I think I have a bit of a nerd in me. I love tech, some STEM subjects, and academia. Plus, reading books that include a bit of nerdiness is a fun way to break away from the everyday subject discussions in a story.
This new author has blended some favorite tropes into this new release that will get your motor revving. Read my review below.
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Love and Other Brain Experiments by Hannah Brohm
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: February 3, 2026
ISBN-13: 978-1668095034
OVERVIEW:
Neuroscientist Dr. Frances Silberstein has success on the brain. As a grad student, she was offered a job by her brilliant boyfriend, but determined to make it on her own, she turned it—and him—down. Now, stuck in postdoc purgatory with no job security and no personal life to speak of, Frances is desperate to make a breakthrough. Her best shot is a summer conference packed with her field’s leading scientists. The only problem? It’s organized by her ex, who has found the success that’s eluded her. But backing out is not an option, because Frances desperately needs to network to save her career.
Enter Dr. Lewis North: her perceptive, meticulous, and inconveniently attractive rival. When their academic sniping gets mistaken for flirtatious chemistry, Frances doesn’t deny it—putting her integrity and career on the line. As soon as her prefrontal cortex is operational again, Frances realizes she needs to keep up the charade, or risk everything she’s worked for. Faking data is out of the question, but fake dating? That might just be the solution she needs.
But as Lewis starts to make her reward centers spark, and a major setback has Frances questioning everything, she must confront what she’s willing to chase—for love, for science, and for the future she thought she wanted.
Love and Other Brain Experiments by Hannah Brohm Review
Does reading a romance that includes STEM-focused characters and plot make you smarter? Well, that might be a stretch but I think it does add to the overall atmosphere of the book.
This story has many of the tropes we love: Fake Dating, work rivalry, and seeing the ex again. With all of that, our female lead is under pressure to find a place and fit in. She is whip smart, but facing obstacles when it comes to finding her next placement for her research, much of that comes from her Ex.
Enter right stage is another rival that she cannot stand due to misunderstandings, but why is he a dreamboat in person? Loose lips also means saving a career is now at stake. Perfect solution: Fake Date.
The author built a wonderful plot that spanned months of awkwardness as they get to know each other, fake date opportunities, personal growth, and the realization that there is something burning between them.
Heartwarming and humorous in many places, Love and Other Brain Experiments is a really long, slow burn of a romance that seems to take forever for their own brains to open up to reality.
One issue I had was the fact that in the third quarter, we still find the need to destroy another person whom we are supposed to love, and then come back from that with a happily ever after. For me, that was a hard transitio,n and the HEA seemed very underwhelming considering what we went through to get there.
Overall, the story is fun, addictive in its flow and dynamics, and smartly written. I wanted so much more in their bold romance with two people who were beautifully paired.
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & hones,t and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.