Do you know what I love? A book with no third act break up! That in itself makes any book just automatically better.

There were parts of this book I wished were a little bit drawn out more. Or maybe Tanith talking to her friends more. I did enjoy that her support system was trying to help, even if she didn't seem interested.

I always love teachers getting a good ending.

Passion Under the Microscope by Christina Miles
Smart is Seriously Sexy series #2. Romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couple from the first book are secondary characters in this story. STEM.
Tanith Kerrigan is a high school biology teacher. When she tries to get a photo of a two birds, in a naughty moment for some levity in her next class, she trips instead and ends up with a sprained ankle. A friend calls Dr Luke Caldwell to help and he and Tanith are finally talking. He’s been interested in Tanith for months, but she didn’t seem to reciprocate. Now he’s helping to paint her house and their time together has them opening up and sharing pieces of their lives.

“Laughter is the best medicine” is a famous line that is used in this story. I agree with this wholeheartedly. And I personally love laughter in my reading and especially in a romance. Lots of grins and smiles and laughter in this story from both the hero and heroine. Luke is a self professed “quipster” and it’s kind of adorable. There is added depth as they get to know each other and daily life intrudes but their established banter and openness remains.
Love, laughter and swooning characters. What’s not to love?
4.5

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Passion Under the Microscope is the second installment in the Smart is Seriously Sexy series. The girls of Brigid's Vista are back and this book focuses on Tanith Kerrigan story.

🔬 Science Teacher Heroine
🏈 Former Jock Hero
☀️🌧 Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
💖 Slow Burn Romance
🏘 Small Town Charm

Tanith is a high school biology teacher, who has casually dated men in the past without getting attached. But when someone makes a comment about her resembling her mother, Tanith has decided to swear off men. Which is fine, until she breaks her ankle and Dr. Luke Caldwell, carries her to get an x-ray. Yes, carry! He goes from being one of her best friends' boyfriends' brother to someone she can count on, which challenges the walls she has up. While she is dealing with a sprained ankle, the end of the semester and Luke's presence, her mother decides to show up and upend the life she created for herself in this small town.

"A beautiful, smart, alluring lover of science who always kept beer in her fridge? All of that equaled two words- dream girl. Or more specifically, dream woman."

Luke hasn't had a serious relationship in years, since his high school girlfriend broke his heart and his practice in Denver is all that he focuses on. He, also, casually dates without getting attached, but doesn't like the image his brother paints of him being a playboy. After taking Tanith to get her x-ray, he offers to paint her living room, since she will not be able to. As they start spending more and more time together, Tanith is starting to open up to him and he likes it. But Luke's life is also about to change, when his medical practices is threatened, along with everything he worked for. Can this new relationship last and become something more?

I really enjoyed reading Tanith's and Luke's story. They are the perfect reverse grumpy x sunshine pair! I enjoyed the ping pong ball game so much. It was such a fun way for them to get to know each other, without any pressure. I liked how Luke was always there for Tanith, showing her that he wasn’t like anyone from her past.

Tanith is a sassy high school biology teacher. After a series of low-stakes, casual relationships, she has sworn off men. She doesn't even bat an eye when Reece Caldwell's younger brother, Luke, shows some interest in her. Luke happens to be a sports medicine doctor and helps Tanith after a sprained ankle. But she still won't budge. Unless......

I love this series. I really enjoyed Off-the-Charts Chemistry which was the first book in the series. I couldn't wait to pick up the newest installment. I like Christine's writing style and her stories. The characters are so relatable and lovable. When book 3 comes out, I'll be first in line.

I read the first 100 pages of this book, and unfortunately, I had to DNF it... because I personally just was not interested in the romance between the main characters. I think this would be good for those who love the romance genre and just want a light-hearted read without caring about the writing style or the lack of chemistry between the characters.

Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood!

This was a cute, fun romance. I would highly recommend if you enjoy romance with STEM.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

LOVED this book, really great read. It was one of those ones where you don't want to put it down. Highly recommend for an enjoyable read.

Science teacher Tanith is sort of done with men. after a lifetime of watching her narcissistic mother go through husbands like butter .Hot doctor Luke is sort of done with life in the big city and finding his time in small town Brigid's Vista more and more alluring. When Tanith sprains her ankle trying to get a picture of the state bird getting it on with another bird, she has to interact with Luke when her friend calls him for help.
Luke has had a bit of a liking for Tanith but she wouldn't give him the time of day so this is his opportunity to make a move.
I really liked the path that these two took to their HEA. She has to deal with her demons (and one in particular -her mother) and he has a potential career killer happening back in the city. Luke's brother in BV isn't exactly welcoming him to town and he's torn. between his current life and possible future with the prickly Tanith.
I loved the interfering friends on both sides. This was a fun, enjoyable read. I'm going to go back and find the first book because I liked this one so much!

This was a fun book! It gave off Ali Hazelwood vibes, so if you like her, pick this one up! There were parts that felt a little slow for me, but other than that, I loved the characters, the banter that they shared. There is a first book to the series which I did not read, but i don't feel like I was missing any information. I do have that book added to my TBR, so maybe once I read it I will feel differently;) My only complaint about this book-Luke said "the lady" what felt like a million times. Sorry-now you know and there is no way you won't notice it! LOL! Overall a fun, cute read that I really enjoyed! Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

~ thank you, netgalley, for the e-arc ~

•

This is really a promising novel. However, this is giving me, or rather I'm reminded of my experience when I read The Love Hypothesis.

I would say the writing didn't do it for me. That's it.

Passion Under the Microscope delves into the lives of Tanith Kerrigan and Dr. Luke Caldwell, two individuals whose paths cross unexpectedly. Tanith, determined to break free from the shadows of her mother's influence, embraces singlehood. However, a chance encounter with Luke, a sports medicine doctor, throws her plans off course after she sprains her ankle during an unconventional moment. Despite her reluctance, Luke finds himself drawn to Tanith, even as he battles his own feelings and desires.

The plot of the story revolves around the gradual development of Tanith and Luke's relationship amidst personal and professional challenges. As they navigate through their respective struggles, they are forced to confront their own desires and aspirations.

Christine Miles crafts a compelling narrative with well-developed characters. Tanith is portrayed as a strong-willed individual determined to carve her own path in life, distinct from her mother's. Luke, on the other hand, is depicted as a dedicated professional struggling to balance his career aspirations with his growing feelings for Tanith.

The author's writing style is engaging, with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. Miles effectively captures the complexities of human emotions, making the characters relatable and authentic.

However, the pacing of the plot could have been improved in certain sections, as some parts felt rushed while others lingered for too long. Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts felt somewhat predictable, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

Overall, Passion Under the Microscope is a captivating read that combines romance, humor, and introspection. Despite its flaws, the book delivers an entertaining narrative with memorable characters that will resonate with readers. As Tanith and Luke navigate the complexities of love and self-discovery, they invite readers on a journey filled with heartwarming moments and unexpected twists.

Ty to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

It was a quick and fun STEM romance read. I needed a break from paranormal/fantasy and this one helped me find some balance again! I love a golden retriever bf, and I ADOREEE adore STEM romances (we need more of these!). I think the chemistry wasn’t always there for me and it was fast paced at times, but I still had a good time with this!

Love it. I enjoyed reading it. I love that the grumpy one here is Tanith, the FL. It's like it's the first time I've read something like this, where the grumpy is the female lead and the sunshine is the male lead. Overall this is a 4 star read for me.

Passion Under the Microscope is book two in the Smart is Seriously Sexy Series by Christine Miles.
I loved book one Off-the-Charts Chemistry. To say I was beyond excited for book two is an understatement!
Tanith and Luke were adorable and I felt their connection just seep off the pages!
In this exceptionally smart and charming romance… Christine Miles’s writing is crisp and funny, the characters are fully engaging, and the story is delightful.
Overall, this was such a wonderful story. I flew through the pages with a smile on my face.

Thank You NetGalley and Sealed With a Swoon Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

3.5 rounded up
Overall a sweet, quick and hilarious read with a touch of serious topics that Luke and Tanith go through. It was nice to see characters who are so sure of themselves and are mature. I have to check out the first book in the series because I feel like it'll help understand the MCs' first meeting better and I'm excited to read the 3rd book in the series

I had fun and enjoyed this rom-com. Rooted for the fleshed out characters and enjoyed it
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love stem romance and this book did not disappoint it was Amazing. I can relate to Tanith in a lot of ways which I think is why I felt a lot more connected to the characters. I definitely recommend this book I could not put it down.

Biology teacher, Tanith just sprained her ankle thus delaying her house painting project. Good thing Dr. Luke Caldwell just volunteered to help her with the ankle and the painting. How unfortunate that Tanith just sworn off men for some reason...

One thing that caught me off guard with this book is the ages of the characters (this is a good thing). It's so amazing to me that Romance characters are not stuck in their 20's. And with that comes more realistically serious adult problems, which is so refreshing to read about and I am all for it.

If you want heart wrenching drama, this is not it (but there is a bit of drama) . This book is friends to lovers budding romance. The romance was subtle, lovely, and funny. I liked how the characters just eventually realized their feelings. This also felt like character growth and resolving problems together, which is too cute.

This was such an enjoyable read even though I've never read the first book of the series. Even without knowing the previous book, I love that the other characters that the main character keeps mentioning not only shows up but also solidifies their friendships.

Great book with amazing smart women and equally lovely men.

Passion Under the Microscope: Book #2 Smart is Seriously Sexy Series

By Christine Miles- read book #1 Off-the-Charts Chemistry & gave it 4 ⭐

Overall Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📖 Page Count: 241 kindle

🌍 Setting: Brigid's Vista, Colorado

Publication 3-19-24,  Read 3-14-24

🙏🏾 Thanks to NetGalley and Sealed With a Swoon Books LLC for this ARC 💙 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

🤷🏾‍♀️What To Expect: Women/Adult Fic, Contemporary Romance, small town, STEMinist, sports

⚠️ Look Out For: parental neglect &abandonment, sexual harassment, injured h (sprained ankle)

Summary: Tanith has swore off men and stuck to it for the last six months. She is a high school Biology teacher responsible for teaching about reproduction. She goes bird watching to photograph a "visual aid" for her students, but falls and badly sprains her ankle. Dr. Luke Caldwell is a doctor of sports medicine and he's Reece's younger brother, so he wanted to help. Tanith is reluctant to allow him in her life but as they get to know and confide in each other, they fall for each other.

The characters:
 🚺 FMC: Tanith Kerrigan- bio teacher @ Vista high school. Swore off men for awhile until she's treated by Luke. He helps her around her house- moving furniture and painting while she's injured. Doesn't want to be like her mother Deandra who needed men to take care of her. Tanith has her own job, house, etc.

🚹 MMC: Dr. Luke Caldwell-30, was a football player in college, but didn't pursue it. His college girlfriend broke up with him when he stopped playing football. Co-owns practice for seven years with Dr. Sean Trevor who he met @ a medical conference.

Stacey: Tanith's BFF, Reece's gf & a Chemistry teacher @ Vista

Morgan McCann: 33, Tanith's BFF

Gia Valentine: Tanith's BFF, went through bad divorce

Reece: Luke's older brother, the high school football coach @Vista

Deandra/DKLMSS: Tanith's mother who neglected and abandoned her. She's been married and divorced four times, using men to take care of her. She criticizes Tanith's lifestyle and Deandra only wears expensive things.

Dr. Victoria Trimble: Luke's friend and confidante. They dated briefly, and she has her own PCP office. Probably the MVP character for me!

🤔My Thoughts: I enjoyed this installment and I recommend reading book #1 first for the background and world building. I understood Tanith's issues with men and why she kept things casual. It was hard seeing her mother with a revolving door of men. She wanted to make sure she didn't have to depend on anyone in life. Her tough exterior softened to Luke. I loved the game they played to get to know each other and talk about their problems. Luke handled his issues with Sean quickly, but I wanted him to address how to keep it from happening again. Tanith came through for him with the lawyer help and she was pretty chill about the whole thing. Overall this was a light-hearted, small town, contemporary romance. I will definitely read book # 3 Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe. Christmas romance?

Book Reveiw: Passion Under the Microscope
Stars: 3 X 5
Author: Christina Miles
Publisher: Sealed with a Kiss Books, LLC

This quite a fun lighthearted read. Luke and Tanita are adorable, so interesting, intriguing and very complex characters. There are many twist and turns to their romance. Tabitha is a biology teacher and Luke is a sports medicine doctor. Tanita sprains her ankle and ends up meeting Luke——-Doctor Yummy!!!!
Luke hasn’t had a serious relationship in years. Luke and Tanita meet at a party in October. Luke likes Tanita but is appears that Luke that does not like her. After Luke sees Tanita for her injury they realized they know each other and eventually start dating. Think two science nerds who become friends and then to lovers. Will they break up or stay together. This was a fun and entertaining read.