Review: Rocket Science by K.M. Neuhold
SYNOPSIS:
Relationships aren’t rocket science. If they were, I might stand a chance of figuring one out.
Elijah
Saying I’ve had a crush on my best friend’s older brother, Pax, most of my life is like saying the big bang was just an explosion. It’s true, but I’m not sure that quite captures the essence of its true enormity.
I know he’s only hanging out with me because I’m new in town and getting my PhD doesn’t leave me with much time to make friends. And even if it did, my strength is mathematics, not friend-making. What I don’t understand is why he kissed me… why he seems to want to keep kissing me. I don’t think my advanced physics knowledge is going to help me figure this one out. But I think for once I’m okay with not knowing, as long as Pax and I don’t know together.
Pax
He’s still the awkward Nerdlet I remember…he’s also probably the cutest, most tempting man I’ve laid eyes on. I know I should keep my hands off him, but this thing between us is like a force of nature. I want to be his first everything. He says we’re nothing more than atoms crashing into each other. I’m no scientist but I don’t think either of us are braced for the explosion.
REVIEW:
I am a classically trained scientist, so when I see a book with science as a main aspect of a character’s life, I proceed with caution. Mostly because authors don’t seem to do their research or even ask us scientists how things really are…and unfortunately that seemed to be the case with this story.
So the romance portion of the story, that was cute. Elijah really captures that innocent, nerdy wonder that you can’t help but cheer him on. And Pax is so open and honest about his man-whore ways. Such opposites in so many ways, but they get each other on a deeper level. And while some of the sex scenes did seem rushed at times, these characters had a lot of tender, vulnerable moments that had me swooning.
BUT…I cannot overlook the science issues.
*grabs mic* “Is this thing on?”
First, the words ‘object’ and ‘particle’ are not interchangeable in scientific theories and principles, in fact they are very distinct. Second, doctorate students are on stipends, they don’t attend class all day, everyday. They partly attend class, partly teach, and partly begin research (at least in the first 1-2 years of graduate school). This being said, Elijah was just in classes all day long, all the time, and there was no mention of research or teaching. He was also living off of student loans, which he may have taken out but the university would also be paying him. Please ask scientists before you inaccurately portray us, I WANT TO HELP YOU AUTHORS.
Third, atoms crashing together or colliding does not result in an instantaneous explosion every, f*ckin time. *eye roll till my eyes fall out the back of my head* Finally, a Ph.D. in the sciences is rarely completed in 4.5 years, especially one that is going to be as rigorous as aerospace engineering…
Okay, my science rant is over. The romance itself was fluffy and adorable. I really liked these two together and how there wasn’t any massive, high-drama moments. The secondary characters are a little one dimension but balance out Elijah and Pax nicely. Just for the love of God…ask a scientist!
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