This newest volume of the ‘Chemistry’ series is another fun story about a science major who runs into the love of his life and doesn’t really know what to do about it. More timid than his colleagues in previous books, Brad needs several nudges and some luck to even start trying. As an additional complication, Jordy, the man he is interested in is an American studies major, and a lot more comfortable around people than Brad could ever dream of being. Not to mention that he has a boyfriend! And as the story develops, the parallels with electrochemistry become clear: “electrochemistry deals with the interaction between electrical energy and chemical change”. The “electricity” between Brad and Jordy may be virtual, but it definitely changes everything.

Brad is a science major with ambitions to solve the problem of fusion as an energy source. Ambitious and driven to succeed, he also has to work if he wants any spending money since his parents only pay for tuition and board. I think it actually does the slightly nerdy Brad some good to work in a supermarket,. While he is not a fan, it forces him to stay in touch with “real life” and teaches him how to deal with people. Not that he likes any of it, but he has little choice. It is also where he first notices fellow student Jordy who seems unattainable for many reasons until they cross paths on a cruise.

Jordy is gorgeous, outgoing, and a real people person. He used to be a ballet dancer and still moves with a lot of grace. He is clearly attracted to Brad, but he still struggles over his suboptimal, to put it carefully, relationship with his current boyfriend. Spending time with Brad and feeling the sizzling attraction gives him lots to think about, but he is not one to go for change easily.

The friendship and shipboard romance develops slowly, but the sparks do fly once they get going. Jordy is a breath of fresh air for Brad, and Brad gives Jordy the support the current boyfriend never did. If you like sweet, slow-burn romances, if you enjoy reading about two men who both hesitate about committing for very different reasons and don’t mind that one of them is still in a relationship while starting the next one (even though it is over inside his head), and if you're looking for a read with an exotic onboard setting in the sun, then you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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