What do a nerd, a jock, and a slacker have in common? Each other.
When Auggie’s controlling father threatens to cut short his studies, it’s time to put his life in order. Add one cute nerd and one dedicated swimmer, and he has a new lesson to learn—how to love.
Emory is all kinds of confused. He really, really likes Auggie but is also in love with his best friend, Casey. Then Auggie comes up with a plan to see if Emory and Casey share any chemistry, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Casey lives for swimming and snuggling his best friend, Emory. Except Emory is in love with him, Auggie’s confusing him, and suddenly he has to confront his feelings and his sexuality.
Three men and one conundrum. How can they all get the guy?
Lessons in Chemistry is a slow-burn MMM college/university romance between an inexperienced nerd, an asexual jock, and the slacker who’s been around. There’s a fake date, first times, three guys finding their way in love and life, and a whole lot of snuggling.
I'm an indie author from the UK, who writes contemporary and paranormal M/M romance. My books have flawed characters, happy endings, and lots of heart.
this is a cute story. i’m not sure it can be believable, as everything happened really fast. the pacing was the main problem, the beginning and the end were definitely too rushed and could’ve used some more time, while the middle was quite boring and uneventful.
overall i enjoyed it so i have to give this 3 stars, however i expect something completely different and this left me somewhat disappointed. so let’s say the rating it’s somewhere between 2.5 and 3.
What do a nerd, jock, and a slacker have in common? Each other! This slow burn MMM romance was super sweet and gave me the warm fuzzies on the inside. I adored the characters, especially Emory and his constant blushes. They were all wonderful, but together, they were perfect... complete. I enjoyed how they navigated the ins and outs of making their triad relationship work for all of them and getting their HEA. It wasn't a steamy read as typical Colette Davison fashion, but I loved it just the same. It's definitely worth reading if you're up for sweet, slow burn romance with lots of cuddles.
Emory has never been with anyone before; never been kissed, dated, nothing. His journey is about first times, experimentation, and first loves. He gets embarrassed easily, and has definitely cornered the market on adorable blushes. Being in love with his best friend Casey is hard when he believes Casey is straight. To confuse things more, he has feelings for his new friend Auggie…but he’s confused because he can’t have feelings for both of them, can he?
Casey has never been with anyone before either, but his reason is not at all the same as Emory’s. Casey is the asexual jock, though he’s never realized before what his sexuality was, or why he’s never had any sexual feelings for anyone. Not that he was ever bothered by this; he just went about his life, happy to have his best friend Emory at his side willing to cuddle him at the end of the day. Casey overthinks things once Auggie enters the picture, particularly once he starts to feel happy butterflies not just when Emory makes him happy, but with Auggie as well.
And then there’s Auggie, our once-and-done player who’s just out for a good time with no interest in anything serious. He’s a party guy, not interested in his classes—though there’s a reason behind that—but the more time he spends with Emory and later with Casey, the more his attitude changes as he realizes what he really wants.
All three are young—right about nineteen/twenty—and that shows in their interactions and how they speak. Emory in particular comes across as very naive, a wide-eyed innocent. Each has their own journey to follow, aided by the others, so there is a good deal of self-discovery going on with all three of them. There is plenty of character growth for all three, and even Auggie’s overbearing father (with his unrealistic expectations) gets in on the act. The majority of the book is Emory, Casey, and Auggie finding themselves and how they fit together, with a touch of family drama that I knew was coming, but felt very satisfied with when it happened.
Overall, Lessons in Chemistry was a 4-star read for me. This is the first college-age romance I’ve read in a while that has the characters at an earlier portion of their studies; I usually stick to books with older characters who’ve had time to gain life experience and not sound so young. But the interactions between these three were well written and concentrated on character growth, which I do appreciate and that made this an enjoyable read for me. If you’re a fan of M/M/M, enjoying new adult romance, or representation of asexual characters, this story will tick a lot of boxes for you and you’ll want to add this one to your collection.
Rating: 4.5 Steam: 2 PoV: multiple, 1st person MMM | friends to lovers | opposites attract | ace rep
Oh my, these guys were just so utterly adorable, and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading! This story left me feeling all fuzzy and happy, and I loved it!
Lessons in Chemistry was a very thoughtful and well written story with a lot of self-discovery and relationship development. It was a slow burn romance with low steam, instead mainly offering a ton of cuddles and romantic moments. There were a few sex scenes, but while the relationship was MMM, only two of the characters were sexually involved with each other.
The slow pace made perfect sense for this triad and I really enjoyed getting to know them, they kept me totally engaged and I loved to see their relationship slowly fall into place. The characters had a lot of depth and layers to them, even if Emory stubbornly wanted to make them into stereotypes, and their PoVs were easily distinguished.
I loved the way Casey’s asexuality was portrayed, and it was interesting to follow his thoughts and process from his PoV. He had so much support from Emory and Auggie, and they were just so wonderfully sweet together. I completely adored these men and how they kept communicating, being totally open and honest with each other. There was no pressure or pushing of boundaries, just a ton of love and respect between them.
Lessons in Chemistry is a story that I’ll treasure, and return to, and it’s the perfect read for when you want a tooth-achingly sweet and romantic slow burn romance!
This book made me feel so seen. I really enjoyed the self discovery and the constant conversations needed when deciding to enter into any time of ployam relationship. I loved this. I have never gotten the chance to read a book with an ace character and this was done so beautifully and with so much care. I appreciated the constant reminder that identity and expression are different for everyone. Now every ace person has the same experiences, or feelings about sex, relationships, and romance. All three of these characters just made me so happy but I really connected to Casey. Absolutely amazing, 10/10 would recommend.
Aww, this was such an adorable mmm story and very different to what this author normally writes but it's written in her true style of storytelling and her detailing is still on point, which is one of the things I really enjoy by this author's work. In this story we meet three very different people but somehow they are perfect for each other. Auggie is studying something he really hates but his dad wants him to take over his pharmaceutical company and he doesn't see that auggie really doesn't want to do that and sees him as a slacker. On his course he meets innocent nerd Emery who ends up tutoring him and they are clearly attracted to each other, however Emery has been in love with his straight best friend Caleb for years. Auggie suggests they go on a date to get a reaction from Caleb and it works but Caleb is asexual and needs to work through that. They end up being in a triad relationship and once they agree on how it would suit the best for them, it works well and it gets the best out of them and they help Auggie finally stand up to his dad. I thought it was such a sweet story.
This is a slow-burn, polyamorous, new adult romance with three young men on a path to adulthood finding love when they didn’t anticipate. There isn’t a tense love triangle here, just a lot of introspections and self-inquiry that leads to loving relationships for all three of these men. They support one another, and challenge one another to be better people–well, except Emory, who’s pretty awesome on his own. He just wants a truly loving partner and ends up with two of them. I was really interested and invested from the beginning, anticipating a lot of extra drama and shenanigans. As it turns out, I got far less silliness and far more heart than I expected from the blurb.
Like most Colette Davison books, Lessons in Chemistry is toothachingly sweet. Unlike most of this author's books (that I've read), it is low on heat and a slow burn. Yet, I liked that. It made perfect sense for the triad and who each of the characters were and wanted in their lives. Low drama, too, another win, though it was slightly too long for me, hence the .5 off. What I loved most was the extended epilogue. I loved seeing them so far down the line.
Loved it. Simple as that. No, this is not your typical threesome. No, it's not steamy as hell. No, there aren't lots of smexy scenes. Yes, there are three guys who self discover themselves. Yes, there are a lot of snuggles and closed-mouth kisses. Yes, they are perfect for each other, understanding and have a very good communication. I loved how the author represented asexuality and polyamory, what she portrayed can be easily related. It is super sweet, and if the more, the merrier and slow burn are your jam, I definitely recommended this book! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.
This beautiful story of three men finding love with each other is a slow burn, lower heat, low angst, new adult, university MMM novel, with ACE and Polyamorous representation. It’s sappy and sweet, with a little heat and a lot of heart. It’s about becoming an adult and self-discovery and learning your own boundaries and how you show love. The way they all worked to keep each other comfortable and happy, communicated and took care of each other, was especially heartwarming. The trio had silly and sweet private jokes, just like real couples do, with small fights and hurts to address. It’s different than any other book I’ve read by this author and the risk of writing something new really paid off.
I was warned a few times before I was offered an advanced copy of this book that this was not the typical “MMM” story like most of those I’d read previously in the genre. Since I am all about unexpected stories, especially those that push at genre tropes, I still jumped at the chance to read this one. This story, which features an evolving polyamorous relationship and an asexual character, felt like a much more realistic representation of a nontraditional romance. Some readers won’t love it, and that’s okay—this sweet and well-written book will have no trouble finding its fans.
I don’t normally love the overblown theatrics of romance arcs featuring college students, but I have faith in Davison’s writing, and here she strikes an excellent balance of characters finding their true selves without unnecessary angst. Emory, Auggie, and Casey are all exceedingly cute, which is perfectly on-brand for Davison, and it’s easy to see from the beginning how they’ll fall into place together. The interesting part is always the journey of getting there. Emory’s initial dynamics with both other men are genre classics: virgin nerd + experienced slacker and pining for the “straight” jock best friend. Having both story arcs at the same time, while throwing in a developing genuine friendship between the slacker and the jock, is such a fun twist. Along the way, the story features a good examination of the differences and intersections between sexual and romantic attraction without ever subjecting the reader to the idea that there’s only one real way to experience either. I loved how these characters muddled through while figuring it out, especially while always giving consideration to developing identities and emotions without being overwrought about either.
The interwoven relationship arcs make for a delicious slow burn that is entirely appropriate to the character development. Auggie’s switch from casual player to his intentional pursuit of Emory felt a bit abrupt at first, but it was easy to roll with it once he made his dedication clear. At the same time, Auggie faced the most dramatic external conflict issues, which I felt were resolved well and with the same level of emotion and care as the rest of the story. These characters are so young that a formal “happily ever after” feels like a stretch, but I enjoyed them so much as a whole that I can’t help but hope they make it. Davison includes an epilogue with an extended glimpse into the future that does feel relatively realistic for anyone who does meet their person (or in this case, people) while still in college.
The concept of compersion (experiencing happiness as your partner finds joy/pleasure in another person) is never explicitly discussed in this text. Though this novel might be nontraditional in various ways to other poly stories in the MM romance genre, the compersion that fairly drips from each of these men makes it a joy to read. I hope interested readers give it a chance both because and despite the fact that it bucks the trends.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Auggie, Emory, and Casey's story was such an adorable read! I loved watching the three of them come together, discover new things about themselves, and make a poly relationship work, and their connection was so sweet and wholesome the entire time.
Emory and Casey had been best friends for years prior to college, but the circumstances were never right for them to consider something more. It wasn't until Emory and Auggie crossed paths after a science lecture that emotions started to stir up, and thus began the journey of self-discovery and romance that developed naturally over the rest of the book. Emory was such an adorable little nerd, completely head over heels in love with Casey but much too shy to ever risk saying anything out loud. It took Auggie's bold honesty for him to even consider trying to find out if Casey had any feelings for him, and the truth wasn't nearly as straightforward as he'd assumed.
Out of all the characters in this story, Casey had the most to figure out about himself and what he was looking for in a romantic relationship. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness Colette Davison put into Casey's journey, and as someone on the ace spectrum myself, I related to a lot of what Casey was going through. It felt especially wonderful to see Casey find a deep, fulfilling partnership with Auggie and Emory without sex, and not once did I ever feel like he was left out or excluded from emotionally intimate moments.
Auggie was a bit of a wildcard when this story started, but as I learned more about him and the pressure his parents were putting on him to get a degree he didn't want for a future career he had no interest in, he too won me over. Auggie had a lot of confidence when it came to pleasing a partner, but very little when it came to love or being in an actual relationship. I really enjoyed watching him become the most authentic version of himself, without the shield of wild parties or hookups to mask his loneliness.
All three of these men had insecurities when it came to being in a relationship, and that made it even more satisfying to see them overcome them and grow together as partners. The sweetness of their love was incredible, and I could never get enough of their kisses and cuddle sessions at home. As the three of them grew their connection romantically, I also stayed invested in their college experience and thoughts about what their future would look like. I got to watch them meet each other's families, confront the unrealistic expectations Auggie's family put on him, and settle into a happily ever after that felt perfect for who Auggie, Casey, and Emory were as individuals and partners. I can't say enough good things about how this story made me feel, and every element of it really worked for me!
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Check out our full post for LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆ I enjoyed this story, it is sweet, sexy, and low angst – and takes us right through to the point that we feel reassured, happy, and certain of the romance, which I appreciated.
What I did find surprising – having a son who went to uni and having met some of his friends – is that these guys are all incredibly mature and measured for their age. Of Emory and Casey, I could almost believe it, as it fitted their personality, but Auggie does a 180 degree turn in a matter of seconds. I was happy to go with it, as I was genuinely engaged in their lives, it just was a little unexpected.
There are a lot of fun moments in this book, often due to the ease it is to make Emory blush. Overall though, it is a very kind, caring read, which deals with some complex issues in a positive, empowering way. The mixture of uni life, supporting an athlete at swim meets, and dealing with a negligent father all combine to give insight and probably comfort to a reader in any of those situations.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I don’t think I’ve ever done this before but I have to start out by saying that the epilogue for this book is probably the best one I can remember ever reading.
The story is told from all three MCs POV with alternating chapters, one for each of them.
These three guys, Auggie, Emory and Casey, go through a lot to get to their HEA but not in a real angsty way like some stories. Rather they have to go through the growing pains of forming their poly relationship and Casey has to come to terms with his asexuality and how he might be able to fit in a relationship with Auggie and Emory.
If you’re looking for a lot of heat and super-sexy time this might not be the book for you. There are several BJ scenes and lots and lots of kissing. But the real meat of this story, in my opinion, is the support that these guys give to each other. Casey and Emory have known each other for years so Auggie has to come to terms with the fact that he won’t ever have those shared experiences with them.
Emory is so good at tutoring Auggie to help him get his grades up to a level where he can graduate. He also helps Casey stay on point with his studies. Casey’s swimming obligations take up so much of his time that it’s hard to stay on track and that’s where Emory provides invaluable support.
Auggie loves to cook so he helps feed his men. He’s a bit astounded at how much Casey can consume; swimming at the level he’s at uses up lots of calories.
About the epilogue: it is lengthy and each one in the triad gets to “talk.” I hesitate to say anything more because I found it to be a wonderful surprise how Colette handled it. Just a wonderful story overall and I loved it.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
A wonderful story about three guys, studying at the university. We’ve got a nerd, a jock, and a slacker!
Casey and Emory are best friends, they rent a room together. Emory loves Casey, as in love, sadly Casey is straight, but luckily they are awesome cuddlers.
Auggie studies a direction that’s not his first choice, it’s his father’s. Auggie loves to party, he doesn’t do repeats, only one-night stands. When the nerd Emory helps him with his study to upgrade his points, he wants to help him with his feelings for Casey.
Along this way, Emory can’t deny he has also feelings for Auggie. Casey isn’t the straight guy Emory thinks he is. With help from Auggie and later on Emory, he discovers where he stands with his feelings and sexuality.
Prepare yourself for a journey with a lot of conversations, mountains of feelings, and tons of sweetness. There are some struggles, but together they were so strong.
The further the story came the better it became. It took me some time to get into the story, but I know the author is an excellent writer, and I had faith it would be great. The story was solidly built, thoroughly developed, and comfortably paced, the representation of asexuality was wonderfully done. The way the author made these three guys find their way with all their feelings was absolutely stunningly written!
4,75⭐️ Coup de cœur ! Ce livre, c’est un vrai cocon de douceur et d’amour 💕 « Sappy », comme le diraient Auggie, Em et Casey. Tellement adorable et doux que ça en deviendrait facilement une lecture doudou 💗
Le point principal et peut être qui pourrait passer pour peu réaliste (mais laissez moi croire que ça peut être aussi comme ça dans la réalité ) c’est la communication entre les personnages. Pratiquement dès le début. Ils se parlent, s’ouvrent les uns aux autres sur ce qu’ils ressentent, ce qu’ils ne savent pas encore exprimer, ce qui leur fait peur. C’est adorable. 💖
La façon dont tous les trois parviennent à créer leur propre relation, en dehors des préjugés (ceux des films qu’adore tant Em), en prenant en compte ce que chacun d’eux attend d’un couple (ou trouple dans leur cas), est juste parfaite 🥹
Étant asexuelle, je me suis vite identifiée à Casey, ses doutes, ses incertitudes sur lui même et sa relation avec Em et Auggie. Et la façon dont ses deux petits amis sont prêts à l’accepter tel qu’il est, sans chercher à dépasser ses limites, en lui donnant juste ce dont il a besoin, j’ai juste fondu 🥰
Les scènes de smut sont très éparses, aussi douces que le reste de l’histoire, puisque leur relation repose avant tout sur ce qu’ils ressent les uns pour les autres. Ils sont toujours présents dès que l’un d’entre eux se sent triste, pas à la hauteur. Ils se soutiennent entre eux, s’aimant entièrement no matter what.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I enjoyed this story, it is sweet, sexy and low angst - and takes right through to the point that we feel reassured, happy and certain of the romance, which I appreciated.
What I did find surprising - having a son who went to uni and having met some of his friends - is that these guys are all incredibly mature and measured for their age. Of Emory and Casey I could almost believe it, as it fitted their personality, but Auggie does a 180 degree turn in a matter of seconds. I was happy to go with it, as I was genuinely engaged in their lives, it just was a little unexpected.
There are a lot of fun moments in this book, often due to the ease it is to make Emory blush. Overall though it is a very kind, caring read, which deals with some complex issues in a positive, empowering way. The mixture of uni life, supporting an athlete at swim meets and dealing with a negligent father all combine to give insight and probably comfort to a reader in any of those situations.
Oh my goodness, this was so freaking sweet. I was a little unsure if I'd like this one as it isn't steamy or kinky. I was really surprised how much I loved this from the first couple of chapters. These three boys, honestly you can't not fall in love with them. While all three are different they work so well together. Emory is the cutest, he has been in love with Casey for a very long time. He is so innocent and doesn't believe Casey likes him that way. While he knows he is gay Em hasn't been with anyone yet, hasn't had his first kiss. After meeting the amazing Auggie, their lives change in the best way. They all have things to work through but they work as a team and support each other. While this is a slow burn (and i mean slow) the relationship does move fairly quickly but it is bookland and not the real world. While there are sexy times with Emory and Auggie it is still really sweet and Casey isnt just left on the sidelines. You can really feel the love they all have for one another. When I finished this i felt so warm and fuzzy inside. While it isnt the normal kind of book id read by Colettle i loved every second, she worked her magic as always and now i have more book boyfriends.
This started off strong for me with three college students trying to work their way through school and life. Auggie is a classic rich-boy slacker, missing classes, nearly failing his courses for a degree he does not want. He meets nerdy Emory, who is also taking the same classes, and talks him into being his tutor. Emory lives with his best friend, Casey, a competitive swimmer. Emory has been in love with Casey for years but Casey is straight, or is he? Really liked all of the MCs but particularly Auggie. He has that love 'em and leave'em thing going on and flirts shamelessly with Emory. Until he catches some feelings. So the action moves along nicely but then, in my opinion, gets sort of slogged down by the sappiness. The "I love yous" come out fairly soon and the guys engage in endless conversations about being in a triad - is it working? Is it too soon to check in on our relationship? On and on. Add to that the sturm and drang about Casey and whether he is ace, aro, demi, etc. Also, and this is my pet peeve, there are way too many fade to black scenes for a book about a poly relationship. Yes, I get Casey's issues but need more jizz!! The inner musings and constant talking slowed down the pacing and affected my overall enjoyment of the book.
Slacker Auggie has a controlling father and he threatens to cut short his studies and reduce his allowance and so he knows it is time to put his life into order. So he gets help from a cute nerd called Emory. Emory is confused - he likes Auggie a lot but he is also in love with his best friend who is a Jock Casey. Then Auggie comes up with a plan to see if Emory and Caset have any chemistry when everything then changes. Casey lives swimming and snuggling with his best friend Emory. Except Emory is in love with him, Auggie is confusing him and so Casey has to confront his feelings and his sexuality. Three men and one conundrum. How can they all get the guy?
I enjoyed this story with the inexperienced nerd, the asexual jock and the slacker who previously slept around. I loved that Auggie did lots of research and found information to help everyone. They moved slowly and I feel that was right for them but I loved the way that they communicated, were mindful of everyone's feelings and stuck up for everyone when the chips were down. This was easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MMM story with some mature content and a lot of love and cuddling.
This was an MMM friends-to-lovers, and opposites attract romance. This story was cute and sweet, and I smiled while reading. This story dealt with the theme of self-discovery, and the development of the relationship was well written. While the story is MMM, one aspect of the relationship is solely romantic, while two of the MCs are sexually involved with each other. This slow burn made sense for this throuple because it took all three MCs time to adjust to their relationship. I enjoyed getting to know Auggie, Emory, and Casey, and the choice of multiple POVs in the first person made sense for this story.
All the characters had layers to explore past the stereotypes Emory loved to use to refer to each of them. Emory's love of American teen movies had him frequently comparing all of them to the stereotypes of nerd, jock, and cool guy.
I liked the way that Casey's asexuality is portrayed because following his thoughts was really engaging and helped me understand his character. Emory and Auggie supported Casey, which was amazing to read. They had open and honest conversations, no pressure, and no one's boundaries were violated, which was sweet.
I received a free copy of this book via GBP and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely adored Auggie, Emory, and Casey! Colette did an amazing job of weaving these three together and showing us the intimacy that can be found outside of just the spiciness of the bedroom. Emory and Casey have been friends for a very long time. Emory's been harboring a crush on Casey for years, though Casey doesn't seem to notice. Auggie and Emory are in the same program at school, and while at first Emory helps tutor Auggie, they put a plan in action to test Casey's feelings. Not only do Auggie and Emory start to get close, but I loved Casey's exploration on his personal needs and how his feelings both change and expand for not just Em but also Auggie. While there's very little heat, I didn't feel that this story lacked for anything. Sometimes, it's really nice to see people expressing love and affection in ways that may be not as noticeable to someone outside the relationship. Casey and Auggie searching for birthday presents for Emory was a great example of this. I hope that the lack of spice doesn't keep anyone away from experiencing this super heartfelt read!
Lessons in Chemistry is a prime example of why Colette Davison is a one click author for me - each book really explores something a little different. This is a slow burn MMM exploring the evolving relationship between a jock, a nerd, and a slacker (Emory loves his American high school movies). Does follow some traditional stereotypes - virgin nerd, playboy slacker, but where we go off the traditional roles and into something different is our asexual jock. Told from all three points of view, we really get to explore what the relationship(s) mean to each of the characters and how they figure out more about who they are. The relationship between Auggie and his parents is quite strained throughout the book and that does wrap up into a maybe slightly unrealistic bow but it really does feel good and I wanted that for him anyway so I can live with that. While this is labeled slow burn, it really doesn’t feel slow as you read because it just feels right for each of the characters. High marks for going outside traditional roles.
This story felt a bit different than recent stories from this author. It had a bit of a YA feel, because of the age of the MCs, but on the other hand, it dealt with much more complicated topics. This story was an intensive period of self-discovery by three very different young men, discovering not only their sexualities, but also their commitment to romance and relationships. While I felt the discussions were well beyond their age (at least, what I was like at that age), they give the reader such a broad, foundational understanding of different relationships, sexualities, and romance that it’s worth reading for them alone. In the true style of this author, though, you will love the three guys, in all of their awkward, sexy, romantic, and earnest maneuvering through figuring out how to live life in the way that will make them the most happy and satisfied.
The extended epilogues were also special, seeing where these guys ended up after so much time finding the way they fit.
Lessons in Chemistry is a beautifully written sweet, low angst, slow burn, uni students story about Emory, Casey, and Auggie, with lots of cuddles. This is a book I didn't know I needed. Thank you Colette for writing it. I can relate to Emory, Casey, and Auggie so much; being bullied, being ace, having a difficult relationship with a parent, and loving cuddles. I loved watching Emory and Casey discover they had more than friendly feelings towards each other. And I loved how Auggie fit so perfectly with both of them but in different ways. The three of them coming together really did make their lives better. I really enjoyed the end when we got to see a small glimpse into their future. I also enjoyed the club cameo. Fabulous, nice to see the guys again. If you enjoy sweet poly relationship stories you don't want to miss this book. Definitely recommend! I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Adorable. Absolutely one hundred percent adorable. My favorite part was seeing Auggie grow and blossom into himself. It didn’t take him long to transform from the lonely, unappreciated young man who uses parties as an escape, to a loving, balanced, understanding partner. Emory was a dream. Wonderfully nerdy, responsible and also so accommodating and open to what could be. Casey was harder to warm up to, but once we see more inside him, he becomes absolutely lovable. He cares for his partners and he’s fiercely protective of them. One of my favorite parts was Auggie’s dad’s coming to Jesus moment. He was so clueless to how much he was hurting his son, and I loved that Auggie’s boyfriends helped him see the light. The ending was a masterpiece, I so enjoyed seeing how their lives went. Such a good story.
Colette has done a fantastic job with this one (of course!). I don’t know anyone who identifies as on the ace spectrum, but it would seem that she’s done a great job of portraying it in Casey. We get to know him a little less than the others, but that’s okay. We see him through the lens of the eyes of the others. They’re a bit young for such a complex relationship. Having said that, they’ve nailed the concept of communication being key. They support each other in all things. Each is a solid piece of the triad. I love seeing them in the epilogs, seeing how they’ve grown together in their relationship. The fact that Auggie’s parents came around is amazing! It’s another wonderful book, Colette, thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not Another MMM story – there’s something more A poly relationship can take a bit of time to work out the kinks when it’s treated with the care and finesse Colette does with her stories and, when there’s something a little different, then it takes a little more time for all the partners to work out how to make things work. While slow burn and even ace are not usually my jam, I was confident that Colette would be able to deliver which she did. I went into Lessons in Chemistry knowing there wouldn’t be the smutty insta-love I prefer but rather relationship building of a different sort. I rooted for all three men to find what they needed with each other and applaud Emory and Augy making it work and understanding Casey’s needs being different. ***ARC review***
Lessons in chemistry is a coming of age story, a journey of self discovery. We follow Emory, Casey and Auggie as they try to figure out themselves, fall in love and grow. It was an absolutely wonderful story. Very sweet, a bit sappy at times and totally heart warming. I loved how well our three main characters communicated and took care of each other. Their story as a triad and as individuals was powerful. They were all lovable and relatable and I enjoyed reading their story very much! The ace representation and poly representation in the book was amazing! If you're in the mood for a low angst, new adult romance I would recommend "Lessons in chemistry".
Oh, my heart! It's so happy to have known these three men and the journey that they go on together. I'm all in when I found out it was MMM, opposites attract, friends to lovers with a mild slow burn, and asexuality representation for the win. Emory and Casey have been best friends for years and are now living together whilst in their second year of university. Emory is very much the nerd, enjoying his pharmacology course and the studying entailed whilst Casey lives for swimming, which he competes in whilst doing sports and exercise sciences. Auggie is, instead, partying hard and doing his best to ignore his father's demands of graduating and taking over the company, something he's never wanted. The final ultimatum makes Auggie attend a rare class which is where he runs into Emory and it becomes a life changing moment for them all. Each young man has something weighing them down at some point during this story that takes an emotional toll but ends up with one or both of the other two there as support and to give perfect snuggles to help feel better. Emory has been in love with Casey for ages but he can't ignore his attraction to Auggie. Auggie has only ever been a one night stand man but there's no denying the change that Emory, and then Casey, brings on his wants and needs, especially as their relationship develops. Casey isn't actually sure what he wants but I really loved the freedom and support he was given to discover for himself. Throughout this book are tender moments of both internal reflection and sharing some of the sweetest moments either as a duo or a triad. I enjoyed the slow progress that it takes to get all of the men to where they are open and thinking about this and then fully engaging in communication with each other every step of the way. No one is made to feel shame or on the outside for any aspect of themselves. Colette has given readers a pretty perfect poly relationship that has its small bumps, to ensure everyone is aware, but happiness shines throughout once the guys have figured out who they want to be with each other. The heat level is enough to ensure that it's a little hot under the collet, but comfortable enough when Casey is present that he's never made to feel awkward or on the outside. As an Ace person, Casey's journey really spoke to me as a person who came to this realisation and definition later than I think most expect you to have your label known. He's given some wonderful words about everyone taking their own journey at their own pace and I think that's something that should be taught in schools to ensure no one feels bad about being unsure of themselves. Thank you to Colette, and her sensitivity readers for such a wonderful character and storyline. I cannot recommend this story enough for fans of committed triad relationships, with a slower pace being taken and enjoyed by all involved. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.