To experience college in all its aspects…

Synopsis

Opposites attract like a magnet to steel, or in this case, Emerson to Steel

Emerson Powers has been so focused on obtaining her science degree that she’s neglected the more social aspects of college life. With the new start of her junior year, she’s determined to fix that with a real hands-on lesson in biology. The assignment is simple enough—teach the rock star’s son how to be good, while he shows her how to be very bad. Two objectives, one outcome … will the lesson be love or heartbreak?

Steel is no longer the bad boy Emerson knew from prep school, and he’s set to prove it by helping Emerson complete her secret list of desired college experiences. And if he can convince her that they are meant to be together along the way, even better!

While teaming up on experiments, both in and out of the classroom, Emerson discovers a new side to Steel. Leaving her to question everything she thought she knew. Still, is it enough to forgive the past or just mere chemistry?

My review

Emerson Powers has had one focus on college, to get her science degree. However, that focus has also made it impossible for Emerson to enjoy the other aspects of college life, the fun part.
With the start of her junior year, she makes a list of things she wats to experience. But what she didn’t see coming, is that Steel, the famous rock star’s son, volunteers to help her to complete the list. And that is not to Emerson’s liking, as she knows Steel from High School and he made her miserable. But Steel now wants to show Emerson that he has changed and has become serious. So while working on their biology class project together, he wants her to show her how to have (safely) fun and show her that they are meant to be together. 

Could there be more two different people than Emerson and Steel? But could there be also more two people alike than Emerson and Steel? A contradiction yes, but that is the feeling I had after finishing this wonderful novella. 

I could understand Emerson’s focus on getting her degree, especially after having had a few glimpses of her parents. It’s always difficult to live up to the high standards our parents have. But getting to know Emerson, I quickly realized that Emerson getting her degree wouldn’t be a problem at all. However, I also understood her desire to experience the social and thus fun part of the college experience. 

I also understood her reluctance of working together with Steel, both on the biology project as on her own project. Because the way Steel behaved in High School, with his mischief and the way he acted towards Emerson, well I don’t know if I wanted to hang out with him! 

But just like in real life, sometimes we have to ‘forget’ about the past and see the people how they are now. Because Steel absolutely has learned from his mistakes, and is looking at life totally different now. Also reading about his heart – crushing discovery ad how difficult he finds it to process it, made me change my opinion of Steel.
And then I am not talking about his protectiveness towards Emerson! I just loved it how he wants her to experience everything, but stands also as a knight in shining armour to protect her! 

The downsize of reading a novella, is that the end is there way too quickly! I truly loved it how Emerson and Steel turned from enemies to friends to more. From initially frosty moments to moments where sparks fly around, this book is easily devoured in one session.
And while it takes place in college, it shows a matureness in both characters, people who know (or learn) how to have fun, but also being there in the more difficult moments. 

This was for sure a sweet story about love, redemption, and second chances for characters with great chemistry, trying to show that people can change for the better.