“Just friends” is all Brooke and Dylan have ever been. (Except for that one night in high school, but they don’t talk about that.) Growing up, he was her protector. Her confidante. The one guy she could always trust.Now she’s a marine biologist working toward her PhD in California, and he’s an underwear model in New York. Dylan’s only in town for a few days, crashing on Brooke’s couch and … and repaying the favor by acting as her date to a friend’s wedding.
It was totally an accident she saw him naked.
After that, “just friends” goes out the window in favor of friends with benefits.
It’s all going great…until it isn’t.
Dylan’s got a ticket back to New York at the end of the week, and Brooke may have accidentally broken his heart. Can they navigate these uncharted relationship waters? Or has she tanked her oldest friendship?
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Thoroughly enjoyable friends-to-lovers story.
“Being attracted to Dylan’s body was regrettably unavoidable. Being attracted to him was absolutely off-limits.”
Brooke and Dylan have been best friends since they were kids. They’ve maintained contact but haven’t actually seen one another for six years. He lives in NYC and busy with his modelling job. She’s in LA working on her PhD as a marine biologist. However, she welcomes him to stay at her home while he’s in town for work and then some downtime.
“I’m an open book. You just haven’t read all the pages yet.”
When an awkward moment takes their relationship from platonic to sexual, things start to heat up between them. Unfortunately, do they both have a shared endgame?
“Kissing him was sunshine and rainbows and puppies and chocolate cake, but it also made her hot all over.”
This story was fun, sweet, and heated. Brooke and Dylan had a fantastic friend dynamic but, as a romantic couple, they were even better. Dylan, in spite of being a model, was charmingly modest, and extrovert without being cocky. I loved him as a hero. He was also sweetly vulnerable where Brooke was concerned – she was definitely his soft spot. Brooke was a smart, independent woman but not very adept at relationships and, unfortunately, it made her believe something about herself that wasn’t true. Overall, a really enjoyable story!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This was such a feel-good book. This friends-to-lovers opposites-attract story was just what I was in the mood for.
I zipped through these pages at lightning speed. I couldn’t get enough of this couple. The writing was delightful. It was easy to read and captured my attention. I love the way that the story was plotted out. Some parts were a little predictable but I still enjoyed them.
Brooke and Dylan were characters that I grew to like almost immediately. From the moment they graced the pages of this book I was smitten with them. They were so likable and relatable, even with their grand professions that I don’t know a lick about. I really liked the depth that the characters had and the growth that the characters experience in the story. The secondary characters were delightful as well and made me want to go back and read the other books in this series.
I was a little disappointed with the romance. At least, some aspects of it. It is true that Brooke and Dylan had some definite chemistry and you could tell that they had a deep connection from being friends for so long. The thing that really took away from that connection was the fade-to-black nature of the sex scenes. I don’t know the reason why the author chose not to give us steamy scenes but I thought that it did the book a great disservice. It overshadowed the intimacy of their relationship for me. And if I’m being honest, it made me feel like I was reading a young adult novel. When it comes to the romance in a story, it’s clear that clean romances are not for me.
Overall, this is a friends-to-lovers romance that really grabs your attention and gets you in the feels. These were characters that were easy to relate to and a story that easy to fall in love with. The wonderful writing made this book so enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I can’t resist a story that includes intelligent women, especially those that have an interest in STEM. This series is perfect, portraying smart women as strong role models, I’ve loved each instalment. These characters and stories are realistic, with emotion and HEA.
This time it’s Marine Biology and Brooke’s story. She is currently studying for her Phd, and a friends to lover romance starring her best friend, underwear model, Dylan. Dylan needs a vacation and decides to spend a week with Brooke while working in LA. As true friendship go, they rekindle their childhood relationship, after a long time apart. Until it goes further….
Brooke had her heart broken by Dylan in high school, but will it be his heart that breaks this time.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Experimental Marine Biology, the 5th Book in the Chemistry Lessons series, centers around Ph.D. marine biology student Brooke and her childhood best friend Dylan, a successful underwear model.
The book is prefaced with the disclaimer that it is “largely lighthearted, but touches on certain subjects, including, abortion, parental illness, and disordered eating that may be difficult or unpleasant for some.”
Dylan is in town on a business trip and decides to take a much needed vacation to visit Brooke. Like with real friendships, after many years apart, they pick up immediately where they left off. During his visit, their mutual attraction towards each other quickly escalates to something of a sexual nature. Dylan wants to take their friendship to the next level and hopes to establish a future with Brooke. However, she fears ruining their friendship to take that risk with him.
As a woman who works in a STEM field, I really enjoy reading Susannah Nix’s books of women in STEM, but this one fell a little short for me. Just a little. I wish there was a little more depth about the struggles women STEM experience, especially what Brooke faced after she applied for the graduate student award. How did she deal with it? Instead it was mentioned, but nothing more.
Also, I would’ve liked to have seen Dylan’s background fleshed out more. How did he deal with life as an underwear model? It’s mentioned that he was burnt out from it, he had his insecurities, and he hated being on display like a piece of meat. But how did he ultimately deal with it in the end other than moving on to new opportunities? There was a confrontation waiting to happen that never did.
Other than that, this story is sweet, emotional, and relatable. If you’re looking for something with characters that overcome real issues, then this is the book for you.
This is the 5th book in this series and is Brooke and Dylan’s story. These two have been best friends since childhood, and Brooke is now a marine biologist while Dylan is a famous underwear model. Dylan is in town for a little while and staying with Brooke and they are dancing around their feeling for each other. Neither wants to do anything which will break up their friendship, but can they move on from friends / lover’s? This is a well written story which is filled with drama, angst, witty banter, and is a fun and entertaining tale which I recommend for all.
Experimental Marine Biology is among my list of 2020 releases that I’m excited about! I am absolutely chuffed to have the opportunity to share my review with you on release day! If you have been looking for a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance with a lead female in STEM then this book (and series) is for you!
Nix expertly builds relatable, flawed characters and has long been an auto-buy author of mine. I LOVE reading about women in STEM and readers get a glimpse into the world of marine biology complete with whale puns and decor. I loved it! Brooke was a complicated character for me. I enjoyed her but I didn’t connect the way I do with some characters. I freely admit that my reading was probably overshadowed by current events so I may just have been extra salty. I did cry a bit at the end during a certain moment in Brooke’s arc so I suspect salty.
What I can tell you is the chemistry between these “just friends” is hot right from the beginning. The intimate scenes are fade to black but the lead up is on fire. Watching Brooke’s internal salivating had me giggling madly.
While I didn’t quite connect with Brooke, I did enjoy Dylan. I love that we have a chance to see his ability to chameleon and charm a crowd in a performative professional setting as well as a genuine, laid-back event with Brooke’s friends. I do wish we had his background fleshed out a bit more though I admit that is tricky with using only Brooke’s POV. I came away feeling like Dylan was already this perfectly formed other half, beyond some self-esteem issues. Just a constant character ARC to stabilize the relationship while Brooke fights with herself and her past.
Nix has a way of dragging laughter out of me even when I don’t feel like it. I adore puns and bad jokes and Nix served up some side-stitch, belly laugh comments. I was ridiculously invested in the rivalry between Tara and Mathias even though it is barely mentioned. The company picnic moment had me dying. Such a low key “enemy strike” but Tara’s reaction continues to make me laugh when I think about it. Consider this my formal request for at least a novella where we get more of these two! Maybe another delightful Christmas novella? (Shameless plug for Maybe this Christmas and it’s awesome Bi rep)
Overall, this is a sweet and spicy, friends to lovers romance that took me away from the real world for a while. I wish I had felt more connected to the story, and Brooke in particular. Brooke and Dylan’s romance didn’t hit me in the feels quite as much as Olivia and Adam (Applied Electromagnetism) although I freely admit that it is because I may have stuck those two up on a pedestal. Maybe I need to reread it. You know, for science…
Content Warning: anxiety, references to abortion
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers romance, and this latest addition to the Chemistry Lessons series doesn’t disappoint. It has all the ingredients I expect from a Susannah Nix book: relatable characters I can root for, smart and funny writing, and some truly swoon-worthy and sexy scenes.
As an added bonus, we get to recocnnect with some old friends, mostly Olivia and Penny – two of my favorite of Susannah’s heroines.
4-1/2 Stars!!
I really enjoyed this cute, funny best friends to lovers romance! Dylan is a hot, beyond sweet, romantic underwear model. He was so different then I thought he would be. In other words way better!! He wasn’t a cocky, thinks he’s better than everyone because he’s a sexy model guy he was amazing!
I love that Brooke was a strong, independent, driven woman. I felt like I could relate to her with her viewpoints on relationships. Which made it more enjoyable a read for me personally.
These two together were so cute & I really enjoyed this read! I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
From whale earwax to an underwear model: which holds more charm?!
4.5stars
Another enjoyable romance for a brainiac STEM heroine from one of my go-to romance/chick lit authors. Take one PhD -candidate marine biologist, add a visiting, gorgeous male model who happens to be her best friend since childhood, introduce some close quarters as she hosts him at her small apartment for a week and voila, a romance takes shape.
I adored the off-beat intro to bring me into Brooke’s life and work in an environment fraught with fierce competition. Whale ear research: who knew?! Brooke is ambitious, hard-working and looking for a win to prove she’s worthy. A lot of her attitude relates to her rocky relationship with her parents. Brooke keeps her emotional distance from most and this includes me; she’s not my favorite of Nix’s heroine as a result. But I really liked BFF Dylan; he’s so open, positive and attuned to Brooke’s thoughts that even her anti-social cat Murderface (loved the name!) can’t resist his charm. He’s also sincere and stigmatized by his looks!
There are realistic ups and downs, but I loved the climax and conclusion which redeemed Brooke in my eyes. It’s a smooth read, well-written and peppered with real life problems that love maybe can’t solve, but it can certainly remove the sting!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
OMG Dylan is so everything one can look for! You’re gonna fall in love with him and Brooke on page 1!
But first things first. Brooke and Dylan have been best friends since they were kids… Well, Brooke may actually have had a crush on her best friend since then but he couldn’t possibly see her like that no? After all they kissed on prim night but act as it never happened. Now she’s a PhD student in marine biology and her BFF, who happens also to be a very talented underwear model is crashing on her couch. Can they reenact prom night? Could it work?
As all Susannah Nix’s heroines, Brooke is smart, geeky and funny. I love all of them but I could relate to her a lot being a PhD student myself now. And what can I say about Dylan? He’s the most down to earth model there could be, an amazingly caring and attentive guy. Exactly the one who has always been there and you couldn’t face the possibility of losing him, but what if this was the only way to learn the truth about both of them?
Chemistry Lessons never disappoint, and Brooke and Dylan will prove it to you!! Added bonus: all the cameos from the couple of the previous books. Was so nice to see what they were up to now!
A friends to lovers romance between Dylan and Brooke. My heart broke for all the things that happened to Brooke when she was younger. Love how Dylan is there for her and how he loves her.
Childhood BFF’s, Brooke and Dylan, have been “just friends” forever but will they become more when Dylan comes out for a visit with Brooke? I love how they both have their issues with confidence yet completely “see” and support each other. They each had parental issues to overcome which caused a bit of a heavier feel to this book than the past book’s in this series; but the low angst was very beautifully written and addressed.
Experimental Marine Biology is a wonderful friends to lover story with some angst that drew me into their story.
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this book.
You have Brooke, who is a marine biologist and Dylan, who is a model. Seems like an unlikely friendship but they work. They’ve been friends for years. I absolutely loved Susannah’s take on Dylan. He wasn’t just your typical alpha male. He had his insecurities. You saw that side where you normally don’t see in books. This book had its romance and its drama. I highly recommend it!
Best Friends to HEA…
…with a side of SCIENCE! The latest release from Susannah Nix is yet another romantic HIT! I’ve read everything she’s written, and have never been disappointed. She brings voice to the quirky, nerdy heroines and lets them stand on their own two feet and demand their spotlight. Experimental Marine Biology is the fifth book in her “Chemistry Lessons” series, but it is absolutely able to be read as a stand-alone.
Susannah’s books are always quirky, sassy, smart, and downright enjoyable reads. Experimental Marine Biology lived up to my whale-sized expectations (and then some!). I flew through it within one day because I simply couldn’t put it down. While the book is clever and well-paced, funny and sexy, it’s also emotional, genuine and deep. One of my *favorite* things about Susannah’s books is the fact that her characters are smart and complex – but also REAL. They have flaws and baggage just like the rest of us. The struggles (romantic, social, and workplace) are both relatable and funny, which is not that easy to pull off!
Brooke and Dylan were childhood friends…who stayed in touch despite distance and life changes…and finally got it together and fell in love (or…admitted they’d always been in love?). This book is romantic and sweet, geeky and witty, with clever comedy and emotional depth woven throughout. I recommend this book, along with the rest of Susannah’s works.
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review, but I would have happily bought it as I have others. I’m thrilled beyond words that we have another Chemistry Lessons story to look forward to!
Note on triggers – the story and characters are real – remember I said that? Well they’re flawed, as are we all. Content warning for abortion, cancer, and emotional abuse/neglect from family members.
My general rating rationale:
3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it (if they won’t listen, I’ll be louder).
I absolutely love the delightful relationship that Dylan and Brooke share in this adoreable romance tale! The fact that these two still feel comfortable with one another despite not having seen each other for years really speaks to the depth of their friendship. (I’ve been blessed ot enjoy a few such relationships in my life, although never one that turned romantic!) Probably because they are such good friends who have known each other forever, the new nature of their relationship seems to sneak up on Brooke. Despite some minor freak-outs, and LOTS of worrying about major ones, she kind of just eases into it.
While I wasn’t too surprised to learn that Brooke had some insecurities about her looks and such (especially around her model friend), I was a bit surprised to hear that Dylan had corresponding hang-ups about his level of intelligence and ability to do anything besides model. That they were able to reassure one another about their self-worth (when they weren’t busy worrying too much about their own) was a great thing to see.
I was especially pleased with the ultimate endurance of their friendship and the extreme value that Dylan placed on it. I was both surprised and extremely pleased that he was there when Brooke needed him most.
I was not at all impressed with Brooke’s family, although I was happy to see the end result of the visit with them. While I’ve only read one of the other books in this series, I recognized several characters from descriptions of them. I’m sure that for return readers of this set that it would be fun to catch up with them. And it did make me want to read the other volumes to find out their full stories.
“One of the funniest stories I’ve read recently. A friends-to-lovers trope with a friends with benefits background story. Friendship is something valuable and Brooke and Dylan’s friendship isn’t the exception. There are so many things that I loved about this book.
Brooke was a marine biologist which was awesome! It was the first time a female character had such an uncommon and lovely profession. Dylan was a model. He was so cute, funny and lovely.
Completely opposites yet their bond was deep and special. When Dylan wanted to relax he traveled to California to see Brooke. A spark, the chemistry and a little flirting changed things for them. Why they never dated when younger? What’s more important… what’s the matter of having sexual fun with your best friend and nothing more?
Experimental Marine Biology was a sweet story. Feelings and memories that gave this story a beautiful background story.
Pain, loss, regrets, happiness, passion and love! This was my first time reading a book of Susannah Nix and surely it won’t be the last one. I’m looking forward for her upcoming books.”
This is a ‘friends to lovers’ story between two very likeable characters who are afraid to risk losing what they have. Along the way, despite misunderstandings, hurts get healed and Brooke learns to trust that Dylan … well, you need to read the book to get the details! I love this whole series of standalone stories. Susannah Nix creates engaging characters, has a deft writing style that keeps the reader engaged (so much so that her books are very hard to put down), and she never disappoints. I highly recommend this book and all the others which proceed it in the series.
Loved the hero and heroine in this new book by Susannah Nix. The story is engaging but not overly ansty or heavy. I cheered for the couple in this friends to lovers story. Another winner! Super for summer reading and will definitely re-read! Thanks Susannah!