By Ali Hazelwood
Book is rated 5 / 5 stars.
To say that I am obsessed with this book is an understatement. Adam is everything I've ever wanted in a man, and Olive is so relatable, it isn't even funny. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and the way it all unleashed and played out is incredible. The drama throughout was incredible, and, unfortunately, something that so many women have to endure. I'm so glad to see how it all came together. There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Fake Dating. Grumpy x Sunshine. Workplace Romance. Sexual Harassment.
There is a scene involving blackmail and heavy sexual harassment, so please be warned going into this book.
Spice Level: 2.5 / 5
The Characters
Olive is such a wonderful character who is so wrapped up into her own head, that it is hard to make amends with the decisions made. She clearly gets herself into situations that force her to ramble, and spin the truth - but every lie she's told always had good reasons. While it doesn't always make it right, her heart is in the right place, ultimately. Adam, on the other hand, pines for a woman he made in an awkward situation and refuses to tell her. The strong broody personality that always takes control is delicious to see, but I really enjoyed the witty banter and the way in which they communicated.
It seems to be a commonality with Ali Hazelwood's characters, and I'm not mad about the personalities that overlap with her books. The fact that she writes women in STEM dealing with real life situations that aren't often spoken about is incredible. She really knows how to write characters that make a girl feel heard, and swoon, which makes me a huge fan.
The Storyline
I can't even explain how much I loved this book. It was a battle between me and a highlighter, trying to fight the urge to not highlight every single line in this book. I did, however, tab nearly every page because it was such a treasure.
"I wish you could see yourself the way I see you."
What started out as a lie to appease her best friend and try and convince her to go after the man she was into, Olive gets herself into an even deeper situation when the same best friend demanded more information. Adam slides in without hesitation, willing to play the part of the doting boyfriend - while remaining the stern Professor that the rest of the school knows him as. It was adorable seeing him pay for her drinks, foods, deal with her ridiculous situations and go along with everything that she put on him just because he liked her that much. In many ways, the fake dating was all he could get from her without telling her the truth - seeing her pine for him was adorable (once all the pieces came together).
The two of them teasing each other throughout - well, Adam teasing Olive - was just adorable. He was clearly very infatuated with her, and adored her with every fiber of his being. He was patient and kind to her, despite rumors of his rudeness and arrogance.
Olive realized that the protein bar Adam had given her was covered in chocolate.
I liked his explanation for why he was the way he was. and I agreed with it; he was there to give them what they needed, not baby their feelings. On the other side, hearing that level of hostility from someone is very dejecting. It is obviously a very hard lifestyle and I think Ali explored both sides really, really well.
What broke my heart was (fucking) Tom. I had notes throughout, wishing and hoping he wouldn't wind up the bad guy. I assumed he was just going to steal her research, but what he did in the end was shocking. And, so surprising. And, alarming. And, it broke my heart for Olive. The fear she had, unable to even tell her closest friends right after it happened shattered me. My original thought was that the recording would have been sent to her advisor who would have reported it, but I liked how it played out all the more. She had to be pushed to even tell Adam, and when it all came to a close, it was terrifying. I can only imagine how she had to feel, but thank God for that recording. There was no hesitation in Adam to react and that made me so happy. He was always on her side, and that was so empowering to see.
He actually wanted to protect her, when all Olive wanted was. . . to protect him.
This whole book was incredible. I loved everything about it.
More Ali Hazelwood Books, Please!
So, I absolutely adored this book - I'm pretty sure I bugged far too many people about how good it is and claimed it as one of my top three favorites. I'm pretty sure this will become one of my comfort books, ready to be read when I just need a good hug. The characters were wonderful, and the growth of the two was beautiful, and I loved how it all ended up.
Please read it if you haven't.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
Comments