By Ali Hazelwood
Book is rated 4 / 5 stars.
This was such a cute, wonderful read that paralleled inspiration, empowerment and romance. I was intimidated when I first picked it up, but oh my Gosh, I loved this book. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up - I'm not smart enough to know the details of NASA. But, I loved and appreciated that while I was caught up in the love story, I also learned a lot, too! There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Workplace Romance. Second Chance. STEM. Friends to Lovers. Enemies to Lovers. Grumpy x Sunshine.
First, can we just talk about how cute the cover is? Honestly, it was one of the biggest reasons I picked it up. Till I read the back and absolutely fell in love with the storyline. It's everything for a woman who loves empowering others to get into STEM and the steamy, slow-burn romance just hits the spot.
Honestly, Bee's progress was almost better than the romance -- even though Levi and his soul-piercing eyes have my heart.
The Characters
Bee is someone I related to so much. That was surprising to me considering my ability to understand science is equivalent to my ability of growing a second head. I can't. But, there was something so down-to-Earth about this book and the character that I instantly related and also wanted to become. Her nerdy background made me feel like I was capable of being just as smart as her, while her dedication and determination only inspired me to push further in my own career. There is nothing more special than feeling so connected to a character even if their background doesn't relate to your own. Her relationship with her sister definitely had me jealous of not having one of my own, and her past was such a surprise but a welcome twist compared to the typical drone that we see in romance books.
Science does whatever the fuck it wants. God, I love science.
Levi was - delicious. That grumpy exterior with the ultimate soft side was just so precious. I loved seeing him transform from the no-nonsense, straightforward man to the "man-in-love". Did anyone just feel the absolute pain, relief, confusion, tension, every emotion all at once, when Levi realized that Bee hadn't married that asshat of a fiancé she had? I sure did and it was everything.
Even the side characters were the perfect touch to this novel; the sarcasm, the witty banter, the togetherness. The plot twist about Guy (I suspected him, but I really wanted him to be a good guy...). It was all the perfect recipe for a wonderful book.
PS: I love that they were both vegan. That just made me happy!
The Storyline
Like I said before, I was intimidated when I first picked up the book. I've truly never had the pleasure of reading a book that so directly commented on women in STEM, or highlighted the elements of women working in male-dominated careers.
Starting the storyline out with Bee's Twitter account had me on edge. I loved the entire idea of it, and I loved the peppering of history lessons throughout. I knew that Levi was the other account. No way he wasn't. And, the way he so unabashedly talked about Bee under the guise of his alter ego on the internet -- I was in love within seconds. Though, I wished they told each other sooner, of course.
Levi defending Bee from nearly day one was admirable. Though, he would have saved a lot of trouble had he just talked to her. Then again, Bee was quick to judge -- even if she thought she had the past experiences backing her up. I loved that they banded together, put their brains together, and created the perfect team to ultimately fulfill their goal. NASA's storyline into the mix of the romance had me absolutely elated. I love storylines that have a secondary main plot arc that pushes the events forward, while still somewhat independent. Their end goal was a beautiful and very real journey of how projects of this caliber really work - either in the science world or another industry that can be meddled with the ugliness of politics.
"You were always in my head. And I could never get you out."
Their relationship growing from the assumed hate into something so beautiful and delicious and real was such a breath of fresh air. Levi seemed to constantly come close to telling her how he felt, or at least that he didn't hate her - hell, he mentioned it in various other ways throughout. But, the real moment that hit me and I will never forget was when he found out she hadn't married Tim (that fartface). To know that he was that much closer to achieving the other thing he so desperately wanted was beautiful. I loved their banter, their conflict, their resolutions - I loved how he pushed and pulled with her. They both knew they belonged and when it finally happened...
Siiiiiiigh.
I love that we got this story entirely from her perspective. I'd be curious to hear it from his. (wink wink, nudge, nudge)
Amazing!
More Ali Hazelwood Books, Please!
This was my first Ali Hazelwood book, and there are a few more on my TBR list. If this was anything like how her books usually go, I promise, I'm turning into an ultimate fan. The ability she has to mix romance in with smart, real world concepts that aren't typically discussed or written about has made me so grateful to have found her.
Next up: The Love Hypothesis.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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