Elements of Chemistry

Hypothesis #1-3

by Penny Reid

This is the bundled version of the 'Elements of Chemistry' trilogy and includes parts 1-3 (ATTRACTION, HEAT, and CAPTURE)

ATTRACTION (45k words)
One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.
Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family's billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.
When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

HEAT (63k words)
Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?
Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.
When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.
But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.
Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.

CAPTURE
One week.
Manhattan apartment.
Super-hot ex-boyfriend.
…What’s the worst that could happen?
It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before.
But now Martin is back. And he wants to be friends. But he’s sending mixed signals to the Bunsen burner in Kaitlyn’s pants.
Will Martin re-capture Kaitlyn’s heart? Can Kaitlyn and Martin ever be just friends? Or, despite an abundance of chemistry, are some bonds just too unstable to endure?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, College, Humor, College Romance

583 pages, ebook

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

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Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.

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Reviews

[Penny Reid]

**AUDIO**
ATTRACTION: Amazon*Audible*iTunes
HEAT: Amazon*Audible*iTunes
CAPTURE:Amazon*Audible*iTunes


**eBOOKs**
Amazon US*Amazon UK*Amazon AU* GooglePlay * iBooks*Kobo*B&N*Smashwords

Remember, you don't need to buy the bundle to read Martin's POV! It's available on Vilma's Book Blog blog: http://vilmasbookblog.com/elementsofc...

[Samantha Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be provided with arcs for this three part new adult serial from the awesome Penny Reid. As a huge fan of Penny's I went into this expecting brilliance... and that's exactly what I got. Penny has effortlessly transitioned the intelligent humour and quirky, loveable brilliant heroine of her adult romances to the new adult genre. The heroine, Kaitlyn, is smart as hell but, like any college age woman, she's still finding who she truly is. In steps the gorgeous and complicated Martin!
This has all the sexiness of the NA genre, amped up to scorching levels by Penny Reid's ability to create the most delicious chemistry between her heroine and hero. The witty dialogue, the honest vulnerability of Kaitlyn (and Martin), and yes, the angst (it's not NA without angst!), had me devouring this serial in 48 hours. The hot sexy times were just icing on the best freaking book cake I've eaten since the last Penny Reid book I read.
Compellingly authentic characters, addictive writing, smart, real dialogue, and a love story that got me in all my feels... this is new adult at its very, very best.

LOVED IT.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Chemically Addictive Writing Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
I am going to try...try being the operative word here...to explain my impressions of this immensely engaging story. This is the first entry of a multi-part series by Penny Reid.

The first thing which struck me so deeply was how intimate it felt. All of it was from our main gal's vision and heart. Kaitlyn Parker is this 19 year old woman/child. She is brilliant in a self effacing way. She is beautiful... no, really...undeniably beautiful without understanding she is. She literally grew into her body in stages... with first the necessary flesh which until she had the amazing growth spurts ... would have her feel awkward and chunky. Once her body found its way, Kaitlyn was already under the assumption it was nothing to consider... so she didn't. She also had a high school sort of boyfriend who was actually in the closet... not for 7 minutes of heaven ... but to hide he was gay.
Not great for any girl's sexual awareness.

She also is a product of a very unusually high academic/scientific gene pool resulting in a father who is the medical head of a major university and a mother who is a Senator. Normal for Kaitlyn is agendas, conference calls and calendar syncing with her parents...all facilitated by George, her mother's PA. The parents do adore and love her... and she loves them as well... but with this unusual upbringing matched with her active and astute mind... Kaitlyn is not your usual college woman.

She ignores all of the physical and is deeply immersed in the mental...a self proclaimed nerd. Life is not passing her by, though... she takes everything in... in her own way... and when things get a little overwhelming, she uses the unique tools of coming up with multiple synonyms for the feelings she is having....or thinking of the clear concise words of guidance her mother has given her to settle her nerves.

She uses these techniques frequently when around her lab partner for the last two semesters. He is on this Earth to torment her and her girly parts....He is none other than Martin Sandeke, heir to the Sandeke Telecom Systems.

Oh, to explain all that is this vision.... Captain of the rowing team.... with all the physical attributes that go with it...shoulders, arms, chest, legs of Hercules...strong jaw, eyes the color of a blue flame with the intensity to look right through you... and brown hairs licked by the sun...The worst was he was smart...could be cutting in his way and has the knack of making the women he finished with cry...and he has been finished with masses. He is just blunt with them and his intelligence doesn't cause him to be mean just direct and to the point. He is a man who is use to people doing what he wants, women never saying no, men almost fawning to be around him.

To Kaitlyn he is out of the question, on another level and a lazy chemistry partner.

We learn all of this while Kaitlyn in stuck in a cabinet...yes, hiding in a cabinet in the chem lab...She was in the process of getting equipment out and heard people coming and her fight or flight urge sent her to where she normally goes when that happens...to closets, alcoves...any place she can disappear.

This time she is in the cabinet and hearing a shocking plan between a woman and man...a scheme to drug, tape and sexually blackmail Martin at a party tonight. The woman plans on seducing him, getting pregnant and hitting the money lottery. The man has been drugging women and is doing this as a way to get with this woman...All of this is turning Kaitlyn's stomach. For no matter Martin Sandeke is a jerkface bully or manwhore with legions of women... what they are planning is just shocking and wrong....Marin walks in on the man...he talks with him for a minute and then the man leaves. As Kaitlyn is trying to figure out how to get out of the cabinet without Sandeke seeing her... he opens it and pulls her out.

This is where the entire essence of their story is laid out for us. She is a little awkward...but charming in her straightforward Kaitlyn way. The two of them banter...but not cheesy or familiar...it is unique to these two...she so unedited...him a little stunned yet going with it...For he has been interested in her since the beginning of their partnership in the lab....and she cannot see him as anything but unattainable. So when this new conversation starts and she is under his scrutiny, her body parts are screaming at her...she cannot think clearly and tell him about the dastardly plan and impossible things happen...such as Martin Sandeke is KISSING HER! All Brain function stops...all body parts tingle and take over...and it is like "lift off". Our gal can't breathe or think and exits before she can tell Martin about what is to happen at the party.

Kaitlyn is in her dorm and Sam, her girlfriend, roommate and confidant, is helping her into a little black dress, doing her hair and makeup. The only way to let Martin know about the scheme is to go to this stupid party and tell him. This is not the way Kaitlyn operates...slacks, converse and t-shirts...nothing which isn't practical...is the usual attire. Sam has been wanting to play dress up with Kaitlyn forever. She knows her so well, loves her and wants to look out for her, too....because as intelligent as her girl is... she knows how inexperienced and a little naive she is.

The plan is to go to the frat party, tell the man the situation and get the hell out. Together Sam and Kaitlyn are allowed in as they are wearing the required skirts....They ask around for Sandeke and at first are blown off with a "get in line, hun" attitude. Sam explains to one of these guys, Eric, Kaitlyn is Sandeke's lab partner and just needs to talk about an assignment. Eyes pop, second looks happen and then Eric says he will get the girls to Martin.

Kaitlyn is let into a pool room and Martin is there. At first he does not recognize her...she looks nothing like his lab partner...but then he sees...and he comes close to her...very close and her girly bits start their Martin Sandeke jig...Kaitlyn very quickly starts to tell him of why she is there and lays out the whole blackmail, drug thing...and she is stunned by the face change on Martin. One minute he was so happy to see her... eyes soft and warm...the next, cold and calculating. He demands to know what the information will cost him...what does she want...and why should he believe her...

She is hurt...and tells him he is a jerkface; she was only trying to help him because it was the right thing to do. He still doesn't trust her words and they are at a standstill...which then causes Kaitlyn to start saying what was in her head without editing...which leads Sandeke to more KISSING and TOUCHING and the next thing she knows...she has promised to go on Spring Break with him to a secluded beach!

All of this is enhanced by this running internal and then external talk of Kaitlyn which brings me back to the intensely intimate feel of this read. It is hard to explain...There is a detail level which with any other author would just not work but because it is Reid and her deft use of words, it somehow does. All of it gives insight to the strength, perseverance and determination of this woman...who is strong in how she was raised, who she is and her moral center. She is not preachy or a prude...just someone who has lead a very specific kind of life and is comfortable with how things have been. She knows she is inexperienced and is a little shy about it, yet being a scientist at heart, she has taken the initiative to read and understand all things sexual. She just hasn't done any of them.

Martin is a man who has been weened on being an heir. This means he can never let his guard down...he always is seeing what the angle is when others are interested in being with him. He is intelligent, quick and athletic. He is a leader and the "alpha" in his group of rowers...To be the Captain of the team and have all of them defer to him as a Sophomore is highly unusual. At first one would think it was political and due to his name and wealth...but with closer inspection, the merit is earned and deserved.

Kaitlyn cuts through all of his crap and see him for what he is...a man all alone and needing a friend...she can do friends... but the problem is he wants more, is willing to be slow with her and her body is encouraging her mind to play along.

We are not just introduced to Kaitlyn and Martin; there is a whole cast and crew ...I did do that...and they are important to this story. Words of incredible wisdom are shared; relationships are formed and an undercurrent of ugly is just under the surface which any reader knows will come into play at some point.

This is the first taste...and like any smart chef...a taste is just that...enough to wet the appetite... to tease the mind and mouth... to make us want to indulge in more. Penny Reid did just that. She has ended this sample of this series in a place where if we do not get the next course our brains will explode. We will perish.

Penny Reid has systematically come up with her own experiment and I for one am very happy to be her control subject...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before Reading
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are times in your life when you know not to question. To be grateful and just bask in the goodness around you. This is one of those times. I promise I will appreciate it all and report back to all of you as best I can.

A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my 10th reread on my high ratings list. So how did it go? First, I will tell you I had forgotten the main characters names...And it doesn't improve from there....AND YES, spoilery.

I know what you are thinking. Is this one of those reviews that Sam talks to 2015 version of herself, explaining what she was thinking then, and now, 2020 version of herself?

And I thought, friends, yes.I am my favorite person in the world, and I thought I would talk to myself again. But I realized I’m too tired. And wonder if every Penny Reid book is going to get this treatment.

Let me start: For a book about a person who copes via synonyms, she sure can’t talk about being turned on without referencing the bunsen burner in her pants. I forgot, this is for smart readers. Ha…..Ha. I believe, over the course of the trilogy, this is mentioned no less than 200 times. And yes, this is entirely too long, victim of self-pub (look out for the editing issues), and yes, I’m complaining about a romance being too long when I really don’t mind epic set ups and crave more. But the first kiss happens on about page 5. (ALSO fine with this)

But ehhhhhhhh. I like them to grow. I didn’t feel a trajectory for a heroine here. But that isn’t why I damn near hated it.

Look, I started reading romance when I was 33. And as immature as I think I sound on here sometimes, I was pretty old at 14. I haven’t changed too much in the past years, and I wonder how I’ve evolved as a reader. Have I been paying more attention-was this timing-what is this a victim of now?

And I’ll tell you. Experience. I don’t see this book through the lens of #MeToo or workplace trauma. I
I see this through the lens of me as older teen, 20ish year old. I don’t see it through the lens of the fantasy of inexplicable passion and being backed up against a wall (which is totally fine! It’s hot when people in relationships do this, no doubt--if it’s well established, if nothing’s off, if it’s two-way)
I see this through the lens of having read about 1000 romances now, if I’m guessing. And I'd say a solid 20% of those do consent phenomenally well or at least, passably.

This is the central problem. This motherfucker isn’t a hero. He repeatedly sexually assaults the heroine. (I stopped counting, honestly, the times she said no only to be convinced by magic tongue, fingers, or caresses) I’m troubled by this, because to me it reads more as a nightmare now--now that I understand the fantasy might lie somewhere between uncontrolled passion (too much for me, no thank you) and a formal invitation (although “I’m asking nicely” is PRETTTTTY hard to beat). The fact is, so many romance authors do this so well, I just don’t see any excuse why passion has to look so scary, and while wrist grabbing can be super hot, sure, but not at the expense of what someone's hands can tell you. And it’s not just this for Martin. He also doesn’t leave her alone, stalks her around campus, and generally doesn’t give up.

Was I thinking at all in 2015? I don’t know. Martin isn’t cool. I probably would burn down all of Martin’s 6 houses. It doesn't work for 2020 Sam.

Then there’s the REVENGE PLOT. Lord save me. But then Kaitlyn’s upset that Martin won’t give it up-while recognizing his issues-for her moms ambition. It doesn’t compute how wrong they both are. I don’t think Kaitlyn’s a particularly wonderful heroine, she reads as judgmental and uncompromising. Not in a good way, because I do love a prickly heroine, but in a 'yikes, grow up way.' And of course everyone wants to do her and she doesn’t realize she’s beautiful. Do these people have mirrors?

I don’t even know if I have scratched the surface of problematic here-the heroine often makes observations well past cringe-worthy on women, looks, intelligence, ….and sometimes using speech that is less than ideal for a white heroine (as..a..joke?). These are areas I think Reid failed then and has grown since, I will say. The line she tries to explain between feminism and femininity read as a thinly veiled excuse for the book itself and was honestly just annoying.

UGH. There was so little joy in this entire 3-book arc, it was despair, angst, and sex. And it just made me sad. Over a few final chapters the past is laid out and forgiven, and everyone’s all grown up...

This was #10 on my high rating reread project list...and what once was is not now.

Initial Read was between 4&5. New rating: 1.

[Dee Montoya]

I'm so excited about this book, I might pee my pants!!!!

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 beautiful, attractive, pretty, good-looking, pleasing, alluring, prepossessing stars.

I won’t lie: I had read other books by Penny Reid and they I found them nice, just nice. I bought Elements of Chemistry part 1 a long time ago as it was free or 0,99 USD. It was soon forgotten among other books I’ve not read yet.
Three days ago, I was in the mood for some college romance and I stumbled upon this book. It seemed fitting what I was looking for. I remembered it had many good reviews but did not expect nothing more than an enjoyable read.

That’s when I was wrong, so, so wrong! This series was not just enjoyable, it was fr****ng fantastic!
I laughed so hard at their banter. I was also mesmerized by Kaitlyn. She was so unique. A fascinating mix between smart, controlled, rational and innocent, clumsy with that adorable quirk of chanting synonyms each time she was nervous or hiding in any closet available to “recover”.
”Why did you hide? Did they make fun of you?” “No, they ignored me. I think I hid because hiding made it my choice. You can’t be ignored if no one can see you.”

Kaitlyn’s mother is a Senator and her father is the dean of the college medicine at UCLA. She also is the granddaughter of an astronaut and her grandmother outfitted the first nuclear submarines with nuclear weapons. As one of the characters said, she is like US royalty, a national treasure. She does want to meet her family’s high expectations. She is your typical nerd: always in her books, clothed with baggy pants and oversized tee shirt she is more of a tea/cookies/book evening girl than frat party girl.

For months now she has a crush on Martin Sandeke, her chemistry partner and heir to Sandeke Telecom Systems. Six-foot three, unrepentant manwhore, temperamental and captain of the university’s rowing team. Kaitlyn is mesmerized by Martin but fears what he could do to her heart. He is so “cosmically unobtainable” he would crush her in a heartbeat.
”I did my best to ignore his body, because it still put me in a state of duress and gave me lusty pants.”

When Kaitlyn overheard two people plotting against Martin (she was hiding in the chemistry cabinet), she’ll gather her courage and will attend her first frat party ever to warn him of the evil plans. But Martin has other ideas and wants to take her on a trip for spring break. You see, Martin is very, very cocky and self-assured. ”If multiple orgasms are a myth, then you can call me Hercules.”

He is used to have his way with girls and did not expect Kaitlyn resisting his pursuit. He did not expect her being a virgin either, a virgin with no mouth filter under stress.
”So if I hadn’t been a virgin then we would…what? We would have just, just…” “You would have impaled me with your penis while I face planted against the closet?”

Anyway, Kaitlyn will follow Martin and his teammates and go on a “dating bootcamp” for one week on his family property in the Caribbean. Kaitlynn does not want to push her boundaries but she feels she could be missing something and she’ll agree to try something new.
”A large part of me was strangely excited about the trip. I was nineteen years old and the dodgiest thing I’ve ever done was drink peach schnapps and drunk dial my ex last summer.”

I loved the interaction between these characters. Kaitlyn is conservative, brilliant and funny. She wanted to please her parents so much. Her family has a very weird dynamic, her mother being a very busy senator, her father and Kaitlyn would submit agenda items to her mother’s PA and, on Sundays, they would skype and discuss the various items. Her mother was very driven, always collected and imparted her wisdom to her daughter ”Even though you don’t feel calm doesn’t mean you can’t be calm.”
When Kaitlyn showed talent to play music, her mother told her about the good and bad of her passion for music. Kaitlyn did not choose to major in music as she was good but not extraordinary good and “her passion would not have a positive lasting benefit so society.” Result of her upbringing: Kaitlyn suppressed all passion to listen only to the logical side of her brain. She appeared always in control and if she had no control over something, she chanted a litany of synonyms or hid in closets.

When Kaitlyn met Martin, he pushed her out of her comfort zone. I loved how they both helped the other to become better.
”Martin was right. I was analytical-overly so- and I’d been using it as a way to suppress passion. Everything could be reasoned away or made look silly with enough rational scrutiny. Faith, love, hope, lust, anger, sadness, compassion – everything. And that’s what I’d been doing with every feeling an demotion that was confusing or difficult to control.”

I loved Kaitlyn but I did not always love Martin. He was too arogant, he was sometimes obnoxious and very calculating. He confessed he would never be selfless. He was a real jerk sometimes. But he was also brilliant, very handsome and honest with Kaitlyn. He did not lie to her and always spoke about his feelings freely. He tried to give her what she needed, even if he did not always like it and sometimes made mistakes (ignoring her at a party to give her room), hurting Kaitlyn’s feelings.

”Boys are stupid. I needed to explore becoming a lesbian. I needed to add this to my to-do list and bump it up to the top. How had the male gender managed to survive millions of years? The male portion of the human species should have been extinct by now.”

I could not put this series down and devoured the three books in three days. It was physically painful to stop reading to prepare meals, wash etc. I loved the humor, I loved the drama, the angst, the bettering of the characters. I swooned, I blushed, I cried, I raged…I was HAPPY!

[*TANYA* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was very charming. I liked how funny, and witty the writing was. Penny Reid is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.

[Joy (joyous reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start by saying that these books were amazing. My experience with New Adult books isn’t all that exemplary, so when I find out worth talking about, you can guarantee it’s a big deal. Though in that same reasoning, you can also keep my inexperience in mind and take this review with a grain of salt.

In My Own Words

It’s a story about a self-appointed nerd recluse who has the most adorable tendency to hide in closets. And no, I’m not talking about proverbial ones. She literally hides in closets whenever she’s about to be confronted with uncomfortable situations. Lately, it’s her lab partner, Martin Sedeke. Rich, handsome, and has a notorious reputation for being a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy.

Admittedly, Martin may rub some of you the wrong way. After all, his characterization doesn’t leave much to the imagination. He is every bit the standard in most of the romance novels we’ve all been served up since the dawn of time. However, Martin actually got under my skin. Sometimes, like a sliver; often, like the prick of a heroin-loaded needle. Yep. He was addictive, and he will surprise you in the end.

Kaitlyn Parker is hardly chopped liver. She just hasn’t found her groove yet. She comes from a family considered to be American royalty: her mom is a senator, her dad is the dean of Medicine, and her grandfather was an astronaut who once walked on the moon.

She’s sarcastic, intelligent, and funny. Beautiful, curvaceous, sexy (she just needs to clean the mirror so she can see her reflection, that’s all). Now, I typically hate characters who play the false humility at all times. You know the type: those who can’t see past their own insecurities and the thick layer of their apparent plain-ness. But for some reason, Kaitlyn did not annoy me as much. She has such an abundance of personality that nullified her one pesky character flaw. She is a combination of spunk, sweet timidity, and sass.

The romance is off the Scoville chart. One that was consistently intense all through the novel. I look forward to each and every single one of their trysts, combats, and detente. Last word of advice, ever since reading this completed serial, I’ve read most of Penny Reid’s books. Trust me when I say, she’s not one of those one trick ponies. This author knows a thing or two about…stuff. She’s got an impressive repertoire of sassy characters and bits of knowledge about anything under the sun (bit coins, e-security, Philosophy, and knitting. Knitting!). If my review helps convince you to check her out, I suggest you start with this one.

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp · Rating 5 out of 5]

GR, you can't tell right now, but I'm glaring daggers at you. That was a DAMN GOOD review I wrote for this book, but because there is no auto-save, no 'are you sure you want to leave this page', basically no way to prevent one little tiny click from destroying my day and my review. *Stomps foot* It was fucking brilliant, too.

*middle finger to GR* BITE ME.

Re: this book was fucking awesome and I'll have to try and re-create my review again, after I go cry my damn eyes out and scream out against 'the man'

Review *sniff* Take Two *sob*:

Let's start this time with a chemistry pun:
What did the chemist say when he found two isotopes of helium? HeHe

That was a close, close thing. Had there not been a sneak peek into the next part, there would have definitely been evil plotting to gail access to Penny's home/office to abscond with Part Two.

<.to be continued.>

[Anjali (bookstersisters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread all three EoC books and I have to say this. This is the bestest* na romance of all time.

*Using bestest bcos best does not do it justice.

[Alexandra]

Why do we have to wait so long? I want this book now!!!! .... Please :/

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic
fanˈtastɪk/Submit
adjective
1.
imaginative or fanciful; remote from reality.
synonyms: fanciful, extravagant, extraordinary, irrational, wild, mad, absurd, incredible, unbelievable, strange, peculiar, odd, queer, weird, eccentric, insane, whimsical, capricious; imaginary, visionary, romantic, unreal, illusory, make-believe; informal,crazy, barmy, potty, daft, cock-eyed, oddball, off the wall
strange, weird, bizarre, outlandish, queer, peculiar, eccentric, grotesque, freakish, surreal, exotic;
whimsical, fanciful, quaint, imaginative, elaborate, ornate, intricate, rococo, baroque, phantasmagoric, Kafkaesque
"the mountains assumed weird and fantastic shapes"
2.
extraordinarily good or attractive.
synonyms: tremendous, remarkable, great, terrific, striking, impressive, outstanding, phenomenal, monumental, overwhelming

Yup, all synonyms to describe this gem by Penny Reid

“Praise Bunsen and his burner!”
There’s a certain equation to YA/NA romance novels. A recipe that is often followed. Certain elements of attraction, if you will.
You have one part innocent and naïve girl and mix it with one part alpha manwhore in a controlled environment. Then you add some unstable elements in the mix and watch as the chemical reaction takes place.
I often have issues with YA/NA romance novels and the genre’s ingrained tendencies towards misogyny, slut-shaming, virgin glorification and confusing abuse with romance. Though Reid followed the equation, I have to take a moment and marvel at her genius for both buying into the cliché’s and calling herself (and other authors’) out on it. She explores feminist issues while realising that all women are different and sending the message that its ok to like pink, and its ok not to, too. She takes on misogyny and slut shaming.

An example: When talking a male character he describes Kaitlyn as a marriage girl. He tells her not to be the slutty hook-up girl who becomes used up, disillusioned and desperate.
Her reply:
“You’re disgusting and that’s completely misogynistic. What if the hook-up girl is using you just as much as you’re using her? What if she’s just having fun?”

Written in her charming style, humor and heartbreaking emotion go hand in hand. Reid created a book that is so effortlessly funny, sweet, emotional and sexy that I got caught up in it and became gripped by her characters and their journey.

Martin is your typical alpha douche who knows exactly the effect he has on women and uses it.


The chemistry between the two MCs was off the frikken charts from the get-go. There was a delicious burn in their interactions that left me panting!


Yet, there was enough angst and desire to keep me interested throughout.


I am so sad this story is over. I loved these characters. I loved feeling all the feels with them. I loved reading their banter. It was so refreshing to see a New Adult series that actually had some real character development and showed young adults trying to figure out themselves and their place in the world and in love.
If you enjoy steamy encounters, intellectual dialogue, and several laugh-out-loud moments I highly recommend this refreshing book!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE Penny's style of writing. I love the laughs, I enjoy reading the characters and I turn page after page in awe of Penny's talent.

"At first I tensed because… MARTIN SANDEKE’S ARMS ARE AROUND ME, HIS HAND IS UNDER MY SHIRT, HIS BODY IS PRESSED AGAINST MINE!
OMG. WTF? BBQ!

Quirky and awkward Kaitlyn (Katy) Parker is the lab partner of the jerk face manwhore that is Martin Sandeke. She's content going through college - and life - invisible. She hides in closets and cupboards, loves reciting synonyms and comes from an infamous family. Martin, too, comes from a well-known family and is captain of the university's rowing team, intelligent but there's something about him that makes Katy's pants tingle and all rational thought go out of the window.

"...his laugh was a radioactive seduction and had a half-life of infinity. I wanted him to stop laughing never. It made his eyes crinkle and his mouth curve in a sinful smile, showcasing his excellent dental hygiene regimen."

She knows he's good looking, she knows how she reacts around him but she still finds herself on a Caribbean island for Spring Break. With him. He's determined to win her over. Kaitlyn believes Martin just needs a friend. Martin is adamant he just wants her.

The story flew by. Within hours of starting I had finished. And I am not ashamed to say I groaned. Out loud. Yes. IT CANNOT JUST STOP THERE!!

Desperately awaiting part 2 in the Hypothesis series now!! *stamps foot*

[Cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one... I'm kinda meh about which is surprising because it was written by Penny Reid, an author I am totally falling in love with.

I think the thing is that it felt to much like fanfic to me.... which is making it hard to describe because that doesn't describe much. I just swear I've read plots similar to this during my days of reading fanfic. Also, there wasn't enough there to make me believe in the development of their feelings for each other.

Yet, I still kinda liked it?

This is also hard to review because I read this during the peak of my sickness, so I remember some feelings but not everything. I couldn't develop much feelings and thoughts since thinking was difficult.

Will I read the next segment? I want to say no, but this is Penny Reid we are talking about and I will probably give it a chance just in case :)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. This starts out as a sexy and smart smutastic NA read (complete with students who actually study. Shocking!) but it loses something in the third installment thanks to unnecessary drama. The first two installments are excellent but the third is a struggle; so much so that I kind of lost interest in Kaitlyn and Martin. I will be reading the second book in the series though. Parts 1 and 2 were just that good.

[Christine Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually like waiting, but for this book I'll make an exception

[seton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Serial NA Romance

Ho-meter: H = manho, h = 19 yr old virgin
Sensuality: R

Reid does a successful transition to the NA genre with her characteristic quirky humor before it devolves into frustrating angsty separation in the last third (Part 3).

According to GR, this was my 5000th addition to my Read Shelf so she should be honoured.

Rating for all 3 parts: 3.5
Part 1 = 4 stars, Part 3 = 2.75 stars (see my review for Part 3)

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought I couldn't love Penny more....I read this series! I love these characters and I could not put this book down!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Smexybooks
http://smexybooks.com/2015/04/review-...

Favorite Quote: A beautiful man is the devil’s most potent weapon.

Attraction, Heat, and Capture are the names of each serial in Penny Reid’s NA debut- Elements of Chemistry- the first book in her Hypothesis series. This is the full novel/continuation of the short story ‘Bunsen Burner Bingo‘ from the Breakaway anthology. No one does geek romance better the Penny Reid in my opinion and her debut into NA is a sure fire winner. I was given each serial part individually to read though it will be released all together in one book June 1, 2015. All three parts are available for purchase now if you don’t want to wait.

I’m going to be honest, this review is a bit spoil-y. So proceed at your own risk.

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!!!

Humor and heartbreaking emotion go hand in hand, aligning perfectly when Attraction, part one, introduces us to a socially inept brilliant young woman and the well-known gorgeous and intelligent playboy who has her girly parts singing and her brain screaming. When Kaitlyn Parker overhears a conversation from a cabinet she is hiding in, Kaitlyn is reluctantly dragged into Martin Sandeke’s orbit in order to stop a pair of unscrupulous people from taking advantage of him.

“Do you hide in the cabinet often?”
“Sometimes.”
“Is this an everyday thing?”
“No. Only special occasions, like when strange people arrive to plot your demise.”

Having wanted to gain Kaitlyn’s attention for a long time, Martin uses her “good deed” to coerce her into spending Spring Break with him at a private island. Kaitlyn is probably the only girl on campus who doesn’t see Martin as the second coming. Kaitlyn agrees, rather grumpily, and this opens the way for a romance whose emotional and mental intimacy makes your heart sing while it breaks. Kaitlyn is simply a delight with her charming awkwardness and need to be completely honest. Martin is certainly every girls’ fantasy (and he’s starred in quite a few of them) with his good looks and commanding presence. This opposites attract romance delights and enchants as we watch Kaitlyn and Martin circle around one another trying t understand the elements that attract them to one another. The story is further enhanced by a dynamic cast of personable characters whose advice is decidedly mature for this particular age group.

Heat, part 2, certainly brings the heat when the adorable (insert sarcasm) Reid lifts us up and dusts us off from the zinger of a cliffhanger she leaves us with in Attraction and takes our hero and heroine to new and decidedly racy levels. Kaitlyn lays down some hard truths to Martin and the energy between them boils and bubbles…

“I’m not willing to settle for being with someone who sometimes treats me well. I’d rather be alone.”

Layers are peeled away, leaving us with just Kaitlyn and Martin. On the island with friends, their family and social expectations are pushed to the wayside as they slowly learn each other physically and emotionally. Both characters show amazing growth, striving to break through the bonds placed on them and exploring not only the potential of their relationship, but the potential of themselves. Intensely sexual and primed with the perfect amount of angst in drama, Reid does her couple justice as their seek their own rewards away from prying eyes. When family issues begin to intervene, our couple is forced to reexamine their wants and needs against external pressure. Of course, we are left with another whammy of a cliffhanger *imagine me hyperventilating in shock and despair* which leads us into the 3rd book, Capture.

Capture, the 3rd and final book, focuses mainly on Kaitlyn and wraps up the story beautifully. Oh my poor, poor heart. It broke. It shattered. It laid in a puddle of pain and sorrow, wallowing around like a fish out of water. She and Martin were tested and Kaitlyn now finds herself adrift, struggling to understand what happened and at a lost on where to go from here. In terms of parts; I enjoyed Attraction the most due to the meet-cute and the sheer funny times but in terms of conflict and growth, Capture was the clear winner. The story flows at a rapid pace as Reid gathers all the pieces of Kaitlyn and begins to put her back together. We see her grow into her own skin as she learns to accept and love who she is as a person. Family and friends all stay firmly in the background, offering what they can to help, but in part know this is her journey to make regardless of the outcome.

“She’s my BFF, do you know what that means? It means ‘Boy I will Fuck up your Face if you mess with my girl’.”
“Wouldn’t that be BIWFUYFIYM…WMG?”
“No, nothing counts towards the acronym except Boy, Fuck, and Face.”

Elements of Chemistry is the real deal with its dynamic characters, realistic dialogue, compelling scenes, and a love story that speaks to the heart. Reid excels at geek romance and her voice clearly sings in this one.

RATING: A

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually write reviews. Goodreads is my dealer. Rather, my informant, so that I can use the information to find my next fix. That's what books are to me (for the most part), and I'm sure it's the same for a lot of people. People only look at drugs and alcohol as things you can get addicted to, as escape routes, but never books. In a way, they're even more dangerous since it's the perfect getaway, it gives you a hit, but you can hide you're affliction. No one knows. Even when you're dying for someone to realize what's happening to you.
But once in a while, something amazing happens. You read something that pulls you out, makes you want to actually face reality. This series did that for me. I wasn't at all expecting it. I have two criticisms for Mrs. Reid, and one of them being that the short write-up thingies for the books on Goodreads sucks. It is NO WHERE close to giving this amazing love story justice. The write-up makes it sound like it's one of the million other cliched opposites attract college romances featuring alpha males and hot-girl-who-doesn't-know-she's-hot. You know the ones I'm talking about.
I'm sectioning my comments for the three books, first off:
ATTRACTION-4 stars- We all love cliches, everyone does, that's why cliches exist in the first place. We judge them but the reason we keep picking them up is because we always have hope that there will be that one author that does it right. This one does. I honestly wasn't expecting to like it, but I loved the no-drama aspect, and there were some beautiful things that Reid added to the book like DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN PROTECTIVE AND POSSESSIVE. Come on girls, we all like it when a guy doesn't want anyone else to see our special bits, but there comes a line beyond which the woman becomes property to be peed on, where it becomes apparent that there is no trust in the woman to say No! to any advances made by suitors, or that she has no choice in who gets her, and only a display of aggression will do the job. That ain't hot. Along with pointing this out so poignantly, she also added some beautiful extras on how to define feminism, sexuality ( even the lack of it) and stereotypes and equality between the treatment of men and women in society. There was no shaming of women who liked casual sex at all.
On top of that the characters GREW! so frikkin much! Mistakes are unavoidable, but what makes someone truly great is when they see that what they're doing is wrong and actively try to change for the better! These two had problems, they fought too, but they realized and apologized ( I don't know where some authors got this stupid idea that strong men don't apologize) and COMPROMISED. I also loved that both of then really made efforts to not make what they had just physical and had Tuesday for no saaaxy times (forgot what they called it). I feel like what happens in most of these books with strong men, they just don't give, barely share, and the relationship based solely on the intensity of their feelings and how much the women shares and accepts the men-flaws and all. What bull. You're supposed to grow in life and who better to point out areas of improvement than the one you love the most.
HEAT- 3 stars- This one was my least favourite from the series though 10 thumbs up for steam ( That's saying something, I've found these scenes so monotonous I actually skip most) My main issue being that Reid, despite showing great depth in going against stereotypes previously, made use of them for the sake of plot. I understand the need for characters as such, but no one is that one sided. I also LOVED that he said those three little words first.
CAPTURE-5 stars- Ughhhhhh, I loved this one so much but it had me on my toes, I'll tell you that. The sort of love that Reid talks about is the kind I want in my life, where you make each other realize each others weak points and motivate and encourage them to achieve their happiness. I felt like Reid was really trying to drive home the message that you don't seek happiness in your partner, you can seek help to find that individual happiness, but your happiness is your own, your own construct, your own to ensure, and to be in a successful and happy relationship, you need to be able to be happy without that person. I also love how Reid kept some of the aspects of his domineering nature, but showed how much of the stereotype alpha male is wrong. This book made me re-think the whole self-interest versus the good of others, the line between self sacrificing and being a martyr. I also have to add that I ADORED the fact that neither of the two say anyone else in that duration of almost a year. Thank you Mrs.Reid.

[Inside My Library Mind · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews up on my blog Inside My Library Mind

I knew I was going to love this because apparently Penny Reid can do no wrong. I really, really liked this. I really liked Kaitlyn as a main character, and Martin definitely grew on me by the end. I think they had amazing chemistry, and basically, the trope where "one person is in love with the other from the beginning and the other doesn't even notice them" is something that works every time and Penny Reid really did it splendidly in this novel.

One thing I really appreciated is how every sort of relationship hiccup (at least in the first part) was handled and discussed ON PAGE. Martin can be an asshole and the heroine always calls him out on that. Sometimes when a hero is a domineering douche, that behavior is never actually challenged.
However, in this book, Martin can be annoying, but that is ALWAYS challenged on the page. Always. And I really appreciated it. And while Martin has had an awful childhood and a lot of his issues stem from that, the narrative never apologizes his behavior. His issues are acknowledged but still challenged. He is never excused because he has a troubling past and I really liked that.
On top of that, I feel like Kaitlyn and Martin had a really honest relationship, despite their issues and I just really appreciated that.
And I think both of them have really great character arcs and a lot of growth, both independently and as couple, which is another thing I really enjoyed.

I have a couple of slight issues with this, which is why this isn't a five star read. First of all, while there are some other wonderful feminist discussions in this, the main character suffered a bit from the "I am not like other girls" mentality and that never fails to annoy the hell out of me. There were only two instances when she was describing herself through that framework, but it still went on my nerves. Also, at times I wanted to strangle Martin. Plus, the whole bit about his past is like from a Mexican telenovela, so it required a lot of disbelief suspension.
And my biggest pet peeve with this is that it was too long, especially the last part (the book initially came out as a three-part series). I am a sucker for the "we both are still in love with each other but neither one admits it because they think the other person doesn't care" trope. I love it. HOWEVER. I don't think that it warrants 200 pages. The ending definitely dragged and it relied heavily on that kind of miscommunication which works for 50, but not 200 pages.

Overall, I loved this, would definitely recommend it, alongside other Penny Reid novels!

[Diana Rising · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought and read each part of this book separately, but I want to review them together, because the whole is much more than the sum of the parts. This book is about college kids, and it really reminded me of what the high school and college experience were like. There were the cool kids, and there were the brains, etc. The heroine is all brains, not really understanding adult life at the beginning. She comes from an intimidatingly awesome, brilliant family. The family was supportive and loving, but she lacks self-confidence in anything but her mind.
The hero is one of the cool kids, very rich, brilliant, on the rowing team, in a fraternity, all of that. But, his family life was terrible, and stunted his personality until he met the catalyst that was our heroine.
Together, they grow up, they find themselves, they take charge of their lives, and they fall in love.
The dialogue and internal dialogue in this book is amazing. A lot is very, very funny. A lot is very, very sexy.
A lot of different themes are explored in this book. The need to be responsible for your actions and their effects, a bit about how our US political system works (or doesn't work), how damaging living your life according to public opinion can be, the importance of following your own passions, the worthlessness of having money without love, and what it is like to truly trust another person.

[Patti TheLoveJunkee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I am a diehard Penny Reid fan and this e-book was provided by the author at no charge to me. Actually, the three parts of the book were sent one at a time and I’m so glad I waited until I had all 3 e-arcs in hand before I started reading. I have so many thoughts all jumbling together but all that keeps coming out is “wow”. Penny Reid is an auto-buy author for me – her characters are funny and relatable. So many sighs, some dreamy and some sad, and many laughs-out-loud. This is different from her Neanderthal series and different from The Hooker and the Hermit, and yet still amazingly good.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes. This.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this started out pretty great, but once I hit the last book, I felt it loosing steam.
Will still read this author though cause she's pretty fantastic :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! I have now read all three installments and...JUST WOW! I have already posted a review for the first book, Attraction. Now I will share my thoughts on the story, as a whole. I need to break it down because, whoa, I thought I knew what I thought...and then I read the next book! Then, THE LAST BOOK...The Capture? I knew nothing. Just call me John Snow. I do want to say that I really do think that Penny Reid made a wise decision in revealing this story in "serial" form. I do not like cliffhangers. Can I please refer to myself as being notorious here? Notoriously, I actually have a visceral reaction to an author leaving me hanging on the last page. "You did NOT just do that!!!!!" has been shouted on a few occasions. Elements of Chemistry is an exception because I found myself enjoying the interval where I could re-evaluate the happenings with Kaitlyn and Martin before the story moved forward. Also, this is the story of two New Adults...Warning! drama and hormones, oh, my! So, yeah, I appreciated a little break between installments.

Book 1: Attraction
Kaitlyn is hiding in a cabinet because...that is something she does. She hides. Here comes Martin Sandeke...the epitome of Mr. Hotstuff, Big Man on Campus. He is ultra-rich. He is the captain of the Rowing Team. ALL of the girls want him and ALL of the guys want to be him. Yadda yadda. Of course, this is a Penny Reid novel. It might be a new genre for her; however, she would never write some one-dimensional idiot for a hero. Nevah!!!! Martin is very intelligent and VERY driven toward achieving big things. He has focus and physical strength and the BBE <---that's Big Blue Eyes. *wink* The fact that he does have a mission in life has helped him to be more focused and mature than, and a leader of, his peers. In this portion of the story, Martin and Katie are dancing the Dance of Attraction. It was funny and clever and very romantic. This ended with a baby-size cliffhanger.

Book 2: Heat
Heat...was HOT. Did I mention that New Adult is a new genre for Ms. Reid? Well, the barometric pressure went up Up UP in The Heat! This was new for me, as a Penny Reid fangirl. I did not see that coming! Kaitlyn and Martin are officially dating. Again, this is the story of two people who are in their early twenties. I felt that the heightened emotionality of that demographic, coupled with the actual drama of what was going on in their personal lives, elevated the intensity of EVERYTHING in the story. Intermittently, I wanted to strangle them. Then, I would find myself wishing that I could be them. It is a wonderful time, yes? That time when everything is still shiny and new...no mortgages, diapers, or wrinkles. THEN I NEEDED TO STRANGLE THEM! Both of them! This ending...was a big-old cliffhanger! *It's good that I love you, Penny Reid.*

Book 3: Capture
I'm sorry. Did you think that Penny Reid would write some tidy, smooth-rowing final installment? <--- see what I just did there? Rowing? Carefully, so as not to give anything away, I will simply say that this closing portion was very well-crafted. It was the antithesis of the rushed "And they lived happily ever after". Because the author allowed herself room to fully realize what each of these characters would experience during this chapter in their lives, I had no problem imagining the ending that she inevitably gave us. It made me happy, so it was a happyeverafter after all. I would be very curious to hear book club conversations about Elements of Chemistry. This ending was The End...I'm pretty sure.

[Vanessa B. ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have a lot of things to say about this book. In general, I enjoy reading Penny Reid's works. The first one I've read was the Neanderthal Seeks Human from the Knitting in the city series, which I loved and to be honest is the series I like the most from her. Before this one, I started reading Marriage of Inconvenience but I didn't finish it, mostly because I didn't like that much the couple featuring in the book.. So I decided this month, it was time to read a different series from her. Elements of chemistry is a three part book. We have Kaitlyn, a college student from a very important family of scientists and a politician, very smart, rational, logical, kind of innocent and inexperienced, with a habit of whispering synonyms when she feels stressed. She has a crush for her lab partner, Martin, the heir of a billionaire, who make women fall in love with him, wherever he goes. The story begins when she overhears a plot against him and save him.

The story and dialogues were funny and witty. I liked most of the characters and a lot of the situations they found themselves in, but one of my main issues with this book was that it was too long. All three parts together were almost 600 pages. It felt repetitive and boring sometimes.
My other issue was that it didn't feel real.I don't like the kind of stories that the characters are too much of everything. Too smart, too rich, too hot, too innocent, too weird, very important etc. This was the case here. When I read a romantic story, I prefer the heroine/ heroe to be more relatable.

All in all, I enjoyed the book, it was a nice and funny story, but I would like it more if it wasn't that long and the characters were more realistic.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna write a long review. Just need to say I loved this book, made up of three parts.
At first, I was like: huh? He is 20? She is 19? College romance? Ummm- not my thing. But once I started reading, I was a goner.

He is bloody hard work and the ultimate tortured arse-hole rich kid. His father is a nightmare. She is socially totally inept and prone to hiding in closets. Her mother is a US Senator. What I loved about these books is how the author managed to portray the character development and growing maturity of these two so beautifully.
I know some people didn't like the parts where we don't see the hero for a bit and instead we get to experience the heroine's growing self-assurance. I thought it was terrific. And incredibly important if this relationship was going to have a hope of working for her as well as for him. And he had serious issues he needed to work through before he was ever going to be good for her and a better, happier person himself.
The language is typical of NA books- seems we can't do anything without fucking. But again, the whole tone of their exchanges changed over the course of the books and reflected their developing maturity and the increasing depth of their relationship. The crass, smutty college banter gave way to language with real love and respect. Oh, the sex was still wild and hot. There was still smut. But it was also desperately sweet and emotional. And they stayed faithful to each other, even through the months of their rough patch. I am a sucker for that :)
Lots of angst, anger, bitterness and suffering, but you are cheering on their HEA by the second book and wiping a tear away in the third book. I was emotionally invested and forgot how young they were, because their story could be anybody's story.
Most of all, I felt I really got to know them as people. Which is not something I can always say about a book.

[namericanwordcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Penny Reid's books. When I am reading her books, I am happy. Period. Yea!

This book or set of serials is not differnt. It is a fun read with intellectual, pop cultural and emotionail depths. The kind of fun I like.

I love that Reid experiements with Romanceland. She wrote this piece first as little short story in an anthology. It was so short, her fans all screamed for more and kindly she gave us this long lovely New Adult Romance.

So, she is playing around with all the New Adult tropes in here and does it well while blending on her nerdy socially awkward heroine. Good times.

She is also playing with the serial format. I hate serials. I read too much and more than more book at time and would end up rereading the previous ones before the next so I always wait until I have the whole set. Ried has a good write up on why she broke this one up into parts. She thinks its long. It might be but I still read it very fast. Nom. Nom. Nom.

I will say for serials these are well done. Each section is a satsfying course in of of itself and the cliffhangers don't make me want to kill things.

This is a lovely romance. I am happy to have read it. It isn't staying with me the way some other books Reid has written have but its a very good read.

I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this collection, or its individual parts, have hundreds of reviews, I won't bother with my personal thoughts. I'll just list a few quotes from the book that illustrate why this was a five-star read for me. (And I rarely actually like new adult romance books!)

"I would rather shop for a bra than go to a fraternity party, and that was saying a lot."

"Little did he know, I possessed no feminine wiles, Only the willies and the heebie jeebies."

"I'd entered the bizzaro world of the obscenely rich where baths were drawn and leave was taken."

"I once tried being dramatic when I was fourteen. My mother told me to add it to the calendar."

"He was a lying liar who lied."

"'So rather than taking the time to cover your hands, you just toughen up instead? Until you stop bleeding, and you can't get any more blisters because you have so many calluses.' He nodded absentmindedly. 'Something like that.' Well...there was an apt analogy if I'd ever accidentally stumbled over one. Martin Sandeke was basically his hands."

"We all belong to ourselves, until we have children. Then our children lease us for as long as they want."