Heat by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #2
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks
Elements of Chemistry: HEAT is part 2 of a 3 part series (65k word novel) and ends in a cliffhanger.
**Blurb contains spoilers if you haven’t read Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION**
Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?
Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.
When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.
But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.
Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.
Review
Heat is an apt name for book 2 in Penny Reid’s Elements of Chemistry series because boy do Martin and Kaitlyn bring the sizzle in this one, and as their relationship grows and they begin to get to know each other better, their bond solidifies but Kaitlyn’s constant questioning and scrutiny may hinder any true connection.
After Martin explains to Kaitlyn the events at the end of Chemistry, the logical and reasonable Kaitlyn gives into the plethora of feelings she has for him, and for once, she tries not to rationalize every move she makes or question every word or act Martin expresses. Martin pushes Kaitlyn to see what’s right in front her and for once stop overanalyzing everything. But because emotions have always been difficult for Kaitlyn to express and the fact that they come with a lack of control and an abundance of confusion, her head is at odds with her heart and her body, which further complicates Kaitlyn and Martin’s week together.
Reid explores the intensity of Kaitlyn and Martin’s attraction to each other in Heat – their passion and their lust; the book also focuses on unearthing a bit more about who Kaitlyn and Martin are as they get to know each other better and as they begin to discover new things about themselves as well. But Kaitlyn’s overthinking and Martin’s quest for something that she doesn’t believe in threatens to undo any of the progress that Martin has made with Kaitlyn and then with the cliffy at the end, it’s too soon to tell what Reid has in store for them in Capture.
The continuation of Kaitlyn and Martin’s story brings all the feels with it for both the characters and the readers. There are moments of passion, excitement, intrigue and fury, and the last emotion is mostly towards the predicament that outside forces thrust upon them and Kaitlyn’s staunch adherence to reason.
Reid’s flawless writing continues to capture my attention, and although I know she’s going to force her characters to work to create a future together, which will undoubtedly torture her readers, the buildup/flow of the story and the characters Reid creates make it worth the angst filled journey.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples
Excerpt
“What are you doing?”
I lifted my eyes at the sound of Martin’s voice, but not immediately. I finished the paragraph I was reading, then I looked up, holding my place in the book with my thumb.
He was dressed in swim trunks and he was wet, with beads of water dripping down his chest. As such, he looked super hot. However, only the right side of his body was visible as the door blocked the other side. His hand was still on the doorknob and he leaned a tad to one side, into the room.
My eyes wandered over his form and I allowed myself to appreciate the beauty of Martin Sandeke like I might admire the beauty of a cold, soulless statue. Physically, he was a magnificent male specimen: corded muscle, long limbs, and rigid angles. Even his temples were drool worthy, especially since I knew his head housed a giant—albeit mismanaged—brain. Truly, he was one of our finest. His ancestors should really give themselves a big pat on the back.
A little pool of water had gathered at his feet, which made me wonder how long he’d been standing in the doorway. My eyes traveled upward again and I noticed he wore an angry expression. He looked livid.
I started a little at the heated annoyance in his stare. Then I glanced around the laundry room, searching for the source of his anger. I found that I was still alone. Therefore, I surmised his fury must be directed at me.
But, just to be sure, I said, “Who? Me?”
“Yes. You,” he growled, then stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “What are you doing in here?”
I raised the book and tipped my head toward it. “I’m reading.”
Martin exhaled loudly, another growl. “I can see that, Parker. But why the fuck are you in here reading?”
I frowned at his use of profanity, my shoulders bunching with tension. I realized I’d gotten used to it, how often he cussed; I’d accepted it as part of him. But that was before he’d left me standing at the entrance to a party I didn’t want to attend, and that was before I’d seen him kissing a random girl.
“It’s the first sequel to The Three Musketeers. I’ve been meaning to read it. I found it on the shelf in the library—or living room, or whatever room. There are too many rooms in this house, so I don’t know what half of them are called.”
Martin gritted his teeth, and I got the distinct impression he wanted to strangle me. “Parker. This is a party. And you’re in the laundry room? Reading?”
I paused a beat to make sure this wasn’t a trick question. When I could find nothing amiss with his interrogation, I nodded slowly. “Yes. This is a party. I am in the laundry room reading.”
“Why? What is wrong with you?”
My mouth opened and closed but no words arrived, because his questions continued to confuse me. Finally, I admitted, “Martin, I don’t know what you want me to say or why you appear to be upset. I found the book when I was in one of the several rooms with lots of books. I’ve been meaning to read it. So I picked it up and found a quiet place. Why are you so angry?”
He charged at me and I ineffectually scrambled backward on the washing machine. In less than two seconds he’d pulled the book from my hands, slapped it on the counter at my left, and braced his arms on either side of my legs, leaning forward.
I realized he’d made me lose my page in the book. I decided to ignore my urge to vocalize this complaint, because his eyes were beyond heated.
They were incensed blue flames. I braced myself, my gaze wide and watchful, and flinched when he lifted a hand. I relaxed a smidge when he used it to push my hair off my shoulder.
When he spoke, his voice was low, strained, like he was trying very hard to control his temper. “I brought you here as my date. That was our agreement.”
I nodded once. “Yes. I know.”
“And, instead of talking to people or having fun, you’re in here reading a book.”
I kept my voice even and calm, tried to sound soothing. “I am having fun. I’m reading a book.”
About Penny Reid
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).
By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.
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