Olive Smith, a doctoral candidate, enters a pretend relationship with Adam Carlsen, a professor known for his demanding standards. What starts as a practical favor becomes more complicated as they spend time together and question their first impressions.
Set in the world of academic research, the novel blends fake dating, slow-burn romance, humor, friendship, and career pressures. It may appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a STEM setting and ambitious characters. This is a spoiler-free overview; Ali Hazelwood’s official page confirms the central setup and characters