What do you think?
Rate this book
Hypothesis #3
Capture
He broke her heart, and now he’s back . . .
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid
One week.
Manhattan apartment.
Super-hot ex-boyfriend.
…What’s the worst that could happen?
It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before.
But now Martin is back. And he wants to be friends. But he’s sending mixed signals to the Bunsen burner in Kaitlyn’s pants. Will Martin re-capture Kaitlyn’s heart? Can Kaitlyn and Martin ever be just friends? Or, despite an abundance of chemistry, are some bonds just too unstable to endure?
Elements of Chemistry: CAPTURE is the final part in a three part series; it is 65k words.
Part 1 (ATTRACTION) Available Now! (ends on a cliffhanger)
Part 2 (HEAT) Available Now! (ends on a cliffhanger)
Part 3 (CAPTURE) Available Now!
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid
One week.
Manhattan apartment.
Super-hot ex-boyfriend.
…What’s the worst that could happen?
It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before.
But now Martin is back. And he wants to be friends. But he’s sending mixed signals to the Bunsen burner in Kaitlyn’s pants. Will Martin re-capture Kaitlyn’s heart? Can Kaitlyn and Martin ever be just friends? Or, despite an abundance of chemistry, are some bonds just too unstable to endure?
Elements of Chemistry: CAPTURE is the final part in a three part series; it is 65k words.
Part 1 (ATTRACTION) Available Now! (ends on a cliffhanger)
Part 2 (HEAT) Available Now! (ends on a cliffhanger)
Part 3 (CAPTURE) Available Now!
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2015
About the author
Penny Reid
90 books22k followersSign up for the newsletter of awesome: www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
Just Released:
October 20, 2022: Folk Around and Find Out, Good Folk: Modern Folktales, Book 2
Upcoming Releases:
December 13, 2022: Drama King, Three Kings Series, Book 2
Currently Working On:
2023: Pride and Dad Jokes, Ideal Man, Book 1
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
Just Released:
October 20, 2022: Folk Around and Find Out, Good Folk: Modern Folktales, Book 2
Upcoming Releases:
December 13, 2022: Drama King, Three Kings Series, Book 2
Currently Working On:
2023: Pride and Dad Jokes, Ideal Man, Book 1
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,354 reviews
February 18, 2017
In this conclusion to the 'Elements of Chemistry' series, we again find Martin and Kaitlyn separated. However, unlike the beginning of the second book, this time around the damage done to their relationship will not be repaired so easily. Deep hurt and betrayal have overshadowed what once was so good between these two.
Months after their break-up, Kaitlyn still cannot get over her heartache. Her life has changed drastically, as she made the decision to follow her dreams instead of trying to live up to other people's expectations for her. Despite the positive changes she's made in her life, Martin still haunts her.
When she runs into him unexpectedly at an event where she is performing, it all comes rushing back to her. Of course, it doesn't help that he seems to be doing just fine. After that, the encounters become more and more frequent as Martin pushes his way back into her life.
Alternating between present and past, the pain of their break-up slowly comes to light. If you read the earlier books in the series, you knew how things ended between the two at the end of book 2. However, this book showcases the depth of the emotional pain and betrayal that Kaitlyn experienced. I thought that the alternating timeframes worked well for their story.
Just as Martin did what he needed to do to hold it together, so did Kaitlyn. Mainly, she just avoided all things Martin-related. She didn't read any articles or news stories focused on his swift rise to success. She refused to hear anything about how he was doing or what he was up to. Out of sight, out of mind was her coping strategy.
The more time that the two spend together, the more clear it becomes that Kaitlyn is unaware of everything Martin has been doing while they were separated. Time and time again, hints that Kaitlyn is the one that broke Martin's heart are dropped by friends and his business partner. Eventually, she'll have to find out exactly what he's been up to while they were apart. When she does, everything changes again.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet finale to this series. I enjoyed every minute of Martin and Kaitlyn's story. It was fun, sweet and kept me smiling. If you're looking for a light-hearted, humorous series, this is a fantastic choice.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
Months after their break-up, Kaitlyn still cannot get over her heartache. Her life has changed drastically, as she made the decision to follow her dreams instead of trying to live up to other people's expectations for her. Despite the positive changes she's made in her life, Martin still haunts her.
When she runs into him unexpectedly at an event where she is performing, it all comes rushing back to her. Of course, it doesn't help that he seems to be doing just fine. After that, the encounters become more and more frequent as Martin pushes his way back into her life.
Alternating between present and past, the pain of their break-up slowly comes to light. If you read the earlier books in the series, you knew how things ended between the two at the end of book 2. However, this book showcases the depth of the emotional pain and betrayal that Kaitlyn experienced. I thought that the alternating timeframes worked well for their story.
Just as Martin did what he needed to do to hold it together, so did Kaitlyn. Mainly, she just avoided all things Martin-related. She didn't read any articles or news stories focused on his swift rise to success. She refused to hear anything about how he was doing or what he was up to. Out of sight, out of mind was her coping strategy.
The more time that the two spend together, the more clear it becomes that Kaitlyn is unaware of everything Martin has been doing while they were separated. Time and time again, hints that Kaitlyn is the one that broke Martin's heart are dropped by friends and his business partner. Eventually, she'll have to find out exactly what he's been up to while they were apart. When she does, everything changes again.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet finale to this series. I enjoyed every minute of Martin and Kaitlyn's story. It was fun, sweet and kept me smiling. If you're looking for a light-hearted, humorous series, this is a fantastic choice.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
May 12, 2015
I adored the first two books of this series because they were funny and oh so sexy but this last installment was just slow and frustrating for me. It wasn’t as funny as the previous books and to my horror the couple goes back to being FRIENDS till almost which totally drove me crazy.
Both Martin and Katy think that the other are in relationships while they share his apartment together. There were cute scenes but the miscommunication was irritating.
The author does wrap this series up sweetly but it was just a bit too late for me. I would have preferred more couple togetherness than what I received.
May 16, 2015
4 stars!!
I love Penny Reid’s writing. Her Element’s of Chemistry series has been a huge hit for me. The characters are quirky, funny and our main man Martin is sexy as can be. It’s got that special kind of smart humor. That along with the steaminess is the perfect combination. There were parts of this particular installment (especially towards the middle) that frustrated me, but overall it was a great conclusion to Martin and Parker’s story.
Martin and Kaitlyn’s story picks up months after Heat left off. That cliffy was terrible so I was happy to get back to the two of them. Things between them have changed drastically. Now that they are back in each others lives, they are focusing on friendship.
Martin and Katy try desperately to be the friend each other needs. They spend time together, support one another, but it’s glaringly obvious that they both want each other. That they are each still in love with the other. Well, it’s obvious to everyone but Katy.
I think Katy is a fantastic heroine and overall a wonderful character. I loved her so much in the first two books. I loved her in this story as well, but there were moments she really did irk me. I felt she was wayyyyyy too smart to be so dense at times. Martin on the other hand, he didn’t irk me at all. He was pretty damn perfect. All swoony and sexy as can be.
This series has been a win for me. I loved the humor, angst and steam. Penny’s writing is so special. It’s like no other author I’ve ever read. Although there were a few frustrating moments, I still very much enjoyed this series. My only big issue that made it a 4 star instead of a 5- I really wish after the frustrating moments, I would have gotten a bit more out of the ending or more of an epilogue. I was happy with the ending, I just wanted a bit more.
I love Penny Reid’s writing. Her Element’s of Chemistry series has been a huge hit for me. The characters are quirky, funny and our main man Martin is sexy as can be. It’s got that special kind of smart humor. That along with the steaminess is the perfect combination. There were parts of this particular installment (especially towards the middle) that frustrated me, but overall it was a great conclusion to Martin and Parker’s story.
Martin and Kaitlyn’s story picks up months after Heat left off. That cliffy was terrible so I was happy to get back to the two of them. Things between them have changed drastically. Now that they are back in each others lives, they are focusing on friendship.
Martin and Katy try desperately to be the friend each other needs. They spend time together, support one another, but it’s glaringly obvious that they both want each other. That they are each still in love with the other. Well, it’s obvious to everyone but Katy.
I think Katy is a fantastic heroine and overall a wonderful character. I loved her so much in the first two books. I loved her in this story as well, but there were moments she really did irk me. I felt she was wayyyyyy too smart to be so dense at times. Martin on the other hand, he didn’t irk me at all. He was pretty damn perfect. All swoony and sexy as can be.
This series has been a win for me. I loved the humor, angst and steam. Penny’s writing is so special. It’s like no other author I’ve ever read. Although there were a few frustrating moments, I still very much enjoyed this series. My only big issue that made it a 4 star instead of a 5- I really wish after the frustrating moments, I would have gotten a bit more out of the ending or more of an epilogue. I was happy with the ending, I just wanted a bit more.
May 12, 2015
2.5-3 stars!
After adoring the first book Attraction and enjoying Heat, I was so looking forward to this final book hoping it’d end the series on a high note for me. When I finished I first thought 3 stars because I did like it; I just had some problems with it. After doing some thinking I decided to drop my rating a little to reflect my frustration and annoyance that this last installment was nothing like I thought it’d be. So in the end I guess I’ll say this: I somewhat liked it, but that was it. I didn’t feel that special, tangible spark Martin and Kaitlyn had before; in fact, I thought they did a complete 180 from their characters in the first two books. But most importantly, positive things like the fantastic humor and witty banter were missing and it almost felt like I was reading a Penny Reid book that was...not from Penny Reid.
There were three main things that irritated me so much by the end of the book I went from enjoying to just barely liking.
Kaitlyn’s character
When I first met this closet-loving, mousy heroine in book 1 she was a breath of fresh air. I loved the way her mind worked and she was so clever, always having a comeback ready and despite her social awkwardness she could hold her own fort. Everything about her was just so adorkable. In my review for book 2 I did mention that her quirks and naiveté annoyed me a little but not to the point where her character drove me nuts (and honestly I never thought that could happen). Well I stand corrected because by the time I finished this book I wanted to throttle her. I mean...how naïve can she get? In the beginning I could understand her innocence because she was a virgin and didn’t get out much but it’s book 3 now people. She said it herself, she matured and learned from her experiences from books 1 and 2. But in here, I could barely tolerate her when it came down to constantly questioning Martin’s feelings for her. There’s one scenario in particular that made me go:
The way this book was set up
This is just how I feel, but newbies to this series could totally read this book on its own without reading the first two and I’d feel like they’d be okay. Capture is all about the second chance romance part of Martin and Kaitlyn’s story but in some ways it does need to link back to Attraction and Heat so I can be reminded how all three parts fit together which I don’t think it really did. While it was a compelling read, I felt like this book took the first two, trashed them, and started the story all over again on a brand new chalkboard. New tentative friendship, new relationship dynamic, new everything, and I didn’t like that. To me there was very little that linked this book with the first two to make all three parts feel like a cohesive whole. And also, was I the only one who thought Martin and Kaitlyn were adults in their late twenties-early thirties? This book didn’t feel NA at all.
The romance
The actual second chance romance was a disappointment for me because it took this couple SO long to get back together. Usually that doesn’t bother me if there are reasonable obstacles keeping them apart but in here it is pure character stupidity, Kaitlyn being dumb and slow was the main reason and Martin not being more open about his life, just waiting for Kaitlyn to make the move was another. All their problems could have literally been solved with these simple steps:
1. Talking. Not staring at each other like statues.
2. Kaitlyn reading a magazine.
3. Martin picking up the phone and calling her.
All these problems I had with this book just reinforces what I felt and voiced in my review for book 2: I don’t get the point of splitting this story into three parts. It totally could’ve been told in a duet. Sure, I get that with each part there’s a certain character growth and plot climax by the end, but on their own each part is just not substantial enough to warrant its own book.
As I’m in a bit of a review funk and feeling super annoyed that this book was just meh for me, I don’t even have the patience or desire to pretty up my words so if you loved this book I’m telling you I’m not trying to be offensive here. I’m just trying to figure out where things started to go downhill for me because I seriously loved the first book to pieces. Maybe I should’ve read all three parts back to back? All I know now is that what started out as a brilliant first act to a potentially amazing NA romance series spiraled down into an ending that left me feeling unsatisfied.
After adoring the first book Attraction and enjoying Heat, I was so looking forward to this final book hoping it’d end the series on a high note for me. When I finished I first thought 3 stars because I did like it; I just had some problems with it. After doing some thinking I decided to drop my rating a little to reflect my frustration and annoyance that this last installment was nothing like I thought it’d be. So in the end I guess I’ll say this: I somewhat liked it, but that was it. I didn’t feel that special, tangible spark Martin and Kaitlyn had before; in fact, I thought they did a complete 180 from their characters in the first two books. But most importantly, positive things like the fantastic humor and witty banter were missing and it almost felt like I was reading a Penny Reid book that was...not from Penny Reid.
There were three main things that irritated me so much by the end of the book I went from enjoying to just barely liking.
Kaitlyn’s character
When I first met this closet-loving, mousy heroine in book 1 she was a breath of fresh air. I loved the way her mind worked and she was so clever, always having a comeback ready and despite her social awkwardness she could hold her own fort. Everything about her was just so adorkable. In my review for book 2 I did mention that her quirks and naiveté annoyed me a little but not to the point where her character drove me nuts (and honestly I never thought that could happen). Well I stand corrected because by the time I finished this book I wanted to throttle her. I mean...how naïve can she get? In the beginning I could understand her innocence because she was a virgin and didn’t get out much but it’s book 3 now people. She said it herself, she matured and learned from her experiences from books 1 and 2. But in here, I could barely tolerate her when it came down to constantly questioning Martin’s feelings for her. There’s one scenario in particular that made me go:
The way this book was set up
This is just how I feel, but newbies to this series could totally read this book on its own without reading the first two and I’d feel like they’d be okay. Capture is all about the second chance romance part of Martin and Kaitlyn’s story but in some ways it does need to link back to Attraction and Heat so I can be reminded how all three parts fit together which I don’t think it really did. While it was a compelling read, I felt like this book took the first two, trashed them, and started the story all over again on a brand new chalkboard. New tentative friendship, new relationship dynamic, new everything, and I didn’t like that. To me there was very little that linked this book with the first two to make all three parts feel like a cohesive whole. And also, was I the only one who thought Martin and Kaitlyn were adults in their late twenties-early thirties? This book didn’t feel NA at all.
The romance
The actual second chance romance was a disappointment for me because it took this couple SO long to get back together. Usually that doesn’t bother me if there are reasonable obstacles keeping them apart but in here it is pure character stupidity, Kaitlyn being dumb and slow was the main reason and Martin not being more open about his life, just waiting for Kaitlyn to make the move was another. All their problems could have literally been solved with these simple steps:
1. Talking. Not staring at each other like statues.
2. Kaitlyn reading a magazine.
3. Martin picking up the phone and calling her.
All these problems I had with this book just reinforces what I felt and voiced in my review for book 2: I don’t get the point of splitting this story into three parts. It totally could’ve been told in a duet. Sure, I get that with each part there’s a certain character growth and plot climax by the end, but on their own each part is just not substantial enough to warrant its own book.
As I’m in a bit of a review funk and feeling super annoyed that this book was just meh for me, I don’t even have the patience or desire to pretty up my words so if you loved this book I’m telling you I’m not trying to be offensive here. I’m just trying to figure out where things started to go downhill for me because I seriously loved the first book to pieces. Maybe I should’ve read all three parts back to back? All I know now is that what started out as a brilliant first act to a potentially amazing NA romance series spiraled down into an ending that left me feeling unsatisfied.
April 14, 2015
I know you know what I’m going to say but I’ll say it anyways. I LOVED this book. And I have to say, at first I was a little skeptical about Penny’s decision to break Elements of Chemistry into three parts but I have to give it to her. She knew what she was doing. The pause she gives us between each book allows for you to think, process and absorb all the delicateness of Kaitlyn and Martin's story.
But all this is bittersweet. I was so excited to start CAPTURE and have Martin and Kaitlyn in my greedy little hands, but turning the last few pages broke my heart a little bit. I didn’t want to let them go.
At the end of HEAT we are left heartbroken. Kaitlyn and Martin were in a place in their relationship that neither one expected. But they didn’t know how to fix it.
In CAPTURE some time has passed and things have changed for both Kaitlyn and Martin. They both have lived their lives, muddled through the heartache and have changed in ways that have made both of them stronger and happier.
Martin ~was simply wonderful in this one. He was also sexy, sweet, funny and oh so swoon worthy. I’ve loved him throughout this series but in this one there was just something about him that gave me butterflies in my belly. ❤ He was still confident and a bit cocky but he softened around the edges. You could just feel how much he wanted, needed and still loved Kaitlyn.
“I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.” ~ Martin
Kaitlyn ~ is such a sweet, kind, funny and beautiful person. When she finally made the decision to follow her own dreams and live her life the way she wanted to things started to finally come together for her. She was ready to leave behind some of her insecurities and risk her heart once again with the one man she couldn’t let go of.
“I felt my automatic answering smile, the kamikaze leap of my heart, and the igniting Bunsen burner in my pants ~ a trifecta of happiness and anticipation.” ~ Kaitlyn
When Kaitlyn and Martin see each other again there was some sadness but there was also relief. They hated being apart and needed to part of each other lives again. Martin never stopped loving Kaitlyn.
And Kaitlyn knew that as much as she tried to push Martin out of her heart and mind she really wasn’t successful. He had already stolen a rather big piece of her heart.
But these two still had some corners to turn some things that they needed work through. Each of them took every little bit that the other was willing to give. There was a new level of sexual tension between Kaitlyn and Martin. The tenderness Martin showed Kaitlyn was so sexy and Kaitlyn devoured Martin in ways he didn’t expect.
This was such a fantastic series and I really really hope you decide to read these three books. Don't miss out on all the loveliness that Penny pours into her books. This series ROCKED!!
- is out so go and get if you haven't already.
- is due out 04/30/2015 or earlier. :) 
- is due out 05/19/2015 which is really not too far away!!**ARC Kindly provided by Penny Reid.**
May 13, 2015
What was supposed to be a second chance romance was in fact one hell of a frustrating read. I loved the previous books in the series, but unfortunately this was just an ok read for me. Surprise, surprise I wasn’t annoyed by that time jump, because IMO it was necessary for more than one reason. It was nice to see how both main characters grew as individuals. For the most part I liked them as much as I liked them in the other books in the series, but I didn't agree with all their decisions or the way they handle some of their problems. I loved our heroine, Kaitlyn in the first and second book in the series, but I must admit that here I had a little problem with her character. Sometimes I liked to read about a sweet, adorable, naïve heroine like Kaitlyn was portrayed in the previous installments in the series, but here in this installment her naivety annoyed the hell out of me. For example when Martin ‘needs some help’, an advice or anything on how to speak with a certain girl he’s now interested in. It was obvious he’s talking about Kaitlyn, but she doesn’t have a clue. Huh!? Personally, I didn’t buy it! Needless to say, she was more than naïve in this installment.
This installment can be easily labeled as second chance romance. And indeed it is a second chance romance, even if it took them so long to get back together. Needless to say I was very annoyed and so frustrated by this aspect of the story. I needed more romance, I needed to see them as a couple. And why took them so long to be together? Because they don’t know how to communicate. I was really disappointed with this miscommunication between them. It goes without saying the ending felt rushed. Also, I really would have liked an epilogue.
Overall, this installment was just ok for me, but I’m sure many readers will love it! While this was not my fav book in the series, I really recommend it! It was entertaining and refreshing for the most part and we all can agree how engaging is Penny’s writing.
June 4, 2015
3.75 Stars
I have really enjoyed this series, but to be honest, this book frustrated the hell out of me. I went into Capture knowing it was going to be bittersweet read. I have adored these characters, their witty banter and smoking hot chemistry made this series a fast favorite. Knowing I would be saying goodbye to Martin and Kaitlyn, left me feeling a bit sad.
That said, Heat left my two loves in a bit of turmoil and I was really hoping things would get resolved quickly...
Unfortunately it took these two way too long to see what was right in front of them. I kept wanting throw things at them. Needless to say, I was very frustrated. Just how long did it take them to figure shit out??
Overall, I have really loved this series, and while Capture was not my favorite in the series, I am happy with the ending. I just wish I had gotten more happy time with this couple.
“I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”
August 20, 2016
6 "gah right in the feels" stars!
“I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”
I LOVED THIS SERIES!! Something about it just fit my preferences perfectly. I am always on the lookout for books that have the right kind of angst and this was the perfect fit!
Capture begins a few months after Martin and Kaitlyn have broken up with no contact at all between either of them. Kaitlyn has taken a semester off of school and taken up a job as a piano player in a group and another job as a barista. She didn't want her parents to support her, so she's doing in on her own. Kaitlyn wanted time to discover herself and what she wanted since she had been repressed for so long.
“I wanted to explore this part of myself for me, not in spite of or because of another person. If I was going to change my style or add to it, I wanted to do it because of how it made me feel. Not because I wanted to make someone else feel better or view me differently."
About 8-9 months after last seeing Martin, Kaitlyn runs into him at an event. Things are a bit awkward and she leaves thinking that was her closure. But soon after Martin appears back in her life saying he wants to be friends. So as friends, around the holidays Kaitlyn stays with Martin in his apartment in New York while working at parties. But as she spends more time with Martin, Kaitlyn realizes she cannot just be friends, but can they go back to being something more?
I think I've been a bit obvious about how much I love these books, and I did! I get that they're not for everyone, but they worked for me. I loved that it wasn't just a romance but was about two people discovering new things about themselves and having it change their lives. If Kaitlyn had never met Martin, she may have not followed her dreams and kept everything to a scientific level.
I also tend to love angst brought on by misunderstandings so I loved reading in this book how clueless Kaitlyn was. I thought it was kind of cute (but maybe because I am a bit clueless with men myself). I liked that this book was about the two of them getting to know each other and learning their motivations for previous actions in the past books. Like where they were right and where one or both of them went wrong. A week wasn't enough to build a lasting relationship foundation, but in this book they had the time to learn more about each other.
“Maybe love, at its essence, is being a mirror for another person—for the good parts and the bad. Perhaps love is simply finding that one person who sees you clearly, cares for you deeply, challenges you and supports you, and subsequently helps you see and be your true self.”
Overall, this is my favorite series of 2015. I loved all three books (which is rare) and I got to devour them all at once. Like seriously, I was at a concert last night so I switched my kindle phone app to the black setting and hid my phone and was reading this at a concert. A Deftones concert. (Look them up, that wasn't easy). Granted I was waiting for Incubus to come on but still!
“I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”
I LOVED THIS SERIES!! Something about it just fit my preferences perfectly. I am always on the lookout for books that have the right kind of angst and this was the perfect fit!
Capture begins a few months after Martin and Kaitlyn have broken up with no contact at all between either of them. Kaitlyn has taken a semester off of school and taken up a job as a piano player in a group and another job as a barista. She didn't want her parents to support her, so she's doing in on her own. Kaitlyn wanted time to discover herself and what she wanted since she had been repressed for so long.
“I wanted to explore this part of myself for me, not in spite of or because of another person. If I was going to change my style or add to it, I wanted to do it because of how it made me feel. Not because I wanted to make someone else feel better or view me differently."
About 8-9 months after last seeing Martin, Kaitlyn runs into him at an event. Things are a bit awkward and she leaves thinking that was her closure. But soon after Martin appears back in her life saying he wants to be friends. So as friends, around the holidays Kaitlyn stays with Martin in his apartment in New York while working at parties. But as she spends more time with Martin, Kaitlyn realizes she cannot just be friends, but can they go back to being something more?
I think I've been a bit obvious about how much I love these books, and I did! I get that they're not for everyone, but they worked for me. I loved that it wasn't just a romance but was about two people discovering new things about themselves and having it change their lives. If Kaitlyn had never met Martin, she may have not followed her dreams and kept everything to a scientific level.
I also tend to love angst brought on by misunderstandings so I loved reading in this book how clueless Kaitlyn was. I thought it was kind of cute (but maybe because I am a bit clueless with men myself). I liked that this book was about the two of them getting to know each other and learning their motivations for previous actions in the past books. Like where they were right and where one or both of them went wrong. A week wasn't enough to build a lasting relationship foundation, but in this book they had the time to learn more about each other.
“Maybe love, at its essence, is being a mirror for another person—for the good parts and the bad. Perhaps love is simply finding that one person who sees you clearly, cares for you deeply, challenges you and supports you, and subsequently helps you see and be your true self.”
Overall, this is my favorite series of 2015. I loved all three books (which is rare) and I got to devour them all at once. Like seriously, I was at a concert last night so I switched my kindle phone app to the black setting and hid my phone and was reading this at a concert. A Deftones concert. (Look them up, that wasn't easy). Granted I was waiting for Incubus to come on but still!
May 10, 2015
4.5 STARS! ★★��★☆
"We'd shared a beautiful week. Because of him I was on a new path, a path I loved."
I'm still feeling a little raw from all the emotions that this book has just put me through, not to mention I stayed up till 4 a.m. to finish reading this because God forbid I could NOT put it down! I don't know how else to say it but I LOVE this series. I love it that I absolutely want everybody to read it. I'm irrevocably in love with Katy & Martin's journey and Penny Reid's writing that I wish it was an actual person that I could marry.
I'll try to keep this as spoiler-free as I can because Capture continues on from that terrible cliffy ending of the previous instalment, Heat and needless to say, this proved to be an agonizing read once I jumped back into it. The story follows with a mini time jump after the heartbreaking event that transpired between Katy & Martin at the end of Heat and the third instalment here has now shifted into the next gear for these two. I'd like to say this final instalment heavily focused on them growing as individuals and gravitated towards a self-discovery journey more than anything.
I'll admit, I'm usually not a fan of time-jumps but personally I felt it was a necessary move on the author's part here to allow the story to roll with the direction the read was heading towards to. It was also done in a transitional phase and as a reader, I was still being fed with little details of what occurred during that time-jump so it didn't feel like I missed out on anything important. Both Katy & Martin had come a long way since we first met them and I truly enjoyed reading how their relationship was being tested in this final instalment. No doubt it's the most angsty one among all three but it was such a healthy dose of angst that wasn't stemmed from OTT drama. Instead it came from a realistic place of two young individuals who were navigating and figuring out their lives at this point.
What I loved most about the entire series was how it encompassed all these different elements and having them pieced together beautifully, it was evident that Katy & Martin's entire journey flowed perfectly between each instalment. It was an evolution of kinds that started out as fun and flirty which then grew to a crescendo of intensity laced with heat and lastly, bracing through a massive storm before we hit to the rainbow at the end. That being said, I can appreciate why the author would break this series into 3 parts adequately because each part was unique on its own and every instalment had me overcome with a different set of emotions.
Reading this series was like taking a roadtrip with my best friend; it was a journey that I knew I'd enjoy but having its unpredictable moments and living through its ups and downs was what made the entire journey unforgettable and ultimately bittersweet by the end of it. Added on with Penny's intelligent writing that brings these characters to life, I'd say it's a no-brainer for me to classify Elements of Chemistry as one of my top NA series for the year. Overall a 5-stars series for me, hands down.
With the final instalment out, I would definitely urge everyone to pick this series up and be ready to smile, laugh, swoon and cry over these amazing characters that I've come to love so dearly. Not only will I miss Katy & Martin but the side characters such as Sam and Abram will be some whom I'll terribly missed as much :(
Dear Penny, if you're reading this, please please please write a spinoff novella on these two!! You can't just write these incredible characters & leave us with no more!
In a nutshell, I'd highly recommend this series to everyone who loves their reads to be filled with intelligent wit, humor, steam and angst. It's the perfect package seriously, what more can I say ;) I still can't believe this is Penny Reid's first attempt at the NA genre because if it's any indication at all, she is masterful at her craft.
I truly hope y'all will enjoy this ride as much as I did and allow this series to capture your heart like it did to mine ♥
Elements of Chemistry: Capture is the third and final part of a trilogy series called Hypothesis and each instalment will be released within a month of each other. This series is a NA contemporary romance read.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"We'd shared a beautiful week. Because of him I was on a new path, a path I loved."
I'm still feeling a little raw from all the emotions that this book has just put me through, not to mention I stayed up till 4 a.m. to finish reading this because God forbid I could NOT put it down! I don't know how else to say it but I LOVE this series. I love it that I absolutely want everybody to read it. I'm irrevocably in love with Katy & Martin's journey and Penny Reid's writing that I wish it was an actual person that I could marry.
I'll try to keep this as spoiler-free as I can because Capture continues on from that terrible cliffy ending of the previous instalment, Heat and needless to say, this proved to be an agonizing read once I jumped back into it. The story follows with a mini time jump after the heartbreaking event that transpired between Katy & Martin at the end of Heat and the third instalment here has now shifted into the next gear for these two. I'd like to say this final instalment heavily focused on them growing as individuals and gravitated towards a self-discovery journey more than anything.
I'll admit, I'm usually not a fan of time-jumps but personally I felt it was a necessary move on the author's part here to allow the story to roll with the direction the read was heading towards to. It was also done in a transitional phase and as a reader, I was still being fed with little details of what occurred during that time-jump so it didn't feel like I missed out on anything important. Both Katy & Martin had come a long way since we first met them and I truly enjoyed reading how their relationship was being tested in this final instalment. No doubt it's the most angsty one among all three but it was such a healthy dose of angst that wasn't stemmed from OTT drama. Instead it came from a realistic place of two young individuals who were navigating and figuring out their lives at this point.
What I loved most about the entire series was how it encompassed all these different elements and having them pieced together beautifully, it was evident that Katy & Martin's entire journey flowed perfectly between each instalment. It was an evolution of kinds that started out as fun and flirty which then grew to a crescendo of intensity laced with heat and lastly, bracing through a massive storm before we hit to the rainbow at the end. That being said, I can appreciate why the author would break this series into 3 parts adequately because each part was unique on its own and every instalment had me overcome with a different set of emotions.
Reading this series was like taking a roadtrip with my best friend; it was a journey that I knew I'd enjoy but having its unpredictable moments and living through its ups and downs was what made the entire journey unforgettable and ultimately bittersweet by the end of it. Added on with Penny's intelligent writing that brings these characters to life, I'd say it's a no-brainer for me to classify Elements of Chemistry as one of my top NA series for the year. Overall a 5-stars series for me, hands down.
With the final instalment out, I would definitely urge everyone to pick this series up and be ready to smile, laugh, swoon and cry over these amazing characters that I've come to love so dearly. Not only will I miss Katy & Martin but the side characters such as Sam and Abram will be some whom I'll terribly missed as much :(
Dear Penny, if you're reading this, please please please write a spinoff novella on these two!! You can't just write these incredible characters & leave us with no more!
In a nutshell, I'd highly recommend this series to everyone who loves their reads to be filled with intelligent wit, humor, steam and angst. It's the perfect package seriously, what more can I say ;) I still can't believe this is Penny Reid's first attempt at the NA genre because if it's any indication at all, she is masterful at her craft.
I truly hope y'all will enjoy this ride as much as I did and allow this series to capture your heart like it did to mine ♥
Elements of Chemistry: Capture is the third and final part of a trilogy series called Hypothesis and each instalment will be released within a month of each other. This series is a NA contemporary romance read.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read
October 5, 2020
**AUDIOBOOK LINKS**
Audible*iTunes*Authors Direct*Kobo*Nook*Google Play
**EBOOK LINKS**
Amazon US*Amazon UK*Amazon AU*Amazon CA
Apple Books*Google Play*Kobo*B&N*Smashwords
Buy a Signed Paperback Copy from Penny's Store
May 17, 2015
4 Captive Stars.
This installment starts several months after the end of the second. Katy is working as a musician and in college at the same time and Martin is gone.
Until he appears in one of his concerts with a proposal of friendship. He wants more, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes.
With proximity everything becomes more difficult between them, but can they overlook their differences and goals and find a way to be together?
I’m glad how this book ended. Yes, the beginning was frustrating and my rating reflects that. When the main couple was together before I don’t like when they spend most of the book apart, and that was happened here. The only reason I didn’t completely dislike that part, was because it made sense to the story and it was a nice development after everything that happened in the previous books. (So don’t look for the steamy factor that Heat had, you won’t find it here.)
That said, I don’t feel this series like New Adult books. Yes, they are young and little inexperienced (Katy), and had a lot a doubts about life in general, but the characters and the story is so mature that you can’t relate this book to your traditional NA book: And that is refreshingly great. So if you’re looking for a really good romance series, give these books a try.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I really liked how Katy and Martin changed from the beginning of the series and in this book Martin surprised me the most. It was amazing to see his change and the person he ended up becoming. But more surprisingly, despite having loved Katy in the previous books, she went downhill in this one. After learning so much with everything she went through, why did she become even more clueless than in the beginning? First book she was inexperienced, it made sense. In this book? She was just stupid, naïve, and frustration-inducing.
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
This installment starts several months after the end of the second. Katy is working as a musician and in college at the same time and Martin is gone.
Until he appears in one of his concerts with a proposal of friendship. He wants more, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes.
With proximity everything becomes more difficult between them, but can they overlook their differences and goals and find a way to be together?
I’m glad how this book ended. Yes, the beginning was frustrating and my rating reflects that. When the main couple was together before I don’t like when they spend most of the book apart, and that was happened here. The only reason I didn’t completely dislike that part, was because it made sense to the story and it was a nice development after everything that happened in the previous books. (So don’t look for the steamy factor that Heat had, you won’t find it here.)
That said, I don’t feel this series like New Adult books. Yes, they are young and little inexperienced (Katy), and had a lot a doubts about life in general, but the characters and the story is so mature that you can’t relate this book to your traditional NA book: And that is refreshingly great. So if you’re looking for a really good romance series, give these books a try.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I really liked how Katy and Martin changed from the beginning of the series and in this book Martin surprised me the most. It was amazing to see his change and the person he ended up becoming. But more surprisingly, despite having loved Katy in the previous books, she went downhill in this one. After learning so much with everything she went through, why did she become even more clueless than in the beginning? First book she was inexperienced, it made sense. In this book? She was just stupid, naïve, and frustration-inducing.
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
May 11, 2015
LIVE on AMZ- http://amzn.to/1AR4MQL
4.25 Second Chances Stars!
CAPTURE, the final installment in the Elements of Chemistry Series, starts off six months post break-up between Martin Sandeke and Kaitlyn Parker. Kaitlyn is still painfully in love with Martin but she's finally growing stronger, making major life choices she should've made years ago. She can no longer live for her parent's approval but for what makes her happy...even if that's without Martin.
But it's more than just moving on from Martin. It's a stage where I become comfortable in my own skin, happy with where I am, what I'm doing, and who I'm doing it with."
Kaitlyn gets a job at the local coffee shop as a singing barista. She wants to prove she can support herself in the decisions she makes...financially. Relying in her parents for support isn't her plan anymore. She's also playing in a band...embracing her love of music and playing piano. It's during an event that she runs into Martin. It's been several painful months with no word from him after she told him to just leave her alone. She didn't expect he'd listen. But he did. Until she sees him again, she thought she was healing. Now she's not so sure.
CAPTURE is essentially a complete restart, a reboot of the relationship between Kaitlyn and Martin. Things between them progressed rather quickly on that island and Martin is determined to get her back. He knows she will resist him at every turn so he decides friendship is the way to go...
I really enjoyed this installment. If you're looking for the steam in Heat, look someplace else because it isn't happening here. This book is a seriously slow build.....slooooow. It's a rebuilding of trust via friendship between two young lovers that have a lot of baggage to work through. It was believable. It's amazing only 8-9 months have passed since their split. Both characters have matured tenfold. Kaitlyn is more self-assured and Martin has too prioritized what's important in his life. Revenge against his father? Success? Wealth? Happiness? The transformation of them both was refreshing. But, rest assured, we still get "barnacles" or "farck" from our heroine.
CAPTURE was a more emotional book than the others as well. Not as heavy in the humor, although we do get some of the quirky "pants" humor and banter between these two. I found myself up half the night anxiously anticipating when Kaitlyn and Martin will finally come together and admit their feelings are beyond platonic.
Elements of Chemistry was a super enjoyable series where Ms Reid instills a bit of everything along the way...quirky loveable heroine, cocky athletic hero, humor, steam, and emotion. I love when we can experience it all like this series delivered. An all-around fantastic romance serial.
Maybe love, at it's essence, is being a mirror for another person- for the good parts and the bad. Perhaps love is simply finding that one person who sees you clearly, cares for you deeply, challenges you and supports you, and subsequently helps you see and be your true self. Love, I decided, is being a sidekick.
CAPTURE is part three of a serial series and cannot be read as a standalone.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review. Quotes are taken from pre-published copy and may change in final product.
For more reviews, find us at...
August 25, 2020
4 Finding Our Voices Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free- I'M CAPTURED, ONLY $1.99
This was the last part of Penny Reid's Elements series. She had us sitting on the edge of our chairs dying with the emotional cliffy...wondering what would be the outcome.
The outcome for these characters was difficult, trying and in the end freeing. They both had to deal with the idea of not being that couple they thought they were going to be... and be who they became by experiencing their time together.
One of them took the lesson and learned immediately to see what needed to be fixed in their life... how by loving, the goals and thoughts before didn't mean what they thought they did. This character made strides to rectify mistakes; to keep focused on the future and send out clear information about what was wished for.
The other learned through the experience as well. They changed their focus and became more involved with things that meant something...which cause them to feel. They learned to push back and make decisions about how to live and not conform to what was expected...which was different.
So who was who...who learned the most and made the coming together...well, for that you need to read this book.
I will say, I had wished one of the characters had not been so stubborn. It also was not in their favor no friend or family put their foot down and had an intervention of sorts earlier...If I had been a dear friend... I would have done that.
Either way...This series is special; it is unique in its way of talking to us through the characters... for we see more than them....we see reflections of us. I will be re-reading this entire series more than once... for the lessons, it gives us are so very valuable no matter what our age.
Attraction (Elements of Chemistry, #1; Hypothesis, #1.1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heat (Elements of Chemistry, #2; Hypothesis, #1.2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Capture (Elements of Chemistry, #3; Hypothesis, #1.3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~ Before Reading ~~~
This is it...
Make no mistake...
I will be locked and loaded...
Ready for the task and will report back everything...
and then some soon as I get the moment to start.
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free- I'M CAPTURED, ONLY $1.99
This was the last part of Penny Reid's Elements series. She had us sitting on the edge of our chairs dying with the emotional cliffy...wondering what would be the outcome.
The outcome for these characters was difficult, trying and in the end freeing. They both had to deal with the idea of not being that couple they thought they were going to be... and be who they became by experiencing their time together.
One of them took the lesson and learned immediately to see what needed to be fixed in their life... how by loving, the goals and thoughts before didn't mean what they thought they did. This character made strides to rectify mistakes; to keep focused on the future and send out clear information about what was wished for.
The other learned through the experience as well. They changed their focus and became more involved with things that meant something...which cause them to feel. They learned to push back and make decisions about how to live and not conform to what was expected...which was different.
So who was who...who learned the most and made the coming together...well, for that you need to read this book.
I will say, I had wished one of the characters had not been so stubborn. It also was not in their favor no friend or family put their foot down and had an intervention of sorts earlier...If I had been a dear friend... I would have done that.
Either way...This series is special; it is unique in its way of talking to us through the characters... for we see more than them....we see reflections of us. I will be re-reading this entire series more than once... for the lessons, it gives us are so very valuable no matter what our age.
Attraction (Elements of Chemistry, #1; Hypothesis, #1.1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heat (Elements of Chemistry, #2; Hypothesis, #1.2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Capture (Elements of Chemistry, #3; Hypothesis, #1.3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~ Before Reading ~~~
This is it...
Make no mistake...
I will be locked and loaded...
Ready for the task and will report back everything...
and then some soon as I get the moment to start.
A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 10, 2015
*****5+++ Sidekick Stars*****
Hi my name is Dee Montoya and I'm a Penny Reid book addict. It all started when I read Neanderthal Seeks Human.A Smart Romance then, every single book after that has only helped fueled my addiction. This dependency on her books has caused me a great deal of consequences in my life . I constantly find myself daydreaming, laughing and/or having conversations in my head with all her amazing characters, also I've been known to randomly do a brake dance, while in this state. Even my family has been affected because anytime a new Penny Reid book is out the cereal box appears in our dinner table; breakfast, lunch or dinner cereal is all I serve in our household. With this new series Elements of Chemistry I've gone absolutely crazy, in the most wonderful way. I'm just cuckoo for Martin.
In in this third and last book, we see a big change in the characters, they have evolved but still keeping their unique essence. The journey while they've been apart has been rough and painful for both Martin and Kaitlyn but has also helped guide them in the right direction towards their life goals.
We get angst, laughs and a lot of swoon worthy moments, making this last read the best and most satisfactory ending there could be for them.
I don't want to say more because I don't want to ruin the experience for anybody and MY Martin in this book is so yummy, so beautiful, so Alpha and so perfect that is best to just go in completely blind and allow him to simply guide you to Martin country. Trust me you won't want to come back from there, EVER!!!
This whole series has been a total winner for me and I most definitely would recommend everyone to read it and perhaps join me in my crazy, lovely PR addiction.
My Capture music playlist:
*Goodbye by Who is Fancy
*Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift
*Geronimo by Sheppard
*The One by Kodaline
(Arc kindly provided by author <3)
Hi my name is Dee Montoya and I'm a Penny Reid book addict. It all started when I read Neanderthal Seeks Human.A Smart Romance then, every single book after that has only helped fueled my addiction. This dependency on her books has caused me a great deal of consequences in my life . I constantly find myself daydreaming, laughing and/or having conversations in my head with all her amazing characters, also I've been known to randomly do a brake dance, while in this state. Even my family has been affected because anytime a new Penny Reid book is out the cereal box appears in our dinner table; breakfast, lunch or dinner cereal is all I serve in our household. With this new series Elements of Chemistry I've gone absolutely crazy, in the most wonderful way. I'm just cuckoo for Martin.
In in this third and last book, we see a big change in the characters, they have evolved but still keeping their unique essence. The journey while they've been apart has been rough and painful for both Martin and Kaitlyn but has also helped guide them in the right direction towards their life goals.
We get angst, laughs and a lot of swoon worthy moments, making this last read the best and most satisfactory ending there could be for them.
I don't want to say more because I don't want to ruin the experience for anybody and MY Martin in this book is so yummy, so beautiful, so Alpha and so perfect that is best to just go in completely blind and allow him to simply guide you to Martin country. Trust me you won't want to come back from there, EVER!!!
This whole series has been a total winner for me and I most definitely would recommend everyone to read it and perhaps join me in my crazy, lovely PR addiction.
My Capture music playlist:
*Goodbye by Who is Fancy
*Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift
*Geronimo by Sheppard
*The One by Kodaline
(Arc kindly provided by author <3)
April 4, 2015
Title: Capture
Series: Elements of Chemistry #3
Author: Penny Reid
Release date: May 16, 2015
Rating: 5++ stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
There are no words to describe how much I loved this entire series. Penny Reid truly does New Adult proud. These are introspective and lovely. Bursting with emotion. And without a doubt, a prime example of how to do this genre right. It turns me into a bumbling, nonsensical nitwit trying to gather my thoughts to do this particular book justice. (So bear with me while I try to convey all my feels).
My most overpowering emotion right now thinking about the end of Elements of Chemistry:
It breaks my heart that I had to say my final goodbyes to this couple. They were truly addictive, but it was a habit I never wanted to break. I wasn't ready and wouldn't have been even if there had been 10 more books after Capture. It's just one of those stories that I know will hold a piece of my dreamy, hopeless romantic reader's heart for a long time to come.
This part was definitely the most agonizing of all three books. There were so many moments I hurt for both characters and the pain they fought to work through and heal from. As hard as it was, I can honestly say there couldn't have been a better ending to the heartache that life had dragged them through.
It was a journey through self-discovery and self-improvement, but most especially growth. That's what I absolutely LOVED about this book. As much as I equally loved the first two parts, Katy and Martin both had some serious issues that were holding them back from having a hopeful future. To be blunt, they started out as young adults and evolved into healthy, stronger adults that were confident in their own skin. Without this stage in their relationship, I'd still have some lingering doubts about how they were going to make this work. This last piece of the puzzle cemented how perfect of a fit they were together in my eyes.
The raw need and feelings of hopelessness these two feel heightened the angst to extreme levels until I was almost pulling my hair out waiting for their elusive happily ever after. It was incredible and painful all at the same time. But it was all worth it in the end because I came away from the last page glowing and giddy and thinking about every last detail for days. I'm not even kidding, it was so good that immediately after finishing the last word, I flipped back to the beginning so I could re-read all my favorite moments. They had me goofy grinning, anxious, thrilled...my emotions were out of control in the best way.
I can't say a whole lot more about the plot without spoiling the whole experience. You need to enter into these fairly blindly to experience all the highs and lows Penny gives us in these books. If you've been questioning whether or not to read this series, do yourself a big favor and jump on these the minute they're released, they'll take you through a beautiful, touching, and enduring story that makes you feel their heartache and exhilaration down to your bones.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
April 2, 2015
5+++ STARS
I loved this series, absolutely loved it! This is bittersweet for me because I was ecstatic with the ending, everything, really. But it's so sad to say goodbye to Martin Sandeke and Katy Parker. I became so engrossed in their story, I felt like I was there with them throughout the whole thing. So, to see their lovely ending caused a few tears.
The cliffy we were left with after Heat, book two in this series, was excruciating! This picks up several months later. I won't get into the details, but things have changed for both Martin and Katy. They are better people, doing good things, chasing their dreams yet nothing has changed. I loved seeing Katy finally stand up for what she believes in and what she truly wants. Martin helped her become the woman she is and is striving to be.
Martin has also changed, but he can't ignore the one truth that fails to go away: Katy. She affected him so profoundly, still does.
Seeing these two prosper because of one another was one of my favorite things about this book. All the questions I had were answered, all the loose ends tied up. I can't emphasize how much I LOVED Martin! He slayed me this time around.
Katy, I loved the girl, but she couldn't have been more out of tune with how Martin felt. I was frustrated with both of them because I know how they felt for each other, yet neither of them had the guts to speak up! I understood all this despite my own irritation. And that's why I loved this so much. It wasn't overfilled with drama, but honest fears and insecurities.
I think Katy couldn't on some level believe Martin cared and loved her the way he did. She never saw what was right in front of her but I understood. She was a wonderful, quirky, funny and sweet heroine who deserved to be loved the way she wanted.
Martin was so funny, trying to be the man he thought Katy wanted, trying to act the way he thought would get through to her. He just needed to be the way he's always been and I think he finally understood that. Their strengths were reflected in each other and they finally saw that and embraced what that meant...sigh.
The sexual tension was incredible, I loved Katy and Martin together. I loved how Katy put her relationship first, how Martin did the same and how honest and true they were to each other!
I can't recommend this series enough! I loved every second of it, loved the humour, wit, intelligence and hilarious banter. I want more Katy and Martin! I want an epilogue that shows me where they are in a few years. *sniff,sniff* I miss these two already! LOVED IT!
Release Date: May 16, 2015.
** Arc provided by the talented, Penny Reid **
I loved this series, absolutely loved it! This is bittersweet for me because I was ecstatic with the ending, everything, really. But it's so sad to say goodbye to Martin Sandeke and Katy Parker. I became so engrossed in their story, I felt like I was there with them throughout the whole thing. So, to see their lovely ending caused a few tears.
The cliffy we were left with after Heat, book two in this series, was excruciating! This picks up several months later. I won't get into the details, but things have changed for both Martin and Katy. They are better people, doing good things, chasing their dreams yet nothing has changed. I loved seeing Katy finally stand up for what she believes in and what she truly wants. Martin helped her become the woman she is and is striving to be.
Martin has also changed, but he can't ignore the one truth that fails to go away: Katy. She affected him so profoundly, still does.
Seeing these two prosper because of one another was one of my favorite things about this book. All the questions I had were answered, all the loose ends tied up. I can't emphasize how much I LOVED Martin! He slayed me this time around.
Katy, I loved the girl, but she couldn't have been more out of tune with how Martin felt. I was frustrated with both of them because I know how they felt for each other, yet neither of them had the guts to speak up! I understood all this despite my own irritation. And that's why I loved this so much. It wasn't overfilled with drama, but honest fears and insecurities.
I think Katy couldn't on some level believe Martin cared and loved her the way he did. She never saw what was right in front of her but I understood. She was a wonderful, quirky, funny and sweet heroine who deserved to be loved the way she wanted.
Martin was so funny, trying to be the man he thought Katy wanted, trying to act the way he thought would get through to her. He just needed to be the way he's always been and I think he finally understood that. Their strengths were reflected in each other and they finally saw that and embraced what that meant...sigh.
The sexual tension was incredible, I loved Katy and Martin together. I loved how Katy put her relationship first, how Martin did the same and how honest and true they were to each other!
I can't recommend this series enough! I loved every second of it, loved the humour, wit, intelligence and hilarious banter. I want more Katy and Martin! I want an epilogue that shows me where they are in a few years. *sniff,sniff* I miss these two already! LOVED IT!
Release Date: May 16, 2015.
** Arc provided by the talented, Penny Reid **
July 12, 2015
3.75 **try talking for a change** STARS
Capture is the last installment in the Elements of Chemistry series and unfortunately not as good as its two predecessors. I enjoyed it well enough and I loved to get a conclusion to Martin and Kaitlyn's story, but I have a few issues.
I’m going to divide my review in three parts, since I have different opinions about each section. Let’s go...
The Beginning
As many of you probably know I am a sucker for second chance love stories and after the ending of Heat this series turned into just that. Highly appreciated and a nice twist.
Now, the start was really amazing. After a six months time jump we get so see Kaitlyn's struggle coming to terms with her feelings about the whirlwind romance and the fact that it was over before it even started. In true Katy style she goes at it in a very logical and prosaic way. All I can say about that is I very much love it and mostly because I tend to be a little bit like that.
So, what happened in her life? Well, she took off from school for a semester, changed her major and joined a band. In some ways she is a whole new person, but for the most part she is still the same quirky girl I loved before...just more open to life.
The Middle - after meeting jerk-face again
For obvious reasons at some point the two main characters have to meet again and it's very well done, but unfortunately also intensely frustrating. I have very little patience for talking in circles and ignoring the elephant in the room. And let me tell you, Martin and Kaitlyn dance around issues like no ones business. Hence the *3.75 just try talking for a change* Stars...
Sweet or not it just didn't work too well for me and judging by other reviews I read about this book, a lot of people took issue. It’s not bad, but just personal preference for me.
The End
Sweet ending and very much true to the characters. Some of the most adorable and cute scenes happened towards the end. A little bit of Martin trickery and eventually we get our HEA.
In conclusion, I really liked the whole series. It’s a fun and light read, with very lovely characters. It had its ups and downs but as a whole I would recommend this series to anyone who likes Ms. Reid’s writing style, her wonderful intelligent heroines, quirky-smart humour and a little heat on top.
Capture is the last installment in the Elements of Chemistry series and unfortunately not as good as its two predecessors. I enjoyed it well enough and I loved to get a conclusion to Martin and Kaitlyn's story, but I have a few issues.
I’m going to divide my review in three parts, since I have different opinions about each section. Let’s go...
“We'd shared a beautiful week. Because of him I was on a new path, a path I loved.”
The Beginning
As many of you probably know I am a sucker for second chance love stories and after the ending of Heat this series turned into just that. Highly appreciated and a nice twist.
Now, the start was really amazing. After a six months time jump we get so see Kaitlyn's struggle coming to terms with her feelings about the whirlwind romance and the fact that it was over before it even started. In true Katy style she goes at it in a very logical and prosaic way. All I can say about that is I very much love it and mostly because I tend to be a little bit like that.
So, what happened in her life? Well, she took off from school for a semester, changed her major and joined a band. In some ways she is a whole new person, but for the most part she is still the same quirky girl I loved before...just more open to life.
“Boys are stupid. I needed to explore becoming a lesbian.”
The Middle - after meeting jerk-face again
For obvious reasons at some point the two main characters have to meet again and it's very well done, but unfortunately also intensely frustrating. I have very little patience for talking in circles and ignoring the elephant in the room. And let me tell you, Martin and Kaitlyn dance around issues like no ones business. Hence the *3.75 just try talking for a change* Stars...
Sweet or not it just didn't work too well for me and judging by other reviews I read about this book, a lot of people took issue. It’s not bad, but just personal preference for me.
“Love, I decided, is being a sidekick.”
The End
Sweet ending and very much true to the characters. Some of the most adorable and cute scenes happened towards the end. A little bit of Martin trickery and eventually we get our HEA.
“I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”
In conclusion, I really liked the whole series. It’s a fun and light read, with very lovely characters. It had its ups and downs but as a whole I would recommend this series to anyone who likes Ms. Reid’s writing style, her wonderful intelligent heroines, quirky-smart humour and a little heat on top.
May 15, 2015
Capture is the third and final installment in the Elements of Chemistry Series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and cannot even begin to express how much I looked forward to each installment. I know I have said it a 100 times, but Penny’s writing is beautifully unique. Her ability to create characters that are lovably imperfect continues to amaze me.
When this installment begins Parker and Martin are still not together. The story continues and covers months at a time where they are a part. This was a hard pill for me to sallow, I am impatient and I like my couples together! It was so hard for me to allow the story to unfold naturally when I knew these two completed each other.
He became my compass, my beacon. And before him, I’d been a girl desperately trying to follow the footsteps of expectations even though the shoes didn’t fit.
In all seriousness these characters belonged together. The way Penny creates and develops her characters it feels like you know them. Since I know and I am expert on all things Parker and Martin I needed them together. For that same reason, it is why I know this story had to unfold in the way it did. When you first meet Parker she appears to have it all together, but as the series has progressed it has become clear this growing time is needed. As crazy as it sounds it took me days to come to this realization.
Despite the ups and downs and my feelings of anxiety, it was all overshadowed by the happiness I felt in the end. I remember just having a huge smile on my face, despite any real life drama and that’s what reading is all about, escaping. As always Ms. Reid you slayed it!
I absolutely, positively recommend this series!
I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
This was a sweet conclusion to Kaitlyn and Martin’s story. I liked the evolution of both their characters and seeing them work through their individual stubbornness in order to find a happy ending with each other.
April 28, 2015
4.5 stars!
A perfect end to the series. Full review to come!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A perfect end to the series. Full review to come!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2016
3.5 stars!
Capture follows Heat in the Elements of Chemistry Series. In this book, we follow Kaitlyn as she tries to move on from her feelings for Martin and how she tries to maintain a friendship with him. After nine months of being Martin-free, Kaitlyn did not expect to see him in one of her gigs.
If the first two books happened in a span of a week, this book captures a montage of what happened to Kaitlyn nine months after the break up and a week or so of what happened when Martin was back in her life. A bit of a stretch in a novella if you ask me, especially since it was preceded by two fast-paced books.
For a while, their friendship, or their effort to maintain a platonic one, was nice. It was refreshing to see a non-toxic relationship between the two.
The fluff was short-lived, as miscommunication threatened to ruin everything. Seriously, people, talk it out!
I realize I haven't mentioned this in my review for Heat, but I hated the break up. Absolutely hated it. It made me dislike Kaitlyn more than I did before. She was expecting so much from Martin, and at the first sign of trouble, she blames it all on him, makes him choose something she herself knew he couldn't. It was selfish of her, and it made me feel little sympathy when I read about her post-break up hiccup.
There was a part in the book that perfectly portrayed the two—how Martin blamed himself for all of it, and how Kaitlyn only realized that she shouldn't have painted Martin as the bad guy.
Obviously, I have little love for Kaitlyn; Martin, however, warmed up to me thanks to this book. In the first two books, he was all alpha-male, and I didn't like how domineering he was with Kaitlyn. In this book, we saw what he did to make it up to Kaitlyn. His sacrifices, decisions, everything, he did it all for her.
I wouldn't rate Martin as my top book boyfriend, but man he was swoon-worthy in some scenes in the book. He still had his faults, but he really did redeem himself.
It was a tough road for Martin and Kaitlyn, but I'm happy they still found their way together.
Review posted on
Capture follows Heat in the Elements of Chemistry Series. In this book, we follow Kaitlyn as she tries to move on from her feelings for Martin and how she tries to maintain a friendship with him. After nine months of being Martin-free, Kaitlyn did not expect to see him in one of her gigs.
If the first two books happened in a span of a week, this book captures a montage of what happened to Kaitlyn nine months after the break up and a week or so of what happened when Martin was back in her life. A bit of a stretch in a novella if you ask me, especially since it was preceded by two fast-paced books.
For a while, their friendship, or their effort to maintain a platonic one, was nice. It was refreshing to see a non-toxic relationship between the two.
This felt weird, laughing with him now. It’s hard to laugh with a person when your guard is raised. Laughing can be just as intimate as touching."
The fluff was short-lived, as miscommunication threatened to ruin everything. Seriously, people, talk it out!
I realize I haven't mentioned this in my review for Heat, but I hated the break up. Absolutely hated it. It made me dislike Kaitlyn more than I did before. She was expecting so much from Martin, and at the first sign of trouble, she blames it all on him, makes him choose something she herself knew he couldn't. It was selfish of her, and it made me feel little sympathy when I read about her post-break up hiccup.
There was a part in the book that perfectly portrayed the two—how Martin blamed himself for all of it, and how Kaitlyn only realized that she shouldn't have painted Martin as the bad guy.
Martin pulled into the senior center and parked the car. His movements were jerky, like he was irritated with himself, or regretting his words, or the memory. Whatever it was, he was agitated and distracted as he exited the car. Meanwhile I felt incapacitated by the puzzle pieces arranging themselves in my mind.
He'd looked fine that day at the student union because he hadn't though we were over. And this realization made me feel hollow, because I'd misjudged him.
And he'd deserved better.
Obviously, I have little love for Kaitlyn; Martin, however, warmed up to me thanks to this book. In the first two books, he was all alpha-male, and I didn't like how domineering he was with Kaitlyn. In this book, we saw what he did to make it up to Kaitlyn. His sacrifices, decisions, everything, he did it all for her.
I wouldn't rate Martin as my top book boyfriend, but man he was swoon-worthy in some scenes in the book. He still had his faults, but he really did redeem himself.
It was a tough road for Martin and Kaitlyn, but I'm happy they still found their way together.
Maybe love, at its essence, is being a mirror for another person—for the good parts and the bad. Perhaps love is simply finding that one person who sees you clearly, cares for you deeply, challenges you and supports you, and subsequently helps you see and be your true self.
Love, I decided, is being a sidekick."
Review posted on
May 11, 2015
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1cIg1FW
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1K1q46u
What a fantastic end to a great trilogy! We were left with a painful cliffhanger at the end of Heat so it was a great day for me when this landed on my kindle.
This instalment was full of heartache for sure, but also full of hope and I can't tell you how many times Martin gave me butterflies when he was trying to woo back Kait.
I will keep this review short, because if you haven't started this series yet, then you NEED to, and if you have then you don't need me to regurgitate the story. Just be rest assured that Penny Reid really did herself proud with this ending.
Review for Attraction - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for Heat - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also, I will be using this mantra from now on, because it's fabulous advice :)!
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1cIg1FW
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1K1q46u
What a fantastic end to a great trilogy! We were left with a painful cliffhanger at the end of Heat so it was a great day for me when this landed on my kindle.
This instalment was full of heartache for sure, but also full of hope and I can't tell you how many times Martin gave me butterflies when he was trying to woo back Kait.
I will keep this review short, because if you haven't started this series yet, then you NEED to, and if you have then you don't need me to regurgitate the story. Just be rest assured that Penny Reid really did herself proud with this ending.
Review for Attraction - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for Heat - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also, I will be using this mantra from now on, because it's fabulous advice :)!
"Just because I don't feel calm, doesn't mean I can't be calm."
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
March 29, 2019
*****4.5 STARS*****
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
March 11, 2019
I'm glad I got to see some growing up...
I keep forgetting that I married at 22-years-old and I'm still happily married 22 years later. I read New Adult books and I scoff at young love. Snigger at the *I LOVE YOU* and *You're it for me* that gets sprouted by these young whippersnappers. How did this happen? Why did I become so cynical of young love? I guess it's the sign of the times. While I'm still blissfully in love (blissful in a...I don't want to kill him, kind of way), there are a lot of my friends who are divorced, unhappy, or in their second marriage. I don't think it's impossible to fall in love young, I guess I'm just wary of the everlasting love that we all aim for.
The thing that made this little series successful is that we see both characters grow from their 1-week love fest. I definitely did the scoff and snigger after the first two books because if these two stayed on the same track, I was convinced they were doomed. A step back, a wee bit of growing up and some steps towards independence in the third instalment really helped me believe they could make a go of it.
I'm a fan of Penny Reid and there's a pretty good chance that I will love everything she writes. Elements of Chemistry was fun, sexy, angsty and emotional. I will definitely be back for more and I'm pretty sure I'll be holding out for the audio versions because I enjoyed listening so much.
Penny Reid, you're a bloody legend!!
I keep forgetting that I married at 22-years-old and I'm still happily married 22 years later. I read New Adult books and I scoff at young love. Snigger at the *I LOVE YOU* and *You're it for me* that gets sprouted by these young whippersnappers. How did this happen? Why did I become so cynical of young love? I guess it's the sign of the times. While I'm still blissfully in love (blissful in a...I don't want to kill him, kind of way), there are a lot of my friends who are divorced, unhappy, or in their second marriage. I don't think it's impossible to fall in love young, I guess I'm just wary of the everlasting love that we all aim for.
The thing that made this little series successful is that we see both characters grow from their 1-week love fest. I definitely did the scoff and snigger after the first two books because if these two stayed on the same track, I was convinced they were doomed. A step back, a wee bit of growing up and some steps towards independence in the third instalment really helped me believe they could make a go of it.
I'm a fan of Penny Reid and there's a pretty good chance that I will love everything she writes. Elements of Chemistry was fun, sexy, angsty and emotional. I will definitely be back for more and I'm pretty sure I'll be holding out for the audio versions because I enjoyed listening so much.
Penny Reid, you're a bloody legend!!
May 25, 2015
4,5 stars
Why should you read this series?
- If you are searching for something light, but way better than most.
- It's original and believable.
- It has a hugeeee development from the characters *Martin* (he is so so so perfect in this book, all I ever wished he would become)
- It is hilarious, especially the first book.
- This covers, guys.THEY ARE RED AND BEAUTIFUL.
Why didn't I give this the last 0.5 stars?
- Kaitlyn, you were a bit naive for me. You could have rushed things, girl. But still, I am proud of the choices you made.
Conclusion of this short and amazing series: It was exactly what I needed, quick and cute. Throw me a naturally funny book and I'm done.Or a sexy bad boy who is initially a douche but becomes a prince. Anyways, I really, really, really liked this. It isn't perfect, but it brought a smile on my face and that's what I'm judging.
Why should you read this series?
- If you are searching for something light, but way better than most.
- It's original and believable.
- It has a hugeeee development from the characters *Martin* (he is so so so perfect in this book, all I ever wished he would become)
- It is hilarious, especially the first book.
- This covers, guys.
Why didn't I give this the last 0.5 stars?
- Kaitlyn, you were a bit naive for me. You could have rushed things, girl. But still, I am proud of the choices you made.
Conclusion of this short and amazing series: It was exactly what I needed, quick and cute. Throw me a naturally funny book and I'm done.
September 6, 2015
3.5 ★'s
This series has been a bit of an up and down for me. Martin is yummy but sometimes I felt he was a bit too rough for Parker and that doesn't put him on my good side. I do adore Parker with all her unique quirkiness and I guess I feel a bit overprotective of her.
Parker just really made these books for me. Yes, Parker is naive, Parker is awkward and Parker is blunt. But what Parker is not, is dumb. Seriously, when she is asked for advice, gives it and it's thrown back in her face and she doesn't have a clue? That's just wrong and made me lose faith.
It didn't help that it took them forever to figure things out. Not that Parker is totally to blame. Martin had a few harebrained ideas of his own that didn't help matters.
Naturally, there is some unneeded drama...I mean was Rose and Emma even necessary? How about the two guys in the band, Fritz and Abram? The only thing I could see was they only helped prolong the inevitable.
Luckily, these two do figure things out with a little push from Parker's best friend, Sam. (thank goodness) And not even a closet is going to keep them apart!
Things end well and that's all that matters. I would've liked more of an epilogue but that'll do.
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Just hers.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) 3ish...what is there is good but not enough.
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) again, 3ish...nice enough for a junkie fix.
Next book? This is the last book in the series.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Is this what I can expect from our friendship? You giving me shit about my linens?”
♥ “I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”
♥ "Love, I decided, is being a sidekick."
♦ BR w/Melissa!
This series has been a bit of an up and down for me. Martin is yummy but sometimes I felt he was a bit too rough for Parker and that doesn't put him on my good side. I do adore Parker with all her unique quirkiness and I guess I feel a bit overprotective of her.
Parker just really made these books for me. Yes, Parker is naive, Parker is awkward and Parker is blunt. But what Parker is not, is dumb. Seriously, when she is asked for advice, gives it and it's thrown back in her face and she doesn't have a clue? That's just wrong and made me lose faith.
It didn't help that it took them forever to figure things out. Not that Parker is totally to blame. Martin had a few harebrained ideas of his own that didn't help matters.
Naturally, there is some unneeded drama...I mean was Rose and Emma even necessary? How about the two guys in the band, Fritz and Abram? The only thing I could see was they only helped prolong the inevitable.
Luckily, these two do figure things out with a little push from Parker's best friend, Sam. (thank goodness) And not even a closet is going to keep them apart!
Things end well and that's all that matters. I would've liked more of an epilogue but that'll do.
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Just hers.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) 3ish...what is there is good but not enough.
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) again, 3ish...nice enough for a junkie fix.
Next book? This is the last book in the series.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Is this what I can expect from our friendship? You giving me shit about my linens?”
♥ “I don’t want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime.”
♥ "Love, I decided, is being a sidekick."
♦ BR w/Melissa!
December 31, 2015
5 staaaaaaaaars! Finally!
I'm sooo HAPPY that I finally found a FIVE stars book!
I loved everything in this book! The insta-love, friendships, jokes, love, the slow build sexual tension even the drama was the thing that keeps me wanting to read andddddddddd read.. I didn't want to sleep because I wanted to know what would happen next and I love that feelingggg! I shuted everyone (sorry guys, love you!) because I wanted to finished the series and SEE THE FREAKING HAPPY ENDING so yeah, I was like..
Now about the story and the characters: The story was different from what I expected. Yes in the first book it's more about the hero and heroine and their soon-to-have REAL relationship. Their sweet moments, arguments and sexy times are what really got my attention because they were different than in other books. They fall inlove pretty fast but it's not something unreal. It was beautiful and sweet!
Despite everything I realllyyy loved Martin . Sureeeeeeee he made mistakes and let's begin with the end of the first book when I was really mad at him and his actions.
But of course in the next book everything it's cleared up and I was relieved with that! BUT then we meet someone else who threathend their happiness. I wanted to punch that certian person sooooo bad! YOU WILL SEE!
As a character Martin was the Alpha man of his team, the bad boy in the school and the boy who is helplessly inlove with the nerdy girl! He was lonely but nobody was able to see that..only Kaitlyn! I love that he was willing to change for the girl he loves. Yes he was jerk-face but behind his facade there was a damaged boy who lived in a world where no one truly want him, for him ! Used even by his family. He put himself above all because it's the only way to protect himself but when Kaitlyn crossed his life he wanted to be better for her. I love how he wanted to show her that she is beautiful and smart and amazing. The trip he intened to go with her was because he wanted to show her that he can be good and even romantic. I need to say that he was realllly HOOOOT and kinda like the caveman style he showed at times!
Kaitlyn was a nerd! Yes she WAS! In the beginning she is a little introvert but the wild side of her wanted to show on the surface and the want to explore new things was strong! She frustrated at times with her a little nerdy talk BUT at the same that that hold you captive to the story because not in every book you meet so smart and inteligent characters. Through the books she changes drastically and allll in the good way! I love how outgoing she became, more open to the new opportunities and willing to pursue her dreams. Martin was the person who pushed her out of her comfort zone and that was what she really needed. She was reallyyyy funny and she doesn't had a clue that she was really amazing. She is used to live by others expectations and didn't want to disappoint anyone. She experienced everything for the first time with Martin and their moments were really passionate and sweet. I loved that they laughed together and talk about their dreams and thoughts. He changed her as well as she changed him and I loved that she wanted to be his safe place and she really was!
After book two I was sooooo mad! My heart broke for both of them really but I think that these things needed to happen because they both grew up during the time that they weren't together. My simpathy for Kaitlyn was a lot because I felt her pain. But even though she thought she hated him the truth is that she just wanted to be with him and be happy again.
They fought for eachother. Support eachother. Care about eachother. Their love was strong and after everything they've been through they found their way to be together and be happy!
I loved their journey and I'm glad that I found this series! The writing was brilliant, the story amazing, the chemistry betwen them was strong and after you read these books you feel content and happy!
WHAT I NEED NOW IS BOOK ABOUT SAMANTHA! I SERIOUSLY LOVED THIS GIRL! She was always there for Katy, helping and supporting. She was funny as hell and sassy when she had to be! Soooo PLEASEEEEEE!!!
I'm sooo HAPPY that I finally found a FIVE stars book!
I loved everything in this book! The insta-love, friendships, jokes, love, the slow build sexual tension even the drama was the thing that keeps me wanting to read andddddddddd read.. I didn't want to sleep because I wanted to know what would happen next and I love that feelingggg! I shuted everyone (sorry guys, love you!) because I wanted to finished the series and SEE THE FREAKING HAPPY ENDING so yeah, I was like..
Now about the story and the characters: The story was different from what I expected. Yes in the first book it's more about the hero and heroine and their soon-to-have REAL relationship. Their sweet moments, arguments and sexy times are what really got my attention because they were different than in other books. They fall inlove pretty fast but it's not something unreal. It was beautiful and sweet!
Despite everything I realllyyy loved Martin . Sureeeeeeee he made mistakes and let's begin with the end of the first book when I was really mad at him and his actions.
But of course in the next book everything it's cleared up and I was relieved with that! BUT then we meet someone else who threathend their happiness. I wanted to punch that certian person sooooo bad! YOU WILL SEE!
As a character Martin was the Alpha man of his team, the bad boy in the school and the boy who is helplessly inlove with the nerdy girl! He was lonely but nobody was able to see that..only Kaitlyn! I love that he was willing to change for the girl he loves. Yes he was jerk-face but behind his facade there was a damaged boy who lived in a world where no one truly want him, for him ! Used even by his family. He put himself above all because it's the only way to protect himself but when Kaitlyn crossed his life he wanted to be better for her. I love how he wanted to show her that she is beautiful and smart and amazing. The trip he intened to go with her was because he wanted to show her that he can be good and even romantic. I need to say that he was realllly HOOOOT and kinda like the caveman style he showed at times!
Kaitlyn was a nerd! Yes she WAS! In the beginning she is a little introvert but the wild side of her wanted to show on the surface and the want to explore new things was strong! She frustrated at times with her a little nerdy talk BUT at the same that that hold you captive to the story because not in every book you meet so smart and inteligent characters. Through the books she changes drastically and allll in the good way! I love how outgoing she became, more open to the new opportunities and willing to pursue her dreams. Martin was the person who pushed her out of her comfort zone and that was what she really needed. She was reallyyyy funny and she doesn't had a clue that she was really amazing. She is used to live by others expectations and didn't want to disappoint anyone. She experienced everything for the first time with Martin and their moments were really passionate and sweet. I loved that they laughed together and talk about their dreams and thoughts. He changed her as well as she changed him and I loved that she wanted to be his safe place and she really was!
After book two I was sooooo mad! My heart broke for both of them really but I think that these things needed to happen because they both grew up during the time that they weren't together. My simpathy for Kaitlyn was a lot because I felt her pain. But even though she thought she hated him the truth is that she just wanted to be with him and be happy again.
They fought for eachother. Support eachother. Care about eachother. Their love was strong and after everything they've been through they found their way to be together and be happy!
I loved their journey and I'm glad that I found this series! The writing was brilliant, the story amazing, the chemistry betwen them was strong and after you read these books you feel content and happy!
WHAT I NEED NOW IS BOOK ABOUT SAMANTHA! I SERIOUSLY LOVED THIS GIRL! She was always there for Katy, helping and supporting. She was funny as hell and sassy when she had to be! Soooo PLEASEEEEEE!!!
August 1, 2015
”Perhaps love is simply finding that one person who sees you clearly, cares for you deeply, challenges you and supports you, and subsequently helps you see yourself. Love, I decided, is being a sidekick.”
**THIS.WAS.FABULOUS.*** And I am not just talking about this book. I mean the whole series.
As this is about the third book from the Elements of Chemistry series, I feel it best to warn you to proceed with caution as you read this review, because I know I can't review it without revealing some semi-spoilers. You MUST read the first two books, Attraction and Heat before reading Capture.
Penny Reid has taken her first jump into NA and has done so brilliantly! Kaitlyn and Martin have purpose and reason. Something missing in NA these days. The conflict produces not OTT, but growth - refreshing, huh?
What Reid did with this book, though as she beautifully and magnificently tied the series together, was she made her characters human. Okay, that sounds strange, but she made them real. They were perfectly flawed. They had heart, emotion, humor and problems that they worked out. I took so many notes while reading that I confused myself while trying to read my “short hand”. My pages are color covered with highlighter.
We see Kaitlyn and Martin navigate through the awkward phase of first getting to know each other in Attraction, then in Heat we see them learning what it means to navigate relationships and family, as well, they begin thinking about tough life choices that could potentially change the rest of their lives. But it is in Capture that these two actually face “coming into their own.” That was what Capture was about for me. Growth. Coming into your own. Finding yourself. Being happy with who you are.
I remember this time in my life. It was exciting, but it was not easy! It was confusing, because it was fun and frightening! Worrying if you were going to make the right choices, if those choices were going to disappoint your family, if they were going to screw up the rest of your life. These were the same things going through Kaitlyn’s mind. But ultimately she had to do what was right for her. What felt good to her, what was going to make her happy.
And Martin, he became a man. Throughout this series, we saw him struggle with fighting to break away from his father and doing so in away that he would not lose Kaitlyn. Ultimately, he was faced with choices we are all faced with daily, he had to decide how to get what he wanted without hurting others. Or if hurting others was worth getting what he wanted.
One thing to note here, a “reading pet-peeve” of mine and one that is common in this genre, is miscommunication. And while there is some in this series, it is one-sided. And the fact that the characters grow independently as a result of this (or so it seemed to me) the miscommunication didn’t bother me as it normally would have. Instead, it had a positive effect, rather than just a plot device.
This series was initially one large book, which Ms. Reid felt it wise to break it into three separate books for the benefit of her readers. Let me say, where she decided to break the books up was perfect! The cliffhangers are not too much to make you feel like you want to jump off a cliff, but they leave you wanting more. But, the next time I read them - and there WILL be a next time. I will read it as a whole. Because I don't need a break in this beautiful story!
**ARC GRACIOUSLY provided by Penny Reid.**
February 6, 2017
Two words: Misunderstanding trope
Pros
-Martin is more mature and sweet in this book
-Kaitlyn grows a spine against her mother
-Kaitlyn’s dad is a sweetie and her mother is honestly trying to be better
-Kaitlyn has an awesome best friend
-THAT ENDING: Satisfying
Cons
-Misunderstanding trope and basically the worst communication ever (for most of the book)
-Kaitlyn tends to avoid confronting issues and always jumps to conclusion
-Not enough cuteness (in contrast to the previous 2 books)
Thus, I am giving Capture 2 stars because I personally have a pet peeve with books that have extended misunderstanding and miscommunication (I can’t handle the angst and the frustration!), but still, there are some lovely developments and the perfect ending. It just takes a longggg while to get there. I adoore Penny Reid's other works, but this series is simply not my preference.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------------
1/12/17
I've been reading the books in this series everyday for like the past 5 days. Let this final book of the Elements of Chemistry be the cutest thing ever pleaseeee.
Pros
-Martin is more mature and sweet in this book
-Kaitlyn grows a spine against her mother
-Kaitlyn’s dad is a sweetie and her mother is honestly trying to be better
-Kaitlyn has an awesome best friend
-THAT ENDING: Satisfying
Cons
-Misunderstanding trope and basically the worst communication ever (for most of the book)
-Kaitlyn tends to avoid confronting issues and always jumps to conclusion
-Not enough cuteness (in contrast to the previous 2 books)
Thus, I am giving Capture 2 stars because I personally have a pet peeve with books that have extended misunderstanding and miscommunication (I can’t handle the angst and the frustration!), but still, there are some lovely developments and the perfect ending. It just takes a longggg while to get there. I adoore Penny Reid's other works, but this series is simply not my preference.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
----------------
1/12/17
I've been reading the books in this series everyday for like the past 5 days. Let this final book of the Elements of Chemistry be the cutest thing ever pleaseeee.
May 10, 2015
"He was still wrapped around my heart and I had no way to evict him. I wasn't sure I could."
I am an emotional reader. Hell, I think most of us are emotional readers. I have a tendency to get so invested in a story that when it hits me in my feels, I feel it. After I finished Capture, I listened to Stevie Wonder's Overjoyed and ugly-happy-cried for a good half hour. As much as I would like to play it off as just an unfortunate side-effect of PMS (sorry for the TMI) that excuse doesn't fly. Especially since I had the same reaction a good two weeks after I read Capture the first time. I have struggled with how to define what it is that hit me so hard with this last installment and I have a few theories. There is a slight spoiler coming up if you haven't read the end of Heat, so be aware.
"And I also realized this, a friendship with Martin, was either going to help me get over him and be my best idea of all time, or I was going to fall even harder and it was the worse mistake I would ever make."
Capture picks up where Heat left off. Kaitlyn and Martin are no longer together *insert devastation*. While I know that some readers have a problem with couples being separated during a story this is just one of the reasons why I loved it. It's not that I wanted Kaitlyn and Martin to be apart. No, my stomach was in constant knots, my heart felt like it was in a constant yo-yo state, basically it was painful as all get out. But there was beauty in that pain, and growth too. It's like that saying about the juice being worth the squeeze. I didn't doubt that Kaitlyn and Martin could fall in love so fast and so hard but there is something real about seeing how that love changed them.
"I don't want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime."
I am so sad this story is over. I love these characters. I loved feeling all the feels with them. It was so refreshing to see a New Adult series that actually had some real character development and showed young adults trying to figure out themselves and their place in the world and in love. It wasn't just a steamy read. I think that's why out of all three Capture was my favorite. It captured (pun intended) what it is to love. It's irrational and passionate and in the end it should make you want to be the best person you can be.
5 stars
I am an emotional reader. Hell, I think most of us are emotional readers. I have a tendency to get so invested in a story that when it hits me in my feels, I feel it. After I finished Capture, I listened to Stevie Wonder's Overjoyed and ugly-happy-cried for a good half hour. As much as I would like to play it off as just an unfortunate side-effect of PMS (sorry for the TMI) that excuse doesn't fly. Especially since I had the same reaction a good two weeks after I read Capture the first time. I have struggled with how to define what it is that hit me so hard with this last installment and I have a few theories. There is a slight spoiler coming up if you haven't read the end of Heat, so be aware.
"And I also realized this, a friendship with Martin, was either going to help me get over him and be my best idea of all time, or I was going to fall even harder and it was the worse mistake I would ever make."
Capture picks up where Heat left off. Kaitlyn and Martin are no longer together *insert devastation*. While I know that some readers have a problem with couples being separated during a story this is just one of the reasons why I loved it. It's not that I wanted Kaitlyn and Martin to be apart. No, my stomach was in constant knots, my heart felt like it was in a constant yo-yo state, basically it was painful as all get out. But there was beauty in that pain, and growth too. It's like that saying about the juice being worth the squeeze. I didn't doubt that Kaitlyn and Martin could fall in love so fast and so hard but there is something real about seeing how that love changed them.
"I don't want a beautiful week with you. I want a beautiful lifetime."
I am so sad this story is over. I love these characters. I loved feeling all the feels with them. It was so refreshing to see a New Adult series that actually had some real character development and showed young adults trying to figure out themselves and their place in the world and in love. It wasn't just a steamy read. I think that's why out of all three Capture was my favorite. It captured (pun intended) what it is to love. It's irrational and passionate and in the end it should make you want to be the best person you can be.
5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,354 reviews