Fostering Chemistry

College Roommates #3

by Stephanie Brother

He was my dirty little secret, but now he’s my new roommate—along with two other tempting men.

Moving into Baylor House—free university housing for former foster kids like me—is supposed to be a fresh start with others who’ve faced the same challenges. The only problem? The hot-as-hell residential advisor is the man I made out with at a wild costume party last week.

Diego doesn’t recognize me, but I remember the hunger in his kiss and the possessive glide of his hands over my body. I should be focused on my classes, not bracing for the moment he puts it together. And he’s not the only one of my new roommates who drives me to delicious distraction.

Aaron is gorgeous, confident, and every time he’s near, I forget how to breathe. He flirts like it’s a game, but the heat in his eyes tells me he’s not playing.

Cody is guarded and quiet, but his touch speaks volumes. There’s a lot I don’t know about the talented musician, but I’m dying to find out.

And Diego is supposed to keep us in line, but he bends his own rules for me. Our first kiss was reckless, but his cocky grin makes me crave more.

These men teach me things about pleasure I never even imagined. Our chemistry is off the charts, but old wounds don’t heal overnight. For the first time in my life, I feel like I might truly belong somewhere, but trusting it enough to build a future together could be the hardest lesson of all.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

International bestselling author Stephanie Brother writes high heat love stories with a hint of the forbidden. Since 2015, she’s been bringing to life handsome, flawed heroes who know how to treat their women. If you enjoy stories involving multiple lovers, including twins, triplets, stepbrothers, and their friends, you’re in the right place. When it comes to books and men, Stephanie truly believes it’s the more, the merrier.

She spends most of her day typing, drinking coffee, and interacting with readers.

Her books have been translated into German, French, and Spanish, and she has hit the Amazon bestseller list in seven countries.

Find her at:
WEBSITE - www.stephaniebrotherbooks.com
FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/stephaniebrother
FACEBOOK READER GROUP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/86194...
MAILING LIST - https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
INSTAGRAM - www.instagram/stephaniebrotherbooks
TIKTOK - www.tiktok.com/@stephaniebrotherbooks

Reviews

[J E N N A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I just wasn’t a fan of this book. It definitely didn’t have the *spice* that I normally expect from a Stephanie Brother book. I didn’t really feel the connection between her and the guys despite there being more story than romance scenes. It was a super slow burn like 2 p-in-v scenes and one awkward group scene at the end.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author's creativity, and this series is entertaining.

The storyline is a slow building of character connections and I liked getting to know all the new inhabitants in the Baylor House. It is very unfortunate that these people all share a similar background of foster care, but I appreciated the attitudes and "found family" feelings (or at least - I know where you are coming from - empathy). Having already consumed books one and two, it was fun for me to see the appearance of Tori and Hayden, who are friends with Mia.

Mia has a lot of emotional guilt being on campus, because her sister was supposed to be with her, and she isn't. Moving into the house of mostly guys is a bit uneasy for her, but Diego and Aaron do their best to help her feel at home. Along the way, she also befriends Cody, and the three of them have individual friendships and feelings that slowly turn into more romantic intents. I appreciated what she gave to each of the guys, and how they saw and supported her.

While definitely less intense (of a poly relationship representation) than others from this author, this is sweet, easy to connect with the situations, and does have some steamy parts towards the end.
I recommend reading in order for the best continuity, but this can be a stand-alone if you want.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC (thank you) and my thoughts are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding out that her former foster sister is in rehab and will not be joining her at college, Mia moves into the Baylor House on campus alone. This is a home for students just like her, former foster children. Each with their own past story, she slowly starts to get to know some of her new housemates a little better than others. First is Aaron, who she immediately connects with. Next is the house RA, Diego, upon seeing him she realizes it isn't the first time they met, and she is extremely embarrassed and has a hard time talking or being around him, which is puzzling for him. Last up is Cody, who doesn't really talk, but ends up in one of her classes and she tries to befriend him and get him to open up. As friendships build, and some secrets come out, the chemistry slowly starts to heat up between these four taking us on an adventure to see how they will end up and if they can find a way to make a relationship work.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love all of Stephanie Brothers books. Each story is original and full of deep emotions and lots of drama. This story was about those who grew up in the foster system and who are now going to college together and their personal struggles and challenges they have to face. Mia had planned on attending college with her foster sister but when she was discovered taking drugs, Mia had to face her journey alone. Then she met Diego who is the house RA, then Aaron and Cody. Their relationship develops slowly but gradually and they really heat up the pages once they decide to share Mia. There is a cross over of the other women in Mia’s life when Tori and Hailey as well as their men are there for Mia when she needs them. The story ends on a happy note but possibly a lead up to the next book in this series?

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the way this story was written! It had such a slow burn that I was on tenterhooks, eagerly waiting for Diego to realize (or acknowledge) that Mia was the girl he kissed at the party.

Aaron was a sweetheart from the very first chapter, and if this were real life, I would be concerned that he might end up in the friend zone.

Cody is mysterious and has depths that only the persistent and caring would dare to explore.

Mia, having grown up in the foster system, didn’t have an abundance of love in her life, so accepting that three men cared for her was a challenge. However, it happened, and the journey to that realization kept me on the edge of my seat!

This is definitely a must-read if you're into college romance stories featuring not just one, but three gorgeous men.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Through Love
This story has really made me think hard and long about family dynamics and what harm can be done in that setting! Mia is a product of the Foster Care System and she is struggling but pushing to be what she wants to be. Moving to a college dorm is huge but being one of the only two females makes for some high stress. Meeting her house mates is quite comical but the chemistry that’s expressed about several of the guys is electric. Diego the RA, Aaron the hunk and Colby the musical recluse are all also products of the Foster System and they all have totally opposite yet heartbreaking stories. Can they all help Mia to adapt or will the chemistry zapping around be the end os friendships and maybe more? I loved the book but I didn’t expect any different as I Love Stephanie Brothers books!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy, Fun, and Full of Heat
Fostering Chemistry is an absolute treat for reverse harem fans. Stephanie Brother delivers a story packed with sizzling chemistry, playful banter, and plenty of steamy moments that make it impossible to put down. The heroine’s dynamic with her men feels natural and engaging, with each relationship adding a unique spark to the story.
What I really enjoyed was the balance between the lighthearted fun and the deeper emotional connections—making the romance feel both hot and heartfelt. It’s the perfect guilty pleasure read that leaves you wanting more from this world.
If you love reverse harem romances with steam, heart, and a heroine who gets all the love she deserves, this book will not disappoint.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Mia, Cody, Aaron, Diego. Mia hasn't had an easy life. she is hoping that college will give her a fresh start. After going thorugh a rough time with her last foster sister she isn't sure what she will do about her but after going through a night trying to forget she never planned on meeting Diego that night. Cody, Aaron, & Diego are her new roommates she doesn't know what to make of them. Each of the guys believe that Mia is the most beautiful woman they have met. They are big about respect and do not wish to violate hers. Can they all find a HEA or will they find that things from their past make a future impossible?

Another hit out of the park by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Stephanie Brother]

Mia’s college housing comes with three sinfully tempting roommates—and one dirty little secret. Aaron’s the flirty charmer, Cody’s the brooding musician, and Diego’s the gorgeous stranger she kissed at a party, never expecting to see again. Between midterms and midnight mischief, lectures and lingering touches, Mia’s education has only just begun.

Though I wrote this book to have a lot of heart, it also has heat, including inappropriate behavior in/at:
❤️‍🔥A piano practice room
❤️‍🔥A class movie night
❤️‍🔥A Mexican restaurant
❤️‍🔥An anniversary party

Plus other extracurricular activities!

[Kerry Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baylor House is campus housing for foster care scholarship students. Mia was supposed to move to Baylor House with her foster sister, but Sarah ends up in rehab. At the house, Mia meets Diego, Aaron and Cody. Diego is the RA of the house, Aaron is a great guy who wants to get closer to Mia, and Cody is the silent, mysterious musician. Attracted to all three, Mia doesn’t want to choose, and these men decide they’d rather share her than lose out on having her in their life. This book offers a perspective into the unique experience of foster kids going to college and how their backgrounds shape them. Its sweet, emotional, steamy and a great read!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOSTERING CHEMISTRY is Book 3 of the College Roommates series. It's a steamy, instalove, OTT, forced-proximity, reverse-harem, girl gets her 3 hotties romance. Mia is a young woman who was raised in the foster care system. She is now off to college. She thought her foster sister would join her, but she is in rehab. Mia ends up living at Baylor House, which is housing for those that were raised in the foster system. Diego is her hunky RA, that she recently made out with at a party. Aaron and Cody are other house mates that she connects with. The story is a bit of a slow-burn. The chemistry was just OK for me and we ended on a happy note. 3.5 ☆s.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

House of Hot

As Mia moves into the Baylor House she does not expect to run into the hot guy she was kissing a little while back. Diego might not remember her but there are other hot guys that could tend to her needs. This reverse harem was fun and steamy. It was intricately woven into a situation where Mia and the guys could not contain their attraction. Entertaining and short, this read had some great moments.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fostering Chemistry, book 3 of the College Roommates series by Stephanie Brother @stephaniebrotherbooks. I love Stephanie’s books & this one was good! Not as good as some of her other books but still good.

I enjoyed this book about Mia, Cody, Aaron & Diego! Tropes: Contemporary, Reverse Harem, College, Multi POV (though mostly Mia’s), Former Foster Children, Slow Burn, No 3rd Act Break Up & HFN!

[Jo Venison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and the fact that it was a slow burn and you got to know everybody, and watch their relationships build was refreshing. Once the heat was added, it exploded!

The shared background of all four of them made their backstories emotional and watching them talk about experiences and how they shaped their lives, does pull at the heart strings. I hope we get to revisit them in another book to see how they continue to grow.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is starting college and moving into the Baylor House. A house for foster youth students. Meeting Aaron, Cody and Diego changed her world. The connections between them are incredible and so different yet together they are better somehow. It’s a sweet story about finding love and happiness in unexpected circumstances. Love their relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me it felt like this book focused more on the connections each of the guy's had with Mia (FMC) instead of kicking off with the full on naughtiness from the start of this book. Which I really liked because it gave us time to find out each guys story and invested in them before the steam started. More so with Cody (I thought) who was more guarded than the other guys. A great read that I enjoyed reading.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasty Temptations

Fostering Chemistry is the third book in the College Roommates series. The story is a RH romance between Mia, Aaron, Cody, and Diego. She has been attending Langley University for six weeks and is living at Baylor House. There Mia encounters more than one sexy temptation. What will she do now that she has tasted the pleasure of each?

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a winner this author has written. Fantastic, absolutely brilliant. How can you go wrong with three handsome hotties, and one very beautiful woman. All scarred in some way by their lives as foster children.

[Lindsy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! All 3 housemates respected Mia right from the beginning. It showed how each guys was perfect for her yet there was zero jealousy between any of them. I also love when books have previous characters in it too!

[Whitney Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Read

I love the story line and how they were all foster kids. She always seems to go into great detail. The story is easy to follow and of course the HEA is the best part. She knocked it out of the park again with this one. Can't wait for Zoe's story!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different in all the best ways. This story is more in the realm of Mia coming into her own, but seeing that she doesn't have to do it alone. I enjoyed seeing how it wasn't just fast burn, though I love those too, but I loved reading the relationship between the guys as well. Definitely want to read about their continued journey, adulthood issues, and such.

[Sandra Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, this series hooked me

This Frat boy series hooked me from Haileys story all the way thru Mias. Delightful, sad in parts but so worth the read. It seems I felt every up and down of them all. Recommended.

[Juliet Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and wonderful

This like all her books was hot and so good fell in love with the guys but Cody was my favorite. You simply must read but read the whole series it makes it better in my opinion

[Nancy Higgs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This is not my favorite book she has written. Her stories usually have a good backstory and great spice. This particular book just seemed a bit lacklustre, but that is just an opinion! Read the book for yourself and then make a final call

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fostering Chemistry took me on a bit of a ride. Loved that it included a CODA person. I enjoyed how the relationships evolved. Great read.

[Jehanne Edwards-Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow I love this book

Well done I love reading this book and all the book Stephanie brother writes keep writing amazing stories can’t wait for the next one

[Themootinslive.Co.Uk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving and beautiful

Loved that it covered sensitive topics and kindred spirits stayed together to support each other. 🫶🏻
Also the SEX senses were flipping great to... 😁😁😁😁😂

[Kenadee Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a decent spicy romance with decently developed relationships, background relationships, and obstacles. However, there was just something missing from it.

[S I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fostering Chemistry by Stephanie Brother
This author just knows how to write delicious tales of love out of the ordinary box. Each and every book that I have read from her is wild.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mia's story.
There was a little drama, secrets, themes of found family, character growth, and some spice.
I loved how the relationships between Mia and each guy grew. How they went from friends to more, it seemed genuine.