LOVE, THEORETICALLY

Y’all few things make my Astronomers heart happy in the way having a fresh Ali Hazelwood book does, and yes I started the audiobook at midnight, and it was wholeheartedly worth it because yet again it’s 5 massive stars for me! Narrative was fantastically on point, and felt very true to the characters with her inflections and tone. She truly captures Elsie’s voice perfectly and pulled off all of the male characters with what seems like ease. All characters were very easily distinguishable and fit the character’s personality and background. Will love to relisten to this I’ve! Now to the story itself! Did I mention I loved it? As a disabled/chronically ill STEM baddie myself (I’m an Astronomer who is still pissed I’m not called a Skyentist) I felt so seen by the FMC Elsie who is also chronically ill (Type one Diabetes) like me, and a theoretical physicist who doesn’t quite know where she fits in the world. She relies heavily on people pleasing and making herself fit in every situation and this goes seemingly unnoticed by everyone in the world but Jack, her soon to be but maybe technically already nemesis. So much of myself was on these pages, which is something I experience every time I read her books because she has a fantastic way of giving you all the OMG I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME moments your therapy has been lacking. The banter, wit and nerdtastic easter eggs are always on point (SO SAY WE ALL to that subtle BSG reference) with pacing and character development clearly well fleshed out so that it never feels rushed or like insta love even in a stand-alone romance. Her worlds are always believable, relatable and full of self discovery which isn’t easy to hit the mark on every time. But, as expected Love Theoretically seriously earned it’s ranking amidst its predecessors on my bookshelf because it had all the above and more. I will be glaring in I TOLD YOU SO at my bank for giving me grief over how many editions I preordered. Seriously y’all, if you are a chronically ill romance reader, someone who struggles being a people pleaser who might just need to see themselves as the totally normal relatable hero, a woman fighting through the patriarchy just to live all of your STEM dreams (and may still think Bill Nye is a hottie, also I see you Mitchio Kaku and Brian Cox) or all of the above, this is the contemporary steminist romance for you!

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.

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.

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.

4⭐️ ahhh, academic rivals to lovers - always a good time if you ask me. the entire STEMinist series has been a fun ride, and this book is no exception. like the others in this series, you have good pacing, interesting characters, total rom com moments, and academic anxiety (so real). elsie and jack are the perfect match & bring out the best in each other, even when feuding. i really loved elsie’s character development & the gradual reveal of the real her throughout this book tropes: academic rivals to lovers, she’s a people pleaser & personality chameleon & he sees right through her, he falls first, self discovery 2🌶️ standard romance levels of spice. delicious tension with some explicit content towards the end of the book. cw: none

I FREAKING LOVE ALI. I was so impatient I literally read a part of this book online before my copy arrived because I just could not wait. And when it finally showed up? I devoured it. No breaks. No distractions. Just me, my book, and the emotional whirlwind that is another Ali Hazelwood masterpiece. Once again, she gave us a brilliant, driven STEM heroine with real depth, a broody intellectual love interest who’s way too soft underneath the grumpiness, and that delicious mix of awkward moments, slow-burn tension, and actual plot twists that kept me flipping pages like I was running out of time.(GOD IM A SUCKER FOR HER BOOKS) The emotional beats? So well done. The academic setting? On point. The banter? Flawless. But listen… as much as I adored this book no one will EVER top Scarlett and Lukas for me. Those two have my whole heart. That’s the couple I compare everyone else to. They live rent-free in my head. Forever. Still, Love, Theoretically? 10/10. No notes. Ali Hazelwood, you never miss.

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

I have to say this book was a bit of a miss for me compared to her other books. Usually I am instantly drawn into Ali Hazelwood’s books and blow through them but this one didn’t have that effect for me. The book is academic focused at first. We don’t really get to know much of the love interest, Jack, or have too many interactions with him and Elsie. I found it a little boring for me personally and just couldn’t find myself wanting to read more. I wanted more of the characters and little moments between the two. Around halfway we do finally get that jump where we get more Elsie and Jack interacting on a personal level. I do think the fake dating situation with Jack’s brother lasted a bit too long. I did feel that Greg was a wonderful editor to the story. I loved the asexual representation he brought and his relationship with both characters was enjoyable. By the time Jack and Elsie finally did connect and start to get through to each other I just wanted a little more. I did enjoy jack as a character but felt we didn’t really get to start to know him until the end of the book and the same with Elsie. I didn’t connect with Elsie and her “people pleasing.” Or at least the way she went about it. The way she changed her personality for each scenario kind of made me uncomfortable and unable to relate to her. I wish there was more of her authentic self through out the book and she wasn’t constantly lying to people. The romance was cute and I did enjoy the book for the most part for the second half. The asexuality and chronic illness representation were both wonderful and important to see in main stream books. I think my issues were more personal preference so I’ll be leaving my rating at 4 stars.

Whenever you read a new authors book you never know what it's going to be like. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, a setting in different circumstances. The situation of academia, love and humor all lead to a great read. Well worth it.

Another great read by Ali Hazelwood. Can’t wait for her next books

Ich weiß nicht, wie viele tausend Liebesromane ich schon gelesen habe (keine Übertreibung!), und in letzter Zeit fiel es mir zunehmend schwer, nicht schon auf Seite 10 auf "DELETE" zu drücken, aber dann hab ich zufällig AH entdeckt - und bin begeistert! Ihre Storyline ist zugegebener Maßen nicht neu - aber eben gerade so vertraut, wie es dieser Liebesromanjunky erwartet. Und das akademische Setting überzeugt - AH weiß eben, worüber sie schreibt, und das merkt man! Vor allem ihr Umgang mit der Sprache und der Wortwitz haben mich begeistert. Ihre Charaktere sind absolut liebenswert und glaubwürdig. Mich erinnert sie an meine absolute Lieblingsautorin Susan Elizabeth Phillips - und AH schreibt auch noch die besseren Sexszenen! Gestern hab ich Love Theoretically beendet, The Love Hypothesis in einem Zug gelesen und gerade Love on the Brain runtergeladen - ABSOLUTE EMPFEHLUNG für jede Leserin, die wie ich gerne Sätze mit mehr als 5-8 Wörtern liest, gerne mehr Story hat als Übergänge zwischen Sexszenen und YA schon eine Zeit lang entwachsen ist!

I'm a late arrival to the delight that is reading Ali Hazelwood, but it made for the most delightful binge reread before the release of this extra DELIGHTFUL book. It is difficult for me to imagine anyone not enjoying the eccentric humor and freight cars full of factoids mixed with popculture obsessions that live in the mind of our brilliant heroine this time. That's Ali's pie festival winning recipe for romance: the busy, BUSY brains of intellectually gifted young women and creating men to ground and appreciate these female paragons of strengths and flaws. This time it's hypervigilent Elsie, a young adjunct professor of physics who is slaving away for low pay and no health insurance , trying to make her way in a world where she has one true female friend. Both young women have side hustles of working as a sort of fake girlfriendsfor hire through an app called Faux (it's the only way they can make rent and although it sounds seedy neither girl ever crosses an escort line. It really is just a service that rents out young people of both sexes for social situations where it is helpful to have someone pretend to be your significant other to make a good impression). I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Ali's heroines, but Elsie is so special in how she turns herself inside out to try to please people she loves... her internal dialogue so acutely attuned to pleasing others and how this creation of happiness for others gives her self worth....that your heart goes out to this gifted but deeply scared young woman. And then Ali gives her physicist Jack (SWOON). I want to go on and on about Jack, but you really need to enjoy his perfection for Elsie, in all of its flawed glory, for yourself. If you enjoy the kind of brainy, over thinking female protagonists that populate Penny Reid's Knitting in the City series, I think you'll love this book......really any of Ms Hazelwood's books. Beware there's a book binge in your future!

El libro llegó en buenas condiciones y su calidad es buena.