Review: The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

"Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18C. Hadley’s in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it."

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Release Date: January 2, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

Pages: 236, Hardcover

Well, I can safely say that I didn't get what I expected.

What I mean is, I thought that this one was going to be very, very similar to Anna and the French Kiss, which is one of my absolute favorite books of all time. However, I didn't get that same cute, developing love story for this novel. Instead, I was disappointed with where the plot went. In a completely different direction to what I expected coming into the story. Because of this, I couldn't enjoy it as much.

The story begins with Hadley at the airport, getting ready to fly to London to attend her father's wedding, in which she does not want to be present at. She misses the flight, and because of this, she catches the flight 3 hours later, meeting a charming British boy, Oliver. The plane ride turns out to be much better then she expected, and when she gets to London, her relationship with her father is mended and in the span of 24 hours, everything shifts from terrible to absolutely brilliant.

The plot definitely started out great. Especially the beginning, when Jennifer E. Smith talks about the what if s. It really set up the story quite well, and I could feel the anticipation building up. I was so happy to have met Oliver, finally. But quickly as soon as Oliver was introduced, he disappeared. That was halfway through the book. I was extremely confused, because prior to reading this book, I had thought that the entire book was about Hadley and Oliver's growing relationship, them falling love. But nope, the story fluctuates into a completely different story, becoming about Hadley and her father's relationship. I was so disappointed.

I mean, the second half of the story with Hadley and her father's amend was alright, mediocre. I didn't hate it. But I was so dissatisfied as to the path the story took. I was expecting a love story, not a father-daughter thing. Oliver only showed up again in the end, which, I admit, was pretty adorable, but the plot just failed for me. The twist just didn't work out for me.

As for the characters, Hadley was…decent. She was moderate, nothing too bad or good. I didn't connect with any of her emotions, and she was just, there. And Oliver, not as charming as I wanted him to be, either. Sure, he was funny and I loved what I read of him, but I think he could have been elaborated in so much more detail. By the end of the story, I wasn't even sure if he is a main character or not. I felt like Hadley's father played a more significant role in the story than Oliver did.

All-inclusive, The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight was a great letdown for me, as I had expected it to be mainly about romance. Through my perspective, I didn’t get enough of it. However, I do not that many people enjoyed it, and even though I didn't enjoy quite was much everyone else, I do hope that everyone still gives this book shot.

Grade: B-

Source: Library