This book had loads of potential with all the plot points it had. The author spent a tom of time on the couple’s beginning. But the readers didn’t get many answers to how their relationship progressed. Other than the forced proximity they shared. That was the most we got to see of them as a set.

The author did not focus much time on the couple together after their proximity was gone. She spent way too much time on them as individuals. I feel as if I barely got to know the characters as a couple. It felt almost as if we were following characters who happened to share a romance. Not the romance being the focus and the characters' life the side point.

But on the other hand, there were some pretty heavy themes that each of the MCs had to navigate. These themes were fairly well written and I felt encapsulated how it would feel to go through those events. But my complaints about those themes; are that even though they were focused on. It still seemed as if it was slightly blurry.

Over all the book felt extremely rushed but also somehow slow. It could've used at least a hundred more pages to tie everything together. I was extremely disappointed with all the ways the author could've gone and the fact she chose this one. It had so much potential to be a good book.

oh. my. goodness. this book was absolutely incredible!!!! i had so much fun reading this book. it was lovely and wonderful and amazing. thank you so much to netgalley for letting me read this book before the publication date!!!

This book was a cute romance read. Luke is a very sweet and charming male lead. Both Tanith and Luke have some personal things to work through, but I liked seeing them support each other through things.

The book description describes Luke as being interested in Tanith for 6 months, and Tanith embracing singledom for 6 months, so I had gone into reading this book expecting there to be more history/past interactions between them than there actually was.

Aside from that, I enjoyed the book.

I received a copy of this for my honest review.

Our FMCs weekend plans of painting her house are ruined when she sprains her ankle. Not wanting to go to a doctor, her best friend calls our MMC, who is her boyfriend's brother to come examine her. Little doe she knows he has had a crush on her for the past few months. He's in town because he is supposed to be helping his brother with his house, but instead takes his shot to offer to paint for her while she recuperates. They both have a reputation of serial dating, but seem to be giving off vibes they didn't want to. As they spend more time together they learn about what's caused these relationship behaviors and what's causing them strife now. But it's never easy to date in a small town when everyone is watching you.

TW - this book contains topics of toxic parents, and inappropriate work relationships.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was such a fun read! I love books that have an academic setting so this one was right up my alley. Christine Miles is an author that is new to me and I have not read the first book in this series, but this book was great as a standalone read and I will definitely be going back and reading the first one since I enjoyed this one. Christine has a writing style that was easy to digest but gave a lot of great detail and I was able to visualize the story so easily.

I love the “intertwined” side characters and I hope that some of them will be getting their own stories in the future. The main characters (Tanith and Luke) and their banter kept me laughing throughout the entire book, sometimes truly out loud.

I would compare this book to some of Ali Hazelwood’s STEMinist novellas in plot and writing style. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes these types of books, as it stands well next to them.

Do you know what I love? A book with no third act break up! That in itself makes any book just automatically better.

There were parts of this book I wished were a little bit drawn out more. Or maybe Tanith talking to her friends more. I did enjoy that her support system was trying to help, even if she didn't seem interested.

I always love teachers getting a good ending.

Passion Under the Microscope by Christina Miles
Smart is Seriously Sexy series #2. Romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone but the couple from the first book are secondary characters in this story. STEM.
Tanith Kerrigan is a high school biology teacher. When she tries to get a photo of a two birds, in a naughty moment for some levity in her next class, she trips instead and ends up with a sprained ankle. A friend calls Dr Luke Caldwell to help and he and Tanith are finally talking. He’s been interested in Tanith for months, but she didn’t seem to reciprocate. Now he’s helping to paint her house and their time together has them opening up and sharing pieces of their lives.

“Laughter is the best medicine” is a famous line that is used in this story. I agree with this wholeheartedly. And I personally love laughter in my reading and especially in a romance. Lots of grins and smiles and laughter in this story from both the hero and heroine. Luke is a self professed “quipster” and it’s kind of adorable. There is added depth as they get to know each other and daily life intrudes but their established banter and openness remains.
Love, laughter and swooning characters. What’s not to love?
4.5

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Passion Under the Microscope is the second installment in the Smart is Seriously Sexy series. The girls of Brigid's Vista are back and this book focuses on Tanith Kerrigan story.

🔬 Science Teacher Heroine
🏈 Former Jock Hero
☀️🌧 Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
💖 Slow Burn Romance
🏘 Small Town Charm

Tanith is a high school biology teacher, who has casually dated men in the past without getting attached. But when someone makes a comment about her resembling her mother, Tanith has decided to swear off men. Which is fine, until she breaks her ankle and Dr. Luke Caldwell, carries her to get an x-ray. Yes, carry! He goes from being one of her best friends' boyfriends' brother to someone she can count on, which challenges the walls she has up. While she is dealing with a sprained ankle, the end of the semester and Luke's presence, her mother decides to show up and upend the life she created for herself in this small town.

"A beautiful, smart, alluring lover of science who always kept beer in her fridge? All of that equaled two words- dream girl. Or more specifically, dream woman."

Luke hasn't had a serious relationship in years, since his high school girlfriend broke his heart and his practice in Denver is all that he focuses on. He, also, casually dates without getting attached, but doesn't like the image his brother paints of him being a playboy. After taking Tanith to get her x-ray, he offers to paint her living room, since she will not be able to. As they start spending more and more time together, Tanith is starting to open up to him and he likes it. But Luke's life is also about to change, when his medical practices is threatened, along with everything he worked for. Can this new relationship last and become something more?

I really enjoyed reading Tanith's and Luke's story. They are the perfect reverse grumpy x sunshine pair! I enjoyed the ping pong ball game so much. It was such a fun way for them to get to know each other, without any pressure. I liked how Luke was always there for Tanith, showing her that he wasn’t like anyone from her past.

Tanith is a sassy high school biology teacher. After a series of low-stakes, casual relationships, she has sworn off men. She doesn't even bat an eye when Reece Caldwell's younger brother, Luke, shows some interest in her. Luke happens to be a sports medicine doctor and helps Tanith after a sprained ankle. But she still won't budge. Unless......

I love this series. I really enjoyed Off-the-Charts Chemistry which was the first book in the series. I couldn't wait to pick up the newest installment. I like Christine's writing style and her stories. The characters are so relatable and lovable. When book 3 comes out, I'll be first in line.

I read the first 100 pages of this book, and unfortunately, I had to DNF it... because I personally just was not interested in the romance between the main characters. I think this would be good for those who love the romance genre and just want a light-hearted read without caring about the writing style or the lack of chemistry between the characters.

Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood!

This was a cute, fun romance. I would highly recommend if you enjoy romance with STEM.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

LOVED this book, really great read. It was one of those ones where you don't want to put it down. Highly recommend for an enjoyable read.

Science teacher Tanith is sort of done with men. after a lifetime of watching her narcissistic mother go through husbands like butter .Hot doctor Luke is sort of done with life in the big city and finding his time in small town Brigid's Vista more and more alluring. When Tanith sprains her ankle trying to get a picture of the state bird getting it on with another bird, she has to interact with Luke when her friend calls him for help.
Luke has had a bit of a liking for Tanith but she wouldn't give him the time of day so this is his opportunity to make a move.
I really liked the path that these two took to their HEA. She has to deal with her demons (and one in particular -her mother) and he has a potential career killer happening back in the city. Luke's brother in BV isn't exactly welcoming him to town and he's torn. between his current life and possible future with the prickly Tanith.
I loved the interfering friends on both sides. This was a fun, enjoyable read. I'm going to go back and find the first book because I liked this one so much!

This was a fun book! It gave off Ali Hazelwood vibes, so if you like her, pick this one up! There were parts that felt a little slow for me, but other than that, I loved the characters, the banter that they shared. There is a first book to the series which I did not read, but i don't feel like I was missing any information. I do have that book added to my TBR, so maybe once I read it I will feel differently;) My only complaint about this book-Luke said "the lady" what felt like a million times. Sorry-now you know and there is no way you won't notice it! LOL! Overall a fun, cute read that I really enjoyed! Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

~ thank you, netgalley, for the e-arc ~

•

This is really a promising novel. However, this is giving me, or rather I'm reminded of my experience when I read The Love Hypothesis.

I would say the writing didn't do it for me. That's it.

Passion Under the Microscope delves into the lives of Tanith Kerrigan and Dr. Luke Caldwell, two individuals whose paths cross unexpectedly. Tanith, determined to break free from the shadows of her mother's influence, embraces singlehood. However, a chance encounter with Luke, a sports medicine doctor, throws her plans off course after she sprains her ankle during an unconventional moment. Despite her reluctance, Luke finds himself drawn to Tanith, even as he battles his own feelings and desires.

The plot of the story revolves around the gradual development of Tanith and Luke's relationship amidst personal and professional challenges. As they navigate through their respective struggles, they are forced to confront their own desires and aspirations.

Christine Miles crafts a compelling narrative with well-developed characters. Tanith is portrayed as a strong-willed individual determined to carve her own path in life, distinct from her mother's. Luke, on the other hand, is depicted as a dedicated professional struggling to balance his career aspirations with his growing feelings for Tanith.

The author's writing style is engaging, with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. Miles effectively captures the complexities of human emotions, making the characters relatable and authentic.

However, the pacing of the plot could have been improved in certain sections, as some parts felt rushed while others lingered for too long. Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts felt somewhat predictable, detracting from the overall impact of the story.

Overall, Passion Under the Microscope is a captivating read that combines romance, humor, and introspection. Despite its flaws, the book delivers an entertaining narrative with memorable characters that will resonate with readers. As Tanith and Luke navigate the complexities of love and self-discovery, they invite readers on a journey filled with heartwarming moments and unexpected twists.

Ty to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

It was a quick and fun STEM romance read. I needed a break from paranormal/fantasy and this one helped me find some balance again! I love a golden retriever bf, and I ADOREEE adore STEM romances (we need more of these!). I think the chemistry wasn’t always there for me and it was fast paced at times, but I still had a good time with this!

Love it. I enjoyed reading it. I love that the grumpy one here is Tanith, the FL. It's like it's the first time I've read something like this, where the grumpy is the female lead and the sunshine is the male lead. Overall this is a 4 star read for me.

Passion Under the Microscope is book two in the Smart is Seriously Sexy Series by Christine Miles.
I loved book one Off-the-Charts Chemistry. To say I was beyond excited for book two is an understatement!
Tanith and Luke were adorable and I felt their connection just seep off the pages!
In this exceptionally smart and charming romance… Christine Miles’s writing is crisp and funny, the characters are fully engaging, and the story is delightful.
Overall, this was such a wonderful story. I flew through the pages with a smile on my face.

Thank You NetGalley and Sealed With a Swoon Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

3.5 rounded up
Overall a sweet, quick and hilarious read with a touch of serious topics that Luke and Tanith go through. It was nice to see characters who are so sure of themselves and are mature. I have to check out the first book in the series because I feel like it'll help understand the MCs' first meeting better and I'm excited to read the 3rd book in the series