I truly did think this would have potential. But, I could tell you that I was 4% in, and that was when I started ranting to one of my roommates, and a friend I (apparently) got back into reading. I read this in less than 24 hours (not for a good reason), and my roommate told me it felt like I ranted to her for four days. I think that says enough.

Before you tell me that I should have suspended my disbelief and known that this is fiction, I’ll let you know that I did. I even reminded myself to do that because I knew the book would have unrealistic scenarios and probably make me face slap once or twice (or ten times, but I lost count). Who even reads romance for realistic perception all the time?

Love on the Brain follows Bee, a neuroscientist who lives through asking “What would Marie Curie Do,” has just gotten the opportunity to work on a new collaborative project with NASA, a literal dream. But when she opens up to realize she is co-leading it, she didn’t expect to be co-leading it with Levi Ward, her grad school nemesis. But Levi being in the same building as her is one of her most minor problems. Not only did Levi save her on her first day in the lab, but the equipment she needed to conduct her project is also missing. To make matters worse, the staff isn’t paying attention to her, Levi is somehow becoming an ally, and she finds herself exploring these new feelings about Levi’s new alliance that has her questioning herself.

I’ll start with the good.

First, unlike The Love Hypothesis, Bee’s support system here did not feel forced, annoying, or frustrating. Her RA, Rocio, was a gen-z hoping to get into John Hopkins and continue pursuing her education. While some of her dialogue felt sometimes forced as if Rocio had to act like someone her age, she still had a lot of moments where she was realistic, funny, and a supportive friend. There’s also Bee’s twin sister, who, although we don’t know much, we can tell they have a strong sibling bond. Most of their interactions are through the phone, but they’re enough to give us an idea of who her sister is. Here, the exchanges themselves didn’t feel forced, and there were no situations where Rocio or Bee’s sister forced Bee to do anything. Ahn could learn a thing or two from them.

And second, I was glad to see this occur in a STEM-related location, specifically a lab to conduct the NASA project. Along with science terms used in every chapter’s title, Levi and Bee’s interactions are primarily in the lab. There are also other scientists, whether working on the same projects as Levi and Bee or not, and a clear representation of who is who. You can tell Ali is passionate about the education system, and not necessarily in a good way. More or so, it’s easy to know where she stands because of the amount of political dialogue hidden through romance and comedy (or an attempt, I guess). In other words, we see the gender gap between men and women in STEM, the easiness for men, how women are treated, and the general implications of how much more difficult it is for women.

And now the bad.

The writing of Love on the Brain isn’t any better than The Love Hypothesis. In fact, it felt worse. I don’t pay close attention to perspectives, and I’m not the type of person to not read a book because of it, but this is why the first person is tricky. Granted, if you don’t care much about Bee from the beginning, I think this will be a problem throughout the story because Bee’s voice feels sloppy, childish, and immature, as if Bee was talking to us. Sometimes it felt like I was reading multiple diary entries Bee wrote, which felt very in character because of her few immature tendencies. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t a fan of her from the beginning, so I was dragging myself as I was reading more than 300 pages of boring characters.

Similar to The Love Hypothesis, this felt like it lacked a lot of depth. There are a lot of plot devices the author inserts into the book but does not elaborate on them. Since we’re pretty much told everything and shown almost nothing, there are many things the reader is told that feel like they add nothing to the story due to zero detail provided to make a theory, add a thought, or understand a point. But, as passionate as this author is about education, I wish she were as passionate about the plot devices she inserts as well. There’s the example of Levi, who has been going to therapy for years because he grew up in a pretty uncommunicative and not necessarily healthy family environment. He’s now a 32-year-old engineer conducting a massive project at NASA. Yet, there is no further detail on this aspect, which is very unfortunate because the author had the opportunity to provide some sort of awareness for an issue that is pretty big around the world. In other words, the addition of a man who goes to therapy can be a crucial point in a STEM book released in 2022. Yet, it’s weak when you only do it to add a personality or character trait for a character already missing unique characteristics about him. He still lets his parents speak over him, dictating what he should be doing instead of wasting his time or whatnot. I mean, the fact that Bee stood up for him felt rather comical than uplifting. Unwilling to stand up for himself, the scene with his family felt entirely irrelevant to the story. I believe replacing it with a scene about Levi opening up more or talking about himself more to understand better where he comes from could have provided a solid addition to get a different interpretation of him. With the lack of backstory, it can be difficult to understand his actions and interpretations of the world, including his closed feelings for Bee that he hides with a cold glance and supposed hate towards her because he can’t communicate his emotions well. Furthermore, Bee is the kind of character who makes herself the victim. When Levi is opening up himself a little to Bee, telling her more about how his family is and how uncommunicative they are, Bee’s thoughts drift to her saying he at least has a family to hold on to, meaning at least he has someone and that he should be thankful because she doesn’t. Again, for someone in the STEM field and passionate about making a change in the education system, it still shows a lack of awareness of other struggles besides your own.

I’m not necessarily asking for an entire backstory on both characters. Still, there is so little personality on both of them that it feels like I don’t know either character well enough to form an opinion. While I do think there was more offered compared to Olive and Adam from TLH, I still think the author copied and pasted a lot from her debut novel to this, precisely the amount of inner monologue Bee spends commenting on how big, broody, and hot Levi is (I even tried highlighting all the scenes, but I probably missed some). One or two times is enough, but commenting on it all the time on every occasion that Bee sees Levi is entirely unnecessary, annoying, and even astonishing. Do you notice someone’s physique and general physical features THAT much? The sex scenes, while there are three instead of one, did not feel awkward but were still similar in terms of semantics and getting them there. Bee also said Levi is big, to which he responds, “You’ll get used to it.” The author really said COPY AND PASTE! There’s also how this is described as enemies to lovers or nemeses to lovers, and Levi is described as grumpy, yet those two are not the case. At all.

And now, this is where it gets tricky for me. Levi’s pining that we don’t see from his perspective but are still aware of can be considered of the best parts about this. Levi’s pining that we don’t see from his perspective but are still aware of can be considered of the best parts about this. Clear visuals were evident in how Bee described him, whether through his reactions, inwardly and outwardly, or messages with Bee (who both don’t know who they are). Oblivious to the fact that he likes her, Bee’s inner monologue is formed of intrusive thoughts towards Levi, unknown that Levi is acting the way he is not because she’s unpleasant to him but because he doesn’t know how to be around her. However, maybe it’s just me, but I’m tired of the traditional “he likes her, so he’s going to act cold around her and pretend he hates her.” I found it immature and childish, and Levi came off as a middle schooler. This route still has the potential to work out. But here, I was over it. As for the “hate,” it was never there. It was gone with a blink of an eye. Between 20-30%, the two were suddenly allies and became friends. This had potential, especially since they were in the same workplace. The opportunity of them actually working together and hating it, yet little by little, they start seeing more about each other, was wasted. Initially, I had thought it would be that way, where the two worked together, with the same equipment and whatnot, and they would slowly but surely start seeing each other in a brighter light. Instead, Bee complains to Levi again, Levi complains about what she complained about, and then he tells her he never actually hated her. Tension? Gone. (Granted, it was never there in the first place).

Admittedly, I liked the friendship, and I thought they had a good platonic relationship, but this leads me to my next point. The romance in this was probably my least favorite. If the romance felt tenser for me, I could have easily enjoyed this much more. I’m generally a character > plot type of person (Besides, who reads romance for the plot? Romance is the plot). But considering I didn’t really like both main characters here, grew heavily annoyed with the constant and repetitive commentary on the hero’s stance, and felt quite frustrated with the amount of depth missing, it was difficult to root for the romance as well. Personally, the relationship felt much more platonic than romantic. See, despite how romance is the genre I read the most, there are a lot of specific points I look for in almost every romance novel I read. Whether the story has the forbidden trope or not, I’m always looking for those tense moments that add to the chemistry: stolen glances, fingers brushing, hands touching. And if those aren’t included, I appreciate it when the author shows and tells how both characters feel (or, in this case, how Bee was feeling), but there were hardly ever those occasions where Bee’s feelings were explicitly stated, so the reader can see how they felt. With this not added, it’s hard for me to know where the character is coming from because I don’t even know where they are coming from. Even their sex scenes felt like a friends with benefits situation. Their relationship is slow-burn, which I love, but it felt like they were still in their platonic phase because of how slow it was.

This will all come down to interpretation and your form of analysis on how you see the relationship, as it always is with books. It’s a subjective manner. While it’s great that their build-up was slow, that slowness felt like it was still rooted in the friend zone, and therefore the attraction the two were developing towards each other felt like it came out of nowhere. Even though Levi already had a crush on Bee, Bee’s feelings towards him could have used further exploration. There are a couple of scenes where they go out, which is great because I’m always a fan of the two main characters spending time together to get to know each other, but again, there is hardly anything new we learn about them. And when we do, we’re left blankly.

As for the ending, there’s a lot to unpack. First, there’s another copy and paste situation, where a random action was thrown in the last 10% of the book as a very predictable situation turns itself in. Not only that, but before that, there was your traditional miscommunication trope added just to create unnecessary emotion and conflict in the story that could have easily been solved if Bee allowed Levi to show her he was serious. Then, suddenly, after the conflict, there’s the epilogue, which in all honesty, I already forgot. If I weren’t lazy right now, I would open the book and take a peek, but that’s unimportant. It’s irrelevant, just like this book.

It may seem like I enjoyed this more than TLH, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy anything here. Personally, enjoyment and appreciation or like are different. While I appreciated and liked some things, I wasn’t enjoying anything. I recall pouring my frustration towards people in my social circle more than in this book. In conclusion, Love on the Brain will most likely be another Booktok hit that breaks the internet, and people will shower these mid-20-year-olds and early 30-year-olds with praise that shows how low the standards genuinely are.

I absolutely loved this book. I demolished it in one sitting. The writing flows beautifully, the plotline is well crafted and flows smoothly, and the chemistry between the main characters is insane. I absolutely love the science and history details packed into this novel. What I really appreciate about this author's writing is how real the characters always feel, from their conversations, to their chemistry, to their awkward moments.

I absolutely adored getting to know Bee and Levi. (slight spoilers in review) This is a sequel to Love Hypothesis only in the sense that the characters are again nerdy scientists, this time working for NASA and NIH. You know when you have a main character who still remembers a guy who drove her nuts years ago that when a new job opportunity comes, they are going to get together. That these "enemies" are also already Twitter friends without realizing it makes it much more delicious. The sizzle between these two characters is palpable, and the science they are working on is broken down in a way that is easy to understand enough to get with the plot, complete with a side villain. Loved it!

This book was amazing. I can honesty say I loved it more than The Love Hypothesis. Love on the Brain was funny and smart. Bee was such a funny main character. I love her quirkiness and how she wasn't afraid to be herself. The science jargon was done so well. I never felt like I was lost or didn't understand. There was a good combination of steam and humor. I can't wait for Ali Hazelwood's other books.

How many ways did I dislike this novel? Let me count the ways…
- Bee was an absolute dumpster fire of a heroine.
- The weirdest, most unhinged, chaotic subplots
- Toxic workplaces
- Insane side characters

Listen, I loved the Love Hypothesis… I didn’t need to read it again in the form of Love on the Brain. Ali Hazelwood knows how to write one character… the quirky “not-like-other-girls” STEM heroine. It was cute and funny the first time… now it feels tired and repetitive.

I understand the way that this book will blow up because when I first finished it, it was a 4-4.5 star read. And then I let what the heck I read catch up with me. And I really, really didn’t like this book.

THANK YOU NetGalley for providing and ARC!

I'm not ashamed to say I finished this in one sitting. After the absolute wonder that is The Love Hypothesis last year, Love on the Brain was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. I mean, I KNEW it was going to be incredible, But it was SO MUCH BETTER than I could have imagined. I am an official super fan of Ali Hazelwood and from this day forward will devour everything that she writes.

Badass Ladies in STEM in my new favorite trope and we need more of it!

Bee and Levi were *chef's kiss* and Levi has been added to me ever growing list of book boyfriends. He was an absolute Cinnamon roll and must be protected. Bee was just as badass and such a great MC to read about, I connected with her so much! The star of this book may just be Rocio though, because reasons. But mostly because she was actually a good friend who didn't pressure Bee into doing highly uncomfortable, inappropriate things she didn't want do to (*cough*Ahn*cough*) The friend group from The Love Hypothesis was the one thing I hated about it so I'm glad she fixed that issue in this one.

and you guys, the smut. THE SMUT! It was so so good. On so many levels

The ending, I will admit, was a bit odd and a little extra. But I honestly didn't mind it, if anything I thought it was slightly anti-climactic for some reason. I guess I was hoping their twitter identities would have a bigger reveal.

This book shall have a place of honor on my designated RomCom shelf. 5 big, shiny stars - a must read.

Ali Hazelwood is now a 1-click buy for me. I love the humor she infuses into her stories, the chemistry, and the characters. Love on the Brain is no exception.

It doesn't take away from the story to know that Levi pines for Bee. It's obvious to everyone within the story and everyone reading, minus Bee, that is. I really enjoyed both Levi and Bee and I loved their development from so-called nemeses to allies to lovers. The plot is engaging and fairly fast-paced, even though the science and engineering gibberish (there isn't much, don't worry!) went right over my head.

My only gripe is that the climax didn't feel all that feasible, but it's fiction, not reality so I can forgive it. We still get a HEA and that's all I need!

5/5⭐️

I knew even before starting this one that I would love it. I am obsessed with The Love Hypothesis and had high hopes for this one as well. It definitely resembles the same vibe as The Love Hypothesis with some differences and so much cuteness. The whole story and the characters were so lovely to read about.
 
Bee is such a funny character. She has such a creative and imaginative mind. Reading all her inner thoughts was hilarious. She is funny but also has some seriousness to her, it was very interesting to read about her struggles as a neuroscientist. Don't even get me started on Levi. Sweet sweet Levi. I loved him right from the beginning and I knew he was going to be such a caring soul. Bee really started off hating Levi and it was kind of an enemies to lovers in a way. Levi is so bad at communicating and that was quite frustrating but it all ended up working in the end. He did such cute things in regards to Bee and she was so oblivious to all these cute gestures. I love the joking that they do together, I found myself laughing so often because of these two. I HIGHLY recommend this one if you are looking for a quick and amazing read.

This book made me so freaking happy.

From the cute moments when Levi helps Bee (especially during her fainting episodes) which has full swoon worthy written all over it, to the moments when he’s pining for her via social media and she has no idea, to him threatening her cheating ex.

The side characters were fantastic. The pets were fantastic. The science was fantastic. And I learned a dang lot about Marie Curie.

I only have one unanswered question! What was Levi doing in the lab so late at night at the end there?! Tell me. I need to know!

I loved this so much. Ali is a genius. I was a bit concerned thinking that these people would feel too similar to herr other characters. Thankfully they felt fresh, new and fun.

I absolutely loved this book!! Love on the Brain is definitely a top read for me so far this year! I loved the dynamic between Bee and Levi and am such a sucker for their romance!

Oh Ali Hazelwood. You’ve done it again. Did you love The Love Hypothesis? Then just go ahead and pre-order this gem. Take everything you loved about The Love Hypothesis but add more steam, a stronger girl power in STEM movement, and the nerd content that everyone lives for.

Levi and Bee. Enemies to lovers done right. I loved the history Ali set up between our two main characters and it blossomed beautifully. This trope can be tricky for me, especially in a rom-com vs. fantasy setting, but I thoroughly enjoyed it here. Grumpy/Sunshine vibes also shine and I LOVE IT SO MUCH! This is a love story that was written with a great time line and I was 100% invested from the start.

Without giving too much away, the take home points that I absolutely adored here are:
-The supporting characters are *chef’s kiss* Rocio, Bee’s research assistant, and her gothic humor had me rolling
-Speaking of humor, I pretty much had a smile on my face the whole time. Ali’s humor in her writing shines in this story. There is a little part about Nickelback that I am still giggling about
-Marie freaking Curie #nailedit
-As a green haired, nose ring wearing, nerdy “cool mom” myself, I connected with Bee so much. She rocks purple hair, a septum piercing, clothes from Target, and an intense love of animals. She’s definitely my people.
-Also, the smut. It’s hot and heavy and I adored every minute of it. Judge me if you must.

My nerdy, geeky, girl power, smut loving heart could not get enough of this one and I will forever be thankful for the chance to get to read and review this one early.

It was a solid romance, but the plot could have been stronger. Coincidences are misunderstandings are standard for this genre, but almost the entire plot of the book was based on misunderstandings. It would have been nice if that had been a subplot.

After I fell in love with The Love Hypothesis, I was excited to read Ali Hazelwood's next book. And turns out, I love it even more!! I don't know if it's the Texas setting, the super lovable characters, the witty banter, or the low angst, but I really adored this story. A NASA engineer and an NIH neuroscientist who have never gotten along, end up as co-leads on a project. So good!!!

Love on the Brain from author Ali Hazelwood is an enemies to lovers romance with a STEM focus.

I really enjoyed this romance! Bee and Levi are super cute together, and I love their awkward meetings and banter. The cats were a great touch, and I enjoyed the side character romances and queer rep!

The fainting thing with Bee was a little silly, especially fainting from stuffed animals, but overall I enjoyed her quirks and cat obsessions.

This is a cute, quick romantic comedy that readers of The Love Hypothesis will enjoy!

Fans of Penny Reid will love the delightfully intelligent heroines created by Ali Hazelwood. You don't have to be an expert on space or science to enjoy this enemies to lovers romance full of humor..

Hazelwood is one of my go to authors now. She's has such a deft tone and wonderful way with storytelling and creating characters that you care about. Love on the Brain is no exception -- and she's such a welcome breath of fresh air to be writing STEM titles that open up worlds that aren't over explored by other authors.

Ali cannot miss with her cheesy STEM-inist rom-coms! I not only adored Levi, but am upgrading him to my latest book crush. Bee was a breath of fresh air with her colored hair, tattooed, and facial piercings in the STEM field. Her tastes in… everything??? made her so relatable. The way their relationship unfolded and developed was better than I expected. And the spice was just right. Leveled up from The Love Hypothesis!

Even when I thought I figured out the antagonist, I was NOT expecting even a fraction of it all. I’m glad I was left surprised and it didn’t fall under the category of “I had it all figured out from the beginning,” because, even when you think you do, there’s more.

Add to that all the knowledge I learned about Marie Curie, it was fascinating!

My one complaint was Bee’s constant self doubt. I understand the need for it to add to the development of her character and her relationship with Levi, but after awhile I wanted her to stop talking about them being archenemies.

Super super bonus points that secured this book as a 5 star for me was the mention of one of my favorite bands (APC) and albums (Mer De Noms) that I don’t think I’ve EVER seen mentioned in a book. *chef’s kiss*

Thanks so much NetGalley for the ARC!!

If you enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's hit book, The Love Hypothesis, I think you'll like this book too. Love on the Brain follows Bee, a neuroscientist who becomes the co-lead of the BLINK project (helmets that stimulate the brain activity of astronauts) along with her nemesis from grad school, Levi. This book was very entertaining. I really like Ali Hazelwood's trademark combination of a story focusing on women in STEM mixed with romance and sarcastic humor.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me a digital review copy via NetGalley!

Was totally predictable with its characters and their horniness, but I was here for it! A strange comparison, but similar to how Bridgerton brought about hype Ali’s debut hottest title. That being said with more experience both the show and the author on their second go were able to tap into more yearning and develop even more unique stories!