Coded Chemistry

When the founder of a dating app built to take chance out of love falls for a chemistry professor who believes attraction can’t be calculated, she discovers that the one connection she never saw coming may be the one no algorithm could predict in this smart and sexy contemporary romance from Lauren Lacey.

Maya Monroe doesn’t believe in leaving love to chance. As the founder of Elite Match, a dating app designed to help Black professionals skip the endless swiping and find something real, she’s built her success on one simple belief: the right formula can lead to the right person.

Quincy “Que” Brooks has enough on his plate. The chemistry professor traded his career at Howard for a fresh start, a new town, and more time with his kids. Dating apps definitely aren’t his thing, and neither is getting distracted by a woman he has every reason to stay away from.

When Elite Match unexpectedly puts Maya and Que in each other’s orbit, attraction collides with bad timing, complicated family ties, and a connection neither can ignore. Maya has spent years trusting the data. Que believes chemistry can’t be calculated. But as their lives become increasingly intertwined, Maya must decide whether she’s finally found the connection she designed Elite Match to create, or if trusting her heart again is one risk no algorithm can predict.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs