Chemistry of a Kiss

Sweet Water High #5

by Kimberly Krey

How did I end up in a fake relationship with the gorgeous captain of the basketball team, Jett Bryant? Where do I start?

Back in kindergarten, I used to dream about kissing that adorable brown-eyed boy. He was also the pastor’s son but that didn’t stop me from chasing him down, tackling him on the playground, and kissing him smack on the lips.

Then in eighth grade, I was about to kiss him for real (as real as a spin the bottle kiss could get) but Jett ruined it by telling everyone about the playground kiss so I kissed some guy named James instead.

Fast-forward to our senior year where Jett and I got partnered in Marriage and Relations class and were asked to research—of all things—The Chemistry of a Kiss. It had me thinking about those yummy lips of his a little, but I kept my focus strong since I was dating TJ Reynolds, one of Sweet Water’s most misunderstood bad boys and lead singer of Grungetown.

But somewhere along the way, TJ got jealous and kissed Jett’s vicious ex-girlfriend and that’s how he became my ex and that’s when the whole fake relationship idea started in the first place.

The trouble is, all the feelings I had for Jett over the years came pouring back as we spent time together, and our topic wasn’t helping the situation one bit. Neither were the incredible kisses he gave me as we “pretended” to like each other.
Things really get complicated when Jett starts cozying up to me when nobody’s around to witness it. Maybe this whole fake relationship is turning into the real thing. But how can I be sure?

1 town. 1 high school. 12 sweet romances.
Read Chemistry of a Kiss from Kimberly Krey. It is the fifth installment of the Sweet Water High Multi-Author Series. Each book is a stand-alone but follows the school year chronologically.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, High School, Fake Dating, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Kimberly Krey is known as the Queen of Steamy Clean Romance. She's a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry. Her readers count on faith-filled romance novels that stay clean without losing the steam.

* 2021 USA Today Bestselling Author

* 2020 RONE Award Winner

* THREE-TIME SWOONY Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Author Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Book Award Winner

* TWO-TIME RONE Award Finalist

To stay connected, and receive a FREE book, subscribe to her newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8f1uz6q272 To follow her author page on FB @: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlykrey... For a printable PDF of her work (listed by series) see her website @ https://www.kimberlykrey.com

Reviews

[Maven Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fake relationship assignment forces old crushes and long-buried feelings into the open as a high-schooler discovers that pretending to study “the chemistry of a kiss” might make the real thing impossible to ignore. Chemistry of a Kiss (Sweet Water High #5) follows Harper, who’s partnered with Jett Bryant, the gorgeous captain of the basketball team for a school project about kissing, and what begins as a staged closeness quickly unravels into something far more tender and complicated.

One thing I appreciated is how Krey writes the small, awkward moments that make teen romance feel honest rather than melodramatic: stolen study sessions, the awkward laugh after a near-kiss, and Harper’s private, messy self-talk as she reconciles past longing with present reality. The novel balances breezy, humorous beats (the fake-dating setup and school gossip) with quieter emotional work, Harper’s vulnerability when she realizes her feelings aren’t one-sided and Jett’s slow, believable thaw from polished athlete to someone who notices the details of her. The pacing is brisk comfortably so for a YA contemporary and the classroom project framing gives the plot a playful anchor that never feels gimmicky. If you love warm, clean YA romance with authentic teenage nerves and a satisfying friends/foes-to-more arc, this is a sweet, well-paced entry in the series.

I give it four stars for genuine emotional beats, likable leads, and tidy pacing.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Krey has a way of writing that takes me back to my own high school years. If only I knew then what I know now...hah! Being a teenager is hard, especially when feelings get involved. Harper doesn't want to make the same mistakes as her mom, yet history has a way of repeating itself. She shows real maturity in recognizing things for what they're worth.

Harper's had a crush on Jett since kindergarten and now they're assigned partners in class and their topic is on the chemistry of a kiss. Can you imagine? Getting to research that topic with your crush would be a dream come true--especially if might want to practice what you read to see if this research holds true (wink, wink). In a make-my-ex-jealous battle, they find themselves in a fake relationship with real, smoldering embers, threatening to explode into a raging hot fire. The chemistry is swoon-worthy, yet sweet, and these characters are extremely likable.

I love a good story that explores young love and dips into realistic topics, yet stays fluffy and fun. Look no further if you want a light, summer escape! This is a great series, especially for teens and inner teens (like me) alike.

Content: mild+ (swoony) romance; very, very mild religion (he's a pastor's son)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, So Cute!

This is such a fun high school series and I love Kimberly Krey's addition to it. It definitely brought back memories and feelings from high school days. I loved the growing chemistry between Harper and Jett and how the whole book centered around kissing. It was so fun! I'm pretty sure the younger crowd will find this one totally dreamy.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Ms. Krey creates an intriguing story for young adults to dive into, introducing characters and situations to which they can relate.

Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kimberly Krey]

I had so much fun discovering Harper Tisdale, her unique family dynamic, and her complicated feelings for Jett Bryant, a guy who's been in her life since she kissed him on the playground back in kindergarten.
These two have great chemistry, even if she squirms a little over having to be his partner in her Marriage and Relationships class. Especially once she discovers their research topic: The Chemistry of a Kiss.
There's flirtation and tension and the promise of something more. A dynamic complicated by the fact that she's dating bad boy, TJ Reynolds.
Of course, life's never perfect; I remember sifting through my own issues of insecurity and difficulty over my parent's separation and divorce. I'm a sucker for bonding moments that make me believe that my characters are truly falling in love; they're are often my favorite scenes to write. You'll find those, as well as some tender, age-appropriate kisses in this sweet romance novel.
I really hope you enjoy CHEMISTRY OF A KISS.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best YA Romance that I have ever read! It was fun and delightful. I loved the characters and the chemistry between them. The teacher who gave the assignment is also a great character. Don't we all wish we'd had a teacher like her? I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this fantastic read.

[victoria_tonks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, fluffy, uncomplicated and probably utterly forgettable (I have already forgotten the previous two parts in the series I read not so long ago) but well written and I really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it if you like high school romances and are in need of some escapism. I might try some other books by this author.

[Teya Teya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a teen based book. I enjoyed it. It was a fun way to have them come together though and see, truly see each other.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

-‘I figured I could fix him.”’-

Harper and Jett make a really cute couple. Sweet story and a fun read. Definitely recommend it.

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was. Actually a good book; definitely was chemistry in their kiss 💋💜💛

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...

Okay !!!!


* As always there will be a few or a lot of spoilers in my review; so I like to prepare or beware, people before they actually read my review.

So with that being said... I like this book; I was kind of mad at Jett (by the way I have read three books so far with this name) it is torture lol! But like I said I was mad at him because I thought he was actually blowing Harper off for wack girl Tasha. But Tasha lame mean girl self; ruin things for Harper and even Jett! Now I see why Conner was telling Harper that Jett thinks she’s mad at him... but at least he could’ve had the dignity to come to her that same day... pickle face Tasha had asked him to the dance; or even told her no; because I want to go with my “girlfriend” Harper. But he didn’t. But got mad when TJ was feeling all on Harper behind! Like he was literally mad... though none of that would’ve happened if Tasha didn’t steal Harper poster she made...


Clearly, she (Tasha) wanted everything that Harper had... such as TJ then Jett... like she couldn’t even get a guy unless Harper already had him. I did think that TJ was a horrible boyfriend for Harper, even her mother knew and told her don’t go down the land that I went with your father. That she didn’t; a lot of times you can’t help someone who doesn’t want the help that you are trying to give to them. I was glad when Harper realizes she couldn’t help TJ... Plus, I kind of figure that Jett sorta liked Harper on the DL..... especially when it came to Junior high during spend the bottle... but Jett ruin that for himself since he told everybody that Harper had a crush on him when he knew darn well that he had one on her too; & wanted that kiss as much as Harper during Junior high! Not only during junior high but way before they caught Tasha & TJ together when Tasha has kissed him (TJ) at Burger Bar. He definitely wanted to kiss her at his house before his father walked into the house, and definitely didn’t want her to leave his house either.

But in the end, I’m glad they worked everything out with one another after the dance; when Jett punched the pickle juice out of TJ... for touching Harper; Jett definitely wasn’t having that...😂 Harper was his woman 💜.... he was mad too when TJ stated he and Harper was trying to make their ex’s jealous (Tasha & Jett) he couldn’t believe that she thought they were broken up... but the way he acted and went to the dance with Tasha you can only assume, but in the end they were happy and turned out to be a real boyfriend & girlfriend....

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread 7/18/25 with my 13 yr old.
Still a very cute YA story. We enjoyed it! The computer generated narration wasn’t fabulous, obvs, but we got used to it. I still hold to the original review below. 4 stars!

Original review:
Super cute, high school romance. Only 160 pages, so I could finish it in an evening, which is the perfect size for satisfying a romance craving without the long investment. 4 stars for the happy satisfaction packaged up in a bite-sized novel. The author did a great job of bringing me back to high school. :)

Content: YA book with some kissing and lots of talk of kissing, since that's what their research paper is on ;) (also has a scene where a boy grabs her butt against her will) Probably appropriate for any teen.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read in the Sweet Water High series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I love everything written by Kimberly Krey! She writes characters with great chemistry! I have to read her books in one sitting. I highly recommend this clean, high school romance.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Sweet Water High Series. I really liked the fake relationships and how everything came together. It was also fun to get glimpses at the other characters in the series. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Karen Szabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean YA with lots of steam

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of Jett and Harper. Kept my interest and had a great ending. You will enjoy.

[Lisa Swinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another excellent book in the series.

Note: I've read them out of order and there's no problem with that as each of the books are written as stand alones.

Ms. Krey certainly knows what she's about when writing YA romance.

There's lots of teen conflict and drama going on even before the characters get to fake dating. I really enjoyed how the teens had real problems. Divorce. Boyfriend/girlfriend issues. And yet the problems weren't represented as over the top with constant inner rants and meltdowns.

Having a teen at home, I could see most of this unfolding in a real high school.

Plus, I think the teacher had the idea to give Harper and Jett a nudge in the right direction.

Very fun premise and read.

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance, starting out with mischief and dating two guys. I loved her throughout the entire story and never doubted him for a second. The reference of mean girls was highly entertaining and made me glad those days are long over.
What started out as an innocent class project for Harper and Jett, quickly turns into life-changing choices that will have you cheering as you read! Loved it!

[Teresa Bertolio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book:) plenty of action, chemistry, fitting in with the high school crowd, and finding romance in high school. I love it when the underdog wins over the school's mean girls !:) I loved these lively characters and their story! I highly recommend this book! Happy reading!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, clean romance. This is the first from this series that i have read but I will read the others. What a fun idea for a series. Also, filled with sound dating advice. Really cute!

[Maymay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one So good I love the characters in it especially JET Thank you for the book Ms Krey I really liked it

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harper has had a crush on Jett since kindergarten. But now she is dating bad boy TJ so she can fix him. You can probably tell already that this is going to be a tangled up mix of teenage drama and angst. Yep, it’s a big old mess. It’s pretty cute if you like this sort of YA stuff. It works itself out in a satisfying manner.

[Samantha Wisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute quick read.

I feel like the romance took a little bit and finally at the end everything righted itself. Other than that the story was good and the characters were cute. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys high school romances.

[Anjie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, I loved it, I loved it. I loved everything about it. It made me reminisce on my teenager years and how different I am now from that person. It was pretty cool that it got me to do that. I liked that Harper had that whole immature teen thing going on but without being annoying?? Yeah, she was kind of afraid to confront Jett to see where they stood but I understand. I, along with a lot of people, was like that at that age so I absolutely understood that fear of rejection. I like how .. clean this book was!! Maybe too clean for some people but it was so totally refreshing! I love Jett. He's amazing. Even though Harper was confused about his actions, I was never. From how it was described, I knew he was a goner for her and I loved that he never wavered. He never disrespected her.

I love that chivalry wasn't dead in this book. I miss seeing that in books and in real life. I see nothing wrong with a guy opening car doors for me, carrying my bad, and walking me to the door. I am well aware that I am fully capable of doing all of those things on my own and I don't need a guy to do them for me. I do not see those acts as a form of toxic masculinity. And I hate that that is how chivalry is viewed as nowadays. I think it's sweet that he did all of that. It's like little things that showed he cared for her. He never overstepped his bounds and if she didn't like it and told him, I know he would've stepped back. It just showed that he cares and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. As for what went down between him and TJ at the end, if I wasn't standing up for myself, I would definitely want someone, anyone to stand up for me is all I'm saying. Also nothing wrong with someone stepping in and saving the day, even though I know I can save myself.

I loved that Jett was the pastor's son. I wish his faith was discussed more in the book because I don't see that in a lot of YA books either. I always look forward to seeing characters who believe in the same things I do, who also has faith, who believes in God and goes to church. That demographic is lacking and I feel like it isn't fair and I love that it was included here. I loved that it was implied that Jett was a little wild, like any teenager, and shouldn't be held down to standards just because he's the pastor's son. I loved that his dad was really cool and kind instead of frigid like I've seen other books portray pastors. I love that his life wasn't perfect because the life of a Christian isn't perfect ... at all, we are humans just like everyone else in the world. I found out the author is Christian and I love that she included it in her books. I love that it said, let go and let God. I just freaking love that I finally have a male Christian main character that was written beautifully. I really appreciated the inclusion. I loved it so much, I logged on to Amazon and bought a hard copy of it. I need it on my shelves!

[Candice Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the chemistry... So sweet

I devoured this story, from the very first chapter it caught my interest and held on until the end. Harper is a delightful character who needs to learn that you can't change anyone but yourself. She is partnered with Jett in class on an assignment about the chemistry of a kiss. At the same time her mother insists she needs to date some other guy between going out with TJ, a dropout she likes but is trying to fix. The assignment makes a convenient way to make her mom think she is dating someone else. But she didn't plan on falling for Jett in the process. This story made me laugh and cry. Read it, you will be glad you did!

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, the mixed feelings about this one! Jett and Harper have chemistry IN SPADES. But I didn't like how a) Harper started hanging out with Jett to deceive her mom into thinking she was dating multiple boys at once (seriously, this was her mom's requirement ...) and b) Harper stayed with TJ much longer than she should have because she was just sure that she could reform that bad boy, and if she left him, his life would spiral out of control. I rolled my eyes at this story line so. many. times.

That said, I really did enjoy the romance—I just wish that the whole TJ plot line had been completely left out of the story. 2-1/2 stars.

[Denise M. Lomelino · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the chemistry...

This book had all the feels. “Chemistry of a Kiss” drew me in and made me want to go back to high school (which is rare). A fun coming of age book answering the question of what is the chemistry of a kiss. This is for older high school and young adult readers, but I loved it, too. Anyone who loves kissing or reading about kisses will enjoy this book.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweet water high books take me back to my high school days. I love how sweet and kind Jett is in Chemistry of a Kiss. Kim Krey writes such wonderful, clean, heartfelt romance. Her books are sooo good.

[Eliza Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This series is so good and there hasnt been one I disliked so far. I think I've been reading them a little out of order but it's not necessary to. This one had cute kisses, an awkward homework topic, and a dance the characters will never forget. I really enjoyed it!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of young love.

[Kelly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome

I liked that it had some twists and it wasn’t boring like some books are, I also liked how it was sweet and just overall a good book

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐ Harper&Jett ❤️