Attraction by Penny Reid Series: Elements of Chemistry #1
Publisher: Caped Publishing on April 6, 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Pages: 161
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
Heat:
One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.What’s the worst that could happen?
Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.
Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family's billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.
When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?
At A Glance
A light, fun, drama-filled read.
The Good
So much love, and feels, and giggles! I am really smitten with Attraction. I love nerdy romances. Sure, it’s cliché, but I thought this story was different enough to stand out. The characters were so endearing. Well, Kaitlyn was especially endearing. I want her as a best friend. I think I have a girl crush, actually.
Kaitlyn and Martin are chemistry lab partners in college. She is 100% nerd in every way, while Martin is hot and popular. No way he notices frumpy Kaitlyn. Oh, but he does. When a nefarious plan to ruin Martin is revealed, Kaitlyn plays knight and shinning armor. From there, things take off. Martin convinces Kaitlyn to spend the week at a beach house with him for spring break. And boy do they discover some chemistry outside of the classroom.
Kaitlyn is awesome in every way. She had me cracking up with her nerdy speek and hilarious antics. It becomes obvious why Martin is so enamored by her. Who wouldn’t be? Martin may be a smooth talker (only to her, he’s an a-hole to everyone else) and has a face that would make the angels weep, but he can’t seem to convince Kaitlyn that they are perfect for each other. Kaitlyn is the most genuine, dorky, relatable character I have ever met. Reid did an amazing job with making Kaitlyn the perfect heroine that anybody could fall for.
Martin adds a nice dose of sexy and alpha-ness to the whole story. He brings Kaitlyn out of her shell while she just makes him more likable.
I loved reading about these characters. Even Kaitlyn’s best friend was a hoot. Even though that cliffhanger was annoying as hell, this story really had me in a good mood days later.
The Bad
Martin’s attraction and immediate flirtation with Kaitlyn threw me off because there was no context behind it. No build up or reasoning. It just was, and I don’t like that in stories. I like things to make sense.
Lot’s of drama, people. And very angsty. I gobbled it right up, but some may not.
The Snuggly
The sex was hot and slow building but pretty basic. Nothing to write home about but still enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Reid knows how to write a damn fine character. I am obsessed!! I am reading the next book right now! Attraction is a must read book in my opinion.
Quotes
“Don’t interrupt me. It’s distracting enough looking at you. You’ve already derailed my brain train with your face several times.”
“Martin wasn’t smiling, but his eyes were warm and interested. “Do you always talk like that?”
“Like what? Like awesome?”
“Yeah, like awesome.”
“Me want Martin flavored cookie! Me want cookie now!!”
“Let me explain what happened. I’ll try to keep it as emotion free as possible for the sake of all the people who can’t deal with the ups and the downs, and the drama and the angst. This is because I’m one of those people. I can’t deal with the drama. Admittedly, this is likely because I was raised in a drama-free household. I once tried being dramatic when I was fourteen. My mother told me to add it to the calendar.”
“So, just to be clear, it was good. It was all very good . I liked what happened… earlier. My pants liked it too. But, as much as my pants want to get this party started, I’m very new to all of this.” I emphasized all of this by waving my hands over my pelvis then waving them in the direction of his entire body.”
“Is a chameleon a coward because it can change its color? No. It’s evolved and awesome. I like to think of myself in a similar fashion. There is nothing wrong with having a strong sense of self-preservation.”
Melliane
that’s great! I should try this author!
Melissa
Yeah-angsty can go both way…glad this worked for you.
Lily B
This looks cute, but I was confused for a second there XD I thought this was a YA.. when I read popular boy all I can think of was…wait..what… there’s a popular boy in college? I guess I’ve never heard or experience that myself
But, but, the book looks adorable and I kind of want to read it
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
When I first starting reading this I thought it was YA and set it high school. lol. It did that that feel.
Nathan
This sounds like a good book, though with a fair bit of angst.
kindlemom1
Glad you liked this so much! I think I remember buying the first one but I can’t remember if I did or just thought about it LOL!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
LOL, well it was free. Check it out!
Anna
Love the quotes. I’m in. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Yay! Enjoy.
Bookworm Brandee
Woot! So glad to hear you had a good time with this one, Jennifer. I grabbed it awhile back but haven’t read it yet. I love strong characters so you have me excited. 🙂
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I hope you get a chance to read it. It’s worth it.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Okay, I have to meet your girl crush. 😀 And yay, it’s free!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
LOL, I think you will love her too.
Olivia Roach
It’s always great when you discover a series you love and can just binge read all the way through. I have to agree, I find nerdy romances to be adorable as well. I don’t mind drama either, so I would be happy to try this trilogy. I am going to add it to my list!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
nerdy reads are the best!