The Intimate Animal by Justin R. Garcia PhD PhD

The Intimate Animal

The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love

Justin R. Garcia PhD PhD, Matt Godfrey, Little, Brown Spark

Little, Brown and Company · Print & ebook · January 27, 2026

In an eye-opening exploration of the most powerful force that drives our species, Kinsey Institute Director Dr.

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Genres
Human Sexuality, Dating, How We Evolved to Think
Published
Little, Brown and Company, January 27, 2026

About this book

In an eye-opening exploration of the most powerful force that drives our species, Kinsey Institute Director Dr. Justin Garcia illuminates the mysteries of how we date, mate and navigate our love lives. "The best book on modern mating.” - David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire. Why do we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships, and stray from rewarding ones? Is it ever a good idea to open a relationship?

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How has the digital age impacted courtship? And why do some long-time couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love? In The Intimate Animal, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of love and sex answers these questions and more, taking readers on a journey through the lifecycle of a romantic relationship, from the thrill of first attraction to the devotion that lasts decades. Intimacy is core to the human condition, a key pillar of a loving relationship, and an evolutionary drive. In fact, Dr. Garcia reveals that the need for intimacy –even more than sex drive– is key to our species’ survival and flourishing. But therein lies the challenge. We evolved for social monogamy but not for sexual monogamy, yet these impulses are often at odds. Understanding this tension is the key to aligning our romantic choices with our true desires. Whether you're seeking that special someone, recovering from heartbreak, or trying to keep the passion alive, The Intimate Animal is the essential, research-backed guide to forging deeper, more intimate connections in these disconnected times.

Where it sits

Dating41%
How We Evolved to Think39%
Human Sexuality32%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Love & Romance
  • Dating
  • Human Sexuality
  • Marriage & Family
Authors
Justin R. Garcia PhD PhD, Matt Godfrey, Little, Brown Spark
Publisher
Little, Brown and Company
Published
January 27, 2026
Format
Print & ebook
Reading lane
Love & Romance