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A review by nikkihrose
The Sizzle Paradox by Lily Menon
5.0
I couldn’t put this book down. I loved everything about it – and even the audio had me enjoying every last word.
A STEM romance story, these two best friends have been through the thick of their academic careers together – they even live together, and despite what EVERYONE around them says, they know that they are JUST friends. Anything more would be a complete disaster.
But Lyric’s PhD research involves the sizzle paradox – trying to determine what makes for the strongest romantic relationships both sexually and emotionally. And while all of her data collection has gone beautifully, she cannot herself endorse something that she can’t seem to make plausible in her own life.
Whenever she tries to date, she is 100% socially awkward – but in the most adorable way. Spouting random facts she knows, no matter how inappropriate, I honestly couldn’t get enough of her awkwardness throughout the book. It was so genuine and authentic, I just wanted to be her friend.
But then her best friend Kian offers to tutor her, since he never has problems romantically. It’s on these dates that they realize how easy it is between them – but of course they could never tell one another that.
This story definitely has a bit of miscommunication mixed in, but it’s not as drawn out as other books I’ve read. What I found endearing was the obliviousness to their own feelings, because I know how easy it is to overlook a friend in a romantic way – especially if you’ve been friends for so long.
Before I even finished reading this book, I went out and ordered a copy. Definitely worth the read!
Audiobook note: I loved the audiobook but I did feel as though the male’s voice was a bit on the younger sounding side compared to what I expected for Kian. It took me out of the story a bit, but not too much, at least.
A STEM romance story, these two best friends have been through the thick of their academic careers together – they even live together, and despite what EVERYONE around them says, they know that they are JUST friends. Anything more would be a complete disaster.
But Lyric’s PhD research involves the sizzle paradox – trying to determine what makes for the strongest romantic relationships both sexually and emotionally. And while all of her data collection has gone beautifully, she cannot herself endorse something that she can’t seem to make plausible in her own life.
Whenever she tries to date, she is 100% socially awkward – but in the most adorable way. Spouting random facts she knows, no matter how inappropriate, I honestly couldn’t get enough of her awkwardness throughout the book. It was so genuine and authentic, I just wanted to be her friend.
But then her best friend Kian offers to tutor her, since he never has problems romantically. It’s on these dates that they realize how easy it is between them – but of course they could never tell one another that.
This story definitely has a bit of miscommunication mixed in, but it’s not as drawn out as other books I’ve read. What I found endearing was the obliviousness to their own feelings, because I know how easy it is to overlook a friend in a romantic way – especially if you’ve been friends for so long.
Before I even finished reading this book, I went out and ordered a copy. Definitely worth the read!
Audiobook note: I loved the audiobook but I did feel as though the male’s voice was a bit on the younger sounding side compared to what I expected for Kian. It took me out of the story a bit, but not too much, at least.