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Love Rush #1
Dopamine Rush
Nate Archer
One spark turned my world upside down.
I had it all mapped out: close the deal and take my company to the next level.
But when that picture went viral, every shred of credibility I had went up in flames.
My only shot at fixing it?
A deal with Vivienne Brown—the last person who’d ever want to save me, and the only one who could.
The rules were clear—play the part and don’t catch feelings.
But with every lie and every stolen glance, resisting her became a war I was destined to lose.
Vivienne Brown
Two run-ins with the man I never wanted to see again.
My plan was simple: keep my head down and finish my PhD.
But when my lab’s funding disappeared overnight, everything I’d worked for was about to crumble.
Just like that, Nate Archer was back with a proposal I couldn’t refuse.
Help him fix his reputation, and he’d give me the lifeline I needed to save my research.
It should’ve been straightforward. Transactional. Safe.
Until I fell for the man tied to everything I lost.
One spark turned my world upside down.
I had it all mapped out: close the deal and take my company to the next level.
But when that picture went viral, every shred of credibility I had went up in flames.
My only shot at fixing it?
A deal with Vivienne Brown—the last person who’d ever want to save me, and the only one who could.
The rules were clear—play the part and don’t catch feelings.
But with every lie and every stolen glance, resisting her became a war I was destined to lose.
Vivienne Brown
Two run-ins with the man I never wanted to see again.
My plan was simple: keep my head down and finish my PhD.
But when my lab’s funding disappeared overnight, everything I’d worked for was about to crumble.
Just like that, Nate Archer was back with a proposal I couldn’t refuse.
Help him fix his reputation, and he’d give me the lifeline I needed to save my research.
It should’ve been straightforward. Transactional. Safe.
Until I fell for the man tied to everything I lost.
407 pages, ebook
Published January 23, 2026
148 people are currently reading
1156 people want to read
About the author
Elle Partridge
2 books9 followersAs a fan of early-2000s rom-coms, Elle Partridge has one goal: to bring the magic of the big screen to the pages in your hands. Full of chaos, heart, and lovable characters, she hopes her stories offer an escape from reality—one filled with laughter, tears, and warmth. When she isn’t writing (or plotting her next book) you can find her reading, sewing, baking, or styling outfits she’ll admire but never wear.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
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May 2, 2026
RTC
⋮ ⌗ ┆թɾɛ-ɾɛɑᑯ ᯓ ✈︎
I love reading about STEM romance, I really hope this delivers 👩🏻🔬🧪🥼
⋮ ⌗ ┆թɾɛ-ɾɛɑᑯ ᯓ ✈︎
I love reading about STEM romance, I really hope this delivers 👩🏻🔬🧪🥼
February 1, 2026
mmc talks like a teenage girl…
March 27, 2026
I wish I had DNF’d this while I still could
February 22, 2026
2,5⭐️
It had so much potential, it just wasnt it for me
It had so much potential, it just wasnt it for me
February 19, 2026
"Maybe that idea was holding you back, and you had to lose it to think of something better. Everything happens for a reason. You are the person you are today because of your experiences."
February 6, 2026
Loved every single single from this book. The storyline, the characters and their chemistry, the little plot twist at the end about Vivienne’s parents accident, and everything to be honest. The way the author narrated the story (more like the characters but well heheh) was very well done and easy to read even for me, whose first language isn’t English.
I’m looking forward for the next book, so exciting!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I’m looking forward for the next book, so exciting!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
This book had so much potential. It had s good storyline in theory and good enough characters. But unfortunately it was executed poorly. The story was missy and I got lost a lot. There were a lot of parts that should have been included but they were just skipped and then mentioned briefly. The book felt like it needed some editing, as if it was a first draft.
I liked the characters enough. There was something about the male main character threw me off, as if he was written poorly and wasn’t really consistent. I also was a little bit confused when it came to the female main character and how she operated.
One of the main plots of the book was fake dating/engagement, it is one of my all time favourite tropes, but unfortunately it didn’t deliver. There were a lot of holes in the fake engagement and I had a lot of questions regarding it. It didn’t feel realistic at all.
The whole time I was reading the book one thought was on my mind, that this book would make for a hilarious romcome movie. It had some cheesiness that only comedy movies could get away with, on paper it just made me cringe.
I enjoyed some parts of this book. But for the most part it was disappointing.
I liked the characters enough. There was something about the male main character threw me off, as if he was written poorly and wasn’t really consistent. I also was a little bit confused when it came to the female main character and how she operated.
One of the main plots of the book was fake dating/engagement, it is one of my all time favourite tropes, but unfortunately it didn’t deliver. There were a lot of holes in the fake engagement and I had a lot of questions regarding it. It didn’t feel realistic at all.
The whole time I was reading the book one thought was on my mind, that this book would make for a hilarious romcome movie. It had some cheesiness that only comedy movies could get away with, on paper it just made me cringe.
I enjoyed some parts of this book. But for the most part it was disappointing.
March 10, 2026
In a world of gremlins, I’d like to find myself a Nate Archer
May 5, 2026
I like the premise/overall story but the writing was reallyyy not good. Too cheesy and parang ambobo HAHA
April 30, 2026
Error - didn’t read it yet
I’ll be back real quick
I’ll be back real quick
February 4, 2026
I read this book because of TikTok and it did not disappoint. The characters were so well written and funny.
February 7, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐ a cute slow burn. Using thermodynamics and science jokes to flirt with eachother??? Who let me read a romance about a chemistry PhD student and an aerospace engineer???????? Delicious
April 13, 2026
the book isn't bad, the main reason for three stars is the fact that there are so many books on this trope and this didn't stand out much. there were also a few minor things bugging me but it was not a bad book
April 1, 2026
It was boring as hell
April 13, 2026
3.25 stars
Such a cute quick read. This is the author's first book, and I thought it was really good!
What made me initially interested in this book was that it was marketed as a 2000s romcom, fake engagement STEM romance. I especially LOVED the cover and think the font, colours, and artwork were super flattering.
Not to mention, this was a SLOWWWWWWW burn. I mean, they technically feel like they're "formally" together throughout the entire book, but they didn't actually get together until the last 30 pages. (ATEE IT UPPP)
I really liked the writing style; it's fun, simple, and easy to read, which made it enjoyable. The plot itself too was engaging with good premises and plot twists (yk, I love a good stem romance) and I liked how this felt different than other STEM romances that I've read.
The setting felt really cozy, and I loved the vibes I felt while reading this book. I liked the small town feeling with the coffee shop and the locals; it definitely feels like a spring/summer book, so going outside and reading it in the sun really added to the experience.
I also really loved the characters, which in my opinion is probably the most important part about a book. All of them are likeable, funny, and sometimes relatable. You can tell that Viviene and Nate genuinely like eachother and want to be together through it all. I loved where the author was going with each of their personalities and how each character deals with change and growth.
Okay, here are some of the books' fallacies, though.
I did see where the author was trying to introduce the "2000s romcom" trope (which is a trope you don't see often) but it didn't feel like it was integrated at all. There are specific points in the book where you can tell the author is trying to remind you you're supposed to be reading a 2000s romcom, but throughout the book (other than a few witty comments here and there), it didn't really give me that vibe. Now, maybe it's because I've never read a book with a 2000s rom-com theme, but it kind of felt a bit forced here.
Additionally, it felt like there were a few plot holes throughout the book and things that weren't properly explained. For example (not a spoiler), Nate knows who the coffeeshop owners are for some reason, and it was never mentioned why or how. IDK maybe I missed something, and it might just be due to my lack of comprehension, but throughout the book there were things that felt abandoned or rushed.
What really lacked here was the found family aspect of this book. You can tell the author is going to set up certain characters together for future books (which I probably will read), but there isn't anything that makes you WANT to read about them if that makes sense. Comparing it to the Windy City series (sorry, I shouldn't compare authors' books to one another....), which I think does the best at the found family trope, in Caught Up my Liz Tomforde, while reading about kai and millers' realtionship, isaiah and kennedy are mentioned during the entire book, including their interactions with eachother. We also see bits of their lives get revealed during certain scenes (including very personal details), which make you want to read about their relationship and how it unfolds in Tomfordes' next book! Now don't get me wrong, I love the characters in Dopamine Rush, but I feel like we should get more from them and about them, especially hearing it from the characters themselves instead of being told it.
What was especially rushed was the smut scenes. Out of the (maybe 4?) smut scenes in the book, they all felt quick and rushed. They didn't feel underwhelming at all, I actually think the way the author writes them is pretty good, but they were always a bit rushedddd like idk maybe have some more foreplay or more descriptive words lol (if thats something you care about)
Overall, if you want something fun to read (little conflict within the couple themselves) or something quick to read in between a series, give it a read! I would recommend!
Such a cute quick read. This is the author's first book, and I thought it was really good!
What made me initially interested in this book was that it was marketed as a 2000s romcom, fake engagement STEM romance. I especially LOVED the cover and think the font, colours, and artwork were super flattering.
Not to mention, this was a SLOWWWWWWW burn. I mean, they technically feel like they're "formally" together throughout the entire book, but they didn't actually get together until the last 30 pages. (ATEE IT UPPP)
I really liked the writing style; it's fun, simple, and easy to read, which made it enjoyable. The plot itself too was engaging with good premises and plot twists (yk, I love a good stem romance) and I liked how this felt different than other STEM romances that I've read.
The setting felt really cozy, and I loved the vibes I felt while reading this book. I liked the small town feeling with the coffee shop and the locals; it definitely feels like a spring/summer book, so going outside and reading it in the sun really added to the experience.
I also really loved the characters, which in my opinion is probably the most important part about a book. All of them are likeable, funny, and sometimes relatable. You can tell that Viviene and Nate genuinely like eachother and want to be together through it all. I loved where the author was going with each of their personalities and how each character deals with change and growth.
Okay, here are some of the books' fallacies, though.
I did see where the author was trying to introduce the "2000s romcom" trope (which is a trope you don't see often) but it didn't feel like it was integrated at all. There are specific points in the book where you can tell the author is trying to remind you you're supposed to be reading a 2000s romcom, but throughout the book (other than a few witty comments here and there), it didn't really give me that vibe. Now, maybe it's because I've never read a book with a 2000s rom-com theme, but it kind of felt a bit forced here.
Additionally, it felt like there were a few plot holes throughout the book and things that weren't properly explained. For example (not a spoiler), Nate knows who the coffeeshop owners are for some reason, and it was never mentioned why or how. IDK maybe I missed something, and it might just be due to my lack of comprehension, but throughout the book there were things that felt abandoned or rushed.
What really lacked here was the found family aspect of this book. You can tell the author is going to set up certain characters together for future books (which I probably will read), but there isn't anything that makes you WANT to read about them if that makes sense. Comparing it to the Windy City series (sorry, I shouldn't compare authors' books to one another....), which I think does the best at the found family trope, in Caught Up my Liz Tomforde, while reading about kai and millers' realtionship, isaiah and kennedy are mentioned during the entire book, including their interactions with eachother. We also see bits of their lives get revealed during certain scenes (including very personal details), which make you want to read about their relationship and how it unfolds in Tomfordes' next book! Now don't get me wrong, I love the characters in Dopamine Rush, but I feel like we should get more from them and about them, especially hearing it from the characters themselves instead of being told it.
What was especially rushed was the smut scenes. Out of the (maybe 4?) smut scenes in the book, they all felt quick and rushed. They didn't feel underwhelming at all, I actually think the way the author writes them is pretty good, but they were always a bit rushedddd like idk maybe have some more foreplay or more descriptive words lol (if thats something you care about)
Overall, if you want something fun to read (little conflict within the couple themselves) or something quick to read in between a series, give it a read! I would recommend!
May 9, 2026
4.75
UHhh, where do I start?
First thing, I LOVE ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. Yes the book wasn't perfect and noted something that I personally thought might need a little change, HOWEVER, I loved it.
I laughed A LOT.
Nate is the man of the hour and Viv is my gal. She is strong and knows how to defend herself and thank God for when she stood up when Arjun was talking down at her AGAIN, heck yeaa it was about time she do something about him.
I loved how Nate was very lovable, kind, and how he treated everyone. I loved the fact that he was easy going, always encouraging Viv and supporting her. As well as how he loved his family and how close he was to them.
Phil and Margaret, my fiction grandparents, I just want to give them a hug. I am glad the Viv had them.
Evelyn and Sutton, I LOVE THEMMMM. Sutton is crazy with her comebacks and out of pocket comments but man I love her personality LOL (I need her book!).
Grayson, he is funny, cocky in the best way possible. Can not wait to read his book as well.
This book was a fresh of air for me, it has been so long since I read a book that made me feel this happy :)
UHhh, where do I start?
First thing, I LOVE ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. Yes the book wasn't perfect and noted something that I personally thought might need a little change, HOWEVER, I loved it.
I laughed A LOT.
Nate is the man of the hour and Viv is my gal. She is strong and knows how to defend herself and thank God for when she stood up when Arjun was talking down at her AGAIN, heck yeaa it was about time she do something about him.
I loved how Nate was very lovable, kind, and how he treated everyone. I loved the fact that he was easy going, always encouraging Viv and supporting her. As well as how he loved his family and how close he was to them.
Phil and Margaret, my fiction grandparents, I just want to give them a hug. I am glad the Viv had them.
Evelyn and Sutton, I LOVE THEMMMM. Sutton is crazy with her comebacks and out of pocket comments but man I love her personality LOL (I need her book!).
Grayson, he is funny, cocky in the best way possible. Can not wait to read his book as well.
This book was a fresh of air for me, it has been so long since I read a book that made me feel this happy :)
March 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.6
had a lot of fun reading the book, loved the nerdy stem flirty jokes, loved how Vivianne’s character was written
didn’t love how the “enemies to lovers” trope was pushed when they clearly were never enemies, would love the book more if they didn’t try to force that narrative.
and why was this (im guessing) 30yo man talking like a teenager sometimes? it wasn’t too much but the few times it happened just weren’t for me.
had a lot of fun reading the book, loved the nerdy stem flirty jokes, loved how Vivianne’s character was written
didn’t love how the “enemies to lovers” trope was pushed when they clearly were never enemies, would love the book more if they didn’t try to force that narrative.
and why was this (im guessing) 30yo man talking like a teenager sometimes? it wasn’t too much but the few times it happened just weren’t for me.
April 27, 2026
Their Fake Engagement story was chef’s kiss! 😍 Watching them pretend to be the perfect couple slowly turn into something real, passionate, and addictive gave me all the kilig feels. It’s not just about the rush; it’s about how two people from different worlds fit together perfectly.
Smart, sexy, and absolutely unputdownable! 💍❤️
Tagline: He built engines, she mixed chemicals... but together, they created magic! ✨
February 8, 2026
I loved the plot, but I felt like it skipped a lot of the monumental parts of their character development.
For Viv, the book skipped her getting on the plane for the first time in years and went straight to her talk in Italy. With Viv's past, there should have been a scene where Nate calms her down or Viv shows that she trusts him and his aviation creations.
For Viv, the book skipped her getting on the plane for the first time in years and went straight to her talk in Italy. With Viv's past, there should have been a scene where Nate calms her down or Viv shows that she trusts him and his aviation creations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
This book had me captivated. I LOVE a stem romance and this had all the fireworks and buzz I was looking for. The fiery relationship between the two leads really drew me out from my trash slump with its cunningness and hilarious banter. Absolutely adored this book, 100% recommend giving it a try!!
February 5, 2026
reminded me of live hypothesis
February 18, 2026
This is spectacular
February 22, 2026
Loved “The proposal” references but honestly the kiss one was enough, like are you algo gonna put the baby maker blanket? Girl 😐
But the book and story was good 😌
But the book and story was good 😌
March 15, 2026
when i first saw the cover, i immediately thought Lauren Asher
April 19, 2026
Read this book with 0 expectations and thought the cover was cute lol but overall was a solid read! A little chaotic but really enjoyed the story!
April 22, 2026
Nu tipo perskaičiau, kažkaip labai čia viskas greitai vyko šitoje knygoje. Jeigu nėra ką veikti, šita knyga kaip tik..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews