More than Chemistry

By: Kate Sherwood

Narrated by: Derrick McClain

Jack Lawson grew up poor and can't forget it. He's a huge success in the business world, but it won't be enough until the image of "poor little Jack" is completely wiped away. When Jack runs into his old friend, Noah Mercier, he decides that Noah's sister, an up-and-coming movie star, would be the perfect evidence of glamorous success. If Jack can win Hayley, it will be clear to everyone, including himself, that he has truly arrived.

The problem with Jack's grand plan is that he's more attracted to Noah. Jack's never worried about the gender of his conquests, but Noah just isn't flashy enough for Jack's scheme to set the world on fire... unless Jack realizes he has practically no control over deciding who he wants - and even less choice in who he needs.

©2012 Kate Sherwood (P)2015 Dreamspinner Press

Fast, lighthearted read with mediocre narration.

What did you like best about More than Chemistry? What did you like least?

I liked the few moments that Jack and Noah shared in Noah's teensy office. I did not like the tones and voice McClain chose to use when narrating Jack.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kate Sherwood? Why or why not?

Yes, I love her style of writing.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Not at all, at least not in my opinion.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

A different narrator perhaps.

Any additional comments?

Jack Lawson may have been struggling to rub two pennies together when he was younger, but he grew into a successful business man. He is actually interviewing for a new ad company when he recognizes an old friend from school, Noah Mercier. There is a spark from the beginning, for Jack at least, he’s never been one to limit himself to just one sex when he could have both. Noah however, takes a little more convincing.

When Jack learns that Noah’s sister is a sexy up and coming actress, Jack sets his sights on the sister. But he can’t stop thinking about Noah and his sexy, shy smile, his awkward streak and his love of volleyballs. The problem is, Noah thinks that Jack is straight and to separate himself from Jack so he doesn’t get hurt, he quits his job and stops returning Jack’s calls. Can Jack convince Noah he is sincere in wanting a relationship with him, when he’s just figured it out for himself?

A fast, light hearted read. I really enjoyed the banter back and forth between Jack and Noah when they were alone in that closet Noah was passing off as an office. The coffee’s and the vollyballs. The problem I had was aside from that brief period in the storyline, I never felt a real connection between them. The narration didn’t tie me to the characters either, in fact, the tones and voice McClain chose to use for Jack made him sound pompous and insincere. Sadly, this was just an okay audio for me. I had high hopes because I love Sherwood’s style of writing, but this story just fell a little flat, for me anyway.

A silly romance, but fun.

I enjoyed it even though I was pretty sure where it was going. It could have taken a few more turns, but no, it is short and nice.

Fun stuff

Jack is now a millionaire running a chemical company when he meets Noah, an acquaintance from the past. At first, Jack (comfortably bi-sexual) is attracted to Noah and figures he’d like a quick affair with the man, but after speaking to him he learns that Noah has a famous sister and it’s her coat-tails he’d like to ride. A final bit of proof that he’s made it and is not the poor loser he was in high school.

Noah and Jack end up spending a lot of time together working on an ad campaign for Jack’s company. During this time both men seem to be falling in love but Jack can’t shake off his plan of wowing the public with a famous girlfriend, so he doesn’t act on his feelings.

Luckily, once he does manage to take out the famous sister, he’s come to the conclusion that Noah means more than glory and he sets about winning Noah’s heart instead.

**

This was a very short, cute love story along the lines of Cyrano. Noah is in the awkward position of setting up Jack with his sister but coveting him for himself.

Since it was a short story things moved ridiculously quickly but it was still a great story with a lovely HEA.

Audio

Derrick McClain is new to me as far as narration goes, but he did a very nice job with the story. He infused emotion and differentiated voices and even managed a passable female voice when needed.

I enjoyed both the story and the narration and give it 4 of 5 hearts.

Banana Split Chocolate Sauce & Lots of Nuts

Zany, sweet, fun and lots of chemistry. I didn't think I was going to like Jack but he turned out to be wonderful so that was the luscious cherry on top.