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Mud, Love, and Chemistry
Brynn Erlenmeyer loves a good challenge. Whether it’s scaling obstacles at her favorite 10-k, or acing her college courses. She succeeds at every endeavor she puts her mind to. In fact, Brynn hasn’t encountered a problem she couldn’t solve.
Aside from the gaping hole in her love life.
With an almost guaranteed internship after graduation, Brynn has everything going for her. But good friends and a bright future only do so much to pad the loneliness in her heart. She yearns for someone to share her life with, so it’s no surprise she falls hard and fast for Sam Eastman. Handsome and charming, he’s practically perfect.
Except he lives two hundred miles away.
Resigning herself to another lost relationship, Brynn says goodbye to Sam and focuses on her classes. Her last year of college seems like it’ll be smooth sailing. But she gets thrown for a loop when Sam unexpectedly reenters her life.
What should be a joyful occurrence takes an ugly turn when Brynn learns that Sam is vying for the same internship. Animosity builds between them, and soon, they’re butting heads. She tries to ignore him completely, but no matter what she does, Brynn can’t avoid his irritatingly handsome face.
He becomes her greatest challenge yet.
Brynn thought the fiery chemistry she had with Sam would melt away her loneliness. Instead, it threatens to incinerate all that she has worked so hard to accomplish. As it turns out, the line between love and hate can be extremely muddy.
Aside from the gaping hole in her love life.
With an almost guaranteed internship after graduation, Brynn has everything going for her. But good friends and a bright future only do so much to pad the loneliness in her heart. She yearns for someone to share her life with, so it’s no surprise she falls hard and fast for Sam Eastman. Handsome and charming, he’s practically perfect.
Except he lives two hundred miles away.
Resigning herself to another lost relationship, Brynn says goodbye to Sam and focuses on her classes. Her last year of college seems like it’ll be smooth sailing. But she gets thrown for a loop when Sam unexpectedly reenters her life.
What should be a joyful occurrence takes an ugly turn when Brynn learns that Sam is vying for the same internship. Animosity builds between them, and soon, they’re butting heads. She tries to ignore him completely, but no matter what she does, Brynn can’t avoid his irritatingly handsome face.
He becomes her greatest challenge yet.
Brynn thought the fiery chemistry she had with Sam would melt away her loneliness. Instead, it threatens to incinerate all that she has worked so hard to accomplish. As it turns out, the line between love and hate can be extremely muddy.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2024
About the author
Christine Layne
7 books24 followersChristine Layne is an adult romance author currently residing in Colorado with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, Christine enjoys painting, playing with her kids, and watching movies with her husband. She can almost always be caught with a mug of tea in her hands, no matter what she's doing.
When she's not writing, Christine enjoys painting, playing with her kids, and watching movies with her husband. She can almost always be caught with a mug of tea in her hands, no matter what she's doing.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 22, 2026
Mud, Love and Chemistry by Christine Layne was ridiculously addictive in the best way. And honestly, this quote captures the energy perfectly: “How in the hell did you guys go from one-night stand material, to mortal enemies, to fuck-buddies, to just friends?” Because that relationship progression should feel chaotic... but somehow Christine Layne makes every shift feel natural, messy, funny, and painfully real.
Brynn and Sam had exactly the kind of chemistry that makes you keep saying “just one more chapter.” I loved that Brynn wasn’t portrayed as someone waiting around for romance to complete her. She had goals, ambition, and a future she was actively building. Which made the tension hit even harder when Sam came crashing back into her life and suddenly became competition instead of comfort. The banter, frustration, unresolved attraction, and constant push-and-pull made this feel less like a typical enemies-to-lovers and more like two stubborn people trying (and failing) to ignore what’s always been there.
What really sold me though was that underneath the humor, sparks, and relationship chaos, there’s a story about timing, loneliness, and figuring out whether love fits into the life you’re creating, or if you have to make room for it. It was messy, heartfelt, and impossible not to root for. Christine Layne somehow turned relationship whiplash into something sweet, believable, and completely bingeable.
Brynn and Sam had exactly the kind of chemistry that makes you keep saying “just one more chapter.” I loved that Brynn wasn’t portrayed as someone waiting around for romance to complete her. She had goals, ambition, and a future she was actively building. Which made the tension hit even harder when Sam came crashing back into her life and suddenly became competition instead of comfort. The banter, frustration, unresolved attraction, and constant push-and-pull made this feel less like a typical enemies-to-lovers and more like two stubborn people trying (and failing) to ignore what’s always been there.
What really sold me though was that underneath the humor, sparks, and relationship chaos, there’s a story about timing, loneliness, and figuring out whether love fits into the life you’re creating, or if you have to make room for it. It was messy, heartfelt, and impossible not to root for. Christine Layne somehow turned relationship whiplash into something sweet, believable, and completely bingeable.
April 15, 2024
“I could do this forever.”
Mud, Love and Chemistry by Christine Layne is a fantastic read. Love is never easy but it finds a way through all the mud!
Brynn thinks she has an internship in the bag since she’s worked her whole college career for it but things get shaken up and a lot more interesting when Sam, the hottest guy she’s ever met comes walking into her O-Chem class, also vying for that coveted internship!
I really liked the characters. They both had a lot of angst but Brynn had it worse because her trust issues were bad! Sam was really sweet but he kept getting hurt so he would sometimes act like a jerk. From beginning to end you could see the growth in the characters, especially Brynn.
I was invested in the story from beginning to end, there was no lagging or dragging. And the ending was satisfying!
I thoroughly enjoyed this college romance, the writing style flowed and read so well. Fans of Colleen Hoover and Lucy Score will definitely enjoy! I recommend for an early twenties college romance with some spice and a hea!
Mud, Love and Chemistry by Christine Layne is a fantastic read. Love is never easy but it finds a way through all the mud!
Brynn thinks she has an internship in the bag since she’s worked her whole college career for it but things get shaken up and a lot more interesting when Sam, the hottest guy she’s ever met comes walking into her O-Chem class, also vying for that coveted internship!
I really liked the characters. They both had a lot of angst but Brynn had it worse because her trust issues were bad! Sam was really sweet but he kept getting hurt so he would sometimes act like a jerk. From beginning to end you could see the growth in the characters, especially Brynn.
I was invested in the story from beginning to end, there was no lagging or dragging. And the ending was satisfying!
I thoroughly enjoyed this college romance, the writing style flowed and read so well. Fans of Colleen Hoover and Lucy Score will definitely enjoy! I recommend for an early twenties college romance with some spice and a hea!
May 5, 2024
This was a great college romance! Brynn and Sam were both so driven and relatable. Brynn was smart and sassy but also still hurting. She had some great character growth. Sam was patient but also knew how to push her outside her comfort zone and I loved how supportive he was and had no problem letting her shine!
They also were both stubborn and had been hurt and it lead to this tension that continued to build between them. They had a very angsty relationship as they slowly moved from enemies to frenemies with benefits to eventually something more.
“You don’t make people follow you, you lead the way.”
I loved Brynn’s roommates and how they supported her. Definitely read the epilogue!!
✨What to expect:
🧪College Romance
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💖Forced Proximity
💋Instalove…that goes sideways
⚛️Charming yet stubborn MMC
👩🔬Ambitious Intelligent FMC
They also were both stubborn and had been hurt and it lead to this tension that continued to build between them. They had a very angsty relationship as they slowly moved from enemies to frenemies with benefits to eventually something more.
“You don’t make people follow you, you lead the way.”
I loved Brynn’s roommates and how they supported her. Definitely read the epilogue!!
✨What to expect:
🧪College Romance
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💖Forced Proximity
💋Instalove…that goes sideways
⚛️Charming yet stubborn MMC
👩🔬Ambitious Intelligent FMC
April 3, 2025
Another great book by Christine Layne!
I love a collage romance. This was thankfully not full on sports but there was some running involved and I loved that aspect.
I loved the first encounter, the banter, the very mild angst, their arrangement.
Sam was such a great and patient guy.
I loved Brynn’s character too.
Enjoyed this so much I read it in practically one sitting!
Also love the cover!
I love a collage romance. This was thankfully not full on sports but there was some running involved and I loved that aspect.
I loved the first encounter, the banter, the very mild angst, their arrangement.
Sam was such a great and patient guy.
I loved Brynn’s character too.
Enjoyed this so much I read it in practically one sitting!
Also love the cover!
April 20, 2024
Brynn and Sam have such an amazing chemistry and the character development is top tier!
I instantly started loving both characters right from the beginning. The way that Sam pushes Brynn to keep going even when she doesn’t want to and is her biggest supporter even when she doesn’t realize it is breath taking. I need more!
I instantly started loving both characters right from the beginning. The way that Sam pushes Brynn to keep going even when she doesn’t want to and is her biggest supporter even when she doesn’t realize it is breath taking. I need more!
April 20, 2024
This was a perfect and relatable angsty college romance - I loved how both Brynn and Sam were chemistry majors (coming from the science nerd in me). They both grow so much throughout the book and seeing them struggle at times was hurting my heart. He is so sweet and patient, all while secretly hoping he can make it up to her and win her over. And the epilogue was simply the perfect end!
May 1, 2024
This was such a good book! I absolutely loved that this book was set in Colorado! I knew every place mentioned and it was so fun to read about. I loved this enemies to lovers story that was the perfect mix of plot and spice. Swoon for Sam and his witty banter with Brynn, I adored them both so much. A great story that made me laugh and smile through the whole book.
May 4, 2024
Such a cute little story. Meeting the love of your life after breaking up with someone who you thought was the love of your life. Thinking it's only going to be a one night type of thing but he ends up showing up in your favorite college class. You also find out that everythibg you felt with your ex was only one sided. And the sex is hot!
May 5, 2024
We have all felt that instant attraction and I love how this book starts out with the rawness of that while doing something you’re passionate about and the attraction for that passion. Sam can see Brynn for her passion. Enjoy the ride as they work through all the real life stuff of young people. Absolutely loved this book!
May 4, 2024
Starts off fun!
This high quality rom-com has a unique and refreshing setting. The opening action in the mud grabbed my attention right away. The story is very cute and funny, also the dialogue sounds totally natural. I'd definitely read more books by this author.
This high quality rom-com has a unique and refreshing setting. The opening action in the mud grabbed my attention right away. The story is very cute and funny, also the dialogue sounds totally natural. I'd definitely read more books by this author.
May 4, 2024
Another five star for this awesome author! Her first college romance and I adored it. Sam is just, well, hot! And the tension is delicious. I loved Brynn’s flaws, so relatable. They have to get a little muddy to get to their HEA but the chemistry is always there! Definitely recommend!
April 27, 2024
I started falling in love with the main character on page one of this book. Also the setting is an annual mud run- how much more info is actually needed?
"You've got this" 3 words is all it takes to reduce Brynn to a puddle like the mud she's covered in. But half truths lead to them being at the same college - things get bumpy. They go from lovers to enemies to frenemies to frenemies with benefits- but can they break down the walls that keep them from being together?
"You've got this" 3 words is all it takes to reduce Brynn to a puddle like the mud she's covered in. But half truths lead to them being at the same college - things get bumpy. They go from lovers to enemies to frenemies to frenemies with benefits- but can they break down the walls that keep them from being together?
May 11, 2024
Author Christine Layne's new release Mud, Love, and Chemistry is a strangers to enemies to lovers, forced proximity, enemies with benefits, college romance. Everything you love about Christine's books she gives her readers again, providing characters that have depth, growth, and familiarity. Creating a storyline that is unpredictable, emotional highs and lows, and chemistry that will set the bed sheets on fire. Giving readers a FMC that is fiercely independent and smart, working hard for her dream to become part of an environmental science team that wants to do good to help the planet and a MMC who is equally ready to stand up to the challenge but just as eager to not just save the planet, but steal the FMC's heart. Mud, Love and Chemistry is fun easy read and a must for all TBR lists!
FMC Brynn has loved nature and the world around her since she was little, so much so that as she grew up, she became determined to course a path that would lead her to a job working with one of the top scientists working to improve the environment. While on summer break Brynn and her friends go to a Mud Down challenge where Brynn meets more than the mud obstacles and his name is Sam Eastman. There is instant chemistry, but they know at the end of the night they'll be going their separate ways, Brynn back to college and Sam back to Wyoming so they decide to make the best of it with every second they have. Brynn is crushed the next day when Sam has to leave, because she had hoped he'd want more and to see where this could go, but she knows long distant doesn't really work or at least it didn't he last time she tried. The rest of summer flies by and classes are about to start back up. Brynn's worked so hard getting good grades, getting to the right college and working the last three years to impress Professor St. James to try to earn a spot as an intern on her environmental research team. Brynn is ready for any challenge the professor has for her this semester or so she thought when the last person on earthy she expects to see steps into the classroom on the first day, Sam Eastman. How could he be here in her class, he's supposed to be in Wyoming. He never mentioned anything about college that night they spent together. Had what they had that night really meant nothing and he just said all the right things to get her in bed? Two people who at first appeared to be such a good match, quickly turn into enemies, because not only is Sam just as good at science as Brynn, but he also has his eyes on the same internship. Brynn wants to stay as far from him as possible, but her plan quickly dies when Professor St. James asks Brynn and Sam to work together on hosting a study group once a week for their class to try and help improve grades. Brynn can't say no as she needs to do whatever she can to fight for her stop on the internship, so she gives in and agrees. The road is rocky at first, but the more time Brynn and Sam are together the more the lines start to blur, especially when they decide to be frenemies with benefits once a week during study group prep. Will Brynn be able to ever see Sam as more than just her competition? Will Sam be able to prove to Brynn that his first impression was the true him and that she can trust him with her heart? Read Mud, Love, and Chemistry and find out if Brynn and Sam end up with a relationship as strong as a covalent bond or if they are more like oil and water and just don't mix.
FMC Brynn has loved nature and the world around her since she was little, so much so that as she grew up, she became determined to course a path that would lead her to a job working with one of the top scientists working to improve the environment. While on summer break Brynn and her friends go to a Mud Down challenge where Brynn meets more than the mud obstacles and his name is Sam Eastman. There is instant chemistry, but they know at the end of the night they'll be going their separate ways, Brynn back to college and Sam back to Wyoming so they decide to make the best of it with every second they have. Brynn is crushed the next day when Sam has to leave, because she had hoped he'd want more and to see where this could go, but she knows long distant doesn't really work or at least it didn't he last time she tried. The rest of summer flies by and classes are about to start back up. Brynn's worked so hard getting good grades, getting to the right college and working the last three years to impress Professor St. James to try to earn a spot as an intern on her environmental research team. Brynn is ready for any challenge the professor has for her this semester or so she thought when the last person on earthy she expects to see steps into the classroom on the first day, Sam Eastman. How could he be here in her class, he's supposed to be in Wyoming. He never mentioned anything about college that night they spent together. Had what they had that night really meant nothing and he just said all the right things to get her in bed? Two people who at first appeared to be such a good match, quickly turn into enemies, because not only is Sam just as good at science as Brynn, but he also has his eyes on the same internship. Brynn wants to stay as far from him as possible, but her plan quickly dies when Professor St. James asks Brynn and Sam to work together on hosting a study group once a week for their class to try and help improve grades. Brynn can't say no as she needs to do whatever she can to fight for her stop on the internship, so she gives in and agrees. The road is rocky at first, but the more time Brynn and Sam are together the more the lines start to blur, especially when they decide to be frenemies with benefits once a week during study group prep. Will Brynn be able to ever see Sam as more than just her competition? Will Sam be able to prove to Brynn that his first impression was the true him and that she can trust him with her heart? Read Mud, Love, and Chemistry and find out if Brynn and Sam end up with a relationship as strong as a covalent bond or if they are more like oil and water and just don't mix.
May 7, 2024
A big thank you goes out to Christine Layne for allowing me to read the ARC to "Love, Mud and Chemistry".
As someone who is not as fond of college romance, I was swept of my feet and convinced to the fullest to give the sub thrope of romance love a chance more often in the future.
The chemistry between Sam and Brynn had me giggling, smiling, kicking my feet, the development of their relationship from a fling with instant attachment to rivals was smooth, just as the further development of their characters and relationship. The main characters were both incredibly relateable, throughout the entire read you had the feeling that this is not fictional people, but people you might know, people you might went to college with ... or people YOU might associate yourself with. This gave the entire read an incredible intimate feeling, one that made me fly through this book with an ease.
The content was perfectly balanced between banter, sass, angst, serious issues of young college love and college students, fluff ....and spice, hehe.
Sam easily did fight his way up to a very high place on my list of "book boyfriends", being supremely real, with flaws and a wonderful ratio of green and red flags.
If you are looking for a book that just gives you a good feeling, a good time, something to feed into your need for love and romance and a second chance for finding love after a failed relationship ... this is the one!
As someone who is not as fond of college romance, I was swept of my feet and convinced to the fullest to give the sub thrope of romance love a chance more often in the future.
The chemistry between Sam and Brynn had me giggling, smiling, kicking my feet, the development of their relationship from a fling with instant attachment to rivals was smooth, just as the further development of their characters and relationship. The main characters were both incredibly relateable, throughout the entire read you had the feeling that this is not fictional people, but people you might know, people you might went to college with ... or people YOU might associate yourself with. This gave the entire read an incredible intimate feeling, one that made me fly through this book with an ease.
The content was perfectly balanced between banter, sass, angst, serious issues of young college love and college students, fluff ....and spice, hehe.
Sam easily did fight his way up to a very high place on my list of "book boyfriends", being supremely real, with flaws and a wonderful ratio of green and red flags.
If you are looking for a book that just gives you a good feeling, a good time, something to feed into your need for love and romance and a second chance for finding love after a failed relationship ... this is the one!
May 8, 2024
It's a beautiful romance about two college students. When Brynn and Sam meet, there is instant chemistry between the two, but there are several hundred miles between them, making a long-distance relationship taboo.
When they meet again, they are enemies, then enemies with advantages, and in the end they can't deny how much they want each other. Brynn in particular is so stubborn that she doesn't want to admit that Sam has already found his way into her heart.
It is my third book that I have read by Christine Layne and Mud, Love and Chemistry is another wonderful read. I like the writing style and the way the characters develop and grow over time.
When they meet again, they are enemies, then enemies with advantages, and in the end they can't deny how much they want each other. Brynn in particular is so stubborn that she doesn't want to admit that Sam has already found his way into her heart.
It is my third book that I have read by Christine Layne and Mud, Love and Chemistry is another wonderful read. I like the writing style and the way the characters develop and grow over time.
May 4, 2024
Character development is top tier! The chemistry seriously that’s not even a joke, it was so fun to follow. College Romance, A little sweet, a little 🌶️ spice! I was lucky enough to read it early! It's a true page turner. What I loved most about this book is how it explores the fine line between love and hate, and how sometimes the person you’re competing against can also be the one you can’t live without. Layne’s writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. It’s a story about love, ambition, and finding balance, and I couldn’t put it down.
May 19, 2024
I can't explain it but I disliked the fmc with a vengeance. She was so needy and judgmental and sulked anytime he beat her at something. The mmc wasn't much better. He was always smirking and it just irritated me.
I quit when they got into fwb arrangement (50%) cause at that point they didn't like each other and I didn't like either of them. Also hated how the fmc didn't like him but couldn't control her body around him. For a smart person, she was so not in control of herself that it was embarrassing.
I quit when they got into fwb arrangement (50%) cause at that point they didn't like each other and I didn't like either of them. Also hated how the fmc didn't like him but couldn't control her body around him. For a smart person, she was so not in control of herself that it was embarrassing.
May 7, 2024
This was a great college romance! Brynn and Sam were both so driven and relatable. Brynn and Sam have such an amazing chemistry and the character development is top tier! I was invested in the story from beginning to end, there was no lagging or dragging. And the ending was satisfying! A great story that made me laugh and smile through the whole book.
November 21, 2025
Based on the rating this book has, I'm guessing I'm not the intended audience.
It's New Adult and I'm 47 so I couldn't relate to the characters. I found them incredibly immature. Their issues could have been resolved with some simple communication. I realize this trope is common in romance but it wasn't believable.
DNF at 26% and do not recommend unless you're the age of the protagonists.
It's New Adult and I'm 47 so I couldn't relate to the characters. I found them incredibly immature. Their issues could have been resolved with some simple communication. I realize this trope is common in romance but it wasn't believable.
DNF at 26% and do not recommend unless you're the age of the protagonists.
April 19, 2024
EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THISSSSSS.
ugh i loved this book so much that i stayed up until 2am finishing it.
i love Brynn.
i love Sam.
i love them together.
i hate them not together.
i love how much both characters grew through out this story.
ugh i loved this book so much that i stayed up until 2am finishing it.
i love Brynn.
i love Sam.
i love them together.
i hate them not together.
i love how much both characters grew through out this story.
May 3, 2024
Finding love at a mud run? I absolutely adored the immersion into a run at the start where Brynn and Sam meet. Their instant connection scares both of them, leading them to not share the whole truth when it comes to where they live and other details of their lives.
Just when Brynn has everything realigning in her life, Sam shows up in one of her classes and suddenly, they’re fighting for the internship Brynn has had eyes set on. It sparks the competitor spirit inside of her and when coupled with Sam’s lack of communication, they go from once-lovers to enemies.
Sam is patient, yet incredibly smart by how he approaches situations with Brynn. He pushes her at the right moments, and backs down when he sees how it affects her in a negative way. The way he really feels is subtle, yet there if you’re looking. Yet, because of their age, I enjoy that there were some emotional hurdles that they had to grow through. I loved seeing how Brynn helped Sam open his heart while he helped her learn more about technology. Together, they’re an incredible balance!
The banter between these two draws you in, wanting more and more all throughout. There are plenty of spicy moments and a plot that gives them true development from start to finish. Absolutely a must-read this year!
Just when Brynn has everything realigning in her life, Sam shows up in one of her classes and suddenly, they’re fighting for the internship Brynn has had eyes set on. It sparks the competitor spirit inside of her and when coupled with Sam’s lack of communication, they go from once-lovers to enemies.
Sam is patient, yet incredibly smart by how he approaches situations with Brynn. He pushes her at the right moments, and backs down when he sees how it affects her in a negative way. The way he really feels is subtle, yet there if you’re looking. Yet, because of their age, I enjoy that there were some emotional hurdles that they had to grow through. I loved seeing how Brynn helped Sam open his heart while he helped her learn more about technology. Together, they’re an incredible balance!
The banter between these two draws you in, wanting more and more all throughout. There are plenty of spicy moments and a plot that gives them true development from start to finish. Absolutely a must-read this year!
May 8, 2024
What a great enemies to lovers romance. A great college romance with some great banter and spice. Brynn and Sam are great characters, the initial meeting and second interaction is priceless. Love me some good back and forth banter between two people who obviously have great chemistry together. I enjoyed how Sam helped Brynn with her own issues, however at times Sam got knocked my nerves with his arrogance. Great romance with college aged characters and great side characters.
May 5, 2024
This book was fantastic, two people meet on a mud race over the summer. They both got the surprise of a lifetime. Their chemistry both in and out of the classroom was on point the whole time throughout the whole book. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, I’ll definitely be reading more.
May 12, 2024
A great college romance with some great banter and spice. Brynn and Sam are great characters, the initial meeting and second interaction is priceless. They also were both stubborn and had been hurt and it led to this tension that continued to build between them.
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