Remedial Rocket Science

Nix’s debut is a self-described romantic comedy that leans heavily on the romance. The comedy is little more than mildly diverting, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. MIT freshman Melody is a poor, lovable nerd who knows the difference between Hayao Miyazaki and Haruki Murakami. After she enjoys a one-night stand with Jeremy, the roguish scion of a wealthy California family, the two struggle to find even one thing in common. How can she possibly fall in love with a man whose favorite TV show is Monday night football? It’s just as well he has to return home so she can concentrate on her challenging courses. Upon graduation, Melody is offered a dream job in California; she jumps at the chance, harboring hopes of rekindling the still-smoldering embers with Jeremy. By a forgivable contrivance, her job turns out to be with the company that Jeremy’s family owns—and where he also works. Nix lightheartedly mashes up various romance tropes—the fish out of water, opposites attracting, colleagues in love—for a whimsical story that fans of contemporary romance will enjoy. (BookLife)