Hadley and Lex meet when they have both moved to Stanford. An opposites attract book, fun but emotional in some places too.

I adored this book! I really loved all of the characters and it did remind me of a twist on the Big Bang Theory!

I thought Hadley was so brave / selfless for packing up her life and moving to California to take care of her mom. I loved their relationship and omg her mom’s personality! She was so funny, caring, and just gave off such warm comforting vibes. I also really enjoyed her journey - how well she handled the cancer treatment process, and how she was able to find someone to love and care for her other than her daughter. Hadley held so much weight on her shoulders, it was so great to see them both finally get taken care of by other people.

Lex’s support for Hadley is unmatched! I thought it was so sweet of him (and his team) to take on more work for Hadley’s mom. I really liked seeing him come out of his shell because of his love for her. I thought it was very commendable that he made sure that Nicky was still included even though they were no longer together. Nicky sucked, but I do appreciate her character development!

All I can say about Stuart - LOVED him! This character was so funny, I loved how much he cared for his friends. I hope we get a second book about how he found his wife and their journey. And/or a book about Sarah and her boyfriend, I want to know how they handled the year apart and everything in between!

I do wish that we got some of the story from Lex’s point of view! I would have loved to see what was going on in that ‘genius’ brain of his during everything.

I also wish that Hadley and Lex didn’t break-up the two-ish times. I understand that people need time to process things, and I did appreciate how they gave each other the space they needed. However, the Nicky thing sucked, they were apart because Hadley didn’t want to communicate, just avoid, and then they got back together once they talked about it just to break up again? This gave me some emotional whiplash haha.

I liked the writing style, for the most part it flowed really well and made the story go by quickly! I am not sure why, but at some points the writing did make me feel like the story was being told as if it was a memory, with some past-tensed verbiage.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was such a great read!! I liked all of the different topics it covered!

4⭐️ Would recommend :)

I received an ARC from My Trope Productions LLC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hadley moves from New York to California to be with her mom, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, as there is a new treatment available there. She gets a job at Stanford University as a teacher and it is there she meets Lex, who is a scientist. From here you could think 'hey, a STEM romance' but this was not actually the case.

Hadley, Lex and his friend Stuart are neighbors and become friends, although Lex keeps his distance and seems grumpy. We get some snippets about them working very hard and that Lex is an amazing scientist, but it is hardly ever shown. The story reads like a college romance, where the characters go out, drink, have dinner etc. etc. And because Hadley is beautiful she gets a lot of male attention. Everyone thinks she is beautiful.. And funny. It might not have been my kind of humor.
When the slow burn between Hadley and Lex heats up, they act with the maturity of teenagers.

The author knows how to write, I just did not like the characters very much. Except Stuart, who was a very bright character. And I enjoyed the interactions between Hadley and her mom.

This story obviously was not for me, I might be in the wrong age bracket, but I do think the book will appeal to many. And it is written very well. As this is the first book of this author I think she will get better and better so I will keep an eye out for other books.

*** Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC I received. ***

Hadley Olivier is an accomplished musical composer who moves from New York to California after her mum is diagnosed with breast cancer. After taking up an academic role at Stanford University she meets their other new hire, Dr Alexsander "Lex" Strovinski, a leading neurobiologist undertaken groundbreaking research into Alzheimer's. But it's his roommate and fellow researcher Stuart that she bonds with first, the banter and humour between Hadley and Stuart is hilarious and their friendship is a highlight throughout the book. Hadley is such a funny person and her witty remarks and comebacks were a treat, she naturally connects with people. Lex on the other hand is standoffish, unless he is alone with Hadley and then he warms up and opens up. He goes above and beyond to help Hadley, as well her mum. The moment with the slides in his lab? IYKYK.

As their feelings grow, with a delightful slow burn, everyone around them can see it but will they admit it to themselves and each other? Conflict arises and a career opportunity that cannot be passed up comes along, what will the future bring?

This was such a fantastic read, I really loved that the characters outside of Hadley and Lex didn't feel like "side" characters, they had their essential parts to the story and really felt like part of their community/family. There were hilarious moments, and heartbreaking ones, with a lot of genuine struggles and emotion. I'm stunned that this is Kristen's debut novel, it is so heartbreakingly good that I cannot wait to read more from this author in future.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read.

This book is a lot more depressing than I expected. I didn’t understand the pop culture references. It’s not a good fit for me, but I’m sure others will enjoy it. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I did not expect this book, it came out of nowhere and I spent all day reading it. The banter is witty and adorable, the spice is 🔥, and it gave me all the feels. The perfection that is Lex, swoon. I love a nerdy MMC who knows exactly what he wants. Then, the epilogue came out of no where and I’m writing this through happy tears.

So beyond thrilled that Kristen reached out about this book and I was able to get a copy from NetGalley. Go read this gem!!

Very surprised that this is Cole’s first book! She has such a knack for dialogue - so natural and funny! I loved the uniqueness of the secondary characters. Super sexy and emotional at the same time. I can’t wait for Cole’s next book.

I loved reading this book.
Beautifully written and really touched the heart strings.
Our MMC and FMC are a Slow burn, but so worth the wait.
Character building on par, story development amazing.
I made a real connection with all the characters in this book and I was sad to see it end.
The plot is well thought out and flows perfectly. I loved the variety of character personalities and reading the developments in their relationships as the story progressed.

This book was so great! First of all the cover is absolutely beautiful and it made me want to read this book so much. If you love Ali hazelwood books then you will love this book so much!

Kristen B. Cole delivers a heartfelt and compelling tale in The Scientist, a romance that beautifully melds art and science while exploring themes of love, grief, and personal growth.

The story begins with Broadway composer Hadley Olivier reluctantly trading the bustling streets of NYC for the sunny, quinoa loving shores of California to support her best friend through a health crisis. Hadley’s sparkling personality shines as she navigates her new reality, complete with old friendships, a challenging career shift, and her enigmatic neighbor, Dr. Alexsander “Lex” Strovinski. Lex, a brilliant but brooding neuroscientist, is initially more interested in his research than human connection, yet Hadley’s relentless optimism and wit begin to chip away at his carefully constructed walls.

The chemistry between Hadley and Lex is electric, their banter a delightful push and pull that transitions naturally into moments of vulnerability and intimacy. Cole’s exploration of their relationship feels authentic, capturing the tension between their contrasting worlds while highlighting the beauty of their shared moments. Hadley’s artistic flair and Lex’s scientific rigor create a fascinating dynamic that reinforces the book’s central theme: love is the ultimate experiment worth conducting.

Cole doesn’t shy away from tackling heavier topics, such as grief and sacrifice, giving the story emotional depth. The subplot surrounding Hadley’s best friend is poignant and serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and loyalty. Likewise, Lex’s career dilemma adds a layer of realism to his character, making his journey feel all the more resonant.

The novel’s pacing is steady, with just enough twists to keep readers invested. Cole’s prose is both lyrical and sharp, seamlessly blending humor with heartfelt moments. While the ending is bittersweet, it’s ultimately satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the belief that love, in all its forms, can transcend even the most challenging circumstances.

The Scientist is a captivating romance that’s as thought provoking as it is heartwarming. Kristen B. Cole masterfully weaves together the worlds of art and science, reminding us that the best discoveries often lie where we least expect them. Fans of opposites attract romances with depth and charm will find this book an absolute delight.

Thank you to Kristen B. Cole and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

When her mother is diagnosed with a rare form of Breast Cancer, Hadley, a Broadway composer, moves across the country to California to take care of her. Hadley starts work at Stanford as a professor of music composition where she meets famous neurobiologist Alexander Strovinski. While she struggles to take care of her mother, the friendship she builds with Stuart, her relationship with Lex, and her new teaching career cause her to start to fall in love with California. Their bonds are tested when Hadley’s mother’s health declines and Lex is offered a career defining opportunity overseas. This is perfect for people who love Ali Hazelwood and The Big Bang Theory.
I 1000% recommend this book! It is not only an amazing romance, but the love between Hadley and her mother is beautiful. Hadley’s nature to sacrifice for those she loves shows how deeply she loves her friends and family. The slow burn between Lex and Hadley kept me hooked! I really enjoyed the deep connections they shared through talking about their families. Lex is a hard worker but I loved the way he falls for Hadley and changes from a workaholic to someone who makes time for her. The best side character of the year goes to Stuart for the energy he brings, his friendship, and being a fantastic wingman! He gives such main character energy and I love him so much! I love that he is best friends with both Lex and Hadley. This is a beautiful story about, love, family, and sacrifice and I would recommend it to everyone. The writing was amazing, the pacing was perfect and I stayed up all night reading because once I started I just couldn't put it down.
Thank you Netgalley and Kristen B. Cole for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I mean this in the best way, this reads like an Ali Hazelwood book. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT AND DEVOURED IT

(4.25⭐) This is an excellent debut from Kristen B. Cole and a fun, respectfully spicy romance I'd recommend for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Christina Lauren (although, I was bummed that "The Scientist" was only the MMC, because I love a STEM female main character).

Overall I enjoyed the story, and especially was impressed by how much personality we get from the cast of side characters. It's a pet peeve of mine when the mains have one or two token friends who feel like they exist only to serve the protagonist's story, but here we have several people - the mom, Sarah, Nicky, etc - who all have fleshed out and unique personalities. Special shout out to Stuart (who was giving Jonah Hill from Accepted vibes) and Lionel - I'd read another book just centered around one of those two.

Things I like:
- the cover! Honestly its so pretty and unique, I was instantly intrigued
- the mains development a friendship first. There is essentially no lusting or flirting between them until maybe 40% in. I appreciate when there's some build up before a relationship happens.
- Lex, our MMC, is fully *obsessed* with her. He simps, he pines, he flaunts. It's very cute.
- Hadley, our FMC, is snarky and clever, and constantly dishing out the goofiest jokes. I will admit, at first I found her humor sort of too cheesy and dad-jokey, but it grew on me.

Things not for me:
- the way every male has to flirt with and comment on Hadley (and every other woman's) appearance. It felt like high school boy behavior, not post-graduate men. And they just never stop. It would make me so uncomfortable to be around these guys if I were her.
- I'm personally not a fan of third act breakups, although it was clear that where this was heading for a while
- although I love how obsessed Lex is, I got the ick from how overly possessive and sensitive he got (esp with Hadley's ex). You can't love and respect your lady if you aren't going to trust her and communicate with her!
- the pacing in the second half. I wish the main conflict at the end was teased sooner so there was some suspense or thread pulling us through

Thank you so much NetGalley and My Trope Productions for the ARC! Definitely check this out when it comes out in January 2025.💙

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I’m so into nerdy romances (STEM and music is right up my alley!) and this was such a fun read!

Huge shout out to Stuey for keeping these kids in freaking check, and for bringing so much comedic chaotic energy to the book. Hadley’s sense of humor and her character really spoke to me, the banter between her and Lex were top tier, and I LOVED Lex.

I hated the de-development of Lex’s character arc for the third act conflict. He was so freaking stubborn and dumb and it was all so idiotic as crap. I figured Garrett would be the conflict, or even Nikki for what she did - and Lex surprised me with his actions in those situations. I did hate Nikki with every fiber of my being but somehow she was the saving grace for all of them and Hadley really was the bigger person.

I feel like he should have just COMMUNICATED this project to her it would still be an argument but it would be less dumb than this.

Anyways, still loved it. Mainly for the trio of Stuart, Lex, and Hadley and accompanying nerdiness and geeking out. And I loved all the boys drooling over Hadley, including the rest of the team that essentially was just a frat.

4.5/5 . ARC Read - releases January 2025! If you are a fan of the STEM romances from Ali Hazelwood this will be right up your alley! Socially awkward, intelligent, handsome wound up MMC with a heart of gold? Check. FMC is strong, incredibly funny, witty and loyal to a fault? Yeppers.
Hadley and her mother have just moved so that her mother can receive treatment for her rare cancer. Leaving her home of New York for California is a massive culture shock for Hadley, but she's convinced once her mother recovers, they will go back. Hadley has taken a position at Stanford teaching music composition - being an accomplished writer and performer herself. On arriving to the campus, she meets another new professor - biologist Lex. The golden boy of science is the talk of the university, doing research on Alzheimer's. When they first meet, Hadley is convinced Lex hates her - won't talk to her, avoids her, etc. but with time she learns how wrong she is. But with their lives starting to head in different directions with different priorities, can their budding relationship survive?
The writing was so good, the flow and pace was perfect.
One of those books that's just comfortable, easy to get into and it hooks you! Exceeded my expectations! Would definitely read more from this author.

I really like this book. I liked the fact that the author used characters with extended education. It makes the characters more relatable to an extended audience.

I really enjoyed the story! I thought the characters were great. I loved all of the side characters, especially. I appreciated that there was depth to the story when it came to her mom‘s cancer battle. I didn’t love the two fights between the main characters mainly because I feel like they could’ve both been solved with a simple conversation. However, the ending was super sweet.

Romance with substance! Solid plot with an interesting cast of characters and multiple subplots that keep things moving. Out main characters move from ambivalence to wondering to finally HEA, but quite a bit happens along the way. A fun read for romance fans, and those that just want a good read.

I'm so conflicted on this one. I was sucked in so quickly by Hadley's devotion to her mom and Lex's silent, brilliant, mysterious nature. He's apparently infatuated with Hadley immediately and does all of these really sweet things to help her and her mom, unprompted, which had me swooning! Stuart was my absolute favorite character. His friendship with both Hadley and Lex was so sweet and wholesome, and his commentary and hate for Nicky was hilarious. But then as the story progressed and we see Hadley and Lex together as a couple (and specifically when the third-act breakup occurred) I started questioning how good they were for each other. I'm all for an overprotective, caveman of a MMC but Lex's actions and words-while he was experiencing jealousy-felt petty and immature. Then we see both of them absolutely shutting down over the weeks (?) that he leaves for Sweden... it just seems like a very toxic and codependent relationship. *Spoiler alert!* And this isn't even touching on Hadley basically cheating on Lex with her ex-boyfriend (yeah, yeah, the ex-boyfriend initiated the kiss BUT STILL) when she travels to New York while he is in Sweden and then not even telling him about it after they make up when he returns. UGH. First half is great, second half made me angry. Which leads me to have very complicated feelings. I think I did enjoy it overall, even if it doesn't seem like their relationship is the healthiest. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

This was a sweet and cute read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

I was super intrigued by the premise because the characters are so relatable and the setting is super relatable as well. I actually really enjoyed how Hadley settled into Stanford and teaching, and I enjoyed the little tidbits of neuroscience we got from Lex. There were some cute scenes as they got closer to each other, and I think the pacing of their relationship was relatively good. I also loved the friendships we got to see. Hadley and Stuart were really cute.

However, Lex basically instantly fell for Hadley, which is somewhat annoying. I'm glad we got to slowburn it a little bit, but the severe hinting at the fact that Lex was instantly enamored by her was a little much. Also, Hadley was supposed to be funny, and I do think that some of the jokes were good, but her humor wasn't as good as it was marketed to be. And ultimately, my main qualm with the novel was the two conflicts toward the end. The characters did not handle the problems that they faced well. They had poor communication and it just wasn't very mature.

However, this was a cute, short read. It isn't something I'm going to remember or think about for a long time to come, but it did what it had to do.

And I'm out.