“NEANDERTHAL SEEKS HUMAN” by Penny Reid

Penny Reid is one of my favorite contemporary writers.
Not only do I like her writing’ style, but I appreciate her for how she writes normal and smart feminine characters.

Only after I read her first book, “Neanderthal seeks human,” I discovered that it was written as a bet with a co-worker. (Before she became a full writer, Penny used to work as a biomedical researcher.) And she only wrote the book to prove to her colleague that there could be exciting love stories.

Bellow is the real love declaration between Janie și Quinn.

“- I’m afraid that we’re moving too fast and that this is just infatuation.

– I don’t know what this is.
He breathed in as though he was going to continue, but then he paused. Finally, his words deliberate and cautiously crafted, Quinn said,
– I think about you all the time. And I can’t guarantee that this isn’t infatuation because sometimes I think it has to be. But… I don’t think of you as perfect.

– Oh… ok. 
My eyelashes blinked in rapid succession, and my brain started compiling the list of all my imperfections. 
– Is it because of my height? My seepage of trivial facts? My granny panties?

– No, listen. That’s not… If this was just infatuation, then I would, we would become disillusioned at some point, yes?

I nodded, and I was sure it was unconvincing.

– I don’t have misconceptions that you’re flawless. And you don’t have any illusions about me.
I know that life, in general, terrifies you; I know that you are frequently oblivious to the obvious, and I know that you are completely irrational at times.
And all that drives me crazy. You drive me crazy.
But, in spite of how totally nuts you are, I wouldn’t change anything about you.

I pressed my lips together and started biting the inside of my cheek. I bravely met his pointed stare. 
– You think I’m totally nuts?

He nodded and sighed. 
– Yes. And I… can’t stop thinking about you. Janie…

I sighed. 
– Yes

– What are you thinking?

 His voice was a whisper, his breath against my cheek.My eyes fluttered open and I licked my lips, wanting his mouth on mine, driven to mad honesty. 
– I love you.
I sensed rather that saw his self-satisfied smile.

– Good.”

Kindle, 2015