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Chemistry Lessons #2
Intermediate Thermodynamics
Aerospace engineer Esther Abbott doesn’t believe in love, but she’s perfectly happy hating her screenwriter neighbor, Jonathan. Until she’s forced to make a devil’s bargain with him: if he distracts her best friend from a mouth-breather ex, Esther will be his science advisor for the sci-fi script he's writing.
Her patience is put to the test when it’s time to fulfill her end of the deal. But the more time she spends with her nemesis, the more hate turns into attraction—and attraction into something much deeper. As Esther’s carefully-constructed defenses start to crumble, will love be her undoing or her salvation?
Intermediate Thermodynamics follows in the tradition of contemporary romantic comedy favorites like Penny Reid, Sally Thorne, and Jennifer Crusie. This sweet, enemies-to-lovers romance is the second in a series of standalone rom-coms featuring geeky heroines who work in STEM fields.
Her patience is put to the test when it’s time to fulfill her end of the deal. But the more time she spends with her nemesis, the more hate turns into attraction—and attraction into something much deeper. As Esther’s carefully-constructed defenses start to crumble, will love be her undoing or her salvation?
Intermediate Thermodynamics follows in the tradition of contemporary romantic comedy favorites like Penny Reid, Sally Thorne, and Jennifer Crusie. This sweet, enemies-to-lovers romance is the second in a series of standalone rom-coms featuring geeky heroines who work in STEM fields.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2017
653 people are currently reading
3138 people want to read
About the author
Susannah Nix
61 books1,864 followersSusannah Nix is a RITA® Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of rom-coms and contemporary romances who lives in Texas with her husband. On the rare occasions she's not writing, she can be found reading, knitting, lifting weights, drinking wine, or obsessively watching Ted Lasso on repeat to stave off existential angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
February 15, 2025
Leider abgebrochen wegen dem Problem der Protagonistin
In dem Buch Dating and other Theories (Chemistry Lessons 2) von Susannah Nix, geht es um Esther, welche Luft- und Raumfahrtingenieurin ist und mit Jinny befreundet ist. Jinny hat einen untreuen Ex-Freund, der einfach nicht gut für sie ist, aber sie hat trotzdem nochmal mit ihm geschlafen. Um Jinny von ihm los zu bekommen, arrangiert sie ein Date zwischen ihrem Nachbarn Jonathan und Jinny. Auch wenn die beiden nicht zusammen sein wollen, vielleicht ist Jonathan doch nicht so doof wie gedacht ?
Meine Meinung:
Ich fand die Geschichte spannend geschrieben und flüssig zu lesen. Bis zu einer gewissen Stelle habe ich die Geschichte sogar gerne gelesen, aber dann hat die Protagonistin Esther, mich nur noch aufgeregt mit ihrem Problem. Ihr Problem ist irgendwie traurig, aber auch nervig. Deshalb habe ich die Geschichte abgebrochen, gebe es dieses Problem nicht, dann hätte ich die letzten fast 100 Seiten auch noch gelesen, aber so nicht. Tut mir Leid für die Geschichte, aber ich quäle mich jetzt nicht dadurch.
Fazit:
Eine schöne Geschichte über die Liebe und Freundschaft. Der eine Aspekt hat für mich die Geschichte aber verschlechtert.
In dem Buch Dating and other Theories (Chemistry Lessons 2) von Susannah Nix, geht es um Esther, welche Luft- und Raumfahrtingenieurin ist und mit Jinny befreundet ist. Jinny hat einen untreuen Ex-Freund, der einfach nicht gut für sie ist, aber sie hat trotzdem nochmal mit ihm geschlafen. Um Jinny von ihm los zu bekommen, arrangiert sie ein Date zwischen ihrem Nachbarn Jonathan und Jinny. Auch wenn die beiden nicht zusammen sein wollen, vielleicht ist Jonathan doch nicht so doof wie gedacht ?
Meine Meinung:
Ich fand die Geschichte spannend geschrieben und flüssig zu lesen. Bis zu einer gewissen Stelle habe ich die Geschichte sogar gerne gelesen, aber dann hat die Protagonistin Esther, mich nur noch aufgeregt mit ihrem Problem. Ihr Problem ist irgendwie traurig, aber auch nervig. Deshalb habe ich die Geschichte abgebrochen, gebe es dieses Problem nicht, dann hätte ich die letzten fast 100 Seiten auch noch gelesen, aber so nicht. Tut mir Leid für die Geschichte, aber ich quäle mich jetzt nicht dadurch.
Fazit:
Eine schöne Geschichte über die Liebe und Freundschaft. Der eine Aspekt hat für mich die Geschichte aber verschlechtert.
January 8, 2018
I thought I liked Susannah Nix's Remedial Rocket Science, but Intermediate Thermodynamics surpasses it in every way. The characterization, the romance, the tension -- every aspect of Esther and Jonathan's swoon-worthy romance possesses a depth and heart that left me utterly captivated. If this is how Nix avoids the infamous "sophomore slump," I cannot wait to see how her writing progresses. Sweet, funny, and heartfelt - highly recommended!
January 18, 2018
It is so hard to get me to fall for a contemporary Romance. It is not often my genre of choice and as readers we all know that we get in moods and rhythms and we need certain books to meet our cravings at certain times.
Intermediate Thermodynamics might be one of the best Contemporary Romances I have ever read. It is certainly one of the smartest. Definitely one of the best-written and it is the only contemporary romance that has ever made me ugly cry.
I LOOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK
I LOOOOOOOOOVE how it features a freakin' smart as all get out heroine whom the hero is never ONCE intimidated by. Indeed, her brains are what attract him to her! UGH! SO GOOD! FOREVER I LOVE THIS!
We have a typical romcom set up here: neighbour finds neighbour annoying. He doesn't understand the basic courtesy rules of the laundry room. Jonathan smokes on his balcony and it wafts into Esther's apartment. His wind chimes keep her up at night.
We have the bargain trope: she'll look at annoying neighbour's sci fi manuscript (he's a screen writer! Well, it is set in L.A) through her aerospace engineer eyes and he will take her best friend Jinny out on three dates to keep Jinny from getting back together with her dbag ex-boyfriend.
Jonathan and Esther start working on manuscripts and slowly ease into each other's lives like a comfy sweater and...well... the rest isn't rocket science.
Intermediate Thermodynamics: A Romantic Comedy (Chemistry Lessons Book 2) by [Nix, Susannah]"Objectively, she supposed he might be considered attractive--so long as he didn't open his mouth and start talking"
See, even a revisited trope or plot (as Northrop Frye says, there are only like three different stories in western literature), can become something entirely new when a fresh voice is at the helm. Nix excels at embroidering a tapestry of likeable and relatably flawed characters, a world that is fascinating and merges science fiction, with, well, sciency-science, blurt-your-tea-out laughter and a starkly honest look at two people recognizing that their Social Anxiety is what has kept them from crossing their respective thresholds.
It is also a treatise on love and attraction borne out of an endearing friendship. In short, it is an intricate study of human nature wrapped up in a sparkly rom com bow and it is oh so fun to read!
"Then she would go back twenty four hours and punch herself in the face for making this stupid bargain"
And beyond the friendship that turns into something deeper in Jonathan and Esther's court, we have a study in female friendship and work friendship --- all cogs in the wheel that allow us to understand Esther (prickly and scared and closed off) in her journey toward authentic vulnerability.
Vulnerability and honesty, the book asserts, is the sacrifice that can lead to restored friendship, love and, at the forefront, personal fulfillment.
"She'd pygmalion the s**t outta him"
Esther is so concerned at seeing the limitations of and propensity for change in others that she spends most of the novel failing to invest in her own self improvement. The counterbalance she finds in Jonathan and his friendship complementing her as well as stretching her in ways she wouldn't have imagined possible, is at the core of the book.
Esther learns and in the softest timbre. For example, the first time she gives Jonathan feedback on a manuscript it is thoroughly critical and less constructive. The second time, she makes a small nudge toward framing her comments in a more palatable way.
"It was one of those aimless indie dramas about two people who meet by chance and change each other's lives forever blah blah blah...."
And when Esther's perspective of Jonathan changes, so does her ability to stretch and shift and see the world through a different, enriched lens.
Esther never thought she needed to be in love .Love meant hurt. Love meant confronting the unresolved issues with her family: a father that left, a mother that is in constant need and rarely self sufficient. Absence and suffocation with no middle ground. Yet, this book delves into intricate and deep places without turning in to a "subject" piece. A lesser writer and this would be an issue book or wade into women's issues that make you want to skip it all and watch Hallmark. The buoyant tone, the attention to every detail, the perfect world building in the sphere of Esther's apartment life with Jonathan to her knitting group to her super sciency day job ---are all expertly explored. There is not one wasted scene.
"She wasn't waiting for a man to come along and complete her."
Sometimes the truth through fiction stings. Sometimes watching Esther's choices forces you to confront your own anxiety, your own sift through feelings of rejection. "If you never let yourself care about people," Esther has taught herself, "it didn't hurt as much when they didn't care back."
When Esther lets herself give into attraction, it has been a slow build borne of chemistry-- and not the boring dime-a-dozen physical kind, the kind that comes from learning someone is the other puzzle piece missing.
What was with her? Drooling over a glimpse of calf like a sex-starved Victorian duke in a romance novel!"
And when it reaches an inevitable boiling pot and Esther accepts that she is going to have to take a step to reach the strides he is taking, it is painful to watch ---but still interspersed with heartmelting acts of friendship and love. The boring indy romance screenplay has been rewritten --like Esther's life and view of the world-- and somehow she is able to meet it in the middle with her new perspective and its new timbre and it is something achingly winsome. "It was almost like reading a diary of their friendship."
What Intermediate Thermodynamics resoundingly excels at is providing a thesis of change. We are talking deep and subtle tics and beats that layer the book like a freakin' cake. And then some.
We fall for Jonathan before Esther can catch up. We want to shake her and hold her all while so deeply identifying with her fear of love and rejection that we want to hold her in a vulnerable ball while confronting our own limitations. We recognize that, as Nix writes "The point is to do something that's hard for you because it's meaningful for someone else."
It is a book about sacrifice and evaluation, of letting people love you, of believing yourself deserving of ownership of one's personal and professional strengths and weaknesses.
Indeed, to take a deep look at the finer tenets of Jonathan and Esther's relationship (to wit, even Jinny and Yemi's relationship with Esther) is to hold a mirror up to our weaknesses and Esther's gradual and realistic inch toward triumph echoes with an acceptance that brings the reader-author relationship full circle.
Intermediate Thermodynamics is a layered and subtle and magnificent look at modern relationships through a perfectly constructed lens of timeless themes. It is funny and smart and aching and beautiful and will make your heart grow three times. You will laugh aloud, you will cry, you will revisit your weakest moments and find yourself stronger for the confrontation and ultimately you will want to find yourself falling mind-numblingly, friendship-inducingly, marshmallow-gooingly in love
(pending that, at least finding the next in Susannah Nix's library)
Intermediate Thermodynamics might be one of the best Contemporary Romances I have ever read. It is certainly one of the smartest. Definitely one of the best-written and it is the only contemporary romance that has ever made me ugly cry.
I LOOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK
I LOOOOOOOOOVE how it features a freakin' smart as all get out heroine whom the hero is never ONCE intimidated by. Indeed, her brains are what attract him to her! UGH! SO GOOD! FOREVER I LOVE THIS!
We have a typical romcom set up here: neighbour finds neighbour annoying. He doesn't understand the basic courtesy rules of the laundry room. Jonathan smokes on his balcony and it wafts into Esther's apartment. His wind chimes keep her up at night.
We have the bargain trope: she'll look at annoying neighbour's sci fi manuscript (he's a screen writer! Well, it is set in L.A) through her aerospace engineer eyes and he will take her best friend Jinny out on three dates to keep Jinny from getting back together with her dbag ex-boyfriend.
Jonathan and Esther start working on manuscripts and slowly ease into each other's lives like a comfy sweater and...well... the rest isn't rocket science.
Intermediate Thermodynamics: A Romantic Comedy (Chemistry Lessons Book 2) by [Nix, Susannah]"Objectively, she supposed he might be considered attractive--so long as he didn't open his mouth and start talking"
See, even a revisited trope or plot (as Northrop Frye says, there are only like three different stories in western literature), can become something entirely new when a fresh voice is at the helm. Nix excels at embroidering a tapestry of likeable and relatably flawed characters, a world that is fascinating and merges science fiction, with, well, sciency-science, blurt-your-tea-out laughter and a starkly honest look at two people recognizing that their Social Anxiety is what has kept them from crossing their respective thresholds.
It is also a treatise on love and attraction borne out of an endearing friendship. In short, it is an intricate study of human nature wrapped up in a sparkly rom com bow and it is oh so fun to read!
"Then she would go back twenty four hours and punch herself in the face for making this stupid bargain"
And beyond the friendship that turns into something deeper in Jonathan and Esther's court, we have a study in female friendship and work friendship --- all cogs in the wheel that allow us to understand Esther (prickly and scared and closed off) in her journey toward authentic vulnerability.
Vulnerability and honesty, the book asserts, is the sacrifice that can lead to restored friendship, love and, at the forefront, personal fulfillment.
"She'd pygmalion the s**t outta him"
Esther is so concerned at seeing the limitations of and propensity for change in others that she spends most of the novel failing to invest in her own self improvement. The counterbalance she finds in Jonathan and his friendship complementing her as well as stretching her in ways she wouldn't have imagined possible, is at the core of the book.
Esther learns and in the softest timbre. For example, the first time she gives Jonathan feedback on a manuscript it is thoroughly critical and less constructive. The second time, she makes a small nudge toward framing her comments in a more palatable way.
"It was one of those aimless indie dramas about two people who meet by chance and change each other's lives forever blah blah blah...."
And when Esther's perspective of Jonathan changes, so does her ability to stretch and shift and see the world through a different, enriched lens.
Esther never thought she needed to be in love .Love meant hurt. Love meant confronting the unresolved issues with her family: a father that left, a mother that is in constant need and rarely self sufficient. Absence and suffocation with no middle ground. Yet, this book delves into intricate and deep places without turning in to a "subject" piece. A lesser writer and this would be an issue book or wade into women's issues that make you want to skip it all and watch Hallmark. The buoyant tone, the attention to every detail, the perfect world building in the sphere of Esther's apartment life with Jonathan to her knitting group to her super sciency day job ---are all expertly explored. There is not one wasted scene.
"She wasn't waiting for a man to come along and complete her."
Sometimes the truth through fiction stings. Sometimes watching Esther's choices forces you to confront your own anxiety, your own sift through feelings of rejection. "If you never let yourself care about people," Esther has taught herself, "it didn't hurt as much when they didn't care back."
When Esther lets herself give into attraction, it has been a slow build borne of chemistry-- and not the boring dime-a-dozen physical kind, the kind that comes from learning someone is the other puzzle piece missing.
What was with her? Drooling over a glimpse of calf like a sex-starved Victorian duke in a romance novel!"
And when it reaches an inevitable boiling pot and Esther accepts that she is going to have to take a step to reach the strides he is taking, it is painful to watch ---but still interspersed with heartmelting acts of friendship and love. The boring indy romance screenplay has been rewritten --like Esther's life and view of the world-- and somehow she is able to meet it in the middle with her new perspective and its new timbre and it is something achingly winsome. "It was almost like reading a diary of their friendship."
What Intermediate Thermodynamics resoundingly excels at is providing a thesis of change. We are talking deep and subtle tics and beats that layer the book like a freakin' cake. And then some.
We fall for Jonathan before Esther can catch up. We want to shake her and hold her all while so deeply identifying with her fear of love and rejection that we want to hold her in a vulnerable ball while confronting our own limitations. We recognize that, as Nix writes "The point is to do something that's hard for you because it's meaningful for someone else."
It is a book about sacrifice and evaluation, of letting people love you, of believing yourself deserving of ownership of one's personal and professional strengths and weaknesses.
Indeed, to take a deep look at the finer tenets of Jonathan and Esther's relationship (to wit, even Jinny and Yemi's relationship with Esther) is to hold a mirror up to our weaknesses and Esther's gradual and realistic inch toward triumph echoes with an acceptance that brings the reader-author relationship full circle.
Intermediate Thermodynamics is a layered and subtle and magnificent look at modern relationships through a perfectly constructed lens of timeless themes. It is funny and smart and aching and beautiful and will make your heart grow three times. You will laugh aloud, you will cry, you will revisit your weakest moments and find yourself stronger for the confrontation and ultimately you will want to find yourself falling mind-numblingly, friendship-inducingly, marshmallow-gooingly in love
(pending that, at least finding the next in Susannah Nix's library)
August 15, 2018
A very believable romance between two imperfect people- hit all the right beats and was a lot of fun.
May 27, 2024
It's such a lovely romantic novel that plays with the idea of opposites attracting.
Look, the main character is Esther, a super brainy scientist who can't help but get wound up by her neighbor Jonathan, who's a hipster sci-fi screenwriter. They're like chalk and cheese! But it turns out they need each other's help, so they strike a deal: if Jonathan dates Esther's best mate, she'll help him with his script.
This is where it gets good. The more time they spend working together, the more sparks fly between them! At first, they clash because of their differences, but they gradually realise they actually complement each other really well.
What starts as a very unlikely romance becomes a lovely exploration of how love can sometimes blossom in the most unexpected places. The author handles the 'enemies-to-lovers' cliche really nicely and freshens it up with likeable characters and bloody hilarious banter.
Long story short, 'Dating Theory' is a delightful read if you're a fan of witty, sparky romantic comedies. I honestly adored this book! You should definitely check it out when you can.
Look, the main character is Esther, a super brainy scientist who can't help but get wound up by her neighbor Jonathan, who's a hipster sci-fi screenwriter. They're like chalk and cheese! But it turns out they need each other's help, so they strike a deal: if Jonathan dates Esther's best mate, she'll help him with his script.
This is where it gets good. The more time they spend working together, the more sparks fly between them! At first, they clash because of their differences, but they gradually realise they actually complement each other really well.
What starts as a very unlikely romance becomes a lovely exploration of how love can sometimes blossom in the most unexpected places. The author handles the 'enemies-to-lovers' cliche really nicely and freshens it up with likeable characters and bloody hilarious banter.
Long story short, 'Dating Theory' is a delightful read if you're a fan of witty, sparky romantic comedies. I honestly adored this book! You should definitely check it out when you can.
March 11, 2020
Another heroine in a STEM field job, who is unfortunately less likeable than I remember the one of the previous book being.
Esther, an aerospace engineer, aka rocket scientist, is a meddler and a coward. Her best friend is considering getting back with her douchebag ex and Esther, wanting to keep that from happening, decides that setting her up with her cute neighbour is the best solution.
In order for that to happen, she kind of forces Jonathan, her neighbour into asking her friend out and going on three dates with her if he wants her to help him with his script.
Jonathan, who is pretty shy and a little awkward, agrees, and soon the two start spending time together while Esther begrudgingly and not particularly tactfully helps him, and end up falling for one another in the process.
Unfortunately, Esther is a coward like I mentioned and .
Eventually, things work out in all fronts, but I was too annoyed with Esther, despite all the progress she made, to enjoy the happy ending by that point. The series continues with Advanced Physical Chemistry, which I'm hoping I'll like more.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Remedial Rocket Science (Chemistry Lessons, #1) ~ ★★★★ (08/07/2018)
Esther, an aerospace engineer, aka rocket scientist, is a meddler and a coward. Her best friend is considering getting back with her douchebag ex and Esther, wanting to keep that from happening, decides that setting her up with her cute neighbour is the best solution.
In order for that to happen, she kind of forces Jonathan, her neighbour into asking her friend out and going on three dates with her if he wants her to help him with his script.
Jonathan, who is pretty shy and a little awkward, agrees, and soon the two start spending time together while Esther begrudgingly and not particularly tactfully helps him, and end up falling for one another in the process.
Unfortunately, Esther is a coward like I mentioned and .
Eventually, things work out in all fronts, but I was too annoyed with Esther, despite all the progress she made, to enjoy the happy ending by that point. The series continues with Advanced Physical Chemistry, which I'm hoping I'll like more.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Remedial Rocket Science (Chemistry Lessons, #1) ~ ★★★★ (08/07/2018)
November 30, 2017
find my review here!
----
I was surprised by the fact that I found myself enjoying this! I wasn't the biggest fan of book one, so I was a bit hesitant, but I'm glad I gave Esther's story a try.
Part of the reason I liked this a lot was because there was a solid best friend in this book. Jinny, her BFF, was a great character to have and I loved the interactions between her and Esther--there's a whole different side to the main character and I was happy that the author made their relationship such an important one in the novel.
I also found myself really liking Esther. She's hella judgy, and, admittedly, she reminded me of me a lot of the times. She was a strong, capable lead, and she wasn't silent about her opinions, which was something I adored about her! She did come off as a bit intense sometimes, but I always found it justified because she always brought up a good point: doesn't she need to be in her field?
So there were the occasional rants about misogyny and sexism in her work place and every time Esther overcame that, I definitely cheered her on.
As for the romance... I liked it, kind of? I personally thought the other aspects of the novel were stronger, but it wasn't bad. Jonathan and Esther had a good friendship and solid chemistry, but honestly, I liked seeing them interact as friends more than anything.
Overall, 3.5 stars! I'm curious to see who book 3 is about!
----
I was surprised by the fact that I found myself enjoying this! I wasn't the biggest fan of book one, so I was a bit hesitant, but I'm glad I gave Esther's story a try.
Part of the reason I liked this a lot was because there was a solid best friend in this book. Jinny, her BFF, was a great character to have and I loved the interactions between her and Esther--there's a whole different side to the main character and I was happy that the author made their relationship such an important one in the novel.
I also found myself really liking Esther. She's hella judgy, and, admittedly, she reminded me of me a lot of the times. She was a strong, capable lead, and she wasn't silent about her opinions, which was something I adored about her! She did come off as a bit intense sometimes, but I always found it justified because she always brought up a good point: doesn't she need to be in her field?
So there were the occasional rants about misogyny and sexism in her work place and every time Esther overcame that, I definitely cheered her on.
As for the romance... I liked it, kind of? I personally thought the other aspects of the novel were stronger, but it wasn't bad. Jonathan and Esther had a good friendship and solid chemistry, but honestly, I liked seeing them interact as friends more than anything.
Overall, 3.5 stars! I'm curious to see who book 3 is about!
March 17, 2018
2018 Romance Challenge
Category: STEM (Literal Rocket Scientist) heroine
4 Eloquent Emotional Role Reversal Stars
Category: STEM (Literal Rocket Scientist) heroine
4 Eloquent Emotional Role Reversal Stars
January 21, 2025
Knowing what is best
A very good book. I enjoyed it more the further I got into it. In fact, in the last few chapters, it was difficult to put down. The book is a bit slow, but this can be forgiven because, to me, details matter and don't mind the author going slow to fill in the details.
Esther is a problem solver and a rocket science. She is loyal to her small group of friends but has no time for people not up to her standards at work or outside. Her neighbour Jonathan has managed to get on her bad side, usually a place of no return. However, to save her best friend Jinny (from hersrlf), she sees Jonathan as the lesser of two evils. Then she starts noticing other things about him, but Esther will soon realise in solving other people's problems she has been ignoring her own.
A great story of personal growth for all the characters, especially Esther. I would have liked a bit more of reverence of the characters from the first book as I really liked them. There is a reunion in one chapter, but that is it. However, there are four great characters to meet in this book.
A very good book. I enjoyed it more the further I got into it. In fact, in the last few chapters, it was difficult to put down. The book is a bit slow, but this can be forgiven because, to me, details matter and don't mind the author going slow to fill in the details.
Esther is a problem solver and a rocket science. She is loyal to her small group of friends but has no time for people not up to her standards at work or outside. Her neighbour Jonathan has managed to get on her bad side, usually a place of no return. However, to save her best friend Jinny (from hersrlf), she sees Jonathan as the lesser of two evils. Then she starts noticing other things about him, but Esther will soon realise in solving other people's problems she has been ignoring her own.
A great story of personal growth for all the characters, especially Esther. I would have liked a bit more of reverence of the characters from the first book as I really liked them. There is a reunion in one chapter, but that is it. However, there are four great characters to meet in this book.
December 1, 2019
Underappreciated aerospace engineer Esther doesn't much like her neighbor Jonathon, but makes a deal with him to help out with his SF movie script in exchange for going out with Esther's best friend to distract her from going back to her horrible ex. The dates happen, and so does the script review, and Esther and Jonathon end up spending time together. But both of their individual hang ups that get in the way of their budding relationship.
This one goes a lot more into the negative sides of being female in an otherwise all-male STEM technical team, particularly around very subtle forms of sexism that can leave someone on the outside of peer groups. But it also goes into positive aspects of support structures, even when Esther herself prefers to stand alone.
This series continues to be enjoyable with some great representation of women in the tech industry.
This one goes a lot more into the negative sides of being female in an otherwise all-male STEM technical team, particularly around very subtle forms of sexism that can leave someone on the outside of peer groups. But it also goes into positive aspects of support structures, even when Esther herself prefers to stand alone.
This series continues to be enjoyable with some great representation of women in the tech industry.
May 24, 2019
I liked the element of a slow burn romance, but still, this is kinda the poor man's Penny Reid when it comes to geeky female leads.
March 16, 2025
Wow did I underestimate how good this book would be!!
First I thought there was no way I’d enjoy this. Esther came across very stuck up, judgmental and deemed anyone who didn’t match her intellect as beneath her. However further in you discover she’s just wearing her armour to protect herself. Jonathan sees straight through this and wants her anyway. 100% my type on paper, I found a lot of similarities in him that match my husband. No wonder I enjoyed this so much 🤣
Their relationship was well developed and realistic. Both parties insecurities and vulnerabilities were captured well and as the reader I felt every emotion they felt. I loved the friendship they formed first and how easy it was to be together, that’s how it should be. Beautifully done and of course made me cry (starting to think I’m really hormonal this week). Jinny I thought over reacted slightly but I’m glad they made up as quick as they did, true friends don’t hold grudges. Work and family dramas realistic again, it’s what we all face day to day and it added a little something extra into the story 🫶🏻
First I thought there was no way I’d enjoy this. Esther came across very stuck up, judgmental and deemed anyone who didn’t match her intellect as beneath her. However further in you discover she’s just wearing her armour to protect herself. Jonathan sees straight through this and wants her anyway. 100% my type on paper, I found a lot of similarities in him that match my husband. No wonder I enjoyed this so much 🤣
Their relationship was well developed and realistic. Both parties insecurities and vulnerabilities were captured well and as the reader I felt every emotion they felt. I loved the friendship they formed first and how easy it was to be together, that’s how it should be. Beautifully done and of course made me cry (starting to think I’m really hormonal this week). Jinny I thought over reacted slightly but I’m glad they made up as quick as they did, true friends don’t hold grudges. Work and family dramas realistic again, it’s what we all face day to day and it added a little something extra into the story 🫶🏻
July 24, 2024
Story 4 stars. Narration 5 stars
I really enjoyed this listen, maybe even more than the several others I’ve read in this series-and no I haven’t read them in any sort of order. This couple consists of a (for lack of a better word)rocket scientist female and a hopeful screen writer. They are next door neighbors at their apartments. She hates him for easily overcome reasons and he has no idea. On his part, he needs someone to help him with science facts for his science fiction script. So she gets him to take out her best friend to keep her from going back to her scumbag cheater boyfriend. That’s the set up and I’ll stop there.
I liked the couple, even if I wanted to shake the female at times. She just kept blocking herself from anything good in her life. The guy was just a really good guy, although one that needed a lot of help with his writing. It was a good listen and I do recommend it to adult romance readers.
I really enjoyed this listen, maybe even more than the several others I’ve read in this series-and no I haven’t read them in any sort of order. This couple consists of a (for lack of a better word)rocket scientist female and a hopeful screen writer. They are next door neighbors at their apartments. She hates him for easily overcome reasons and he has no idea. On his part, he needs someone to help him with science facts for his science fiction script. So she gets him to take out her best friend to keep her from going back to her scumbag cheater boyfriend. That’s the set up and I’ll stop there.
I liked the couple, even if I wanted to shake the female at times. She just kept blocking herself from anything good in her life. The guy was just a really good guy, although one that needed a lot of help with his writing. It was a good listen and I do recommend it to adult romance readers.
December 24, 2018
DNFed at 43% fairly soon after we learn the heroine, a young woman, is financially supporting her mother who isn’t disabled, just incompetent at working and budgeting. Then, we learn the hero’s mom is a surgeon who doesn’t bother to show much affection for her husband because she is so ‘type a’.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and both books feature awful mothers, one successful but cold and the other poor but hopelessly unsophisticated and useless. In neither case is a mother a helpful, admirable, or emotionally mature adult.
You know what? Fuck young authors with mommy issues. The misogyny evidenced toward women over 45 in the romance genre has always been strong, but OMFG younger authors. You’re not a feminist if all mothers are bad people.
And frankly the chances a young adult is financially supporting their parent vs the other way around? Sooooooo slim.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and both books feature awful mothers, one successful but cold and the other poor but hopelessly unsophisticated and useless. In neither case is a mother a helpful, admirable, or emotionally mature adult.
You know what? Fuck young authors with mommy issues. The misogyny evidenced toward women over 45 in the romance genre has always been strong, but OMFG younger authors. You’re not a feminist if all mothers are bad people.
And frankly the chances a young adult is financially supporting their parent vs the other way around? Sooooooo slim.
May 16, 2020
The raw real-ness of this book is what makes it a 4 star read for me. I love that Nix took two ordinary lives and made it a beautiful love story. I could see all of this happening in reality. This wasnt a sugar coated fluffy rom com. These were two individuals with real lives who came together in a complete believable way. They had ups and downs and navigated how to make their relationship work. I also love that Esther was a badass rocket scientist.
June 30, 2024
Zadziwiająco dobra książka z gatunku romansu, która mnie rozbawiła, wzruszyła i zdenerwowała. Dużo poprawa względem 1 tomu.
March 28, 2018
The first book in this series, Remedial Rocket Science, read like a first effort. A good first effort, but hampered by characters a bit too tropey, voiced a bit too young, the attraction between Melody and Jeremy not quite believable.
Intermediate Thermodynamics is much more accomplished. Esther and Johnathan are complete characters and well voiced. I particularly liked this exchange between them:
I liked the contradiction in Esther—confident at work and with men she doesn't care about, but confused and vulnerable when emotions begin to supplant her "logical" plans to hold Johnathan at a distance. Johnathan reads true—a genuinely nice guy who works hard to cozy up to the initially icy Esther and is then genuinely hurt when she rejects him. The attraction between them is completely believable. Even Esther's friends Jinny and Yemi read as complete characters. Yemi is particularly charming.
Will definitely read the next book in the series.
Intermediate Thermodynamics is much more accomplished. Esther and Johnathan are complete characters and well voiced. I particularly liked this exchange between them:
Esther: I just think I was meant to be alone. I rather be by myself or with my friends than with any guy I've ever dated, so why bother dating?Of course he means him!
Johnathan: Maybe the problem isn't you, it's the kind of guy you date.
Esther: What's that supposed to mean?
Johnathan: I just think you shouldn't be dating anyone you don't want to be friends with. If you're looking for a real partner, there's got to more more than just sexual attraction there. You should be looking for someone you actually enjoy spending time with. Ideally, you're looking for a best friend.
I liked the contradiction in Esther—confident at work and with men she doesn't care about, but confused and vulnerable when emotions begin to supplant her "logical" plans to hold Johnathan at a distance. Johnathan reads true—a genuinely nice guy who works hard to cozy up to the initially icy Esther and is then genuinely hurt when she rejects him. The attraction between them is completely believable. Even Esther's friends Jinny and Yemi read as complete characters. Yemi is particularly charming.
Will definitely read the next book in the series.
May 1, 2020
I hoped for more from this book. Especially after a charming, funny beginning.
The encounters of the main couple were enjoyable, what I expect from YA, contemporary romance. I rooted for Jonathan. I adore such beta-heroes.
Some ideas as additions for the romance were also good (e.g. Jinny and Stuart, Esther's mother).
But between the mentioned above were characters, events, topics I wasn't interested at all. They looked like they were added just because Susannah Nix thought she had to add the thread about troubles in a work and a 'girl power' (here the knitting group).
I am torn. There were moments (especially at the beginnings) when I would have liked to give it almost 4 stars. But then, there were moments I skipped and wondered if it deserved 2 stars (too boring and too cliche). I have to compromise, I am giving it 3 stars only because of a few lovely scenes with Jonathan and because of the geek/science addition.
The encounters of the main couple were enjoyable, what I expect from YA, contemporary romance. I rooted for Jonathan. I adore such beta-heroes.
Some ideas as additions for the romance were also good (e.g. Jinny and Stuart, Esther's mother).
But between the mentioned above were characters, events, topics I wasn't interested at all. They looked like they were added just because Susannah Nix thought she had to add the thread about troubles in a work and a 'girl power' (here the knitting group).
I am torn. There were moments (especially at the beginnings) when I would have liked to give it almost 4 stars. But then, there were moments I skipped and wondered if it deserved 2 stars (too boring and too cliche). I have to compromise, I am giving it 3 stars only because of a few lovely scenes with Jonathan and because of the geek/science addition.
April 4, 2018
3 stars
RTC
RTC
July 19, 2018
In a nutshell we have: Exhibit A, Esther: really smart, but flawed in the relationship department, protagonist who works in the aerospace industry as an engineer and she's good at her job. She's got a big negative thing for Exhibit B, laundry-facility-hogging neighbor Jonathan, who is a scruffy wannabe screen-writer, but not doing so well at that, so he can use some help. (Incidentally, this same guy appeared as a minor character in the previous book, Remedial Rocket Science, and some other characters also overlap.) And then there's Exhibit C, the friend Jinny with the hideous boyfriend that Exhbibit A wants to escort out of the picture...
I suppose this wouldn't be a romance novel if the Three Exhibits were just non-interacting particles in a huge volume of empty space, but luckily for readers, a fair bit of "entanglement" can be observed, especially in the emotional department.
Anyway, I pretty much loved this book and intend to read the next in the series. I paid full retail price for it. Also, by the way, this book apparently contains zero typographical errors, and therefore the Golden Rodent award is being hand-crafted in our secret laboratory at this very moment.
I suppose this wouldn't be a romance novel if the Three Exhibits were just non-interacting particles in a huge volume of empty space, but luckily for readers, a fair bit of "entanglement" can be observed, especially in the emotional department.
Anyway, I pretty much loved this book and intend to read the next in the series. I paid full retail price for it. Also, by the way, this book apparently contains zero typographical errors, and therefore the Golden Rodent award is being hand-crafted in our secret laboratory at this very moment.
March 21, 2018
"She could work with that. She'd be the Henry Higgins to his Eliza Doolittle if that was what it took. She'd Pygmalion the shit out of him. As long as Jinny was willing to give him another chance." p. 45
Let’s talk about Susannah Nix’s novels and how happy they make me. I loved every part of this smart romance. (The heroines all work in STEM fields in this series!) It made me laugh and cry! Typically I struggle when a character makes a lie of omission but somehow Nix made it work here and I think what helped is that the lie was not between the hero and heroine. I kept rooting for Esther to do the right thing and the consequences played out the way they should. Esther learns some big lessons and it happens in some bittersweet but ultimately lovely ways.
Esther was so prickly and the way she softened over the course of the novel was so moving. And Jonathan was not without flaws but he was still the dreamiest and I loved how he took care of Esther. Esther resisted his appeal- in fact, was blind to it- at first and it was more than satisfying to watch her finally fall in love at last. I read this series out of order but it didn't matter. The books are standalones and the only problem I have now is that I have to wait until Nix writes her next novel. I need it!
Let’s talk about Susannah Nix’s novels and how happy they make me. I loved every part of this smart romance. (The heroines all work in STEM fields in this series!) It made me laugh and cry! Typically I struggle when a character makes a lie of omission but somehow Nix made it work here and I think what helped is that the lie was not between the hero and heroine. I kept rooting for Esther to do the right thing and the consequences played out the way they should. Esther learns some big lessons and it happens in some bittersweet but ultimately lovely ways.
Esther was so prickly and the way she softened over the course of the novel was so moving. And Jonathan was not without flaws but he was still the dreamiest and I loved how he took care of Esther. Esther resisted his appeal- in fact, was blind to it- at first and it was more than satisfying to watch her finally fall in love at last. I read this series out of order but it didn't matter. The books are standalones and the only problem I have now is that I have to wait until Nix writes her next novel. I need it!
November 8, 2017
4.2 points :D
Once again I enjoyed author's writing very much but sadly I felt the main conflict to be somewhat contrived and didn't see any HUGE issues with heroine's actions in the beginning that kicked off the whole plot. Everybody else in the book did though, so I might be an awful human being. It is entirely possible.
It was true though that h avoided coming clean to everybody a bit too long thus creating a bit of a mess but certainly there was no mortal sin everybody seemed to perceive.
The hero didn't appeal to me hugely but didn't outright irritate me wither. So that's good.
What did appeal to me hugely was once again the intelligent, self-sustained, take-no-shit female lead that seems to be Nix's hallmark. Kudos to her and she is now firmly in my followed authors list!
Once again I enjoyed author's writing very much but sadly I felt the main conflict to be somewhat contrived and didn't see any HUGE issues with heroine's actions in the beginning that kicked off the whole plot. Everybody else in the book did though, so I might be an awful human being. It is entirely possible.
It was true though that h avoided coming clean to everybody a bit too long thus creating a bit of a mess but certainly there was no mortal sin everybody seemed to perceive.
The hero didn't appeal to me hugely but didn't outright irritate me wither. So that's good.
What did appeal to me hugely was once again the intelligent, self-sustained, take-no-shit female lead that seems to be Nix's hallmark. Kudos to her and she is now firmly in my followed authors list!
December 4, 2019
My review is kinda like this story.....
Male (author) can't write what he really wants to say and Female (me) is way harsh in her review.
Sorry, couldn't finish this one. When Nix got to the description of how her lead felt about his screenplays all I could think is "that's exactly how I feel about this book"!
So much potential, poorly executed (my opinion) but just like in the book.... it's not my pair of shoes
Male (author) can't write what he really wants to say and Female (me) is way harsh in her review.
Sorry, couldn't finish this one. When Nix got to the description of how her lead felt about his screenplays all I could think is "that's exactly how I feel about this book"!
So much potential, poorly executed (my opinion) but just like in the book.... it's not my pair of shoes
June 18, 2020
3.5 this neighbors to friends to lovers kinda thing be kinda uwu,,, also jonathan brinkerhoff i love u babie 😘 and esther abbott being a part of the bangs community,,, i love it here,,,
(.5 for the sexy times and i enjoyed the friends to lovers transition they cute,,,,, be warned it ends in a cliffhanger so?? what’s up w that 🤧)
(.5 for the sexy times and i enjoyed the friends to lovers transition they cute,,,,, be warned it ends in a cliffhanger so?? what’s up w that 🤧)
September 1, 2019
A cute quick read with a mediocrity MC.
The MC was okay - her issues are pretty obvious but does work through them.
The MC was okay - her issues are pretty obvious but does work through them.
November 12, 2019
This was a book of bad choices & messed up priorities imo. Jonathan was too good for Esther.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
January 11, 2023
There were some cute aspects about it, but overwhelmingly, it was just forgettable. And I'm out.
May 17, 2025
4.5 Stars
A wonderfully heartfelt, opposites attract romance with a STEM focus that I really enjoyed.
The emotional growth and vulnerability that we uncover in our guarded, aerospace engineer FMC, Esther was incredibly beautiful. And her slow burn dynamics with love interest & neighbour, Jonathan allowed us to witness their relationship growth in an organic, realistic way that definitely made me more invested in them.
Especially with how good their Black Cat/Golden Retriever energy was together!
Jonathan was also a really great love interest. And I loved how patient he is with Esther, who tends to take a bit longer to warm up to (and connect) with others than most people. He never forces her into anything, giving Esther the time and space to make up her own mind— which something I found really satisfyingly comforting.
Things do become slightly complicated due to Esther’s initial quid pro quo deal (getting Jonathan to briefly date her best friend in exchange for her scientific expertise on his script.) And leads to some rather emotional soul searching on Esther’s part, but in terms of drama things were (for the most part) fairly tame.
That’s not to say there was no conflict, as we do explore important social commentary on workplace culture, sexism and gender roles in STEM fields. Along with complicated parental ties, and a nuanced exploration into dating, emotional intimacy and the fears surrounding heartbreak and rejection. But it never gravitated into cliche territory and (in my personal opinion) kept its grounded, emotionally heartfelt tone until the very end.
Also, if you’ve read The Love Code, then you’ll probably recognise a few of the characters who make brief but really enjoyable cameos that has me excited for the rest of the series.
Overall, this was quick and incredibly compelling read that lovers of both character driven STEM romances, the opposites attract & friends to lovers tropes should consider checking out.
Also, a massive thank you to Book Break UK and Pan Macmillan for the gorgeous finished copy.
A wonderfully heartfelt, opposites attract romance with a STEM focus that I really enjoyed.
The emotional growth and vulnerability that we uncover in our guarded, aerospace engineer FMC, Esther was incredibly beautiful. And her slow burn dynamics with love interest & neighbour, Jonathan allowed us to witness their relationship growth in an organic, realistic way that definitely made me more invested in them.
Especially with how good their Black Cat/Golden Retriever energy was together!
Jonathan was also a really great love interest. And I loved how patient he is with Esther, who tends to take a bit longer to warm up to (and connect) with others than most people. He never forces her into anything, giving Esther the time and space to make up her own mind— which something I found really satisfyingly comforting.
Things do become slightly complicated due to Esther’s initial quid pro quo deal (getting Jonathan to briefly date her best friend in exchange for her scientific expertise on his script.) And leads to some rather emotional soul searching on Esther’s part, but in terms of drama things were (for the most part) fairly tame.
That’s not to say there was no conflict, as we do explore important social commentary on workplace culture, sexism and gender roles in STEM fields. Along with complicated parental ties, and a nuanced exploration into dating, emotional intimacy and the fears surrounding heartbreak and rejection. But it never gravitated into cliche territory and (in my personal opinion) kept its grounded, emotionally heartfelt tone until the very end.
Also, if you’ve read The Love Code, then you’ll probably recognise a few of the characters who make brief but really enjoyable cameos that has me excited for the rest of the series.
Overall, this was quick and incredibly compelling read that lovers of both character driven STEM romances, the opposites attract & friends to lovers tropes should consider checking out.
Also, a massive thank you to Book Break UK and Pan Macmillan for the gorgeous finished copy.
July 16, 2018
Maybe 3.5 stars, but I felt like this got better as it progressed. Mostly, I wasn't wild about the start, but once it gets going, it's fairly charming.
I really like Esther and Jeremy becoming closer as she critiques his screenplay. The secondary characters are all pretty great; females in STEM fields is always a plus. I enjoy how casual workplace sexism is dealt with. It's condemned, and it's also fairly realistically done, and a thing that I think should feature in more books. Bonus points for, when the two female characters are complaining about it and they ask the opinion of their male colleague/friends, he says something along the lines of, "I don't think I have enough experience of this to comment on it." Which is such a great answer.
I did find the . That said, it's a minor thing.
Mostly this is fairly charming.
I really like Esther and Jeremy becoming closer as she critiques his screenplay. The secondary characters are all pretty great; females in STEM fields is always a plus. I enjoy how casual workplace sexism is dealt with. It's condemned, and it's also fairly realistically done, and a thing that I think should feature in more books. Bonus points for, when the two female characters are complaining about it and they ask the opinion of their male colleague/friends, he says something along the lines of, "I don't think I have enough experience of this to comment on it." Which is such a great answer.
I did find the . That said, it's a minor thing.
Mostly this is fairly charming.
February 2, 2024
Okay yall… this ONLY got 3 stars bc she’s a man hater like me… This book had amazing potential but lacked an actual plot. It was kind of an insufferable roller coaster that alternated between pity party internal monologue and useless fluff (i say useless bc every detail was given up until the smut. I don’t think smut is integral to EVERY story but some of them need it and this was one of them.) Anyways. Also there were multiple discrepancies that shouldn’t have been over looked.
A. She said she was 5’9 and he was 6’2 but then two chapters later ‘her eyes only went as far as his collar bone’. Like girl FIVE INCHES?!? Make it make sense.
B. Shes a rocket scientist at 24 thats worked at her current job for a year AND defended her phD thesis? It wasn’t clearly stated whether she had a phD or not but typically Masters students don’t defend a thesis. So you’re telling me she got her phD at 23?!?
A. She said she was 5’9 and he was 6’2 but then two chapters later ‘her eyes only went as far as his collar bone’. Like girl FIVE INCHES?!? Make it make sense.
B. Shes a rocket scientist at 24 thats worked at her current job for a year AND defended her phD thesis? It wasn’t clearly stated whether she had a phD or not but typically Masters students don’t defend a thesis. So you’re telling me she got her phD at 23?!?
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