Also the sexual harassment conflict is wonderfully resolved with the aid of the romantic interest, setting up Olive for both a happy romantic and scientific ending.Ĭharacters are vividly, if quickly drawn. LGBTQIA representation in well-developed supporting charactersĪsexual representation- the protagonist, Olive, is most likely demisexual although this word is not used directly when she describes her sexuality (but an almost textbook definition is used).Īppeal/Characteristics of Romance FictionĮmotionally satisfying, happy ending- This book has an endearing “happy for now” ending.

Well-developed BIPOC supporting characters Subject Headings: Romance - Contemporary, Romance - Workplace, Romance - Romantic Comedy, STEM Romance (I made this subject heading up but it should exist and I believe will appeal to a subset of readers). As their fake dating contract wraps up, drama occurs behinds the scenes at a big science conference will Adam come through for Olive or will Olive keep quiet so the two can go their separate ways?Ĭontent warnings ( from the author’s website ) SLIGHT SPOILERS: Death of one of the main characters’ parents in the past (due to cancer), workplace sexual harassment of the main character ( NOT from Adam, the love interest), power differential (Olive is a student and Adam is a professor they clear out their fake relationship with the Dean early in the story and no abuse of power occurs), explicit and graphic sexual content, cursing and vulgar language. As they enter into an agreement, Olive finds she doesn’t mind her regular “dates” with Adam and he doesn’t seem to be that bothered with buying her unicorn lattes all the time. Miraculously, instead of a filing a Title IX complaint against her, he agrees to help her out and fake date her. Except that guy Olive kissed almost without his consent is none other than the notoriously grouchy and feared faculty member Adam Carlsen. Of course Olive would do anything for her friends, including kissing the first guy she sees in the hallway just to prove to her best friend that she can be in a relationship too. Plot Summary: Ph.D student Olive struggles with romance but her friends want her to find her happily ever after. Series (if applicable): This book is not part of a series Geographical Setting: Primarily Stanford University and Palo Alto, California some crucial events take place at a conference in Boston.

Number of Pages: 352 pages of story text includes author’s note, acknowledgements, and a preview of the author’s forthcoming STEM Romance Subgenre: Contemporary Romance STEM Romance, Romantic Comedy *For my personal thoughts on If the Shoe Fits check out my review of the book.

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