The Love Protocol

by Leo Bennett

Elena Herrera has everything to lose.
The forty-one-year-old neuroscientist and single mom has her hands full: an experimental treatment that hasn’t been showing results, a twelve-year-old son with a Mountain Dew addiction, and a corrupt executive that just cut her timeline in half. The last thing she needs is to notice her new research assistant—who works eighteen hours a day but somehow still has six-pack abs and a thriving collection of plants. Especially when he’s fifteen years younger, completely off-limits, and makes her feel more alive than she has in years.
Finn Cochrane didn’t take this job by accident.
At twenty-six, he’s dedicated his entire career to the condition that Elena is researching, for reasons he won’t discuss. He didn’t plan on falling for his boss, or bonding with her son who sees right through him. But when late nights in the lab keep bringing them closer, the tension becomes impossible to ignore. And despite all the reasons they shouldn’t be together, he can’t help wanting her.
When the executive sabotaging their research sets his sights on destroying them personally, Elena and Finn must choose: walk away from each other to save their careers, or risk everything to be together—and take him down in the process.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Hayley 〰 Hayley's Next Page]

- workplace romance: she’s his boss
- age gap: she’s 15 years older
- single mom
- slow burn
- 🌶️.5/5
- dual pov (third person)

If you like Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances, The Love Protocol is definitely for you. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, written by a male author, in which a single mom leads a research team and falls for her much younger research assistant.

It has a bit of everything. Swoon-worthy moments, a really sweet dynamic with her kid, and that slow-burning “we shouldn’t, but we absolutely want to” kind of romance. There’s also an annoying man they (very satisfyingly) take down, plus a sassy best friend who adds so much fun to the mix.

And of course, the science is woven in really well. You get just enough detail to feel invested in their work, especially as you follow along with their neuro breakthroughs, without it ever feeling overwhelming.

So, if you’re after a smart romance with heart, humour, and just the right amount of science, I highly recommend checking out The Love Protocol.

[Ebony Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY SHARED BY AUTHOR

If you liked the Love Hypothesis then you will just LOVE this book.

Bennett captured women in STEM effortlessly showing the trials and tribulations Dr Herrera goes through along with other researchers in the name of Science.

I loved that we got a Hispanic women in her 40s as our FMC. Elena, a single mum to head strong Miguel is trying to complete important research and be a good mum but when the board of directors put in impossible deadlines, and keep changing the goal post, Elena's goals, career and life work seem to be diminishing before her eyes.

When she meets 26 year old research assistant Finn all tall, broad, brainy and broody it's one more distraction Elena can't afford. But will the chemistry be enough to divert her attention.

Shout out to Eric for persevering, trusting and saying it how it is 👏🏼

Pick up this book for a dynamic duo, serious life events and topics, great representation and a gallon of mountain dew!

Thank you for allowing me to read an advance copy. Congratulations on your debut novel!

[Erin A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Author Leo Bennett for allowing me to ARC read for you! For my first ARC read, it was highly enjoyable.


Slow burn and quiet yearning. I love the sprinkles of humor throughout the book. Love the age gap and forbidden workplace romance tropes.

I don't usually care for the third person perspective, but it isn't the worst thing ever.

At first, I kind of felt like Finn was a little too timid, but he grew on me the more I continued reading. I think a combination of his feelings for Elena (not wanting to ruin her life) and his trauma with his brother made his character seem a little standoffish.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elena, a middle aged FMC. Her character was witty and strong willed, struggling to juggle a career and motherhood, very relatable! Her son, Miguel, was such a fun kid. He reminds me a lot of my teenager with his antics. But my favorite was reading him grow to be friendly with Finn

Spice level 0.5. This is a very clean romance, not my usual forte. I enjoyed the take down towards the end of the book and the well deserved happy ending.

[Maisie Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy from the author

I really enjoyed this book! Elena and Finn had great chemistry, I loved the back and forth between them. Reading the take down of David was the cherry on the top 😂 and a shoutout to Elena’s friend Laura, I loved her personality she really made me laugh. I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my friends when it gets released. Loved it!!

This is the first ARC I’ve ever received, so thank you Leo! It’s been a pleasure reading it :)

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

***If you lover the Love Hypothesis then you MUST read this book***

First of all , this was told on 3rd person & as a person that does not vibe with 3rd person, I LOVED this book. The way Leo wrote this didn’t even make me cringe about reading it in 3rd person and that’s to me is AMAZING. Also this book had healthcare/medicine involvement which made me love it even more since I’m in the healthcare field.

Tropes :
Workplace romance
Age gap
Healthcare/STEM/Medical/research

Main characters - Elena and Finn

- Elena is 41 years old and Hispanic ( yay a Latina character) She is a neuroscientist and a single mom to a teen. She is currently working on an experimental treatment for TBI patients. Unfortunately, her experiment is not showing good results and she ends up getting a new research assistant which is Finn.

- Finn is 26 years old. He becomes Elena’s research assistant. Throughout the book, you see how dedicated he is to this study due to reasons that he does not like to discuss.

I think Leo did amazing in writing this book and showing the struggles and also the achievements of those in STEM. It truly highlights how important it is to believe yourself even in rough moments. Even if you aren’t in healthcare or STEM, this book is just so relatable. I will not stop recommending this to my friends ! Can’t wait to see more of Leo’s books in the future !

[Mary Bjerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cleverly crafted and well written new novel that brings the characters of Elena and Finn to life. The passion for their scientific research was fueled by a simmering romance that kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime! Leo Bennett has written a fantastic debut novel. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy review! Thank you to the author and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read Elena and Finn’s story! 🩷

If you loved the Love Hypothesis then you’ll love The Love Protocol! Honestly, I liked this book better. I loved that we got to read scenes where actual patients of the research discussed how beneficial the research was to them. It was an aspect of the book that provided insight to how important the research work Elena (FMC) and Finn (MMC) were doing.

The romance was so sweet. It was the perfect slow-burn with Finn experiencing a lot of quiet yearning for Elena. Their integrity to try and keep things professional for the sake of the research just made you wish they’d get together even more.

Special mention for the relationship between Finn and Miguel (Elena’s son). It was comforting to see Finn step up to try and win over Miguel, despite their initial meeting.

Easy and light-hearted read that does have some drama to it. The perfect amount of substance to a romance book.

[Bibliophile at large · Rating 2 out of 5]

couldn't pique my interest sorry ....

[Angelica]

First, thank you to author Leo Bennett for sending me an ARC of The Love Protocol. This was actually my first STEM romance, and I ended up really loving it. The story follows Elena, a Latina neuroscientist researching TBI, and her research assistant Finn, who is fifteen years younger than her.

What really surprised me was their connection. Instead of relying on spice, the chemistry builds slowly through friendship and trust. Finn and Elena’s relationship develops in such a genuine and believable way, and their banter made the story really enjoyable to read.

If you love slow-burn romances where the feelings grow naturally over time, this is definitely one to add to your TBR

[Lindy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn, reverse age gap romance with a lot of info about neurological research and programs related to TBI. It was slow in places with a significant amount of neuroscience and research focus. Elena and Finn slowly work towards one another and their lovely HEA. Between fighting their attraction, changing deadlines for their research program, and a nasty Director of the Board they slowly tried to figure things out. It had great characterizations of the two lead characters. The developing relationship between Finn and Elena's son Miguel was well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC for free & am leaving this review voluntarily*

Overall, I thought it was a super ute & quick read. Elena is working on groundbraking TBI research to help patients with their debilitating symptoms. The board cuts her timeline in half, so her boss hires another research assistant, Finn, to help with the workload, but Finn has his own personal reasons for choosing this specific research project.

First and foremost, we love women in STEM. At first, it felt a little Ali Hazelwood coded due to it being about a woman in STEM & that's primarily what she writes also, but it had a different spin to it which I liked. Finn seemed very standoff-ish when first introduced, and it took a while for him to warm up to Elena, as well as for me to warm up to him, but I did like that he was very blunt & direct. As the story progressed, as a reader, you got a very "will they or won't they" vibe. You could tell that they were into each other, but only as their internal dialogue, never any indication until that first kiss. After that, you got the standard, "He's 15 years younger than me," or "I'm his supervisor," which is great and all, but who cares. In the real world, there are office romances & age gap romances everywhere.

I thought the way Finn was able to bond with Miguel over pizza, Mountain Dew, and Xbox was cute. It really allowed them to become comfortable with one another, especially when all of their meetings beforehand had been less than stellar. From that point on, they were buddies and I know it meant a lot to both Finn & Elena that he & Miguel were forming a good bond with one another.

I loved that David got what was coming to him which was 100% deserved. He was a self-centered, egotistical man who couldn't take rejection, and used his position of power to try and ruin Elena's career, all because she wasn't interested in seeing him again after their one & only disatrous date.

With all of that being said, there are also some things I was less than enthused about. First off, I thought the way Elena instantly started to swoon over Finn after their first run-in (literally), was a little cringey, especially for someone who is 41 years old. The same thing applies to when she put her head on his shoulder & held his hand as a way of trying to comfort him in the stairwell. She was his superior, and it was 1) unprofessional, and 2) kinda creepy, because there was a multitude of different ways she could've comforted him, but she went with that as her best option.

I didn't like that they talked like middle school girls with their first crush when discussing their feelings, whether it was their inner dialogue, or when Elena was talking with her friend Laura over dinner. These are fully grown adults, talking like giddy little kids and it made me cringe a little bit. On page 165, there's: "Finn let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding," which also made me cringe, but I also think that's just a universally hated phrase. I see it being complained about all the time on social media.

Elena & Finn didn't have sex until about 80% of the way through the book, which isn't an issue at all. But there was SO MUCH dialogue during the sex scene that it had me internally & extrnally cringing. This is more of a personal preference, but I just don't like full on conversations when they're supposed to be "doing the deed." There wasn't much build up or tension between them, aside from two different makeout sessions, so it felt like it came out of nowhere. I also thought it was a little awkward how right after, when they were cuddling in bed, Elena said: "you understand I'm a single mom, right?" Like, yeah girl he knows; it was made abundantly clear at the very beginning of the book. I understand she was trying to prepare Finn for what he was getting into, but he fully knew so it just kind of felt like an unneccesary thing to add. Also, saying "I love you" after their FIRST sexual encounter with each other is just a no from me.

Again, overall it was cute & it was a quick read, and I enjoyed it for the most part. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Anny Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is usually drawn to fantasy and dark romance, I did not expect to fall in love with this story as deeply as I did. Love Protocol stands out for the genuine and authentic connection between its two main characters, a love built not on instant passion, but on empathy, recognition, compassion, and admiration.

Elena is a beautifully written, multidimensional character. She is a divorced woman navigating the demanding balance of motherhood, friendship, and a high-stakes professional life, all while still trying to reconnect with herself as a woman. Her journey feels honest and deeply relatable, particularly in the way she strives to succeed in her work while carrying the emotional weight of responsibility and self-doubt.

Finn’s motivations are equally compelling. His life’s purpose, to find a protocol that could have saved his younger brother, adds emotional depth to his character and grounds his dedication to the project. His growing connection with Elena, his project manager, unfolds naturally amid research, bureaucracy, and professional chaos. Together, they don’t just find love, but partnership: an equal bond rooted in trust, mutual respect, and unwavering support.

At its core, Love Protocol is a reminder that even in a world filled with violence, injustice, and uncertainty, love can emerge in the most unexpected places. It highlights the importance of believing in oneself and continuing to work toward meaningful goals, even when the path is difficult.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It is a relatable, engaging, and genuinely funny love story that leaves you feeling hopeful and warm long after the final page.

Finally, I would like to share that this was the first ARC I ever received, so thank you Leo, for trusting me with your story!

[Amor Samonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy. I truly enjoyed reading it!

This story follows Elena, a 41-year-old neuroscientist and single mom whose research is under pressure, and Finn, her 26-year-old research assistant who has his own personal reasons for taking the job. As they work closely together, their connection grows despite the age gap and the fact that their relationship is completely off limits. When a corrupt executive threatens both their careers, they are forced to choose between protecting their work or risking everything for each other.

The slow burn between Elena and Finn felt really natural. Their connection builds gradually through late nights in the lab and shared pressure, which makes everything feel more meaningful.

I also loved that this story did not focus only on romance. Elena being a single mom added weight to her choices, and Finn’s bond with her son made the relationship even more heartfelt. The conflict with the executive added tension and kept the plot engaging. I also loved how the story balanced emotional depth with everyday moments. The characters’ interactions felt natural, and I found myself giggling multiple times while reading. The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish.

Overall, this was emotional, funny and very satisfying. The romance was slow but deeply rewarding, and the characters felt real and well-developed. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reverse age gap or workplace romances!! A strong 4.75 stars for me 💗

[Marissa Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my review of an advance copy from the author.
This was a cute story. Elena is a middle aged, single mom, who struggles to find a balance between her career and her son. She’s working on groundbreaking TBI research when the timeline for her project is cut in half. Finn is brought in to help her offset the workload with the new timeframe, but unbeknownst to anyone else, also has his own personal connection to the research. Elena and Finn immediately have an attraction, but for most of the book we’re left wondering if they’ll give in. They both struggle with the power play aspect of her being his supervisor-they don’t want to be seen as unprofessional- but Elena also struggles with the idea of a new romance while also juggling her son and the research and Finn doesn’t want to be the reason her career takes a hit. Things take a turn when their project is threatened, again, and they team up together to put a stop to it. The silent pining leads to more as they get closer and they’re left with the decision to give it a genuine shot or stop before things can’t be undone. Slow burn isn’t my usual trope, but the plot was enough to keep me interested. The resolution with everything was very satisfying and the takedown was the cherry on top. I feel like things were tied up nicely and I didn’t have any leftover ‘what ifs’. Final thoughts are the plot was good, the burn was slow, but the result was worth it. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a refreshing take on a STEM romance with an age gap. Rather than focusing on spice or heavy tension, the story centred more on friendship and the gradual development of feelings and attraction. The writing was solid and easy to read, the characters were likeable, and overall it was a sweet romance. I didn’t fully connect with this book, and I can’t quite figure out why, but even so, it was an enjoyable and gentle read.

[Gemma Hamshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline, likeable characters, really enjoyable read. You can’t beat a good age gap romance!

[Kris Seas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, sore loser takedown, and Mountain Dew

This is my 2nd time reading as I was an early reader. Love the character development and the interaction throughout. Always love it when the good guys win. The 12 yr old addicted to Mountain Dew brings so much to this book. Happy Reading!
I

[nikitatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for an ARC of this book!

4⭐️/ 0.5🌶️ Romance with a sprinkle of spice, a funny best friend and a moving story: a great recipe for a good book. The fact that I consumed this book in like 5 hours is enough to say that it was cute, charming, and a breath of fresh air in regards to the plot. It’s not every day that I see a reverse age gap 15 years but I loved it and need to see more of it. I loved how the book mentions the gap but doesn’t make it the whole personality. I also need to see more of Laura, so fingers crossed the author comes out with book two and it’s her reverse age gap romance story 🤭

The story was impactful and moving and I so appreciated the fact that the story wasn’t filled with filler material making it unnecessarily long. Sweet and to the point. I looked and it appears that this may be the authors first book. If it is I think they nailed it and I’m looking forward to a future read.