This one gave Ali Hazelwood energy with its STEM setting and overthinking, academically-driven main character. The dynamic between Lyric and Kian is fun and flirty, with all the tension you’d expect from a longtime friendship slowly shifting into something more. A quick, nerdy romance full of chemistry, and just enough chaos to keep it interesting.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Lyric and Kian—they felt like real people with relatable fears and hopes about love. The “tutoring” setup was cute and gave a nice balance of humor and heart. I appreciated the smart take on the science of attraction without it getting too heavy. That said, the plot follows a familiar friends-to-lovers path and didn’t surprise me much, and some of the side characters felt a bit underdeveloped. Still, if you want a warm, easy read about learning to open up and trust someone, this one’s a solid choice.

Lily Menon’s The Sizzle Paradox is an absolute gem for romance lovers who enjoy witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a healthy dose of emotional depth. This STEM-centric romantic comedy follows Lyric Bishop, a brilliant but relationship-challenged grad student, and her equally brilliant (and super hot) roommate, Kian Montgomery. When Lyric proposes a no-strings-attached arrangement to study physical intimacy in the name of research, things quickly spiral into a deliciously complicated friends-to-lovers situation.

Menon’s writing sparkles with humor and warmth, making it impossible not to root for these two endearing yet flawed characters. Lyric’s analytical approach to love contrasts perfectly with Kian’s more emotionally intuitive nature, creating a dynamic that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. The slow-burn tension is *chef’s kiss*—filled with playful teasing, steamy moments, and genuine emotional vulnerability.

What sets The Sizzle Paradox apart is its balance of lighthearted fun and deeper themes. Menon explores self-worth, fear of vulnerability, and the messy reality of love without ever losing the story’s playful charm. The supporting cast adds extra layers of fun, and the academic setting provides a fresh twist on the classic rom-com formula.

If you’re a fan of smart, sexy romances with plenty of heart (think The Love Hypothesis but with its own unique flair), this book is a must-read. Lily Menon has crafted a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is swoon-worthy—a true winner in contemporary romance!

Highly recommended for fans of:
- STEM romances
- Friends-to-lovers & forced proximity tropes
- Slow-burn with plenty of sizzle
- Witty, heartfelt storytelling

I couldn't get into this book and ive been meaning to submit my review for a while. I tried so hard online this book but ultimately it just wasn't for me. Nothing against the author, but the characters weren't believable enough for me

Very cute feel good book to read. Love the characters and the kept me hooked from
Start to finish and really enjoyed it

I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but it has been three years and I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

thank you netgalley and st martin's griffin for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Personally, this wasn't for me. I am a bit disappointed with the overall book as the premise sounded really promising.

The MC, Lyric, felt very immature as if she were still in high school. Half the book, there was no character growth for her and this took me out of the book. As a woman in STEM, her project also just confused and annoyed me because why are you part of the project... There would be bias in the way it's conducted no?

This book was okay but definitely not for me! I think someone just getting back into reading would love this, but as someone who reads quite a bit this just isn’t my cup of tea anymore unfortunately.

The Sizzle Paradox unfortunately did not really do it for me due to the miscommunication between the two mains, Lyric and Kian. All their issues could’ve been resolved just with telling each other how they really felt.
The ending felt very rushed. Over half of the book focused on Lyric and Kian dating other people and then they lived happily ever after. I wanted more development and substance especially from Kian and his issues.

The Sizzle Paradox
A Novel
by Lily Menon
Narrated by Abhay Ahluwalia; Brittany Pressley

I received a digital audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Described as The Kiss Quotient meets Love Potion No. 9. While there are perhaps
some similarities I can’t honestly compare it to Love Potion No 9 as I haven’t read it. And it feels unfair comparing it to The Kiss Quotient as this is one of my all time favorite books and what can compare to one’s favorite anything? It is worth a read/listen however.

This is a a friends to lovers, forced/close proximity rom com. Under the premise of scientific exploration of the concepts of attraction and what can support a long term successful relationship.

There are a couple open door scenes but nothing over whelming.

Overall an enjoyable story.
4/5

The Sizzle Paradox by Lily Menon is a delightful read for fans of lighthearted, emotional, and romantic stories that explore the complexities of relationships, academics, and the blurred lines between friendship and love, making it a perfect fit for readers who adore new adult romances with a strong focus on character development and witty banter.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

It was okay. It didn’t resonate with me. However, I would read another book by this author…………………….,….

It’s taken me a while to consume this author’s novel. I originally requested it via NetGalley in 2022, but struggled to pick it up. Finally I took the leap this week listening to the audiobook after checking it out from my library. I really wanted to love this book, but was just average for me. The main female character really has some growing up to do and I struggled to connect with her. It’s a little slow at first, but it is fairly lighthearted and easy to read/listen to. If I had to say what my favorite thing about this book was the friends to lovers relationship. I love that trope and this does fit the bill there. I do think if these characters were more mature this would have been a higher star for me. Also, I did want to note that the narration was great!

On paper this one sounded great - tutoring lessons on dating from your super handsome best friend? Sign me up! Unfortunately I just didn’t love this one. I thought Lyric and Kian were both VERY immature, especially given the fact that it’s reiterated over and over again that Lyric started college early and is supposedly very smart. These characters did not feel like grown ups. I was rooting for them to get together, but mostly so that Lyric would stop trying to make poor Zoey and Kian a couple. She’s not interested!

Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for a review copy. I would be willing to try this author again.

The Sizzle Paradox by Lily Menon is a rough book. It was a frustrating read. This book was painful. I mean I'm all for unique first names but Lyric... was not feeling this at all. She gave major pick me energy, oh look I'm so small, my legs are the size of your arm. Like stop, please. This book was just wack, it gives Wattpad circa 2014 energy. Would I read it again? No. Anyways, 2/5 stars.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was.. fine. I definitely prefer this author's young adult novels, but I appreciate her trying her hand at adult romance too. I liked this friends to lovers romance and I had a lot of fun while I was reading it, but I definitely wanted something more. I will never get over the thought that dating, even fake dating, your roommate is a good idea. Despite it usually working out in fictional stories, it seems to be one of those ideas that would end up terribly in real life.

All this rambling to say, there's nothing wrong with this book, but it also didn't captivate me like some romance books have.

I liked the academic setting and premise of this book but overall found it lacking. The MC's came across as immature which made it hard for me to fully enjoy. It was a cute story but just not for me. Thank you SMP and Netgalley for my copy.

I found the characters to be more than awkward and a bit unrealistic. The characters were nothing special and I thought they had zero chemistry. It was a struggle to continue reading this book.

This was a fun, sweet friends to lovers story. I enjoyed the writing and the book was just a good time. I definitely enjoyed the dual POV and feel like it added a lot to the narrative.