Objectively this is a really good book...but if I'm honest, if you've read one of Ali Hazelwood's books, you've read them all.
Synopsis: Bee Königswasser has her dreams made when she is offered to lead a project for NASA. That is until it becomes clear she isn't leading, but co-leading–and with her grad school nemesis Levi. Levi, a tall, dark-haired, green-eyed mystery who has hated her since day one and is attempting to sabotage her involvement in this project at every step.
Plot: Firstly, I am here for a STEM novel and appreciated and enjoyed the topics covering issues for women in the STEM field BUT so much of this felt like a carbon copy (and a lesser version) of The Love Hypothesis (which I loved and gave 5 stars). That being said, this was very good on its own and a quick and enjoyable read. Romance-wise this was top tier. It was sweet, believable, and a fun enemies-to-lovers with so many adorable moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Plot-wise, past romance, not as great and extremely predictable. I didn't mind too much because the romance was so cute but all bets are off for that random and bizarre ending plot twist. That action sequence was definitely not needed and felt very out of place and from left-field. Also, I'm not sure how "STEMinist" this novel can claim to be when the hero has to repeatedly come and save our heroine...but anyway.
Characters: Bee was the typical quirky, tattooed, pierced, and colored-haired gal...but I still really liked her. Although her obsession with Marie Curie was a tad odd she was nevertheless super fun and I rooted for her from the beginning and found myself able to relate to her a lot (minus the doctorate). Levi was an A+ hero. He was dreamy, sweet, reacted perfectly to situations and their relationship together was incredibly swoon-worthy. On a less positive side, I am sick of the gigantic man and teeny tiny girl trope that Hazelwood cannot seem to divert from. It just adds to the similarities between all 5 of her books and leaves me less likely to read more. These characters were so great...but were exactly like Olive and Adam just in a slightly different font. Still loved, but can we please get a different trope? Theme? Something?
Despite the predictability and repetition, I still really enjoyed reading this. That being said, I stand by my first comment: if you've read one Hazlewood book, you've read them all. But, if you feel like re-reading The Love Hyosthesis (which I don't blame you) then pick this up.
3.5/5 stars.
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