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Dirty Martini Running Club #2
Love According to Science
“I thought if I could crack the code to falling in love, maybe someday it would work for me.”
Corban Nash is a self-proclaimed data nerd with a sexy half smile and a set of abs that leave girls drooling. He developed a theory he claims will make two people fall in love. And after numerous tests on friends and family, it’s been successful for everyone who’s tried it.
The problem is, it’s never worked on him. And he doesn’t know why.
Still, he’s determined to prove his theory. The only thing standing in his way? His nemesis, Hazel Kiegen.
Hazel refuses to be distracted Corban’s adorable awkwardness or his temptingly muscular body. He claims to have cracked the code to falling in love, and she’s going to prove him wrong.
From the moment these two rivals meet, their chemistry is irresistible. And what’s wrong with a little sex between enemies? But when they put Corban’s theory to the test for themselves, the results are deliciously unexpected.
Author’s note: Stand-alone romcom featuring a sexy nerd with a great big... heart. Tons of tension and witty banter. Super hot frenemies with benefits. Badass lady friendships with a widening circle of trust. And a romantic HEA that will leave you swooning.
Corban Nash is a self-proclaimed data nerd with a sexy half smile and a set of abs that leave girls drooling. He developed a theory he claims will make two people fall in love. And after numerous tests on friends and family, it’s been successful for everyone who’s tried it.
The problem is, it’s never worked on him. And he doesn’t know why.
Still, he’s determined to prove his theory. The only thing standing in his way? His nemesis, Hazel Kiegen.
Hazel refuses to be distracted Corban’s adorable awkwardness or his temptingly muscular body. He claims to have cracked the code to falling in love, and she’s going to prove him wrong.
From the moment these two rivals meet, their chemistry is irresistible. And what’s wrong with a little sex between enemies? But when they put Corban’s theory to the test for themselves, the results are deliciously unexpected.
Author’s note: Stand-alone romcom featuring a sexy nerd with a great big... heart. Tons of tension and witty banter. Super hot frenemies with benefits. Badass lady friendships with a widening circle of trust. And a romantic HEA that will leave you swooning.
First published January 23, 2020
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About the author
Claire Kingsley
81 books12.4k followersClaire Kingsley is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance, romantic comedies, and small-town romantic suspense. She writes sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, romantic happily ever afters, and all the big feels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,536 reviews
April 1, 2025
╰┈➤ 3 stars!
this book was also good! it’s probably just a simple story for me, nothing new but i don’t think it was a waste of time either!
౨ৎ hazel. the amount of times this woman had said “lady parts” was unnecessary, in my opinion. however, she was truly such a woman! she’s definitely smart and knows her way around in researching things. i love how she was represented in her story. it’s nice to see that women are actually welcome in their workplace rather than being there to breakdown barriers. i get it, i love it when women does that, proving that they’re more than just what men say about them, but it’s also nice to read a book where they’re actually accepted and isn’t questioned if they’re really capable or if they did something just to reach where they are right now.
౨ৎ corban. the amount of times this man had said he was geek was unnecessary, in my opinion. we get it, you enjoy numbers (lucky you). i felt bad for him because he was obviously the less favorite twin, and that he was forced to do things that aren’t really for him. it made him think that he was hard to love and that there’s something wrong with him, but it’s actually because of his parents. however, i’m glad it didn’t break his relationship with his twin. instead of making it a competition between them, he confided in her when things are just too much with their parents.
their banter was really good, but not all the time because i feel like i would’ve been insulted once or twice lol. but how they played pranks on each other was really funny. it was harmless to get the other person riled up, but without actually going over their boundaries.
overall, i’m glad they’re each other penguins. i especially loved the penguin part and how it became their thing. him giving her rocks, and her keeping it so she could build a nest for their little ones. this book was the typical but it was still a good read.
this book was also good! it’s probably just a simple story for me, nothing new but i don’t think it was a waste of time either!
౨ৎ hazel. the amount of times this woman had said “lady parts” was unnecessary, in my opinion. however, she was truly such a woman! she’s definitely smart and knows her way around in researching things. i love how she was represented in her story. it’s nice to see that women are actually welcome in their workplace rather than being there to breakdown barriers. i get it, i love it when women does that, proving that they’re more than just what men say about them, but it’s also nice to read a book where they’re actually accepted and isn’t questioned if they’re really capable or if they did something just to reach where they are right now.
౨ৎ corban. the amount of times this man had said he was geek was unnecessary, in my opinion. we get it, you enjoy numbers (lucky you). i felt bad for him because he was obviously the less favorite twin, and that he was forced to do things that aren’t really for him. it made him think that he was hard to love and that there’s something wrong with him, but it’s actually because of his parents. however, i’m glad it didn’t break his relationship with his twin. instead of making it a competition between them, he confided in her when things are just too much with their parents.
their banter was really good, but not all the time because i feel like i would’ve been insulted once or twice lol. but how they played pranks on each other was really funny. it was harmless to get the other person riled up, but without actually going over their boundaries.
overall, i’m glad they’re each other penguins. i especially loved the penguin part and how it became their thing. him giving her rocks, and her keeping it so she could build a nest for their little ones. this book was the typical but it was still a good read.
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January 20, 2020
Love According to Science is book two in the Dirty Martini Running Club series by Claire Kingsley. This is an adorable enemies to lovers story that will definitely make you swoon. It can be read as a stand alone but if you haven’t read the prequel, Everly Dalton’s Dating Disasters or book one, Faking Ms. Right, you most definitely should because they are amazing.
Hazel Kiegen loves science. She also loves her new job at Woodward College in the psychology research department. Hazel is taking a hiatus from dating. She wants to put all her effort into her career with no distractions. Her only real distraction is the fake scientist on the internet claiming to have cracked the code to falling in love. She has made it her goal to prove him to be wrong. So just think how surprised she was when the same man turned up on her campus, as her new colleague!
Corban Nash loves numbers. He is a data analyst. But he has always been interested in human nature and what makes people fall in love. He developed a questionnaire and every couple that has taken it together has fallen in love. Except for himself. Maybe it’s just not in his future. Maybe there is something wrong with him. Corban lands the job of a lifetime at Woodward College. He will finally have the chance to prove his theories. Plus he is closer to his twin sister! Then he saw her. He knew immediately that she was the one who has been stalking him on the internet. What he didn’t realize was how beautiful she was. She was his nemesis. So why was his body reacting this way?
“I was going to scientifically prove my theory, and I was going to do it right in front of Hazel Kiegen’s pretty face.”
When Hazel and Corban are put on a project together, they are forced to get to know each other and are reluctant to admit that they might actually like each other, at least respect each other. And that crazy chemistry zinging back and forth between them, that’s not going anywhere. In fact, it’s getting stronger, so strong that they finally have to give in to it!
This book was so much fun. It was sweet and sexy and just perfect. Both of these characters were made to feel growing up that they were different. Now as adults, they had accepted themselves but that still doesn’t take away all of their insecurities. And yes, when you are an adult, there are still mean girls that no matter how hard you try, still make you feel like you are less than.
Hazel and Corban tried so hard to fight each other but they should have known from the start that science is always right. And science says that these two are perfect for one another.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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May 10, 2020
Aw!! Now I want a penguin. Never thought a science can make a swoon worthy romance. This is my first read by Miss Kingsley and I will for sure looking for her other books.
This is more rom com. The banter,push and pull between Corban and Hazel is just perfect. Not to mention the prank they pull to each other. Who knew a geeky scientist can be so geeky funny.
Their chemistry is also nicely build and I cheer them for their HEA at the end. Just like the marathon. What I learned from this book? Never under estimate penguin.
4 stars
This is more rom com. The banter,push and pull between Corban and Hazel is just perfect. Not to mention the prank they pull to each other. Who knew a geeky scientist can be so geeky funny.
Their chemistry is also nicely build and I cheer them for their HEA at the end. Just like the marathon. What I learned from this book? Never under estimate penguin.
4 stars
March 26, 2020
More than just a nerd...
Love According to Science is about a couple of nerds owning their originality and quirkiness. I absolutely loved that Hazel and Corban accepted they do and think about things differently. They were not stereotypical, in that Corban loves rock climbing (and has the rocking body to go with it) and Hazel has taken up running (and has the trim, tort and terrific bod to go with it). Sexy and brainy nerds are the in thing...being smart is so sexy.
While I enjoyed this story, I struggled a bit with how long this couple took to accept they were more than just a one night stand... sexy fling... friends with benefits. For two extremely intelligent people, they were pretty silly. I knew they were in love, why the bloody heck could they not see it? 😉
I loved Hazel's joy of baking as I too find it relaxing and get excited watching others sample and enjoy my sweet treats. Corban's random facts about animals was interesting and it made me smile that he shares them when he's nervous. It was so sweet that he loved penguins because they mated for life and he wanted that same connection. Between his quirky facts and her sweet treats, they were a match even before Corban's love questionnaire.
I really like this series and I can't wait for Sophie and Nora to find their true loves... penguin mate, too.
Love According to Science is about a couple of nerds owning their originality and quirkiness. I absolutely loved that Hazel and Corban accepted they do and think about things differently. They were not stereotypical, in that Corban loves rock climbing (and has the rocking body to go with it) and Hazel has taken up running (and has the trim, tort and terrific bod to go with it). Sexy and brainy nerds are the in thing...being smart is so sexy.
While I enjoyed this story, I struggled a bit with how long this couple took to accept they were more than just a one night stand... sexy fling... friends with benefits. For two extremely intelligent people, they were pretty silly. I knew they were in love, why the bloody heck could they not see it? 😉
I loved Hazel's joy of baking as I too find it relaxing and get excited watching others sample and enjoy my sweet treats. Corban's random facts about animals was interesting and it made me smile that he shares them when he's nervous. It was so sweet that he loved penguins because they mated for life and he wanted that same connection. Between his quirky facts and her sweet treats, they were a match even before Corban's love questionnaire.
I really like this series and I can't wait for Sophie and Nora to find their true loves... penguin mate, too.
Read
January 23, 2020Love According to Science: A Hot Enemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy
Corban Nash: sexy nerd in hate-lust with his sworn enemy. Claims to have cracked the code to falling in love. Hazel Kiegen: brilliant but awkward. Determined to prove Corban wrong.
When these two rivals come face to face, the banter is witty, the tension is delicious, and the sparks are scorching hot.
Amazon
Universal link
READ A STEAMY EXCERPT FROM LOVE ACCORDING TO SCIENCE
I let out a breath and crouched down to pick up the papers strewn around my feet. Corban helped me scoop them up and I stood, tapping them into a neat pile as best I could. I’d have to reorganize everything at my desk.
“Um, Hazel?”
“Yes?”
He cleared his throat.
I took my copies off the paper tray and tucked them into a folder. “What?”
“Your, um… buttons.”
I looked at him first, before his words registered. His eyes flicked down to my chest and suddenly everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. His tongue did a tantalizing dance across his lower lip, drawing it into his mouth. Then he caught it with his teeth in a bite that sent a very unexpected rush of heat straight between my legs.
Suppressing a gasp, I clenched my thighs. And then I realized what he’d just said. My buttons.
I glanced down and sure enough, not just one, but two of my shirt buttons had popped open while I’d been gathering my papers off the floor.
I’d already worn my shirt with the top button undone—perfectly work-appropriate—but with the loss of two more, my chest was on full display. With all the sexually frustrated baking I’d been doing lately, I’d put on a few pounds, and most of it had gone to my boobs. If a girl had to gain a little weight, that wasn’t a bad place for it. But it also meant my clothes didn’t fit quite as well in the chest.
And right now, my boobs were not only spilling out of my open shirt, they seemed to be trying their hardest to pop right out of my bra cups.
I stood frozen. Transfixed by the predatory gleam in Corban’s eyes. By the conflict I could see raging through him. I could feel the effort it took for him to tear his gaze away and a part of me, way in the back of my brain, recognized that for the gentlemanly action that it was.
Then he made eye contact.
A potent mix of intense desire and irritation poured through me. How dare he sneak up on me and make me drop my things so I had to bend over and make the buttons on my shirt pop open so he got a good look at my boobs!
“Why are you even here?” I snapped.
“I was working.”
“You shouldn’t have scared me.”
He took a step closer. “It was an accident.”
The pressure between my legs grew, his proximity in the small space making my entire body tingle. Almost involuntarily, my eyes darted to his groin. The tenting in his slacks was unmistakable.
And impressive.
He inched toward me, adjusting his glasses. The whirlpool sensation in my belly left me feeling light-headed and tingly. I was well aware that my shirt was still open and I wasn’t making any attempt to fix it. But the closer he got, the harder my heart beat, and the more the pressure between my legs begged me to do something about it.
Something crazy.
Something reckless.
Something so ill-advised I was angry at myself for even thinking it.
Angry at him for making me think it.
I had to break the spell, so I reached for that anger, grabbing it and holding it tight. “Your research is bad, and you have no business being here.”
But the words I threw at him did not have their desired effect. He didn’t back away. He didn’t even stop. He took another step closer, his eyes locked with mine, his jaw set.
“You’re too close-minded and can’t admit when you’re wrong.”
“You think you can distract me with your… gifts.” I glanced at the bulge in his pants again. “But it won’t work.”
“You’re the one trying to distract me with… all this.” His eyes flicked down. “It’s very unfair.”
He moved closer, so close we were almost touching, and my body tensed with anticipation.
“I don’t like you,” I whispered.
“Good. I don’t like you either.”
His mouth crashed into mine, his lips firm. I grabbed his shirt and yanked him against me, meeting his angry kiss with my own. He wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, holding me in place, and invaded my mouth with his tongue. The wet, velvety softness slid against mine.
God, he knew how to kiss. Damn him.
He shoved his thigh between my legs, forcing them apart. My skirt rode up and I moaned into his mouth at the sudden pressure against my clit.
Do not dry hump his leg, Hazel. Do not.
Obviously I did.
With a fleeting thought that I’d forgive myself for this later because I was that desperate for an orgasm, I tilted my hips and ground myself against his thigh.
Oh dear god yes. The friction and pressure were just what I needed.
He growled into my mouth, still kissing me, and grabbed my backside. With his fingers digging into my ass cheek, he pressed me against his thigh, encouraging my movement.
The throbbing pressure between my legs was blindingly intense. Holding me tight, he rubbed me against his leg in a steady rhythm, helping me chase the orgasm that was already tantalizingly close.
Wait, helping me?
He wanted me to come. He wanted to give me an orgasm, right here. Fully clothed. Using his leg.
Oh no. I was not going to be a good, cooperative girl. Not for Corban Nash.
I sank my teeth into his lower lip and he grunted, pulling me tighter against him. The hard thickness of his arousal dug into my belly, an invitation too tempting to resist. I slid my palm down his body and wrapped my hand around his cock through his pants.
He grunted again, the noise rumbling in his throat, and squeezed my ass cheek harder.
“I still don’t like you,” I said, my voice breathy.
“Me neither,” he growled. Fisting his hand in the back of my hair, he tilted my head to the side. Scraped his teeth down my neck. “But I’m going to make you come anyway.”
“No you’re not.” Yes, please make me come, Corban. Please.
He kept nibbling and licking my skin, his thigh still firmly planted between my legs. His other hand slid to my breast and he rubbed my hard nipple through the thin fabric of my bra. It was stupidly unfair how good he was at this.
“Yes, I am. Tell me you want it, Hazel.”
Shuddering, I moaned.
We couldn’t. We were at work.
And I couldn’t give in. Not to him.
But it was late. We were alone.
And this felt so good.
“Say it.” His fist tightened in my hair and he sucked on my neck. “I have to hear you say yes.”
I did want it. I wanted it more than I wanted to be right. More than I wanted to win.
“Yes.”
Corban Nash: sexy nerd in hate-lust with his sworn enemy. Claims to have cracked the code to falling in love. Hazel Kiegen: brilliant but awkward. Determined to prove Corban wrong.
When these two rivals come face to face, the banter is witty, the tension is delicious, and the sparks are scorching hot.
Amazon
Universal link
READ A STEAMY EXCERPT FROM LOVE ACCORDING TO SCIENCE
I let out a breath and crouched down to pick up the papers strewn around my feet. Corban helped me scoop them up and I stood, tapping them into a neat pile as best I could. I’d have to reorganize everything at my desk.
“Um, Hazel?”
“Yes?”
He cleared his throat.
I took my copies off the paper tray and tucked them into a folder. “What?”
“Your, um… buttons.”
I looked at him first, before his words registered. His eyes flicked down to my chest and suddenly everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. His tongue did a tantalizing dance across his lower lip, drawing it into his mouth. Then he caught it with his teeth in a bite that sent a very unexpected rush of heat straight between my legs.
Suppressing a gasp, I clenched my thighs. And then I realized what he’d just said. My buttons.
I glanced down and sure enough, not just one, but two of my shirt buttons had popped open while I’d been gathering my papers off the floor.
I’d already worn my shirt with the top button undone—perfectly work-appropriate—but with the loss of two more, my chest was on full display. With all the sexually frustrated baking I’d been doing lately, I’d put on a few pounds, and most of it had gone to my boobs. If a girl had to gain a little weight, that wasn’t a bad place for it. But it also meant my clothes didn’t fit quite as well in the chest.
And right now, my boobs were not only spilling out of my open shirt, they seemed to be trying their hardest to pop right out of my bra cups.
I stood frozen. Transfixed by the predatory gleam in Corban’s eyes. By the conflict I could see raging through him. I could feel the effort it took for him to tear his gaze away and a part of me, way in the back of my brain, recognized that for the gentlemanly action that it was.
Then he made eye contact.
A potent mix of intense desire and irritation poured through me. How dare he sneak up on me and make me drop my things so I had to bend over and make the buttons on my shirt pop open so he got a good look at my boobs!
“Why are you even here?” I snapped.
“I was working.”
“You shouldn’t have scared me.”
He took a step closer. “It was an accident.”
The pressure between my legs grew, his proximity in the small space making my entire body tingle. Almost involuntarily, my eyes darted to his groin. The tenting in his slacks was unmistakable.
And impressive.
He inched toward me, adjusting his glasses. The whirlpool sensation in my belly left me feeling light-headed and tingly. I was well aware that my shirt was still open and I wasn’t making any attempt to fix it. But the closer he got, the harder my heart beat, and the more the pressure between my legs begged me to do something about it.
Something crazy.
Something reckless.
Something so ill-advised I was angry at myself for even thinking it.
Angry at him for making me think it.
I had to break the spell, so I reached for that anger, grabbing it and holding it tight. “Your research is bad, and you have no business being here.”
But the words I threw at him did not have their desired effect. He didn’t back away. He didn’t even stop. He took another step closer, his eyes locked with mine, his jaw set.
“You’re too close-minded and can’t admit when you’re wrong.”
“You think you can distract me with your… gifts.” I glanced at the bulge in his pants again. “But it won’t work.”
“You’re the one trying to distract me with… all this.” His eyes flicked down. “It’s very unfair.”
He moved closer, so close we were almost touching, and my body tensed with anticipation.
“I don’t like you,” I whispered.
“Good. I don’t like you either.”
His mouth crashed into mine, his lips firm. I grabbed his shirt and yanked him against me, meeting his angry kiss with my own. He wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, holding me in place, and invaded my mouth with his tongue. The wet, velvety softness slid against mine.
God, he knew how to kiss. Damn him.
He shoved his thigh between my legs, forcing them apart. My skirt rode up and I moaned into his mouth at the sudden pressure against my clit.
Do not dry hump his leg, Hazel. Do not.
Obviously I did.
With a fleeting thought that I’d forgive myself for this later because I was that desperate for an orgasm, I tilted my hips and ground myself against his thigh.
Oh dear god yes. The friction and pressure were just what I needed.
He growled into my mouth, still kissing me, and grabbed my backside. With his fingers digging into my ass cheek, he pressed me against his thigh, encouraging my movement.
The throbbing pressure between my legs was blindingly intense. Holding me tight, he rubbed me against his leg in a steady rhythm, helping me chase the orgasm that was already tantalizingly close.
Wait, helping me?
He wanted me to come. He wanted to give me an orgasm, right here. Fully clothed. Using his leg.
Oh no. I was not going to be a good, cooperative girl. Not for Corban Nash.
I sank my teeth into his lower lip and he grunted, pulling me tighter against him. The hard thickness of his arousal dug into my belly, an invitation too tempting to resist. I slid my palm down his body and wrapped my hand around his cock through his pants.
He grunted again, the noise rumbling in his throat, and squeezed my ass cheek harder.
“I still don’t like you,” I said, my voice breathy.
“Me neither,” he growled. Fisting his hand in the back of my hair, he tilted my head to the side. Scraped his teeth down my neck. “But I’m going to make you come anyway.”
“No you’re not.” Yes, please make me come, Corban. Please.
He kept nibbling and licking my skin, his thigh still firmly planted between my legs. His other hand slid to my breast and he rubbed my hard nipple through the thin fabric of my bra. It was stupidly unfair how good he was at this.
“Yes, I am. Tell me you want it, Hazel.”
Shuddering, I moaned.
We couldn’t. We were at work.
And I couldn’t give in. Not to him.
But it was late. We were alone.
And this felt so good.
“Say it.” His fist tightened in my hair and he sucked on my neck. “I have to hear you say yes.”
I did want it. I wanted it more than I wanted to be right. More than I wanted to win.
“Yes.”
February 6, 2020
This is second in a series and characters overlap and are present enough that you probably want to read in order, though the author takes some care to provide enough context that it isn't necessary.
This has many of the same weaknesses as the first: I have to subtract nearly a decade for the characters to sound reasonable and the author has a heavy hand on situations to make drama. I'm dnfing at 75% for pretty much that reason—they've fallen for each other and a single conversation would (should) end the story. These are talky people and neither one a coward. And both have this really stupid "I can't do relationships like normal people because reasons" thing that has been the only thing keeping them apart anyway. Which is negative motivation* enough to drag the plot out for long enough already, so having the author manipulate it longer still is driving me low-grade crazy.
And it doesn't help that the "relationship" so far is based on lust and tingly bits. Okay, I'm doing the author a minor injustice here, because she actually does fairly well at showing them connect deeper even though their primary explicit connection is all sex. Which becomes part of my problem because, again, them not talking about it is deeply uncharacteristic.
Anyway, things are shaping up for a dumb dark moment to happen and for very smart people who study human behavior for fun and profit and have no trouble reading subtle cues in others to misread each other because the author says so. Really, it's a sloppy mess that doesn't deserve the second star I was going to give it for reasons I can't recall after writing all this down...
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
This has many of the same weaknesses as the first: I have to subtract nearly a decade for the characters to sound reasonable and the author has a heavy hand on situations to make drama. I'm dnfing at 75% for pretty much that reason—they've fallen for each other and a single conversation would (should) end the story. These are talky people and neither one a coward. And both have this really stupid "I can't do relationships like normal people because reasons" thing that has been the only thing keeping them apart anyway. Which is negative motivation* enough to drag the plot out for long enough already, so having the author manipulate it longer still is driving me low-grade crazy.
And it doesn't help that the "relationship" so far is based on lust and tingly bits. Okay, I'm doing the author a minor injustice here, because she actually does fairly well at showing them connect deeper even though their primary explicit connection is all sex. Which becomes part of my problem because, again, them not talking about it is deeply uncharacteristic.
Anyway, things are shaping up for a dumb dark moment to happen and for very smart people who study human behavior for fun and profit and have no trouble reading subtle cues in others to misread each other because the author says so. Really, it's a sloppy mess that doesn't deserve the second star I was going to give it for reasons I can't recall after writing all this down...
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
March 25, 2020
Finalizing my rating to 4 stars.
This was ADORABLE. Wow, I never knew I needed to read a book about nerd love until I read this one.
As with this series as a whole, I love the friendship dynamic; this series has one of the best friend groups I have ever read in adult romance. Also, specifically with this book, I loved Corban and Hazel as the hero and heroine; their quirky and "nerdy" moments together really fit their relationship and it made me very happy.
The only reason I am not rating this book higher was because I was not totally immersed in the romance until towards the end. In other words, even though I enjoyed the romance throughout the book, I was only fully connected with it for the last like 30 or 40% of the book.
Overall, a great read. I love this series, and I cannot wait for books 3 and 4!
This was ADORABLE. Wow, I never knew I needed to read a book about nerd love until I read this one.
As with this series as a whole, I love the friendship dynamic; this series has one of the best friend groups I have ever read in adult romance. Also, specifically with this book, I loved Corban and Hazel as the hero and heroine; their quirky and "nerdy" moments together really fit their relationship and it made me very happy.
The only reason I am not rating this book higher was because I was not totally immersed in the romance until towards the end. In other words, even though I enjoyed the romance throughout the book, I was only fully connected with it for the last like 30 or 40% of the book.
Overall, a great read. I love this series, and I cannot wait for books 3 and 4!
January 31, 2020
3.5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟
I have been so busy this last week which is partly why it took me several days or longer to finish reading this but if I am honest the other main reason for taking so long was that I didn't feel overly compelled to rush back to my kindle. Instead I have been catching up on episodes of Bravo's "Below Deck" that I had previously recorded.
I mostly enjoyed this f/u read to "Faking Ms. Right " but for me it just seemed to lack a little of that special chemistry that I usually love about Claire Kingsley's books...... even considering the fact that I am generally a huge fan of enemies to lovers stories....I just wasn't blown away with this romantic comedy. It was enjoyable but nothing special!!!
Hazel was definitely the nerdy smart girl herione that I typically adore and love to rout for so not really sure why I didn't love this book more.
I am still very much planning on reading the rest of this series though- ???two more books to come I am assuming with both Nora and Sophie's stories.
I have been so busy this last week which is partly why it took me several days or longer to finish reading this but if I am honest the other main reason for taking so long was that I didn't feel overly compelled to rush back to my kindle. Instead I have been catching up on episodes of Bravo's "Below Deck" that I had previously recorded.
I mostly enjoyed this f/u read to "Faking Ms. Right " but for me it just seemed to lack a little of that special chemistry that I usually love about Claire Kingsley's books...... even considering the fact that I am generally a huge fan of enemies to lovers stories....I just wasn't blown away with this romantic comedy. It was enjoyable but nothing special!!!
Hazel was definitely the nerdy smart girl herione that I typically adore and love to rout for so not really sure why I didn't love this book more.
I am still very much planning on reading the rest of this series though- ???two more books to come I am assuming with both Nora and Sophie's stories.
August 6, 2025
dnf at 20%
I'm not sure where to begin ranting about it.
it was clearly seen that the FMC is having some major problems with herself, otherwise why on earth she would be hating on a guy's theory instead of minding her own business???
c'mon I mean that's actual non acceptable toxic trait of hers.
also how come talking about basic things turns into scientific research.
this book was just not for me because the rivalry was completely illogical to be placed in the first place.
I was looking for enemies to lover's but turns out the enemy part was not very sustainable for a plot.
I don't know if I wanna continue reading the series as of now I'll take a break from it otherwise my opinion will be based on the disappointment of this book, which I don't want to happen.
maybe I'll give another chance to the next books some other time.
I'm not sure where to begin ranting about it.
it was clearly seen that the FMC is having some major problems with herself, otherwise why on earth she would be hating on a guy's theory instead of minding her own business???
c'mon I mean that's actual non acceptable toxic trait of hers.
also how come talking about basic things turns into scientific research.
this book was just not for me because the rivalry was completely illogical to be placed in the first place.
I was looking for enemies to lover's but turns out the enemy part was not very sustainable for a plot.
I don't know if I wanna continue reading the series as of now I'll take a break from it otherwise my opinion will be based on the disappointment of this book, which I don't want to happen.
maybe I'll give another chance to the next books some other time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
Thank you Enticing Journey and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Love According To Science
By: Claire Kingsley
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Being a socially awkward nerd is hard. I've been one my entire life, so Love According To Science is the perfect book for me. Hazel and Corbin are awesome and adorable together. I loved their chemistry and heat. It was perfection! This story is fun and cute and charming and anything else you could want. I recommend for readers of romcoms, chicklit or contemporary romance. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. Corbin will become your new book boyfriend! Being a nerd never looked so good!
Love According To Science
By: Claire Kingsley
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Being a socially awkward nerd is hard. I've been one my entire life, so Love According To Science is the perfect book for me. Hazel and Corbin are awesome and adorable together. I loved their chemistry and heat. It was perfection! This story is fun and cute and charming and anything else you could want. I recommend for readers of romcoms, chicklit or contemporary romance. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. Corbin will become your new book boyfriend! Being a nerd never looked so good!
sampled
April 28, 2020I'm tired.
And I've also been a woman in the workforce for about 20 years so feel over this too.
I could be wrong. But have a feeling this dynamic is gonna do nothing but frustrate the shit out of me.
Somewhat related, would love for Nate Silver to shut up on COVID-19.
May 29, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
Claire Kingsley always manages to take a well loved trope and give it her own unique twist. This enemies to lovers/forced proximity romance was so fun and just what I needed. I loved that Corban and Hazel weren't the typical romance hero and heroine. They were both adorkably nerdy and every random animal fact that Corban rattled off only endeared him to me more. Their back and forth really ramped up the anticipation and I never knew a copy room could be so sexy. ;) Yes, there were a few missteps along the way and some misunderstandings too, but overall there wasn't too much angst in this one. The epilogue (and bonus epilogue) left my heart feeling all warm and gooey and I loved the Easter eggs and nods to the Book Boyfriend and Miles Family series too.
Stephen Dexter and Virginia Rose were wonderful as Corban and Hazel. They gave such enthusiastic and emotional performances. I didn't have any issues differentiating between the characters and they both narrate male and female voices very well. I can't wait to continue on with this series!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars
Claire Kingsley always manages to take a well loved trope and give it her own unique twist. This enemies to lovers/forced proximity romance was so fun and just what I needed. I loved that Corban and Hazel weren't the typical romance hero and heroine. They were both adorkably nerdy and every random animal fact that Corban rattled off only endeared him to me more. Their back and forth really ramped up the anticipation and I never knew a copy room could be so sexy. ;) Yes, there were a few missteps along the way and some misunderstandings too, but overall there wasn't too much angst in this one. The epilogue (and bonus epilogue) left my heart feeling all warm and gooey and I loved the Easter eggs and nods to the Book Boyfriend and Miles Family series too.
Stephen Dexter and Virginia Rose were wonderful as Corban and Hazel. They gave such enthusiastic and emotional performances. I didn't have any issues differentiating between the characters and they both narrate male and female voices very well. I can't wait to continue on with this series!
September 6, 2020
2 stars. This book is just not very good. There were approximately 3 cute moments, which is why I gave it two stars instead of one. Overall though, this book and author just didn't work for me at all.
The MC's of this book, Hazel and Corban, are both supposedly super smart and working at the same university doing research. Corban has developed some questionnaire that helps couples fall in love. Hazel thinks it's BS, and so they develop a workplace rivalry. These two super smart people proceed to act like teenagers, complete with absolutely juvenile insults and comebacks with the intellectual equivalent to "yo momma" jokes. By the time they decided to get together, I just didn't care at all. On top of everything else, this book has a ton of unneeded detail and excessive descriptions of boring scenes. I don't know why I finished this book, tbh.
Safe
The MC's of this book, Hazel and Corban, are both supposedly super smart and working at the same university doing research. Corban has developed some questionnaire that helps couples fall in love. Hazel thinks it's BS, and so they develop a workplace rivalry. These two super smart people proceed to act like teenagers, complete with absolutely juvenile insults and comebacks with the intellectual equivalent to "yo momma" jokes. By the time they decided to get together, I just didn't care at all. On top of everything else, this book has a ton of unneeded detail and excessive descriptions of boring scenes. I don't know why I finished this book, tbh.
Safe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2024
2024 re-read
I just was not into this like at all. Almost DNF'd a few times. I did like 60% to 91-ish% but just a lot of skimming. Mostly because it felt like most the book was them thinking about the other and their conflicting feelings. I would have rather had an additional plot or more interactions between the two of them.
--------------
Love Claire Kingsley, Love this series.
The leads are dorky nerds and I love it. Hilarious and entertaining -- I'm so excited that more books in this series are planned ^_^
I just was not into this like at all. Almost DNF'd a few times. I did like 60% to 91-ish% but just a lot of skimming. Mostly because it felt like most the book was them thinking about the other and their conflicting feelings. I would have rather had an additional plot or more interactions between the two of them.
--------------
Love Claire Kingsley, Love this series.
The leads are dorky nerds and I love it. Hilarious and entertaining -- I'm so excited that more books in this series are planned ^_^
May 28, 2025
Yanlış anlaşılma olayı çok klişe olsa da çok güzellerdi ya kafayı yedim🥹 Helalinden 5/5🫶🏻
2.kez okudum, yine çok güzeldi, Hazel-Corban sizi çok seviyorum ya😍🥹🫶🏻
Çevirisinde sorunlar vardı, bazı paragrafları okurken zorlandım, bazı cümleler çok garipti.
Bu yazar ne yazsa okurum, en sevdiğim yazarlar listeme girdi😍😍
2.kez okudum, yine çok güzeldi, Hazel-Corban sizi çok seviyorum ya😍🥹🫶🏻
Çevirisinde sorunlar vardı, bazı paragrafları okurken zorlandım, bazı cümleler çok garipti.
Bu yazar ne yazsa okurum, en sevdiğim yazarlar listeme girdi😍😍
January 18, 2020
I stumbled across Claire Kingsley a few years ago and have never looked back. She is one of my favorite romance authors and her books are at the top of my list for some of my favorite romantic comedies ever. What never ceases to amaze me is the stories she tells with the amazing characters she creates. I always fall in love with the characters and anxiously await the next book. Love According to Science is no different. This is Hazel and Corbin's story and readers are going to fall in love with both of them. The story is cute, sexy, sweet and romantic. They are both socially awkward so their journey has some fun bumps in the road. Be prepared - being a nerd who is a bit distracted and a bit socially awkward is sexy and Corbin is going to move to the top of your list of book boyfriends. What I love about Claire's books is that in addition to the romance aspect, there is always a close circle of female friends that are fierce, loyal and supportive of one another. We get that in spades with the Dirty Martini Running club. These are women that I would love to count as some of my own friends. I cannot wait to see what Claire has in store for Nora and Sophie. This was a fantastic read and I loved Hazel and Corbin's journey.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the author.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the author.
June 6, 2025
Çok tatlış bir hikayeydi, yüzümde gülümsemeyle bitirdim.
April 6, 2020
☆☆
I want to keep this short so I will try to explain as better as I can. I think my main problem was that I could not really connect with the characters and, I also don’t like when authors write characters one way and suddenly they act differently in one scene. As I previously pointed out, the book had so much potential yet it lacked the execution.
The hero, Corban, was geeky and charming and he had issues with his nervousness and suddenly, when the steam scenes came, he was a totally different person and it was like whiplash, making me lose all my interest for him. There is this one scene where the hero and heroine engage sexually and he was like a totally different person and I actually read the scene twice so I could make sure that I didn’t skip something.
The heroine, Hazel, was an attempt at a geeky and funny protagonist… I had problems connecting with her and understanding the “hate” she had for Corban. I did like her sometimes, she was entertaining in some scenes but, it didn’t make up for the scenes she was boring. I think the main problem was that this hatred she had for Corban and his theory, it wasn’t really explained. I think the book could have been better executed if we could have seen them engage in those comments they were talking about and, after that, have them meeting each other.
Apart from that, I mostly enjoyed the girls hanging out. I also enjoyed some of Hazel and Corban’s cute scene, as I said, they had potential and it seems to have gone to waste. I got bored after the first half and sometimes I even skimmed some paragraphs. I’m sorry I didn’t like their story, I wish I could feel differently about the, but I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series hoping for better content.
I want to keep this short so I will try to explain as better as I can. I think my main problem was that I could not really connect with the characters and, I also don’t like when authors write characters one way and suddenly they act differently in one scene. As I previously pointed out, the book had so much potential yet it lacked the execution.
The hero, Corban, was geeky and charming and he had issues with his nervousness and suddenly, when the steam scenes came, he was a totally different person and it was like whiplash, making me lose all my interest for him. There is this one scene where the hero and heroine engage sexually and he was like a totally different person and I actually read the scene twice so I could make sure that I didn’t skip something.
The heroine, Hazel, was an attempt at a geeky and funny protagonist… I had problems connecting with her and understanding the “hate” she had for Corban. I did like her sometimes, she was entertaining in some scenes but, it didn’t make up for the scenes she was boring. I think the main problem was that this hatred she had for Corban and his theory, it wasn’t really explained. I think the book could have been better executed if we could have seen them engage in those comments they were talking about and, after that, have them meeting each other.
Apart from that, I mostly enjoyed the girls hanging out. I also enjoyed some of Hazel and Corban’s cute scene, as I said, they had potential and it seems to have gone to waste. I got bored after the first half and sometimes I even skimmed some paragraphs. I’m sorry I didn’t like their story, I wish I could feel differently about the, but I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series hoping for better content.
February 10, 2020
I really liked the first in the series and re-read it before starting this one. In the first, I have to admit I didn’t like Hazel - the formal way she spoke drove me mental. Like yep, I get it, you’re smart, but you don’t need to speak like that.
This was insta-lust... which is fine, but Corbin literally objectified her. They just met, and all he can think about is sex and kissing her and what his dick was doing. It was too quick and made him seem like an arsehole.
Then there seemed to be a series of inconsequential scenes... like they met, then didn’t cross paths again until chapter five. I lost interest and started skimming.
I guess this one wasn’t for me, which sucks because I liked the first so much.
This was insta-lust... which is fine, but Corbin literally objectified her. They just met, and all he can think about is sex and kissing her and what his dick was doing. It was too quick and made him seem like an arsehole.
Then there seemed to be a series of inconsequential scenes... like they met, then didn’t cross paths again until chapter five. I lost interest and started skimming.
I guess this one wasn’t for me, which sucks because I liked the first so much.
January 19, 2020
I’m not going to tell you how amazing and fantastic this book is because it’s implied that all of Ck’s books give the reader a particular emotion. I’m going to write a review about a math genius who, beyond his professional successes, is so convinced that due to his awkwardness, he will never find the love of his life. But how could he be persuaded by this belief if he has created a procedure for people to match? Here comes into play Hazel, our female character who has almost the same traits as our Corban, who let me just point out is sexy as hell. So let me recap, Hazel and Corban, two nerds (by the way they are both seemingly enemies) who have given up on love whose stubbornness and infinite calculus are leading them towards a catastrophic situation. Fortunately there are going to be a series circumstances that will finally take down their walls and drive them towards the right path. The moral of this story in my opinion? If you’re feeling not worth of love just stop overthinking because love will catch you in the most unusual moments.
January 21, 2020
Love According to Science is the second book in the Dirty Martini Running Club, but still a standalone. I was so happy to hear that we were getting Hazel’s book. I loved her in Faking Ms. Right and I loved her even more in this one! Hazel has recently started a new job as a psychology researcher at a university. To her surprise, her archnemeis, Corban, gets a job there too. While they’ve never met in real life, she has trolled him and his intimacy theory online. It’s an enemies to lovers but with nerdy references! The way they sparred with so many scientific jabs was weird yet hilarious! They were both so awkward, but their chemistry was insane. Throw in some amazing lady friendships, and a sugary sweet epilogue, this was a definite winner! Now, I desperately need Nora’s book!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 16, 2020
Book 2 of the Dirty Martini Running Club brings us the story of our sexy nerd genius of the group, Hazel. When I opened my ARC, I had plans to only read a little snippet...you know, to sort of set my reading mood and tone, and then pick it back up later in the evening. But before I knew it, I had to force myself to come up for air! LOL! I had a hard time closing down my kindle and pulling myself away from Hazel and Corban! Those damn "adulting" duties! Do we really need to pick up the kids from school, make sure they do their homework, and feed them too?! *Shiiii..taki mushrooms!*😂😂
But back to Hazel and Corban! I became so addicted to them...their sparring, seeing how their magnificent brains worked, and ooh--their sexual chemistry! Yes- please and thank you- it was hot!🔥🔥What a smart and sexy couple! *Sigh* Claire Kingsley definitely has a way of making math and science sound so fascinating and super sexy! And-as always-the friendship Hazel has with her besties is so open, honest, fun, nuturing and just on point. I also loved the relationship Corban has with his sister, Molly.
I really loved the cameo appearances of some of our favorite CK characters, too! If I had to expound on everything that made this book so funny, smart, sexy, nerdy, and sweet...it would take a whole separate book!
#SexyNerds💚❤💚❤
But back to Hazel and Corban! I became so addicted to them...their sparring, seeing how their magnificent brains worked, and ooh--their sexual chemistry! Yes- please and thank you- it was hot!🔥🔥What a smart and sexy couple! *Sigh* Claire Kingsley definitely has a way of making math and science sound so fascinating and super sexy! And-as always-the friendship Hazel has with her besties is so open, honest, fun, nuturing and just on point. I also loved the relationship Corban has with his sister, Molly.
I really loved the cameo appearances of some of our favorite CK characters, too! If I had to expound on everything that made this book so funny, smart, sexy, nerdy, and sweet...it would take a whole separate book!
#SexyNerds💚❤💚❤
April 13, 2023
4.25 stars
January 25, 2020
Swoon, swoon,swoon!!!
A hot, protective nerd with a huge heart? A quirky brilliant heroine with a grumpy cat? Oh, and even though they have never met, they hate each other? YES please!!!
Corban is one of my favorite heros, ever! He's awkward and adorable and just so funny. There are just so many memorable moments in this story, I wish I could give it more than five stars!!! Another amazing story by Claire Kingsley!
A hot, protective nerd with a huge heart? A quirky brilliant heroine with a grumpy cat? Oh, and even though they have never met, they hate each other? YES please!!!
Corban is one of my favorite heros, ever! He's awkward and adorable and just so funny. There are just so many memorable moments in this story, I wish I could give it more than five stars!!! Another amazing story by Claire Kingsley!
January 31, 2020
Meh, this one was ok, I was mostly underwhelmed. Honesty shocked and surprised by all the 5 star reviews. Pretty slow to start and all the nerd research talk had me skimming. Just never got invested in the story or its characters. Love this author, but this one missed the mark for me.
Want to read
January 4, 2020God, I already love enemies to lovers but add in a bunch of science nerds? Bring it on.
December 14, 2024
₊‧.°.⋆ 3 stars ⋆.°.‧₊
➴ possible spoilers ahead!
this book was just as good as the first one, and i really enjoyed it. it wasn’t anything super amazing, but it had all the elements that kept me hooked and entertained. the characters were lovable in their own way. it wasn’t perfect, but it definitely kept me engaged from start to finish.
⋆౨ৎ˚ hazel.
she’s truly an exceptional woman not only is she incredibly smart, but she also has a real talent for thorough research. i love how she’s portrayed, it’s refreshing to see women welcomed for their skills, not just as a way to break down barriers. while stories of women challenging stereotypes are great, it’s just as satisfying to read about women who are accepted for their abilities without facing skepticism.
⋆౨ৎ˚ corban.
he’s just so cute when he gets nervous, rambling off random facts that only come out in those moments. it’s really endearing. but i felt bad for him though he seemed to struggle with being the less favored twin, often finding himself in situations that weren’t really his thing. this made him question his worthiness of love, thinking there was something wrong with him. luckily, it didn’t affect his relationship with his twin sister. instead of turning their bond into a competition, he would open up to her whenever things with their parents became too much.
⋆౨ৎ˚ corban and hazel.
their banter was fun. and the pranks they pulled on each other were genuinely hilarious. they teased each other in a lighthearted way without crossing any lines. i’m really glad they found each other, they’re the perfect match. i especially loved the penguin part and how it became their thing. him giving her rocks and her saving them to build a nest for their future little ones was such a sweet touch.
ᢉ𐭩 .ᐟ all in all, it was an enjoyable read. while not perfect, i really liked all the characters, especially the friendship between the girls. it was nice seeing their connections and how they supported each other. it was an easy, satisfying read, and i’m interested to see what comes next.
——— ˗ˋ ୨ 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ୧ ˊ˗ ———
❥ “my friends all raised their glasses. ‘to love. whether between friends, or lovers, or both, may we all experience it in abundance.’”
❥ “the best way to be appreciative for your life is to live it; don’t die for any other reason but love. dreams are what guide us, art is what defines us, math is what makes it all possible, and love is what lights our way.”
➴ possible spoilers ahead!
this book was just as good as the first one, and i really enjoyed it. it wasn’t anything super amazing, but it had all the elements that kept me hooked and entertained. the characters were lovable in their own way. it wasn’t perfect, but it definitely kept me engaged from start to finish.
⋆౨ৎ˚ hazel.
she’s truly an exceptional woman not only is she incredibly smart, but she also has a real talent for thorough research. i love how she’s portrayed, it’s refreshing to see women welcomed for their skills, not just as a way to break down barriers. while stories of women challenging stereotypes are great, it’s just as satisfying to read about women who are accepted for their abilities without facing skepticism.
⋆౨ৎ˚ corban.
he’s just so cute when he gets nervous, rambling off random facts that only come out in those moments. it’s really endearing. but i felt bad for him though he seemed to struggle with being the less favored twin, often finding himself in situations that weren’t really his thing. this made him question his worthiness of love, thinking there was something wrong with him. luckily, it didn’t affect his relationship with his twin sister. instead of turning their bond into a competition, he would open up to her whenever things with their parents became too much.
⋆౨ৎ˚ corban and hazel.
their banter was fun. and the pranks they pulled on each other were genuinely hilarious. they teased each other in a lighthearted way without crossing any lines. i’m really glad they found each other, they’re the perfect match. i especially loved the penguin part and how it became their thing. him giving her rocks and her saving them to build a nest for their future little ones was such a sweet touch.
ᢉ𐭩 .ᐟ all in all, it was an enjoyable read. while not perfect, i really liked all the characters, especially the friendship between the girls. it was nice seeing their connections and how they supported each other. it was an easy, satisfying read, and i’m interested to see what comes next.
——— ˗ˋ ୨ 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ୧ ˊ˗ ———
❥ “my friends all raised their glasses. ‘to love. whether between friends, or lovers, or both, may we all experience it in abundance.’”
❥ “the best way to be appreciative for your life is to live it; don’t die for any other reason but love. dreams are what guide us, art is what defines us, math is what makes it all possible, and love is what lights our way.”
July 28, 2024
DNF at about 25%
Why? Because I don't care.
Was there a bait and switch I wasn't aware of because the first book in this series was AWESOME! In fact, I gave it four stars. This book reads like it was penned by an entirely different author. What gives? It breaks ALL THE RULES.
1. Show Don't Tell - If i had to read one more sentence about how Corban shouldn't be attracted to Hazel because he hated her, I was going to scream. Literally. If I had to read one more sentence about how Hazel felt Corban was reckless while admiring his handsome arms, I was going to gouge my eyes out. Okay, maybe not so literally with that one. But you get my point. STOP telling me about all this stuff and SHOW me.
2. Enemies to Lovers - In order for this trope to work, you need to feel the animosity. That's what makes the "love" part so squeee! These two don't hate each other. They don't even dislike each other. They simply disagree on the approach to their research. So now I'm bored because all this is is a bunch of needless bickering. And it's not even good bickering.
3. Story Arcs - Am I truly to believe that these two first time "professors" are being granted unlimited access to conduct studies which knowingly will cost the university millions? Is that what you're asking? I don't have a background in academia but I know it takes years, sometimes decades to get enough clout to have that kind of access.
4. Friendships (AKA Secondary Characters) - What happened to the amazing women we met in book one? And why do they feel so wooden this time? And why am I still writing this review when all of the above should have been enough to prove I've been put through enough trauma.
Lastly, I now struggle with whether or not to read book three. I loved book one. Hated book two. Where does that leave me? Is this carrot-stick-carrot? Do I go on under the auspices that I can only get better from here?
Why? Because I don't care.
Was there a bait and switch I wasn't aware of because the first book in this series was AWESOME! In fact, I gave it four stars. This book reads like it was penned by an entirely different author. What gives? It breaks ALL THE RULES.
1. Show Don't Tell - If i had to read one more sentence about how Corban shouldn't be attracted to Hazel because he hated her, I was going to scream. Literally. If I had to read one more sentence about how Hazel felt Corban was reckless while admiring his handsome arms, I was going to gouge my eyes out. Okay, maybe not so literally with that one. But you get my point. STOP telling me about all this stuff and SHOW me.
2. Enemies to Lovers - In order for this trope to work, you need to feel the animosity. That's what makes the "love" part so squeee! These two don't hate each other. They don't even dislike each other. They simply disagree on the approach to their research. So now I'm bored because all this is is a bunch of needless bickering. And it's not even good bickering.
3. Story Arcs - Am I truly to believe that these two first time "professors" are being granted unlimited access to conduct studies which knowingly will cost the university millions? Is that what you're asking? I don't have a background in academia but I know it takes years, sometimes decades to get enough clout to have that kind of access.
4. Friendships (AKA Secondary Characters) - What happened to the amazing women we met in book one? And why do they feel so wooden this time? And why am I still writing this review when all of the above should have been enough to prove I've been put through enough trauma.
Lastly, I now struggle with whether or not to read book three. I loved book one. Hated book two. Where does that leave me? Is this carrot-stick-carrot? Do I go on under the auspices that I can only get better from here?
February 28, 2024
Hızlı okunuyor, akıcı bir hikaye.
Yer yer yüzümde gülümsemeyle okudum.
Ama genel itibari ile ortalama buldum.
Sevimli detaylar olsada kitaptaki ateş🔥 bana pek geçmedi.
Daha ikinci bölümden -ki ilk karşılaşmaları- birbirlerine hallenmeleri 🙄
150-200 sayfaya gelene kadar biraz basit ilerledi gidişat ama dediğim gibi güzel sahneler de vardı.
Yer yer yüzümde gülümsemeyle okudum.
Ama genel itibari ile ortalama buldum.
Sevimli detaylar olsada kitaptaki ateş🔥 bana pek geçmedi.
Daha ikinci bölümden -ki ilk karşılaşmaları- birbirlerine hallenmeleri 🙄
150-200 sayfaya gelene kadar biraz basit ilerledi gidişat ama dediğim gibi güzel sahneler de vardı.
January 26, 2020
An enemies-to-lovers rom com, this was an impulse click for me. I mean, come on...the premise is fascinating. This apparently is book 2 in a series of interconnected standalones, but I didn't feel like I'd missed out on anything by picking up this book first. Hazel and Corben are fun...this book was entertaining and I will most likely pick up the other books in the series. 4 stars.
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