Blinded Me With Science

Lesson In Love #2

by Tara September

Opposites attract like a magnet to steel, or in this case, Emerson to Steel

Emerson Powers has been so focused on obtaining her science degree that she’s neglected the more social aspects of college life. With the new start of her junior year, she’s determined to fix that with a real hands-on lesson in biology. The assignment is simple enough—teach the rock star’s son how to be good, while he shows her how to be very bad. Two objectives, one outcome … will the lesson be love or heartbreak?

Steel is no longer the bad boy Emerson knew from prep school, and he’s set to prove it by helping Emerson complete her secret list of desired college experiences. And if he can convince her that they are meant to be together along the way, even better!

While teaming up on experiments, both in and out of the classroom, Emerson discovers a new side to Steel. Leaving her to question everything she thought she knew. Still, is it enough to forgive the past or just mere chemistry?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, New Adult, College, College Romance, Audiobook

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2022

About the author

Bestselling, multi-award-winning romance author of steamy & sassy contemporary & new adult stories that will leave you "grinning like a Cheshire Cat"

Holding a master’s degree in journalism from NYU, Tara previously was the PR Manager for The Walt Disney Company. She also blogs over at When Tara Met Blog @tarametblog, a lifestyle, travel, and parenting blog of 18 years. Tara currently resides in Southwest Florida and NYC with her husband, their twin boys and four distractions, I mean cats.

Free bonus chapter available at http://bit.ly/taraseptemberbonus

Let's connect! www.instagram.com/taraseptemberauthor
www.facebook.com/taraseptemberauthor

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons in Life and Biology



This enemies-to-lovers novella is really cute. I enjoy the journey these two take. I love how Steel makes it his mission to help her experience more of life, instead of solely focusing on grades and books, and he does so with her safety in mind.

Steel and Emerson have really good chemistry. Things warm up and barely get to third base, never turning for home plate - at least, not in screen. 😭

Personally, I'm not happy having to separate from Emerson so soon. She, on the other hand, is dashing away from me like her beakers have caught fire.
-- Steely "Steel" Nash

Yeah, she definitely holds some animosity from their time in high school, initially.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is Bridget Gardner. I like her as Emerson, less so for Steel but it's OK.

Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.6x

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and well I am glad I had my headphones in for some scenes – whoa there – a bit hot under the collar. Nothing like being warmed up when you are meant to be working 😉 The narrator did a fab job with Emerson and Steel and raising the temperature and angst between the two. I was tempted to blitz this book in one sitting but I held out and did it in two, just because I didn’t want to finish the story.

I didn’t realise it was book 2 in a series, my bad, I just liked the sound of it and wanted to listen to the audiobook. I mean I only glanced at the blurb, but I really did enjoy this story!! As I read the blurb for Book 1 the events didn’t appear to have happened yet, I love this!

I am definitely going to go back and get book 1, as the characters from that one turned up, although it seems that the stories are running parallel together, which is really exciting!!!

I enjoyed the easy flow of this romance, I enjoyed the narrator’s voice and the story was just one that we have heard before but I loved the adventure we went on. Who doesn’t love boy meets girl, girl and boy miscommunicate, not friends, well not completely and then fall in love. I love it. And who doesn’t love a list?! Emerson is a girl after my own heart!

I am looking forward to following this series as I do love the characters we have in this little pod and I am looking forward to meeting new ones.

[C.L. Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually much of a Romance reader, but I am a sucker for this kind of book where the brainy girl and the popular and slightly bad boyesque guy get thrown together and discover they actually aren't so different. In Blinded Me With Science, Emerson, who is super smart and trying to earn her Science degree, has made a list of some more out-of-character for her life experiences she'd like to accomplish this year so she can feel like she's had the real college experience. One of the items on her list happens to be losing her v-card. Enter Steel, the bad boy from her past who ends up being assigned as her lab partner for the year. But Steel isn't the same guy she remembers from high school, and he wastes no time trying to prove that to her when he accidentally discovers Emerson's list and vows to help her safely check a few things off it.

I enjoyed these characters so much. Tara September did a great job of giving them their own unique voice, and I love that there was a natural progression of trust instead of the two just falling instantly head over heels in love with each other. I'm so glad that Steel could be vulnerable around Emerson, especially after what he finds out in the middle of the book about his father. That was a key moment that made me really root for these two to get together. Emerson got it. She may not have known exactly how to fix it, but being there for Steel and letting him process the information and not feel judged or pressured surely helped him come to terms with it. I also loved how caring and protective Steel was over Emerson, keeping her safe without being a barrier in the way of her new experiences. Very refreshing to see!

All in all, a wonderful story that flowed effortlessly and left me wanting more! No, seriously, I got to the end and couldn't believe it was already over. I'll be checking out more from this author!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Story . . .

Emerson Powers is working hard on earning her degree in science and has not given any thought to the other aspects of college that most people enjoy. It’s all part of becoming the well-rounded person you are meant to be. So she makes a list of experiences she would like to accomplish. When her new partner in class, Steel, the son of a rock star, sees the list, she is embarrassed. But he wants to help her cross off some of those things. Seeing her list and being partnered with her in class gives him a new insight into her personality. And in fact, Steel is no longer the bad boy she knew in the past and is ready to prove himself to her. Her list can be the thing that finally brings them together. Or could it actually drive them apart?

I enjoyed this story line. Although familiar, it was done well and seeing the characters interact and re-think what they thought they knew was refreshing. Will they open up and enjoy this experience together? Can it take them to a HEA they had not expected?

[Ella Lorain (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story!

I was looking for something quick and fun to read since lately nothing holds my attention and I keep jumping from one book to another, hence the multiple books on my CR shelf so this book was perfect for it!

This is a second chance romance set in collage.
Steel and Emerson went to highschool together. She was the dean's daughter and he was the troublemaker in the shadow of his rock star father.
Back then, Steel was the life of the party and was a big prankster that Emerson couldn't get away from once they graduated.
Now they meet again two years later when Steel enrolled into her university, with his act put together, and they happen to be on the same class.

This book was so cute because I loved how they both used to have crushes on each, but were so clueless! The first chapter ended with Emerson being upset Steel is back and when the second chapter started with his chapter, he was describing how beautiful she still is!

I always considered Em an understated beauty, but now I don’t know how to describe it.

I love me some boy obsessed. And boy.. he was OBSESSED.

speaking of lists, she checks off every box on mine.

Emerson is the only one I have eyes for. I’ve accepted it, and she needs to also.

There were so many cute scenes and moments. I especially loved his povs because he kept thinking how amazing she is and how beautiful and ugh that was everything.

I don’t know why I’m impressed, as I expected nothing less from the brainy beauty before me.

They slowly realize how differently they saw each other in highschool. She felt tormented by him while he was enthralled by her.
There was a scene she talked about how he parnked her when he called to ask her to prom, and he was like 'that was not a prank' and she answered that she heard his friends laughing at the background and his said 'because you flat out refused' and my heart went awwww my poor boy 🥺

“I’m not rejecting you. I only said I didn’t want casual sex from you,” Steel says through gritted teeth.
“I don’t understand. What do you want from me?”
“Everything!” he growls

If you're looking for a cute, short story, boy obsessed and a little spice, this one is for you!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A bad boy for the win, NA romance

My Review: Blinded Me With Science by Tara September is part of the Lesson in Love series. It is a short novella that was originally released in 2022. A new publication date was set for November 2023. This opposites attract college romance features Emerson Powers, a bio/chem major, and Steel Nash, a reformed bad boy who plans to pursue a MBA.

About the Book: During prep school, Emerson was the perfect daughter. She was straight laced. She got good grades. She kept out of trouble. When Steel came on the scene, she noticed him. Unfortunately, he rubbed her the wrong way. Secretly, however, she had a crush on him. When one of his pranks upset the course of her life, she couldn't wait to put him behind her. Why oh why does she now have to face him while attending Thatcher College?

Question to Consider: Can two former opposing schoolmates find something special in the newness of life situation they presently find themselves in?

My Final Say: This story was cute, quick, and satisfyingly complete. Readers who like romantic college connections will adore this book.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Series: Yes
Status/Level: 🍬

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Plus It Up), and to NetGalley. Thanks for granting access to a digital ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read and to become familiar with this series of books. I look forward to reading more.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Emerson and Steel, the lead characters, attended the same school before college but Steel was popular because his father’s a rockstar and Emerson was not. Emerson happily moved away for college sure she’d seen the last of him but now he’s turned up in her class and they’ve been paired for assignments. Steel was always attracted to her but didn’t express it well. Now he needs to convince her to give him a chance…

This novella is dual POV, well written, and a fun opposites attract, sweet and spicy romance. I really enjoyed Steel’s sweet persistence hidden under swagger and his willingness to be vulnerable and actually tell Emerson what he wanted and how he’d changed. I enjoyed their banter and appreciated Emerson’s initial natural wariness as well as her willingness to change her perspective as Steel proved himself. This is the first story I’ve read by this author. I'm looking forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blinded Me With Science By Tara September is a good, and enjoyable enemies to lovers opposites attract college romance read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This is Emerson and Steel story they attended the same school before college. Steel was popular because his father’s a rockstar, and Emerson was not. She is the good girl, and he was the bad boy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Zelkovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet rom-com read that seamlessly blends, romance, second chances and spicy beginnings set in the vibrant world of academia. Emerson is very focused on her studies in science. Steel, is the son of a famous band frontman, and crushed on Emerson back in high school. He later transfers into her college just for the second chance with her. Emerson and Steel are fire!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[bella rhys (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute short novella! 💕

Blinded Me With Science is a story as old as time in the romance world. An enemies-lovers tale about a smart, brainy girl who falls the popular hot bad boy. I loved Tara September’s take on it though!

Emerson and Steel basically knew each other from high school and had an antagonistic rivalry there. They happen to end up at the same university as each other, taking the same science class, where they are thrown together as lab partners. Emerson has always being high achieving and so focused on school being the daughter of their old high school’s principal. She is finally ready let lose and have some fun. Who better to help her knock of some items on her college bucket-list than Steel. Steel is the son of a famous rock-star and is a former bad-boy who is ready to put his head down an focus on school, but he still knows how to have a good time. He has always noticed Emerson, so when she asks for his help, he can’t help but say yes.

This book was soo fun to read. It was also a quick read. I enjoyed these characters so much! Even though the book is short, their connection and the progression of the relationship felt believable. It was well paced. I also loved how Steel was vulnerable with Emerson when he finds out the truth about his dad in the middle of the book, and also, how he feels about people taking advantage of his music connections. I also felt how much they both cared for each other. I loved them and was rooting for them the entire time!

Narrated by Hollie Jackson, she was great with the characterisation and the voices. I felt all the emotions of the characters and she brought the story to life!

[Sara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for those looking for a quick read that is lighthearted but packed full of emotion.

I was a bit skeptical going into this one. I really liked the synopsis, but sometimes novellas are a miss rather than a hit for me. Luckily, this one panned out. It’s short, but you really get to know Emerson and Steel in the short amount of time we have.

Emerson was smart, but not so brainy it was off putting. She was ready to breakaway from her goody two shoes self, and what better way than with the crazy boy from high school.

Steel was just a sweetheart. The way he took care of Emerson when she wanted to go to clubs or parties, and the way he expressed his love for her. I really liked him and wish all guys could be like him.

It was over too soon, but there are many other books in this series. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good enemies to lovers romance. In high school she was the dean’s daughter, and he was a rock star’s kid. They had nothing in common. Unknown to her, her influence changed his life’s trajectory, and they end up at the same college. Better yet, they are assigned as lab partners. One thing leads to another, and they end up talking and realizing they are more alike then different, and a romance develops. It is a short, sweet, but fun read. Good story line, good characters, and good narration.

I received a free copy of the book, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soo fun and flirty while being hot and steamy. I loved the characters. Especially Emerson. Her inner dialogue conversations were so endearing. I can't wait to read April and Cal's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Emerson is horrified to hear Steele walk into her classroom. They’re then assigned lab partners and she’s convinced she’ll fail. Steele is far more likeable than you’d think from Emerson’s account of him. Can he lead her astray just enough that she feels like she’s experienced college or is it all going to go disastrously wrong? A quick, enjoyable read. I read the rest of the series after this!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book!

These books are short and so freaking adorable! I really like the characters and how relatable they are. They are down to earth and bring their quirks out. The guys are great as well, haha.
In this one, we have Emerson and Steel. They already know each other, but Steel was a bit of a wild child. He is the son of a rock star, and he lived up to that. He's changed though and is a good guy.
Emerson is a list person. She's organized and checks everything off. Complete opposite of Steel.
These two together were incredible. He supports her crazy list and, in turn, helps her see that he's not the man he once was. The attraction is there, and while they don't immediately act on it.. he wants to make it special for her. Steel is a great book boyfriend, and I'd love to read more about them in a bigger book.

[Ashley Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so enjoyable.

Emerson and Steel have a history. They attended high school together where Steel and his buddies picked on Emerson. Now in college, Emerson is in her element and Steel shows up at the same school and in one of the same classes. She still sees him as the boy he use to be and does not want to give him the time of day but they are paired up together. On the other hand, Steel has liked Emerson since high school. He is now going to show her that he is changed and still wants her.

This was adorable and sweet. I loved the opposites attract, her being the nerdy science girl and him being the rockstars son. The build up was perfect. It kept me turning(click) page after page.

If you like
College Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Opposites Attract

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was slow to begin with, but became increasingly enticing to the point where I could not put it down. I feel like the ending was incomplete, I wanted- for lack of a better word- more. I wanted to know more than what I was told; it came to a point where I just couldn't put this book down. Over all, this novel deserves a high rating because it was deliciously good.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good and entertaining story of Steel and Emerson. They knew each other during prep school where she was the dean's daughter, and he was the one who get away from anything.

When they get partner up for class, Steel and Emerson begin to realize they are more than what they believed and Steel's past feeling for Emerson begin to come out. She might think he is a bad boy, and she is a good girl, but he becomes the one for her.

Great story that will make you smile as they work through her list to step out comfort list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerson has always been in love with Steel but he had never given her the time of day until he shows up at her college. What Emerson doesn't know is that Steel has always loved her and will do everything to make her his forever. I could have kept reading more about Emerson and Steel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blinded Me With Science is a fun steamy read. Emerson has neglected her social life and Steel is the bad boy that is set out to prove he's changed. They get teamed up on a school project and he discovers her social to do list and decides to help her. I loved everything about this book! Can't wait to read more from Tara September!!

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number two in this series. It is Steel and Emerson’s story and I loved it. Smart girl and bad boy makes an enjoyable read in a college setting. I look forward to the next book! Thanks #Netgalley for the ARC!!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story and thought the narrator did a great job with reading the story. The story is fairly short one with a good plot and strong likable characters. The story was originally included in an anthology called "Kiss and Tell". The story is about Emerson and Steel. It is an opposites attract and enemies to so much more story. She is focused solely on science and her studies. She is teamed up with Steel. When Steel sees her list he is ready to take action. I enjoyed every bit of their story.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and this is Steel and Emerson’s story. Emerson is focused on getting her science degree, and she is partnered with Steel. Steel is no longer the bad boy he was at prep school, and he wants to help Emerson with her secret list of college experiences. This is a good story, which is a slow burn, and is a sweet and fun read.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella is sweet, funny, and heartwarming. I liked Steel and Emerson enemies to lovers, opposites attract, and slow burn romance. They are both interesting characters. Bridget Gardner did a great job with the narration. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Pulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good second in the series. It kept my attention and was long enough to give some feelings but short enough to be a quick read. I hope there is more coming in the series!

I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the narration of Bridget Gardner

Emerson is focused on getting her science degree, and she is partnered with Steel. The Steel who made Emerson’s life miserable. Steel has been working on himself, he wants to prove to Emerson he has not only changed but win her heart.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reformed bad boy, a science-loving gal, and a list to conquer…but what about love? Being a rockstar’s son taught Steel to crave a real connection. The minute he strolls into Emerson’s life on campus, he feels an electric connection. They’re partnered up in science class and he makes it his mission to prove to her he’s not the same bad boy she remembers from prep school. He likes her, a lot, but he needs to show her he’s for real and it’s not some prank. That’s when he finds her list. She’s made a list of college experiences and he’s just the man for the job. The more time he spends with her, the harder he’s falling for her. Does she feel the same or is it all to tick the boxes on her list? Time to tell her the truth…and let the chips fall.

Blinded Me With Science is a new adult/college romance I read in one sitting. Seriously, I couldn’t stop reading it. I love a redeemed hero and Steel is that and more. He was once a bad boy but now, thanks to Emerson, he’s a full-on cinnamon roll hero. She, on the other hand, is a smart science gal who doesn’t realize how beautiful she is. She loves science and always has her nose in a book but now she wants to live a little. I connected with her right away. Watching her bloom into a fun-loving woman who is also smart was why I loved this book so much. The other reason why this book is so wonderful is the growth of Steel. He’s at a turning point in his life and with Emerson by his side, he gets through it. Talk about swoon worthy. The writing is stellar and is one of the reasons why Tara September is one of my all-time favorite romance authors. The plot moves at a great pace with descriptive narration and a tight cast of characters. If you love college romances, pick up Blinded Me With Science. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited!

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the sound of this synopsis. It's a long time since I requested a YA book, but I was doubly interested as it was an audiobook. And it was the first book I had listened to via Spotify. I enjoyed the experience.

The boy meets girl again he once knew. groupwork assignment and will-they-won't-they find a connection that's down to more than schoolwork/coincidence between them is one I've found in books before, but there are things that set Blinded Me With Science apart from other books with these themes.

I identified with the uncomfortable feeling of having to work with another student, and think so many people will, too..

Emmerson is a great character. She's focused and caring. Steel is kind of a know it all at times, and sometimes I felt irritated by him. I was really wanting to know if they'd get on or not.

The narrator was absolutely outstanding.

Blinded Me With Science is a quick listen and the romance and internal thoughts for both characters get very hot at times. We see them being confident, vulnerable, lusting after each other then in conflict and then doubting what they feel...it's a real emotional rollercoaster and the quick pacing with carefully chosen words and excellently placed visual details here and there makes for a great YA romance.

I didn't know it was book 2 in the series, but it reads like a standalone. I am eager to find the other books in the series. I didn't feel like I was missing things as sometimes happens with other series where I don't start off with book 1.

Thanks to Tara September, Plus It Up and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Tara September's novellas and couldn't wait to read the second book in the Lesson in Love series.

Emerson Powers is smart, studious and an avid list maker. Now that she's in college away from her father's controlling tendencies she's ready to spread her wings as a true life college student. In other words, her "up to no good list". Who better to help her complete her list than the former bad boy from her prep school, Steely Nash. First of all, what is he doing at her college, and secondly, why is hanging around her?

Steel Nash is the son of a rock star and a reformed alcoholic and addict who is at this particular college because of the girl who changed his life. He's been attracted to this brainy girl with her beautiful blue eyes and big glasses from the moment she showed him around prep school on his first day. However, he burned his bridges with her back then. Now that he's cleaned up his act and finally found her, he's ready to do anything to win her over. Unfortunately, she still thinks he's that douche from prep school and he has to step up his game.

Who doesn't love the geeky girl and the popular bad boy story? Steel is my hero. He has rehabilitated himself because Emerson made him want to be a better man. He's considerate, protective, funny, sexy, and is head over heels in love with her. Emerson is bright and knows what she wants. Who couldn't resist a man after her own heart? His lovely confessions to her are so heartfelt and endearing. However, I love how she doesn't fall for him right away because he has to win her trust, and adding the list is a genius way to bring them together. I mean what man in love would not want to make sure that #7 on the list was his and his alone? From the execution of the epic prank to the frat party limbo contest, their chemistry ignites and there's no turning back. As much as I loved this book, I was frustrated with the abrupt switch to the epilogue. After all that steamy build-up to complete the last item on the list, it was left out. Sigh! I also felt Steel's story needed more closure, but I won't give away what that means.

Overall, I enjoyed Emerson and Steel's fun story with a questionable list, hilarious antics, and heartfelt confessions. 

Thank you to Ms. September for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful, fun, YA contemporary romance
If you enjoy this genre give it a chance!

She was the daughter of the Dean at her school
Keeping working and out of trouble was so cool.
Now, however, she's away from home to learn
And she's determined to experience it all this term.

What she wasn't expecting was her High School nemesis here
Joining her college and classes - bad news she fears!
Assigned to work together with no hope of reprieve
He says he's changed, what should she believe?

An enjoyable story of life away from under they eye of Dad
Of kicking off the traces but not going completely mad!
Teaming up to work together and finding out more, too,
As attraction also builds between these two.

It is easy to escape into this great, light-hearted read,
After some heavier reads, it was just what I need!
If a book to make you smile is what you're looking for
This one could be the next such that you'll adore!

With lessons, pranks and parties, escapades and more
This is hopefully just what you're looking for!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.