A groundbreaking exploration of the psychology of infatuation, how to recognize it, and how to move beyond it towards a healthier experience of love.
About the Author: Dr. Tom Bellamy, PhD is a neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham.
288 Pages
Psychology, Interpersonal Relations

Description

Book Synopsis

A groundbreaking exploration of the psychology of infatuation, how to recognize it, and how to move beyond it towards a healthier experience of love.

"Butterflies" in the stomach, intrusive thoughts, fantasies about imaginary scenarios, mood swings from euphoria to despair... aren't these all the familiar hallmarks of new love? Not quite. These are characteristics of the psychological state of "limerence," also known as obsessive, passionate or addictive love that can become unhealthy.

Millions of people experience limerence at some point in their life. In this book, neuroscientist Tom Bellamy explores advances in neuroscience since the term was coined in the 1970s, and sheds light on this little-understood element of the human experience. Discover:

- what drives limerence
- how to recognize limerence in yourself and others
- how to manage the phases of addiction to another person
- how to move past it to sustain longer, more fulfilling relationships.

With supportive advice about next steps, this book will help readers struggling with unwanted feelings to find emotional equilibrium. Rooted in neuroscience, this book offers practical guidance for those experiencing obsessive love and seeking a path to a healthy relationship.

Review Quotes

"Neuroscientist Bellamy's book might last longer than a typical spell of limerence, ably distilling 50 years of research into accessible, engaging prose ... Illuminating and helpful."--Library Journal

"As someone who has studied and written about the science of love, I find Dr Bellamy's Smitten to be a masterful exploration of limerence - one of love's most intense and mysterious manifestations. His unique integration of neuroscientific expertise with deep empathy for the limerent experience creates an invaluable resource for both professionals and those seeking to understand their own overwhelming romantic feelings."
--Dr. Liat Yakir, author of A Brief History of Love

"A wise and generous life raft for anyone lost in a crush."
--Natasha Lunn, author of Conversations on Love

About the Author

Dr. Tom Bellamy, PhD is a neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham. He has published over forty scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters on esoteric aspects of neurophysiology. He runs the popular blog, "Living with Limerence," and lives in the UK.

Specifications

Dimensions (Overall): 9.4 Inches (H) x 6.4 Inches (W) x 1.3 Inches (D)

Weight: 1.0 Pounds

Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up

Number of Pages: 288

Genre: Psychology

Sub-Genre: Interpersonal Relations

Publisher: St. Martin's Essentials

Format: Hardcover

Author: Tom Bellamy

Language: English

Street Date: February 3, 2026

TCIN: 94465850

UPC: 9781250392671

Item Number (DPCI): 247-29-2848

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.3 inches length x 6.4 inches width x 9.4 inches height

Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds

We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.

This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.

See the return policy for complete information.