heather Bartos for providing an advance review copy of “Quickies: One Hundred Little Lessons for Living Sexily Ever After in Midlife”.

I appreciate Heather Bartos’s positive messages about loving ourselves and not feeling ashamed, no matter what our proclivities may be. She has authority as an OB/GYN but also possesses the gift of not talking down to us. Her humor enables her to present solid information in a way that seems far less clinical. She is completely non-judgmental and candid about sometimes taboo topics, many of which she explores in the final chapters.. I appreciate her practical advice, like her chapter on consent - it is informative about planning a discussion beforehand, not winging at a time when your mind may be cloudy, Preparing a “boundary talk” is a great idea & may avoid misunderstandings. The 100 chapters are brief and easy to read.. This is a helpful, empowering book.

Written by an OB/GYN, Quickies is100 chapters that cover a variety of topics that the average middle aged woman might want to discuss with her own doctor - if she had more than a two minutes of the doctor’s time during her annual visit. There’s a lot of frank, open discussion about everything from sex toys to cancer. And, as the titles suggests, lots of cheekiness. Basically it’s about loving - and respecting - ones self, getting one’s sexy back that society may have told one was long gone years ago.

I really liked how supportive it was; even if the topic wasn’t for everyone, the author respected that and would have comments like “you do you” or “you go girl.” And while it was primarily for older women, I think there’s lessons that would apply to women of all ages - just skip those chapters that don’t apply until they do.

Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

At first, it was obvious I wasn’t the target audience for Quickies. Dr. Bartos’ tone was energetic and cheerleader-esque, as if she were guiding an imaginary, sexually-defeated group toward Getting Better™. I’d just turned 30, and the intro didn’t resonate with me at all.

But as the book went on, the information became surprisingly relevant—even for women in my age group. Personally, I’d much rather be informed early than caught off guard later. Quickies is detailed, inclusive, and evidence-based. Honestly, we need a What to Expect Before You’re Expecting—but for the lifelong roller coaster of sex.

I cannot tell you how much I love this as a woman starting in her 40s I struggle with my confidence and I have a lot of insecurities. My youngest child is four years old. My oldest is about to be 24. I am not quite comfortable being fully exposed while being intimate with my partner, we’ve been together For many years and I become less and less confident we have had our ups and downs, and he gives me the confidence, but I just don’t quite have it and this has made me go that route and to be able to be open with him and talk to him about it and I’ve been reading this in front of him and I’ve been telling him a lot about this book and he laughs at me and says I’ve been helping you so it’s helped our our sex life. I can tell you that And I’m just glad that it might. My shop is closed because if not, then we would probably be having another child right lol. This was well written!

Quickies by Heather Bartos was an excellent book - Plus, a very different book I would even look or read and I am so glad I found it. It was a great 'Quick' read and I loved it. Especially as I have never heard of this author.

Now, Dr. Heather Bartos is a OB/GYN, renowned menopause specialist, and Oprah-approved women's health advocate, and she delivers a witty, wise, and unapologetically bold roadmap for reclaiming sensuality, confidence, and self-love in midlife. Now, her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Oprah Magazine, and Good Housekeeping.

This book was So worth a read . . . . . 'Blush' . . . . I learnt so much. . . . . and is aimed at us lovely ladies from the age of I would say 40 upwards. It has 100 empowering, bite-sized lessons and quickies for you and your partner or maybe partners. It will also give you practical and brilliant advice on navigating your hormonal shifts to cheeky tips for spicing things up in the bedroom or anywhere else you would like to go, within reason! lol
This is a brilliant groundbreaking guide invites women to embrace their evolving identities with curiosity, courage, and joy. Whether you're reigniting your spark or discovering it for the first time, Dr. Bartos's compassionate and laugh-out-loud voice makes the journey a delight.

This book made me Blush and smile and lol, . . . . . Phew, I was so glad I had this book on my kindle and not in a paperback or hardback! lol so people could see what I was reading. I'll just have the 👀 strange looks I received whilst I was reading it on holiday! 😜

Big thank you to NetGalley and Empress Editions for my ARC.

I absolutely delighted in this book. I applauded it, embraced it and shared it. I felt the author was talking to me like a bestie. I appreciated how real and relatable the information was. I loved that this book didn't shy away from those rarely spoken about topics. I plan to give copies of this to all my girlfriends and my daughter. Well done and thank you Heather Bartos