The Placebo Love Effect

Residence in Romance: Book 2 of 2

by Kathryn Riya

MILEY

My life is hectic, juggling a demanding anesthesia residency, helping at my parents’ bubble tea shop, and fulfilling maid of honor duties at my sister’s upcoming wedding keep me endlessly busy. Amidst the whirlwind that is my life, I’ve been looking forward to the annual Planned Parenthood gala. It’s a chance to dress up and let loose with my best friend Dylan while supporting a worthy cause. But when Dylan isn’t able to attend, leaving me with an extra ticket, I’m left dateless. Her suggestion? Take a guy I barely know as her replacement. One I swear I could never be more than friends with… or so I thought.

ROHIT

Balancing two full time jobs as an ICU nurse and kids’ tennis coach doesn’t leave a lot of time for romance. Good thing I’m not looking. But when a one-time-only gala date snowballs into a fake relationship, I’m thrown by how nice it feels. Maybe too nice. As the lines blur between friendship and wanting to be more, taking a leap away from the pretend proves to be more challenging than I ever imagined.

Publication Date: September 12, 2024

Kathryn Wang and Riya Kiran are physicians, wives, and mothers (in chronological order, not order of importance) who met in hematology and oncology fellowship on Long Island, NY. Their bond forged during the rigors of training has stayed strong well into attending life. They also share a love for contemporary romance and want to share their stories of romance, medicine, and residency life.