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  • Published: 2 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9780806542768
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $55.00

Tell Me What You Like

An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault

  • Katie Simon



Hopeful, groundbreaking, and anchored in true stories, this much-needed book from sexuality journalist and fellow sexual assault survivor Katie Simon delves into the challenges of moving from trauma to healing. Tell Me What You Like will guide sexual assault survivors toward the sex and relationships they want, and speaks to the shift in sexual culture we all need.

Hopeful, groundbreaking, and anchored in true stories, this much-needed book from sexuality journalist and fellow sexual assault survivor Katie Simon delves into the challenges of moving from trauma to healing. Tell Me What You Like will guide sexual assault survivors toward the sex and relationships they want, and speaks to the shift in sexual culture we all need.

Over a decade ago, Katie Simon began seeking out stories of people who faced sexual challenges after sexual trauma—just as she did. Simon interviewed dozens of survivors, and her investigation yielded diverse responses from people of all backgrounds, ultimately confirming that there is no single path toward healing.     

Simon’s research led her to life-changing findings that sexual assault survivors most want to know about, including coping with trauma triggers and traumatic stress symptoms such as anxiety, depression, physical pain, and flashbacks. From embodied consent to self-pleasure, sexual regret, breakups, and beyond, you’ll find answers to all your questions about how sexual trauma affects sex and relationships within these pages, in stories told by survivors who’ve actually been there. 

Millions of survivors across the United States are treated as irreparably broken. Simon offers a positive approach to healing based on empathy and community—and the understanding and tools to navigate trauma and cultivate the sex lives we desire and deserve. The narratives Simon has gathered break down the potential obstacles to rebuilding post-assault, and offer multiple paths forward with optimistic, new approaches to sex after sexual assault. Packed with insights, stories, and advice, this invaluable guide reimagines what sex can look like—not only for survivors, but for all of us.

  • Published: 2 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9780806542768
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 240
  • RRP: $55.00

Praise for Tell Me What You Like

Praise for Tell Me What You Like

Tell me What You Like addresses the complexities of sex and pleasure after sexual assault. The book is blunt and fearless and will be helpful to survivors who have searched for information on this topic and their intimate partners. Katie Simon has filled a gap by writing this book, using the voices of survivors with a variety of perspectives and an honesty that will be felt by readers.” —Michelle Bowdler, author of Is Rape a Crime?, longlisted for the National Book Award

“With vulnerability, curiosity and compassion, Katie Simon addresses a crucially important, oft-neglected, topic in the study of trauma. Her bravery is to our immense benefit.” —Ian Kerner, couples and sex therapist and New York Times bestselling author of She Comes First

“A classic. Finally, a guidebook for survivors of sexual assault and those who love us. An assault survivor herself, Katie Simon takes us through the healing journey of integrating the violence we’ve outlasted, how to follow your body as a trusted teacher, and ways to discover sexual pleasure and joy in myriad, authentic old and new ways.” —Leslie Morgan, New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Love and The Naked Truth

“Katie Simon has created a powerful and approachable tool for survivors and their partners. This book sheds a refreshing light on an all-too common experience, encouraging all readers to shirk shame and re-embrace a joyful sexual life.” —Yana Tallon-Hicks, LMFT, author of Hot and Unbothered

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