You did it! We figured this one out! It is a truth universally acknowledged (by me for certain) that the Bitchery pretty much knows everything, and really, it's true. Scroll down to see the solution for this HaBO - and many thanks!
This HaBO is from PamG, who wants to find this romance:
I read this book some time in the last decade and I don’t think it was older than that. I remember no names associated with it; it’s as though I was mind-wiped by aliens, but I’d really like to read it again.
The male protagonist is a genius professor/researcher known for his unpleasant attitude, antisocial tendencies, and his brilliant research. His boss/department head wants him to pursue an award/honor for his research that will benefit the college, but the prof is all, oh noes! I can’t do the peopling. So the administration guy inveigles his own ex-wife (maybe) into offering her services to the awkward professor to give him training in how to people. Needless to say, prof. guy is scornful.
I recall some angsty undercurrents and possibly some odd pets get involved as well, but damned if I can remember much more. I’m thinking it may have had a Penny Reid vibe, but I don’t think it’s her. It’s definitely not New Adult. Also think it’s one of the earlier offerings in the STEM/socially awkward/possibly neurodivergent subgenre that’s become so popular. I figure that maybe half of what I recall will be relevant if I’m lucky, but the Bitchery rules.
We could have an early trendsetter on our hands!
Heart Smart
by
Emma Lee Jayne
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I think you may have read Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne. He’s a misanthropic microbiologist up for a fellowship that requires public speaking, and she is a communications expert who is enlisted by his boss (her ex-husband) to help him. It’s published by Reid’s Smartypants Romance and is part of her extended book universe.
Could this be The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion?
Is it kinky at all? It reminds me a little of one that *I* would like to find (but am too lazy to search the old e-reader), where the guy has some dommy vibes.
I also vote for Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne. It is what came to mind as I read the description.
Liza S. – I don’t think this fits the OP’s request, but it may fit yours. The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden was written several years ago. In it the female lead is a neighbor of a social awkward scientist who can’t people. He needs someone to help him navigate social situations. He is proficient as a Dom though, and they develop a D/s relationship. She may be a scientist as well or lives in an area with lots of scientists because I think it’s part of a series with other STEM field professionals. So if this isn’t it, it may another book by the same author.
@Liza S: I think the Dom vibes book your thinking of is The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden. It’s the first in a series of books about nerdy and neurodivergent people who are also into kink. Some of the details match the HABO, but I’m not sure if it’s the exact same book.
Summary follows:
Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it’s hard to connect with a man who doesn’t seem to know she exists…
Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it’s not for a datehe wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn’t expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of “lessons.”
Cami soon discovers Ivan’s schedule isn’t the only thing he likes to be strict abouthe needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She’s shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation…
It is indeed Heart Smart by Emma Lee Jayne. I like the STEM Main character w/peopling issues; it’s kinda my jam, but IIRC, the attraction for this one is that it is populated by adults, especially the FMC and it scored low on the angst-0-meter. So, a good comfort read for me. Thank you for helping to track it down, Bitches.
This looks really good. Plus the h is well over 21 and there does not seem to be a huge age gap. Glad the Bitchery solved this and thanks for another read.