This was by far my favourite book by Rachel Sommers to date. It held my attention through both characters arcs and was enjoyable to read and funny at times. As an educator, I would have a few technical observations regarding the teaching methods described in the novel. I also would have appreciated a bit more elaboration in the last chapters - the 180 degree turn things took for Eva gave me a bit of whiplash.
Regardless, I would definitely recommend reading Chemistry.

This is the story of two opposite characters who are thrown together. A slow burning romance in relatable settings and situations.
The strongest suit of this book for me was the author’s writing style: the flow, and the witty descriptions and dialogue.
Eva was a perfect ice-queen, and Lily was adorable. I would have liked to see more of their exchanges and earlier; however this book might appeal to those who enjoy lesbian slow-burn stories - in that sense, it is probably at least a 4/5.
I was invested in Lily’s teaching and her relationship with her students.
I also enjoyed the literal and literary/metaphorical references to chemistry.
The text messages and some of the parts about the school felt a little off, yet otherwise it was very contemporary,

Newly minted high school teacher Lily Cross is young, bubbly, and can’t wait to put her fresh ideas into practice in the classroom. Her excitement is derailed after a disastrous run-in with a colleague. Lily didn’t realize she’d have to win over her fellow teachers as well as her students, but that’s okay. Lily’s up to the challenge.

Disillusioned Eva Thomas never imagined she’d wind up as a teacher in her hometown, or worse, suffer the boundless, puppy dog enthusiasm of a new colleague. Eva has no interest in making friends—or making nice. She just wants to survive her day and be left alone. That’s easier said than done when Lily Cross has you in her sights.

This is one of my favorite sapphic romances of all time. I've read this book four times since I first found it (less than two years ago). Lily's personality is refreshing and positive, Eva's hard edges are so real. The way they grate on each other is delicious. 🙂 I also love the way that science humor is integrated into the story. I totally adored this sapphic gem!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was fine, I had no real significant issues with it but I also just wasn't attached to our main couple. Ironically I do think they lacked some chemistry and then when the romance finally started it was a little rushed. I do enjoy the enemies who fall in love online not knowing each other's true identities but it felt a little flat here. I far preferred Love Next Door by Sommers which I felt hit a bit harder.

Thanks to Netgally and Ylva Publishing for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this entertaining book

how opposites attract and how to thaw out an ice queen...

this book was so entertaining i couldnt put it down....

lily had just started in her new school and already she had come a cropper against the ice queen herself dr eva thomas,, she had only spilt coffee all down evas top... to the auspicious start she wanted.....

but as time went on and lily and eva clashed it became obvious to lily that there was more to them than just their arguing but eva was having none of it....

until they both joined a dating app and starting texting not realising they were texting each other and boy when they found out feathers went flying....

if only eva could get over her mistrust and lily was she brave enough to continue where she wanted to go.... like i said it was an entertaining read and couldnt put it down

Sizzling chemistry with an ice queen (4.5 stars)
I laughed and smiled alot while reading this book and hope the author revisits these characters at some point in the future. Main characters Eva and Lily have sizzling chemistry whether they are arguing or getting along (to whatever degree) and their banter is fun to read. The school setting may make readers nostalgic for their high school days or wishing they'd gone to this school and had these modern-day teachers, maybe even relieved to not be teachers themselves right now. Eleanor, Mei and the animals are great secondary characters but readers may have favorites among the student characters in the book. There are some good twists and surprises in the storyline and the ending is satisfying but written in such a way that a follow-up story would have lots to mine and build on. I hope there is a sequel and will happily read it if, and when, it's published. If you like ice queens and don't mind being reminded of some of the less than fun aspects of high school (this does not apply if you were one of the popular kids) give this one a read. I also recommend the author's other works and look forward to reading whatever other stories they publish in the future.
(review from August 2, 2022)