“Love, Theoretically” 
By Ali Hazelwood

Elsie Hannaway is currently an adjunct professor, theoretical physicist and fake girlfriend for hire that really just wants to be a tenured professor with a steady paycheck and benefits. However, tenured university positions are very rare in the world of STEM. When a highly competitive position in the physics lab at MIT becomes available, Elsie submits herself for the job. She has to go through several interviews, teaching labs and social events with each of the tenured staff to convince them she is the best candidate. There is only one problem. The head of the department just happens to be the brother of one of her fake dates and the man who ruined the reputation of her mentor. Also, he has always been too interested in her when she was working for her brother. Now, he is focused on figuring out every lie she has told and keeping her from getting the job at MIT. 

This new book from Ali Hazelwood is a great blend of romance and issues for women working in STEM. The banter between the two main characters keeps readers laughing. You can find this book in the library and in the Libby app. 

“The Wishing Game”
By Meg Shaffer

Lucy Hart is one of the biggest fans of the “Clockwork Island” series for children. Since she was child, she knew she could open one of the books and be transported to the world where children play games and solve riddles created by the elusive Mastermind. If they solved his riddles and won the games, their wishes would come true. As a child, Lucy wished to be one of the characters. However, as an adult, Lucy wishes she had enough money, a house and a car to be eligible to foster-to-adopt Christopher. As she says, “Christopher was always meant to be her son.”

Hugo Reese, the “Clockwork Island” books illustrator, is tired of living on the island. He is tired of being the person responsible for watching over Jack as he drinks his life away. As much as it pains him to leave, Hugo can’t just let life pass him by on the island anymore. He wishes to make a life for himself that has meaning and purpose.

Suddenly, Jack Masterson announces he has written a new book and four lucky people will be invited to the island to win the book. Each of them will have to play games and solve riddles like the characters in the books. Only one of them can win the book and have their wish granted. Lucy knows that she can win if she’s given the chance. Hugo doesn’t know what is going on but seeing Jack writing instead of drinking eases the pain of having to leave.

This book is perfect for readers who want a story that is complex with a little bit of whimsy. You can find this book at the library.