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

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

Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Yellow Kite / Hodder & Stoughton
Age Range: Adult

Overview
This two-book paperback collection gathers Esther Perel's most celebrated explorations of modern love, desire, and betrayal. Mating in Captivity unpacks the paradox of craving both security and excitement in a long-term relationship, while The State of Affairs reframes infidelity as a window into unmet emotional needs rather than a simple moral failure. Together, these New York Times bestsellers offer couples, singles, and therapists alike a candid, research-backed roadmap for understanding attraction, trust, and connection, making this a must-have paperback set for anyone curious about the real dynamics of modern relationships.

About the Books
Esther Perel, a Belgian-born psychotherapist with decades of experience counseling couples, built her reputation by challenging conventional wisdom about love and sex. In Mating in Captivity, she examines why long-term commitment so often dulls erotic desire and shows how couples can keep passion alive without sacrificing emotional intimacy. Drawing on case studies from her practice, she argues that eroticism thrives on mystery, novelty, and a bit of distance, even within a stable partnership, and offers concrete ways to bring playfulness back into domestic life. The State of Affairs takes on an even more charged subject: infidelity. Rather than simply condemning affairs, Perel investigates what they reveal about longing, identity, and the gaps in a relationship that often go unspoken. She explores why people cheat, how affairs can shatter and sometimes rebuild trust, and what it takes for couples to move forward with honesty. Both books blend Perel's clinical insight with vivid real-life stories, making complex psychological ideas feel immediate and relatable. Together they form a compelling pair: one confronts the slow erosion of desire in committed love, the other confronts the crisis that erupts when desire is sought elsewhere. Readers consistently praise Perel's willingness to sit with nuance and contradiction rather than offering easy answers, which is a key reason both titles have become touchstones in modern conversations about relationships, therapy, and human connection.

Key Benefits

• Written by internationally renowned psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel
• Two bestsellers on long-term desire and infidelity in one paperback set
• Blends clinical case studies with accessible storytelling
• Offers practical frameworks for couples and therapists alike
• Ideal for book clubs, gifting, or personal reflection

Book-by-Book Guide
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence — Explores how couples sustain desire and playfulness within long-term domestic life.
The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity — Investigates why people cheat and how honesty about infidelity can deepen self-understanding.

About the Author
Esther Perel is a Belgian psychotherapist recognized as one of today's most original voices on modern relationships, intimacy, and desire. Fluent in nine languages, she runs a therapy practice in New York City and consults for organizations worldwide. Her widely viewed TED Talks have reached millions of viewers, and she hosts the acclaimed podcast Where Should We Begin? Perel's books, including Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, are both New York Times bestsellers translated into dozens of languages, cementing her place as a leading thinker on love, sex, and connection.

Why You'll Love This Set
A thoughtful gift for anniversaries, weddings, or anyone navigating modern love, this set pairs two candid, research-rich reads that spark honest conversation. Perfect for book clubs, therapy waiting rooms, or a cozy weekend of reflective reading, it's a meaningful pick for the holiday season, a birthday, or a simple treat-yourself moment.

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