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Chemical Attraction #1

Their Rigid Rules

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Taylor Valentine, a senior at Western Michigan University, has had her life planned out since kindergarten. After her parents died while she was still in high school, she had perfected it to make them proud. Now with the help of her best friends, Joe and Eva, she focuses on graduation and a career—romance in the far distant future. However, when the visiting professor enters the lecture hall, her perfect plan hits a snag.

Handsome history professor and former Marine, Dr. Stuart Morgan keeps infatuated students at a distance using his own set of strict rules. This time, he’s unnerved by his reaction to Taylor. When death threats upend his boring life, he inadvertently puts her in danger.

With pressure from family and foe pulling them apart, Stuart wonders if they can sustain the stress. Trusting their love, he must somehow convince Taylor to break her rules and embrace a new plan.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2014

12 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Christina Thompson

10 books75 followers
As a former holistic practitioner with a science background, Christina Thompson enjoys writing about the physical science, the emotional workings of our mind and heart, and the spiritual energy that taps into our passions.

Her background in biology gave her a love of science and an insight into the physical realm of the body. Her diploma in Traditional Chinese acupuncture taught her that the mind and spirit affect the body in powerful ways.

Christina is a breast cancer survivor writing without fear in different genres and mediums. She lives a quiet life with her husband, Kraig, in Michigan.

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5 stars
24 (55%)
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12 (27%)
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3 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,684 reviews342 followers
October 1, 2017
Though this is Book #3, this can be read as a stand-alone. I was attracted to this series due to the new covers and the fact that it was set in a college environment and then on top of that a teacher/student relationship which is one of my favorite romance tropes to read. The other thing that I enjoyed about this series - Chemical Attraction was that it had a romantic suspense feel to the novel as someone is stalking the visiting professor Dr. Stuart Morgan and sending him threatening notes. He now has a bodyguard, but they aren't getting any closer to finding out who the stalker is and why he/she wants to kill and ruin Stuart's life. What makes it more dangerous now is that Stuart is falling in love with one of his students Taylor Valentine and now that she is in the mix, she is being stalked and threatened too. As their lives become more and more dangerous, is Taylor willing to stay with Stuart? Can the pair of them prove to those around them and their friends that love can conquer anything?
Find out in this romantic suspense college fiction in the Chemical Attraction series.
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
1,027 reviews189 followers
September 26, 2017
I love meeting new authors and falling in love with their writing!! This was one action-packed book! I felt glued to my tablet, reading page after page non-stop. You all know by now I am a sucker for Romantic Suspense novels and this one was fantastic!

I loved Stuart and Taylor and their forbidden situation. It sure made things exciting! Taylor's internal struggles were very well developed. She had a plan. She knew what she needed to do with her life, but then Stuart was one unexpected turn of events...in more ways than one!

If you're looking for a new book to keep you on the edge of your seat, this would be the one to pick up! The suspenseful element was great and mixed in with some great romance, it was a treat to read! I'm so excited I found this author!! She's gained a fan!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,882 reviews551 followers
July 30, 2014
On the last course to officially graduate from Western Michigan University, Taylor Valentine is anxious to start her new life. With her best friends support, Taylor has a carefully laid plan on how her life will unfold. Of course she never expected to fall for her new Professor, Dr. Stuart Morgan.

Stuart had always heard his fathers theory on love at first sight and he took it with a grain of salt, that is until he met Taylor. It is a tricky situation as she is his student and someone is intent on killing him. With an annoying bodyguard in tow, Stuart has to navigate into capturing the woman who is the key to his future and keeping them both alive in order to build a life together.

Fast paced page turner, Their Rigid Rules is a suspenseful romantic story that has so many layers I hope we get to see books on the other characters. You are mesmerized by Taylor and Stuart, I liked that their relationship isn't easy, they both bumble a bit while learning more about one another. The supporting characters are a band of characters that you will adore, an excellent read.
Profile Image for Linda Rae Williams.
286 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2019
Interesting

So parts of this are kind of hokey but I could not put it down. I wanted to know who it was why this guy, what about that one, all the way through. Well done
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews445 followers
September 29, 2017
This book is a prequel in the Chemical Attraction Series--Their Rigid Rules is the last (or first) book in The Chemical Attraction Series. In my opinion, it isn’t necessary to read the other books before reading this book--the same characters are involved in the series; the stories are completely separate and unique on its own.
Dr. Stuart Morgan is a history professor and former marine who has been targeted by a killer. Taylor Valentine is anxious to start her new life and she didn’t expect that her new teacher at Western Michigan University would factor into this new life plan. Taylor has fallen for her new teacher Dr. Stuart Morgan. Stuart didn’t expect ever to fall in love or ever fall in love with a student but that was until he met Taylor. It is a tricky situation as someone is intent on killing him. He has to have a bodyguard following him around all the time.
As things heat up between the history professor and the college student, so do the threats and the danger. So do the risk of them losing themselves in the taboo relationship and the passions, in the feels and the heat. While all this is going on, bodyguard Joe is thinking and revisiting his feelings for Taylor. A girl he has always had feelings for but never said anything to.
This is a story that has excitement, mystery, danger, passions, angst and suspense. This is a great prequel to the series because I was able to get a great backstory before reading the series yet pretty much I have the backstory here. I enjoyed what is here and cannot wait to read more into the series.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
30 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2020
One of the best books I have read in a long time! I loved this book, couldn't put it down, deffintaly a five out of five star rating! Each page had me turning.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
September 20, 2014
this is a great addition to the chemical reaction series. We see how Joe began his career, how Eva met Matt and how taylor found Stuart and became the strong woman she is in the series.

Stuart is Taylor's professor for a class and in danger. Not knowing who is after him he doesn't mean to fall in love. But one touch from Taylor, one look from Taylor and he was done for. Trying to keep it cool so neither gets in trouble, he gets to know her by watching football with her. Taylor the quiet girl with a plan sees it unraveling as she catches Stuart's eye. She doesn't want to disappoint and fears losing herself and all she has worked for but can't stay away.

As their romance ratchets up so do the threats to their lives and the danger. Danger of both losing control and their rules, losing themselves to each other and their growing attraction and losing themselves to the danger of the threat to their lives. While this is happening we see Joe take stock in his feelings for Taylor and try to figure out how to keep a promise while letting go and allowing her to have someone in her life.

The danger element is wonderful. It has twists and turns and the one you think is the culprit isn't. So much intrigue as the story revolves around these two breaking all their rules and going out of their comfort zone because of their love while dealing with threats on their lives and feeling guilt for bringing danger to one another.

A wonderfully written story in which the characters come alive and help drive the plot of the story forward over time. This is a great prequel to the series because it helps to give the background needed without giving anything away. a wonderful tale of intrigue and love showing us that sometimes when we break the rules the most amazing love and story can come about. We learn to adapt and grow while finding what we are missing if we just sometimes allow the rules to bend.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
August 23, 2014


>Subject - book review - Their Rigid Rules

> Review

>I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock.
>This book is a prequel in the Chemical Attraction Series and ends in an HEA.

>The story begins with close friends, Eva and Taylor in a history lecture in college. The professor, a former marine, named Stuart, notices Taylor right away. The attraction between Taylor and Stuart is instantaneous. It is so cute to hear Stuart's views on love at first sight. The rules against student / teacher romance makes this love somewhat forbidden.

>Enter another major character, Joe. Taylor, Eva & Joe grew up together and consider themselves siblings. Joe's relationship with Taylor gets confusing when she falls in love with Stuart. Stuart sees what Taylor doesn't and is not a fan of Joe being so close to Taylor. If the story continued with just this forbidden love story, it would be quite similar to another book, "Dante's Inferno". This story adds a whole lot of mystery and danger to the mix.

>Someone is trying to kill Stuart and anyone he loves, especially Taylor. There are a few red herrings and other creepy characters along the way and I swear every one of them gets a shot at Stuart or Taylor. The last few chapters of the book are exhausting! I do wish more was explored regarding Stuart's PTSD. His background was hinted at, but largely ignored.

>Fans of romantic suspense will love this book. The characters are fun, quirky and hot! It can be read independent of the other two books in the series.

> This book is for an adult audience due to sexual content.
Profile Image for D.E..
Author 136 books985 followers
September 16, 2014
Their Rigid Rules is the last (or first) book in The Chemical Attraction Series. It isn’t necessary to read the other books before diving into this one. Although the same characters are involved in the series, the stories are completely separate. Their Rigid Rules is my favorite in the series so far (I’ve read the first of the series and now this prequel.).

It is often difficult to get a romantic suspense novel just right. Often there is only suspense but the author adds just a bit of romantic chemistry – almost as if to add to his potential audience instead of to the story. Thompson got it exactly right in Their Rigid Rules. There was lots of romance and a storyline regarding the romance, but there was also lots and lots of suspense. Even I – who thinks I’m a reborn Agatha Christie – missed one of the suspenseful elements.

The characters were well developed and interesting. I really enjoyed watching the young Eva and Joe who figure prominently in the first book of the series. I’m secretly hoping for a book just for Eva as well. My only criticism with regard to the characters is Stuart’s military background. I personally felt this could have been represented better. He has flashbacks, but he immediately is able to pull himself out of the flashbacks. It didn’t seem very realistic.

This book is advertised as contemporary/young adult but, as a stated earlier, it’s really a well-written romantic suspense novel. If I’m being really picky, I’ll add that the book cover does nothing for me. Are the two men the same man but with different coloring? Is that on purpose?

I recommend this book to all lovers of romantic suspense. You won’t be disappointed.

Profile Image for Leslie.
119 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2014
So, I haven't read any other books in this series and after going on Amazon and looking up the first two I'm glad I didn't. I probably would've been way too confused and frustrated, this book seems like a prequel to the first two. With that being said, I loved this book!!

Dr. Stuart Morgan is a professor at Western Michigan University and he is being targeted. His would be killer is targeting him for a reason he is unaware of he is frustrated beyond belief by his "bodyguard" and the last thing he wants to do it teach a weekend class.Taylor is a student in his class, she's been forced to take the class by her best friend Eva. When Stuart and Taylor catch a football game after class, it's instant chemistry! Stuart knows that she will be his one and only while Taylor believes, she's not ready to face the truth. As Stuart and Taylor develop their relationship the action heats up! Stuarts problems just got bigger and Taylor gets dragged into the middle of the whole mess.

There is so much tension and drama throughout the book! And poor Taylor!! Just when I thought they had every loose end wrapped up- another thing pops up!! This book kept me hooked from beginning to end with all the different angles that were being worked. I was surprised with how many problems cropped up and truly how many bad guys there ended up being. I definitely didn't see any of it coming!! I'm so glad that Taylor & Stuart got their HEA and I may check into the other Chemical Attractions books. :)
Profile Image for Ivory R.
144 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2015
Although this is the 3rd book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone book because it is the prequel for the other books in the series. Taylor is determined to follow the rules she has set in place for herself and is thrown by her attraction to Stuart. Taylor slowly learns that sometimes a plan does not go as planned. I admire her determination and remember when I was in college "with the plan". The characters are believable and concrete even when unlikable. Reese comes across as a jerk but a good guy to have at your back. Eva is outgoing, fiesty and fiercely loyal to her friends.

The pace is quick, filled with action as Stuart and FBI agents are trying to track down who is the perpetrator of the threats. The suspense was riveting as Stuart races to find out who the stalker is. I enjoyed reading the romance between Stuart and Taylor as they allowed themselves to enjoy life but also felt the romance was way too quick as usual in romance books. The magical connection that people who are destined to be together experience always draws me even though it also always annoys me at the same time. I love the idea of people finding true love. Overall, great read for readers who love action adventure mixed in with mystery and romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 24 books566 followers
August 3, 2014
This is the prequel to Christina Thompson’s CHEMICAL ATTRACTION series which I’ve really enjoyed. Easily read as a stand-alone it features some familiar characters from the series in earlier incarnations. Best of all, we get new wonderful characters too.

Dr. Stuart Morgan is a history professor and former marine who has been targeted by a killer. When he becomes involved with one of his students, Taylor Valentine, she finds herself in the direct line of fire as well. Each of these characters has a preset plan to follow on building their future (hence the title). But when Stuart and Taylor hook-up, the rules are bent, even broken.

Toss in an overly protective brother (who isn’t very fond of Stuart) a BFF sister, a flippant bodyguard and several conniving characters, and you’ve got the set up for this great mystery/romantic suspense. Ms. Thompson does a fantastic job of balancing all the plot points for an enjoyable story and a satisfying ending. I look forward to more in this series and highly recommend CHEMICAL ATTRACTION and CHEMICAL REACTION, the other two books in the series as well
Profile Image for Rabid Readers Reviews.
546 reviews25 followers
October 4, 2015
The author gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.


“Their Rigid Rules” is a well thought out work of romantic suspense. The road to romance is not an easy one for Taylor and Stuart littered with death threats, federal agents and the rogue lovelorn childhood friend. Dr. Stuart Morgan receives death threats and Taylor is the prime suspect. When the tide turns and Taylor seems to be the target, Stuart and Joe pledge to keep her safe.

The suspense storyline is well worked. Many works of romantic suspense are labelled as such but are very light on the suspense and quite heavy on the romance. “Their Rigid Rules” is well balanced and fits with the immediacy of danger in the rest of the series. Though the third book in the series, the novel can be read alone. If you’re starting the series, it’s a good idea to start with this book, as the first novel in the Chemical Attraction series is a massive spoiler for this book. If you are reading the series in order, the spoiler will in no way interfere with your enjoyment of “Their Rigid Rules.” As avid readers will know, it’s hard to surprise us but this novel surprised me.
Profile Image for Nicole.
532 reviews12 followers
November 30, 2014
5 STARS I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story is impossible to put down. A page-turning romantic suspense. The instant lightning between Taylor and Stuart will make you believe in love at first sight. The mystery over who could be sending the death threats mixed with the romance between the two will keep you awake until the books is finished. Stuart was a perfect leading man. I love military guys. He is the perfect blend of alpha-male, smart history professor, and die-hard romantic. Taylor is a great leading lady, sure of her path in life and afraid to take too many risks. Thankfully, she deviates from her perfect plan to fall in love. I loved this book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a captivating, well crafted story that will keep you guessing.

This is a romantic suspense with sexual content. Recommended for mature audiences.
4 reviews
September 29, 2014
When Christina told me she was dedicating Their Rigid Rules to me, I gave her a couple of conditions. First, Stuart and Taylor had to be Big Ten Football fans like I am. And, second, if Stuart was going to be a college professor he had to teach history, which is my favorite subject. Luckily, my conditions didn't wreck her novel.

Christina wrote another fast-paced romance with great characters and plenty of action and suspense. I'm very proud she dedicated her novel to me, and I love her for it.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,684 reviews85 followers
August 28, 2014
With tons of plot twists this is quite a page turner! How many bad guys can there be?
I love the characters! Taylor and Stuart sizzle. Joe , Eva, Reese, and Peter keep you laughing and engaged. Even the lesser characters that come later are endearing. The crazies are coming out of the wood work! You need to read this book!
*** I was given this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***

Reviewed by Laura
1 review1 follower
November 23, 2014
Their Rigid Rules, the prequel to Christina Thompson’s Chemical Attraction series does not disappoint. Like the other books in the series, it’s an action packed page turner with a little romance tossed in. What I enjoyed most about the book was learning the back stories of the characters in the series and how they all came together. And I always love reading books set in Michigan. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!!
Profile Image for LaGina.
2,051 reviews41 followers
September 17, 2015
Their Rigid Rules is the last book in The Chemical Attraction Series and was my first read. You dont have to read the other books before diving into this one although I wish I had of just cause its buggin my OCD..lol From the preview of the other books the same characters are involved in the series, the stories are completely separate which is good. There is alot of action with a little romance thrown in.
Profile Image for Laura.
282 reviews
August 11, 2014
With tons of plot twists this is quite a page turner! How many bad guys can there be?
I love the characters! Taylor and Stuart sizzle. Joe , Eva, Reese, and Peter keep you laughing and engaged. Even the lesser characters that come later are endearing. The crazies are coming out of the wood work! You need to read this book!
*** I was given this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. ***
Profile Image for Diana Duell.
314 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2020
A great story with several twists and turns. Love the characters.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2 reviews
June 20, 2022
Not great!

Story was a little too much. I've never rolled my eyes so many times reading a book. Just too predictable and too over the top.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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