A dangerous serum. A deadly enemy. A suffocating secret.
I didn’t know it was possible to be in love with two people at the same time, until my past and present collided.
Jensen was unpredictable and compelling, until he shattered my heart when he was deployed.
Trent is loving and dependable, and I can easily envision a future in his arms.
I had no way to know the two were brothers. I fear I will be what tears them apart.
When Trent is deployed to Afghanistan to test a highly classified serum, I can’t shake the feeling of dread. My fears are quickly justified. An unknown enemy knows my dark secret, and plans to use it against us.
I made a mistake once, and now it could destroy everyone I love.
Ryleigh Sloan is a romance author with a masters degree in being an indecisive control freak. Her favorite pastime is driving her friends crazy by writing multiple books at once.
Following the advice of established authors to read, read, read in order to hone one’s craft she does just that and engrosses herself in as many romance novels as she can get her hands on. Her bad habit of writing more than one book at a time carries over to her reading and she can be found reading, and listening to multiple titles at once and enjoying every moment.
You know a love triangle is done right when at the end your left feeling equal parts happy and sad. This was one beautiful journey I never thought I'd enjoy as much as I did considering my aversion to love triangles and cheating but the plot, the leads and the side characters were amazing. You were right Pisces, Jensen's got a bit of Emmett in him😍
THE DARK SIDE OF CHEMISTRY: Is a full length standalone romance novel by new to me author Ryleigh Sloan. Spoken in third person POVs (The two brother’s Trent & Jensen plus Skyla).This is going to be a no frills review as I don't want to give away too many spoilers, just go in blind, enjoy the roller coaster of emotions that will have you riding high on a roller coaster. Easy to get into, hard to put down.
Skyla isn't wet behind the ears when it comes to the military lifestyle, her father was a colonel in the Marines so she knew what she was getting herself into becoming involved with a man in the Military.
You know exactly what you’re getting yourself into by the blurb, Skyla is torn between two men, brothers at that, she had a short fling with Jensen which could've become so much more The ten days Jensen and I spent together had been incredible; it was the kind of thing you read about in books. I fell in love with him right from the start. but then he was deployed and thought best that they go their separate ways as he didn't know how long he'd be away for. Leaving her heartbroken.
Three months later she meets Trent at a picnic, not knowing until much later that he’s Jensen’s brother, three years together and it’s a secret she’s holding close to her heart hoping that it never gets out as it will destroy them all.
Trent has now been deployed to Afghanistan to test a highly classified and dangerous serum and right by his side is his brother Jensen, both deep in enemy territory.
You'll feel exactly how Skylar felt because these two men will no doubt steal a wee bit of your heart on such profound levels. Both have such wonderful qualities about themselves and you could understand how Skylar fell for the two men.
From the very first page I was drawn into the storyline. I’m kind of a sucker for the pull on your heart strings kind of books, add in the fact that she’s in love with two men, just added to that anticipation, but reading that they were brothers wowzas that’s a whole new level of pain that’s going to come send us into a tailspin. Expect all the feels to come at you, anger, hate, love, betrayal, forgiveness, because make no mistake they will come at you out of nowhere..
What happens when you realize the girl who got away is now the girl your brother is in love with?!?!
Crazy I went into this book in love with one brother and then midway I switched it up. I fell hard for the other brother. I totally understand Skyla!! I would be right in the middle of that triangle too!!
Ok so I am usually the girl who won’t read a book with a love triangle. But the few I have read have not been so bad so I figure let’s keep trying. Omg this book’s love triangle was just what I love. And I was totally team Jensen!!!
This story was a military romance and I did enjoy that side of things. Maybe I felt like some stuff was thrown in randomly and it was a little confusing but all together this book was great!!
Who doesn’t want two hot brothers fighting over you ?!?!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
Oh. My. Gosh. This book is phenomenal. So many twists and turns, TDSOC definitely takes you on a wild ride!!! The obstacles these characters face keeps you on the edge of your seat through the whole book. There’s literally no “boring” moments in this book. You feel so many emotions. Don’t get me started on Trent and Jensen. Whew! *fans self* those brothers are sooo hot! And both their connections to Skyla is so amazingly written. (No this is not a ménage romance) I don’t want to go too much into it because then I will spoil it but just read this book!!!! If you know Ryleigh Sloane from her romcom Cliche you already know she’s a wonderful writer so what are you waiting for?!?! Go one click now! 😍
I am in the midst of a serious book hangover with DSOC.
I was given an advanced listener copy to review and have been a long time fan of Ryleigh's books. Each of her books have hit me differently, this book is no exception.
Skyla, Trent and Jensen are tied up in an emotional love triangle. Throw in a military trope and you have a book that had me on the edge throughout most of this book.
I finished this one in 2 days and it took another 2 just to write this review!
First, let me say the narration of Jason Clarke, Aaron Shedlock and Kylie Stewart was key to making this audiobook so edgy and full of emotion. Also, I was torn for Kayla, and also the brothers. There was always going to be a lower when there's a love triangle, but those plot twists took me by surprise!
DSOC is not your typical military romance and I think I was expecting something completely different. Another hit for Ryleigh for sure!!
(audiobook+ebook) I already enjoyed this author’s work in another genre, so I was curious about reading some romantic suspense by her. I was blown away.
Though a bit unrealistic–such a level of mind control is still an illusion–the mystery plot is still well done and gripping. I really enjoyed how the personal story of the characters mixed with the bigger spy story.
I’m a sucker for a good love triangle. The one where you’re never sure who’s gonna be chosen because there are deep feelings everywhere. This book has one of those. The brotherly love between Jensen and Trent, tainted with the secret between J and Skyla, made the conflicts between them even more emotional. I’d have loved to see more of Skyla and Jensen’s past relationship though–one single flashback and some reminiscence from the characters felt not enough to understand the depth of their feelings for each other. As for Skyla’s relationship with Trent, we see but a glimpse of it since they’re quickly separated–but since it’s a long term relationship, it was easier to see the love between them. Still, that’s one powerful love triangle that kept me on edge until the very end.
The handful of villains who threatened them, despite clear motivations–that I guessed pretty fast–didn’t feel real. More like cartoon villains. Except for one unexpected one. But I won’t spoil the surprise. This one, though, made the whole story more painful to read. Oh, the angst!
And the narration? I wasn’t sold on the female narrator, to be honest. But the two male narrators were perfectly cast. The one doing Trent was especially great with the character. They brought life to those three tortured characters in their search for happiness. A very good listen.
Quickie
- Series: standalone - Hashtags: #romantic suspense #love triangle - Triggers: torture, war violence, cheating, PTSD - Main couple: Skyla Middleton & (Trent Adams or Jensen Adams) - Hotness: 3/5 - Romance: 4/5 - + the intense love triangle with two brothers involved - – I felt there were no hints at what would be Skyla’s choice between the brothers, even though it’s said in the story that it was obvious
It has been a long time since a book has sucked me in, grasped me in its clutches and refused to let go until the last page was read. I carried this book everywhere because I could NOT put it down!
From the first page, I was drawn in, feeling uneasy as to what was going to happen and I was not disappointed! It was a roller-coaster of emotions with so much suspense I felt my heart pounding at times! I was frustrated, on edge, heartbroken and healed all within the span of these pages and it was amazing!!
Skyla is an incredibly strong woman with more strength than she realizes. My heart was shredded for this woman and all that she had to endure. Trent and Jensen both of them will steal your heart in different ways. I felt for both of them, understood both of them! It's very easy to see how it's possible to fall for these two brothers!
I can not say enough about this book that will do it justice. It is everything that a suspense-fueled book should be. It makes you feel, makes you guess, makes you throw your kindle at 2 AM and quickly pick it up again. This is a new author and I will be following her closely because her writing is just that good!
I finished this book 10 days ago and I am still struggling to find the words to write a review, but I’m just going to give it go. LOL
Holy crap is really all I can say, I was drawn to this book from the first page. This book is full of love, heartbreak, and suspense. I couldn’t put it down I was so sucked in.
I laughed, I cried, I hurt right along with these characters I felt their love and their pain as this author has such a way with words.
I highly recommend reading this book, as it is very high on my list of favorite books. I already want to read it again
There is absolutely nowhere to start with the review for this book. I went in thinking it was going to be a sweet read where there was turmoil in the heroine between which brother she had stronger feelings for. What I actually got was a roller coaster of emotions, shock after shock with all the plot twists and a deeper love for Ryleigh Sloan's writing. Yes, I cried, swooned, laughed, may have screamed and all the other things you can think off all with this one book.
So if you're in the mood for a major book hangover like the one I have (weeks after finishing it), this book is for you.
Every now and then a book comes along that just simply blows you away ......this is one of those books!!!!
I went into this book knowing only that it was a love triangle ,which i love! but wow this is not your average love triangle it is sooooooooooo much more. You are gripped from the start with a love between trent and sky that is so beautiful its what we all strive to achieve,but nothing is as it seems. This is a heartbreaking story of.. Deep love Longing Lust Devastation and Ultimate betrayal
I absolutely loved this book the writing is outstanding it really is a hidden gem that will stay with me for a very long time
In Short - The story line took me by surprise in so many ways, so many times. - I liked Skyla and her interactions with her friends. - Both Trent and Jenson are perfect in different ways.
In Long This book took me totally by surprise in such a perfect way. Wow !!
This sort of book really needed to be written with care and thought because I think this story line can be one which either works or leaves the reader feeling frustrated about the relationships. Ryleigh wrote this book with the thought needed and created a book full of love, heart break and angst.
Skyla was a likeable character who faced so many different tough decisions and life changing moments, this book took her on a real journey. I loved her friendships with Tyler and Courtney. It added this really sweet and bubbly side, often at times it was really needed.
Trent and Jenson are so perfect in so many different ways and this made it easier to understand why Skyla felt as conflicted as she did.
The story line is one which totally took me by surprise so many times. It's quite intense in places and I was truly gripped by so many scenes, all for different reasons.
Final Thoughts A book which will have you desperate for the next page while holding your breath, almost too edgy to see what Ryleigh will throw at the characters next.
***Arc was given by author for an honest review***
Thrilling and angsty, this one had me flipping the pages to see how this little love triangle would end and if they would beat the evil doer. I must say I hate the female name but liked the character though at times I did want to smack some sense into her. Jensen and Trent...Yummmy! I feel her struggle. Jensen has that military bad boy down and Trent is the ultimate lovey hot/good boy. Great read!
What a roller coaster! Had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to throw my kindle a few times and maybe I said a few cuss words when it hit twist I did not see coming! This book has all the emotions, love, trust, happiness, anger, fear, betrayal and forgiveness. This book can be in so many different sub-genres, military, second chance, contemporary and suspense. (There is a few more but that would be a spoiler) I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Holy crap on a cracker this book keeps you on the edge of your seat to the very last page!! I Loved The Dark Side of Chemistry,and I love Ryleigh for writing such an awesome book, I'm also mad at her for writing such an awesome book...cause it ended!!!I'm not gonna say much about characters,because I want you to read this book the way I did, pretty much knowing nothing...I will say, DSOC gives you all the feels, and is one of those books that will stay with you for a very long time. I am shouting from the rooftops READ THIS BOOK!!! This is my first Ryleigh Sloan book, and you can bet your ass it will NOT be my last!!
What an introduction to a new author this book is! The plot is one full of suspense, intrigue, emotions, friendship, betrayal, lust and love. Skyla is a very strong woman and the female lead character in this novel, she’s torn romantically between two brothers, both of whom are adorable in their own ways. I was drawn in quickly by this book and fascinated till the very end wondering what was going to happen next. An enjoyable read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was gifted this book from voracious readers and I thought it was brilliant. I expected a fairly standard love story with a hint of steaminess about it but it was definitely much more. The chemistry was palpable and I did not know how the story would play out, it kept me intrigued right until the end.
Convoluted, scary, makes you cry, then happy, then crying again...I think I gave you a basic understanding. Amazing story, caught between two brothers, and someone who is extremely dangerous! If opened so happily, then, Boom, you have no idea what happened, or is happening next! A total rollercoaster, of emotional feels! The main characters and primary secondary were amazing. Well developed, and drew the reader in more and more as the crazy increased! Skyla and Jenson were amazing, as was Trent! This novel, it grabbed from the beginning and there was no stopping. Ms. Sloan, KUDOS, for an excellent romantic suspenseful almost thriller! What a great read, so no what I expected, and that was a good thing! Loved this book!
But I was too deep into it to do anything now. I’d just have to live with my secret and hope it never came to light…
One night. One lie. One mistake...or was it just the start of everything?
Even as I was captivated by the chemistry, I told myself not to touch her-she deserved better than that.
Skylar is happily living her life with her army boyfriend Trent, but that could be about to change when Trent is deployed to carry out an experiment involving a highly valued serum. Skylar also learns that Trent’s brother Jensen is there along with the mission that is taking place...that should be a good thing...right?
Not only does Skylar have to fear Trent coming safely back to her, but her lie blowing up in all of their faces.
“Watch yourself, Skylar. We wouldn’t want Trent to pick on the underlying...tension between us, now would we?”
The past soon collide with the present and now there is a bigger threat waiting to unleash havoc...and soon the battle will be brought to the home front. Just hold your breath because even when the bombs stop there still a few landmines to watch out for!
Kissing his neck, I breathed him in. He smelled so good...sin wrapped up in an edible package.
DSOC…<3 I didn’t know what to expect but once I got into the storyline I was stuck! There’s a few things to get your head around at the start, once you’ve read and know what’s happening you can really get into this story and the characters. A sharp bend will have you questioning ‘what’s just happened?’ All will come into play and then you will be stopping up past the hour to see what happens next-and even then you want the next chapter.
“I selfishly wanted you for myself, wanted you to feel for me the way I felt for you, the way I still feel for you.”
Ryleigh Sloan this book is freaking amazing! I went in without reading the blurb and was expecting a romcom like Cliché, I was so off the track. This book gives you all the feels, lust, love, grief, betrayal, anger, hate, forgiveness, unconditional friendships and loads of pull your hair out moments.
⛔⛔⛔SOME SPOILERS⛔⛔⛔
This book starts with grief, without grief the Dark Side of Chemistry's serum would not exist. That serum leads to a whole lot of trouble, danger and life changing events.
Then there's Skyla torn between two men and the two men are brothers Trent and Jensen. They're both military both sexy in their own right, one's done her wrong in the past, one will do her wrong now. The serum throws her past into the now. The serum is to blame for everything changing her life forever and possibly ending her life any a few others.
Will the brothers do the right thing? Will Skyla survive the serum's onslaught? Who will get their HEAs?
Skyla is in a loving relationship with Trent and everything is going great, until he gets called out of town/country on a secret mission. And while he's gone her ex shows back up in her life, and wreaks chaos.... Jensen is a dark, cruel man and isn't afraid to ruin whatever is in his way to get to Skyla.
This book has everything: heat, passion, action, suspense... just enough to keep you guessing and I loved every single minute of it!
Ryleigh!!!! I cannot express how much I LOVED this book! I was hooked from the beginning and it just kept getting better and better. Talk about being on the edge of your seat...I’m pretty sure I fell off a few times. And don’t even get me started on the ugly crying! Just WOW!!! EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS! 👏👏👏
Ryleigh hit it out of the park!!! This book made me cry, get angry, swoon... All the feels!! It had twists, turns and really was an amazing read! Please don't hesitate to scoop this book up, I guarantee you'll love it too!
What a journey Ryleigh Sloan has put in this book!
I didn't even know the ending I want until this author gave it to me.
It was everything I wanted and more. I have to be very vague about my review, I apologize for that, but I just don't want to take away the experience from you. And you need to experience this book.
This wasn't an easy read. And not because it wasn't good. It was perfect.
The chemistry between all three main characters was very palpable and I've been torn for the whole time reading this book. I felt so much for each of them. I understand their struggles all throughout the story and I salute this author for being able to pull such story that tugs at your heart and not make you hate any of the characters, especially one that features a love triangle. Usually, you'd end up vying instantly for one character but in this case, Sloan made them all fit with one another without of course, touching the possibility of menage.
I felt deep for each characters. It was a well done on the author's part. Giving justice to her characters provided a great story with a beautiful ending. I am still in tears.
this is my very first book from this author, and if she writes like this, it definitely won't be my last.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I have given The Dark Side of Chemistry five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is for adults due to the passionate, steamy scenes and the language used. Ryleigh Sloan has done it once again. The rollercoaster type emotions I experienced throughout reading this book were insane. The twists and turns really caught me off guard and I found myself gasping a whole lot and laughing at some parts too. This book is full of suspense, passion, love, betrayal and other sorts of feelings throughout. Sloan is very good at capturing the readers attention and by tugging on your heart strings by using her beautiful writing. Spoken in third person, you get to read over the POVs from Skyla, Jensen and Trent. The main characters have a great, strong connection with each other but also with the reader, as the author has built the characters well to engage better with and also with the story that's being told. Wow, does this book pack a punch with the plot, especially by the main trope of this book being a love triangle. That in itself is going to cause trouble left, right and centre. I was completely drawn into the storyline from the very beginning and found it so difficult to put this book down, I really didn't want it to end! I can only hope that Sloan will write more about these characters in the future. I loved this story and can't wait to read more of her books. Ryleigh Sloan is definitely one of my favourite authors to date, her writing style is very beautiful and detailed. If you like the sound of this book and want to check it out, I would also recommend checking out her other standalone romance novel called Cliché.
After meeting and having a fling with a handsome marine Jensen, Skyla is left heartbroken after he is suddenly and quickly ordered to deploy. Since his return is unknown they break things off and both agree to move on. A few months later she meets Trent and they quickly fall for each other only for Skyla to discover that Trent and Jensen are brothers. Now it’s three years later and that secret is becoming harder and harder to keep. But when Trent is deployed on a sensitive mission along side his brother deep in enemy territory, keeping the secret becomes nearly impossible and could destroy them all.
Gah, I really loved this story so much! Ryleigh Sloan has absolutely leveled up with her latest novel, The Dark Side of Chemistry. Part romantic suspense, part love triangle, and completely captivating. Once started reading I couldn’t stop, but truly, I didn’t want to! The story had me from the blurb and never let go. From the sizzling chemistry between Skyla and Jensen to the sweet romance between her and Trent my heart was torn and in pieces over having to decide between the two handsome marine brothers. *sob*
The Darker Side of Chemistry packs a punch with page-turning suspense that propels you right though the story, but with a love triangle that produces plenty of steam and feels to have you wishing the book wouldn’t end. This is spoiler-free zone so I’m just going to say that heck to the yeah I recommend this book! It’s everything you think and want and then some. 5 Stars.
OMG !! This book is truly incredible.!! I am actually reviewing the AUDIOBOOK For The Dark Side Of Chemistry By the wonderful Ryleigh Sloan...and it was an AMAZING Listen that had me on the edge of my seat...I could not stop listening,honestly I just had to know what would become of Skylar,Trent and his brother Jensen. Who become embroiled in a Love triangle and a military experiment gone wrong. There is thrilling suspense and so many OMG curveballs that I was totally tearing my hair out with frustration at some points...and an emotional wreck the next .I really felt so much for all three characters and the predicament they found themselves in I did not know how the hell it was going to work out and I dreaded there would be no HEA... Kylie Stewart,Jason Clarke and Aaron Shedlock Knocked it out of the park with the narration, under their talented care they brought Skylar,Jensen and Trent and their complicated story to life with perfect ease...I was so enthralled and tangled up in knots my feelings on a rollercoaster as I listened with captivation. Ryleigh Sloan is an incredibly talented story teller she has written a brilliant beguiling and fascinating story that ensnared my attention throughout and kept me completely entertained from begining to the end. If you have never read Ryleigh Sloan before then I recommend that you give her books a try and you won't look back. I Really LOVED It and enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars 🌟
This is my first book by this author and I’m not sure how I feel. I loved the plot with the military, the twists and turns that were thrown out way but to me it felt more like a suspense then a romantic suspense. We have a love triangle but at the same time it’s not. I don’t really like that is a spoiler and of it is I’m in advance.
The romance just wasn’t there for me. I didn’t feel the love between the characters and then when the “hero” was a jerk there was no big grand gesture to prove him self. It was all just bam, I love you. It all seemed forced to me. I wanted to love it, but I just couldn’t. The characters weren’t bad. I liked all of them through out the book. They each had strong personalities but it was all like friendship to me.
I would be willing to read more book by this author because she was very creative and I love the little twists that she added into the story. She made Trent, Jensen and Skyla very like-able characters even if we didn’t want to like them at some points in the story. I would like to see some of the other characters get their own stories. She did a great job at drawing me into like them. This rating is from my overall experience while reading the story. 3 stars #2OCCJD
This is my first read from this author and wow! She blew me away. Her writing consumed me and the angst! Aaagh. At parts I had to keep putting my kindle down I couldn’t take it!
I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll try to go around it but if you don’t mind reading about cheating and a love triangle you will love this book, it’s not just about that though, so I would urge you to dive in!
Skyla, Trent and Jensen are all equally likable characters who you will love and at times hate from what they are doing and feeling. Skyla sometimes frustrated me more, but with men like those how could you not love them both??
Although for some it won’t be an easy read due to the topic of cheating and it being between brothers the storyline had a good pace with little twist and turns and I could not book this book down. A fantastic read and I’m already looking at the authors other work.
*ARC received for an honest review* ____________________ Overall Ratings; First Sex Scene @ 32% Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Angst - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️