What do you think?
Rate this book
Suitor Science #0.5
Hating the Chemistry Teacher
With Rachel and Boen, it’s hate at first sight of her dog.
Rachel:
My new neighbor, Boen, is the rudest, most uptight man I’ve ever met. He’s a like pair of khakis, with the pleats ironed in and extra starch, all buttoned-up and boring.
He does wear those khakis well…
Still, he yelled at my dog for being a dog, and that’s something I won’t tolerate. It’s not like I’m interested in him. I’m not. Now, if only I can stop running into him everywhere.
Boen:
With a life spent studying science, women are the only mystery left to me. Like my twin sister Bexley, who thinks it’s a good idea to be a contestant on The Suitor reality dating show. Then my neighbor, Rachel, who might love dogs more than people, and can’t stop insulting me. She’s an artist, and a dog walker, and has kind of a nice laugh…
Even if I was interested—which I’m not—Rachel reminds me of my ex-wife which means I’m going to stay far away. The only problem is that no one told Rachel that and suddenly, she’s everywhere, and always with that dog.
I hate dogs.
But the chemistry of love isn’t much different from hate.
Find out how the Suitor Science series start with the prequel, Hating the Chemistry Teacher, an enemies-to-lovers sweet romance with cute dogs, sassy students, and a ninety-year-old neighbor who likes her schnapps.
Hating the Chemistry Teacher was previously published in the Hate Me Like You Mean It anthology as Bite Me. It's been expanded with new content
Rachel:
My new neighbor, Boen, is the rudest, most uptight man I’ve ever met. He’s a like pair of khakis, with the pleats ironed in and extra starch, all buttoned-up and boring.
He does wear those khakis well…
Still, he yelled at my dog for being a dog, and that’s something I won’t tolerate. It’s not like I’m interested in him. I’m not. Now, if only I can stop running into him everywhere.
Boen:
With a life spent studying science, women are the only mystery left to me. Like my twin sister Bexley, who thinks it’s a good idea to be a contestant on The Suitor reality dating show. Then my neighbor, Rachel, who might love dogs more than people, and can’t stop insulting me. She’s an artist, and a dog walker, and has kind of a nice laugh…
Even if I was interested—which I’m not—Rachel reminds me of my ex-wife which means I’m going to stay far away. The only problem is that no one told Rachel that and suddenly, she’s everywhere, and always with that dog.
I hate dogs.
But the chemistry of love isn’t much different from hate.
Find out how the Suitor Science series start with the prequel, Hating the Chemistry Teacher, an enemies-to-lovers sweet romance with cute dogs, sassy students, and a ninety-year-old neighbor who likes her schnapps.
Hating the Chemistry Teacher was previously published in the Hate Me Like You Mean It anthology as Bite Me. It's been expanded with new content
186 pages, ebook
Published March 22, 2022
About the author
Holly Kerr
52 books267 followersHolly Kerr wants everyone to have a happily ever after, full of fun banter and friends to talk about it with.
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The romance was just adorable. I enjoyed how the main hero has to grovel a bit to actually earn the forgivenss of the heroine. The author really show cases the dififculty of life after divorce and I appreciate it. The fur babies are so cute. The chemistry and pacing nice. I highly recommend this book. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2022
Hating the Chemistry Teacher is the first title in the Suitor Science series. If you enjoy reading enemies to lovers romance, then this book is a perfectly adorable story for you! At the start of the book, Rachel and Boen really can't stand each other especially after a run-in with a pile of dog poop. As the story progresses, the two of them continue to fight off their feelings for one another but over time they realize they are feeling much more than they ever expected. I really enjoyed this first installment and will definitely be reading the second book in the series soon...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2024
I'll admit it, I love Holly Kerr's books. She finds interesting ways to get two characters who would seem to never find common ground, do so in a way that is far beyond the expected.
It seems like central to these enemy to love books that our main characters make generalizations based on initial meetings. These assumptions, after a series of events, ultimately show the love interests that they were wrong, and a HEA is had by all. What I liked about this story is that Boen had a valid point in his anger at Rachael. I'm a dog lover and finding one in my yard is no big deal but rather a pleasure. However, I'm not afraid of dogs and finding one in my bushes could prove disturbing. Rachael's response of laughing it off because her dog is harmless and her frustration that he is overreacting, is rude and insensitive. Given his history, it also made him feel small. Rachael was in the process of doing the right thing to get the mess clean was great. She didn't tell him. She assumed she'd be back right, and he assumed she was rude. It simply never occurred to Rachael that he might have a reason beside "hating" dogs for his reaction. It never occurred to Boen that she was coming right back. These issues get cleared up but not in a simple unrealistic one conversation way. It takes time and the patience of secondary characters to get to the HEA.
Both Boen and Rachael are wonderful and authentic characters. Their story, of getting past several initial misfires is written well and something the reader can imagine happening in real life. The town and supporting characters are entertaining.
This is a sweet read about two likable people looking beyond initial differences and instead, finding how those differences compliment the other. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
It seems like central to these enemy to love books that our main characters make generalizations based on initial meetings. These assumptions, after a series of events, ultimately show the love interests that they were wrong, and a HEA is had by all. What I liked about this story is that Boen had a valid point in his anger at Rachael. I'm a dog lover and finding one in my yard is no big deal but rather a pleasure. However, I'm not afraid of dogs and finding one in my bushes could prove disturbing. Rachael's response of laughing it off because her dog is harmless and her frustration that he is overreacting, is rude and insensitive. Given his history, it also made him feel small. Rachael was in the process of doing the right thing to get the mess clean was great. She didn't tell him. She assumed she'd be back right, and he assumed she was rude. It simply never occurred to Rachael that he might have a reason beside "hating" dogs for his reaction. It never occurred to Boen that she was coming right back. These issues get cleared up but not in a simple unrealistic one conversation way. It takes time and the patience of secondary characters to get to the HEA.
Both Boen and Rachael are wonderful and authentic characters. Their story, of getting past several initial misfires is written well and something the reader can imagine happening in real life. The town and supporting characters are entertaining.
This is a sweet read about two likable people looking beyond initial differences and instead, finding how those differences compliment the other. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 6, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-------------------------------------------
Rachel has a talent for trouble. She speaks her mind, holds her grudges, and loves dogs. When she meets her new neighbor, Boen, the dog poop hits the fan. He’s taken over her favorite bar and neighbor and even has something against her dog. Rude and uptight, Rachel compares Boen to a pair of khakis, with the pleats ironed in with extra starch, all buttoned-up and boring.
He does wear those khakis well…
With a life spent studying science, women are the only mystery left to Boen. He doesn’t understand his twin sister Bexley, the latest contestant competing on The Suitor reality dating show. And he has no clue what to do about his neighbor, Rachel, who loves dogs more than people and won’t stop insulting him. She’s an artist, and a dog walker, and keeps showing up everywhere he goes.
With her dog.
The chemistry of love isn’t much different from hate.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I enjoyed quite a few things about this story - the friendship between the main character and her two besties, plus the older next-door neighbor, was sweet, relatable, and fresh. But for the most part, this book was a pass.
There were some weird undertones of incest (IMHO) that I was not a fan of. I am not sure if that was put in there on purpose, but it threw me off of the twins, as well as this series. About the plot, I knew how the story would progress within the first few chapters. The main characters felt flat, self-absorbed, and bored.
How could someone not realize their next-door neighbor was afraid of dogs after seeing them panic every time they saw a dog for two weeks straight? Why did Rachel need a CHILD to tell them this?.
-------------------------------------------
Rachel has a talent for trouble. She speaks her mind, holds her grudges, and loves dogs. When she meets her new neighbor, Boen, the dog poop hits the fan. He’s taken over her favorite bar and neighbor and even has something against her dog. Rude and uptight, Rachel compares Boen to a pair of khakis, with the pleats ironed in with extra starch, all buttoned-up and boring.
He does wear those khakis well…
With a life spent studying science, women are the only mystery left to Boen. He doesn’t understand his twin sister Bexley, the latest contestant competing on The Suitor reality dating show. And he has no clue what to do about his neighbor, Rachel, who loves dogs more than people and won’t stop insulting him. She’s an artist, and a dog walker, and keeps showing up everywhere he goes.
With her dog.
The chemistry of love isn’t much different from hate.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I enjoyed quite a few things about this story - the friendship between the main character and her two besties, plus the older next-door neighbor, was sweet, relatable, and fresh. But for the most part, this book was a pass.
There were some weird undertones of incest (IMHO) that I was not a fan of. I am not sure if that was put in there on purpose, but it threw me off of the twins, as well as this series. About the plot, I knew how the story would progress within the first few chapters. The main characters felt flat, self-absorbed, and bored.
How could someone not realize their next-door neighbor was afraid of dogs after seeing them panic every time they saw a dog for two weeks straight? Why did Rachel need a CHILD to tell them this?.
March 21, 2023
I enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers story. Rachel is a feisty and edgy character, while Boen is more uptight and guarded. They both have a lot of past history to overcome on the path to love. Boen’s fear of dogs creates a further, and rather humorous, obstacle. For other readers’ information (and not affecting my review of the story), I did find myself a little thrown off reading the story as this book pushes further to the edge of closed-door than I think a description of “sweet closed-door” leads one to believe. (This is not a comment on what content should be in the book, but rather, that I think the book description could be more accurate.) And there is some harsh language and other content that readers looking for a clean story may not be prepared for. Having read the whole series now, this is the book that has the most of that, the others tend to have less and less as they progress. Overall, it was a fun book and a good romance. Even better, it sets up the series and I liked other books from the series even more.
March 20, 2022
I have some mixed reactions to this story, and that’s to the author’s credit. You see, I’m hardwired to defend the underdog, so every time I watched Rachel pick on or laugh at Boen it activated the protector instinct in me. That made it very difficult for me to connect with her. She’s also practically chaos personified, which is another trait that didn’t mesh well with me. Quiet, studious, introverted, socially awkward Boen was someone I understood at a fundamental level. I got him in a way that Rachel eluded me. I thought the two of them were adorable together, but I’ll admit, the author made me work really hard to fully love and accept Rachel. She had to show me where the scars and defense mechanisms came from for me to understand. In the end, I could see why these two made such a good pair.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this through Booksprout.
March 22, 2022
Rachel and Boen . . .
This was not an easily-won romance. Rachel is a dog-walker, totally tolerant of anything a dog does. Boen is a chemistry teacher, Rachel’s neighbor, and afraid of dogs. So you know there could be some explosive “chemistry” between them before long.
Being around each other gives them a chance to get to know each other. Can the two of them learn that the fine line between love and hate can ultimately be crossed with a little patience and lots of attraction? You will also enjoy the side characters in the story, so don’t miss this one. (Do you think that maybe a name like "Boen" sounding like "bone" might put him at risk with the dogs -- maybe he was right to be nervous?)
This was not an easily-won romance. Rachel is a dog-walker, totally tolerant of anything a dog does. Boen is a chemistry teacher, Rachel’s neighbor, and afraid of dogs. So you know there could be some explosive “chemistry” between them before long.
Being around each other gives them a chance to get to know each other. Can the two of them learn that the fine line between love and hate can ultimately be crossed with a little patience and lots of attraction? You will also enjoy the side characters in the story, so don’t miss this one. (Do you think that maybe a name like "Boen" sounding like "bone" might put him at risk with the dogs -- maybe he was right to be nervous?)
November 15, 2022
Not Silly Romantic Comedy
This fun book is the first in a series. One should read them in order to enjoy the relationships the characters have with each other. The story has lots of mostly off-screen intimacy. There is nothing too racy or steamy, but the reader definitely knows what is going on. Other than that, this is a sweet story about a group of friends finding their one and only. The story could have been silly, but it relies on real-life conditions rather than the cringy trope situations of most rom-coms. Some of the characters carry over from one of the author's previous series. If you follow the author, you may recognize them. I really enjoy this author's work, I think you will, too.
This fun book is the first in a series. One should read them in order to enjoy the relationships the characters have with each other. The story has lots of mostly off-screen intimacy. There is nothing too racy or steamy, but the reader definitely knows what is going on. Other than that, this is a sweet story about a group of friends finding their one and only. The story could have been silly, but it relies on real-life conditions rather than the cringy trope situations of most rom-coms. Some of the characters carry over from one of the author's previous series. If you follow the author, you may recognize them. I really enjoy this author's work, I think you will, too.
June 18, 2022
This is the first book in the Suitor Science series by Holly Kerr. This is the story of Boen and Rachel, two neighbors who meet and it is hate at first sight. He hates her dog, and by extension, her. Meanwhile, she thinks he is uptight and no fun. They vow to stay away from each other, but fate has other plans. No matter how hard they try, they can't do it.
It took me a while to warm up to both of these characters. However, it helped that each chapter was told from each character's perspective. By the end of the book, I was craving more. I can't wait to read the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took me a while to warm up to both of these characters. However, it helped that each chapter was told from each character's perspective. By the end of the book, I was craving more. I can't wait to read the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2022
this book has one of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers! not just that, the banters are so good, i enjoy it so much! i love boen's relationship with his students–talking about love and stuff, so cute! i also love that rachel has fur babies, which makes this book more adorable.
this is a slow-burn story, and it's unusual because most of holly kerr's books that i've read were all fast-paced. i was like, just kiss already!!! overall, i had fun reading this. i always enjoy reading holly kerr's books because they always give butterflies in my stomach! so, if you're looking for a sweet, fun, and light-hearted read, this is perfect for you.
this is a slow-burn story, and it's unusual because most of holly kerr's books that i've read were all fast-paced. i was like, just kiss already!!! overall, i had fun reading this. i always enjoy reading holly kerr's books because they always give butterflies in my stomach! so, if you're looking for a sweet, fun, and light-hearted read, this is perfect for you.
March 20, 2023
Hating the Chemistry Teacher is the first book in the Suitor Science series. It was only after reading book 5 that I became aware of the series and had to start from the beginning.
This is an adorable enemies to lovers romance that starts with Rachel walking her dog, who happens to relieve himself on Boen's lawn. Boen is not a fan of canines and runs out of his home in his socks to berate her, only to accidentally step in it. Ooops.
Holly Kerr writing is both fun and funny. If you're looking for something lighthearted with a HEA, I highly recommend checking out this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an adorable enemies to lovers romance that starts with Rachel walking her dog, who happens to relieve himself on Boen's lawn. Boen is not a fan of canines and runs out of his home in his socks to berate her, only to accidentally step in it. Ooops.
Holly Kerr writing is both fun and funny. If you're looking for something lighthearted with a HEA, I highly recommend checking out this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2022
It was a funny and sweet story about a young woman who is trying to get over both of her exboyfriend and exgirlfriend . She a happy person with a lot love for animals . He is her neighbor who just stepped on her dogs poo . They fight about her dog and they both hate each other while they find the other attractive . They bump on each other everyday and slowly they fall in love . Will his fear for her dog stop him ?. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2022
The chemistry of attraction
Hating the Chemistry Teacher is the first book in the Suitor Science series. I actually read the second book in this series, Falling for the Suitor, before this one but these are stand-alone stories so can be read in any order. This is another wonderful Holly Kerr story that is light, sweet, charming and a fun read which will bring you more than a few laughs and smiles.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Hating the Chemistry Teacher is the first book in the Suitor Science series. I actually read the second book in this series, Falling for the Suitor, before this one but these are stand-alone stories so can be read in any order. This is another wonderful Holly Kerr story that is light, sweet, charming and a fun read which will bring you more than a few laughs and smiles.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
October 24, 2023
Ok I did go back and forth between giving this a 3.5 or a 4, ultimately it came down to I wanted a little more from this story. Rachael and Boen individually gave us a lot but I wish we got more of them as a couple. Rachel was funny, a little quirky but she had her heart broken a time or two, and needed to decided if she was ready to love again, but first she needed to get over her past relationship, and the same with Ben he was divorced, and on a career path he didn’t plan, and was just a little to closed off for love, however I loved every scene between him and his students!
May 13, 2026
Born her new neighbour was mean to her dog . So Rachel’s eyes began to smog . She was fuming mad ,about this cad. How dare he treat her dog this way . He’d best stay away … Only this chemistry teacher shows up wherever she is ,her dog walking stints that is. This artist isn’t interested in the faintest by him . He’s grim. He doesn’t care for her either but in the dating game it’s funny how events happen and change the wills of both parties . They’re both smarties ,should be able to work it out ,it’s each other they can’t do without
March 20, 2022
Hating the Chemistry Teacher is a sweet, heartwarming, enemies to lovers romantic comedy. Rachel is a dog walker and an artist. Boen is a scientist who is afraid of dogs. Boen's students are the greatest. The 90 year old neighbor with her boyfriend and her schnapps is a hoot! Ms. Kerr always manages to populate her stories with people I think I would love to know. You do not want to miss this book!
March 21, 2022
Hating the Chemistry Teacher (Suitor Science series) by Holly Kerr. Rachel and Boen are opposites on so many levels. The one thing they can’t deny is the attraction that pulls them together. Humor, mild drama, intense chemistry, easy banter, and sweet HEA made this an enjoyable story that I would recommend to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2022
Rachel and Boen start off as enemies, when he yells at her dog. They are complete opposites but stuck being neighbours. Following a night of many drinks, will they start to see each other in a different way.
I liked how it is told from both their points of view.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked how it is told from both their points of view.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2022
I knew I've read this as "Bite me" already but had to refresh my memory before posting a review.
I love the chemistry between Boen and Rachel even if they didn't realize it in the beginning and need the help of a granny neighbor 😉
It was fun to reread and I'm looking forward to the next story.
Sorry my review is delayed, covid quarantine sucks.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I love the chemistry between Boen and Rachel even if they didn't realize it in the beginning and need the help of a granny neighbor 😉
It was fun to reread and I'm looking forward to the next story.
Sorry my review is delayed, covid quarantine sucks.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2022
Rachel is a dog walker/artist and Boen is a chemistry teacher/scientist who hates dogs and is Rachel's new neighbor. Things between Rachel and Boen don't start off good especially when he steps into her dog's poop. This slow burn, enemies to lovers romantic comedy had me cheering for these two to get their happily ever after. The writing is well done and the characters are believable. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 8, 2022
I've read several books written by Holly Kerr; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the prequel of the Suitor Science Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is about Rachel & Boen; they are neighbors that get off to a bad start because of her dog.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the prequel of the Suitor Science Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is about Rachel & Boen; they are neighbors that get off to a bad start because of her dog.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2022
Rachel and Boen are neighbors that start off badly as he steps in the poo of a dog she is walking. She loves dogs and he hates them. The characters are well developed with great backstories and dialogue. The storyline has entertaining situations and the chemistry works well. Loved the antics of the dogs. Great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2022
Boen is a straight laced chemistry teacher and Rachel is an artistic dog walker and lover of both men an women. From their first meeting when he stepped in her dog’s poop it was dislike mixed with attraction. They rub each other the wrong way often and she should have picked up on his being uncomfortable around dogs. There is a a lot of back and forth where they both jump to conclusions. I loved his students who kept asking him about his dates and love.
September 2, 2022
This has became a favorite series of mine, which is funny because I fell into it accidentally, and read the books completely out of order. Something I intend to fix when I reread them in the correct order. Rachel and Boen were a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed their story. I was happy with how their story wrapped up and it was a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2022
Boen and Rachel collide when he moves into the house next door. While their first few interactions are tense, the pull between them soon becomes too much to fight and they give in to a night together. Misunderstandings ensue causing angst between them as exes appear out of the woodworks. Will these two complete opposites be able to find some common ground? Will they finally realize that opposites attract?
December 4, 2023
Rachel is a dog walker and her next door neighbor Boen hates dogs so when he finds dog poop it starts the war of words between Rachel and him, but as the story goes along they start talking to each other and Boen is begging her to forgive him but will she or will she walk her dogs away from a wonderful love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2022
loved it !! a good start for a new series !!! love Boen !!! Rachel ? this is their story... a fast paced rom/com drama... it's hate at first sight... Boen steps in dog poo.. he hates dogs... the bump into each other everyday.. love/hate is a fine line... funny... . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2022
The neighbors are Rachel the artist, Mrs Gretchen, ninety seven years old and Boen, the chemistry teacher. Separate they all seem to be pretty normal but put them together and you end up with some pretty funny situations. I enjoyed the relationships between Rachel and her friends and Boen and his twin sister they are close, supportive and do their best to keep each other out of trouble.
March 31, 2022
A fun, enjoyable rom-com that will leave a smile on your face. An enemies to lovers story line that's entertaining and holds your attention from cover to cover. the characters are endearing and fun to get to know. A perfect weekend read. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2022
I really liked this story with the two main characters being so different and yet so alike. The hate-love relationship was well played out and the way the story was written between each chapter really gave a lot of extra background to the characters. I need to get to the other books in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews