The Proximity Factor

by Jennifer Peel

So . . . I signed up for something. Not a gym or Costco membership, which probably would have been wiser. Oh no, I signed up for a social experiment. You heard me right. I, Lanie Davenport, am going to be the subject of a scientific study. Do I know what this study is for? Not exactly. But I know it means I have to live with a stranger for twelve weeks and do a video diary once a week, answering the researchers’ questions. The bright side is that I’m getting paid, like a lot of money. The downside is that my roommate isn’t a woman like I supposed. I thought I would get a new BFF, but in her place is one Parker Remington. Mr. broody-leave-the-toilet-seat-up-don’t-talk-to-me-or-organize-my-Pop-Tarts-in-the-pantry. You get the picture.

But this I can’t have. I don’t know what this experiment is about, but I’m going to save it and make a difference in the world. And whether Parker likes it or not, he’s going to help me. Well, maybe. He’s a tough nut to crack, and I should probably leave well enough alone. But there’s just something about my gorgeous, older, genius-level roommate that makes me want to find out what makes him tick. I have a feeling if he would let me into his world, it would change mine.

But experimenting with the heart is the most dangerous research around. You never know what the outcome will be.

USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents a hilarious grumpy-sunshine romance that will leave you swooning and smiling.

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Clean Romance, Enemies To Lovers

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2024

About the author

Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had so many problems with this book. It sounded so cute, but it ended up being so hard to get through.

The video diaries ended up being very repetitive and boring. I was so excited for the first couple and then I hated them. It was the same thing over and over and just repeated what we already had read.

My biggest problem with the book was that we were told about fun times they had in the past instead of reading them as they were to have happened. Parker was super mean to Lanie and they hadn’t spent hardly any time together, and then all of a sudden we read they’d watched a bunch of movies and even Gilmore Girls together? That seemed like a huge chuck to just summarize like that.
I also felt like they talked about their relationship and feelings more to other people than to each other, especially the first half, they were never together and it was just them being all angsty and talking to friends about each other.

The working for him part bothered me so much. I thought he was right and I was so annoyed that she was so upset over it. This whole part of the book dragged sooo much, I wanted it to be over closer to the expo. So slow and so much unnecessary drama.

I didn’t really love either of the characters, it’s more of a me thing. But talking so much about Lululemon and Taylor Swift and Porches is not something I like or relate to and it felt immature to me. The Porsche thing just made him seem bad with money to be honest.

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️ good read, overall missing some depth. I loved the FMC - such a positive bubbly personality, I didn’t like the MMC - I find it’s hard to pull off the grump persona without coming off as a douche. Story flowed well and writing was good. I just found it concluded quickly and was anticlimactic. Not my favourite of her works!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Update**********

I just listened to the audiobook of this baby and absolutely loved it! The dual male/female narrators was so delightful! They nailed the characters perfectly! I was swooning and sighing being back in this adorable story! I just love Lanie's character! She's strong and spunky and is going to go after what brings her joy, even when there are setbacks! Love, Love, LOVE this one!!! It's definitely on my re-read and re-listen lists!!! And it should be on yours as well!!!

*************************

I think it's time for a reread. Scratch that! I KNOW it's time for a reread!

Lanie Davenport is absolutely adorable and the sweetest person ever! She's such a bright spot of joy and sunshine that everyone gravitates towards her. You need help, need to fundraise, want to get something cleaned up, or just some sort of project that needs some organizational help and support...No problem! Lanie is your girl! She's got you covered and will happily help and rally the troops! She's a character that you want to be BFFs with and you know she's 100% there for you rain or shine! She's sparkles and cheer and happiness!

And guess who is in big trouble because of how amazing Lanie is? If you guessed Parker, you'd be very correct! Hahaha! He's in so much trouble and he knows it from the first moment that he meets Lanie. His grumpiness has no chance against her and her pink sticky notes! IYKYK! ;-)

These two have twelve weeks to live together as roommates and answer questions via video diaries for the experiment they signed up for. What's the catch? They don't know! Literally. They don't know what the experiment is for. One's in it to save humanity and the other to save his company. Ok, there might be more to their decisions that those reasons but you're going to love watching Parker squirm. Just don't mess with my girl Lanie, Parker! Or you'll be sorry! No more potato salad for you! And I might hide your pop-tarts. Just sayin'!!!

I have so much love for this darling book by Jennifer Peel. Yes, it's sunshine and happiness, but there are plenty of emotions throughout as well. These characters have struggles and heartache and sorrow as well. Just trust me that it's a ride you don't want to miss!

I love the Southern setting and characters! There's just something about a Southern girl and her mama that I love in my books! And boy oh boy, you are going to adore Lanie's mama! She's fierce and protective and loving and oh soooo very insightful with her girl!

The gaming aspect was really fun! I loved watching Lanie experience that and dive in full-heart! And the gaming Expo! There is so much to love about those scenes! *Happy Sigh*

And just you wait for that first kiss! It is worth the wait and all of the build-up! Trust me on that one! Jennifer Peel blew this one out of the water!!! And Parker is a goner!

I loved the ending so much!!! Oh my word! Everyone read this one super fast so we can talk about the ending! I need someone to talk to about it because I won't give any spoilers! Talk about some jumping up in the air and doing fist-pumps!!!

Excuse me while I rearrange my schedule so I can just read this again without any distractions or interruptions!

Content: There are some mild innuendos scattered throughout as well as some mild swear words. Some kissing/making out but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author but will be purchasing my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No way was I going to tell the researchers exactly what I thought when I opened my bedroom door to find her standing there, looking like a mistake ready to happen.”

Oh, my heavenly buckets full of romance and swoon–I think this is the best book yet from Jennifer Peel. Lanie, the brightest blonde ray of cheerleading sunshine to hit the South, is paired with a roommate for a 12 week social experiment and doesn’t expect Parker, a grumpy Clark Kent of a manly man who is a gamer, to be her match. This is definitely not a match made in heaven, but the forced proximity immediately scatters sparks of something and I was totally there for every flicker.

I was gobsmacked with the way this story and plot were laid out, with each character voicing a chapter for every week, along with their video diary (for the researchers) entries. I loved the story progression and felt like I intimately knew these characters. I loved every interaction and tug and pull–sassy, snarky, stressed, and sizzling–and happily immersed myself deeply into this book. The loose tie to another one of this author’s stories was the drizzly sweet icing on the cake, but I really, really, REALLY didn’t want this one to end.

Content: mild+ language; talk of off-page cheating and death; mild+ romance (swoony kisses/make outs and innuendo)

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and clean audio book with dual narration was fun to listen to! The quirky characters and the way they had to navigate being roommates and answering weekly video diary questions was clever.

This began as an enemies to more and grumpy sunshine type story, with Parker initially bringing the tension into everything with rude and distancing behavior toward Lanie. I enjoyed the way things built between these two. They both brought baggage into the potential relationship that began developing between them.

Lanie was tired of being judged on only her appearance. Her former boyfriend had told her she wasn’t smart enough for him to stay with her. And Parker was reeling from a divorce that cost him everything and included betrayal from his best friend, as well.

But, somehow, these two began to connect with some help from Parker’s friends and Lanie’s kind heart. It was really nice to see these two grow from strangers to unhappy roommates to friends to more. I also loved the wonderful epilogue at the end of the book.

(4.5 stars)

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you start reading a book, and you can tell right away that you’re going to love it? Yeah, that’s exactly what happened with The Proximity Factor.

Jennifer has written another wonderful romance filled with so many funny, sweet, tender, and swoony moments. I just loved it!

Parker and Lanie’s story completely charmed me! They’re such likable and relatable characters, with their vulnerabilities and insecurities, and such palpable chemistry and tension between them. I’m pretty sure I had heart eyes the entire time I was reading.

The Proximity Factor beautifully blends some of my favorite tropes together — opposites attract, age gap, grumpy-sunshine, and forced proximity. Throw in a lot of Southern charm, fun secondary characters, and a super sweet ending, and this book is absolutely adorable!

I received an advance reader copy but a positive review was not required.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but not great. 2.5 stars, rounding up since I was invested and interested enough to finish it!


Plot- super unique premise. I liked the research reveal near the end.


Characters-
I liked the FMC except for how OTT she was with her southern drawl (calling people “darlin’”). I liked how happy, gorgeous and charming she was. But she inserted herself into Parker’s life too much without being invited by him.

I didn’t like the MMC very much. He was too insecure and uptight for me.
Thankfully he wasn’t just into playing video games constantly (yikes) but he was a game developer. That’s a huge distinction for me. It also helped that he had a nice body (showing he had other hobbies besides a gaming console) and he played league ultimate frisbee (showing he had athletic abilities and a social life). Still, he seemed a little immature to me.

These were character/story issues I had a hard time getting over:

- Why would Lanie (the FMC) call Daphne (the MMC’s 23-yr old little sister) EVERY MORNING to “check in” when they have never met in person and barely met over social media like 2 weeks ago? That’s odd.

- Why is Parker so adamant that his little sister Daphne not take out ANY loans for her schooling? Student loans are very normal. I mean, I’m not saying go crazy, but it won’t kill her to have a little bit of school debt. He is shouldering a burden that he doesn’t need to and is CLEARLY not in the position to shoulder.

- Why would Daphne (the 23-yr old little sister) call Lanie (the FMC) to ask her to stop Parker from selling his Porsche to launch his new business? He has a bunch of BFFs of his own that would be more appropriate to contact.

- BIG ONE: Parker could just as easily “borrow” from his own savings (set aside for Daphne’s tuition) or even his own credit card than “borrow” from Lanie (which translated to her credit card).
And yes, he is right, that is pretty pathetic for a 39 year old man to borrow thousands from a 28 year old girl he’s attracted to but has no real relationship with (and recently met). So I have no clue why he won’t just use his own savings and pay himself back with selling the Porsche if his business plan doesn’t work out. Because that was his deal with Lanie- he would sell his Porsche to pay her back if his business didn’t work.

Make this make sense.

And please salvage his self respect while you’re at it. Because he keeps thinking what a loser he is, and I wish the author would show me otherwise.

I kinda pity him because he is rather emasculated at this point in his life and everyone, including the reader, feels it. Self confidence is very attractive so I wish he had some. There’s too much repetition of him using the term “midlife crisis” and “loser.”

Also, why is his identity wrapped up in his Porsche?


Writing- Alright.

The transition from completely avoiding each other to suddenly being friends was “told” to the reader, and I felt whiplash. Wait, they are now watching Gilmore Girls together? Wha-??

There are ridiculous small town antics. (Like the ENTIRE town is on pins and needles about her relationship, and people stop grocery shopping to listen to her convos with her mom. Big eye roll.)

The quirky writing tone is a little OTT as are the Southern references. And Lanie’s mom gives cheesy threats to Parker that were supposed to be funny but that would be super cringy and weird IRL.

Too silly for me, and too much repetition about potato salad, being an “old man” loser, and throw pillows, tbh.


Romance- I liked the slow burn. They had good chemistry. I felt moderately fulfilled at the end.


Content-
Language- some use of the h-word, other low-level swears. No f-words.
Substance abuse- none.
Spice- Some tame kissing. They don’t sleep together until they are married or otherwise fully committed. Some mentions of sex (when he talks about his previous marriage, and when he is thinking about how attracted to her he is) or thinking the other is sexy.
Cover- I like how attractive they both look on the cover. (These animated covers often look kinda dorky.)
Format- KU

[Butterfly914 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not like this book. First the writing felt very juvenile and cliche. Then I felt like I was reading about two high schoolers, not a 28-year-old and 39-year-old. The FMC was seen as a ditzy blonde growing up which she hated. However, it felt as the author wrote about her as one. Also, there was too much talk of the ex-wife. The MMC kept comparing the FMC to her. He even said at some point that the FMC is a sexier younger version of his ex-wife. He would talk about how the FMC looks like his ex-wife.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo good!!

I gobbled this book up! I read and listened to it. The narrators were fantastic....especially the male narrator....such a deep, sexy, emotion-filled voice:) This book made me feel so happy....emotional....it was romance at its finest. This is a wonderful book that I very highly recommend!

[Abigail G. Thompson]

DNF

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me much, much too long to read. I started it back in June and finally finished it now in September 🤦🏻‍♀️ While I felt like the story had an amazing start and pulled me in right away, I started to lose my interest because of all the video documentary chapters. On one hand I loved the short chapters, but on the other hand I felt like it didn’t give you enough depth into the story.

Parker and Lanie were complete opposites, completely incompatible. But when forced into close proximity, sparks eventually began to fly. Now at first they weren’t good sparks, more like anger sparks. But eventually as all good romance books end, our couple got their HEA.

Would I recommend this book as a good read? I actually would. It was entertaining and filled with some hilarious and swoony moments. I just didn’t start it at a great time so therefore it didn’t hold my interest.

[Amy S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clean contemporary romance.
Slow pace.
I didn't really find the premise believable but I decided to go with it because I've liked other books by this author. As the story progressed I just never really fell into the groove of it all. The plot and the sequence of events just all felt too forced and kind of awkward. Closer to the end of the book the male main character still has things holding him back from the relationship that I felt showed he really didn't respect the female main character as a strong, independent woman. I sort of lost interest but continued reading until the happy ending that didn't really emotionally engage me.

A little violence. No sex. Mild language. Family drama, grief, loss, etc

[Neils Barringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know the formula:
He is a grump
She is sunshine
She wins over his friends/family
People think they are dating
He starts to soften
The both have been hurt in their past
There is a miscommunication at 80-84% into the book
They Break Up
Reunite at 93% and then Happily Ever After

I love this formula, Hallmark rakes in millions using it.....but key to the formula that all of us XX chromosomes fall for is that 80-84% we know its coming, its going to be a break up and conflict. But Jennifer Peel totally SKIPPED that....the climax of the book was like a blip on the radar....like wow Ho Hum....I was never upset nor did I question if they would not end up together....seriously though...what a weak controversy. Girl, this mama needs more drama.

I do respect Peel for keeping this clean and no bad morals/woke agenda present in the book. I will give her another chance in hopes that her characters are more complex and emotional than what this piece of evidence shows......Hey there are worse ways to spend 8 hours of earbud time....

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for southern sass, social experiments, a rollercoaster of emotions, and sparks that fly, because this is one book you won’t want to miss! As Lanie puts it, this book is “full of substance”.

The premise of this book is so unique and fun- two strangers agree to live in the same house together for the duration, doing weekly video logs as part of the sturdy. Parker and Lanie couldn’t be more opposite, and yet, you can’t help but root for them despite their differences and the rough start they have (pop tarts, anyone?). Parker has been hurt before, and Lanie has a hard time understanding and relating to him. This book just goes to prove that opposites can attract and if you work at communicating, anything is possible.

I LOVE the way the book is written- each week Parker and Lanie get a chapter to tell their perspective, as well as a video diary log for each week too. Getting a sneak peek into their thoughts and feelings each week was so great, and such a fun way to move the story along.

I had a good laugh over Lanie’s replacements for swearing, ha ha (son of a nutcracker, son of a bee sting, son of a biscuit, son of a motherless goat, etc). She has loads of southern sass and charm, and it oozes from this book in spades.

Well done, Ms Peel! This was a refreshing and unique story where opposites really do attract, and sometimes setting out to change the world brings about the greatest change in your world.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you live with a stranger for 12 weeks for a social experiment? What if you were paid $15,000?
"The Proximity Factor" is an irresistible, funny, romantic comedy with this premise: a social experiment forcing two polar opposites to live together for twelve weeks. We meet bubbly Lanie Davenport, who finds herself living with the last person she expected—a grumpy, Pop-Tart-particular, closed-off man named Parker Remington.

The forced proximity helps provide all the tension, banter, and slow-burn chemistry we could hope for. Lanie’s optimism and warmth are such a contrast to Parker’s stoic, reserved nature, creating both hilarious and touching scenes. Pop-Tart organization, anyone? (IYKYK) The weekly video diary adds a fun element, allowing insight into Lanie’s thoughts while giving us a peek into how the "experiment" is changing her.

Things I loved: dual POV (always a favorite), the weekly video diary, enemies-to-lovers (it's one of my favorite tropes), laugh out loud scenes, the epilogue, and of course all the swoony kisses! If you love a good opposites-attract romance with layers of humor and heart, The Proximity Factor delivers in full. Parker may be a tough nut to crack, but watching Lanie try is pure joy.

I listened to the audiobook and flew through it. I thought both narrators did a great job–Stephanie Rose is one of my favorites! I increased the speed a little when the male narrator spoke because I preferred his voice that way, especially when he did the voice of his younger sister.

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!!

I always love Jennifer Peel’s books and The Proximity Factor was adorable!!

I loved how Parker and Lanie ended up in this wild experiment because they both needed some extra money. I loved their grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity/opposites attract storyline. I loved how their relationship from barely tolerating each other to being head over heels for each other. I loved how they were able to work together to help Parker’s new video game on its feet. I loved her cute, southern mama and when Lanie’s southern drawl came out. I loved how Parker saw Lanie for who she was and not just a pretty face. I loved Parker’s friends and their cute wives and how they all rooted for these two. I loved their HEA and the bonus epilogue! 🥰

[Israel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea for this book was cute, but I didn't enjoy reading it very much.

They each got a regular chapter, then they each got a chapter for their video diaries for the research. Each time their video diary chapters repeated a list of questions, and they mostly gave vague answers. So it felt like we got two snippets in time, then two chapters of summarizing events that happened "of screen" then the characters being forced to answer questions in as few words as possible.

I also didn't like the ending. At all. The only thing that kept me from DNFing was wanting to know what the research was all about, and it was kind of silly and was like a "here you go" in one chapter.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Facts:
Lanie Davenport and Parker Remington have signed up for a twelve-week social experiment.
They know absolutely nothing about the experiment... or each other.

What to Expect:
💘 Age Gap Romance
⛅ Grumpy Sunshine
💕 Dual POV
🏠 Forced Proximity- (you would've never guessed😉)
🙌 No Third Act Breakup
🧨 Sizzling Chemistry
🚪 Closed Door (All the tension, no spice)
🙊 Minimal mild swearing

Now, The FEELS:
Lanie Legally Blondes her way into Parker's life and he doesn't stand a chance.
Her arsenal of weapons includes wit, kindness, potato salad, epic road trip playlists, and enough southern charm to win over every person in Parker's life. And they all agree on one thing—the broody grump that Lanie sees is hiding behind a mask to protect the best man they know.

Bless his heart.
GAME ON.

Additionally, expect:
🩷 Frequent squeals and outbursts of "YES!"
❤️‍🔥 Uncontrollable kicking of the feet
😋 Pop Tart cravings
📚 A deep dive into Jennifer Peel's backlist where you will ultimately pledge your undying devotion.

Jennifer Peel
The Proximity Factor

[Katie (The BFF Bookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot stress this enough .. for anyone who has not picked up a Jennifer Peel book you are missing out.

Do you like the forced proximity trope?
Well- this is two strangers thrown into an experiment with dual POVs so you get a complete look into both characters thought process during this experiment and let me tell you- it freaking hit.
The way Jennifer built up this tension .. I read 80% in one sitting because I NEEDED to know and find out when they were getting together.

This is a slow burn, forced proximity love story done so well people should take notes. THIS IS HOW YOU GIVE THE READERS AMAZING TENSION.

Shouting from the rooftops for you to read this book

Thank you so much Jennifer for an arc! I go freaking bananas for your stories and you never disappoint!

[Jenah Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books with forced proximity so this was bound to be a stellar read for me. The whole premise is the main character’s forced proximity. Both sign up to be in a social experiment of sorts but they don���t know the specifics about what is being researched. They just have to live in the same house and answer weekly questions. I loved seeing how this played out and their weekly check ins were so fun!! This was my first book by Jennifer Peel, so now I’m looking forward to reading more from her!

[Kara Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peel Does It Again!

I have yet to read a Jennifer Peel book that I didn’t LOVE! Lanie was just such a great, lovable character and I loved watching the changes Parker went through. They both just made each other better!

[Allyson Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I read a quick synopsis of the book instead of reading the actual thing. It should’ve had another 150-200 pages. The plot lacks depth and you’d just get a few sentences with a flashback on something that had a major effect on the storyline.

This book leaves so much to be desired….

[Elizabeth Socha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. The idea of having the video diaries as each person’s POV was so great getting to see what they had to say about each other. They are such an adorable couple omg

[Ceej · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute pallet cleanser! Southern and just a fun audio. Big fan of the plot line!

[Sarah Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ v cute & easy! Was the exact palette cleanser I needed!!!

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story features Lanie and Parker, who both sign up for a college experiment where they must live with a roommate in a house the college provides for 3 months. They both go in thinking they will have someone of the same gender, and are oh! so surprised when they find each other. Parker is about 12 years older than Lanie. She finds her older roommate jerky and reclusive, with annoying habits like leaving the toilet seat up and his poptarts all over the cupboard. Parker finds his young roommate way too perky and worse! she reminds him of his ex, who really shattered him. He won't signup for that trainwreck again.

As they live week by week with each other and do video diaries for their research people each week, they rate the experiment as the worst time in both of their lives. But things start to change as Lanie gets to know Parker's friends and family (much to his resentment). This is a super cute book with great characters. It's light and fun, but also not formulaic and shallow. I love this author's plots and characters. She always writes people I would very much like to know in real life, and her romances are sizzling, yet clean. Perfect!

[Meagan Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Def a different plot line which was enjoyable. Some parts did feel like they kept repeating themselves. But I loved the epilogue!

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

Take a shot every time you read the word “giggle”

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: romcom
Content: mild language (50 instances of Biblical swears + bas****), some crude language (d-bag), some innuendo, some mentions of sex

Lanie and Parker both sign up for a social experiment, in which they live with another person for 12 weeks. Each assumes that they'll be living with someone of their same sex but...jokes on them!

They are polar opposites. Where Lanie is optimistic, cheerful and friendly, where Parker is closed-off, grumpy and bitter. They also have an 11 year age difference.

But as it turns out, there really is something to forced proximity. 😉

Favorite Quotes:
🩺 “He needs someone to help bring him back to the land of the living. You might be just what the doctor ordered." Ihad a feeling Parker would think of me more like a prescription for a colonoscopy.

‼️ “…sometimes God gives us troubles to make sure we're in the right spot for the greatest blessings of our lives."

😍 There's a lot to be said for getting up and trying every day, for helping others even when you feel like you can't help yourself.

💎 “You can't change the composition of a diamond. You can only help it shine. A diamond can't polish itself."

😈 “But even as magical as you are, it would take a miracle." "You think I'm magical?" I played соу. He drew me closer. "You've certainly bewitched me."
"Bewitched, huh? That's pretty serious business. Does that mean you still think I'm devious?" "Without a doubt." He smiled. "But in the best sort of way."

💋 "Lanie, I don't know how to thank you."
She grabbed my shirt and yanked me to her. "I think you'll come up with something." She gently removed my glasses. "Now kiss me like you mean it." "Yes, ma'am." When my lips crashed into hers, the rest was history, as they say. The woman owned me, and I'd never been more frightened in my life.

🚙 I don't believe the road to get from here to there is straight. There are lots of exits and turns, sometimes even detours, to every destination. I think the most important part is who you have in your passenger seat.

❤️ We chose who we wanted to be with, and we kept choosing them. That's what makes a relationship. Not statistics.

[Piper Brintnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is cute. There is chemistry between Parker and Lanie. The premise is cute but some things are underdeveloped. For instance, her ex boyfriend and his finance. Why was the ex so insistent to see her and get back with her? Was there drama with the current finance? The whole study that brought them together was not well explained at the end. I wanted more comeuppance with his ex and ex best friend.

This is a chaste book. Just kissing but slightly underwhelming chemistry.

The read was fine but nothing special. Don’t regret reading this book. Very easy read.