Love and Other Brain Experiments by Hannah Brohm on February 3, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Enemies to Lovers, Fiction / Romance / Fake Dating, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
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Neuroscientist Dr. Frances Silberstein has success on the brain. As a grad student, she was offered a job by her brilliant boyfriend, but determined to make it on her own, she turned it—and him—down. Now, stuck in postdoc purgatory with no job security and no personal life to speak of, Frances is desperate to make a breakthrough. Her best shot is a summer conference packed with her field’s leading scientists. The only problem? It’s organized by her ex, who has found the success that’s eluded her. But backing out is not an option, because Frances desperately needs to network to save her career. Enter Dr. Lewis North: her perceptive, meticulous, and inconveniently attractive rival. When their academic sniping gets mistaken for flirtatious chemistry, Frances doesn’t deny it—putting her integrity and career on the line. As soon as her prefrontal cortex is operational again, Frances realizes she needs to keep up the charade, or risk everything she’s worked for. Faking data is out of the question, but fake dating? That might just be the solution she needs. But as Lewis starts to make her reward centers spark and a major setback has Frances questioning everything, she must confront what she’s willing to chase—for love, for science, and for the future she thought she wanted.
I’m a sucker for fake dating and this fake dating premise was so much fun! There were a few misunderstandings that could’ve been solved with a little communication, but the chemistry and banter more than made up for it. The main issue with this book might be some of the plot holes. I also didn’t enjoy the reason for the drama towards the end of the book, it basically felt like the same issue they had in the first place. Other than that, the book is still well written and I cannot wait for what Hannah is planning in the future!!
Four solid stars for this novel. This book is full of chemistry, laughter, and heartwarming (sometimes heartbreaking) moments. If you love academic rivalry, fake dating, and characters who feel real and flawed but lovable, you don’t want to miss this one!