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Chemistry Lessons #6
The Infatuation Calculation
Mia has had her whole life mapped out since she was 18. She’s supposed to follow up her math PhD with a research position and become a professor, but her 20-year plan takes a surprise deviation when she’s forced to settle for a temporary teaching job at a small-town university in the middle of nowhere.
It’s not easy adapting to rural life when you’re a city girl, but Mia tries to make the best of it. Things finally start to look up after a run-in with some terrifying local wildlife sends her careening into the arms of a sexy local farmer.
Mia finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josh’s gruff charms, especially after she learns what lies behind the thick walls he’s built around his heart.
But while their connection grows, Mia can’t afford to stay. Not unless she’s willing to give up on her dream - or trade it in for a new one.
A Stem Rom Com, book six in the Chemistry Lessons Series, originally published as Elementary Romantic Calculus. Each book in the series features a brand new couple with their own HEA and can be read in any order.
It’s not easy adapting to rural life when you’re a city girl, but Mia tries to make the best of it. Things finally start to look up after a run-in with some terrifying local wildlife sends her careening into the arms of a sexy local farmer.
Mia finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Josh’s gruff charms, especially after she learns what lies behind the thick walls he’s built around his heart.
But while their connection grows, Mia can’t afford to stay. Not unless she’s willing to give up on her dream - or trade it in for a new one.
A Stem Rom Com, book six in the Chemistry Lessons Series, originally published as Elementary Romantic Calculus. Each book in the series features a brand new couple with their own HEA and can be read in any order.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2021
200 people are currently reading
3746 people want to read
About the author
Susannah Nix
61 books1,859 followersSusannah Nix is a RITA® Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of rom-coms and contemporary romances who lives in Texas with her husband. On the rare occasions she's not writing, she can be found reading, knitting, lifting weights, drinking wine, or obsessively watching Ted Lasso on repeat to stave off existential angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
June 1, 2021
First off, you should know this series holds a special place in my heart because last summer these were the right books at the right time for me. I'm so thankful I stumbled upon this series when I did: I was grieving a loss, and all I wanted from my books was a good escape and guaranteed happy ending. This series DELIVERED.
Each standalone romance features a female protagonist who works in STEM. In the sixth installment, we meet Mia, freshly graduated from her PhD program and thrown off course by a change in career
plans. Because she’s entering the job market at the worst possible time, the pickings
are slim—so instead of a research-focused position at a prestigious university, she’s
teaching undergrads in a tiny Texas town. But things start looking up when she makes
a friend, meets a handsome goat farmer, and resolves to make decisions that match
her own definition of success.
Just as I anticipated, this was a sweet, fun, and enjoyable read. (Though it's more open door than the previous books in the series, which I did not expect.)
Each standalone romance features a female protagonist who works in STEM. In the sixth installment, we meet Mia, freshly graduated from her PhD program and thrown off course by a change in career
plans. Because she’s entering the job market at the worst possible time, the pickings
are slim—so instead of a research-focused position at a prestigious university, she’s
teaching undergrads in a tiny Texas town. But things start looking up when she makes
a friend, meets a handsome goat farmer, and resolves to make decisions that match
her own definition of success.
Just as I anticipated, this was a sweet, fun, and enjoyable read. (Though it's more open door than the previous books in the series, which I did not expect.)
September 25, 2025
🧡Happy Pub Day to Mia and Josh🧡
4,5 stars
I adored Mia and Josh together, the small-town setting, and the writing style. I loved this so much that I grabbed Josh’s sister’s book before I even wrote this review.
Mia has a PhD in mathematics (she works on knot theory 🤭 which, tragically, has nothing to do with werewolves 🤔) and a solid career plan. A teaching job at a small Texas university is supposed to be temporary, until she realizes that her new friends, the job, and, most of all, goat farmer Josh, feel suspiciously right.
Mia and Josh were so sweet together! This book was not spicy (mostly ftb), but their chemistry was off the charts. I almost squealed when he casually touched her hand 🥰. There was a lot of domestic fluff, which I always adore, and very wholesome family dynamics.
What didn’t work for me was the third-act breakup, even though I saw it coming. Still, I hated it because I always hate third-act drama. They had a great thing going, and she dumped him! 🤬 Pfff. Nothing says “you’re the love of my life” like “I don’t think we should see each other again” 🙄. But oh well, it is what it is.
All in all: 4.5 stars, still not sure if I should round it up or down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the arc.
4,5 stars
I adored Mia and Josh together, the small-town setting, and the writing style. I loved this so much that I grabbed Josh’s sister’s book before I even wrote this review.
Mia has a PhD in mathematics (she works on knot theory 🤭 which, tragically, has nothing to do with werewolves 🤔) and a solid career plan. A teaching job at a small Texas university is supposed to be temporary, until she realizes that her new friends, the job, and, most of all, goat farmer Josh, feel suspiciously right.
Mia and Josh were so sweet together! This book was not spicy (mostly ftb), but their chemistry was off the charts. I almost squealed when he casually touched her hand 🥰. There was a lot of domestic fluff, which I always adore, and very wholesome family dynamics.
What didn’t work for me was the third-act breakup, even though I saw it coming. Still, I hated it because I always hate third-act drama. They had a great thing going, and she dumped him! 🤬 Pfff. Nothing says “you’re the love of my life” like “I don’t think we should see each other again” 🙄. But oh well, it is what it is.
All in all: 4.5 stars, still not sure if I should round it up or down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the arc.
March 23, 2022
I knew I jumped in very far into the series although I don't think it's mather too much as it's about different couples. I liked the premise a lot and was excited to read it but unfortunately it wasn't quite what I expected. I wanted more of her STEM experience, didn't see the connections between the love interest and couldn't get invested in them. I might though try another one of the books before leaving the series. It does has a very intriguing premise
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February 4, 2022
IT'S HERE!!! Elementary Romantic Calculus is officially in the world! Start your binge read today!
May 3, 2021
Calculating a life plan isn’t as straight forward as adding the numbers. Mia has a plan but the economy has other ideas. When she takes a job in a small town in Texas her goals begin to change. Can Mia finally go the Math to find her happy ever after?
A cowboy wasn’t part of the plan but Josh is a special guy. Can Mia’s heart change?
This is set in a cute town which offers more than the love story.
This series is made up of standalone romances. I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read. This one had a cute story about finding the unknown.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cowboy wasn’t part of the plan but Josh is a special guy. Can Mia’s heart change?
This is set in a cute town which offers more than the love story.
This series is made up of standalone romances. I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read. This one had a cute story about finding the unknown.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2022
This was my first Susannah Nix title, but certainly not my last. It was smart, sweet and sexy. I loved our STEM heroine, Mia and her reclusive goat farmer/cheesemaker, Josh. They were easy to relate to (even with the math component) and it was such a fun, feel-good read. It was the pick-me-up I so desperately needed.
June 15, 2021
I feel like such a curmudgeon that this book did not work better for me. I super enjoy this series and I’ve been looking forward to this latest installment. Unfortunately, I struggled with both Mia and the treatment of Josh’s mental health.
Mia is a people pleaser with a toxic father whom she does not want to spend time with but whose approval she still craves and whose snobby classist attitudes she’s adopted. Does this create an arc for her to grow? Sure, but I am the opposite of interested in this kind of character and spent most of the book wondering why she ever interacted with her dad, much less craved his approval. This is completely my own preference.
Her disregard for Josh’s boundaries around trauma from his past really troubled me. She pestered his sister and his best friend about what happened and while she ultimately respected Josh not being ready to tell her, her reaction felt quite entitled and unearned. She continued to ask Josh’s sister and best friend for advice about their relationship or for atonement after she hurt him and I could not understand this for the life of me. It wasn’t fair to either of them or to Josh, even if Mia had formed a friendship with them.
Still, Nix writes books that are easy to read and I probably would have given this book 3 stars if not for
This series is closed door. While there is no penetrative sex on page, there is finger banging in this one so that might not be closed door enough for some readers.
Character notes: Mia is a 28 year old 6 foot tall white woman with a PhD in math and a new professor gig at Bowman University. Josh is white a goat farmer and cheese maker. This is set in Crowder, TX, which is 70 miles outside of Austin.
Content notes: past image-based sexual abuse , anxiety, toxic father, bar fight, alcohol, small penis “joke”, gendered insults, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to secondary character’s mom who died when he was a kid
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Mia is a people pleaser with a toxic father whom she does not want to spend time with but whose approval she still craves and whose snobby classist attitudes she’s adopted. Does this create an arc for her to grow? Sure, but I am the opposite of interested in this kind of character and spent most of the book wondering why she ever interacted with her dad, much less craved his approval. This is completely my own preference.
Her disregard for Josh’s boundaries around trauma from his past really troubled me. She pestered his sister and his best friend about what happened and while she ultimately respected Josh not being ready to tell her, her reaction felt quite entitled and unearned. She continued to ask Josh’s sister and best friend for advice about their relationship or for atonement after she hurt him and I could not understand this for the life of me. It wasn’t fair to either of them or to Josh, even if Mia had formed a friendship with them.
Still, Nix writes books that are easy to read and I probably would have given this book 3 stars if not for
This series is closed door. While there is no penetrative sex on page, there is finger banging in this one so that might not be closed door enough for some readers.
Character notes: Mia is a 28 year old 6 foot tall white woman with a PhD in math and a new professor gig at Bowman University. Josh is white a goat farmer and cheese maker. This is set in Crowder, TX, which is 70 miles outside of Austin.
Content notes: past image-based sexual abuse , anxiety, toxic father, bar fight, alcohol, small penis “joke”, gendered insults, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to secondary character’s mom who died when he was a kid
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2021
This book had all the right ingredients to make for a perfect cuddle: small town, broody farmer, a weird and welcoming family, STEM heroine. And it delivered everything I expected and more. This is the perfect end of a fantastic series and sets the background for a new series I am anxiously waiting for.
I loved all heroines of this series but Mia struck one fatal blow to my heart. I am at the end of my PhD cursus myself so I felt a lot of her struggles (though I'm not a matematician I still am in the STEM field). I totally fell for her and broody Josh and I looove small town romances so this was definitely what I needed. I loved seeing Josh open to the world and slowly recover from his trauma, I loved seeing Mia understand what she really wanted from her carreer and I loved meeting Crowder. I felt for the whole book I wanted to know more about Andy and Wyatt and then wowowow there's a new series oncoming and I am so ready for it!! Plus I know want to know what is happening with all the weird yogas I keep reading about: in the last months I have read of cats yoga, otter yoga and goat yoga and I want to try them all!!
Can't wait for the new series!!
I loved all heroines of this series but Mia struck one fatal blow to my heart. I am at the end of my PhD cursus myself so I felt a lot of her struggles (though I'm not a matematician I still am in the STEM field). I totally fell for her and broody Josh and I looove small town romances so this was definitely what I needed. I loved seeing Josh open to the world and slowly recover from his trauma, I loved seeing Mia understand what she really wanted from her carreer and I loved meeting Crowder. I felt for the whole book I wanted to know more about Andy and Wyatt and then wowowow there's a new series oncoming and I am so ready for it!! Plus I know want to know what is happening with all the weird yogas I keep reading about: in the last months I have read of cats yoga, otter yoga and goat yoga and I want to try them all!!
Can't wait for the new series!!
May 4, 2021
I loved this so much! I hopped on the elliptical this morning with this book, intending to read for a 30-minute workout and an hour later I was still going because I couldn't stop reading!
I'm a huge Susannah Nix fan and this book is her best yet, in my opinion. Mia was wonderful - awkward and earnest and so genuinely likeable - and Josh was her perfect match, Not to say he was perfect, but his growth throughout was so satisfying.
As a self-confessed math-phobe, I didn't really understand Mia's passion for pure math, but I did appreciate it. And I have to say, if someone explained practical applications of calculus to me the way Mia explained it to her new class, I might have stuck with it!
The secondary characters here were wonderful as well, and I can't wait to read Andie and Wyatt's story in Susannah's new series.
I'm a huge Susannah Nix fan and this book is her best yet, in my opinion. Mia was wonderful - awkward and earnest and so genuinely likeable - and Josh was her perfect match, Not to say he was perfect, but his growth throughout was so satisfying.
As a self-confessed math-phobe, I didn't really understand Mia's passion for pure math, but I did appreciate it. And I have to say, if someone explained practical applications of calculus to me the way Mia explained it to her new class, I might have stuck with it!
The secondary characters here were wonderful as well, and I can't wait to read Andie and Wyatt's story in Susannah's new series.
July 18, 2021
I seem to always discover a fabulous series after it's been out for a while and I always tend to read them out of order, doing everything the wrong way around. Thankfully these stories are more or less standalone but do mention previous characters from the previous stories.
I loved everything about this story, it was a delicious slow-burn type of love story between a jaded and hurt country man and a brokenhearted city-dwelling mathematical genius. On paper these two opposites shouldn't work but they do and that's thanks to author Susannah Nix's phenomenal writing, how she is able to know her characters inside and out, what makes them work, react and think best. She is able to portray them in such an exquisite and alluring way that readers are simply drawn to them all. We become so thoroughly engaged by what is happening and what has happened that our emotions are practically in tune with theirs.
Another splendid and sensual love story, with a little angst, a little strife but a whole lot of sweetness and romance.
I loved everything about this story, it was a delicious slow-burn type of love story between a jaded and hurt country man and a brokenhearted city-dwelling mathematical genius. On paper these two opposites shouldn't work but they do and that's thanks to author Susannah Nix's phenomenal writing, how she is able to know her characters inside and out, what makes them work, react and think best. She is able to portray them in such an exquisite and alluring way that readers are simply drawn to them all. We become so thoroughly engaged by what is happening and what has happened that our emotions are practically in tune with theirs.
Another splendid and sensual love story, with a little angst, a little strife but a whole lot of sweetness and romance.
August 12, 2024
Story 3.75 stars. Narration 5 stars
Story about a city girl who gets a job as a sort of visiting professor at a small Texas college complete with small town. She meets a goat farmer even before she gets to town as she was really lost. The farmer is young, handsome and running the farm his parents retired from. She literally falls in love with the farmer as much as she falls for the people of the town and the small town and college itself. She’s on tract to be able to get a prestigious job at a place like Harvard and her manipulative father is persisting about it. The farmer has some bad baggage to carry to make things interesting in a terrible way. I really liked the characters although I could have done without the big problem contemporary romances all pretty much have now. I know there has to be conflict but I just am tired of it. Plus one plot thread was not tied up at all. I hate that. The problem is throughout the book, it would have been nice for it to be mentioned towards the end. It was a good listen and I enjoyed the pretty perfect narration.
Story about a city girl who gets a job as a sort of visiting professor at a small Texas college complete with small town. She meets a goat farmer even before she gets to town as she was really lost. The farmer is young, handsome and running the farm his parents retired from. She literally falls in love with the farmer as much as she falls for the people of the town and the small town and college itself. She’s on tract to be able to get a prestigious job at a place like Harvard and her manipulative father is persisting about it. The farmer has some bad baggage to carry to make things interesting in a terrible way. I really liked the characters although I could have done without the big problem contemporary romances all pretty much have now. I know there has to be conflict but I just am tired of it. Plus one plot thread was not tied up at all. I hate that. The problem is throughout the book, it would have been nice for it to be mentioned towards the end. It was a good listen and I enjoyed the pretty perfect narration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
I've read several Susannah Nix books, including those in this series--Chemistry Lessons--and her new one for Smartypants Romance, and I think this one may be my favorite so far! It's got a lot of great things going on: small town romance, a little bit of a cowboy romance, opposites attract, woman in STEM (of course)... There were some standard romance ploys but done with a twist, and I don't want to spoil any of it, so I'll just say I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh take on an old trope. I really liked both the main characters--heck, all the characters--and found it to just be an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a small town romance with a kick@$$ woman-in-STEM lead and an introverted hero, you've come to the right place!
Thank you to the author for my early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
Thank you to the author for my early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
May 3, 2025
Again, it looked like a nice idea for YA romance. Perhaps I am (finally) too old for the genre, I hope not, but I again mostly skimmed the novel.
May 16, 2021
Sigh! My nerd-girl heart is all kinds of happy over this book. So happy, in fact, that I find myself at a distinct loss for words. I’m just not sure how best to talk about the emotional journey this story took me on. There’s the obvious humor of city-girl Mia being dropped into the middle of rural Texas. Then we have the uncertainty and anxiety of all that newness, coupled with a brand-new relationship to increase the drama. Add in the personal emotional baggage both Josh and Mia are packing around, and you get an angsty roller-coaster ride that kept me engaged for the whole book. I was in heaven when things were going well for them, and in absolute agony when they stumbled. I adored everything about the ending, and I can’t wait until we get the chance to come back to Crowder TX and learn what else the author has been plotting.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
July 2, 2025
It makes me sick how much I enjoy these cringey nerdy rom coms … I loved this one too - math references, cheese making, goat yoga, and all - 4.5 stars 🤓
May 9, 2021
Utterly delightful!! This romance makes me want to find a goat farm overloaded with a variety of cheese and hot ranchers! I'm not what you'd call math proficient, but just like Mia, the heroine in Elementary Romantic Calculus, I had a fabulous Calculus teacher, which made me appreciate her love of teaching. I absolutely adored this genius, yet geeky heroine! And how can you not love a man with his own demons...and to boot, he's not at all intimidated by a woman with brains. Book boyfriend perfection right there, folks! Highly recommend.
May 18, 2021
Mia has the next twenty years of her life planned out, but it all is a moot point when her plans fail to pan out. She's rejected her over-bearing father's help and now she's left with a temporary job teaching maths at a small college in the sticks. She has one year to get her life back on track.
This book is funny and bright and intuitive. I love when I think of a question while reading and the author answers it a few paragraphs later. The romance and humor are *chef's kiss*.
This book might feature a math wiz, but the chemistry is sizzling. If you like seemingly shy and reclusive heroes who happen to make excellent cheese and whipsmart STEM heroines who happen to love eating, you need this book in your life.
Thank you to the author for the #gifted copy! This releases tomorrow and can be read as a stand-alone.
This book is funny and bright and intuitive. I love when I think of a question while reading and the author answers it a few paragraphs later. The romance and humor are *chef's kiss*.
This book might feature a math wiz, but the chemistry is sizzling. If you like seemingly shy and reclusive heroes who happen to make excellent cheese and whipsmart STEM heroines who happen to love eating, you need this book in your life.
Thank you to the author for the #gifted copy! This releases tomorrow and can be read as a stand-alone.
March 14, 2024
I actually really liked this! It was only a bit cringey lol
October 18, 2021
Mia has her life all mapped out, and despite the fact that her only job offer is in small town Texas, she is going to stick to her plan. Unfortunately, the curveballs keep coming when her boyfriend breaks up with her and Bowman is even more rural than she expected. Although she is a city girl at heart, she slowly begins to fall in love with teaching and the small town charm. Also, the rugged and reclusive goat farmer next door does not hurt her opinion of the place. I really enjoyed this story as Mia both grows a lot as a person and we get to see Josh slowly open up to her. I loved watching them fall for each other-- I truly think they are the most supportive couple I have ever read about! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good HEA! (I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion)
November 13, 2021
2.5 stars
An OK chic lit story. It reads well, but I'm not sure I believe it. The hero and the heroine come from two different social circles. Josh is a goat farmer. Mia is a PhD in mathematics, teaching at a regional university. His family have been goat farmers for generations. Her father manages a hedge fund. Josh lives in a small town, Texas. Mia is from New York.
I like both protagonists, but I'm painfully aware that traditionally, such pairings don't often work. Too many priorities are different for people from two such different backgrounds. Granted, the sex is great, and Mia and Josh genuinely like each other, but what will happen when their pink glasses wear off after a decade? Will Mia, a math professor, accede to her children being goat farmers? Will Josh be happy when his son leaves town and makes his own way in a metropolis?
Mia and Josh's story seems to end in a HEA, but for me, it is just the beginning of their bumpy life road. I hope they'll both make it.
I read all six book of this series, and this one is my least favorite.
An OK chic lit story. It reads well, but I'm not sure I believe it. The hero and the heroine come from two different social circles. Josh is a goat farmer. Mia is a PhD in mathematics, teaching at a regional university. His family have been goat farmers for generations. Her father manages a hedge fund. Josh lives in a small town, Texas. Mia is from New York.
I like both protagonists, but I'm painfully aware that traditionally, such pairings don't often work. Too many priorities are different for people from two such different backgrounds. Granted, the sex is great, and Mia and Josh genuinely like each other, but what will happen when their pink glasses wear off after a decade? Will Mia, a math professor, accede to her children being goat farmers? Will Josh be happy when his son leaves town and makes his own way in a metropolis?
Mia and Josh's story seems to end in a HEA, but for me, it is just the beginning of their bumpy life road. I hope they'll both make it.
I read all six book of this series, and this one is my least favorite.
May 12, 2021
I have so many feelings about this book and this series! I love the entire series and every STEM heroine and every fun hero but this specific book might be my absolute favorite.
Mia is a Math PhD - she's a brilliant academic starting her first job as an Assistant Professor in Crowder, Texas where she plans to spend no more than one year before moving on to something better. I mean, same girl same. If I was stranded in small town Texas I'd also want out asap. Enter Josh, tall, broody cheese-making goat farmer and Crowder is looking better by the day. Their meet cute was fabulous and mysterious and swoony. Honestly I feel like they had two meet cutes and I loved them both. Mia and Josh were so cute around each other it was hard to put the book down. Given that Mia was a fish out of water, so much of the story was her getting to know her new surroundings and making friends. This gave the reader a chance to fall in love with Crowder, Texas. From a former Austinite, I'd say that the town is essentially a small town version with all the weird, quirky characters, festivals, bars, and access to nature. (This is extremely exciting because although this is the last in the Chemistry Lessons series it is also the backdoor pilot for a the new King Family series that starts out in July!)
For a book that was super fun and easy to read there were a few heavy moments that really just tortured me. I know every romance is going to have a dark moment when we have to work through something but this one was such an emotional side swipe that I did not see it coming and then when I thought it was over - IT WAS NOT OVER. Seriously Susannah Nix if I wasn't already determined to finish the book I sure as heck could not stop after those scenes.
So overall - HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Read this book, read the series, read the next book called My Cone and Only which will be out in July.
Mia is a Math PhD - she's a brilliant academic starting her first job as an Assistant Professor in Crowder, Texas where she plans to spend no more than one year before moving on to something better. I mean, same girl same. If I was stranded in small town Texas I'd also want out asap. Enter Josh, tall, broody cheese-making goat farmer and Crowder is looking better by the day. Their meet cute was fabulous and mysterious and swoony. Honestly I feel like they had two meet cutes and I loved them both. Mia and Josh were so cute around each other it was hard to put the book down. Given that Mia was a fish out of water, so much of the story was her getting to know her new surroundings and making friends. This gave the reader a chance to fall in love with Crowder, Texas. From a former Austinite, I'd say that the town is essentially a small town version with all the weird, quirky characters, festivals, bars, and access to nature. (This is extremely exciting because although this is the last in the Chemistry Lessons series it is also the backdoor pilot for a the new King Family series that starts out in July!)
For a book that was super fun and easy to read there were a few heavy moments that really just tortured me. I know every romance is going to have a dark moment when we have to work through something but this one was such an emotional side swipe that I did not see it coming and then when I thought it was over - IT WAS NOT OVER. Seriously Susannah Nix if I wasn't already determined to finish the book I sure as heck could not stop after those scenes.
So overall - HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Read this book, read the series, read the next book called My Cone and Only which will be out in July.
May 18, 2021
All. The. FEELS.
My heart is melting - and not because of the Texan climate. Mia and Josh are such wonderful characters, I was in serious like with both right from the very beginning, and it was so easy to root for them both. They made me smile (and sometimes LOL), they surely made me swoon (oh, my!), and my heart ached for them both while they both struggled with their personal demons.
And let's not forget the awesome supporting cast (Birdie! Andie! Wyatt!) who make me want to read ALL the stories about the folks of Crowder, Texas! (Okay, maybe not all of them. but let's start with Wyatt, mkay?)
My heart is melting - and not because of the Texan climate. Mia and Josh are such wonderful characters, I was in serious like with both right from the very beginning, and it was so easy to root for them both. They made me smile (and sometimes LOL), they surely made me swoon (oh, my!), and my heart ached for them both while they both struggled with their personal demons.
And let's not forget the awesome supporting cast (Birdie! Andie! Wyatt!) who make me want to read ALL the stories about the folks of Crowder, Texas! (Okay, maybe not all of them. but let's start with Wyatt, mkay?)
May 18, 2021
Author Susannah Nix has a knack for writing sweet romantic stories which makes you root for a beautiful HEA all the way through. And the sixth book in the Chemistry Lessons series is no different.
When your dreams takes a detour, do you give them up or make new and better ones?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
When your dreams takes a detour, do you give them up or make new and better ones?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
July 30, 2021
To preface, I really enjoyed the previous 5 books in the series (well, I really enjoyed the fourth one, Applied Electromagnetism. The rest of them were cute, but not my favorite), so I was looking forward to reading this one. I think I'm the outlier when I say that this book was just not for me.
To call this a slow-burn romance would be an understatement because it went at a snail's pace. By the time you get to the halfway point, the two leads, Mia and Josh, have only had a handful of interactions. I didn't understand how Mia could've developed feelings for Josh or say that she cared about him when I don't think they had an actual conversation that wasn't just surface-level pleasantries? By the time their story picks up, I couldn't bring myself to root for them because I didn't really care anymore. They barely had any chemistry and Josh was really bland (I get that it was partly due to his emotional trauma, but that aside, he didn't really have a personality).
ALSO, I love that these books are centered on intelligent women in STEM, but the math talk in this one was just a little too much for me. I remember the science-y stuff being touched on in the previous books, but this one just had paragraphs and paragraphs of technical math jargon which even I (a person with a degree in mathematics) glazed over.
Overall, if you liked the rest of this series, you might like this one (although it is the least connected to the rest of the books, probably because it sets up the author's next series), but alas, I did not.
To call this a slow-burn romance would be an understatement because it went at a snail's pace. By the time you get to the halfway point, the two leads, Mia and Josh, have only had a handful of interactions. I didn't understand how Mia could've developed feelings for Josh or say that she cared about him when I don't think they had an actual conversation that wasn't just surface-level pleasantries? By the time their story picks up, I couldn't bring myself to root for them because I didn't really care anymore. They barely had any chemistry and Josh was really bland (I get that it was partly due to his emotional trauma, but that aside, he didn't really have a personality).
ALSO, I love that these books are centered on intelligent women in STEM, but the math talk in this one was just a little too much for me. I remember the science-y stuff being touched on in the previous books, but this one just had paragraphs and paragraphs of technical math jargon which even I (a person with a degree in mathematics) glazed over.
Overall, if you liked the rest of this series, you might like this one (although it is the least connected to the rest of the books, probably because it sets up the author's next series), but alas, I did not.
October 27, 2021
I really liked this romance. Two worlds will collide and it sparks. Although I found the male character a little too nice for my taste, he was perfect for our protagonist. Moreover, I really liked the latter. I got attached to her quickly. The vision of the world that she can have was refreshing. Even the secondary characters were great. I even laughed at them from time to time.
I really recommend this sweet romance. Perfect for a relaxing time with great characters and tenderness.
I really recommend this sweet romance. Perfect for a relaxing time with great characters and tenderness.
August 22, 2021
4.5 stars
Mia is a city-girl, maths PhD who ends up taking a teaching undergrad mathematics in a small town texan university. There she meets flamboyant and quirky characters and makes friends with the local goat-dairy farmer/cheesemaker Josh.
Josh had a humiliating experience a few years back which left him suffering agoraphobia. He rarely leaves his farm without suffering anxiety attacks. Mia is from out of town and doesn't know his history. This allows Josh to open up to her and they begin a friendship which develops into a deeper relationship through the story.
Mia only plans to stay for a year in town, hoping for a better position in a more well known university after her contract ends. She struggles to decide how serious a relationship she and Josh should have without a long term commitment on her part. Josh seems to accept the temporary nature of their situation, but does he really?
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Elementary Romantic Calculus is the last in this series. However, there is a new, spin-off series based on the King brothers who are characters introduced in this book. The groundwork for the hero and heroine in "My Cone and Only" are actually Josh's best friend and Josh's sister.
Mia is a city-girl, maths PhD who ends up taking a teaching undergrad mathematics in a small town texan university. There she meets flamboyant and quirky characters and makes friends with the local goat-dairy farmer/cheesemaker Josh.
Josh had a humiliating experience a few years back which left him suffering agoraphobia. He rarely leaves his farm without suffering anxiety attacks. Mia is from out of town and doesn't know his history. This allows Josh to open up to her and they begin a friendship which develops into a deeper relationship through the story.
Mia only plans to stay for a year in town, hoping for a better position in a more well known university after her contract ends. She struggles to decide how serious a relationship she and Josh should have without a long term commitment on her part. Josh seems to accept the temporary nature of their situation, but does he really?
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Elementary Romantic Calculus is the last in this series. However, there is a new, spin-off series based on the King brothers who are characters introduced in this book. The groundwork for the hero and heroine in "My Cone and Only" are actually Josh's best friend and Josh's sister.
May 2, 2021
I received an ARC for "Elementary Romatic Calculus" by Susannah Nix and I once again absolutely loved it! I'm obsessed with her books and her writing. Especially the "Chemistry Lessons" series!
Mia and Josh's story was adorable, lighthearted and exactly what I needed right now!
So if you love cool female protagonists and some Texan flair, definitely give this book a try!
Out May, 18!!!
(Also, the side characters Andie and Wyatt have a pretty promising - looking story going on and I can't wait to read their full story in Susannah Nix' upcoming book!)
Mia and Josh's story was adorable, lighthearted and exactly what I needed right now!
So if you love cool female protagonists and some Texan flair, definitely give this book a try!
Out May, 18!!!
(Also, the side characters Andie and Wyatt have a pretty promising - looking story going on and I can't wait to read their full story in Susannah Nix' upcoming book!)
June 5, 2023
Was it because it was the last in the series? Or because it had small town life as its center? Or was it because I’m getting used to her writing? Maybe all three, but I really liked this book.
December 3, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Elementary Romantic Calculus' is the sixth novel in Susannah Nix's Chemistry Lessons series of standalone contemporary romances each featuring a female protagonist working in STEM. In this book, Mia is a mathematician who begrudgingly takes up the position of visiting professor at an unknown university in rural Texas, where she meets handsome goat farmer, Josh.
I found this book just okay. The romance was sweet, as were all of the characters, but I didn't feel there was anything truly original in this classic 'big-city-girl moves to the country and falls in love with local boy and small-town living' story.
The fact that the main character is a woman in STEM didn't really add much to the story, I felt. While some of her feelings of imposter syndrome were relatable, it was clear that her achievements were great and therefore didn't fully feel warranted. The mathematics that was mentioned all came out in info-dumps that didn't make it accessible to me. I also got tired of Mia's constant references to her 'twenty year plan.'
Josh was the typical hot, supportive and down-to-earth love interest. There wasn't much of a build up to their relationship, I would have preferred if there was more flirtation. Birdie was an amazing addition to the cast, I loved how warm and welcoming she was. Andie I found to be a bit hit-and-miss, while Wyatt was super entertaining. Mia's sister doesn't appear much and when she does, it's really just for Mia to have someone to complain to. Mia's friends before Texas appear once and are never mentioned again - to me, not a realistic representation of best friends.
Overall this was a quick, easy read that, in my opinion, lacked real depth and was fully predictable.
'Elementary Romantic Calculus' is the sixth novel in Susannah Nix's Chemistry Lessons series of standalone contemporary romances each featuring a female protagonist working in STEM. In this book, Mia is a mathematician who begrudgingly takes up the position of visiting professor at an unknown university in rural Texas, where she meets handsome goat farmer, Josh.
I found this book just okay. The romance was sweet, as were all of the characters, but I didn't feel there was anything truly original in this classic 'big-city-girl moves to the country and falls in love with local boy and small-town living' story.
The fact that the main character is a woman in STEM didn't really add much to the story, I felt. While some of her feelings of imposter syndrome were relatable, it was clear that her achievements were great and therefore didn't fully feel warranted. The mathematics that was mentioned all came out in info-dumps that didn't make it accessible to me. I also got tired of Mia's constant references to her 'twenty year plan.'
Josh was the typical hot, supportive and down-to-earth love interest. There wasn't much of a build up to their relationship, I would have preferred if there was more flirtation. Birdie was an amazing addition to the cast, I loved how warm and welcoming she was. Andie I found to be a bit hit-and-miss, while Wyatt was super entertaining. Mia's sister doesn't appear much and when she does, it's really just for Mia to have someone to complain to. Mia's friends before Texas appear once and are never mentioned again - to me, not a realistic representation of best friends.
Overall this was a quick, easy read that, in my opinion, lacked real depth and was fully predictable.
May 19, 2021
I’ve read pretty much everything by Susannah Nix and I enjoy her writing style. She never disappoints. She has great world building that allows the reader to be immersed without being over done. The small town vibe of Crowder TX is no exception. Being from a small town myself I felt at home. Her heroines are amazing but complicated while her heroes are gorgeous and beautifully flawed. Mia’s determination to stick to her plan to advance her career makes sense but her struggle to feel like she belongs anywhere rings true. Josh’s anxiety is understandable and my heart broke for him. Some may think he was overreacting but unless you’ve been effected in the same manner you have no idea. Nix has a way of taking real life struggles, brings attention to them in realistic manners, and makes it clear that readers are not alone in their struggles. I adore that Nix points out that we’re all different and beautiful just as we are. Both Mia and Josh fill that void that’s missing in their life. The characters have great chemistry that doesn’t feel forced. There was so much that I loved about this series. I’m sad the series has come to an end but I’m looking forward to what seems to be a great set up for a new series.
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