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Syndrome Affect
Lola Montgomery was born with a disability that has affected her, her whole life. Now as a college senior, her disability is still ruling her life. Her entire existence, she has played by the rules and not branched out. Lola stays in for a reason. She doesn’t make plans for a reason. She barely has friends for a reason. Her only college friend, Clem, invites her for a night out that can change the course of her life, if she so chooses.
Lola leaves her safe bubble and stumbles upon Theodore Prescott. Theo helps Lola come to terms with her self-esteem and Lola helps Theo in return. Theo is such a gentleman that Lola would never dream to lose him. Yet, her friend Clem seems to have it out for Lola. Does Theo have to choose between his girlfriend and friend? Lola would never dream to give him an ultimatum, but Clem won't stop.
How far will a friend go for a guy? Is it men over friends, or friends over men? Lola thought she only had to worry about her future when she had to worry about if a friend is truly a confidante.
Lola leaves her safe bubble and stumbles upon Theodore Prescott. Theo helps Lola come to terms with her self-esteem and Lola helps Theo in return. Theo is such a gentleman that Lola would never dream to lose him. Yet, her friend Clem seems to have it out for Lola. Does Theo have to choose between his girlfriend and friend? Lola would never dream to give him an ultimatum, but Clem won't stop.
How far will a friend go for a guy? Is it men over friends, or friends over men? Lola thought she only had to worry about her future when she had to worry about if a friend is truly a confidante.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 21, 2023
Syndrome Affect is a fast-paced and engaging story. It's a real page-turner and the plot keeps me hooked as a reader; I just want to know more and before I know it, the book is over. But there are also moments when I'm like, hold up...what just happened? When did this all go down? Which makes me think that maybe I missed some important details and need to go back and re-read certain sections.
The pace, emotions, and twists all move along at a fast speed and I feel like I'm stumbling around right alongside Lola. I wish I had more insight into why Clem is the way she is. Or what happened to Gertrude? Or why Jewel and Lola never actually meet up, but only talk through text messages? For a minute there, I even thought Jewel was just a figment of Lola's imagination, since their friendship only seemed to develop through text.
But overall, I'm totally into this novel. I'm completely in love with Lola in every way - her flaws, her complexities, her quirks. Her courage, strength, and determination are all so inspiring. I get uneasy reading about the way people (especially girls) treat her, but I love seeing Lola grow. I also appreciate how Elizabeth uses Lola's story to shed light on Potter Syndrome, which is something I'd never heard of before but now want to learn more about. And of course, Lola and Theo's story is the heart of the novel. Their friendship and love for each other is something that will stick with me for a long time. Thank you, Elizabeth, for introducing them to me!
And thank you for exploring important themes like friendship, identity, trauma, absentee parents, and gender norms in this charming romantic novel. But also for emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and self-love to the reader.
Read more at: https://www.readwithamila.com/syndrom...
The pace, emotions, and twists all move along at a fast speed and I feel like I'm stumbling around right alongside Lola. I wish I had more insight into why Clem is the way she is. Or what happened to Gertrude? Or why Jewel and Lola never actually meet up, but only talk through text messages? For a minute there, I even thought Jewel was just a figment of Lola's imagination, since their friendship only seemed to develop through text.
But overall, I'm totally into this novel. I'm completely in love with Lola in every way - her flaws, her complexities, her quirks. Her courage, strength, and determination are all so inspiring. I get uneasy reading about the way people (especially girls) treat her, but I love seeing Lola grow. I also appreciate how Elizabeth uses Lola's story to shed light on Potter Syndrome, which is something I'd never heard of before but now want to learn more about. And of course, Lola and Theo's story is the heart of the novel. Their friendship and love for each other is something that will stick with me for a long time. Thank you, Elizabeth, for introducing them to me!
And thank you for exploring important themes like friendship, identity, trauma, absentee parents, and gender norms in this charming romantic novel. But also for emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and self-love to the reader.
Read more at: https://www.readwithamila.com/syndrom...
February 18, 2023
This book follows Lola, who has a rare genetic disorder from birth. Lola is a survivor, but she is also self-conscious of her appearance. She meets Theo at a bar thanks to her “friend” Clem and they instantly hit it over and their friendship develops into something more.
I loved Theo helped her to overcome her insecurities and advertisers! She finally started to stand up for herself and it was amazing to see.
It was such a quick read and the chapters were nice and short. However, I feel like manage the book was too short. I would have liked to see more about Fay, clem and Lola’s “friendship” - there could have been more development on that side of things!
I mean why are girls are just so bloody cruel, what they did to that professor and the way they were talking about Lola behind her back. Heartbreaking 💔.
The author did a fantastic job with bringing to light Potter Syndrome, which I hadn’t heard of until reading this book. The storyline and the writing was really good and kept me engaged throughout!
Thank you to Elizabeth Lyon for allowing me to read her first Romance Novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Theo helped her to overcome her insecurities and advertisers! She finally started to stand up for herself and it was amazing to see.
It was such a quick read and the chapters were nice and short. However, I feel like manage the book was too short. I would have liked to see more about Fay, clem and Lola’s “friendship” - there could have been more development on that side of things!
I mean why are girls are just so bloody cruel, what they did to that professor and the way they were talking about Lola behind her back. Heartbreaking 💔.
The author did a fantastic job with bringing to light Potter Syndrome, which I hadn’t heard of until reading this book. The storyline and the writing was really good and kept me engaged throughout!
Thank you to Elizabeth Lyon for allowing me to read her first Romance Novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2024
A sweet love story that also teaches us the importance of loving ourselves for the way we are. A nice and light read 📚
January 30, 2023
If you are a fan of relatable insta-love stories that are full of hope then add Syndrome Affect to your tbr. @elizaberhlyonwrites is an indie author and this is her second book but her first romance book.
In Syndrome Affect you meet Lola who could be just about any girl who struggles with her self confidence and finding her place in the world. Stepping out of her comfort zone and going out with friends from her dorm one night, Lola meets Theo in a bar and instantly they have a connection. As Lola and Theo’s friendship develops and romantic feelings start to emerge all is going well until their so called friends try to keep them apart. Will their “friends” succeed or is there bond strong enough?
You can tell @elizabethlyonwrites puts her heart into her writing and draws from personal experience to give her books an authentic feel.
In Syndrome Affect you meet Lola who could be just about any girl who struggles with her self confidence and finding her place in the world. Stepping out of her comfort zone and going out with friends from her dorm one night, Lola meets Theo in a bar and instantly they have a connection. As Lola and Theo’s friendship develops and romantic feelings start to emerge all is going well until their so called friends try to keep them apart. Will their “friends” succeed or is there bond strong enough?
You can tell @elizabethlyonwrites puts her heart into her writing and draws from personal experience to give her books an authentic feel.
January 31, 2023
Many thanks to the author for sending me an arc for me to read/review!
I found this book to be a quick and easy read. Which can also be considered its downfall.. there were parts that could've been expanded upon which would solve the quick pace-ness of the book. I feel we could've seen more of the characters' relationship, the Clem and Fay fiasco, as well as Lola's diagnosis, Potter syndrome. I have never heard of this syndrome, and the book does a great job bringing awareness and shedding light upon it. I loved the characters and feel like I KNEW them by the end of the book. The author did a good job describing them and giving them opportunities within the story to talk about themselves. The ending of the book was satisfying, to say the least. I will miss the characters... and will look forward to finding my own Theo.
I found this book to be a quick and easy read. Which can also be considered its downfall.. there were parts that could've been expanded upon which would solve the quick pace-ness of the book. I feel we could've seen more of the characters' relationship, the Clem and Fay fiasco, as well as Lola's diagnosis, Potter syndrome. I have never heard of this syndrome, and the book does a great job bringing awareness and shedding light upon it. I loved the characters and feel like I KNEW them by the end of the book. The author did a good job describing them and giving them opportunities within the story to talk about themselves. The ending of the book was satisfying, to say the least. I will miss the characters... and will look forward to finding my own Theo.
July 19, 2024
I have been following Elizabeth for some time and let me just say she is incredibly talented and one of the loveliest authors I have met. So let's get into my review!
I really enjoyed reading this book, the level of detail in terms of emotions and character development was really impressive. I admired Lola and Theo so much, both of them are so courageous and perfect together. Elizabeth explored very important themes throughout and also raised awareness about Potter Syndrome.
Towards the end of the book, I felt so proud of Lola, especially for standing up for herself and another character. Overall I am really glad I read this and would fully recommend it as it is a book about self-love, acceptance, courage, friendship and some very loveable, cute moments between the MC's. I loved the jokes between them too!
I really enjoyed reading this book, the level of detail in terms of emotions and character development was really impressive. I admired Lola and Theo so much, both of them are so courageous and perfect together. Elizabeth explored very important themes throughout and also raised awareness about Potter Syndrome.
Towards the end of the book, I felt so proud of Lola, especially for standing up for herself and another character. Overall I am really glad I read this and would fully recommend it as it is a book about self-love, acceptance, courage, friendship and some very loveable, cute moments between the MC's. I loved the jokes between them too!
February 19, 2023
Thank you to Elizabeth Lyon for emailing me a copy of your ARC and giving me the opportunity to read it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick and easy romance novel to read😊
The main character in the book, Lola, has a rare genetic disorder where the fatality rate is very high in infancy. She's a survivor and as self-conscious as she is about her looks due to her syndrome. She remains strong and overcomes adversities. She also finds love ❤️
Why I loved this book :
✔️ The main character is a survivor of Potter's Syndrome, which I had not heard of until I read this book.
✔️ The girl drama ~ Why are girls so mean to each other sometimes?
✔️ The romance ~ Lola finds her true love ❤️
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick and easy romance novel to read😊
The main character in the book, Lola, has a rare genetic disorder where the fatality rate is very high in infancy. She's a survivor and as self-conscious as she is about her looks due to her syndrome. She remains strong and overcomes adversities. She also finds love ❤️
Why I loved this book :
✔️ The main character is a survivor of Potter's Syndrome, which I had not heard of until I read this book.
✔️ The girl drama ~ Why are girls so mean to each other sometimes?
✔️ The romance ~ Lola finds her true love ❤️
April 18, 2023
Syndrome Affect was a great quick read. It explored the MC Lola’s journey to self acceptance while navigating college, unhealthy friendships, and finding love. Indie author Elizabeth Lyon does a great job making Lola feel real - she is imperfect just as any young adult would be when trying to find themselves and figure out the world.
February 4, 2023
I loved this book!!! I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Seeing Lola grow as the book went on, and seeing her able to love herself and let someone else love her. I know I let things about me affect how I view myself as well. Grab a copy of this book!!!!
February 13, 2026
This is the second book I have read by Elizabeth Lyon, and I have to say I am impressed by the fact she is able to write multiple genres successfully. As an author, it is not always easy to break out of the mold, but she does it! I enjoyed the book, Syndrome Affect mostly because I love putting myself into the story in someone else’s shoes, and her novels are written with disability representation. We all have hardships we got through as we grow up, but for those with a disability, it’s an added struggle that no one can explain unless they’ve been there, so reading her books allows you to learn about the issues and understand those struggles a little bit better. At the root of this story is a growth, acceptance and love, which was very beautiful. The connection that Lola has with Theo is instant, but it shows how finding someone with good intentions and faith in you for who you ARE, not something you HAVE, makes all the difference in how you see yourself and how you are able to build something together that lasts. Check out her other books, which are all available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited now!
March 7, 2024
4.5
One thing I love about social media is getting to connect with other indie authors and read their work. One of those authors is Elizabeth Lyon. I recently had the pleasure of reading her contemporary romance, Syndrome Affect.
Syndrome Affect follows Lola, a college student with Potters Syndrome, which hasn’t always made life easy for her. One thing I liked about Lola’s character is that she doesn’t let the hardships she experiences in life get her down. She always seemed to pick herself up and drive on, which was very admirable. Lola’s fortunes change when she’s introduced to Theo by a “friend”. She and Theo hit it off so well you want them to become a couple right then and there. Except there’s one problem: Theo has a girlfriend.
Will things work out between Lola and Theo in the end, and why did I include quotation marks around the word ‘friend’? I guess you’ll need to read Syndrome Affect to find out.
Let me say that Theo was an absolute sweetheart to Lola. A true cinnamon roll, he showed her kindness that few others have in her life, which helped to contribute to the strength she found later on in the story. Her growth as a character was fun to read, and you couldn’t help but root for her to get the guy, despite all the hurdles that are thrown her way. If you’re looking for a cute, quick contemporary romance/women’s fiction read, give this one a try. It’s currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
One thing I love about social media is getting to connect with other indie authors and read their work. One of those authors is Elizabeth Lyon. I recently had the pleasure of reading her contemporary romance, Syndrome Affect.
Syndrome Affect follows Lola, a college student with Potters Syndrome, which hasn’t always made life easy for her. One thing I liked about Lola’s character is that she doesn’t let the hardships she experiences in life get her down. She always seemed to pick herself up and drive on, which was very admirable. Lola’s fortunes change when she’s introduced to Theo by a “friend”. She and Theo hit it off so well you want them to become a couple right then and there. Except there’s one problem: Theo has a girlfriend.
Will things work out between Lola and Theo in the end, and why did I include quotation marks around the word ‘friend’? I guess you’ll need to read Syndrome Affect to find out.
Let me say that Theo was an absolute sweetheart to Lola. A true cinnamon roll, he showed her kindness that few others have in her life, which helped to contribute to the strength she found later on in the story. Her growth as a character was fun to read, and you couldn’t help but root for her to get the guy, despite all the hurdles that are thrown her way. If you’re looking for a cute, quick contemporary romance/women’s fiction read, give this one a try. It’s currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
January 14, 2025
Riddled with 90's nostalgia, and felt like I was reading the MC's journal rather than a novel.
Didn't particularly care for the MC, as she was constantly conflicted and obsessive with the opposite sex.
Didn't particularly care for the MC, as she was constantly conflicted and obsessive with the opposite sex.
March 30, 2025
Another success and in a different genre! The romance and the college drama really get going midway through the book. There is one turn that catches you off guard, which enhances the reading pleasure. The author concludes the novel well without drawing it out.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews