Welcome to my review of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. I have seen all the hype about this book and wondered what it was about. In all honesty, I didn’t think I would enjoy it very much, but given that the main protagonist works in STEM, I decided that it was worth a try. It wasn’t as great as the hype had made it sound, but I did enjoy it.
When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive on her way to a happily ever after was always going to be tough, scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting woman, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when he agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire and Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support (and his unyielding abs), their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion.
Olive soon discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
Ali Hazelwood is a multi-published author—alas, of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies her. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her two feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).
Olive is a PhD student. To prove to her best friend, Anh, that she is totally over her ex, she kisses the first man she sees. Unfortunately, this just happens to be professor Adam Carlsen, after which they begin a fake dating saga. The plot is well written, and I particularly like that Olive and Anh are both females working in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). I don’t find many books where women work in similar areas.
I liked that this portrayed that women could work anywhere and not just be a secretary. It’s also an area where fewer students are entering in general, so having a positive and non-stuffy feel in this book makes it feel more accessible for others. There was also a nice sprinkle throughout the book rather than just focusing on the romantic side.
I didn’t feel that I warmed to any of the characters particularly well. Olive is a little too awkward. Adam has his own insecurities despite being the one making many scathing comments on students’ work. However, with the best intentions, this doesn’t often come across. I didn’t feel that Adam had much personality, and I can’t remember anything about what Olive looks like.
I disliked how there was so much focus on people drooling over Adam and his bottom. I found it off-putting and would do the same if it was a woman. I don’t know why so many things focus on looks. On the other hand, I liked the grumpy / sunshine personality mix between the two main characters. I found the banter between them fun and amusing.
I liked that they were both very genuine and passionate in their respective field of work. However, I found it was a bit of a slow burn, and I would have liked to have seen a fuller view of them at the end of the book.
I did enjoy this book and have rounded it up to 4 stars.
| Title | The Love Hypothesis |
| Author | Ali Hazelwood |
| Series | N/A |
| Format | Kindle / Audiobook |
| Page Count | 384 Pages |
| Genre | Romance |
| Publisher | Sphere |
| Release Date | 21 October 2021 |
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