Placebo Effect: A Fake Dating Grumpy Boss Medical Romance

by Rosie Arthur

Faking it is about to get real . . .

Drew Malone is a grumpy neurosurgeon, a superstar researcher, and my new boss. He’s also a man who needs a fake girlfriend, because the daughter of the hospital’s biggest donor just asked him out. Clearly, he can’t turn her down without a good excuse. And apparently I’m the excuse, because Dr. Malone claims I’m his girlfriend.

It’s all pretend, of course, and he promises he’ll be a gentleman. We’re going to play tennis, not play doctor. Except he looks so good in scrubs that I wouldn’t mind seeing him out of them. And I’m starting to think he’s got a softer heart than he lets on.

But Dr. Malone made it clear he’s not looking for a real relationship. So the look in his eyes when he teases me? Must be fake. And I’m not really catching feelings—that’s just a placebo effect. 


Placebo Effect is a fake dating, grumpy boss medical romance, perfect for fans of The Hating Game and The Love Hypothesis. Dual POV. No cliffhangers. Moderate spice.

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Amazon, Stem

338 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Rosie Arthur writes love stories full of sizzle and swoon. The women are stubborn, the men are smoldering, and the endings are always happy.

If she isn't writing, she's probably reading to her kids or walking her dog.

Rosie lives in Toronto.

Contact: rosiearthurwrites@gmail.com

Reviews

[Sarah]

Saying I loved this book still feels like an understatement, because seriously, I LOVED this book! Rosie Arthur has this magical way of storytelling and creating characters that have you rooting for them and wanting the best for them, even when they get lost in the twists and turns of their own decisions. Drew and Ally are a match made in HR’s worst nightmare, which leads to great banter, suspense, humor, and so much misunderstanding! Can they make it through the HR fumble and the deceptions to make it to the other side?! Go ahead and pick up your new favorite book!

[Lauren]

When Dr. Drew Malone tells his largest donor that he has a girlfriend, that is news to Alexandra (Ally), his new admin, whom he has indicated is that person. Since they have just started working together, it might be difficult to pretend to be a couple, but Alexandra’s larger worry is that it will damage her reputation in her new job at the hospital. They decide that to give the relationship credibility, they need to continue for several months. As they get to know each other, Drew and Ally might find there is more to their fake relationship than they thought.
This is the second book in the series, and that I have read by this author. Hidden Gems has provided the ARCs. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy this one. In general, I find Rosie’s romances to be fun and fast reads that make me smile. I really enjoyed the characters and their banter.

[Brittany Steminist Booknerd]

STEM MMC: neurosurgeon
Although this is book 2 in the series, you can definitely read it as a stand alone. You do see the first book’s couple in here, but their story isn’t necessary to get into this one.
This book was ok, just a middle of the road romance. I feel like it got a bit repetitive in some places, and the author really likes to spell everything out for you, so you don’t have to do any thinking at all when you read it.
Their characters arcs were decent and the spice was good. At the end of this book, there are no hints if there will be any more books in this series or who would even be the MCs. I would hope that Ethan gets a book with a nice redemption arc, but I’m not sure if that’s where it’s heading.

[Victoria]

First and foremost I'm a little biased since this takes place in Canada not far from Toronto and thats like a second home for me who lives not far away in Montreal!! Second a feel good love story I didnt think I would enjoy but surprisingly did! Thankfully it was to full of doctor stuff since the mmc is a doctor or to full of tennis stuff since e the fmc was a former tennis pro. Perfect balance with a little spice! My only criticism is that there were some editing mistakes but thats probably just because I got an early copy.

[Simone Haeseler]

It was a fresh and funny story, the way they interacted was pretty great. She had some really funny answers, that made me laugh out loud. She was direct and told him how it was, I liked her a bunch. Drew was great to, a gentleman but still cool. All in all a really good book, since I never read anything from her before, I’ve will keep her in mind for other books.

[Tanya]

He needs a girlfriend fast when they ask him out so he tells them he already has a girlfriend, her his assistant. She is shocked when he tells her that she needs to pretend to be his girlfriend. She is finding she is starting to feel things for him. See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fun read

[Cherie Melbourne]

This is a new author to me and I enjoyed the way she told this story. The witty banter between Drew and Ally had me laughing out loud a couple of times. The pace of the story meant that it held my attention and turning the pages.
A totally enjoyable read and I'll gladly read more from this author.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Donna]

Placebo effect

I enjoyed the characters and the story. It was entertaining and i looked forward to reading this book everyday. I could've done without so many sequel scenes and the bqd lqnguage.

[Reggaewoman]

Ally is Drew’s unwanted admin. There is an instant attraction between the two. Drew needs a fake girlfriend to shield him from the unwanted advances of a hospital donor’s persistent daughter; however, once they start spending time together, the fake becomes real. Sweet romance.

[mari]

já faz um tempão que não leio romance bobinho assim apesar desses dois livros n serem la grandes coisas ne mass gostei desse aqui mais do que o primeiro

[☆Laura☆]

Tengo que leer el primero libro y estaré al pendiente de sus siguientes trabajos.

[katie]

3.75 ⭐️ this was really cute and enjoyable! better than the first one, i enjoyed the characterisation a lot more and the fake dating plot was fun. also Drew and Ally’s ending was super cute

[Agnes]

Dear Mrs Arthur.
Can you please write faster!!!?

I loved the first book, and the second might be just better!
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