Esther Perel 2 Books Collection Set - Mating in Captivity & The State of Affairs - Non Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set
The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence

Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Yellow Kite

Overview
This two-book collection brings together renowned relationship therapist Esther Perel's most talked-about work on love, desire, and honesty in modern partnerships. The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity examines why people cheat and what affairs reveal about longing, loss, and emotional security, while Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence explores how couples can keep passion alive within the safety of long-term commitment. Together these paperbacks offer a candid, clinically grounded look at attachment, trust, and eroticism, making this set an essential read for anyone curious about the complicated architecture of adult love.

About the Books
Esther Perel has spent decades counseling couples through some of the toughest conversations in their relationships, and both books in this set draw directly on that clinical experience. The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity challenges readers to look past simple notions of betrayal, instead treating affairs as windows into unmet needs and unspoken longing. Perel doesn't excuse infidelity, but she does ask readers to understand it, offering a compassionate framework for partners working through a breach in trust. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence turns to a quieter but equally common struggle: the way domestic routine and security can dull sexual desire over time. Perel argues that closeness and mystery aren't opposites, and that couples can nurture both stability and erotic charge by embracing playfulness, distance, and a little uncertainty. Across both titles, her voice is direct, warm, and free of judgment, blending real client stories with psychological insight in a way that feels like a conversation rather than a lecture. Readers often note how the books reframe assumptions they didn't realize they were carrying about monogamy, jealousy, and what a healthy relationship should look like. Whether read separately or as a pair, these two titles form a thoughtful, occasionally provocative roadmap for understanding why desire fades, why people stray, and how couples can build relationships that hold both security and spark.

Key Benefits

• Written by Esther Perel, one of the most recognized voices in modern relationship therapy
• Covers two distinct but complementary topics: infidelity and long-term sexual desire
• Grounded in real clinical case studies rather than abstract theory
• Accessible, conversational writing style that makes complex psychology easy to follow
• Great for personal reflection, book clubs, or discussion with a partner
• A thoughtful gift for anniversaries, weddings, or anyone navigating relationship changes

Book-by-Book Guide
The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity — Perel reframes affairs as expressions of longing rather than simple moral failure, offering a compassionate lens for partners on both sides of a betrayal.
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence — Perel investigates why security can smother desire in long-term couples and shows how playfulness and distance can help keep passion alive.

About the Author
Esther Perel is a Belgian-born psychotherapist based in New York City, celebrated worldwide for her insight into relationships, sexuality, and infidelity. She has spent more than three decades counseling couples from dozens of cultural backgrounds, and is the author of multiple books exploring desire, attachment, and commitment. Perel also hosts the widely popular podcast "Where Should We Begin?", featuring real anonymized couples therapy sessions. Her talks and writing consistently challenge conventional assumptions about monogamy, jealousy, and long-term desire, drawing on real clinical practice rather than abstract theory.

Why You'll Love This Collection
Honest, unflinching, and genuinely useful, this set pairs two of Esther Perel's most important books into one thought-provoking package. It's a smart gift for a partner, an anniversary or wedding present, a book club pick, or a personal deep dive into the questions every long-term couple eventually faces.

Please Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.