Love, Theoretically

TOP READ 2023 Best work of the author to date! I don't know how this author does it but her books just keep getting better and better, if you loved her previous books, you're going to love this one, with her distinctive writing style and set in the STEM world, Love, Theoretically is the perfect combination of hilarious banter, sizzling chemistry and an intense slow burn romance, it is UNPUTDOWNABLE!

Jack is a dreamy book boyfriend, so smart, broody, sweet and intense, he made me smile so much, always putting Elsie's needs first, I love how patient and loving he is with her, my heart almost explodes with emotion with his sweet but passionate dialogues, I adore him. Elsie is the perfect heroine, so funny; sassy, and kind, but her life is a mess, with debts, financial problems and several jobs that are not the best, however now she is about to land her dream job to help her out of her mess.

The story confronts Jack and Elsie, he is part of the hiring committee for her dream job but due to some misunderstandings Jack thinks that she is lying to him, and because they are academic rivals he supports another candidate to obtain the position, but Elsie is not willing to give up so easily.

Though they start as enemies, their intense attraction is evident from their first meeting. I loved the way the author narrates the evolution of the relationship, the tension is off the charts, the slow burn romance almost gave me instant combustion, their deep emotional connection is everything, and their clever and funny dialogues are in a league of their own.

Addictive, captivating and so funny, this is my new favorite book of this author that gave all the feelings, perfect for fans of Enemies to lovers Slow burn STEM Romance Boy falls first Witty banter Steamy Romcom

Thank you, Ali, for giving us another hunky, mountain-sized man. I know the massive guy/smaller girl cliche is hated but . . . I kinda love it. And it's a Hazelwood staple. So thanks.

But on to the book: The romance was whirlwind once started—though true enemies-to-lovers at the beginning. There's miscommunication, but not to a frightening extent (I like that trope tho, so can you really believe me?), but the book's otherwise pretty trope-less and original. I ADORED seeing a diabetic character as a protagonist and not making her whole arc or every interaction about diabetes!

There was a lot of screen time to the academic side. Almost too much for your average layperson, but not quite. I found I wasn't as bored by it as I was reading her other book, Love on the Brain, though it has more than The Love Hypothesis. (Though as a person employed at an institution mentioned in the book, some of the academic aspects hit hard.)

I didn't feel like the mental aspect went too far down the rabbit hole. In some ways, Elsie's problems are relatable to everyone, even if not at this level. I was really nervous that the focus would become ENTIRELY on that plotline—mental health—but it was just an important aspect instead of the entire focus. The MC also didn't overdo the tough love aspect, as far as him demanding her to be forthcoming (though a few things skirted the line, and I worried with the whole 'I want you because you've never shown your OG self and I like things that have never happened before' aspect might lead to him breaking up with her once he HAS seen all the new things, but the deep commitment romantic whirlwind that felt a little unrealistic actually evened out this fear lol.) I've seen that dominating-guy-commands-her-to-speak-thoughts done wrong in other romance books, but it didn't go far enough to feel icky in this one.

Hazelwood has such a way of writing modern characters. Maybe it's her fanfiction background, but the stories feel so alive in the way fanfiction does, except polished. It does throw me when I read references to things so recent, though! (For example, referencing Young Sheldon tv show season 7, which was just announced a few months ago? Or AOC references? You on the ball, Ali!)

Reaching the character growth in this book made me realize that while The Love Hypothesis is my all-time favorite book, the characters don't really grow in it. Olive is wonderful at the start and Olive is wonderful at the finish. But Elsie's transformation is really distinguishable between chapter one and the end of the book. Jacks too, in some ways, but let me focus

All in all, Love, Theoretically didn't sing to me like TLH, but it was wonderful nonetheless. I laughed, I misted a little, and I read it all in one sitting. I feel like I got COVID-quarantine vibes from this book. It was cozy and easy and soft to read.

Is it possible that Elsie’s APE method hit a nerve with me that made this book difficult? Was it her experience with misogyny in her field? Was it the tension building between her and Jack?

I had to stop this book an hour before bedtime last night because I was so tense over the first 1/3. That being said, I got up early this morning to plow through the rest of it. The character development is strong and the world-building is interesting.

And the sex is hot.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

It has been months since I read a fictional book, much less a romance read. I don't know why I picked up this book, but I was certainly glad I did.

I am Dr. Elsie Hannaway. No, I can only wish my grasp of physics concepts and abstract math could be that prestigious, but her almost automatic need to please people -- even the ones who certainly do not deserve it -- touched my soul so fiercely. Ali Hazelwood also captured the art of severe overthinking to perfection. The organized chaos that is the conversation in Elsie's head as she navigates social situations.

Dr. Hannaway is one of the two final candidates for a coveted position at MIT's Physics Department AKA Elsie's dream job. This was her ticket away from the hell that is adjunct professorship, but in the way is one Dr. Jonathan Turner-Smith, the man responsible for demolishing her mentor's career and her field of study. The same man who happens to be the brother of one of Elsie's fake-dating clients. (A girl's gotta have her stack of cheese, and cheese is expensive.)

Jack does not trust his brother's girlfriend. After all, who pretends to be a librarian when one is a published expert on theoretical physics? Now that he's part of the committee to vet her for the MIT position, he certainly was not going to take it easy on Elsie. Brother's girlfriend be darned. Also, person he can't stop looking at be darned..

I love their dynamic. While Elsie was my fictional soul sister, I found Jack to be so cute. I am a sucker for the whole "he falls first," and Hazelwood weaved that trope nicely with Elsie's tendencies to get stuck in her own head. Jack is certainly no wallflower, but I enjoyed the considerate and gentle care he provides Elsie, even when they were adversaries. It sets a great comparison to all of the big personalities in her life that just seem to bulldoze what she wants.

It has been a while since I found joy in turning the (digital) pages of a book. I am really glad that fate -- more like library recommendations -- led me to this read.

Such a fantastic story! I love Ali’s writing and her character development. It’s a slower burn compared to some of the other spicy books I read, but the spice is still spicing. And you’re invested in Elsie and Jack, so it’s more too. I love all the science and nerdiness. Plus the aro/ace representation was refreshing to see, not to mention this is the first time I’ve read a main character (or any character actually) with Type I diabetes. It’s a 10/10 for me and I would absolutely recommend!

I've always loved Ali Hazelwoods books. From love hypothesis, love in the brain, loathe to love you novelas. Her book ALWAYS bring me so much joy, and I have re-read them a few times. Love, theoretically, was slightly different in the sense that it took me a little bit to fully immerse myself into the book. It sat in my Kindle at 23% and barely even started status for a few months. But when I picked it up again. I didn't put it down, so I nearly stayed up a full 24 hours to finish it. Once again, her love stories touched my sad and single heart in a way no partner ever has. The love she writes feels real. It's never over dramatic. I almost never get frustrated over characters' complete lack of communication. They feel like real people navigating real struggles of real life and real relationships. It's a GOOD read. It's funny and sweet, and I truly love the navigations of academia and the passions the characters have for their chosen research. It makes me feel like a smart cookie, which is impressive for a girl who failed every high school class, eventually got a GED, and went on to trade schooling. The flow of Ali's books is easy to follow along with and enjoy to its highest extent. Seriously, if you're looking for a smile. Just read any of her books, and it's guaranteed.

Ali Hazelwood books has always been a guilty pleasure read for me. Whenever I pick up one of her novels I know I will be entertained with nerdy goodness and quirky, lovable, intelligent characters. The novel does focus a little heavier on the scientific side as well as the politics in academia. However, I felt the information was necessary for the purpose of the plot, especially with Elsie's journey as she interviews for her dream job at MIT.

In terms of the characters, I felt our heroine, Elsie was pretty similar to Ali's previous female leads. The only difference is she is more of a people pleasure. However, as the story progresses she learns to be more honest and true to herself. Unfortunately, I didn't really connect with Elsie. I felt her character was inconsistent. She is suppose to be this smart and perceptive character, but she is quick to judge (incorrectly I might add) and is completely oblivious to Jack's intentions, despite how direct he is with his feelings. On the other hand, I was genuinely surprise by the hero, Jack (aka Jonathon Smith-Turner). I loved his character. Totally different from Ali's previous male leads. He is observant, confident, thoughtful, communicative, and honest. His devotion and patience with Elsie made my heart melt. Out of all of the male leads Ali had written so far, he is probably my favorite.

In terms of the climax of the story, it's nothing new. Very predictable. If you have read all the previous novels, you already know who the "villain" is in the story. As stated in my previous reviews, it would be nice to see a supportive male mentor character, because we know they also exist in the field of science.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Had lots of lovable, fun moments. Loved the cameos. However, wouldn't mind something different in future novels.

Honestly I really dragged my feet on reading this. I was unsure if I would like it given how popular it is. But I now fully understand why everyone has loved and raved about it. Elsie is refreshingly real and Jack is adorably, frustratingly smitten. Elsie can’t seem to tell the truth about who she is. To anyone, including herself. Ever the people pleaser. Ever the chameleon. Ever the anxious girly. I really liked Elsie even when she was blind to how much people love her for her. Probably especially then. I felt seen in her. And Jack. He’s a jerk and he’s a love sick puppy. His banter and how he pushes Elsie is just perfect. He truly encourages her to bring her best, authentic self out. His reveal towards the end was frustrating though!! He preached all this honesty to Elsie and then boom the reveal happens and I felt like it was a little out of character for him. I mean I get why it had to happen but I also feel like the true Jack would have just mentioned it. He would have explained even if it went nowhere. That’s my only true gripe with the story. Well that and at times it felt a little TOO jargony. Too much science talk was happening in a way that felt like it was the author showing us she did research and not in a way that felt truly essential to the story. But other than that this story is fun and tough and Thor love is so cutely real.

Love theoretically Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Tropes: enemies to lovers

Elsie is a theoretical physicist by day and a fake dating girlfriend by night. She is very smart and kind but also has an unhealthy need to please others. She morphs into what she thinks they want her to be.

Elsie meets Jack, the brother of one of her fake dates. To her shock he is ALSO her long time “evil villain” character in the physics story that is her life.

After their first meeting things get very confusing because they have met a few times before as different people. Elsie thinks he’s a gym teacher, jack thinks she’s a librarian.

Through the story their relationship evolves and Elsie grows as a person thanks to Jack. Jack is not at all who Elsie made him to be in her mind. He also keeps Elsie honest and helps her be her true self.

I really enjoyed the evolution of their relationship throughout this book. It’s sweet and comedic. It’s light hearted and makes you say awww a bunch of times.

The spicy parts were really good! This book was HOTTTT compared to the love hypothesis which was also great! The scenes were definitely really detailed 🥵🤣 I think Ali did a fantastic job incorporating some more sex into her book.

I took off one start for two issues I have with Ali’s characters and I’m providing some honest information here lol You do NOT need to be a prude to have your doctorate or he a science nerd trust me. Not all female characters in doctorate programs have no time or a fear of sex. I would like to see the female characters in her next books be some kickass confident STEM babes 😍

Second reason is she gets really technical with the science 🧬 🧪 and some of us who have their doctorates still don’t really understand. Like I get nerdy science jokes are part of the whole science backdrop but if I have to keep looking them up maybe they are just a bit exclusive to the reader audience!

Overall I still loved the beautiful writing, the comedy, feeling very invested in their love story and the character development. They could be real people plucked off the streets of academia.

After reading the other reviews, I expected this to be another cut/paste of The Love Hypothesis (in the same sense of Love on the Brain). In some ways it was, but that didn't bother me all that much (LotB had paragraphs and descriptions that felt entirely lifted. LT did not). Yes, Elsie is very similar to Olive, there's a quirky best friend, a LGBT character, academic politics, a weak-but-powerful man who abuses his power. But Jack was not Adam and the story had a different feel for me.

That said, Jack was not Adam... and the story suffered for it. Jack was fine, but the spark was missing for me. Missing from Jack, but also from the romance. It was kind of meh. And too easy. Elise and Jack's problems were resolved pretty early and so the mess at the end felt forced and inauthentic without much actual tension to it. Jack was pretty much the perfect guy. Even his weakness was a strength and I like guys a little more real.

The writing bugged me too. I like fresh, funny prose, but Elise would wander on for paragraphs describing at lengths things/situations/people that were really irrelevant to the story. I think they were supposed to be entertaining descriptions but because they didn't feel all that tied in or important, I ended up skimming these.

I also skimmed the sex scene. I thought TLH's sex scene was great. Funny and full of character growth. LT's sex scenes were just long and boring. And mildly gross for me. I like sex scenes to be more on the romantic side and less on the therapy or bluntly-body-parts side though so maybe it was just me. Either way, the sex was a good 10% of the book and I found it boring.

So overall, better than LotB but still flat. I liked the academia and politics almost more than I liked the romance. I was planning on not reading any more Hazelwood books and picked this one up on a splurge. I think going forward I'll get them from the library first.