The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Romance novels generally focus on a central, romantic relationship and end in a way that feels emotionally satisfying to the reader. Young Adult Contemporary Romance novels focus on romances between young adults and are set in a time period relatively close to their publication. This is the case with The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, which was published in 2012 and takes place in a clearly contemporary era of international travel, cell phones, and GPS. In addition, both Hadley and Oliver are in their late teens. Often, main characters in this genre endure an awkward first meeting, which is precisely what happens when Hadley drops her belongings on the airport floor while wrestling with her suitcase, prompting Oliver, who is dusted in powdered sugar from eating a doughnut, to help. Hadley also deals with claustrophobia and a few other assorted fears, adding to her awkwardness. Meanwhile, Oliver is struggling internally with grief and anger over the death of his father, who was not very loving. Hadley’s claustrophobia and fear of mayonnaise, along with Oliver’s hidden grief, are some of the details that help to create the