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Chemical Attraction #3

Chemical Attraction

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In this gripping stand-alone novel, Dr. Madeline Pierce, a dedicated scientist working in nanotechnology, has pain in her heart from an abusive relationship. She hides in her research. His charisma masking his loneliness, FBI Agent Joe Roberts searches for an instant chemistry with his soulmate, the one person who will love him for his faults not in spite of them.

When Madeline discovers discrepancies at her medical research facility, the FBI sends Joe as a courtesy. Joe and Madeline soon realize they have bigger issues to deal with other than their Chemical Attraction.

In the nearby farming town, animals violently attack the residents. Someone is experimenting outside the laboratory. Are human test subjects next? With the help of Joe’s sister Eva, a physician assistant at the local hospital, and her husband Chief Matt Connor, Joe and Madeline hunt for this new bio-weapon before the death toll rises.

314 pages, ebook

First published August 28, 2012

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About the author

Christina Thompson

9 books74 followers
As a former holistic practitioner with a science background, Christina Thompson enjoys writing about the physical science, the emotional workings of our mind and heart, and the spiritual energy that taps into our passions.

Her degree in biology gave her a love of science and a background into the physical realm of the body. Her diploma in Traditional Chinese acupuncture taught her that the mind and spirit affect the body in powerful ways.

She currently resides with her husband, Kraig, in Michigan.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,281 reviews515 followers
February 24, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

CHEMICAL ATTRACTION (The Chemical Attraction Series Book #3) by Christina Thompson is the third romantic suspense in this engaging series. In this story it is Joe’s turn to feel the chemical attraction. The suspense story can be read as a standalone, but there is a lot of character crossover between the books in this series. I suggest you read or listen to them all in order. You will not be disappointed.

Dr. Madeline Pierce is a scientist who specializes in nanotechnology. She discovers discrepancies on invoices at the medical research facility where she works. When her questions lead to answers that do not add up, she asks the FBI for help.

FBI Agent Joe Roberts is sent to meet with Dr. Pierce. The two use the pretense of a relationship to work together to get to the truth. Joe never believed he would find the chemical attraction his sisters talk about until he meets Madeline, but she is his contact on this dangerous case.

As they work together, they struggle to keep their relationship professional. Joe has a history of being a player and Madeline has been terribly abused in the past. Can she trust this chemical attraction to be real? And can their relationship survive as they fight a horrific threat to humanity?

I have been waiting for Joe to meet his “one” and this story did not disappoint. I love when a player is brought down by a strong and intelligent woman. Even with her past and some insecurities, she is a heroine that fits with Joe. The suspense plot is well paced, realistic and terrifying in that aspect. There are some graphic scenes, but they are in line with the plot so for me they were not gratuitous. I enjoy Eva and Matt being active participants in this story and crossovers from “The Kindred Code”, book #2 in this series. None of the characters in this series have it easy in love or danger.

I listened to the audiobook this time after reading the first two books in this series. Gary Bennett narrated this audiobook and this was my first time listening to him. I enjoyed his voice and I would definitely look for other audiobooks with his narration.

I recommend this audiobook and all the books in the Chemical Attraction series!
Profile Image for Merril Anil.
872 reviews75 followers
April 23, 2015
So Sweet of a Romance...that it is making me cry

A huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book

This book took me completely by surprise. I kind of expected it to be a good thriller but never in my right mind had thought that the book would sweep me off my feet with its romance and humor.

Yes it is a thriller basically. An investigative thriller to be precise but now that I have finished reading the book, nothing is staying in my mind as vividly as the romantic chapters of the book and the irony is that the romance is not even sugary and cheesy as a typical romantic novel. Its not even like they are professing their love in every sentence or throwing rose petals at each other.

The author has treated romance in a fashion that it is subtle and yet nothing else catches your attention as much as it does. There is simplicity to the whole treatment of the romance and the best part is its naughtiness and humor, making it cute and sweet yet not diabetic.

Now that I have gone overboard with proclaiming how awesome the romance part is, lets get to the main book.

The story is a bit complex which means you have to keep your senses sharp. If you are planning to say I knew the butler did it , then I am sorry, you are in for a mad race as there are so many layers and characters to the plot that you will keep on changing tracks with your assumptions

The book shines for me with its humour.The book made me blush and smile all along with its innocent and playful banters and humors. None of the comic elements felt forced and in fact it is incorporated seamlessly and making it a playful narration. So in that regards the author and her narration skill is simply awesome.

Though amidst all these, at the beginning there were so many characters thrown at me that I did had a bit of trouble collecting all of them and it takes a while to place who is who. There are like thousands of characters so keep your focus intact.

Language and narration just stole the limelight of the book. The core plot or mystery is a little too heavy and complex for easy understanding but that is why I am falling in love with the author's treatment all the more as she has kept the thriller approachable and yet not the only criteria to pick up the book. SO basically it is a book for both romance lovers as well as those who are looking for thriller. If for nothing, the book has to be picked up for the funny and playful narration but do not take it to be a light read.

Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
4,960 reviews141 followers
April 22, 2020
It had it all for me and then some . . .

Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars

I have to say that this was a fantastic criminal suspense with romance as an added flavor on side. This was a contemporary novel loaded down with all the good stuff that would keep you turning pages. I really want to see more of some of the characters that helped out with Madeline and Joe. These two as main characters had me all over this book. I could not put this down. It was drama, intensity, suspense, mystery, criminal acts, and romance.

Gary Bennett caught my attention. This was my first listen with him running the show. He gave me everything that I look for with a narrator. He engaged me right from the start. He set the tone with his voice and allowed for every dip and high to ring through clearly.

I will be looking for more from both this author (Christina Thompson) and the narrator (Gary Bennett) I was captivate on high. I listened twice just to hear his voice and experience this wonderful contemporary, romance, suspense, thriller with science thrown in there.

*****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Christina Thompson. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Profile Image for D.E..
Author 54 books909 followers
July 14, 2014
I jumped at the chance to review Chemical Attraction as I really enjoyed Cat’s Trucker, another Thompson novel. I’m one of those crazy readers that once I find an author I like I rush out to buy and read everything the author has ever written. I was definitely not disappointed with Chemical Attraction.

The novel is well-written and has a good, believable story. The fact that Thompson has a degree in biology only makes the story that much more believable – and scary. At first, I found the novel a bit difficult to get into. There are various characters to get to know and there’s a lot going on. Within the first third of the book, however, I was digging the story and eager to solve the mystery along with Eva and Joe. Thompson keeps the action flowing and there is a lot of suspense.

Even though this novel is the first of a series (which I didn’t realize – grrr…), there is a definite beginning and end to the story contained in this first book. Although the series has an obvious continuation, the reader is not left hanging. The only reason I’m giving this book four instead of five stars is Thompson’s tendency to tell the reader instead of show the reader. Thompson has obviously grown as a writer as this issue is less obvious in her other books. I’m looking forward to reading the next two novels in the series.

I recommend this book to lovers of romance and a good heart thumping suspense novel.
Profile Image for Ara Prado.
164 reviews11 followers
April 1, 2015
Chemical Attraction’s genre is something I don’t get to read very often – or not at all. But I am very glad I did.

Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when I agreed to do a review of this book, because I have yet to set a “standard” for this genre. Let’s just say that I found my “reading journey” of this book…very interesting.

Note: If you get squeamish when reading graphic deaths, or against animal cruelty and death, then this book may not be for you. (Or you can just skip those parts so you can still read it.)

SYNOPSIS:
FBI Agent Joe Roberts wants that instant chemistry like his sisters, Eva and Taylor, have with their husbands. After years of searching, he’s ready to give up on that romantic notion. Then, he meets Madeline. The problem is she’s his contact on this dangerous case.

Dr. Madeline Pierce works in nanotechnology research. When she discovers a criminal network within her medical facility, she’s partnered with Joe. Throughout the investigation into the production and distribution of illegal drugs, Joe and Madeline struggle to stay professional despite their intense attraction to each other. She wants to trust his sweet words but wonders if she’s just a fling.

Police Chief Matt Connor adores his wife, Eva, and works hard to keep his family and rural town safe. When farm animals become violent and meth labs become abundant, his calm demeanor is tested. Eva Connor, a petite spitfire, has an opinion on everything and you know it whether you want to or not. However, her confidence is shaken when she’s used as leverage against Matt’s inquiries. With this case now personal for Matt and Joe, they will do whatever’s necessary to protect the women they love. As the ensemble hunts for this new bio-weapon, the dangers intensify putting their lives at greater risk.

These intertwining relationships must transform into stronger bonds if they want to win against this horrific threat. Love should trump evil, but will their love for each other survive these tests without severe repercussions?

EXCERPT:
“Depending on how long this has been going on, we’re talking about millions if not billions of dollars.” Joe stood and paced at the foot of his bed in the Blue Room at the B & B. “Well, the proof would be with materials management, right?”

Leaning against his headboard, Madeline nodded. “They would have the master supply list and shipping manifests. Getting those would be a start. The supply list would show the bulk chemicals ordered and the manifest would show the delivery of those actual items.”

“What’s their security like?” he asked, impressed by her knowledge and instincts.

She reached for her iced tea with her left hand and used her right to wipe the condensed wetness off the tabletop. She took a mouthful, swallowed, and sighed. “They have cameras all over the place. The front desk has four screens that they flip through to any area, but security has a room with monitors for every camera.”

He continued to walk the six steps from one side of the room to the other. “They have cameras in materials management?”

“That department has three. If it weren’t for the cameras, I’d walk down there and make copies of the lists. They hang on a clipboard out in the open. There’s even a copier in an alcove next to it,” she said, crunching her ice.

“Where are the cameras placed?” he asked, clenching his jaw at her distractions.

She grinned. “One picks up the clipboard and the hallway. There’s one at the gated door, overlooking the supply room, and the other is directly across from the copier. I have no idea how to get to it by myself.”

He looked at everything in the room, but Madeline stretched out on his bed. He struggled against temptation. “A lot of people work in that area?”

“Four guys are in and out of the department throughout the day except for lunch. Between noon and one, they eat in the cafeteria and leer at women.”

He moved the blue lace curtain to the side and looked at the empty street. In the window’s reflection, he watched Madeline position herself across the bed onto her abdomen. She bent her knees, putting her feet in the air. He turned back around as she propped her head on her hands. He kicked his shoe across the room and watched it thump into the door. Frustrated, he plopped into the chair, folded his arms, and stared at her.

“Why are you doing that?” he finally asked.

She smiled. “Are you mad at me? Your body language says you are.”

“You want fun, huh?” She squealed as he leapt across the bed toward her. When she tried to roll away, he pinned her beneath him. As he hovered over her, he gently moved a strand of her hair away from her face. “I told you. You are too damn tempting.”

Lowering his head, he kissed her. The bolt of lightning shot through him again and, God, he liked it. She squeezed his biceps, making him instantly hard. Her kisses seared his lips. He was definitely playing with fire. As he slowly lowered his body, they heard pounding on the ceiling.

“I better go,” Madeline whispered as she tried to catch her breath.

Suddenly aware of his position, he scrambled to get up. “God, I’m sorry. I’ll walk you home.”

Damn, how could he be so irresponsible? He had worked with many women over the years and had always kept it strictly professional. Now, he was compromising not only his mission and career but her life as well.

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:
Joe Roberts is a laid-back kind of guy. He’s the cool uncle, and the charming boy-next-door. But he’s also a wonderful FBI field agent. He’s not afraid of commitments and relationships…he just wished he didn’t have to find the woman for him during the most dangerous mission of his life.

Madeline Pierce is a strong, smart, and independent woman who works for (although she denies it) a government agency. She was in an abusive relationship, but she survived with the help of said organization. However, her fears are stopping her from giving her heart to the only man who would take care of it.

Matt Connor is a spectacular cop and an even greater father. He came to be one at a very young age, but he never regretted. Not once. His family is always his first priority and his people second.

Eva Connor is the epitome of small but terrible. She’s petite but she can intimidate people like nobody’s business. She’s compassionate and caring, which causes people to like her instantly…with a few exceptions.

TO LOVE:
A few chapters in the book, I knew that the author had some sort of background with Science (I haven’t read her bio yet during this time). Her very detailed descriptions of things that had to do with the lab, the tests, and the drugs were pretty much a dead giveaway. I liked this because I got tidbits of information that I didn’t know about before, and for that Ms. Thompson, Thank You.

This is the kind of book I can easily see as a movie. The plot was great, the twists were truly surprising, and the story flow is very unpredictable. You don’t know who’ll die next, how they will die, or if they will die at all. I think that’s one of the things that make a good book -- its ability to keep its readers guessing which way it will go.

I’ve always been a sucker for romantic stuff, so the love formed between Joe and Madeline made me all giddy. They make a wonderful team, and a beautiful couple. I also believe Eva and Matt’s marriage got even stronger because of the challenges they faced and conquered.

TO BLEH:
Personally, this is just something I noted that might need some work on. The story flow, like I said earlier, was awesome. The scenes however…there were times I found myself saying -- “Oh. That happened.” -- and not in a good way. I felt like there were missing scenes or if I’m going to be 100% honest about it, it seems like the scientific stuff has been described more effectively than what’s going on in general. Am I confusing? I feel like I am. I really have no clear way of explaining this, so I’ll just leave it up to you guys. *smiles*

SUMMARY:
Overall I liked Chemical Attraction a lot, and I vote that this gets adapted for a movie. This has been a wonderful first time for me, so I would give it 4 stars. I’m going to pick up the sequel to this titled, “Chemical Reaction”, as soon as I finish writing this. Hope this review made sense!
Profile Image for The Book Beacon.
86 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2014
Chemical Attraction is a romantic thriller with a very original plot, great characters, a medical mystery, some sci-fi elements and plot twists! I enjoyed everything about it - only asterisk is that (in my opinion) the cover (while really beautiful) does not fit the suspenseful FBI thriller. There is romance, but it is the mysterious events and entertaining characters that make this book shine!

Dr. Madeline Pierce suspects that someone in her medical research facility is ordering large amounts of materials used for making meth. She reports her suspensions to the FBI, and they send Agent Joe Roberts to investigate. He goes undercover as Madeline's boyfriend, and together they try to determine who took the chemicals and why. Meanwhile, the small farming town they are in is experiencing vicious animal attacks. Are the events connected? With the help of Joe’s sister, Eva, and her law enforcement husband, Matt, Joe and Madeline hunt for answers. The closer they get to solving the case, the more dangerous it becomes for everyone involved.

Chemical Attraction is a great book. It is well written, beautifully crafted and fast paced. The mystery is woven throughout the story, and it is very exciting to see the truth come to light.

The characters are an ensemble of very intelligent people: scientist, cop, FBI agent and medical professional. They are quick witted, resourceful, brave and very funny. The interaction between the main characters is one of my favorite aspects of the book. Honestly, between the plot and the people, I couldn't put the book down.

Agent Roberts and Dr. Pierce begin the case pretending to be a couple. As they spend more time together, however, they don't have to fake affection. Their relationship is a sweet and romantic aspect to this thriller about meth labs, animal attacks and bio technology. The secondary characters are equally entertaining, and while there are several people in the book, it is easy to keep track of who's who. The fact that the author had so many moving pieces interact and navigate toward the suspenseful conclusion is remarkable. There is a sequel, and I am trying to clear my calendar so I can get to it quickly!

If you enjoy romantic thrillers and medical mysteries, you will enjoy this book. It has a 5 star average on Amazon, with everyone agreeing it is well written, perfectly plotted and a really great read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rabid Readers Reviews.
546 reviews23 followers
May 14, 2013
Thompson writes characters that a reader wants to know. The good guys are affable and fun. We get them on down time singing karaoke, eating and having beer and eating. Instead of wishing that Thompson would rush the action, those moments are fun with friends. Thompson very cleverly gives everyone a back story, no matter how brief. In one scene we have a grandmother with her grandson at an animal auction. Thompson tells us that her husband died in a flu epidemic but she is ready to move on and has her eye on someone. The hint into her is priceless because as the scene progresses and her grandson is in the path of danger our heart bleeds for her because we know she’s suffered enough, don’t take her grandson! There’s an emotional investment that is invaluable in this sort of story.

The plot-line is wonderful. Animals are turning on their owners and killing them. At the start of the novel a young corn detassler (and what young person in Michigan or Ontario wouldn’t know all about corn detassling – often a teens first job here) finds a body in the field that has been attacked by emus and subsequently died of a stroke. The young woman puts her hand through his chest and the description is beautifully gory and yet not overly graphic which sounds perhaps a bit contrary. There is a solid and believable scientific base for the story and there are few superhero moments. These are good people doing their best.

I do have a bit of a bone to pick with Thompson, the catty female. I hate the female that serves no real purpose but to be catty in a story and Rita is that character with bells on in “Chemical Attraction.” The character designed to cause a minor stress between the characters. Especially in the case of this novel she came too late to be believed and only serves to counter-act the strong and smart female characters in this novel and shove women back into a weak and petty stereotype. We get it, Joe is hot. That’s established. Any female in the novel would sleep with him in a heart-beat. Rita was just unnecessary.

“Chemical Attraction” was a fabulous read. If you like romantic thrillers in the spirit of Sandra Brown you cannot do better than this novel. It was a wonderfully written and plotted story.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,356 reviews516 followers
June 4, 2013
Dr. Madeline Pierce knows she is onto something at the laboratory she works for, large quantities of supplies are disappearing with no trace of where they went. FBI Agent Joe Roberts is sent to West Michigan to investigate, although he is pretending to be on vacation, Joe has family in the area making it more convincing to others. Pretending his is dating Madeline is another matter entirely, he didn't expect the chemistry between them to be off the charts, and once he has sampled a kiss from her he is having a hard time keeping it professional.

Exciting suspense that leads the reader on a merry chase. Madeline is a strong heroine who has a few tricks up her sleeve, Joe oozes sex appeal, put the two together and it is combustible. Thoroughly enjoyed every second of this story, can't wait until the next one.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,492 reviews47 followers
February 15, 2020
Narrator does a good job. His voice fits the tone of the story. The author does switch POV’s a lot within the same chapter, so a little more voice variation between the characters would’ve been good; all the men sounded similar and same with the women. Still a good listening experience.

I really enjoyed the whole premise for this book. There’s lots of secrets going on; weird and dangerous things that keep the story entertaining the whole way through. Madeline works as a scientist for a company she begins to suspect is doing something shady. Joe, a FBI agent, comes to town to look into Madeline’s claim. They end up faking a relationship, so it’s easier for Joe to infiltrate where Madeline works. There’s a whole lot more going on in this crazy town full of creepy people; animals are going feral and dead bodies are piling up. Joe also has some ties in town with his sister and her sheriff husband, so they get involved in the craziness too. Lots of danger to be had, so fun times!

I haven’t read the previous books in this series, but I didn’t feel lost. This book works well as a stand-alone, but it does feature characters from the previous books. There’s some really sweet romances going on with all that mystery and suspense going on. Joe and Madeline start to feel more for each other rather quickly into their fake relationship thing. There’s a steamy connection between them, but Joe’s past with women is just eww and it’s affecting his relationship with Madeline. He has so many random one night stands calling his phone it bordered on ridiculous; the women were too hard up when dealing with Joe in this book. Really this town is full of sexually gross men and women; lots of sleaze going on, I’d be moving for sure. Joe’s sister, Eva, and her husband, Matt, have such a wonderful relationship. Love how much they support each other, and I definitely want to read their book now. I’m looking forward to seeing how they fell in love in the previous books in this series.

I found the story fully entertaining and engrossing. Action, suspense, mystery, romance, and some cool ideas going on. Looking forward to checking out the next book in this series and more by this author.
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,311 reviews34 followers
February 16, 2020
Madeline notices things being ordered and never delivered. Upon calling other departments in her lab, she discovers they have the same issue as she does. She calls the FBI to get an investigation going. Meanwhile, strange things are occurring around the town. To keep anybody from discovering the investigation, Madeline pretends to date the FBI agent who's assigned to the task.

I enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would. At first, I got a completely wrong impression of it. I was completely expecting to be cringing through the entire story. I did cringe but in a good way. This book kept me on edge through the whole thing. I couldn't get enough of it. Anything I guessed was way off. It could have gone into more detail in certain places. I also wish the shock factor would have been amplified a bit. That's just my personal preference though.

There were quite a few characters in this book. Most of them were pretty witty and clever. I really adored Madeline, but there were sometimes she was a bit annoying. She's an intelligent woman who considers herself a scientist, but there are times she comes off a little inexperienced. Her partner was pretty amazing. There was a character in the book I just felt so badly for. I think his name was Simon. I'm not sure. People were cruel to him. I know that much.

This book was narrated by Gary Bennett. This is the first time I've listened to a book narrated by him. He does a pretty good job with the narration. I'd listen to other books narrated by him. I think he has the voice for crime novels and mysteries quite frankly. He may be just as successful in other genres as well.

This book was amazing. It went above and beyond my expectations of it. I started the book thinking it was going to be a cringefest of a story that will be full of predictable moments. I was completely wrong. So completely wrong. And I'm so completely thankful for that. I couldn't get enough of the story and wish it didn't have to end! I will try to read other books in the series. It was amazing.
Profile Image for Jessica.
269 reviews85 followers
June 17, 2013
Madeline Pierce’s only option is to contact the FBI when she notices mysterious items on shipping invoices. As she begins to question those at her lab, she’s told it was a billing mistake, but she knows something isn’t right. Most of the items can be used for making meth and she knows a large quality of supplies can be a dangerous combination. Nervous, but determined, she meets with FBI agent, Joe Roberts. Joe and Madeline establish a ruse to get him access to her laboratory; the two begin to pose as a couple and an attraction begins to develop. Joe never mixes business with pleasure, and yet he can’t keep his hands off Madeline. When strange animal attacks begin to take place Joe and Madeline know time is working against them. Using all the help they can get, Joe enlists his sister and his brother-in-law to help solve this mystery. Will they be able to uncover the medical mystery before more attacks happen or will they become victims?

As far as characterization, this is an ensemble cast. We have Madeline who is our primary character and she’s a scientist harboring a secret, which I won’t reveal because it’s part of the plot. Then we have Joe who works for the FBI and he’s undercover. Madeline and Joe decide to pose a couple, but there’s a slight problem. Madeline is known as frigid around town and Thompson puts them in compromising situations, which raises eyebrows, but it’s all for show. I laughed when he decided to play the dumb jock and there’s a particular hilarious scene when he finds out Madeline is a doctor. Then we have Matt and Eva, which we’re first introduced to. Eva is Joe’s sister and she works in a hospital. Matt is in law enforcement as the local chief of the police. There are a few other secondary characters that play a minor role, but are still important. For example Madeline’s aunt, Sylvia, who owns the local bed and breakfast.

The writing is good and while it starts off a little slow, it soon turns into a fast paced read. Thompson doesn’t feed us the facts immediately and we’re on a journey with Madeline, Joe, and company to find out what is going on. I admit, for a while there I had no idea what the meth had to do with animals attacking, but Thompson lays out the facts and when things come together, it all makes sense. I really liked that everything was tied together in some format. There’s rich descriptions and you’ll walk away feeling as if you’re a member of this community. Thompson makes us care about these characters. I do have a slight complaint; I wish she had focused either primarily on Matt and Eva or Madeline and Joe as a couple because even though Madeline and Joe are our primary couple, she focuses equally on Matt and Eva. At times they were more interesting to read, but again I remind myself this an ensemble cast and you need everyone to solve the mystery. I do have to warn you though, the scenes where the animals attack aren’t gruesome, but they might make you look at your own pet a little differently especially if you’re reading this late at night.

If I can take a moment to talk about the medical mystery, Thompson does an excellent job detailing the effects of the drug. It’s a scary situation and the sad part is, some scientist somewhere is probably working on the exact same thing or something close to it. Although there’s scientific / medical jargon in Chemical Attraction, it doesn’t take away from the plot nor does it hinder it. Readers will still be able to understand what is going on. I know some people shy away from these types of books, but you’ll want to read this.

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense or medical thrillers, I highly recommend Christina Thompson’s Chemical Attraction. I do have to warn you, it ends with a slight cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read Chemical Reaction.

This review is posted at Literary, etc.
Profile Image for  CCAM&GZM.
310 reviews93 followers
July 16, 2014
I really like the cover and, I admit, it was one of the reasons (honestly now, who doesn’t do this when the book and/or author are unknown to him?) I chose to read the book and, after I did it, I can say it fits, but not at a superficial level. So do not be misled by its dreamy atmosphere... the only link that the story has with the sleep is that the sleep of reason can produces monsters. And the monsters from Chemical Attraction are some real ones... so real as human nature or Blood Brain Barrier. Human nature that the author will successfully exploit in her story, pointing out both the positive and especially the negative sides of it. Human nature that will make innocent or not so much victims and will create a constant state of danger to those involved.

Chemical Attraction is described as a romantic suspense and I don’t know if it's because of the date on which it was written or it was the desire of the writer (I hope with all my heart that it is the latest), but we are not in the situation in which the suspense part of the story is just a facile vehicle for romance. No, the suspense is a main ingredient too, just as important as the romance. The fight to identify and catch the criminals before they make new victims, the recovery of the unorthodox scientific research results that were supposed to save lives is the central pillar of the story. Christina Thompson knew how to introduce unexpected, thrill, even gore and she knew how to vary the lighter moments, some pigmented with humor (talking in code was very funny indeed) with the serious ones. Also, the author has provided enough clues throughout the story, but also red herrings, so that the reader is encouraged to find out by himself the perpetrators while continuing to read breathless.

The romance moments, we have a HEA in progress and a possible new relationship about to spring, bring a different kind of suspense whose outcome can be disastrous if the fight with the criminals would become a personal one since heated minds are prone to mistakes. It remains to be seen how our characters will handle this. Considering that our day literature tends to be seized by the explicit scenes, I really want to outline that their absence from Chemical Attraction does not diminish in any way the intensity of the characters’ feelings and experiences. Thumbs up here!

My conclusion in short is: I really liked the book, I look forward to read the next volumes and I recommend it to you!

CCAM

http://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/...
Profile Image for Diana Duell.
226 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2020
The 3rd book in the series. Another great read. Keeps you on your toes.
Profile Image for Kris.
80 reviews17 followers
March 9, 2014
Chemical Attraction is a romantic thriller with a very original plot, great characters, a medical mystery, some sci-fi elements and plot twists! I enjoyed everything about it - only asterisk is that (in my opinion) the cover (while really beautiful) does not fit the suspenseful FBI thriller. There is romance, but it is the mysterious events and entertaining characters that make this book shine!

Chemical Attraction is a great book. It is well written, beautifully crafted and fast paced. The mystery is woven throughout the story, and it is very exciting to see the truth come to light.

The characters are an ensemble of very intelligent people: scientist, cop, FBI agent and medical professional. They are quick witted, resourceful, brave and very funny. The interaction between the main characters is one of my favorite aspects of the book. Honestly, between the plot and the people, I couldn't put the book down.

Agent Roberts and Dr. Pierce begin the case pretending to be a couple. As they spend more time together, however, they don't have to fake affection. Their relationship is a sweet and romantic aspect to this thriller about meth labs, animal attacks and bio technology. The secondary characters are equally entertaining, and while there are several people in the book, it is easy to keep track of who's who. The fact that the author had so many moving pieces interact and navigate toward the suspenseful conclusion is remarkable. There is a sequel, and I am trying to clear my calendar so I can get to it quickly!

If you enjoy romantic thrillers and medical mysteries, you will enjoy this book. It has a 5 star average on Amazon, with everyone agreeing it is well written, perfectly plotted and a really great read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Isa Jones (Jo&Isalovebooks Blog).
411 reviews89 followers
March 15, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review:

Chemical Attraction is a romantic thriller with a very original plot, I absolutely loved the characters,I enjoyed everything about it, I thought the idea of a Medical underline was different to what we normally read these days. I thought it was a great book, in my opinion is very well written absolutely well researched too and very fast paced. The mystery is well founded throughout the story, but at the same time we get to see a humorous side and romantic moments.

I liked the interaction between the main characters, both being intelligent individuals with high flying professions bring a solid and smart storyline but at the same time are witty and well matched.

Agent (Joe) Roberts and Dr. (Madeleine) Pierce begin their case pretending to be a couple. As they have to spend more time together, their instant "chemical" attraction is undeniable and quickly sparks start to fly, this is very well described by the author as she gives us plenty of hot and steamy moments, their relationship is sweet and romantic even though we are dealing with a delicate subject of meth labs, animal attacks and bio technology. The rest of the characters are loveable as well as they bring a great balance to the story and therefore create an overall entertaining read, I can't wait to read the next in the series to find out more about them, there is definitely some more story to go on and perhaps another couple for the next instalment?? wink wink!!

I Gave it 5 stars as in my opinion had, good pace, great chemistry between the leads, an original plot, very good secondary characters, romance and it dealt with factual events! Totally recommend it!!
March 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.

The first chapter of Chemical Attraction was overwhelming for me with a lot of character names to remember and the things that distinguish them from one another. I worried I wasn't going to remember all of them and how they're related or know each other, but as the story progressed, I needn't have worried. The main characters soon stood out from the rest.

Eva and Matt, Joe's "sister" and brother-in-law, have such a loving relationship, and I loved the fact that they're still so hot for each other after nine years together. They made me feel like they're going to feel that way for each other the rest of their lives. Marriages either become dysfunctional or don't make it for long at all so many times in novels, so I found this refreshing.

The attraction between Joe and Madeline was palpable from the start. They're both intelligent and self-assured people, making them evenly matched which I really liked. They work well together, and the tantalizing prospect of them becoming a "real" couple was always just out of delicious reach, making you desperate to find out if that's in the cards for them.

Thompson takes time building the characters and their interactions before getting to the action of the story, so when something happened, you really felt the impact. At first I felt frustrated with getting to the action, but had she rushed things, the story wouldn't have hit me as hard as it did. The way she set everything up made Chemical Attraction worth reading. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,188 reviews254 followers
July 13, 2013
Research Scientist Madeline Pierce is stunned when she discovers a meth production and distribution operation going on at her very own medical research facility. The FBI is called in and agent Joe Roberts is assigned to go undercover as Madeline’s boyfriend. Together, they search for the truth and discover there is much more going on in this small Michigan town than they thought.

When animal attacks occur all around town, they realize that someone is experimenting but is their experiments limited to animals or could human testing be involved as well? With the help of Joe’s sister and her police officer husband, Joe and Madeline begin an investigation they never suspected leading them right to a volatile nano-drug.

Throughout this entire mission, Madeline and Joe’s pretend relationship turns serious and it’s not long before they create some of their own intense chemical attraction. Their relationship is sizzling hot!

This story had me from the first page. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what was going on and I adored the four main characters – Joe, Madeline, his sister Eva, and her husband Matt. They worked so well together. The story had the perfect mix of mystery, suspense and romance. There were even a few dashes of humor mixed into this fast-paced suspense. I can’t say enough good things about this book. I never thought I would love it this much. The author even left us with a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to the next book.

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
March 10, 2014
Thompson has a natural writing style that somehow adds to the intensity of the story. She doesn’t employ any gimmicks other than good, old-fashioned storytelling in a modern light. She lays out her scenes in a very vivid and visual manner, allowing her audience to immerse themselves in the beauty of the scenes while being caught up in the suspense of the story. Thompson masterfully keeps her audience on their toes, taking them on twists and turns that you’d never imagine while keeping them fully and completely engaged in her exquisite story. And at the same time, steamy romance melds its way into the mix.

Thompson’s characters are off the hook as well. Although they are caught up in off the charts events they are also human. Family and humanity reign in this novel, while each character still remains true to themselves. Somehow Thompson shows how her characters are able to go above and beyond without ever betraying what makes them intrinsically themselves. Now, that isn’t to say that all of her characters are stellar citizens. There is also a very strong representation of the darker side of life. These characters are developed in such a manner that they send chills down your spine. I’ll never be able to look at a man with a red tie the same way again.

Overall, this was a fast paced and suspenseful novel that kept me on my toes throughout. It was a brilliant introduction to Thompson’s writing that has definitely sparked me to read more of her work. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this one to anyone.

Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Pratr- Authors.
442 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors that Rock for an Honest Review.



Dr. Madeline Pierce a research scientist at BennTech's Medical Research Facility, knows something is going on at the facility. After doing some digging on her own she uncovers orders from different departments for the ingredients for making meth. And a lot of it. Meanwhile in town dead bodies are showing up, attacked by their animals. Madeline after making a call Agent Joe Roberts from the FBI shows up. Sparks fly between Madeline and Joe from the first meeting and working together and acting like boyfriend/girlfriend makes it all that harder to keep things professional. Joe's sister Eva is married to the local Chief of Police Matt. While Matt is trying to find out about the murders, they discover there is a connection between the case Joe is working on and the murders. So they join forcers to solve the mystery.

In the first two chapters there is an overload of characters, which left me confused trying to keep track of everyone. Soon after the story starts to center around the main characters. While there still are a lot of secondary characters by that point you can keep track. It's definitely not a book you can figure out in your mind quickly. There are many twist and turns that keep you turning the pages. For a medical thrill it was fast paced and in depth. Enough romance to keep you from being bogged down from the medical part. It pretty much wraps up at the end but eaves a thread of the story hanging for a next book.

Great read for lovers of romantic suspense/ medical mysteries

Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews21 followers
March 29, 2015
This is a book with several main characters and a plot that twists and turns as the mysteries these characters face unravel. Dr.Madeline Pierce is a scientist who discovers some unsettling discrepancies at the medical facility where she conducts her research. FBI Agent Joe Roberts is called in to investigate Dr. Pierces findings. Police Chief Matt Conner is dealing with a lot of bizarre deaths in his town and things get even trickier when his beloved wife Eva is used as leverage against him.

In the midst of these characters dealing with some pretty serious crimes and conspiracies, Joe and Madeline find themselves very attracted to one another. Making sure their attraction and budding relationship doesn't get in the way of their professional duties is a challenge. I found it very easy to connect with and care about all the main characters in this story. It is easy to get sucked in to the drama and action associated with all the events in the town. At times I found it tricky to remember who was who when dealing with some of the peripheral characters, but overall I was eager to find out what was really going on and who could and couldn't be trusted. The romance is sweet, and the action is exciting. I read this straight through once I started, and will gladly read more by this author in the future. 3.5 stars

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Ashley Schoen.
402 reviews29 followers
February 14, 2014
I'd actually give this a 3.5

Dr. Madeline Pierce fears there is something horrible going on in the company where she works. She thinks there is a huge meth operation and distribution, so she calls the FBI. They send Agent Joe Roberts. There are so many things going on in her little town, animal attacks, testing outside the laboratory, murders, and to top it off Madeline is instantly attracted to Joe and they must play boyfriend/girlfriend to find out the answer they are looking for.

I received this from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock for an honest review! To be honest this wouldn't be something I picked up for myself. Well that teaches me to limit my reading list! :) I fell in love with Christina Thompson's characters immediately. They were funny, charming, smart, and witty; they had amazing chemistry together and I loved the witty comebacks. This book contained it all, and I mean all, sex, murder, mystery, betrayal, and so much more. I am glad I got a chance to read this book because I will most definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series~!
Profile Image for Amber.
488 reviews59 followers
July 24, 2014
This started out with a bang then got a bit slow for me and then just sucked me in!

I'll admit that I had trouble at first getting into it. It started out with some action but then got a bit slow with all the character introductions. It was also kind of confusing at first since it switched points of view a lot but once I got past all of that the story really picked up. It was necessary for it though to build up the back story.

I was very intrigued with what was going on. There were just so many things happening. People getting attacked left and right by animals and a lot of meth labs in the area. I was curious to see how it was all going to come together and I wasn't disappointed.

I really enjoyed all of the characters. Having each of their POV's really gave a lot of insight to them.

If your looking for a great new romantic suspense that's full of action and some humor then definitely check this one out! It does end on a bit of a cliff hanger though that has me anxiously awaiting the next book!
Profile Image for Lena Dublin.
697 reviews11 followers
August 31, 2014
I am a big fan of Romantic Suspense novels especially when they involve a hero that is not only hot but smart and a heroine that can more than keep up with said hero. “Chemical Attraction” fits the bill. This is the first book in Christina Thompson’s Chemical Attraction series. If you are or were a fan of the X-Files, you will definitely love this book. The big difference between the popular series and this book is that Mulder and Scully actually do get together. And Mulder is WAY hotter.

Joe is an undercover FBI agent who has brawn and brain blended together in a hot package. The locals think he is in town for a little R and R but really he is working with the gorgeous and smart scientist Madeline.

The when-animals-go-bad scenes were very well written I actually felt anxious anticipation while reading them and caught myself gasp aloud a couple of times. All the characters that were introduced all played key roles in the story. There was no filler or over descriptions.
I am looking forward to finishing the series to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jacqui Bester.
Author 1 book5 followers
December 17, 2013
I received this book from Rose's Book Snobs for an honest review.

First off, a brilliant cover picture.. A mix between sensuality and science. It had me curious about the novel from the start.

An FBI agent (Joe) and a scientist (Madeline) embark on an exciting adventure trying to figure out who is behind the sudden increase in drug abuse and deaths in a small farming community. They go undercover as a couple but the sparks start flying right from the word go... With the help of Joe's brother in law, a cop (Matt) and his wife (Eva), they begin the dangerous undercover operation.

A gripping book that had me hooked.. I just had to figure out who was behind all these crimes. The chemical attraction between Joe and Madeline had you both frustrated and eager at the same time. Christina keeps you in suspense right to the end. A well written novel.

Looking forward to reading book 2 - Chemical Reaction.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,441 reviews82 followers
December 31, 2013
I received this book from Rose's Book Snobs for an honest review.
CHEMICAL ATTRACTION...Written by Christina Thompson..

First off, a brilliant cover picture.. A mix between sensuality and science. It had me curious about the novel from the start.

An FBI agent (Joe) and a scientist (Madeline) embark on an exciting adventure trying to figure out who is behind the sudden increase in drug abuse and deaths in a small farming community. They go undercover as a couple but the sparks start flying right from the word go... With the help of Joe's brother in law, a cop (Matt) and his wife (Eva), they begin the dangerous undercover operation.

A gripping book that had me hooked.. I just had to figure out who was behind all these crimes. The chemical attraction between Joe and Madeline had you both frustrated and eager at the same time. Christina keeps you in suspense right to the end. A well written novel.

Looking forward to reading book 2 - Chemical Reaction.

Reviewed By:
Jacqui
Profile Image for Deborah Bean.
225 reviews5 followers
April 8, 2014
Wow what a book. It has everything that a person could want in it. Action, intrigue, murder, and romance can all be found in this amazing story. What I liked about this story is that it shows what can happen when science runs amok. Things that should be used for earth shattering medical breakthroughs are instead corrupted into a weapon in this story.

I loved all of the twists and turns that this story provided. It managed to keep me entertained to the point that I read it in one setting. There was depth to the main characters as well as just the right amount of depth to the supporting characters. They all managed to stand out in their own unique way.
I definitely give this book 5 stars. If you are into action/mystery books, then this would be a great book for you to read. This author does not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 21 books560 followers
August 21, 2013
If you’re looking for a thrilling read with suspense and a touch of romance, Chemical Attraction fits the bill. There’s a fairly large ensemble cast in this story which I found refreshing. I became attached to several of the characters as the suspense unfolded. The medical mystery at the heart of the story is an intriguing one and the author did a great job of parlaying it out in bits and pieces, making for an exciting read. Christina Thompson packs a lot into this novel, especially with the cast of characters and plot threads she had to juggle. Intriguing throughout, but the action at the end had me on the edge of my seat and delivered a few surprises I hadn’t expected. I’m looking forward to checking out the continued action in book two, Chemical Reaction!
Profile Image for Melonie Merritt.
155 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2014



This book kept me guessing the whole way through. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen the book took a different turn. This kept me turning pages till the very end. I will admit during the first 2 chapters of this book I was slightly confused as to what was going on and where the storyline was going, but then it comes together. There is a lot of detail and description on the scientific side of things that a reader can easily follow along with what is going on and what is being talked about between the characters. Christina Thompson did a great job of bringing the characters to life and letting you really get to know all of them. I would highly recommend this book to all of my fellow readers!
Profile Image for Sage Adderley.
Author 3 books85 followers
April 16, 2015
Chemical Attraction has a healthy balance of lust, romance, action, and suspense. I enjoyed the depth of the characters and how the author tied them all together, both in background and plot. I always appreciate when authors spotlight female characters who are smart, strong, and hold their own in the book. I think Thompson did just that with a few of her characters, such as Eve Connor and Dr. Madeline Pierce.

I also appreciate how the plot isn't solely focused on one mystery, but a blend of multiple things, like the possible meth house, the rabid animals turning on humans, and some of the activity happening in Madeline's research facility. Definitely a fulfilling read!
Profile Image for S.M. Blooding.
Author 31 books583 followers
July 25, 2013
This book had my inner romantic and my inner geek happy.

Ms. Thompson did an excellent job of dropping the details throughout the story to really give it layers of depth. We got little nuggets on each of the characters, making them all 3-dimensional. There were more nuggets into the plot, which was crazy, insane and could sooooo totally happen all at the same time. And my inner geek was taking notes and having a field day with the science in the story. It's totally written in a way that anyone should get it. I devoured it, though. It was awesome!

Great read.
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