The Love Hypothesis

I put this one off for a long time because I’ve previously read romcoms that featured academic main characters who were stiff or boring. These experiences made me hesitant despite the hype surrounding this book.

I decided to give it a go on audio and right away I knew this was NOT letting me down. It sure didn’t. I loved this book. Love love loved it.

Olive and Adam were equal parts awkward and endearing. Their banter and overall nerdiness was incredibly adorable. Even when I didn’t agree with some of the decisions they made I still understood where they were coming from and how they landed there — something that isn’t always true of characters who differ from me.

Adam Carlsen fills the grump-who’s-only-not-a-grump-for-her role perfectly. Tall, academic, and sweet… he’s what dreams are made of (unless you’re one of the grad students who was personally victimized by his feedback but I digress).

I liked seeing how this book handled the topics of power dynamics and abuse of power. There were many instances in which we saw characters clearly doing the right thing or very clearly doing the wrong thing. Sometimes I think these things are dismissed as gray areas but the book displays them very clearly and prominently from both angles.

Highly recommending this one if you enjoy: 🔬Fake Dating 💕Grumpy Sunshine 🔬Women in STEM 💕 Tall, Nerdy, Hot MMCs

I loved this SO VERY MUCH. It's one of those books that left me smiling like a fool, with a full heart and a strong desire to start reading it all over again. The evolution of these characters from start to finish is intense, and I absolutely loved how everything came full circle by the end. One of my favorite parts of the story was trying to decipher our hero's quiet looks, moods, and glances - there is some outstanding subtlety to this love story. And it is definitely a love story. The romance is central throughout, with a light, fresh feel that gets richer and deeper as the story progresses. It tackles difficult subjects like sexual harassment and self-worth, while also remaining exceedingly light and uplifting for much of the book. And by the end? I was content, happy, and oh so satisfied to finally see these two fools get together.

The story follows Olive, a 26-year-old grad student trying to cure cancer. She is still finding her confidence, but she loves what she's doing. So when Olive's best friend develops feelings for the guy Olive just started dating, she does the logical thing... kiss a random man to make her friend believe that it's all okay. Or at least that seemed logical at the time. Turns out, the random stranger that Olive kissed is none other than the most hated professor around, Adam (34). And while Olive has no desire to spend time with Adam, her impulsive act means that entering a fake relationship with the man is actually a good idea. But as the two get to know each other better, Olive discovers that the mercurial, moody professor might just be a sweetheart underneath his broody exterior.

This is one of those books where the love story is SO completely unique. It's awkward, science-filled love - and I adored every minute of it. Sure, Olive might've been a bit too peppy and upbeat for me at the beginning, but that's all part of her character evolution. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and Adam becomes such a swoonworthy cinnamon roll by the end (with a little bit of alpha gruffness). It's a slow burn romance with one incredibly intimate and dynamic love scene - the intimacy and emotional connection are the shining stars here. Well, it's all pretty great, actually. This has such a vivid, distinct voice that I am very much looking forward to whatever's next from Hazelwood.

Audio note: I switched back and forth between the audio and the ebook throughout - and the audio was excellent. This is told exclusively from Olive's point of view, so there's one narrator. She did a great job. The vibe feels young and fresh, with a voice that actually sounds like a 26-year-old. As a slow burn romance, this is perfect for listening at work - there's nothing steamy until later on, and the story is light and easy much of the time. Your only issue will likely be that work will take a backseat to listening, lol. The runtime is a bit longer than I'd like (11 hours), and I found it difficult to listen to the narrator's voice at a faster speed. I have no desire for the book to be shorter though, so just know that it may take awhile to get through. Overall, an excellent audiobook to go with an incredible read.

I loved this book! It was sooooo good! This was my first time reading something by this author, and I am totally in love. I really love her writing style. The characters were super smart but not so smart that everything went over my head. I just loved Olive. She and Adam just clicked. I loved their banter and how they just grounded each other. I loved how Adam just wanted to take care of Olive and was willing to do anything to help her. This is a great story, and I definitely recommend giving it a try.

I first read this book over a year ago, and I’ve revisited it at least three times now.

The Love Hypothesis is a contemporary romance set in the world of academia and told from the perspective of PhD student Olive Smith.

Olive possesses several traits that make her my favorite type of lead character—intelligence, resilience, and understandable flaws. She’s imperfect, but that gives her room to grow during the story. Hazelwood provides us with enough background to understand why Olive fears abandonment and feels a need to lie (she’s an orphan who lost her mother tragically and who struggles with relationships), but the plot never becomes weighed down by exposition.

Instead, the story jumps straight into a fake dating arrangement between Olive and the broody but brilliant Professor Adam Carlsen. If you’re looking for popular fake-dating tropes, this has what you need (forced proximity, sharing a room, pining, almost-strangers to friends to lovers). The lead characters share humorous and awkward moments as they try to act like a couple, but they also have heartfelt interactions.

While still occasionally “antagonistic and unapproachable,” Adam encourages Olive as she works on her projects and seeks new research opportunities. At the same time, you can see Olive help Adam to address some of his own fears and challenges. They help each other to find their best selves—even if they still have to overcome a few hurdles before they realize what they truly need.

Adam’s character growth may seem more subtle than Olive’s, but that goes back to the point of view. We see the story from Olive’s perspective. If you want more insight into Adam’s character, I highly recommend the bonus chapter from Adam’s point of view (available on the author’s website or in the audiobook). The first time I read the story, I went through this bonus chapter at the end, and I believe it added to my experience. Even without this chapter, though, Olive’s story and growth are moving, and knowing the reveals at the end of the book, I would recommend re-reading this one a second time.

One area that gives some readers and critics pause regarding this book relates to Olive’s sexuality. Olive struggles to define her sexuality, and I’ve read reviewers who believe she shouldn't have described her sexual uncertainty as having something “wrong” with her in one particular scene. I can understand where these reviewers are coming from, but I can also understand why Olive made these comments. It goes back to the flaws she’s dealing with from the beginning of the book. She lies to others—and to herself—to try to protect herself and not lose people. In the moment in question, she doesn’t want Adam to leave her, but she doesn’t know how to describe her sexual needs. Olive is not yet honest with herself or with Adam (because she’s still learning lessons at this point of the book), and I believe this is why Olive defines herself this way. She still needs to learn there is nothing “wrong” with her, and that people can love her without her telling lies.

Content Warnings: There is one scene with explicit sexual content (or two if you count the bonus chapter), and characters discuss sex at other times. There is also an assault, but not within the main pairing.

Audiobook: I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by Callie Dalton with the bonus chapter read by Teddy Hamilton, and I enjoyed listening to the narration at normal speed.

Adaptations: A film adaptation of this book is currently in pre-production, so I may update this review once it’s released.

Lastly, for the Reylos out there (and I count myself among you), you’ll be able to see parallels between the pairing you love and the leads in this book, and you may have an easier time picturing the cast of characters. However, you don’t have to be a Reylo to enjoy TLH.

I highly recommend this book to any fan of romcoms in need of a fake-dating/pining/triumph-of-the-underdog story.

If You Liked This Book: You may want to try Hazelwood’s Love on the Brain, which also features an intelligent female lead and fun romance tropes.

Happy Reading!

I am starting to recognize with some chagrin that I am aging out of a certain demographic of romance novels... Another book I am reading, The Love Study, is so utterly early 20-somethings of the moment-ish that I struggle to connect with the characters. Luckily, The Love Hypothesis drew me in and kept me there. Granted, the characters are older, especially considering the age gap, but they still have many Millenial moments that I cock my head at, like a puzzled Gen-X puppy. Still, Ali creates such great, complex characters that even when I didn't relate, I CARED. I want to care, swoon, laugh, and get mad or hurt for the people fumbling their way towards love. I've read some 'fluff' romance lately, and honestly, the genre itself can be rife with overworn tropes and stereotypical characters that never extend past the typical. It makes it hard for the romance, and its ups and downs, to have much impact on me.

What I like about TLH is it may take on those tropes but it makes them uniquely it's own. I really liked Olive's character, and even when she did things that frustrated me, I felt it just made her a more fleshed-out character. I appreciated the women in STEM focus and the inclusion and representation in the book. I also appreciated how when some books would have galloped to the grand gesture after a certain point, Ali didn't rush it. There were the requisite ridiculously contrived scenarios that repeatedly throw the 2 people together that I always simultaneously adore and roll my eyes at. More often than not, Ali gives a wink with her tongue in cheek, pointing out how these ARE those contrived tropes while simultaneously reveling in them. "Trust me," Olive explains in a 'we have to share a hotel room but don't worry there is 2 beds' scenario, "there is ALWAYS only one bed."

The sex scene felt both hot and yet in some moments awkward, tender, and exposing (making it feel all the more real). Although never specifically ID'd as such, it's pretty obvious from her own comments that Olive is likely Demi-sexual (only feels arousal if the person is someone deeply cared about and trusted). It felt like it brought even more impact to the actual scene when it finally happened. Great ways of folding in consent without making it overbearing or detracting from the "he wants her so much he's barely/not quite in control of himself" that I always find so yum.

My only couple beefs were the "perfect physical specimen" for the grumpy, science-nerd love interest who was so handsome (although Ali apparently got her start writing Star Wars Kylo Ren fan-fic so perhaps Adam Driver is the inspiration for Professor Carlsen?) The other was just how AWFUL she portrayed Academia in Science, especially for women. I'm sure it's rife with a lot of what she described, she even admits to working through some of her own experiences in writing the book. I kept having the same thought though, why put yourself through that? Like, it sounded SO AWFUL. But there must always be trailblazers and people who are SO passionate about something they will endure insane toxicity to be a part of it. I'm the person who wouldn't find anything worth the personal misery I guess, but that's just me.

I liked the rep for anxiety both social and general, which felt very real to me, a fellow sufferer. I liked the friend group and the amount of humor and nuance in the writing. And let's speak a moment about the cover. The Illustrator is amazing and honestly, her cover is what sold me to take the leap and buy the book. the other covers of the upcoming books are obviously the same artist's work and I think they fit beautifully with the books.

So yeah, calling all geek-girls, this is a great romance book and I will definitely be reading more of the author's work in the future.

I could not put the book down once I started reading it. This is the book which gives butterflies in your stomach with all the teenage drama and romance. I haven’t read any book in a long time and this book was such a refresh. I wanted to start reading to stop using my phone so much, but I ended up reading the book all night.. not sure if this addiction is better than the phone addiction 😊. I ended up buying another book from the same author, let’s see if it’s as good as this one. Must read if you are looking for an easy romantic read.

FINAL DECISION: This book is fun and light, like cotton candy. Even the "serious" storyline is really fluff because it lacks complexity. I liked the book, but I probably won't remember it in a year. That being said, the book is perfect for someone looking for a fun rom-com.

THE STORY: Olive Smith is a STEM field Ph.D. candidate at Stanford. When Olive realizes that her best friend, Anh, is perfect for the guy that Olive is casually dating, Olive decides to help their romance along. Olive knows that Anh won't make a move even after a breakup because of Anh's loyalty to Olive. So Olive tells Anh that she has already moved on and is dating someone else. When Anh shows up at the lab when Olive is supposed to be on a date, Olive grabs the first guy she finds and asks him to kiss her. The man agrees, and Olive soon finds out that she has been kissing, Adam Adam Carlsen, a young brilliant professor, and a total jerk. Surprisingly, he also agrees to keep up the fake relationship facade telling Olive that he could benefit as well. There is an expiration date for the ruse, but Olive can't help but find that the fake relationship feels more real every one of those days.

OPINION: I thought this was a sweet romantic comedy. Hazelwood's writing style is witty, charming, and engaging, and her characters are lovable, relatable, and full of personality. Rather than presenting a traditional alpha male lead who bulldozes his way into Olive's life, Adam is respectful, supportive, and willing to listen. Overall, this book is delightful and left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It's the perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day, and it is a fun and lighthearted read that made me laugh and smile. The secondary characters and their romances made me smile as well. This book also has some grumpy/sunshine vibes as Olive teases Adam out of his being too serious and makes him see himself more clearly which I really loved. I also really liked that Adam is so supportive of Olive's work.

The negative to me is twofold. First, I really didn't like the happy-for-now ending. I'm not sure that these two won't break up in a year. This is true especially because we don't really learn anything about these characters having a deep relationship. Instead, everything is funny and light. Even the serious items we learn are not really the stuff that sustains relationships. Second, the entire story was pretty shallow, and everything could be predicted from the start. There is a harassment story that was clear a mile away including how it would obviously be resolved. So while I enjoyed this book, it lacks the depth that would make me come back to re-read.

WORTH MENTIONING: The pumpkin spice drink wars made me laugh out loud.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS is a standalone book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

This is my second Ali Hazelwood book. The first being Bride earlier this year.

I have been reluctant to pick this up because I knew that it originated as a Reylo fic, and I don’t particularly care about Star Wars or Reylo. However, after reading Bride, I really wanted more Ali Hazelwood and I am oh so glad I picked this up.

This is cute and sweet. It’s cheesy, but it knows that it is, and I think that makes it all the better.

Olive is adorable. She is probably not going to be everyone’s favorite FMC but she’s dorky and believable. I am generally not a fan of miscommunication but most of the miscommunication in this feels like real life.

Adam is cute. I really wish this was dual POV. I would LOVE to experience the pining and brooding that I know was going on in his head. But alas. We only get second hand accounts of it.

This book has demi-representation, although it’s never explicitly stated. Olive only feels attraction with already established emotional bonds. That also made it really sweet. This was very lightly spicy and the scene that was was well done

Overall, it’s fun and cute. A perfect summer romcom. This was easy to read and I finished it very quickly. I will probably pick up the next book because I’ve heard the series just gets better.

4.25/5 stars

I enjoyed this book. Nothing out-of-this-world amazing about it, but the tropes were fun, the story moved quickly, and, overall, it was a good read. I liked Adam overall as a MC and appreciated Olive’s quirkiness.

I could have done with a few less miscommunication instances throughout because, for whatever communication flaws Adam and Olive both have, they’re adults for Pete’s sake and should have at least some ability to vocalize things better.

I’m usually a sucker for a good bonus chapter but actually was a little bummed with the chapter from Adam’s perspective. It’s basically Chapter 16 (the 🔥 scene) just from Adam’s view. At the start, I was hoping we’d see that scene cut off (I mean, come on, we know how it ends) and that we’d then see what happened with Adam and the Harvard Dean after Tom’s character reveal. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good spicy scene but, when I’d basically, already read it, I was hoping for some extra drama!