Nicholas Jackson is a dedicated teacher who’s never let love in not by choice, but because life taught him to be cautious, he’s built walls around his heart to protect himself from the pain he fears.
Desiree Marshall is a first-year teacher who left her hometown to escape a painful past and start fresh somewhere new.
When Nicholas and Desiree’s paths cross, will they discover that the greatest lessons in life are written in chemistry?
This book was the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover” because these teachers are nasty 😝 This book is part of an interconnected series written by different authors and best enjoyed by reading them all together. I look forward to continuing the rest ☺️
If you’re looking for a quick cute & spicy insta love with character growth then this is for you. Perfect as we roll into the fall season!
I received an ARC copy of this novel from Kiriah Kache. It is the third book in an interconnected schoolhouse series set in SweetPea Academy. This was a feel good read about two people Nick and Desiree with issues in their past relationships who hook up for a one night stand but don't realize their paths will cross again. Have to love a good school house romance filled with mystery as they sneak around in that damn "supply closet!" They both discover that allowing the past to dictate their future isn't an option anymore when you meet someone who just does it for you! Not to mention there's a good amount of spice that causes you to blush just enough.
I absolutely LOVE Kiriah’s books because they are always short (novellas) and fully packed with everything you would want in a full length novel. This one was no different. I loved Nicholas and Desiree’s story. Both having a terrible past which resulted to them having their guards up for whomever was next! The way they met and got to know one another was 🤏🏽🤭 I was not expecting to be hit with the good stuff so early on! It definitely had me intrigued and wanting to keep reading.
If you enjoy short stories that get straight to the point with some undeniable chemistry then this novella is for you!
Such a cute read. 😍 Two people who are uncertain about love, find themselves in uncharted territory. Desiree and Nicholas don't know if love is real. If it is, can it be trusted? Both shaped from experiences that have shown them that love can quickly turn from sugar to ish, in the blink of an eye. However, their chemistry is too potent to ignore, so they take a leap. Talking, spending time together, flirting, and becoming vulnerable allows them both to ease into "this" with hopes of success. They were adorable getting to know each other, when they weren't getting it in, in every available room or closet. 😜🤣 Loved the ending, especially the alternate one. 👍🏿👍🏿
This story was soft, heartfelt, and gave me exactly what I needed in a teacher romance. Nicholas carried so much caution and fear around love, and I really felt the weight of those walls he built. Desiree was fresh, determined to start over, and her strength made me root for her from the start.
What I loved most was how their connection grew with patience and intention. It wasn’t rushed, it was about two people finding safety and love where they least expected it. Chemistry showed that sometimes the hardest lessons are the ones that teach us how to open our hearts again.
Thank you Kiriah for the A.R.C, I can’t wait for everyone to read this. Releasing on Friday(9•5•25)
Listen… if you want a quick, flirty, and slightly messy ride into romance, this book is giving exactly what it needs to give. Nicholas Jackson? Whew. My man is fine teacher with a guarded heart, loyal to his momma, and minding his business- Mr. Love Them & Leave Them until Desiree Marshall strolls in like a fresh breeze after a storm. She’s new in town, fresh off a breakup (girl, he wasn’t worth it anyway), and ready to rebuild herself somewhere new.
Their first encounter? At the bar. Sparks fly, the tension snaps, and let’s just say that “one night only” wasn’t enough to clear that kind of heat. What follows is workplace chaos, chemistry that doesn’t quit, and a lesson in what happens when two guarded souls risk opening up again.
Now let me be clear! Y’all this is not your squeaky-clean classroom story. Oh no. Please don’t let the cover fool you! These two get down bad, real bad! The spice is spicing, the banter is cute, and the vibes are perfect for curling up this fall with a drink in hand.
It’s the third book in The Sweetest Lesson series, which means more fun if you read them all together (different authors, same universe). I had a good time, laughed out loud a few times, and yes- Nicholas definitely fell hard & fast first and I really loved that for him. I’ll be picking up the rest of this series because baby, yes!
Chemistry by Kiriah Kache is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you with charm, tension, and undeniable chemistry—then refuses to let go.
Desiree and Nicholas meet by chance, share one unforgettable night, and walk away thinking it was simply lightning in a bottle. But fate has other plans. When their paths cross again in an unexpected—and very close—professional setting, what follows is a delicious push-and-pull between restraint and desire. Nicholas is certain he wants more, while Desiree hesitates, trying to resist what already feels inevitable.
What stood out most was the ease between the characters. Their banter feels natural, their connection believable, and their emotional progression earned. When they finally stop fighting what’s been obvious from the start, the relationship just works. There’s no unnecessary dramatics—just two people recognizing what feels right.
The tension is steady and electric, layered with humor, warmth, and moments that made me pause and smile before turning the page. Add in well-placed spice that enhances the story rather than overwhelms it, and this book becomes an addictive blend of heat and heart.
As a new-to-me author, Kiriah Kache delivered a romance that felt confident, playful, and deeply satisfying. I’ll absolutely be picking up more from her.
🔥 Chemistry by Kiriah Kache had me hooked from page one. The tension? Immaculate. The banter? Addictive. And the romance? Whew—explosive in the best way. Kiriah knows how to deliver a story that makes you laugh, swoon, and scream at the characters all at once. If you love messy, magnetic love stories that refuse to let you put the book down, this one is a must-read.
Synopsis:
Nicholas Jackson is a dedicated teacher who’s never let love in not by choice, but because life taught him to be cautious, he’s built walls around his heart to protect himself from the pain he fears.
Desiree Marshall is a first-year teacher who left her hometown to escape a painful past and start fresh somewhere new.
When Nicholas and Desiree’s paths cross, will they discover that the greatest lessons in life are written in chemistry?
Now, Desiree and Nicholas… These two started out with a one night stand. Desiree being new in town just going to the bar ends up meeting Nicholas.. He doesn’t do attachments. But then came Desiree… One night turns into them being stuck on one another. Then boom, she’s introduced as the new Chemistry teacher at Sweet Pea Academy!! I can’t even lie I couldn’t stop smiling with that part.
Although they don’t put a label on things, you can feel the love brewing between them. The intense chemistry is one part, but the way they pour into one another and take their time is so beautiful. There’s no rush with them. The world ceases to exist when they are with each other.
I’d give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ due to the many laughs I had, especially breaking the fourth wall. My jaw hit the floor many times lol. I was giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl. I definitely enjoyed their story.
This is a cute and quick read. I think that Chemistry is the perfect title for this book because from page one the main characters have an undeniable attraction for each other, and what starts off as a one-night stand involves something much more when they find out that they are coworkers. The story does not feel rushed and gives a realistic pace as they both navigate their attraction and feelings for each other. The female main character moves to town after getting her heartbroken by her ex, and the male main character has been carrying heartbreak from seeing how his mom was treated by his father. So both of them have their own baggage and are a bit skittish when it comes to love. The supporting cast of friends and family, along with nosy coworkers, make this story funny. The spicy scenes are whewwwww ❤️. This book was exactly what I needed to refresh my palate on a midweek day.
Desiree & Nicholas met each other at a bar by chance and felt a connection which resulted in an one night stand… leaving them both with the sentiments “wow, what was that” both their minds blown by how in sync they were. Who would’ve known they’d meet again, be in very close proximity when in walks the new teacher at the school he works at, none other than Desiree. Nicholas takes the leap making it known he needs more of her, even her time. Desiree was resistant at first but then went with the flow. I enjoyed the banter and the easy going between them. When they both stopped fighting their feelings, no more needed to be said. They just worked. This was a new-to-me author and I’m looking forward to reading more books by her.
I personally didn’t care for it much and found myself kind of bored. I should have DNF’d but that’s on me. There was an age gap, so I wish there was some more done with that. Maybe a taboo element to add a little tension. They had a physical attraction but the “what are we doing?” Conversations after a one night stand on your second day of seeing each other is weird. Also I just really found both MC’s kind of bland. You may enjoy if you’re a fan of easy banter, physical chemistry, and two guarded characters learning to open themselves up to the possibilities of loving again.
Also personally just not a fan of books that just…end. I’m greedy and a “happy for now”, is never enough for me lol
ARC Review: First let me say this, I’m so proud of Kiriah Kache, each book by her gets better and better. I have loved her books from day one but the growth continues.
This was a quick read, 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ and cute love story. I thoroughly enjoyed Chemistry. Love at first sight, no no, more like one night stand 🤭. Why you still looking? Go ahead and read it. Baby the man was sick about this woman after she left him the next morning, trying to play it cool. He wanted her in every way, if you catch my drift.
Desiree is new in town and finding her way after a break up that had a little shock with it! A night at the bar and Nicholas are all we need to take the edge off. However, on the first day at your new school and being introduced by the principal you see that fine man from your one night stand in the back 🤭.
The story was written beautifully and the author made sure to weave emotions, growth, and evolution of mindsets into the book. Cute, quick and a touch of spice in this read!
I really enjoyed this short read between Nick & Desiree. It was spicy, funny, and entertaining. It started off with a bang and didn’t let up! I loved how real these characters felt & how they navigated their feeling towards each other. Reading about their story definitely had me wanting more. Please go read this one asap it’s out today! & don’t forget to circle back and read the first two of this series for the full experience.
Chemistry by Kiriah Kache definitely lives up to its name. The tension between the characters is electric—and the spice? Whew. Closet scenes at school, bar bathroom moments… this book does not play.
It’s the perfect mix of heat, humor, and heart, and it kept me hooked from page one. If you love bold, sexy romance with unforgettable moments, this one’s a must-read.
Didn’t trust because the cover looked like ai but I went in with an open mind. I love a ONS to lovers and think it should be implemented more because casual sex is not bad! Writing could be better as well as more depth to the plot but it’s a short story so I didn’t expect much and at least chemistry was conveyed
kiriah k is backkk with the fire! nick came with the energy. dess was healing but wasn’t afraid to get what she wanted. loved that their story didn’t end how you expected it to! proud of you for stepping out the box and pushing yourself with this one! cheers to a number one best selling book IJN!!!
I loved everything about this book . This was my first read by this author . I loved how they both took it slow first and then decided to take it to the next level on their time . This was a great read .
The story was refreshing and constantly had me swooning. Good bit of edge with fiery banter and sensual and hit romance...let's just say chemistry wasn't just for the title. Absolutely loved this story and the alternate ending was the absolute best.