Level: Adult
Recommended Age: 18+
Genres: Romance
Tags: Science, Education, Diversity
Mature Content:

  - Graphic sexuality: Explicit sex scene, as well as multiple kissing scenes and references to sex.

  - Mature language: Swearing, F bombs, and sexual harassment.

Olive is a Ph.D. candidate, working towards improving the scientific community one failed experiment at a time. But when she tries to set her lovesick best friend up with her ex-boyfriend, she needs solid proof that she’s moved on from that failed (and very brief) relationship.

Thus begins a classic fake dating scenario full of awkward tension, and sexual tension, that makes Olive see her life in a whole new light. She finds herself lying to everyone she cares about, but can she admit she’s lying to herself too?

Review:

“Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.”

This book starts off with an unexpected kiss and doesn’t slow down until the last page. It’s a whirlwind romance without being love at first sight, and the scientific approach to a relationship added a fresh perspective to this genre.

Olive is a hard working student and scientist, but she’s used to being pushed aside by the 90% male population in her program. She always gets the worst lab schedule, oldest equipment, and last option available. But she and her best friend, Anh, stick together and stick it out. They’re determined to bring more diversity to both academia and the scientific community. Their bond is so important to Olive, she would do anything for her friend… including fake a relationship with someone she doesn’t like.

But Professor Adam Carlsen’s waters run deep, and Olive discovers that her first impression of him may have left her with some false data and inconclusive results. Which is exactly why they have to keep dating. Adam has his own reasons for wanting to look more tied down to the school and despite his abrupt and often cold demeanor, he agrees to be Olive’s temporary boyfriend until they both get what they want.

But what they want and what they need are two different goals, and both Olive and Adam are surprised by the unexpected path they find themselves on. As scientists, they are used to hard facts and reliable plans. Yes, experiments can go awry. However, there’s a certain process to life as they know it that’s about to fall to pieces.

The setting of a Ph.D. science department feels like a character in of itself, especially with the very scientific approach to love. It makes this book fun and nerdy and fresh. If you’re into both fandoms and romance, this is a good choice.