Hazelwood uses the classic trope of fake dating to fuel the romance between Olive and Adam. Their initial agreement, born out of convenience, evolves into something deeper as they spend time together and navigate the complexities of their charade. This allows for witty banter, awkward yet adorable moments, and the delicious tension of "will they, won't they?"

The novel celebrates women in STEM by placing a bright, ambitious female scientist at its forefront. Olive is passionate about her research and determined to make her mark in a male-dominated field. The story highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by women in academia, offering a refreshing perspective on their contributions and resilience.

Just like her scientific endeavors, Olive initially approaches love with a logical, evidence-based mindset. She struggles to reconcile her feelings with her rational side, leading to humorous inner monologues and relatable dilemmas. As her relationship with Adam progresses, Olive begins to understand that love, like any good experiment, can lead to unexpected discoveries and incredible breakthroughs.