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Former undercover cop Mike Gibson has been lying low, working as a maintenance man to put his troubled younger brother through college. But when a beautiful scientist enlists Mike’s help to repair the damage done to her lab by a group of vandals, Mike finds that his, and his brother's pasts, are about to be brought to light.

Laura Kane was happy having a secret crush on the hot maintenance man at Tucker University, but when the drug she was studying is stolen, Laura has a chance to get to know Mike in person. The problem is, he seems to know more about what's going on than any maintenance man should. But then the drug turns up in the wrong hands, and Mike and Laura have to decide if their own chemistry will help, or hinder, the race to save innocent lives.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2014

4 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

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Teri Anne Stanley

15 books135 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Cassandra.
502 reviews10 followers
June 12, 2014
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Deadly Chemistry was a cute read!

What I liked:

1) Lauren was pretty geeky and awkward. She rambled on about random things when she'd get nervous around Mike. It was kind of endearing. Even though she was career-driven, she wasn't stuck up. Despite the fact that she had her doctorate and a great job, Lauren still entertained the idea of dating the maintenance man. Never once did she look down on Mike.

2) Mike was fiercely protective of those he loved, even when he was on the outs with them (which, now that I think about it, he often was). That's a sign of great character, because people can be pretty petty sometimes.

3) This was a quick read that kept me entertained the whole way through!

What didn't work for me:

1) Lauren was a scientist at a university that shared way too much information about her project to anyone that would listen. It was a three-step process that resulted in a harmless drug that she was hoping to market to pharmaceutical companies, but the first- and second-steps of the process were a little trickier. Step one yielded a compound that was deadly if consumed. Step two yielded a street drug akin to heroin. The problem was that her drug was being stolen and sold to drug users that ended up overdosing.

Perhaps if Lauren hadn't shared so many details about her project with pretty much everyone, they'd have found the thief a lot sooner. Heck, after speaking with Mike the maintenance man for a total of, I would guess, 30 minutes, she'd told him the whole process and discussed with him how it could be used as a drug. Why wouldn't you keep something like that confidential? That being said, I knew very early on who stole her drugs and I'm a little shocked it took them so long to figure it out.

2) There were also times when Lauren's awkwardness and angst went from cute to teenager. There was quite a bit of "does he like me?"

3) The final thing that threw me was the very strange, unfounded, unexpected breakup. I don't think there were any real reasons for it other than Lauren was feeling feelings.

Despite there being a few things that didn't quite work for me, I would still recommend this book because it fulfilled its purpose of taking me away for a few hours!

Profile Image for Kate SeRine.
Author 13 books458 followers
July 18, 2014
Really enjoyed this novel by my pal, Teri Anne Stanley! A fun, engaging romantic suspense. And, hello! Hot ex-cop and science in one book? Sign. Me. Up.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 70 books741 followers
June 23, 2014
My Review:
I'll admit when it came time to decide whether or not to accept this book for review, I didn't look much past the series title...Sex, Lies, and Science Geeks. I do love it when geeks and suspense collide so this was a no-brainer for me.

Overall, the book was okay. It had an interesting plot with just the right levels of science thrown in to make the "geek" part of the story line believable.

I enjoyed the entire set up with Mike's family with his brothers and their troubled past. I loved all three of the brothers even though they are very different and have a difficult relationship with each other. I thought their story added a LOT to the overall book and the suspense story line. It was interesting to see how their past (especially Mike and Dylan's) helped the suspense line story unfold.

Mike is the oldest of the three boys and takes that responsibility very seriously, especially when things go wrong...which you know they are going to in this book. That is one of the things that endeared him as a character though...when he loves, he loves deeply and completely. As a former cop, he is absolutely a protector at heart and takes it to heart when someone he loves gets hurt. He feels that he should be able to protect everyone, whether they want him to do that job or not...even the sad little crazy cat that he ends up adopting partway through the book.

Then there's Laura...she's the science geek. She works at the university and is on the verge of developing a new drug. She knows all three brothers...the youngest acts as her assistant sometimes in the lab, the middle is another scientist who works there, and Mike, the oldest, is the maintenance man. She honestly doesn't realize they are all brothers until she gets involved with Mike because they are all so different. Laura has a pretty simple life...she works. She had a momentary fling with another scientist, but that was more a matter of convenience than anything. She never really had any true feelings for him other than annoyance when he offered his advice on her trials. She's truly pretty geeky...she works and has her cat.

I'll admit that for me, something about the relationship between Mike and Laura didn't quite hit the right buttons for me. I just didn't get their chemistry. But the rest of the story line worked so well for me, that I was okay with that. The book was still well written and I'll probably plan on reading the next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan Swiderski.
Author 3 books39 followers
June 3, 2015
The chemical reactions found in this book don't only take place in the research lab. Nope, there's also plenty of action going on between the delightfully nerdy research gal and a hunky manly man of a maintenance man, who's actually a hunky manly man of a cop who's trying to clear his name after a botched drug dealer take-down made him trade in his badge for a tool belt. The plot (and sexual tension) thickens when it looks like the new deadly drugs on the street might be coming from the gal's lab. Whether or not they're both working on the same side, one thing's for sure: they're gonna be tangling, in more ways than one.

This is a fast fun read. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
June 15, 2014
This is a fun light hearted story with great humor, romance, and mystery. Down on his luck, shamed detective Mike Gibson is working hard to restore his name and honor by tracking the deadly strain of drugs that have hit the streets. When it is traced back to the nerdy yet sexy scientist Mike has been trying not to lust after things get interesting fast!

I really enjoyed this book. Well written, funny, and a story that moves along at a good pace all work together to make this a very enjoyable read. Highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Stacy McKitrick.
Author 16 books225 followers
September 22, 2014
Okay, Goodreads states the character’s name as Laura, but it’s actually Lauren! Oops. This was a fun, light-hearted read, yeah, even for a romantic suspense. From the cute meet, I realized this book was not made to be serious, so I went in and enjoyed the ride. If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, this is your book. Don’t worry about the science-nerdy stuff if that’s not your thing. It’s not really all that nerdy. But if it is your thing, the hot-hero stuff more than makes up for that.
Profile Image for Colette .
1,063 reviews97 followers
June 15, 2014
I liked this one a lot. Bits more of a 3.5-3.9 review. Full review to come. I agreed to review b/c i had met the author and was worried when I realized it was a romantic suspense book. Those of you who know me know I don't do romantic suspense, so the fact that I was able to finish it says a lot about the writing!
Profile Image for Linda Grimes.
Author 6 books157 followers
March 11, 2015
What a fun read! My inner science nerd loved every page, especially the ones that involved, ahem, chemistry. Take one Mike, add one Lauren, throw in some deadly danger, and kaboom! Enjoy the explosive reaction.

Yes, kiddies, science CAN be hot!
Profile Image for Lydia.
514 reviews60 followers
September 30, 2020
“I think, maybe, that I’m probably in love with you. And if you don’t want me, that’s going to hurt like fucking hell, but I had to tell you anyway, because my fucking pride doesn’t matter.” – Mike Gibson

OK, be honest, who doesn't like reading romance about geeky/nerdy leads? I for one enjoy such stories very much!

The geeky lead in question in this book is Lauren Kane, a scientist who is developing a powerful yet very helpful drug. The product, however, can become lethal when produced a certain way, and that's exactly what Lauren fears when her unfinished results go missing. Mike Gibson, a former undercover cop who's the maintenance guy at her campus, is willing to help her - though he, too, cannot shake the suspicion that Lauren is not entirely innocent. Those two will have to work together and try to control the attraction they feel for each other if they wish to stop the drug from killing masses.

I obviously had fun reading this book. There was a fine balance between the action and the romance, each one pushing the other and the story forward. Extremely well-put dialogues, each line really representing each character truthfully.

Speaking of characters, I simply loved them! Especially Mike's brothers! Dylan was such a sweetheart, and it was obvious from the first moment that someone was trying to frame him! I didn't realize who the real culprit was until it was too late, but man it had me freaking out for Lauren's sake!

Evan was amazing, too. Actually, scratch that! Evan was awesome! I loved him! I don't care how stuck-up they all thought him to be, I personally believe there's a tiger lurking beneath that pristine, nerdy labcoat! He was as ready to jump into action for the sake of his brothers as any of them, but he was also rational about it, and didn't lose faith in their innocence (for both Dylan and Mike). It hurt me seeing him thinking himself as a weakling and a coward. I really want to see a book about him!

Lauren was what cost this book the 5th star, to be honest. Sure, she was sweet when it came to animals, and funny in her geeky ways, but she always jumped to conclusions in a way that didn't match her supposedly high IQ. For example, her life would have been so much easier if she had just asked her mother why she quit her career, instead of assuming.

And I know she wanted to be independent, but that didn't mean she could take her issues out on Mike for wanting to help her. Especially since she herself claimed to like it - in the same sentence she yelled at him that the problem was exactly the fact she liked it! Ummm, what on Earth...? I mean, whiplash much, girl? And then she was disappointed that he respected her choice and boudaries and didn't try to 'wrestle' her independence demons into submission! Again, what...?

Still, I found this book an enjoyable, fast-paced read. One that I highly recommend, no matter the circumstances.

“I’m probably—no, definitely—in love with you, too. In case you weren’t sure.” – Lauren Kane

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***


Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Cathy Skendrovich.
Author 5 books131 followers
December 1, 2017
I love reading about couples where one is a "Geek," maybe because I was a bit of one in high school. Lauren was the perfect geek. I loved how she thought in terms of science, and cells and whatnot. I liked how, even though she was a geek, she had a sexual past. And lastly, I liked how Mike saw the non-geekiness in her. True love, ha ha!

Mike was a great hero. Sexy, smart, and flawed. His desire to keep his family together was well-written; I could feel his angst, and empathized with him. I liked the way the author threw in bits of his past, so that I wasn't bombarded with an info-dump.

The mystery was good; it kept me guessing, which is always a plus. The ending played out well, though it was just a tad farfetched on that person's abilities of subterfuge. I may be splitting hairs; I read a lot of mysteries. I also found there was a lot of internal dialogue. I prefer dialogue between characters. I get bogged down in a lot of narrative, and tend to skim. Hence, the four star rating.

All in all, I enjoyed Deadly Chemistry, and will read the next one in this series. Hot guys, smart women? Heck, yeah!
Profile Image for DelAnne Frazee.
2,027 reviews25 followers
June 23, 2014
Title: Deadly Chemistry - Sex, Lies, and Science Geeks Book 1
Author: Teri Anne Stanley
Publisher: Entangled Ignite
Published: 6-23-2014
ISBN: 13-978-1-62266-739-0
ASIN E-Book B00KP86AVU
Pages: 246
Genre: Romance
Tags: Suspense
Sensual Level:
Overall Rating: Very Good
Reviewed For: Entangled Publishing
Reviewer: DelAnne


Nerdy scientist and over-protective ex-cop finally acknowledge their attraction...trouble comes and together they make everything right. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Well forget it because this book is so much more.

Mike Gibson a former undercover cop who was compelled to leave his job under a cloud of disgrace. He takes a position as maintenance man at Tucker University. His two brothers, one is researcher at the university and the youngest is Lauren Kane's research assistant, are two of the most important people in his world and he would give his life to protect them. He thinks Lauren is the sexiest thing on two legs but will do nothing about it because he feels she is so above him.

Lauren Kane is a bit of an introvert. Outside of her work and her kitty she is unsure of her self. She finds the maintenance man just yummy, but she can not seem to keep from stumbling over herself when around him. How can such a brilliant mind turn to mush around the sexiest man she has ever seen. When her lab is vandalized and part of her research stolen Mike comes to her aid. Can she trust Mike? What is he hiding? Is he helping her find the thief or is he helping the thief?

Such a wonderful story which moves smoothly and quickly from scene to scene. Using humor with a touch of slap-stick comedy to have you laughing as you read. There is also a touch of drama and suspense to keep you grounded. Add in two main characters who are intelligent and caring of those important to them. There is so many subplots to keep you on your toes. Indulge yourself with "Deadly Chemistry" and pick up a copy for yourself today!


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Profile Image for Margaret.
609 reviews14 followers
September 13, 2016
Every scientist knows that opposites attract – but Laura Kane also knows what happens when that attraction leads you to letting a man take over your life. After watching her mother give up her career as a scientist after getting married, Laura knows that there is no room in her life for any man…that is until she literally falls in the arms of “The Hottest Maintenance Man In History” – Mike Gibson.

Mike Gibson is trying to pick up the pieces of his life, trying to get his younger brother on the straight and narrow, and trying to clear his name. After being suspended from the police force, Mike takes a job as a maintenance man at the local college – and little does he know that the demons from his past are about to slam right into his present…and have him falling for the sexy scientist who he helps when she has the drug she is developing stolen out of her laboratory.

It was fun but also heartbreaking at times to watch Laura and Mike navigate through their relationship. They both had such issues to work through. Laura knows what her mother gave up in order to have a man in her life, and is so afraid of losing herself to a man that she never lets herself get close to anyone. Even after she begins to realize that a relationship is possible, she still has a hard time thinking that she, the scientist, could capture the attention of a man like Mike.
Aaaaand there she went. Just because she’d realized she could probably still manage a career and a love life didn't mean she could manage a love life with a guy like Mike Gibson. Or that, late-night condom runs aside, it was unlikely a guy like Mike Gibson would want that with her. He would want the big city and big adventures, bad-guy-chasing adrenaline highs and stiletto-wearing sex goddesses. Not bookish, cat-loving, sneaker-wearing homebodies like Lauren. Though she might like to try out the sex goddess thing for a while.

Mike was such a great guy but had taken the weight of the world, or at least the world of his family, on his shoulders. And he couldn't forgive himself for the times that he feels he let his family down…especially since he’d been trying to take care of and protect his brothers since they were kids. Now that Laura is in danger, he has a hard time realizing that pushing her away isn't going to keep her safe.

I really enjoyed this story and loved the fact that the female was the nerdy scientist. This seems like a great start to a fun series and I look forward to more….perhaps Evan’s story?!!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Diana.
838 reviews26 followers
July 1, 2014
ARC received for an honest review from publisher.
post originally posted at ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com

Deadly Chemistry ( Sex, Lies, and Science Geeks #1) by Teri Anne Stanley was a fun, light, suspenseful and romantic read. Stanley delivered a story that was enjoyable and suspenseful at the same time. The hero and the heroine were complete opposites but they definitely attracted! The author provided great main characters and also supporting characters.

Mike Gibson is in a tough situation. He is working as a maintenance worker because of a set-up he was a part of when he was a cop. But although Mike is working as a maintenance worker he still has his eye set on taking down the man that ruined his career. Mike is also a very hardworking guy. He has a very special relationship with his brothers. I really loved this aspect of the story it really added to his already strong character. While Mike is working at the university he meets Laura. Laura is a scientist and working on very important experiments. She is in the process of creating a new drug.

Mike and Laura are night and day. He is a tough, confident, no-holds bar tough cop. She is a nervous, self-conscious and very awkward scientist. When Laura fears that she is in trouble and that she needs protection she goes to Mike for help. Although I really like Laura I felt like there were some aspects of the story that just didn’t click. One aspect is that although she works with the brothers she doesn’t realize that they are related. Laura is very “geeky” but sometimes it borders on irritating. The qualities that made her endearing were also sometimes too much. Also, most of the issues that she has with her relationship with Mike are really self-inflicted. Most of the issues are things that she is insecure about.

The suspenseful part of the story was fun. Once Mike is aware of the danger going on at the university he uses his undercover cop skills to trace down who is trying to steal the drugs and who is responsible for all the deaths as a result of a deadly drug that infiltrates the streets. The suspense really pushed the story along and I think also helped make the romance more believable. Overall, this was a fun and light story. It’s perfect for relaxing and laughing. Lauren is a funny character and her relationship with Mike was enjoyable. I’m looking forward to his brothers and their stories!
Profile Image for Melanie.
386 reviews6 followers
February 19, 2016
Full review available on All About Romance - http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...

Why did I pick up this book? Because it’s the first in a new series - Sex, Lies and Science Geeks. I mean, come on, how can I pass that up? I’m not usually one for romantic suspense, but add in a good geek girl (or guy) and I’ll give it a shot! I’m pretty glad I did, too. It’s not the most exciting mystery ever, but the romance was cute and it was an easy read. I liked it.

Dr. Lauren Kane is a bit of the absent-minded professor, spending her time and energy on her algae research, attempting to make a better, addiction-free pain killer. Unfortunately, some of her product has gone missing in the intermediary steps and is now hitting the street as a new, very addictive, and very dangerous drug, Devil’s Dust.

Enter Mike Gibson, maintenance man at the university Lauren works for and former Cincinnati detective. Currently on indefinite suspension without pay after a bit of drugs from a gang bust goes missing on his watch, he’s still looking to finish his last assignment, which has led him to Lauren’s lab. What he finds is a lovely and naive scientist who has no idea what is going on, or that her lab assistant is a former gang member with ties to the Devil’s Dust drugs. And also Mike’s brother.

So now Mike and Lauren have to work together to find the culprit and drug dealer, deal with family, figure out their new relationship, and somehow keep Lauren from losing her research and grant money.

The story was cute, if a bit predictable. Lauren volunteers at an animal rescue, and when Mike follows her (in case, you know, she’s dealing drugs, not because he’s attracted to her, oh no), he ends up meeting the oldest, grumpiest, mangiest cat there. Does he end up adopting the mangy old cat? Why, yes! Yes he does! And there are definitely some passages that made me scratch my head a bit (“her golden eyes so full of...his own reflection” - I’m not sure what that means, especially since the ellipses are not my addition. Also, her eyes were golden? I thought they were hazel. Or brown.). Also, if Lauren is working on research for a grant, with the intention of selling the end product to a pharmaceutical company, is she really going to tell a guy she barely knows all about it? Or her ex and fellow scientist? I’m a little concerned at her idea of confidentiality...
Profile Image for Ren Puspita.
1,454 reviews1,005 followers
August 14, 2014
3 stars

When Entangled first send the list for ARC to be reviewed, I think that Deadly Chemistry is a PNR book (or Sci-Fi) just based on the cover and its title. Turn that the first installment of Sex, Lies and Science Geeks series and also Ms Stanley debut is romantic suspense. Beside PNR, RS is one of my favorite genre and so I request this. Aside from the yummy cover of course..

Deadly Chemistry is story about Lauren Kane, a scientist and Mike Gibson ex-cop turn to be maintenance man. Mike try to trace some drug that lead him into the university where Lauren's lab reside. Like the title, the chemistry here do not refer to Lauren and Mike's relationship but to drug that Lauren create that indeed deadly. There are some family drama, angst, chemical terms here and there and some suspense as well.

What I like is the background about drug and science. Also Mike's step sibling, Evan and Dylan. I think that Mike sometimes can be jerk, even he can be charming. But guy must loosen up a bit, for Mike while he just want to protect his little brothers, sometimes he have a hero complex. Like all weight in the world rest in his shoulder. Lauren sometimes can be cute, awkward. But I will not said that she is a nerd or geek. I mean, even it's normal for woman to lust after Jason Statham or The Rock, but as nerd, uhmm, nerd women will choose another option. And this is because I'm a nerd, so I can said about that, lol! I don't get what the appeal of The Rock and Jason Statham and believe me, I watch their movies.

Because Deadly Chemistry is book #1, I wonder if there will be book #2. I hope that Evan will have his own story, for I like his stoic and devil-may-care attitude. Make him more interesting than Mike that soo predictable. Deadly Chemistry is well written, even there are some cliche that kinda overused. Like why Lauren try to track her lost notebook, ALONE, after her lab had been vandalized. That make no sense for me, because if Lauren indeed smart, she will call police. Not try to investigate by herself (even she did have a reason. But still). The ending also kinda cliche, but still imho, well written.

I will recommend Deadly Chemistry if you search for a fun, light RS with a little bit family drama.

e-ARC provided by Entangled for honest review
Profile Image for Margarida.
329 reviews71 followers
July 1, 2014
3.5 stars

I really don't what I felt about this book. I really liked it but there were sometimes that I just wanted to punch the characters! This time it wasn't just the girl who annoyed me it was both and that's not normal for me. Another thing that I didn't like and that when this kind of thing happens in books my rating is never more than 4 stars. The time. It was to fast for me...After a couple of days they were already in love...Besides these things I really liked the story.

I really liked Lauren when she described herself saying that Mike wouldn't a bookish girl a cat-lover I was like yup that's me though I'm not science nerd like her I like science but I'm not very good at it. I loved her experience and what she wanted to do with it. A thing that I really liked that she did was working with rescued animals that's one the things a really want to do in the future and I loved that she did that!!

I swear to God that books are ruining boys that aren't from the fictional world! Why do these characters have to be so hot?! Obviously Mike is one of those guys....hot hot hot...I so wouldn't mind living in his house with him and Dylan, Evan could go live there too I wouldn't mind at all *sigh* So Mike is an ex-cop (see what I was talking about an ex-cop means mystery and now I'm drooling all over the keyboard) and now he's a handyman who thinks that's hot?
description

Another thing I like in guys is when they like animals and Mike saved a kittie!! Though he wasn't expecting Lauren just made him adopt him but anyways it was pretty adorable seeing him with the cat!!!

The mystery/crime that occurred in the book I think it was quite predictable who stole the algae, the moment the person show up I said You're guilty bitch. and just how Lauren described her/him it made doubt that person and then there were some events that made completely sure who was guilty.

When I went looking for this book on Goodreads I saw this was the first in a series and now I'm really curious what or who the next book will be about.

**ARC kindly provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Sienna Logan (Lost to Books).
1,060 reviews20 followers
June 11, 2014
More reviews at http://losttobooks.blogspot.com

The description of this book had me at 'undercover cop' really. I think this is my latest phase of reading and can't get enough of them so obviously I requested Deadly Chemistry when I saw it up on NetGalley.

I liked the relationship in this book. The build up was good and things did get hot and steamy when the characters were finally together. I'm all for alpha-type men in books and Mike was just that. He was the stereotypical 'hot' guy who has a bit of a tortured past but doesn't stop at anything to get what he wants--and that isn't a complaint. In fact I really liked his character and how Lauren tried to push him away because that type of guy scared her. I would have liked more detail on his and his brother's background but I did feel for him and sympathised with the guilt he carried.

I didn't feel the same like towards Lauren though. She was an OK character but I didn't feel she was all that smart. I'm not saying every scientist has common sense but the things she did at times didn't seem that believable. Also the constant repetition of how she made the drugs became a bit too much and made her narrative slightly annoying. However, when the couple were together, I liked her more and that's probably because the topics and activities shifted away from work.

My main issue when reading this book was that although I enjoyed it, the writing felt very choppy and disjointed. The plot jumped around a lot and I did find myself skimming back over pages to see what I had missed or whether there was a connection I hadn't processed. Each time I did this though I couldn't find anything so was slightly confused how the author got from one place to another so quickly. As well as this the bad guy was predictable so I was a bit disappointed that all of my assumptions proved to be true as there wasn't much of a surprise or reveal.

Overall though, t-his was a quick easy read that was enjoyable. It has it's problems but in general the story did engage me and kept me reading.
Profile Image for Miriam.
737 reviews39 followers
June 26, 2014
Laura’s one of those characters you can’t help but like. She’s incredibly book smart but she’s not obnoxious about it. She’s a people person and an animal lover, caring for a family of possums living in a trash can and convincing Mike to adopt a temperamental cat. She’s confident in herself but an adorable klutz around sexy men. Well, one sexy man in particular. She’s giving, believes the best of everyone, and sees the good in almost everything.

It’s easy to see why Laura found Mike attractive. His ruggedness and hard earned edge give him that bad boy air that any woman would be drawn to. Despite that, he’s a good cop with a heart of gold who’s doing his best to solve a crime in order to clear his name and keep his younger brother out of trouble.

Break-ins, cleanups, stolen data, and the potential for catastrophe culminate in a twist I suspected but doubted. The attraction between Mike and Laura flared to life and grew despite all of this until it exploded into passion that consumed and surprised them. The physical attraction and lust they felt for one another was now something more, something neither was expecting to find after such a short time together.

The way they became involved wasn’t normal by any means, but that’s what made their relationship so interesting to read about. It managed to flourish despite everything they faced together and separate, and only proved that they could handle anything that came their way, be it a crazy ex, stubborn family members, or temperamental pets.

***Received from PYUB and Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
March 16, 2015
Sex, Lies, and Science Geeks sum it up pretty well.
Laura is creating something incredible in her lab at the university, that would help many with chronic pain, after it is developed. She is fully focused on her work, fighting for the financing of the project, and has no time for a relationship.
Mike is an ex-cop, who had to leave the force for being set up as a bad cop. He decides to catch the drug selling gang by himself, to clear his name.
The connection and attraction between Mike and Laura is immediate, and palpable. Mike, the big protective alpha, who wants to save and protect all he cares for, is drawn to Laura, and can't get her out of his mind.
Together, against Mike's wishes, they try to find what happen to the drugs stolen from Laura's lab, who is behind it, and how to catch them.
The action is believable, and bold. The situations they end up is dangerous, and the possible suspects are close to Mike and Laura.
The story telling is flowing well, and it is fun and entertaining, I really enjoyed the author's voice, that was humorous and pleasant. The ribbing between the characters was lively, the issues with the brothers cut deep, but without too much drama.
I was surprised how openly Laura talked about her science project, that didn't seem really realistic. But other than that detail, the story was a great feast for the romantic suspense fans
~ Four Spoons
http://booksandspoons.weebly.com/book...
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
June 26, 2014
Mike has followed the path of a new illegal drug being made to a local college and goes unofficially undercover as a maintenance man. One of his brothers is a researcher there and another is a student. Mike meets Lauren who is actually doing research on a new drug in stages that in the final stage will be a pain reliever, but in the earlier stage resembles morphine. Her lab is vandalized and her drug research is stolen. Mike and Lauren fall for each other as they try to figure out who is behind stealing and selling the drugs.

I really loved that the author delves into the relationship and backstory of the brothers. They had to rely on each other as children and they are still doing that as adults. It isn't easy for them and there have been a few stumbles along the way, but their love for each other is obvious.

I love Mike and Lauren together. Lauren struggles with feeling like she would have to choose between a relationship and her career. Mike feels like he isn't good enough for her. They can't fight their feelings for each other for long though. Mike gets Lauren out of her head making it so she can't think so much. She really does the same for him too. I really enjoyed reading their story and hope to read more about them and Mike's brothers.

I give Deadly Chemistry 4 hearts!
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
June 23, 2014
This novel is a great beginning for a series by this author. That is once you open the pages and step into the story you are quickly wisked away Mike and Lauren in a storyline that involves many factors. Mike is trying to uncover the real who done it while doing a job he must plus take care of his brother also becomes involved with research scientist Lauren when her lab is the target with what it contains. Both begin to look connected so they work together to find the pieces to stop all the trouble that has entered her life. While doing all this they also find a attraction to each other that builds into something more once they get past certain issues. Of course a ex in her life is part of the trouble also in more ways than one. I enjoy reading stories such as these with the intrigue and mystery that goes hand in hand with a building romance because I want to be grabbed real quick with heat that drenches carried along through it all enjoying every moment reading.These characters have the body to keep you interested while she does all the work with the storyline. This author has accomplished that with me with when I reached the conclusion was very satisfied as a happy camper without never leaving home. Received a arc for a honest review.
2,129 reviews46 followers
June 24, 2014
Lauren Kane may be a science geek but she is also a woman who needs to be loved. She is working hard to get a grant to continue with her drug research, but strange things keep happening. Who thought that chemistry would put her in danger? Her protector is Mike Gibson, college maintenance man. He is, also, the man she is crushing on. She doesn't know that he is working at Tucker College to find who is selling her drug. He needs to find who's doing this so he can get his job back. Do they stand a chance for a HEA? Deadly Chemistry is a potent mixture of romance and suspense. The book is filled with plenty of dangerous twists and turns as well as a hot romance. The story is well plotted and the characters add spice to the story. The ending is exhilarating. I enjoyed Deadly Chemistry. Teri Anne Stanley has a easy writing style that kept me interested and amused.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2014
Lauren a wonderful down to earth geek....Mike a sexy, maintenance man/ on suspension cop. These two have the instant lust thing going on with a storyline that is more than entertaining. When the heat is released between them it's more than worth the wait yet Laurent is the one in this relationship who fears being in a relationship will lead to being a housewife and mother which also means giving up her career.
Mike has his own issues but is more open to the idea of being with Lauren. Now Mike is tracking a street drug killing people and Lauren is the inventor without even knowing its been stolen.
This is not just a romance it has more depth added to that. Family.,romance., crazy special needs animals and so much more. A very fun read!
Profile Image for Andrea M..
111 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2014
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Deadly Chemistry was an entertaining story, but it had its downfalls.
I loved the beginning of the story. And throughout the book there was a nice balance of humor, romance, and suspense. The way Lauren literally tumbled into Mike’s life was absolutely amusing. There was an instant connection. But things didn’t move too fast. And Stanley did a good job of incorporating work life balance issues, which contributed to Lauren’s fears of being in a relationship.

One problem I had with the book was… Read More

Profile Image for Incy Black.
Author 3 books74 followers
June 23, 2014
Hooked into the characters straight away, especially Mike, a suspended cop determined to clear his name, take the bad guys down and…the bit I really liked…keep his younger brother on the straight and narrow.

Lauren was normal in the best possible way…twitchy when under social pressure, but comfortable in her own skin when in scientist mode. Great way to throw a very relatable woman’s lack of confidence into relief.

The attraction between Lauren and Mike sizzled (and flared), the story line (drugs/theft/whodunit) intrigued, but for me, it was the family dynamics (Mike’s) that really impressed.

This promises to be a fun, hot series…(at least, I hope it’s a series)
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2014
This was a good start to the series, which I hope to read more. The sizzle between the nerdy scientist Lauren and hot alpha ex-cop Mike was pretty instantaneous and hot. I always love a good connection right off the bat. It did not seem over the top but just right. I liked the story line of Lauren's drug story but felt I figured it out quickly. Mike and his brothers, along with their hang ups, were a great secondary plot too. I hope that in the next books for this series, we can see them repair their brotherly bonds. They appeared to really care for each other but not sure how to relate to one another.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tory Michaels.
Author 4 books79 followers
July 15, 2014
I found this to be a fantastic read. The pacing was great and while I did suspect the ultimate villain because of some of his early actions that seemed to be a 'little' obvious (to me), I really hadn't expected him to turn out to be the villain.

Mike was hot and so devoted to figuring out where the drugs were for. I could and do respect him for the job he does. I loved the uber-geek of Lauren. It's great to see a geek do well and not be ashamed or embarrassed of her geekdom. I did think she had a few communication issues, but that's all part of a fully rounded character (mom issue is what comes to mind with that comment).

So glad I read this!
118 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2014
Nerdy girl scientist meet studly former undercover cop... What else needs to be said?

This is a fun romantic suspense set in a college town. Mike and Lauren have a lot of baggage to work through as they become a couple. The supporting characters (especially Mike's brothers) are well written and funny. The pace was quick and the dialogue witty. It had the right amount of will they or won't they heat.

I recommend this book for those who are fans of big bang or moonlighting! I was given a free copy for an honest review
Profile Image for Dísir.
1,724 reviews186 followers
November 6, 2014
Chick-lit meets crime in a way that's more romantic comedy than romantic suspense, the latter of which was what I'd initially expected when I read the blurb. Instead, I got several laugh out loud moments with a geeky and klutzy heroine and a hot maintenance man who's really a disgraced detective looking to clear his name.



A light-hearted, fun read, with plus points because there're cats involved.
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