★BOOK REVIEW★ Attraction by Penny Reid + Arc GIVEAWAY

Penny Reid strikes again! I swear if tomorrow she starts writing YA, I’d follow her as well!
Attraction was a great introduction to Elements of Chemistry, I love the witty and awkward heroine, Kaitlyn Parker and I love the the hero, Martin Sandeke as much as I hate him. I can’t wait to know what will happen in part 2, Heat…  

Publisher : Self Published
Series : Hypothesis #.25

Pages :
Release date : Aprilt 9, 2015
Genre : Romance, New Adult.

The Story

24950568Elements of Chemistry, part 1One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.
Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family’s billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.
When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

My Review

Aaaand she did it again.

Remember how I swore my eternal love to Drew Runous back in August? Well, I lied.

Hold on, technically it wasn’t a lie. I was all set up to stay faithful to Drew, but that was before Penny Reid decided to whip up this little gem she was hiding under the most bigger rock on the planet.
So, Penny, this is on YOU.

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Elements of Chemistry : Attraction is book 1/3 in Penny Reid’s new series, “Hypothesis”.

So what is this all about? 

This is a NA adult story, or so I’ve been “warned”. This book being the New Adult genre, I must confess I was afraid it would verve toward YA, high-school drama and all that. 

Well, I was WRONG. 

One thing I should know by now, is to never expect from Penny Reid the expected. She has a very unique voice, one I am definitely addicted to :

“But his laugh was a radioactive seduction and a half life of infinity. I wanted him to stop laughing never. It made his eyes crinkle and his mouth curve in a sinful smile.”


She always delivers so much more than what her blurbs promise, you think you got her all figured out after reading one of her books? Ahah.

“Penny Reid? Oh that strange lady who like to dress up as Wonder Woman and writes about a bunch of knitters who like to dance half naked and find the love of their lives?”

Yes, HER. 
Penny Reid has the ability to metamorphose, to hide, like a chameleon. She has the faculty to adapt and transform the most common storyline into the most incredible tale.I thought I was going for a nice little ride in the NA world, a little angst, a little steam and an HEA.

Wrong again.

Attraction whilst it had all the basics of a NA story, was so much more than that. I know, cliché. What I mean to say I guess, is that it was REALLY different from any New Adult book I have ever read.
The dialogues were cute and charming at times, Kaitlyn down-to-earth- mind providing all the fun. 

“I don’t like dates. They’re too sugary and stick to my teeth.”
“We won’t have dates on our dates. We’ll have tacos.” 


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Okay, let’s talk about the book now. 

In Attraction, I was surprised to be captivated from page one, the heroine, Kaitlyn Parker, has the wittiest and awkward inner dialogue ever. 
I had no choice but to picture this young woman as the feminine pendant to Sheldon Cooper from… (Do I need to educate you on who is Sheldon Cooper?No. Don’t answer that.)
Kaitlyn is a N.E.R.D. A word nerd, a book nerd, a science nerd, a fantasy nerd. You can’t find nerdiest than Kaitlyn.

“Foolish, absurd, brainless, crazy, preposterous, ridiculous, silly, stupid…”


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She’s the shy and quiet girl, she’s the one you vaguely know of, but only because you know, her mom is a Senator, her Dad is the Dean of Medical school and her Grandfather was an astronaut. Yeah. That’s quite the heritage to shoulder on everyday.

She was HILARIOUS, oh she had a great sense of humor, but mostly she was funny because…awkwardness. Her odd and maybe eccentric habits just made her a little more lovable in my eyes.

“He’ so awful. He’s… he’s like ammonium dichromate with mercury thiocyanate. He’s the college boy equivalent of the bowels of hell.”


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Kaitlyn has a lab partner, Martin Sandeke.

Sigh.

What is it about this name, I’m asking you? Sandeke. I can picture myself as a Sandeke. Like today. (Goodbye, Drew Runous.)

Martin is the complete opposite of what Katy is. He is social, he is popular, he’s outspoken, demonstrative, heir of a Geek King and the leader of the University rowing team.
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Yes Martin’s an athlete. To Katy, he is the epitome of “unobtainable”. Well, in Katy’s mind, that is.

“Mesmerizing, hypnotic, irresistible, alluring, seductive… Hmm…”


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So what happens when Katy saves Martin from a rather disturbing plot formed against him?
Martin finally gets to make his play to Katy, asking her to go with him on a secluded island in company of his rowing team during spring-break.

“Fuck me…”
My eyes darted back to Martin and I found him looking at my body with a mixture of pained hunger and appreciation. The profanity had slipped from his tongue like an odd caress.”


I won’t reveal much more than this, this part is fairly short, and I’d rather you make certain discoveries yourself. But you’ve got this all set up. The story and development is very fast paced, and you won’t know what happened until you see you’ve reached the end already! A real page turner. 

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There’s no surprise in this, Penny Reid is one of the few that can set up a slow build tension until it quickly becomes insufferable. Can you believe I was all hot and bothered and yet not one sex scene is present in this book?

Ahah, intrigued? 

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Let’s talk a little about Martin, yes, Martin Sandeke. (I could literally say his name all day)

One thing I love about Penny Reid is her ability to write great male characters, and Martin Sandeke was no exception.

He’s not a huge talker you see, he never went into a diatribe, full on monologues are not his style. Martin has the ability to make Kaitlyn unravel with only so little words… Or he would cage her, overwhelm her by his presence and just stare at her with such intensity… In a way that seemed so… possessive. Oh Martin was the Alpha Male alright. And I swear, I could feel everything! All of it.

One last thing, beware that Attraction is ending on a cliffhanger, I know, I am myself wondering the meaning behind cliffhangers, I hate them, and to be honest, I’m glad I’ve got the second book secured next to this one, or I’d be set to do some damage…toward the nearest chocolate bar. 

“You think I’m only interested in you for one thing. You’re wrong.” He whisperead against my ear, hot breath spilling against my neck making me shiver, his hand on my stomach inching lower.
“This, what you’re doing now how you’re touching me, does not give credibility to your words.” My breath hitched, my brain disengaging.
“You’re wrong. And I’ll prove it to you.”
“I’m right. I’m right. I’m so, so, so right.”


Wonder Woman, all scienced up, over.
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Giveaway

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31 Comments

  1. says: Elizabeth

    Of course I have read just about everything from Penny Reid! Duh. But, alas not Elements of Chemistry so no pressure but I must have it in order to live. My favorite from her is still the first one I ever read of her books Love Hacked.

  2. says: Christine Maria Rose

    I’ve read everything Penny has put out to date (except for the one in the horror stories collection)

  3. says: Emma Em

    I haven’t read any book by Penny Reid yet, but they are on my TBR list, I’ll start reading as soon as possible 😀 Thank you for the chance <3

    1. says: Sarah B

      Oh, and in response to the contest blog comment, I’ve read all of her books so far. I’d say Neanderthal Seeks Human and Neanderthal Marries Human are my favorite. Janie and Quinn are my favorite couple.

  4. says: TracyVin

    I have her NSH/NMH combined book. I love them both. I also have Loved Hacked, but haven’t had a moment to read that one yet. And I’ve read her co-authored book, The Hooker and the Hermit. I have to say I LOVE NSH/NMH out of what I’ve read thus far.

  5. says: kristen

    I’ve read many books by Penny Reid and I am super excited for Martin! I don’t know that I can pick a favorite…Quinn and Alex and Nico are my favorites though! And Drew..and Greg now too! Gah she writes leading men so well!

  6. says: Shannon Brown

    Beauty and the Mustache is my all-time favorite! But who knows what the future will bring! Great Review, Alleskelle!

  7. says: April

    I have read all oaroof Penny’s books, but my favorite has got to be either Love Hacked or Beauty and the Mustache. Although, I am also pretty damn excited for the Winston Bros books as well as Greg and Fiona’s!

  8. says: Karin

    Love Penny Reid’s books, have read them all. She’s one of the few authors on my automatic buy list. Love the offbeat characters & the humor in her books. Please write faster, Penny.

  9. I love all her books,well maybe not the Hooker and the Hermit,but Ninja At First Sight,the short prequel to Fiona and Greg’s story from the Scenes from the City is my absolute favourite till date.I’m waiting eagerly for their story and Elements of Chemistry. 🙂

  10. says: Janja

    Discover Penny last year and i adore her..her books make me smiling and optimistic..my fav is Beauty and the mustache!

    1. says: Alleskelle

      Hey Janja, I think my favorite so far is STILL The Beauty and the Mustache… I’m saying “still” because with every new book, comes a new favorite of mine! 😉

  11. says: Sara B

    All these reviews are not making the wait any easier. I’ve reread the knitting in the city series twice in an attempt to quell the anticipation but NOTHING IS WORKING I NEED THIS YESTERDAY.

    1. says: Alleskelle

      Sara, as I said at the end of this review, be careful or be sure of your capacity to handle a cliffhanger… This one made my chest hurt. Literally. I’m always thinking 3 books ahead and already am pining for The Winston Brothers #1 and The Ninja… Courage!

  12. says: Darci L

    Hmmm….which book of Penny’s is my favorite? Well, the one I’m reading 🙂 I have read them all, and I always think the current one is my favorite! However, so far, it’s always come down to Neanderthal Seeks Human and Beauty and the Mustache. Why? Because I love Quinn and Drew. Don’t make me pick which one I love more!

    And great review! I’m so excited to read this book!

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