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The Postdoc's Guide to Not Falling in Love with Your Principal Investigator
Not yet published
Expected 20 Nov 26For the past 20+ years, rumoured genius and workaholic Professor Julian Parr has had one single mission in life: to find a more effective treatment or cure for ovarian cancer. Each day is designed with this one goal in mind. Nothing else matters, and there is certainly no time for socializing, friendships, or other distractions. That is, until his newest postdoc enters his life with the drop of an F-bomb. Suddenly, even the most basic task seems impossible, and his ability to focus has vanished into thin air.
Dr. Erin Howard has no idea what she wants to do in life, so she does what most recent PhD graduates do—she applies for a postdoctoral position. However, what’s meant to be the professional opportunity of a lifetime soon turns into a nightmare when she realizes her new boss is the same man she met three nights earlier—the man she almost kissed and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since.
As the realization dawns, both agree that nothing can or will ever happen again—he’s her boss, she’s too young, it would go against every university rule and HR policy, and he certainly can’t afford any distractions. Still, as days turn to weeks, they spend more time together, and Julian’s ability to focus remains nowhere to be found, he starts to realize that something must be done to overcome the affliction that has been plaguing him since she first joined his lab.
His hypothesis is simple: If they give in to temptation, just once, she’ll be out of his system, and his focus will return for good.
Here’s the thing about science, though: most of the time, experiments fail.
Dr. Erin Howard has no idea what she wants to do in life, so she does what most recent PhD graduates do—she applies for a postdoctoral position. However, what’s meant to be the professional opportunity of a lifetime soon turns into a nightmare when she realizes her new boss is the same man she met three nights earlier—the man she almost kissed and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since.
As the realization dawns, both agree that nothing can or will ever happen again—he’s her boss, she’s too young, it would go against every university rule and HR policy, and he certainly can’t afford any distractions. Still, as days turn to weeks, they spend more time together, and Julian’s ability to focus remains nowhere to be found, he starts to realize that something must be done to overcome the affliction that has been plaguing him since she first joined his lab.
His hypothesis is simple: If they give in to temptation, just once, she’ll be out of his system, and his focus will return for good.
Here’s the thing about science, though: most of the time, experiments fail.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 20, 2026
About the author
Cecilia Perry
2 books21 followersScientific Writer and Editor by day, secret Romance Author by night, Cecilia has always had love stories living in her head. However, it was not until 4 am on a cold, dark December morning, after finally getting her daughter to fall back asleep after a bad nightmare, but unable to fall back asleep herself, that she finally sat down and started writing them down. Since then, she has been unable to stop.
Her books centre around characters working in STEM and Medicine, living in or near her hometown of Vancouver, BC.
Her books centre around characters working in STEM and Medicine, living in or near her hometown of Vancouver, BC.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
🥵 If you enjoy spicy books, you will really like this one. If you’re a slight nerd and/or have spent any time in a research lab, you will LOVE this book 😍
Erin and Julian meet in a bar and have immediate chemistry but Julian stops short of kissing her, leaving Erin daydreaming about what could have been. Well, little did she know, Erin would see Julian much sooner than expected since he’s the world renowned researcher who just hired her to work for him.
The main characters’ romance is a very cute, spicy story but the side characters and friendships make this book even better. Highly recommend!
Erin and Julian meet in a bar and have immediate chemistry but Julian stops short of kissing her, leaving Erin daydreaming about what could have been. Well, little did she know, Erin would see Julian much sooner than expected since he’s the world renowned researcher who just hired her to work for him.
The main characters’ romance is a very cute, spicy story but the side characters and friendships make this book even better. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I freaking loved it.
I'll admit, I had no reason to believe that I wouldn't because I absolutely adored Cecilia's debut novel, 'Stupid, Childish Games.' Cecilia has a natural talent for writing super smart, super hot, albeit emotionally stunted men and the amazing women that they ultimately fall for.
Professor Julian Parr checks all my boxes in terms of an MMC. Tall, dark, and handsome. Really smart. Kinda grumpy/rude, but not to the FMC and, of course, an absolute sex god. The most important thing, though? You get to watch him grow emotionally throughout the book. He goes from a closed off workaholic, to a full blown apologizing, love-expressing machine. When conflicts arise, he handles it in a way I wasn't expecting but absolutely loved.
Dr. Erin Howard, the FMC, is a total bad ass. Smart, sassy, and fun. She knows Muay Thai and will not hestiate to kick the ass of any gross guy who feels entitled to her. She feels unsure about her place in Professor Parr's lab, which felt really relatable to me. But, of course, she was crushing it there too. No wonder Julian fell for her lol.
The story itself was well paced, and had me staying up way past my bedtime for far too many 'just one more chapters.' All the side characters were intriguing and I particularly enjoyed the insta-platonic-love friendship between Erin and Elliott. The spice was delicious, but not overpowering and fit into the plot well. All in all, a well rounded story that any fan of a good romance will love. You're not going to want to miss this one when it comes out on November 20th!
I'll admit, I had no reason to believe that I wouldn't because I absolutely adored Cecilia's debut novel, 'Stupid, Childish Games.' Cecilia has a natural talent for writing super smart, super hot, albeit emotionally stunted men and the amazing women that they ultimately fall for.
Professor Julian Parr checks all my boxes in terms of an MMC. Tall, dark, and handsome. Really smart. Kinda grumpy/rude, but not to the FMC and, of course, an absolute sex god. The most important thing, though? You get to watch him grow emotionally throughout the book. He goes from a closed off workaholic, to a full blown apologizing, love-expressing machine. When conflicts arise, he handles it in a way I wasn't expecting but absolutely loved.
Dr. Erin Howard, the FMC, is a total bad ass. Smart, sassy, and fun. She knows Muay Thai and will not hestiate to kick the ass of any gross guy who feels entitled to her. She feels unsure about her place in Professor Parr's lab, which felt really relatable to me. But, of course, she was crushing it there too. No wonder Julian fell for her lol.
The story itself was well paced, and had me staying up way past my bedtime for far too many 'just one more chapters.' All the side characters were intriguing and I particularly enjoyed the insta-platonic-love friendship between Erin and Elliott. The spice was delicious, but not overpowering and fit into the plot well. All in all, a well rounded story that any fan of a good romance will love. You're not going to want to miss this one when it comes out on November 20th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cecilia seriously shattered my heart, only to carefully piece it back together through Julian’s story❤️ At first, he came across as so guarded, reserved and mysterious, but as we slowly learnt more about him, my heart broke a little more with every revelation. Erin was exactly what he needed, coming into his life and pushing him in all the right ways. I absolutely adored these two together, and we all knew that one weekend in a hotel room was never going to be enough for them!
The side characters were just as amazing💖I loved Elliot, Erin and Alys’ friendship so much. From the chaos they got up to, to the way they confided in one another, supported each other and knew when to give each other that extra push, their friendship felt so genuine and balanced. I especially loved how effortlessly the friendship between Elliot and Erin developed, and how he always had her back. Their dynamic was such a highlight for me!
And the spice🥵 There was plenty of it, but it never overshadowed the plot or took away from the character development. I also loved all the scientific elements and detail woven throughout the story. This book genuinely had everything! It made me feel every possible emotion, and I loved every second of it🫶🏼
The side characters were just as amazing💖I loved Elliot, Erin and Alys’ friendship so much. From the chaos they got up to, to the way they confided in one another, supported each other and knew when to give each other that extra push, their friendship felt so genuine and balanced. I especially loved how effortlessly the friendship between Elliot and Erin developed, and how he always had her back. Their dynamic was such a highlight for me!
And the spice🥵 There was plenty of it, but it never overshadowed the plot or took away from the character development. I also loved all the scientific elements and detail woven throughout the story. This book genuinely had everything! It made me feel every possible emotion, and I loved every second of it🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Copy Review. Thank you to Cecilia Perry for the ARC!
If you love smart, kind and fierce FMCs; a dark and moody MMC; and, Lovable BFFs, pick this one up!
Dr. Erin Howard is starting her Postdoc journey at a new lab in Vancouver when she meets her new boss: Principal Investigator Dr. Julian Parr. Turns out, he was also her steamy "missed connection" from the weekend before. And now, after a weekend of reliving their near-kiss, she has to work with him as her new boss.
Can they pretend that their intense "almost" moment can be left in the past? Or is there a magnetic field working to draw them closer?
This was a spicy book full of yearning, desire, and a lot more. The characters lived in their head a lot, which isn't always my favourite. It did work in this case, though.
It's an easy read, with short chapters and fantastic main and supporting characters to keep the plot moving.
Pick this up if you enjoy:
Age gap
STEM setting
Mutual yearning
Forbidden workplace romance
He's her boss
If you love smart, kind and fierce FMCs; a dark and moody MMC; and, Lovable BFFs, pick this one up!
Dr. Erin Howard is starting her Postdoc journey at a new lab in Vancouver when she meets her new boss: Principal Investigator Dr. Julian Parr. Turns out, he was also her steamy "missed connection" from the weekend before. And now, after a weekend of reliving their near-kiss, she has to work with him as her new boss.
Can they pretend that their intense "almost" moment can be left in the past? Or is there a magnetic field working to draw them closer?
This was a spicy book full of yearning, desire, and a lot more. The characters lived in their head a lot, which isn't always my favourite. It did work in this case, though.
It's an easy read, with short chapters and fantastic main and supporting characters to keep the plot moving.
Pick this up if you enjoy:
Age gap
STEM setting
Mutual yearning
Forbidden workplace romance
He's her boss
November 3, 2026
Advanced reader copy
Cecilia!! Are you kidding me!!
This is truthfully amazing. Now I loved the first book but this book has my heart and soul. I’m so glad I was able to be chosen again as a ARC reader. Where can I find me a Julian?
I honestly am so blown away. The first meet, the oh shit he’s my boss, to we’ll do this once and it will be out of our system, to LOVE!
Julian is a man who always followed the rules. He is a PI researching to find the cure for ovarian cancer.
Erin is this bright eyed nervous wreck about starting her new job for her predoc. Erin meets a man a few nights before and wishes for the life of her this man in the bar would kiss her but he never does. She never expected to see him again even though she really wanted to. She got his number from her roommate but turns out he was closer than she thought :)
Cecilia you never cease to amaze me truthfully. Thank you for another beautiful book❤️
Cecilia!! Are you kidding me!!
This is truthfully amazing. Now I loved the first book but this book has my heart and soul. I’m so glad I was able to be chosen again as a ARC reader. Where can I find me a Julian?
I honestly am so blown away. The first meet, the oh shit he’s my boss, to we’ll do this once and it will be out of our system, to LOVE!
Julian is a man who always followed the rules. He is a PI researching to find the cure for ovarian cancer.
Erin is this bright eyed nervous wreck about starting her new job for her predoc. Erin meets a man a few nights before and wishes for the life of her this man in the bar would kiss her but he never does. She never expected to see him again even though she really wanted to. She got his number from her roommate but turns out he was closer than she thought :)
Cecilia you never cease to amaze me truthfully. Thank you for another beautiful book❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was such a sweet, delightful read! The characters were fantastic, and I absolutely loved the buildup of the romance. Erin and Julian were wonderful, and watching their relationship develop had me completely invested. But Elliot? Elliot absolutely stole the show for me. His humor, unwavering dedication, and the deep, beautiful friendship he brings to the story made him such a standout character. I could have read a whole book just about him!
And OMG, the spice… I melted. The chemistry, the tension, the buildupi, t was all SO good. The payoff was absolutely worth the wait!
A sweet, funny, heartwarming romance with fantastic characters, a delicious slow build, and spice that delivers. What more could you ask for? Absolutely loved this one!
Thank you for the ability to do an ARC review!
And OMG, the spice… I melted. The chemistry, the tension, the buildupi, t was all SO good. The payoff was absolutely worth the wait!
A sweet, funny, heartwarming romance with fantastic characters, a delicious slow build, and spice that delivers. What more could you ask for? Absolutely loved this one!
Thank you for the ability to do an ARC review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a sweet, cosy STEM romance!! The writing was impeccable, I genuinely didn't expect to fall this hard for the characters. Special shoutout to Elliott, who is absolutely hilarious and exactly the ride-or-die we all need in our lives.
The quick wit keeps the whole thing crackling, I think I lost count of the lines that made me laugh out loud!
A tall, dark, handsome MMC who's also ridiculously smart? Pleaaaase say less. I loved watching the FMC gently coax him out of his guarded shell, and the moment he finally lets it all out at the end was so tender.
The plot is a little predictable, which is why it's half a star short of perfection, but I enjoyed it so much I couldn't put it down.
The quick wit keeps the whole thing crackling, I think I lost count of the lines that made me laugh out loud!
A tall, dark, handsome MMC who's also ridiculously smart? Pleaaaase say less. I loved watching the FMC gently coax him out of his guarded shell, and the moment he finally lets it all out at the end was so tender.
The plot is a little predictable, which is why it's half a star short of perfection, but I enjoyed it so much I couldn't put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC book and read it in 24 hours! I loved this author's first book and was excited to get my hands on this one. Her writing style makes me laugh and nod along, like chatting with a friend. This book has some spicy scenes, but it is still fully plot driven and the scenes enhance versus distract from the plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh Julian.....what a character turn around!!!! So glad that both he and Erin got their happily ever after. Also, can we talk about Elliott and Alys and their support of Erin...talk about best friends for real. Also, can we get an Elliott book please?! Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced copy review
Cecilia does it again!
Another book that you won't be able to put down!
Erin and Julian's chemistry will leave you wanting more.
🥵🥵 and the spice 🥵🥵 it's going to leave you breathless!
Please write an Elliot book, because girrllllll wow.
Cecilia does it again!
Another book that you won't be able to put down!
Erin and Julian's chemistry will leave you wanting more.
🥵🥵 and the spice 🥵🥵 it's going to leave you breathless!
Please write an Elliot book, because girrllllll wow.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews