Buy: Kindle Ebook | Paperback | Audible
Review
4 stars
Part 2 of the Elements of Chemistry series, this book continues Kaitlyn and Martin’s story that began in Attraction.
The nasty cliffhanger from the last book is resolved quickly (leaving me slightly annoyed with the feeling that it had been thrown in there just to create drama), but it becomes the impetus for an important turning point for Kaitlyn and Martin, so it works. They’re both very new to the whole ‘relationship’ thing, but they’re both very open about their feelings for each other, and they are determined to find their way forward together.
Their relationship grows deeper as they spend time together, get to know each other, share their hopes and dreams, and their demons, and they start to open up to each other on a level they never have with anybody else. Their week together is described as “relationship boot camp” – yes, it moves fast but they have known each other for a year, they have both admitted to long-term crushes, and they are together all day, every day. It creates a wonderful intensity to things, and you can feel the depth of emotion between them as they fall hard for each other.
“I like you because you are Kaitlyn — genuine, beautiful, brilliant, amazing Kaitlyn—not because you’re Kaitlyn Parker. And I’m in love with you because I can’t help myself.”
And, of course, as the title suggests, there is plenty of Heat in this book, with things getting nicely steamy. Kaitlyn has a lot to learn about sex and intimacy, but she’s eager to explore and Martin is more than happy to show her, and whoa!
“This, you, here, now—hell, Kaitlyn. This is it, this is everything.”
But more than that, this book is a journey of self-discovery for Kaitlyn as she starts to really ‘feel’ and opens herself up to finding what she is most passionate about. I really liked the development of her character as, with Martin’s help, she starts to come out of her shell.
I was waking up from a deep slumber, where the only two things that mattered were being smart and being safe. I was taking the first step toward leaving that behind for something infinitely frightening, for a kaleidoscope of feelings.
But sadly, their little bubble of happiness can’t last forever, but when real life starts to intrude on their bliss, they’ll be tested in ways they never could have imagined.
Once again, the story ends on a cliffhanger. I was expecting some sort of drama and conflict at some point in the story, but I wasn’t expecting it to hurt like it did!!! But as painful as it is to read, I thought it was a realistic turn of events and I’m really looking forward to what I hope is some resolution in the next and final instalment.
Smart, funny and with a lot of heart, this is absolutely gorgeous reading. Full of sweet moments, awkward moments romantic moments, and wonderful banter.
“I’ve never done this before.”
“What? Spooned?”
“Yeah.”
I allowed this to sink in. Once it did, I grinned into the dim cabin and said with no small amount of wonder, “Kaitlyn Parker has popped Martin Sandeke’s spooning cherry.”
I felt his smile grow just before he said, “It’s only fair. I hope to pop your forking cherry.”
And even though it’s definitely heavier than the last book, it’s still highly entertaining! Kaitlyn is a delight, and I have to give a quick shout-out to the Kaitlyn/Sam dynamic. Roomates and great friends, I love the relationship that these two have, and they are so freaking funny together!
“I’d high-five you if I could move my arm.”
“How do you think I feel? You’re already an athlete, I hurt in places I didn’t know existed.”
“You’re the idiot who wanted to learn how to row. Why, Kaitlyn, why? Why would you do that? Why would you ask that sadist to teach you how to row? Why?”
I tried to shake my heat but I couldn’t. “I don’t know. Shut your whore mouth. I just want to die.”
I loved it – 4 stars.
