The Intimate Animal

“As technology fundamentally shifts how we experience intimacy, Garcia brings us back to the animal inside to remind us that even when connection, love, and desire feel elusive, it’s exactly what we’re wired for."—Esther Perel, psychotherapist, author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, and host of Where Should We Begin?

“I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! So exciting to see a research-based book that gets to the real fundamentals in understanding what it means to be human. This book is a real page-turner — so rare in non-fiction."—John Gottman, author of Fight Right

“The Intimate Animal promises to be the best book on modern mating for the next decade. It is scientifically sound, yet conversational in style — highly accessible and informative to everyone. It’s sure to be a smashing success.”—Dr. David M. Buss, author of The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating

“A provocative and inspiring tour of human relationships, illuminating both the alluring mysteries and the hard science of love and sex — and how their intertwinement is the central force that binds us as humans. …A daring exploration of how our hunger for closeness shapes every stage of our romantic lives — and why learning to nurture that hunger may be the most important work we ever do.”—Iris Krasnow, author of The Secret Lives of Wives

“From Nevada brothels to neuroscience labs, [Garcia’s] storytelling is compassionate, data-rich, and radically hopeful. This book is a revelation — honest, nuanced, and deeply compassionate. Garcia cuts through noise and shame to map how we bond, break, and begin again.”—Lara Love Hardin, author of The Many Lives of Mama Love

“A brilliant exploration of why we love, connect, and sometimes stray. …Insightful and eye-opening, The Intimate Animal will make you stop, reflect, and say, ‘Oh, that is why I do that.’ A must-read for anyone curious about the deeper forces behind love, sex, and connection.”—Emily Morse, Doctor of Human Sexuality, founder of Sex with Emily and author of Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ & Own Your Pleasure

“Does a remarkable job of explaining why we live and die for love and the great conflicts that exist in our biology. …There is an intimacy crisis happening around the world, and Garcia's work can help us to understand how we can address the issue — and why we must."—Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Rise Above and host of The Psychology Podcast

"An astute look at how love, sex, and intimacy are key to long-term relationships—which are harder to maintain than ever."

"Readers will be riveted."—Publisher's Weekly