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A Lab Rat's Guide to Fated Love: A Love Guide Novel
In another life, he promised to love her first, and she promised to keep him safe. Now, she wants nothing to do with love, and he doesn’t want to be saved. Fate, however, has other plans.
Vir Varma wants to die in peace. Rot away alone, on a warm, sunny beach. No more medical procedures and no more feeling his family’s anguish play-by-play while they grieve his impending demise—all thanks to his awful heightened sensitivity to others’ emotions. But when his stubborn brother’s meddling lands him into an experimental program, bringing him face-to-face with Dr. Nori Arya, a nano-biotechnology scientist, her uncanny resemblance to the woman haunting his dreams has Vir questioning his sanity. He’s drawn to her with an irrefutable need to be in her periphery, without reason or logic, and despite the obvious repulsion he senses underneath her stoney façade. A façade that also hides a certain darkness, tucked away in a corner Vir can’t reach. But one he must reach.
Now that Nori finally has her first human subject, her rivals refuse to sit back and watch. Their attempts at sabotage threaten both Vir’s life and Nori’s career, compelling her to sneak him away to her grandma’s old cottage in the hills. Only, she isn’t prepared for the complication that is Vir’s ability to see right through her. Or her own embarrassing reactions to his proximity, and the way his presence calms her nerves and stirs things in her she never thought she could feel again. Things she must not feel again.
Because when love becomes a minefield of consequences and the cost of holding on gets too high, they must choose what they’re willing to give up first—his sanity or her life.
Vir Varma wants to die in peace. Rot away alone, on a warm, sunny beach. No more medical procedures and no more feeling his family’s anguish play-by-play while they grieve his impending demise—all thanks to his awful heightened sensitivity to others’ emotions. But when his stubborn brother’s meddling lands him into an experimental program, bringing him face-to-face with Dr. Nori Arya, a nano-biotechnology scientist, her uncanny resemblance to the woman haunting his dreams has Vir questioning his sanity. He’s drawn to her with an irrefutable need to be in her periphery, without reason or logic, and despite the obvious repulsion he senses underneath her stoney façade. A façade that also hides a certain darkness, tucked away in a corner Vir can’t reach. But one he must reach.
Now that Nori finally has her first human subject, her rivals refuse to sit back and watch. Their attempts at sabotage threaten both Vir’s life and Nori’s career, compelling her to sneak him away to her grandma’s old cottage in the hills. Only, she isn’t prepared for the complication that is Vir’s ability to see right through her. Or her own embarrassing reactions to his proximity, and the way his presence calms her nerves and stirs things in her she never thought she could feel again. Things she must not feel again.
Because when love becomes a minefield of consequences and the cost of holding on gets too high, they must choose what they’re willing to give up first—his sanity or her life.
302 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
10 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Aridam S. Dojie
2 books5 followersAridam S. Dojie is a writer, poet, and artist hopelessly in love with love. When not writing, reading or drawing, she’s usually lost in daydreams or found annoying her cat at the speed of a hundred-kisses-a-minute.
Visit asdojie.com to know all about Ari’s upcoming releases, ARC opportunities, exclusive merch, freebies, and more. Or find her on social media as @asdojie
Visit asdojie.com to know all about Ari’s upcoming releases, ARC opportunities, exclusive merch, freebies, and more. Or find her on social media as @asdojie
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 14, 2025
First of all, thank you to Ari for providing me with an eARC copy of this book❤️
Second of all, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I loved the language, it had beautiful metaphors and descriptions. I also loved the author’s humour, the banter between the main characters was hilarious. I enjoyed their dynamic as a whole, I feel like we don’t have enough grumpy/grumpy books.
The premise was interesting and intriguing and the way the actual plot turned out didn’t disappoint. I did have a few questions towards the end of the book, hence the 4-star rating. And the way the drama was wrapped up at the end felt a little bit rushed and anti-climactic and left me with questions as to why it had to be resolved that way. I do realise that it was done for the plot but I wished there was more explanation and details about the fmc’s healing process.
Other than that I enjoyed the book and had a good time with it.
Second of all, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I loved the language, it had beautiful metaphors and descriptions. I also loved the author’s humour, the banter between the main characters was hilarious. I enjoyed their dynamic as a whole, I feel like we don’t have enough grumpy/grumpy books.
The premise was interesting and intriguing and the way the actual plot turned out didn’t disappoint. I did have a few questions towards the end of the book, hence the 4-star rating. And the way the drama was wrapped up at the end felt a little bit rushed and anti-climactic and left me with questions as to why it had to be resolved that way. I do realise that it was done for the plot but I wished there was more explanation and details about the fmc’s healing process.
Other than that I enjoyed the book and had a good time with it.
August 10, 2025
i truly enjoyed all the different components of this story. it felt very heartfelt and sweet between the two main characters. i did not expect the supernatural twist but it added a fun element to the story. a comfy read with some mild spice.
i was lucky enough to win a free copy of this book via a storygraph giveaway!
i was lucky enough to win a free copy of this book via a storygraph giveaway!
June 30, 2025
I was lucky to be offered an eARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was delightfully surprised with this story. This book has some wonderful scene descriptions, and I enjoyed the scientific aspects.
The characters were interesting.
A fascinating read.
I was delightfully surprised with this story. This book has some wonderful scene descriptions, and I enjoyed the scientific aspects.
The characters were interesting.
A fascinating read.
July 27, 2025
This was way too normal for me. The pacing was weird and I wanted so much more of the past lives storyline
June 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.75 rounded up)
A Lab Rat’s Guide to Fated Love had an intriguing premise with its blend of romance and science, but ultimately, it didn’t quite work for me. The writing style wasn’t to my taste, and I found myself confused at times about which character’s POV I was in. The pacing dragged, and I wasn’t fully hooked, often feeling bored as I read.
The concept of sabotage added some interest, and the exploration of emotion in the MMC was ambitious, but it didn’t land in a believable or compelling way. The dynamic between the FMC and her best friend felt especially awkward. After confessing his love, disappearing for a year or more, and then suddenly returning, their relationship reset too quickly and lacked emotional payoff.
That said, if you’re in the mood for a romance with a science/medical backdrop, this might still be worth checking out. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
- thank you to the author for the ARC
A Lab Rat’s Guide to Fated Love had an intriguing premise with its blend of romance and science, but ultimately, it didn’t quite work for me. The writing style wasn’t to my taste, and I found myself confused at times about which character’s POV I was in. The pacing dragged, and I wasn’t fully hooked, often feeling bored as I read.
The concept of sabotage added some interest, and the exploration of emotion in the MMC was ambitious, but it didn’t land in a believable or compelling way. The dynamic between the FMC and her best friend felt especially awkward. After confessing his love, disappearing for a year or more, and then suddenly returning, their relationship reset too quickly and lacked emotional payoff.
That said, if you’re in the mood for a romance with a science/medical backdrop, this might still be worth checking out. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
- thank you to the author for the ARC
June 20, 2025
I adore books in a medical or academic setting. Those books hold a special place in my heart. So I am grateful that the author gifted me an ARC of this book. I love the characters of this book and their story. I absolutely love that this book has scientific medical elements mixed in with magical elements as well with a soul mate vibe and the male main character Vir, being an empath. I cried towards the end of the book. And I think Vir and Nori’s love story is just so beautiful. I definitely recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
July 16, 2025
If you are ready for a ride full of romance, science, and lots of emotion, this is the story for you. Vir, our MMC, wants to finally die in peace and leave the medical procedures in his past. But when his brother lands him a spot in an experimental trial with Dr. Nori Arya, he quickly accepts, as she has a resemblance to the woman who shows up in his dreams. When Nori's rivals try to meddle with her trial, it forces them to sneak away to a cottage to continue the trial. While Vir can see right through Nori, will it be enough to overcome the looming darkness in her?
This story took me on such an emotional journey. I emphasize the importance of reading the content warnings before starting this, with multiple deeper themes. I didn't know I needed this until I was reading. The emotional pull was such a journey and had me refusing to put this book down. All aspects of this book were far from what I normally read. I tend not to read STEM/Science-related stuff, as I usually don't understand, but between this story and a few others I have read, I think my view has changed. The writing style is also super unique in this story, and it made me that much more intrigued.
If you think a romance can't have insane plot twists, think again. I honestly was not sure how this story would end. I loved the pacing and plot; it gave me a longer timeline, and I became more invested in the characters. The banter was top tier. I don't read many stories with grumpy/grumpy personalities, so it was fun to change it up a bit. Their connection felt realistic and flowed well with the story. Including the spice in the story and where it was placed not only made sense but also worked with the characters really well. As a small side note, Nori's story destroyed me, and I loved seeing her journey through the story.
This story took me on such an emotional journey. I emphasize the importance of reading the content warnings before starting this, with multiple deeper themes. I didn't know I needed this until I was reading. The emotional pull was such a journey and had me refusing to put this book down. All aspects of this book were far from what I normally read. I tend not to read STEM/Science-related stuff, as I usually don't understand, but between this story and a few others I have read, I think my view has changed. The writing style is also super unique in this story, and it made me that much more intrigued.
If you think a romance can't have insane plot twists, think again. I honestly was not sure how this story would end. I loved the pacing and plot; it gave me a longer timeline, and I became more invested in the characters. The banter was top tier. I don't read many stories with grumpy/grumpy personalities, so it was fun to change it up a bit. Their connection felt realistic and flowed well with the story. Including the spice in the story and where it was placed not only made sense but also worked with the characters really well. As a small side note, Nori's story destroyed me, and I loved seeing her journey through the story.
June 30, 2025
✨ 4.5 stars ✨
A Lab Rat’s Guide to Fated Love is the kind of debut that makes you sit up and go, “Wait—who is this author, and how soon can I read more from them?”
The premise is wild: Vir is dying, and Nori all but kidnaps him to cure him. What unfolds is part experiment, part soulmates-on-a-timer, and part emotional rollercoaster I wasn’t remotely prepared for—but couldn’t look away from. There’s action. There’s trauma. There’s love that feels like fate and still asks to be chosen.
The story weaves in surreal touches and a past-life connection that worked surprisingly well, even when it asked me to suspend disbelief. (And yes, I did it willingly.) It's giving K-drama meets speculative romance and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Vir deserves a whole paragraph of his own. I don’t know what kind of man waits that patiently, carries that much gentleness, and still stands strong—but he exists on these pages, and I will never be the same.
"If the hell is not yours, but all mine, and I need you more than you need me...would it be okay if I cling on to you, too? Selfishly, shamelessly, pathetically..."
Gut punch. Gorgeous. Unforgettable.
I'm so glad I got to read an early copy of this book—it’s tender, brave, and full of heart.
A Lab Rat’s Guide to Fated Love is the kind of debut that makes you sit up and go, “Wait—who is this author, and how soon can I read more from them?”
The premise is wild: Vir is dying, and Nori all but kidnaps him to cure him. What unfolds is part experiment, part soulmates-on-a-timer, and part emotional rollercoaster I wasn’t remotely prepared for—but couldn’t look away from. There’s action. There’s trauma. There’s love that feels like fate and still asks to be chosen.
The story weaves in surreal touches and a past-life connection that worked surprisingly well, even when it asked me to suspend disbelief. (And yes, I did it willingly.) It's giving K-drama meets speculative romance and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Vir deserves a whole paragraph of his own. I don’t know what kind of man waits that patiently, carries that much gentleness, and still stands strong—but he exists on these pages, and I will never be the same.
"If the hell is not yours, but all mine, and I need you more than you need me...would it be okay if I cling on to you, too? Selfishly, shamelessly, pathetically..."
Gut punch. Gorgeous. Unforgettable.
I'm so glad I got to read an early copy of this book—it’s tender, brave, and full of heart.
July 9, 2025
STEM FMC: PhD bioengineer. Former STEM MMC: med school student.
First things first: read the content warnings, all of them. This book emotionally destroyed me so many times. This girl gets put through a lot from start to finish.
If you enjoyed the K drama Destined with You, you might like this book. There are some similarities with previous lives and her having to save him to break the curse.
There was a good chunk of this book that as I was reading it I actually questioned whether or not it was a romance and we’d get an HEA, but rest assured you do. The author just really makes you work for it, she takes payment in tears.
This isn’t my typical romance fare, but it was still good. The MMC is so empathetic and mentally attached to her emotions, it seemed like he was going through whatever she was going through with her. Vir is the real MVP of this book.
It was well written even though the plot made me upset a lot, and it had light spice.
First things first: read the content warnings, all of them. This book emotionally destroyed me so many times. This girl gets put through a lot from start to finish.
If you enjoyed the K drama Destined with You, you might like this book. There are some similarities with previous lives and her having to save him to break the curse.
There was a good chunk of this book that as I was reading it I actually questioned whether or not it was a romance and we’d get an HEA, but rest assured you do. The author just really makes you work for it, she takes payment in tears.
This isn’t my typical romance fare, but it was still good. The MMC is so empathetic and mentally attached to her emotions, it seemed like he was going through whatever she was going through with her. Vir is the real MVP of this book.
It was well written even though the plot made me upset a lot, and it had light spice.
September 14, 2025
4.5 // 5 stars
I was selected as an ARC reader and am so grateful because this story was truly amazing!
A heartwarming story about love, past lives, connection, heartbreak and overcoming trauma.
A beautiful story with incredible characters. Aridam does an excellent job creating such depth in emotion that allows the reader to actually feel what they’re reading — the happiness and large smiles, the agony and pain, the tears and laughs. There wasn’t a single part where I was feeling left out of the loop, but rather pulled directly into the shoes of each character.
The storyline is great, leaving no questions or gaps and flows so nicely. I love the timeline and how we get brief moments in the past, to then be thrown forward a few years from the present and everything just falls into place.
The connection of science and college and love was chefs kiss! I loved this book and very much look forward to reading more from Dojie — thank you!
I was selected as an ARC reader and am so grateful because this story was truly amazing!
A heartwarming story about love, past lives, connection, heartbreak and overcoming trauma.
A beautiful story with incredible characters. Aridam does an excellent job creating such depth in emotion that allows the reader to actually feel what they’re reading — the happiness and large smiles, the agony and pain, the tears and laughs. There wasn’t a single part where I was feeling left out of the loop, but rather pulled directly into the shoes of each character.
The storyline is great, leaving no questions or gaps and flows so nicely. I love the timeline and how we get brief moments in the past, to then be thrown forward a few years from the present and everything just falls into place.
The connection of science and college and love was chefs kiss! I loved this book and very much look forward to reading more from Dojie — thank you!
June 29, 2025
Thank you so much to Ari for the ARC!
This was a book that immediately will be joining the list of comfort reads I have on standby. While the plot does deal with Nori's research and procedure being sabotaged and Vir's health condition, the main focus is the two of them navigating each other and their story together unfolding. I was not anticipating the direction things went several times through the book and I was kept on my toes every time I thought I knew what was next.
The paranormal aspect of the plot was definitely intriguing and I wish we got to see more of that and how it led to the present. Also I have personal beef with Ryan. Bombastic side eye.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and watching Nori and Vir navigate each other and their own lives to find their way to a happy ending.
This was a book that immediately will be joining the list of comfort reads I have on standby. While the plot does deal with Nori's research and procedure being sabotaged and Vir's health condition, the main focus is the two of them navigating each other and their story together unfolding. I was not anticipating the direction things went several times through the book and I was kept on my toes every time I thought I knew what was next.
The paranormal aspect of the plot was definitely intriguing and I wish we got to see more of that and how it led to the present. Also I have personal beef with Ryan. Bombastic side eye.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and watching Nori and Vir navigate each other and their own lives to find their way to a happy ending.
June 20, 2025
This brings knew meaning to star crossed lovers. In another life he promised to love her first, she promised to protect him. In this one trauma keeps her from letting him in. Can he break through her walls. Will her out of the box thinking be the one thing that saves his life? When tragedy strikes will they overcome the obstacles ahead? Oh my goodness what an incredible love story this was. I could not put this down until I finished the very last page. It moved me to tears multiple times. Excellent story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 1, 2025
A Lab Rat’s Guide To Fated Love had me kicking my feet and giggling like a little kid, and also honking like a goose repeatedly(damned respiratory infection makes for a great laugh).
Another book with alternative POVs, which I very much love. And the writing style is so fun. It feels silly and lighthearted, without feeling childish or poorly done. The author handled a character with PTSD well. Cute story and keeps you on your toes
-main character Nori reacted to embarrassment ✨stunningly ✨
-he fell first, she is embarrassed to have emotions at all
-Alfredo sauce and thermodynamic cats
Another book with alternative POVs, which I very much love. And the writing style is so fun. It feels silly and lighthearted, without feeling childish or poorly done. The author handled a character with PTSD well. Cute story and keeps you on your toes
-main character Nori reacted to embarrassment ✨stunningly ✨
-he fell first, she is embarrassed to have emotions at all
-Alfredo sauce and thermodynamic cats
June 30, 2025
Aridam S. Dojie’s debut novel A Lab Rat’s Guide to Fated Love had too perfect of a title and cover for me to pass up a chance to take a look.
I did not finish (I am not a romance girlie) but I’d love to see more women in STEM books get published.
ARC provided by the author, available on Kindle Unlimited
I did not finish (I am not a romance girlie) but I’d love to see more women in STEM books get published.
ARC provided by the author, available on Kindle Unlimited
July 4, 2025
Honestly, I loved this book.
Thank you for the ARC!
This was stellar for me, it had amazing pacing, I loved the writing style, I loved the romance, the STEM.
All of it worked amazingly for me. I can’t quite put it as 5 stars as it wasn’t a life changing read for me, and there were times I lost interest.
BUT it’s a solid 4!!
Thank you for the ARC!
This was stellar for me, it had amazing pacing, I loved the writing style, I loved the romance, the STEM.
All of it worked amazingly for me. I can’t quite put it as 5 stars as it wasn’t a life changing read for me, and there were times I lost interest.
BUT it’s a solid 4!!
July 10, 2025
The book read like a wattpad story made by a teenager. There was so many story ideas all thrown into one making it seem like the author was running out of ideas with the original pacing of the story. The end seemed very fast paced and the story was entirely romance focused so a lot of the original plot seemed like it was given up on and only mentioned here or there.
July 11, 2025
This was a fun read. I really enjoyed how the main characters bounced off each other, both perfect matches yet with an uncanny ability to set off the other’s buttons. There were some fun twists and the spice level was nicely handled (low to medium). If you’re looking for a light sci fi romance with a bit of angst and an anime/K-drama feel, this is a strong choice.
July 12, 2025
I was really enjoying the beginning of this book, but it eventually all starting going downhill for me. The events and how they happened was very unbelievable for me to the point where I was completely sucked out of the story and found myself rolling my eyes. I was also deeply uncomfortable with the fmcs friendship with her “best friend” he’s a weirdo I don’t like him.
August 2, 2025
Aridam S. Dojie delivers a poignant, witty, and immersive love story that stands out for its emotional rawness and inventive premise. Though it stumbles in a few tropes, the characters’ journey—especially their growth from self-destruction to mutual healing—makes this a memorable read. Perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis with a sci-fi edge .
August 17, 2025
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
My heart ached and jumped throughout the book. I felt so much sympathy for Nori and Vir. Both characters have wounds that need healing. Nori doesn’t believe in love and Vir, who is in love with Nori, is running out of time.
Childhood friends to lovers, second chances, and he falls harder for her. It was a quick, cute love story.
3.75 ⭐️
My heart ached and jumped throughout the book. I felt so much sympathy for Nori and Vir. Both characters have wounds that need healing. Nori doesn’t believe in love and Vir, who is in love with Nori, is running out of time.
Childhood friends to lovers, second chances, and he falls harder for her. It was a quick, cute love story.
3.75 ⭐️
November 1, 2025
This was such a sweet read. I've been needing a break from fantasy, and this was refreshing! There was still an element of something out of the ordinary, which kept me on my toes. I loved the sweet romance and two imperfect people finding their way back to each other 🩷
November 21, 2025
This felt very disjointed. There were too many ideas that were never fully explored (past lives, empath, amnesia, sabotage), everything was wrapped up too neatly, and the pacing was off. The middle dragged and barely progressed any of the story, and the ending was incredibly rushed.
June 22, 2025
To be loved while you're not in a good space.. Wow.
July 1, 2025
Cover is a blatant copy of the Russian version of The Love Hypothesis. Unethical cover artwork makes author’s integrity equally dubious.
Read
December 31, 2025DNF
Not bad, just not for me.. I was forcing myself to read and that's my sign to stop
Not bad, just not for me.. I was forcing myself to read and that's my sign to stop
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews