Smitten: Romantic Obsession, the Neuroscience of Limerence, and How to Make Love Last
Tom Bellamy, Ph.D.
Feb 2026 · Sold by St. Martin's Essentials
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288
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About this ebook
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.
“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.
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Ratings and reviews
4.0
1 review
Andrea Romance
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February 5, 2026
Limerence, or obsessive love, can feel like intense romance, but it's often an unhealthy addiction. This book provides a neuroscientific understanding of limerence and offers practical guidance on how to break free from its grip and build sustainable, fulfilling relationships. The book is enlightening and easy to read. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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.
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