A SYMPTOM OF LOVE

A scientist has her rule against relationships put to the ultimate test in Aiseman’s sharp-witted romance.

Eleanor “Ellie” Benjamin is on the cusp of realizing her dream of moving from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Washington, D.C., to work at the Gene and Epigenetic Research Institute (GERI). There, she will pursue advanced work in epigenetics with professor Jim Harrington, her direct supervisor, and Andrew A. Kowalski, her collaborator. On a layover in Madrid, Ellie’s frantic dash to find a phone charger ends with her falling into the lap of a stranger named Aiden. He is handsome, friendly, and irresistible; however, Ellie has sworn off relationships since breaking up with her “mythological ex” Oren Hason, a well-known drummer. Despite Ellie and Aiden’s obvious attraction, Ellie tells her new roommate Alannah, “I don’t want to get emotionally involved.” On Ellie’s first day at GERI, she is shocked to discover that “Aiden” is really her colleague Andrew Aiden Kowalski. They agree to keep their relationship strictly professional until a conference in San Diego gives them the opportunity to stage a fake romance for the benefit of Ellie’s ex, Oren, who is playing a concert in the city. When a social media post leads to a barrage of publicity and a sexual harassment charge against Aiden, Ellie must decide whether it is time for her and Aiden to reveal their true feelings for each other. The first installment of Aiseman’s GERI Labs series is a sparkling romance with appealing protagonists and well-drawn supporting characters. Ellie Benjamin and Aiden Kowalski are engaging leads whose growing attraction is emphasized by lively banter (“‘Rule number two,’ he says, ‘No seduction until we figure this thing out.’ ‘Oh, come on, that’s the best part.’”) The vibrant supporting characters include Alannah Meyser, Ellie’s roommate and peer at GERI, and Oren Hason, the “mythological ex” who is not as self-centered as he appears. Aiseman’s briskly paced narrative deftly balances Ellie’s and Aiden’s love story with their personal and professional concerns as they navigate the ethics of a romance between co-workers.

A bright and entertaining start to a promising new series.