The Intimate Animal

The Science of Love, Fidelity and Connection

Dr Justin Garcia

$45

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Penguin Life
05 February 2026

Popular psychology; Lifetyle & personal style guides

How evolution explains the challenges of modern love, and what it can teach us about navigating our romantic relationships

Why do we love who we love? Why do we stay in unfulfilling relationships, and stray from rewarding ones? And why do some couples crash and burn while others stay madly in love?

In The Intimate Animal, Dr Justin Garcia - one of the world's leading experts on the science of love and sex - reveals that the answer to these questions lies in our evolution, how we are biologically wired to connect with each other, and why it is at odds with the way we live now.

Dr Garcia explains the multiplicity of human sexual and romantic behaviour using cutting-edge research from the world-famous Kinsey Institute, including-

- Why we have evolved to live and die for love and yet searching for 'the one' is futile

- Why we are wired for 'social monogamy' but not necessarily 'sexual monogamy'

- Why some people are more likely to cheat

He also draws on his experience as the scientific advisor at Match.com to share practical tips on love and attraction - the two biological systems often in painful conflict - to help us deepen and strengthen our relationships.

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 for anyone who wants to forge deeper, more intimate connections in these disconnected times.

By: Dr Justin Garcia
Imprint: Penguin Life
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 222mm, Width: 138mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 400g
ISBN: 9780241425930
ISBN 10: 024142593X
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 05 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Dr. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and sex researcher. He is Executive Director & Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute. He is also the Scientific Advisor to Match Group and Match.com, where he provides expertise to the company's annual Singles in America study. His research has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME, Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair.