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The Chemistry Test
Listening Length: 8 hours and 24 minutes
She’s ready to experiment with life… What about love?
Incredibly resilient and determined to rewrite the possibilities of life with a chronic illness, Penny is ready to leave her family behind and go to college by herself, accompanied by a snazzy new wheelchair and a backpack full of confidence.
When she meets the charming actor CJ, who is studying the same course, there’s an immediate spark. But Penny worries that her life isn’t fast-paced enough for CJ and assumes they’re better off as friends.
But Penny and CJ find themselves inspiring each other, and gradually discover, as they put their feelings under the microscope, that leaning on another person can be a sign of strength, not weakness. Because when it comes to the science of romance, the first rule is: never ignore your own chemistry…
A swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous STEM college romance that will melt your heart and have you flying through the pages. If you love forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine, The Chemistry Test is for you!
She’s ready to experiment with life… What about love?
Incredibly resilient and determined to rewrite the possibilities of life with a chronic illness, Penny is ready to leave her family behind and go to college by herself, accompanied by a snazzy new wheelchair and a backpack full of confidence.
When she meets the charming actor CJ, who is studying the same course, there’s an immediate spark. But Penny worries that her life isn’t fast-paced enough for CJ and assumes they’re better off as friends.
But Penny and CJ find themselves inspiring each other, and gradually discover, as they put their feelings under the microscope, that leaning on another person can be a sign of strength, not weakness. Because when it comes to the science of romance, the first rule is: never ignore your own chemistry…
A swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous STEM college romance that will melt your heart and have you flying through the pages. If you love forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine, The Chemistry Test is for you!
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 1, 2025
3323 people are currently reading
8671 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
June 11, 2025
The Chemistry test is such a wholesome love story. CJ and Penny are extremely loveable. It was humorous, impactful, and emotional!
The story is dual POV and follows Penny as she navigates her first year at university with her chronic illnesses, proving to herself and others that she is capable and extremely smart. And CJ, as he deals with retaking his freshman year after facing a difficult loss the year prior.
Penny and CJ are there for each other in more ways than either of them realize.
The side characters were just as important as the main characters. Penny really lucked out with some great roommates.
Thank you Georgina for this beautiful love story. 🥹🩷
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
The story is dual POV and follows Penny as she navigates her first year at university with her chronic illnesses, proving to herself and others that she is capable and extremely smart. And CJ, as he deals with retaking his freshman year after facing a difficult loss the year prior.
Penny and CJ are there for each other in more ways than either of them realize.
The side characters were just as important as the main characters. Penny really lucked out with some great roommates.
Thank you Georgina for this beautiful love story. 🥹🩷
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
June 25, 2025
A beautifully written, gentle romance and coming of age story of self discovery. I cannot believe this is from a debut author, it feels like it's written by a seasoned professional! It deals with difficult topics including grief, depression & disability with so much heart, fun and joy without falling into any of the 'inspirational' or 'saviour' tropes which can be common. It's funny, important & educational but never in a preachy way. This book will be a lifeline to the chronic illness community and a great way of helping those outside of it to understand life with a disability. It is clearly written from lived experience and I connected with it deeply. The characters are all so relatable and I especially loved the performance by Joshua Akehurst as CJ in the audiobook. If you love Giovanna Fletcher & Beth O'Leary then this book is for you! Highly recommend and already can't wait to reread!
(Note: I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for my unbiased review)
(Note: I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for my unbiased review)
June 21, 2025
The Chemistry Test is a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and what we can achieve if we are brave enough to be vulnerable.
This book highlights the importance of the representation of disability and mental illness, as well as their advocacy.
I felt seen and related to both of the main characters and the challenges they overcome throughout the story. Despite the seriousness of the subjects addressed, this story feels light and sweet, and flows easily with quippy banter and wholesome characters.
Thank you Georgina for this incredible story ❤️
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
August 18, 2025
If you're looking for a sweet college romance with great disability rep you should check out The Chemistry Test! This is a debut novel following Penny as she navigates her first year at University with a disability and falls in love along the way, despite initial misunderstandings with her love interest.
Penny has POTS and is a wheelchair user who can walk sometimes. I think this does a great job of unpacking misconceptions people have about disability - what it looks like and who it can effect - as well as some of the unseen elements of accessibility. Penny is resilient, has dreams of working in medical research, and just wants to have fun with her friends. CJ is in her chemistry class, but what she doesn't realize is that he is also an actor on a show that's popular in America. His avoidance of recognition is misinterpreted by her as not wanting to be seen with a disabled girl, but this quickly resolves into a slow-burn friends to lovers romance. Also he fosters kittens! It's very cute and perfect for readers who don't want a lot of spice in their romances. The audio narration is great and fits the UK university setting well! I received an audio review copy via NetGalley and am mutuals with the author. All opinions are my own.
Penny has POTS and is a wheelchair user who can walk sometimes. I think this does a great job of unpacking misconceptions people have about disability - what it looks like and who it can effect - as well as some of the unseen elements of accessibility. Penny is resilient, has dreams of working in medical research, and just wants to have fun with her friends. CJ is in her chemistry class, but what she doesn't realize is that he is also an actor on a show that's popular in America. His avoidance of recognition is misinterpreted by her as not wanting to be seen with a disabled girl, but this quickly resolves into a slow-burn friends to lovers romance. Also he fosters kittens! It's very cute and perfect for readers who don't want a lot of spice in their romances. The audio narration is great and fits the UK university setting well! I received an audio review copy via NetGalley and am mutuals with the author. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
This book is exactly what I needed when I first became chronically ill, disabled, and started to use a wheelchair. Which similarly to Penny was while at university!
The author’s ability to portray the nuances of disabled life, navigating university as a wheelchair user, and so many moments due to their own lived experiences meant I have never related to a protagonist more.
I engulfed this book in two sittings as the nature and development of their relationship was endearing, and I was forever rooting for them. Without giving spoilers, there’s some well crafted moments that will have you wanting to shake Penny for being her own barrier!!
This was an enjoyable read, with exceptional representation. The author’s crafting of the relationship development was perfect. Such a refreshing read! Thoroughly enjoyed!
[I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review]
The author’s ability to portray the nuances of disabled life, navigating university as a wheelchair user, and so many moments due to their own lived experiences meant I have never related to a protagonist more.
I engulfed this book in two sittings as the nature and development of their relationship was endearing, and I was forever rooting for them. Without giving spoilers, there’s some well crafted moments that will have you wanting to shake Penny for being her own barrier!!
This was an enjoyable read, with exceptional representation. The author’s crafting of the relationship development was perfect. Such a refreshing read! Thoroughly enjoyed!
[I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review]
June 23, 2025
A truly open and honest take on both grief and life and love with disability.
Penny, CJ and all their friends remind us that even with all of life's ups and downs, its the people we have beside us that make it all worthwhile.
A dual POV story that truly fleshes out both characters as individuals and together. Truly a delight to read.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Penny, CJ and all their friends remind us that even with all of life's ups and downs, its the people we have beside us that make it all worthwhile.
A dual POV story that truly fleshes out both characters as individuals and together. Truly a delight to read.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
July 9, 2025
Sweet but shallow characters with no real growth and a cute but overly simple plot with a conflict that feels a bit shoehorned in.
Also an example of a story where characters are TOO emotionally intelligent. When everyone talks like a therapist the book becomes repetitive and dull, and characters have absolutely no depth, with side characters having little to no variation or need to exist.
Book quality is YA, not new adult fiction. Which is fine, but definitely not clear.
Also an example of a story where characters are TOO emotionally intelligent. When everyone talks like a therapist the book becomes repetitive and dull, and characters have absolutely no depth, with side characters having little to no variation or need to exist.
Book quality is YA, not new adult fiction. Which is fine, but definitely not clear.
July 5, 2025
Really enjoyed this! 👍🏼Where the characters are only 18 and 19 it was a light and easy read, but also heart felt😌. Although the author is British🇬🇧, the writing has an easy, universal sort of feel, so I think readers anywhere, including my friends in America, would really connect with it too. I did guess a little bit of the ending but I was still excited to see it unfold!
July 10, 2025
So uplifting
First of all, how amazing that this wonderful book was written while Georgina was homeless. To write a book with so much hope and positive vibes is pretty special. She has such insight with disabilities (human and kitties) and depression. Look forward to reading more.
First of all, how amazing that this wonderful book was written while Georgina was homeless. To write a book with so much hope and positive vibes is pretty special. She has such insight with disabilities (human and kitties) and depression. Look forward to reading more.
June 18, 2025
This got me out of a two month reading slump - I'm not a big romance reader but I LOVED this
The main thing about this book I loved was all of the representation. Being disabled myself I've never actually read a book with a disabled main character and I've never read a book where the only purpose of the character wasn't just being the disabled one. Penny is disabled but there's so much more to her than that, her disability isn't her main point and I love that. CJ has my heart, he's my type on paper, the way he treats Penny won me over. His dyslexia representation was nice. Another thing about this book that stood out to me was CJ's grief - like many of us at this age I too have lost a family member I was very close to and it happened at a really difficult time in my life, CJ's experience was raw and realistic, the grief perspective was perfectly and beautifully written. I found a lot of parts of this book relatable. As I said I was in a book slump for coming up to two months but this book I could not put down, safe to say my reading slump is now cured. I only wish this was a series as I am not ready to say goodbye to Penny, CJ and all their friends. I've read a couple of romance books - I'm quite new to them - but this one really stands out not only for the representation but for being the most believable. I've read some far fetched books but this one was easy to follow as it's something that could actually happen which I suppose helped me get sucked into it so much. I liked how the chapters went back and forth between Penny and CJ and the ending had me emotional. Well done Georgina for writing such a fantastic book! I can't recommend this enough
The main thing about this book I loved was all of the representation. Being disabled myself I've never actually read a book with a disabled main character and I've never read a book where the only purpose of the character wasn't just being the disabled one. Penny is disabled but there's so much more to her than that, her disability isn't her main point and I love that. CJ has my heart, he's my type on paper, the way he treats Penny won me over. His dyslexia representation was nice. Another thing about this book that stood out to me was CJ's grief - like many of us at this age I too have lost a family member I was very close to and it happened at a really difficult time in my life, CJ's experience was raw and realistic, the grief perspective was perfectly and beautifully written. I found a lot of parts of this book relatable. As I said I was in a book slump for coming up to two months but this book I could not put down, safe to say my reading slump is now cured. I only wish this was a series as I am not ready to say goodbye to Penny, CJ and all their friends. I've read a couple of romance books - I'm quite new to them - but this one really stands out not only for the representation but for being the most believable. I've read some far fetched books but this one was easy to follow as it's something that could actually happen which I suppose helped me get sucked into it so much. I liked how the chapters went back and forth between Penny and CJ and the ending had me emotional. Well done Georgina for writing such a fantastic book! I can't recommend this enough
July 10, 2025
finding yourself and love
This is a great read. It’s not something I would generally pick but I’m so glad I did. Cam is a young man struggling with grief after the loss of his gran. Penny is a girl trying to find life with a crippling health condition. Together they learn about themselves and how to overcome come grief, obstacles and life in general and find the happiness that they deserve. It’s definitely worth the read
This is a great read. It’s not something I would generally pick but I’m so glad I did. Cam is a young man struggling with grief after the loss of his gran. Penny is a girl trying to find life with a crippling health condition. Together they learn about themselves and how to overcome come grief, obstacles and life in general and find the happiness that they deserve. It’s definitely worth the read
July 3, 2025
I read this as part of Amazon’s First Read option this month. Sometimes these first read picks can be a bit hit or miss, but I have to say I really enjoyed this.
The story does so much to raise awareness for disabilities and inclusivity, but in a way that doesn’t feel forced. It definitely made me think of the privileges I have as an able bodied person, and has opened my eyes to a lot of the things I take for granted.
As well as the conversations around disabilities, I thought the way this story approaches grief, and more generically how to move forward in your life during times you feel stuck, was really well done - both serious and witty in equal measure.
In terms of the writing style, I appreciated the short chapters as it made the story flow and move and a satisfying pace. It never felt like it dragged and was an easy read - even when touching on potentially heavy topics.
A quick, but important read.
The story does so much to raise awareness for disabilities and inclusivity, but in a way that doesn’t feel forced. It definitely made me think of the privileges I have as an able bodied person, and has opened my eyes to a lot of the things I take for granted.
As well as the conversations around disabilities, I thought the way this story approaches grief, and more generically how to move forward in your life during times you feel stuck, was really well done - both serious and witty in equal measure.
In terms of the writing style, I appreciated the short chapters as it made the story flow and move and a satisfying pace. It never felt like it dragged and was an easy read - even when touching on potentially heavy topics.
A quick, but important read.
July 4, 2025
This was such a lovely coming of age story, my heart felt so full by the end, i really enjoyed every second of it! Will definitely be recommending this book to my friends for our next group read :)
May 31, 2025
Honestly can’t wait the read a romance with disability rep!! Will be an interesting read! so excited 🥰
July 6, 2025
A good RX for anyone
A sweet story interwoven with outstanding advice for any and everyone. Full of “one-liners” suitable for word art such as: “In psychology, they call it the what-the-hell effect, when you slightly lessen your hopes of achieving something, so you blow your chances even more.”
For the young or young at heart, plenty of life lessons here.
Good work, Georgina.
A sweet story interwoven with outstanding advice for any and everyone. Full of “one-liners” suitable for word art such as: “In psychology, they call it the what-the-hell effect, when you slightly lessen your hopes of achieving something, so you blow your chances even more.”
For the young or young at heart, plenty of life lessons here.
Good work, Georgina.
July 12, 2025
This was the sweetest, most heartwarming read! The disability representation was so well done and made it quite emotional to be able to read a romance where I could relate so strongly to the main character. Also, can’t forget about the true star of the show - Callie 🥺😍
July 10, 2025
A beautiful surprise!
To be honest, I don't even remember how I came across this book, I think I was looking for something else, or maybe I was just trying to give a romance story a go as I don't usually read the genre much. In any case, I was out there looking for something sweet, short and easy and I got a lot more than what I asked for.
The characters are charming and cute, the coming of age aspect is nice and simple... like, truly, unless you are in a telenovela, it is usually not a very dramatic thing. The way the story is structured is so good, having moments with each MC was very good and it keep me wanting to read more.
The only con... is that I'm sad its over now 🫠
Can we have some extra story on Ro, Amy and some of the other characters?!
Also! There are cute kittens❣️
To be honest, I don't even remember how I came across this book, I think I was looking for something else, or maybe I was just trying to give a romance story a go as I don't usually read the genre much. In any case, I was out there looking for something sweet, short and easy and I got a lot more than what I asked for.
The characters are charming and cute, the coming of age aspect is nice and simple... like, truly, unless you are in a telenovela, it is usually not a very dramatic thing. The way the story is structured is so good, having moments with each MC was very good and it keep me wanting to read more.
The only con... is that I'm sad its over now 🫠
Can we have some extra story on Ro, Amy and some of the other characters?!
Also! There are cute kittens❣️
July 10, 2025
I wanted so much more from this book.
The main characters felt flat and one dimensional. Everything about them that could have made them interesting was quickly dashed away for some inspirational speech - which, also wasn’t good by the way.
This was such a struggle to get through. I really imagined the FMC as this complex resilience woman but what we got was sunshine shoved in your face that doesn’t seem to realize her own situation. You’re going to tell me that someone who can walk but has to use a wheelchair and is in so much pain because of it is going to be constantly happy, all the time? That’s super unrealistic that she’s not going to have a bad day here and there.
It’s also unbelievably easy to forget that this is in the UK? Other than the odd common British slag (mate, bloody etc) thrown in once every 10 chapters or so, there’s nothing that makes me think either of these characters are English.
This almost reads as, not just a YA, but a young YA, like 9-12. You’re going to tell me that these 18-20 year olds aren’t even thinking of kissing each other? Not even thinking it?? And *spoiler* they never do, even in the 2 years later epilogue? Like, people with disabilities also have desires and are sexual beings too.
There really wasn’t any story here. It wasn’t character based and it sure as hell wasn’t plot based so what was the point?
It’s also the LAZIEST writing to include jokes from 2015 vines?? I saw this was written in 2021 which blew my mind because the jokes were so old and done with. Seriously, why include them at all? The characters weren’t funny without those and it just made them more unfunny.
The paragraphing also needs a lot of work.
Honestly, what a task this was so read and finish.
The main characters felt flat and one dimensional. Everything about them that could have made them interesting was quickly dashed away for some inspirational speech - which, also wasn’t good by the way.
This was such a struggle to get through. I really imagined the FMC as this complex resilience woman but what we got was sunshine shoved in your face that doesn’t seem to realize her own situation. You’re going to tell me that someone who can walk but has to use a wheelchair and is in so much pain because of it is going to be constantly happy, all the time? That’s super unrealistic that she’s not going to have a bad day here and there.
It’s also unbelievably easy to forget that this is in the UK? Other than the odd common British slag (mate, bloody etc) thrown in once every 10 chapters or so, there’s nothing that makes me think either of these characters are English.
This almost reads as, not just a YA, but a young YA, like 9-12. You’re going to tell me that these 18-20 year olds aren’t even thinking of kissing each other? Not even thinking it?? And *spoiler* they never do, even in the 2 years later epilogue? Like, people with disabilities also have desires and are sexual beings too.
There really wasn’t any story here. It wasn’t character based and it sure as hell wasn’t plot based so what was the point?
It’s also the LAZIEST writing to include jokes from 2015 vines?? I saw this was written in 2021 which blew my mind because the jokes were so old and done with. Seriously, why include them at all? The characters weren’t funny without those and it just made them more unfunny.
The paragraphing also needs a lot of work.
Honestly, what a task this was so read and finish.
July 4, 2025
Cute, emotional, cozy
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 0.25
College age main characters
Dual POV
Friends to lovers (sort of)
This is well written and covers some really under represented topics. It was nice to see invisible disability acknowledged and the inner thoughts of people who struggle in different ways. It focused heavy on the friendship and very little on the romance, which is good in a way because friendship is pretty foundational for lasting relationships.
I’m not personally a fan of the pacing. Although I can appreciate a slow burn, it never actually does catch fire. The first part of the book is the budding friendship with internally denied romantic undertones. The next part is the break up from something that never really got to be more than friendship. This can be a good thing too because friendship break ups are real and hard and often not given proper weight. Then there is like 1/2 a chapter and an epilogue where they are together I guess. This is a popular way for stories to go, so there must be people who like that. If that’s your thing, you’ll like this.
Over all this is a good book, but in my opinion not as much of a romance. It addresses the complexity of thought that a person with invisible disability might have when asking, “what do I bring to the table in this relationship?” But explores it more from a “should I even be in a relationship?” perspective than from how it might feel if they actually pursued the relationship.
I hope to see more from this author!
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 0.25
College age main characters
Dual POV
Friends to lovers (sort of)
This is well written and covers some really under represented topics. It was nice to see invisible disability acknowledged and the inner thoughts of people who struggle in different ways. It focused heavy on the friendship and very little on the romance, which is good in a way because friendship is pretty foundational for lasting relationships.
I’m not personally a fan of the pacing. Although I can appreciate a slow burn, it never actually does catch fire. The first part of the book is the budding friendship with internally denied romantic undertones. The next part is the break up from something that never really got to be more than friendship. This can be a good thing too because friendship break ups are real and hard and often not given proper weight. Then there is like 1/2 a chapter and an epilogue where they are together I guess. This is a popular way for stories to go, so there must be people who like that. If that’s your thing, you’ll like this.
Over all this is a good book, but in my opinion not as much of a romance. It addresses the complexity of thought that a person with invisible disability might have when asking, “what do I bring to the table in this relationship?” But explores it more from a “should I even be in a relationship?” perspective than from how it might feel if they actually pursued the relationship.
I hope to see more from this author!
August 6, 2025
Georgina Frankie's debut novel delivers something increasingly rare in contemporary YA romance - a love story that doesn't promise to fix everything. The Chemistry Test follows Penny, an 18-year-old with a chronic illness who uses a wheelchair, as she navigates her first year at university alongside her growing feelings for CJ, an aspiring actor taking a break from his career after personal loss.
What makes this novel particularly remarkable is Frankie's commitment to authenticity over convenience. Penny isn't magically cured by love, nor does she need to be "saved" by romance. Instead, the narrative explores how two people dealing with their own challenges can genuinely support each other without losing their individual identities.
Character Development That Feels Real
Penny's Journey to Self-Acceptance
Penny Lane emerges as a protagonist who defies easy categorization. She's academically brilliant, running an anonymous advice blog called "Closer Than Yesterday," yet struggles with deep-seated insecurities about her worth in romantic relationships. Frankie skillfully portrays the internal conflict between Penny's intellectual confidence and her emotional vulnerability.
The author's greatest strength lies in avoiding the trap of making Penny's disability her entire personality. She's a fully realized character who happens to use a wheelchair, not a disability inspiration narrative. Her concerns about accessibility, fatigue management, and societal perceptions feel genuine rather than educational.
CJ's Complexity Beyond the Love Interest
CJ (Cameron) could have easily become a generic "swoony" leading man, but Frankie imbues him with genuine depth. His struggle with grief following his grandmother's death and his complicated relationship with his acting career provide layers that elevate him beyond typical YA male leads. The revelation that he's been anonymously messaging Penny's advice blog creates a compelling narrative tension that drives the story's emotional core.
The Anonymous Messaging Subplot: A Masterstroke
The central conceit of Penny unknowingly counseling CJ through her anonymous blog serves multiple narrative functions brilliantly. It allows both characters to be vulnerable in ways they couldn't be face-to-face, while also creating dramatic irony that keeps readers invested. When the truth emerges, the emotional fallout feels earned rather than contrived.
This subplot also showcases Frankie's understanding of how young people actually communicate and seek help in the digital age. The messaging format feels authentic, avoiding the awkward "how do you do, fellow kids" tone that often plagues adult authors writing about technology.
Disability Representation Done Right
Frankie's representation of disability deserves particular praise. Penny's experiences with chronic illness and wheelchair use are portrayed with nuance and specificity. The novel addresses practical concerns - from accessible buildings to energy management - without turning them into dramatic plot devices.
The author avoids both the "inspiration porn" trap and the opposite extreme of making disability unrealistically easy to navigate. Penny has bad days and good days; she faces genuine barriers but also finds workarounds and support systems. This balanced approach feels refreshing in a genre that often handles disability poorly.
Where the Chemistry Fizzles Slightly
Despite its many strengths, The Chemistry Test isn't without its weaknesses. The pacing occasionally suffers during the middle sections, particularly when the focus shifts too heavily toward academic stress and friend group dynamics. Some supporting characters, particularly Amy and Ro, feel underdeveloped despite their significant presence in the narrative.
The resolution, while satisfying, occasionally veers toward the overly tidy. The epilogue's "two years later" format, while providing closure, doesn't entirely escape the "everything works out perfectly" trap that the rest of the novel so carefully avoids.
Writing Style and Voice
Frankie's prose strikes an effective balance between accessible and sophisticated. The dual perspective narrative works well, with distinct voices for both Penny and CJ that feel authentic to their characters. The author's background in social media advocacy shines through in the genuine way she captures contemporary young adult communication patterns.
The humor feels natural and character-driven rather than forced, with Penny's witty observations and CJ's dry commentary providing levity without undermining the story's emotional weight. Particularly effective are the scenes where both characters' vulnerabilities are on full display.
Final Verdict
The Chemistry Test succeeds as both romance and social commentary, offering readers a love story that doesn't rely on problematic tropes about disability or mental health. While it occasionally stumbles with pacing and supporting character development, Frankie's commitment to authentic representation and emotional honesty makes this a noteworthy debut.
The novel works particularly well for readers seeking romance that acknowledges real-world challenges without being overwhelmed by them. It's a story about finding love and community while navigating life's complexities - a message that feels both timely and timeless.
For YA romance readers tired of stories where love conquers all in unrealistic ways, The Chemistry Test offers something more mature and ultimately more satisfying: a love story where the characters' individual growth matters as much as their relationship. Frankie has established herself as an author to watch, and readers will likely be eager to see what she creates next.
What makes this novel particularly remarkable is Frankie's commitment to authenticity over convenience. Penny isn't magically cured by love, nor does she need to be "saved" by romance. Instead, the narrative explores how two people dealing with their own challenges can genuinely support each other without losing their individual identities.
Character Development That Feels Real
Penny's Journey to Self-Acceptance
Penny Lane emerges as a protagonist who defies easy categorization. She's academically brilliant, running an anonymous advice blog called "Closer Than Yesterday," yet struggles with deep-seated insecurities about her worth in romantic relationships. Frankie skillfully portrays the internal conflict between Penny's intellectual confidence and her emotional vulnerability.
The author's greatest strength lies in avoiding the trap of making Penny's disability her entire personality. She's a fully realized character who happens to use a wheelchair, not a disability inspiration narrative. Her concerns about accessibility, fatigue management, and societal perceptions feel genuine rather than educational.
CJ's Complexity Beyond the Love Interest
CJ (Cameron) could have easily become a generic "swoony" leading man, but Frankie imbues him with genuine depth. His struggle with grief following his grandmother's death and his complicated relationship with his acting career provide layers that elevate him beyond typical YA male leads. The revelation that he's been anonymously messaging Penny's advice blog creates a compelling narrative tension that drives the story's emotional core.
The Anonymous Messaging Subplot: A Masterstroke
The central conceit of Penny unknowingly counseling CJ through her anonymous blog serves multiple narrative functions brilliantly. It allows both characters to be vulnerable in ways they couldn't be face-to-face, while also creating dramatic irony that keeps readers invested. When the truth emerges, the emotional fallout feels earned rather than contrived.
This subplot also showcases Frankie's understanding of how young people actually communicate and seek help in the digital age. The messaging format feels authentic, avoiding the awkward "how do you do, fellow kids" tone that often plagues adult authors writing about technology.
Disability Representation Done Right
Frankie's representation of disability deserves particular praise. Penny's experiences with chronic illness and wheelchair use are portrayed with nuance and specificity. The novel addresses practical concerns - from accessible buildings to energy management - without turning them into dramatic plot devices.
The author avoids both the "inspiration porn" trap and the opposite extreme of making disability unrealistically easy to navigate. Penny has bad days and good days; she faces genuine barriers but also finds workarounds and support systems. This balanced approach feels refreshing in a genre that often handles disability poorly.
Where the Chemistry Fizzles Slightly
Despite its many strengths, The Chemistry Test isn't without its weaknesses. The pacing occasionally suffers during the middle sections, particularly when the focus shifts too heavily toward academic stress and friend group dynamics. Some supporting characters, particularly Amy and Ro, feel underdeveloped despite their significant presence in the narrative.
The resolution, while satisfying, occasionally veers toward the overly tidy. The epilogue's "two years later" format, while providing closure, doesn't entirely escape the "everything works out perfectly" trap that the rest of the novel so carefully avoids.
Writing Style and Voice
Frankie's prose strikes an effective balance between accessible and sophisticated. The dual perspective narrative works well, with distinct voices for both Penny and CJ that feel authentic to their characters. The author's background in social media advocacy shines through in the genuine way she captures contemporary young adult communication patterns.
The humor feels natural and character-driven rather than forced, with Penny's witty observations and CJ's dry commentary providing levity without undermining the story's emotional weight. Particularly effective are the scenes where both characters' vulnerabilities are on full display.
Final Verdict
The Chemistry Test succeeds as both romance and social commentary, offering readers a love story that doesn't rely on problematic tropes about disability or mental health. While it occasionally stumbles with pacing and supporting character development, Frankie's commitment to authentic representation and emotional honesty makes this a noteworthy debut.
The novel works particularly well for readers seeking romance that acknowledges real-world challenges without being overwhelmed by them. It's a story about finding love and community while navigating life's complexities - a message that feels both timely and timeless.
For YA romance readers tired of stories where love conquers all in unrealistic ways, The Chemistry Test offers something more mature and ultimately more satisfying: a love story where the characters' individual growth matters as much as their relationship. Frankie has established herself as an author to watch, and readers will likely be eager to see what she creates next.
July 8, 2025
A sweet read. Loved the way the characters were developed and explored their relationship to the end.
July 6, 2025
Totally a sweet read
I usually go for the spicy or dark books. This book is neither. This book is sweet. It follows CJ and Penny on their journey of finding love but that also just because you struggle with your mental health or a disability that you are not held back or holding others back.
I usually go for the spicy or dark books. This book is neither. This book is sweet. It follows CJ and Penny on their journey of finding love but that also just because you struggle with your mental health or a disability that you are not held back or holding others back.
July 7, 2025
Loved this book! The characters were charming and the story was well written. Definitely recommend!
July 5, 2025
Just finished your book in tears with all the feels. Thank you for expressing all the things my spoonie self feels and thinks. It was brilliant♡
July 13, 2025
So wonderful to read a cute book with a disabled MC!! Teenage me would have loved to see this so much (adult me also loves it too ofc!). As a disabled person it’s so great to read something like this I can relate to and also get that wholesomeness at the same time - and well written to boot 🩷✨ recommend!!
July 7, 2025
DNF…. Yikes.
July 9, 2025
I liked this book! It dealt with heavy subjects in a way that was real, touching, but also light and not overwhelmingly sad. After reading many books with dark themes and sad endings, and with everyone so at odds these days, it's nice to read something that is hopeful.
Read
July 31, 2025I feel like I can’t rate this one… it was cheesy, predictable, not really funny, had tropes I LOATHE …
BUT the disability representation was so good it’s unmatched. Super realistic, informative without being annoying, and just so well written and portrayed.
definitely worth a read if you have an invisible disability or have someone in your life with one or just want a realistic idea of what life is like with one!
BUT the disability representation was so good it’s unmatched. Super realistic, informative without being annoying, and just so well written and portrayed.
definitely worth a read if you have an invisible disability or have someone in your life with one or just want a realistic idea of what life is like with one!
July 9, 2025
Team characters
Thank you for a story with real characters and believable situations. None of us are perfect and your book shows us that that does not mean we should give up. We can still succeed. Great debut. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for a story with real characters and believable situations. None of us are perfect and your book shows us that that does not mean we should give up. We can still succeed. Great debut. Keep up the good work.
July 5, 2025
I really wanted to like this book—I'm a sucker for quick romance reads, and I was excited to see a story that features a main character navigating life with a disability. I appreciated the premise, but unfortunately, the writing just didn’t work for me. It felt juvenile and clunky, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. I DNF at 25%
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