itzela's review against another edition
3.0
The tension, the premise, the spice was there. I liked the friends to lovers trope.
maggiementions's review against another edition
4.0
So happy the main female character Lyric works in STEM! I’m glad to see more novels shedding light on females in these professions. The premise of Lyric and Kian helping support each other to reach their professional goals was refreshing. They’re so close, knowing what the other is thinking and finishing each other’s sentences. Also, the chemistry WAS sizzling. The only thing I would have liked to add was a more established backstory to how Lyric and Kian became such important people in each other’s lives before all the “researching”. I really enjoyed this book!
saloniporwal's review against another edition
1.0
This book was a huge disappointment. Nothing at all stood out about it. The MCs Lyric and Kian are platonic roommates who laugh at the idea of a romantic spark between them.
I gotta warn you that this denial feels extremely forced and breaks the flow of the story. The characters were decent I'd say, but nothing that hooked me. The term 'Sizzle Paradox' is also stressed upon and as a reader, this really bored and exasperated me. Add that to the fact that the plot is so predictable right from the blurb, and you have a dragging, sleep-inducing novel at hand.
Overall, I don't recommend this for obvious reasons. (I really wish I liked it)
I gotta warn you that this denial feels extremely forced and breaks the flow of the story. The characters were decent I'd say, but nothing that hooked me. The term 'Sizzle Paradox' is also stressed upon and as a reader, this really bored and exasperated me. Add that to the fact that the plot is so predictable right from the blurb, and you have a dragging, sleep-inducing novel at hand.
Overall, I don't recommend this for obvious reasons. (I really wish I liked it)
erinj254's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at 40%. I started this a few weeks ago, put it down because it’s incredibly boring, and have no desire to pick it back up.
magnoliapigeonbookblurbs's review against another edition
1.0
The Sizzle Paradox had the potential to be a cute story but unfortunately was overwhelmingly inaccurate. The interchangeable use of dissertation and thesis, ability to not be objective, inserting oneself into a study, missing deadlines - and much more - only took away from the storyline. It read like someone who had not experienced or researched the subject matter.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
love2read1995's review against another edition
3.0
The Sizzle Paradox is a friends-to-lovers romance with a bit of fake dating. Lyric and Kian are best friends, roommates, and both doctoral students working on their thesis. Lyric hasn't had good luck with relationships so Kian agrees to "train" her. What ensues is a lot of miscommunication.
The book is written with alternate points of view for each chapter - so you get both his and hers. There are some laughs and romance, I didn't really connect with the characters that much. The first bit of the book was a bit slow for me but I did get into it more towards that latter part. I also felt like there was more potential for some more heat in the romance department - it was a bit lukewarm at times.
I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions are my own and are voluntarily given.
The book is written with alternate points of view for each chapter - so you get both his and hers. There are some laughs and romance, I didn't really connect with the characters that much. The first bit of the book was a bit slow for me but I did get into it more towards that latter part. I also felt like there was more potential for some more heat in the romance department - it was a bit lukewarm at times.
I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions are my own and are voluntarily given.
wistyallgood's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tayloremurphy's review against another edition
2.0
As someone who is also a Ph.D. student in a STEM lab, I was thrilled to start this book. Unfortunately, the plot/characters came up short, in my opinion. The two main characters don't have any personality other than suffering from extreme miscommunication. Which is an okay trope if they aren't written as best friends who can read each other's minds... I wish the main character (Lyric) acted more her age rather than a nervous 14-year-old in high school scared to ask out her crush. This book could be transformed slightly and make an excellent book for kids 13-16 years old. Easy/light read but seriously lacking in the romance section.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
hannahepp's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0