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GERI Labs #1
A Symptom of Love
A standalone novel from the author of LET IT LOVE! Get ready for the first book in the GERI Labs series!
When her unintended crush turns out to be her unofficial boss, being a workaholic poses a new challenge in this sunshine/grumpy, (almost) forbidden, romantic comedy, where refuting one scientist’s hypothesis may actually be a good thing.
Eleanor Benjamin, a quirky scientist and a recent PhD graduate, is not looking for romance. In fact, this goes completely against her all-work-no-play plan to embark on a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship thousands of miles away from home.A crash fall into the lap of a guy named Aiden, who graciously saves her from falling flat on her face, puts her strict no-relationship rule in jeopardy. Which only means one thing - she can never ever see Aiden again. Until this handsome irresistible-can’t-take-her-hands-off-him guy turns out to be no other than one of her … mentors.
With the attempt to keep their relationship to a professional level, Eleanor and Aiden decide to put some rules in place. But Eleanor is not one to follow rules, and while the tension is rising, challenging Aiden’s willpower becomes her newfound hobby. Caught between values and choices of the heart, they must decide whether they’re willing to risk their happily ever after or put their careers on the line.
When her unintended crush turns out to be her unofficial boss, being a workaholic poses a new challenge in this sunshine/grumpy, (almost) forbidden, romantic comedy, where refuting one scientist’s hypothesis may actually be a good thing.
Eleanor Benjamin, a quirky scientist and a recent PhD graduate, is not looking for romance. In fact, this goes completely against her all-work-no-play plan to embark on a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship thousands of miles away from home.A crash fall into the lap of a guy named Aiden, who graciously saves her from falling flat on her face, puts her strict no-relationship rule in jeopardy. Which only means one thing - she can never ever see Aiden again. Until this handsome irresistible-can’t-take-her-hands-off-him guy turns out to be no other than one of her … mentors.
With the attempt to keep their relationship to a professional level, Eleanor and Aiden decide to put some rules in place. But Eleanor is not one to follow rules, and while the tension is rising, challenging Aiden’s willpower becomes her newfound hobby. Caught between values and choices of the heart, they must decide whether they’re willing to risk their happily ever after or put their careers on the line.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
About the author
Emma Aiseman
3 books44 followersEmma Aiseman is the not-so-secret pen name of a biochemist who loves to write happily-ever-afters.
She lives in New Jersey with the loves of her life: her husband and three children (and tiny yet mighty puppy who firmly believes he's human).
A scientist by day—she spends her time in the biotech world, questioning dogmas and working to develop medicines for incurable diseases.
A writer by night—(well, actually early mornings), she dives into the fictional romance world, swapping pipettes and scientific manuscripts for plotting swoony characters, sizzling chemistry, positive twists and happy endings.
When not managing teams of scientists or writing fiction, you can find her reading (romance, of course), cooking, or playing pickleball with her kids.
Sign up for her Romance with a Side of Science newsletter at https://emmaaiseman.com/newsletter
She lives in New Jersey with the loves of her life: her husband and three children (and tiny yet mighty puppy who firmly believes he's human).
A scientist by day—she spends her time in the biotech world, questioning dogmas and working to develop medicines for incurable diseases.
A writer by night—(well, actually early mornings), she dives into the fictional romance world, swapping pipettes and scientific manuscripts for plotting swoony characters, sizzling chemistry, positive twists and happy endings.
When not managing teams of scientists or writing fiction, you can find her reading (romance, of course), cooking, or playing pickleball with her kids.
Sign up for her Romance with a Side of Science newsletter at https://emmaaiseman.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the authors writing style. I was surprised at how funny it was. I found myself laughing out loud several times! I can relate to Eleanore’s awkwardness. “Clumsiness is a skill Eleanor has carried with pride since she can remember.” Me too! I really love her and Aiden together and the sweetest meet cute! Their chemistry is instant. I also really like how close Eleanore is with her family and how warm and connected they are. A fun, sweet romcom with great banter. Definitely recommend!
May 30, 2025
STEM MCs: both PhDs in biochemistry focused in epigenetics. Aiden felt a lot like Adam Carlsen from the Love Hypothesis. The story didn't really feel like it that much, so I don't think this was a Reylo fanfic. However, Both Aiden and Adam are grumpy (except for with their FMCs), he falls first, he's her unofficial mentor, he's older, he's protective in the face of chauvinist male colleagues, and they did a bout of fake dating. If you liked the Love Hypothesis, you may like this one. I will say though that Ellie felt way less emotionally mature than I wanted her to be, and that really affected the story... the entire third act breakup could have been avoided if she thought about it for ten seconds before flying off the handle. Anyway, it was well written, it had a good plot, and it was very light on spice.
October 11, 2025
3.75/5
I enjoyed this book and it was very cute. Ellie’s character is absolutely adorable, but I feel like we did not get much of Aiden’s character and his quirks other than being grumpy. Their love story is cute, but I felt like there were a lot of tropes packed into a short period of time. I like how professor Harrington’s view changed, but wish I saw a little more of the progress - it felt very sudden. I also wish there was a bit more resolution with Mano other than he just apologized at the end. It’s unclear what triggered that.
I liked the pace, the banter, and the setting. Overall would recommend for a cute read
I enjoyed this book and it was very cute. Ellie’s character is absolutely adorable, but I feel like we did not get much of Aiden’s character and his quirks other than being grumpy. Their love story is cute, but I felt like there were a lot of tropes packed into a short period of time. I like how professor Harrington’s view changed, but wish I saw a little more of the progress - it felt very sudden. I also wish there was a bit more resolution with Mano other than he just apologized at the end. It’s unclear what triggered that.
I liked the pace, the banter, and the setting. Overall would recommend for a cute read
May 11, 2026
Thank you to the author and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This review is extremely delayed and I apologize for that.
4 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this story! I loved Eleanor’s quirky personality and the chemistry between her and Aiden was both sweet and fire. The only flaw in my opinion was that I didn’t really get to experience Aiden’s personality. He’s described as grumpy until he meets Eleanor and then afterwards he’s happy and smiling and fun. There really wasn’t much development in between.
I am looking forward to the next book from this author!
4 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this story! I loved Eleanor’s quirky personality and the chemistry between her and Aiden was both sweet and fire. The only flaw in my opinion was that I didn’t really get to experience Aiden’s personality. He’s described as grumpy until he meets Eleanor and then afterwards he’s happy and smiling and fun. There really wasn’t much development in between.
I am looking forward to the next book from this author!
April 14, 2025
I sat down and finished this book in one day. Literally. Both of the characters were so spicy, relatable, with amazing arcs and I felt so connected to them! For those who love a romance novel that is REAL I highly recommend. Great read!!!
October 24, 2024
I read this writer’s previous book as well, and enjoy escaping the everyday with a good romantic story.
October 24, 2024
Such an amazing story. I couldn’t stop reading- it had the perfect combination of humor and romance. I highly recommend it.
Read
July 7, 2026RTC!
February 4, 2026
Freaking adorable! Ellie goes into a lab never having met the professor. Finds out who he is and chemistry expands from there! Aiden and her love story is sooo cute! I’d say it’s like a classic love story with the love at first sight and fairytale-esk spin on it. The book was well written and just when I thought everything was starting to wrap up, we’d be thrown in for some more. Seriously though, I definitely recommend.
Quote:
“It’s like playing a board game for the first time, when you’re too excited to read the instructions.”
Quote:
“It’s like playing a board game for the first time, when you’re too excited to read the instructions.”
Did Not Finish
July 12, 2025DNF @ 33%
was trying to get to the 30% mark (new goal before DNF-ing) & did, but was this book edited at all? there was a point where the fmc told the mmc what she did (a scientist) & he responded that he was a scientist too. then 2 minutes later, she asked what he did…& he said he’s a scientist. wasn’t that just said??? plus some of it takes place in israel, no thanks. free palestine.
was trying to get to the 30% mark (new goal before DNF-ing) & did, but was this book edited at all? there was a point where the fmc told the mmc what she did (a scientist) & he responded that he was a scientist too. then 2 minutes later, she asked what he did…& he said he’s a scientist. wasn’t that just said??? plus some of it takes place in israel, no thanks. free palestine.
June 29, 2025
Premise is cute. MMC cute until he got a wee bit cringey in the last 20 pages of the book.
FMC is annoying. She’s 28 and acts like she’s 22. Like don’t get me wrong, love a 22 yo, but like your prefrontal cortex is not yet developed at that age. So, pinch of salt.
But that is what makes the MMC frustrating. Like she’s a brilliant scientist who loves her work and her family but like she’s a bit immature sooo…? What is attractive here? To me, and maybe it’s just me, but immaturity is hard to look past. And honestly girl, just make up your mind… are you real, or are you fake? Out in the open or not? Dont get mad at the guy for trying to give you what you said you wanted, even if you thought something different.
I thought we’d get more science, but the author doesn’t give us the jargon or even a hypothesis. Which is half the appeal of reading a STEM lab-set novel.
It did make me yearn for the wet lab again though so there’s that.
Also, editors: CHECK FOR THE TYPOS AND INCONSISTENCIES.
I almost DNFd in the first 20 pages of the story. I think Im just over the “clumsy, oopsies” girl. I finished it out of “hey there’s some science!” and “dont not finish this- you already put it in your reading journal” pride.
Science and the MMC save this for a 3 star
FMC is annoying. She’s 28 and acts like she’s 22. Like don’t get me wrong, love a 22 yo, but like your prefrontal cortex is not yet developed at that age. So, pinch of salt.
But that is what makes the MMC frustrating. Like she’s a brilliant scientist who loves her work and her family but like she’s a bit immature sooo…? What is attractive here? To me, and maybe it’s just me, but immaturity is hard to look past. And honestly girl, just make up your mind… are you real, or are you fake? Out in the open or not? Dont get mad at the guy for trying to give you what you said you wanted, even if you thought something different.
I thought we’d get more science, but the author doesn’t give us the jargon or even a hypothesis. Which is half the appeal of reading a STEM lab-set novel.
It did make me yearn for the wet lab again though so there’s that.
Also, editors: CHECK FOR THE TYPOS AND INCONSISTENCIES.
I almost DNFd in the first 20 pages of the story. I think Im just over the “clumsy, oopsies” girl. I finished it out of “hey there’s some science!” and “dont not finish this- you already put it in your reading journal” pride.
Science and the MMC save this for a 3 star
October 21, 2024
first review. well, that's a first for me
- grumpy x sunshine
- workplace romance
- mentor x mentee
- science nerds
- forbidden relationship
- fake relationship
- drummer / hot professor
- matching tattoos
- he falls first
H/h meet at the airport where she falls into his lap, literally. What follows is her time in the US, biting cold, new friendships along the way, fun banter until she realises the hot drummer she's been obsessed with is none other than her mentor for the research fellowship. Too bad workplace romance is forbidden
This was such a good read, i throughly enjoyed it. And for someone who is never a fan of third pov, this one took me by surprise. I found myself smiling so many times while reading this and the characters were swoon worthy! ❤︎
- grumpy x sunshine
- workplace romance
- mentor x mentee
- science nerds
- forbidden relationship
- fake relationship
- drummer / hot professor
- matching tattoos
- he falls first
H/h meet at the airport where she falls into his lap, literally. What follows is her time in the US, biting cold, new friendships along the way, fun banter until she realises the hot drummer she's been obsessed with is none other than her mentor for the research fellowship. Too bad workplace romance is forbidden
This was such a good read, i throughly enjoyed it. And for someone who is never a fan of third pov, this one took me by surprise. I found myself smiling so many times while reading this and the characters were swoon worthy! ❤︎
October 30, 2025
I was really looking forward to this one since I’ve loved Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite land for me. I struggled to connect with the FMC. The MMC was described as grumpy, but he didn’t really come across that way. I think a dual POV might’ve helped build more depth and connection between them. I also wasn’t a fan of the third-act breakup or the “fake dating” element that revolved around her ex. The subplot with her postdoc supervisor being behind the times wasn’t really developed either—he seemed to get along with the FMC right away. That said, I did enjoy their meet-cute, love a good airport scene!
June 16, 2026
This was a fun read, but felt pretty average for me. My biggest problem was the persistent grammar/spelling errors throughout the book. It took me out of the story many times.
I also thought it was odd that Aiden would say “could care less” when, as an educated man, he should know that the phrase is “COULDN’T care less.”
Harrington’s development must have all taken place off-page because he suddenly had a completely different personality. I would have appreciated seeing more of him instead of this feeling rushed and unnatural.
*I received a copy via GoodReads giveaways*
I also thought it was odd that Aiden would say “could care less” when, as an educated man, he should know that the phrase is “COULDN’T care less.”
Harrington’s development must have all taken place off-page because he suddenly had a completely different personality. I would have appreciated seeing more of him instead of this feeling rushed and unnatural.
*I received a copy via GoodReads giveaways*
August 12, 2025
I loved at the end of each day to immerse myself in the love story full of surprises and unexpected developments of Eleanor and Aidan, a couple of scientists. I really enjoyed reading it. It is not a thriller, but it is still an engaging read and it is intriguing to know where this love story goes.
October 24, 2024
Great author, i am definitely planning to read this!!
March 7, 2025
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was a Goodreads giveaway ebook win!
Felt a lot like Groundhog Day to me, but ended up being a cute book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was a Goodreads giveaway ebook win!
Felt a lot like Groundhog Day to me, but ended up being a cute book.
March 5, 2026
Such a cute and fun read.
October 23, 2024
It was a good book, but it felt a little impersonal to me, and everything felt a bit rushed.
June 20, 2025
I got a little over 50 pages in, but it just didn't interest me, and I DNF'd it. I was hoping it would be similar to Ali Hazelwood books. Received this kindle book as part of a giveaway. Thanks for the copy!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews