The Chemistry of Christmas — Liz Isaacson

He's the black sheep of the family, and she's a chemist who understands formulas, not emotions. Can Preacher and Charlie take their quirks and turn them into a strong relationship this Christmas?Preacher Glover doesn't feel like he fits in the loud, loving Glover family. He's been trying to mend bridges that have been charred and figure out who he really is-and who he wants to be-but it's a slow process that leaves him frustrated and impatient most of the time.Charlie Perkins knows which chemicals mix and which ones cause an explosion. She doesn't understand why her female friends sigh into their sodas on the weekends or why they're not satisfied with having a great career even though they're single. She thinks she doesn't belong in her friend group, and she's looking for something new.When she runs into Preacher at the mall after his cousin's wedding, there's definitely a spark there. She decides to fan it, especially when she learns Preacher plays video games with his family. Charlie soon reveals that she's more than a talented chemist with a side-business of making ice cream with liquid nitrogen.She's a professional video gamer as well.As Preacher starts making the long drive from his ranch to her house to spend time with her, the reaction running through her reminds her of the volatile experiments she performs in the lab. But he always wants to come to her, and he keeps her safely tucked away from the crazy that is the Glover family.She starts to think he's embarrassed of her, when that's not it at all. He's just private when none of the other Glovers are, he's ultra-busy around the ranch, and he's trying to maintain his relationship with her, especially when they don't always agree about things.Because he's been so stubborn about keeping her away from the ranch, something terrible happens one night.... Will everything that Preacher and Charlie have built blow up? Or will they be able to weather this holiday storm and come out a stronger couple?