As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding… six-pack abs.
Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
CW: sexual harassment, death of a parent, cancer
Rating
Review
Now that I’ve read this book, I understand its hype!
It delivers the fake-dating trope that I like and that from the start. The stupid reasons they act like that, and how they convinced themselves while they are entirely in love, but the others don’t know. I just freaking loved it. Also, the trope sunshine/moody guy is so well-done in this book, like he only is kind to her and is an a** to the other, but like he has a good reason to be like that.
I was also happy that the main character, Olive, is in STEM. I’m not (and never was) into this field, but I liked knowing more about it. Also, you clearly represent how women in this domain are treated. At some moments, I was so angry with some characters, but also so happy about the friendships Olive had and how they supported her.
The ending was just so satisfying, and I’m happy with what happened to all the characters. I can’t wait to read another one from this author.
One last thing, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is one of the best things ever!
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