Titles in This Set. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence. The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity. Details. Condition: New. Format: Paperback. ISBN: 9789123649013. Publisher: Yellow Kite (Hodder & Stoughton). Age Range: Adult / General Readership. Overview. This two-book paperback set brings together Esther Perel's two most acclaimed works on modern love: Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs. World-renowned psychotherapist Perel explores why desire fades in long-term relationships and why even happy couples cheat, offering compassionate, research-informed insight rather than judgement. Ideal for couples, therapists, and curious readers, this collection is a thoughtful gift for anyone navigating intimacy, commitment, or betrayal in a modern relationship.. About the Books. In Mating in Captivity, Perel examines the paradox at the heart of committed relationships: how to sustain erotic desire alongside domestic security. Drawing on decades of clinical experience as a couples therapist, she argues that our cultural obsession with equality and togetherness can quietly smother passion, and she offers candid, sometimes provocative, guidance on keeping lust alive within a loving partnership. The book became an international bestseller, translated into more than two dozen languages, and remains a cornerstone text in couples therapy and relationship education.. In The State of Affairs, Perel turns her attention to infidelity, moving beyond simple moral condemnation to ask what affairs actually reveal about longing, identity, and unmet needs. Drawing on a decade of work with couples across the globe, she offers a nuanced, non-judgemental framework for understanding why people stray, how betrayal wounds so deeply, and how some relationships not only survive infidelity but are transformed by confronting it honestly. Together, these two paperbacks form a compelling, evidence-based exploration of desire, commitment, and the complicated realities of modern love.. Written by a globally recognised psychotherapist and TED speaker. Combines clinical case studies with accessible, engaging prose. Offers practical insight for couples, therapists, and educators. Covers both desire within commitment and the aftermath of infidelity. Compact paperback format, easy to read, annotate, and share. A thoughtful, conversation-starting gift for partners or book clubs. About the Author. Esther Perel is a Belgian-born psychotherapist based in New York City, widely regarded as one of the world's most insightful voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she runs a private therapy practice, advises organisations on human connection, and hosts the acclaimed podcast Where Should We Begin? Her TED Talks have been viewed by millions, and her books have made her a New York Times bestselling author translated across the globe.. Why You'll Love This Collection. Honest, empathetic, and refreshingly free of judgement, this pairing offers a complete picture of Perel's thinking on love, lust, and betrayal — essential reading for anyone who wants to understand relationships more deeply.. Please Note: Cover design may vary slightly from the image shown; this listing reflects the UK edition paperback set as described, with ISBN as listed.