I couldn't go an hour without seeing or hearing about this book on social media. I can officially say, it is worth every bit of hype received.
Synopsis: After an awkward run-in kiss, Ph.D. candidate Olive and star professor Adam decide to fake date to appease best friends dating exes and fellow professors withholding research funds.
Plot: Although the fake dating trope has been done PLENTY before, I still found this grumpy/sunshine relationship perfect and found myself audibly screaming and smiling from ear to ear reading this. I tore through this novel and absolutely need more from Hazelwood. The writing and banter were so fun and I really felt as though I was watching this couple fall in love. No insta-love here folks (thank god). Alongside having an enviable (and steamy) romance, there was also a great sub-plot about women in STEM. Olive struggles a lot with doubt and sexism in the workplace and seeing her handle situations and leaning on Adam was really refreshing to read about. Yes it was predictable and yes it was trope-heavy, but I loved every damn second.
Characters: Olive was a great heroine and one of the most relatable and least annoying I've read in a while. She was definitely sporadic and crazy at times, but being inside her head was entertaining and definitely a good time. Although the story revolves around two scientists, and I am far from one, I didn't feel alienated from that side of the story and characters. It is a testament to how well the two were written to be able to achieve that. The hero...Adam....a DREAM, and he has officially taken book boyfriend spot #1. That is all.
I'm sure everyone and their mother has already read this, but if you haven't, please please do. Quite possibly my favorite romance of the year.
5/5 stars.
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