The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love -- Justin R. Garcia, Hardcover

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? 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.

Author: Justin R. Garcia
Publisher: Little, Brown Spark
Published: 01/27/2026
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316594035

About the Author
Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and sex and relationships researcher. He is Executive Director & Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute, Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Indiana University, Bloomington. He also serves as Chief Scientific Advisor for dating company Match, providing expertise to the annual Singles in America study. Dr. Garcia has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, HBO, The Dr. Oz Show, Netflix, and National Geographic, and his research has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME, Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair. While working on this book, he fell in love, and recently got married.