The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Poppy
 Date: January 2, 2012
Series or Standalone:  
ISBN: 978-0316122382
Format: Hardcover, 256 pages  
Source: borrowed from friend (BEA)

 Rating: A+  
First line: There are so many ways it could have all turned out differently.

You know how sometimes we (we readers) complain that there aren’t enough cute, funny, awesome, make-my-heart-race romantic YA books out? I’m talking the kind that make you wait for it and root for it and then reward you with this moment of epicness only to leave you guessing again? I think people started to listen. At least, Jennifer Smith did because The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is absolutely THAT.

This story all starts when Hadley Sullivan misses her flight to England (for her dad’s wedding) by four minutes. She’s re-booked on the next flight out, a few hours later, and that’s when she meets Oliver. The two are seated next to each other on the plane ride to England and so starts the story. (Now, I realize that description is lacking but I can’t tell you.)

Know that this review is so hard because I adored this book. I adored everything about it. I smiled from page one all the way to the end. It was funny, cute, a perfect blend of swoon and sadness and family dynamics. Every single character was rounded and relatable and really propelled the story forward. Smith did a fantastic job at weaving in these little twists and building the story around these moments. The way the story is revealed in some sort of masterpiece on all it’s own. The whole thing takes place over 24 hours.

Hadley is a great character. She’s flawed and sweet and a little lost. The whole story happens because her dad is getting married. As the story goes along, we learn about their relationship and why this wedding is a big deal. There’s this huge space between Hadley and her father that creates a lot of tension. Sometimes in books like this (these awesome cutesy ones) the drama stories get pushed to the side or glossed over. But here, Smith really tackles and breaks and re-builds this huge aspect of the story and of Hadley’s life. I was really impressed with that.

Obviously, too, this is a love story. And for good reason! His name is Oliver. Sigh. He’s British. He’s smart and funny. He’s sarcastic and real and so cute. I love him. I was saving him for the end because I have no idea what to say about him. Or what to say about the love story part—aside from sighs and awws.  So I will say nothing. 

I will say nothing except GO BUY THIS BOOK. You will not regret it, as it is happy and cute and will at the very least make you feel gooey inside.  

And Oliver, Oliver is great. He's my favorite Oliver yet! But don’t take my word for it. Here's a fun moment for you to swoon over..

“What’s your favorite animal?”
“The American Eagle.”
She laughs. “I don’t believe you.”
“Me?” he asks bringing a hand to his heart. “Is it wrong to love an animal that also happens to be a symbol of freedom?”
“Now you’re just making fun of me.”
“Maybe a little,” he says with a grin. “But is it working?”
“What, me getting closer to muzzling you?”
“No,” he says quietly. “Me distracting you.”
“From what?”
“Your claustrophobia.”
She smiles at him gratefully. “A little,” she says. “Though it’s not as bad until we’re up in the air.”
“How come?” he asks. “Plenty of wide open spaces up there.”
“But no escape route.”
“Ah,” he says, sighing dramatically. “I get that from girls a lot.”

(insert sigh and laughter here) :D The whole book is pretty much like that. I love snarky flirt action. I can't say enough about this book. If you're a fan of cutesy, snark and great characters, then you'll for sure like this one. 

*all quotes from ARC form and subject to change in final

 Get more info/pre-order:
Goodreads ||| Amazon ||| IndieBound ||| Book Depository |||| Barnes & Noble
The author on the web: 
  Twitter ||| Library Thing