Member Reviews

Ali Hazelwood is officially a must-buy author for me.

This romance was phenomenal. The way that the relationship developed felt incredibly realistic and not at all rushed. Levi and Bee spent time with each other, got to know each other, and became friends before anything romantic started which I very much appreciated. Bee and Levi also read as fully fleshed-out characters on their own outside of the romance, which is always nice to see. Not that the romance wasn’t fantastic because well… IT 100% WAS!!! The development? Wonderful. The smut? Impeccable. LEVI WARD EVERYONE??? A god-tier book boyfriend for real.

I’ll admit for the first 30% I was a little apprehensive. There was a heap of science talk (which I enjoy, but I’m currently enrolled in four science classes so it wasn’t the peak of escapism I wanted) and I was apprehensive about how the secret identity plot-line would play out because they typically lead to lying by omission and that’s not my jam. Thankfully, that part of the story actually resolved in a way I really enjoyed with no lying in sight (yay!)

The conflict between Bee and Levi was completely conceivable, and honestly quite relatable as someone who connected with Bee’s backstory and feelings a lot. The plot conflict… okay that was a bit unhinged I’ll admit, but it did take me by surprise and I always appreciate when a book can do that. The writing throughout the story was great, very fun and fresh.

I think if you liked Hazelwood’s first full novel, The Love Hypothesis, you would most definitely like this one too. It was different, but had a similar feeling and a few of the same tropes that I loved in that book.

Was this review helpful?

Love on the brain

There aren’t enough books about women in stem, and Ali Hazelwood is working to change that. This book was so incredibly well written, with a storyline that constantly keeps the reader on their toes. Bee and Levi’s characters are are well developed, and their history, an important part of the backstory, is explained in a way where it doesn’t overwhelm the present time of the story, but ties in. Hazelwood’s sophomore novel has secured her as a must buy author, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her

Was this review helpful?

When I tell you I absolutely adored and loved LOVE ON THE BRAIN by Ali Hazelwood - those words are not enough to fully demonstrate all of the space and emotions I hold for this true masterpiece.

The entire time I was reading this book, all I could think about was how much I loved how chaotic Bee was and how charming Levi was.

This was very much an idiots-to-lovers trope but with the most intelligent individuals working at NASA.

I don’t think my heart has been this happy in so long. The entire time I read, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. The chemistry between Bee and Levi was just on another level and just felt so genuine and real.

And I already know this one is going to be compared to THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS and most are going to pick and choose what they liked and enjoy. But if I’m being honest, I really do think that LOVE ON THE BRAIN absolutely blew THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS out of the water. This one just ~different~

Also, I have so much love for Félicette the ghost cat

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for the chance to read an e-ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Very similar to the Love Hypothesis, but doubles down on the weaker elements of that novel without expanding on the good.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't think it would be possible to love this book more than THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS, but lo and behold, Ali Hazelwood has done it again (and arguably even better this time!).

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley pub for this earc

Honestly this book was definitely of the best book I’ve recently read. Good story, good romance and good pace. What else can I ask For?

The first 20% had me super stressed out because Bee’s life was just going to hell. But at perfect time she finally found out that Levi was always on her side and unfolded so beautifully from there.

I like that somehow without realizing it, they became friends first, even with Levi being in love with her for all the years but giving Bee all the time she needed to be comfortable with him. I loved that so much.

I liked how they worked together and loved the same things but we got to find out one step at the time with them.

Being there for each other in every bad and good situation? Check!

Super hot sex scenes? Check!

Fighting over movies? Check!

And the cats. You cannot forget the cars lol.

This book has it all. Definitely add it to your TBR

Was this review helpful?

Ali Hazelwood is back and better than ever in her latest romance in her STEMinist romcom, Love on the Brain. When Bee, badass engineer, is offered the chance of a lifetime to work on her dream project, she has no chocie but to say hell yes. The catch? Her grad school nemesis Levi heads the project and happens to be a total ass. That's right, its your lovers to enemies love story and you will gobble it right up.

As Levi and Bee work together on the project, truths come to light making Bee question everything. Why did she think Levi was her nemesis to begin with? Did he even reciprocate said 'nemesising'? Was it all in her head? And why does he have such dreamy green eyes? Did he have to turn them on her all the time?

Just like her last book, Hazelwood injects wit, charm and devotion into each of her characters. Bee excels as an incredibly talented, smart woman trying to make it in a man's world of academia and space. Levi makes you fall in love with him from the start, it makes it impossible to see him as an enemy to Bee. There's intrigue, romance, and tons of Marie Curie puns to go around, Love on the Brain is one sweet romcom I couldn't put down.

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkely and Ali Hazelwood for the early read. Loved it and can't wait to see Ali Hazelwood at the LA Festival of Books this weekend.

Was this review helpful?

Loved Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis, but this one was even better. Felt her characters were great and her ability to talk about the science world is a fun twist for contemporary romances.

Was this review helpful?

Ali Hazelwood is back with her sophomore debut Love on the Brain, I feel in love with Hazelwood after her debut novel The Love Hypothesis, and I am happy and slightly astounded to say that I love this novel even more! The story is focused on Bee, a badass neuroscientist who ends up working on a revolutionary project at NASA with her grad school nemesis, Levi. Bee is such a funny, smart, and complex character. Levi, for his role, is a confident, cinnamon roll of a man. With a cast of chaotic and hilarious supporting characters, you are sure to love this story!

Was this review helpful?

I'm not surprised to find that I loved this book from beginning to end. Ali Hazelwood has swept me off my feet with her beautiful stories! She writes real, honest, and quirky characters and makes me wish they were all real so I could befriend them! There's simply nothing about this book I didn't love and I know it'll be number 1 on all the lists this summer.

Was this review helpful?

I did not think I would enjoy Love on the Brain more than I enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, but I 100%, wholeheartedly did. Ali Hazelwood has set my expectations for love and her next book through the roof. I think every reader enjoys when the guy falls first and this book aced that trope perfectly. I could not stop reading this book. The characters were so lovable and even the side characters were so enjoyable and entertaining and provided great backstory and juxtaposition on Bee and Levi outside of their own dynamic. I think this is the love story every scientist needs. Also special shout out for Ali writing the best side character in existence: Rocio. Truly iconic, magical, witty, and just brilliant.

Was this review helpful?

From dusk until dawn- this is how long I sat and devoured this magnificent story. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down! I was utterly engrossed from chapter two.

At first, I couldn’t fully comprehend what a scientist like Marie Curie would be doing in a romance book. Kudos to the authors for having the ability to intertwine such a historical figure into a love story.

There were so many components that I loved in this story. Of course, there was a passionate romance between the two scientists. It took a while to figure out why Levi had his reservations for Bee, but I fell more in love with Levi once I figured it out. These two were, in every way – the perfect fit.

Other things I enjoyed about the book was the love story within the love story, the #girlpower, the science, the mystery, and even that touch of suspense. The authors certainly kept me guessing until the very end.

If you think The Love Hypothesis was great, wait until you get your hands on this book. Remember to warn your family and friends that you will be missing for a few hours/days since you will be completely preoccupied with everything Levi and Bee.

Was this review helpful?

I have quickly become obsessed with all things Ali Hazelwood. The way she writes is refreshing and fun, all while feeling like I’m listening to a friend talk. Her women characters are strong and intelligent but never feel out of reach. I can see myself in them. This book was so much fun to read. I zoomed through it in one sitting and really wish I had spaced it out more! The main couple had such incredible banter and really complimented each other in a way that made the whole story feel really grounded. The characters are all three-dimensional and give the story life, so it’s easy to loose yourself in it. I fully enjoyed reading this book and I recommend all things Ali Hazelwood to anyone looking for a fun, smart, charming rom-com!

Was this review helpful?

Utterly charming, hot as heck, and a lot of fun. I can't wait for the next book in the series (no pressure!).

Was this review helpful?

I was interested in this book because of Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis, as well as her short stories about women in STEM. From those previous works, I knew I would at the very least appreciate the writing in this book. In my opinion it doesn’t disappoint. Ali has a unique way of delivering a story, in my opinion. I love her female characters and the dynamic between them and her male characters.

Anyone who enjoyed The Love Hypothesis should equally enjoy this if not more. We get the same type of relatable and nerdy characters, a STEM setting (which I didn’t know I was such a fan of until Ali’s stories), fun and quirky banter between characters, and a very cutre romance. I honestly think this book is even better!!

I would read anything Ali Hazelwood writes, that’s how much I enjoy her story telling.

Was this review helpful?

Love on the Brain has everything I loved from The Love Hypothesis and more! The pining, angst, banter, cats, intelligent scientists and more steam made this one a real winner for me. Bee and Levi are just absolutely precious, hilarious and the tension is *chef's kiss.* Hazelwood's humour is on point throughout and had me laughing out loud constantly.

Bee Königswasser is a purple haired, sarcastic neuroscientist who refuses to get a cat because it'll die in 17 years. Excuse me as I swoon over the perfection of Levi Ward. His tall, dark, handsomeness plus serious holding of his cards close to his chest was everything. From the get go I was screaming "OMG HE IS SO IN LOVE WITH HER" and the slow burn had me by the throat as I melted into a puddle. I love how much Bee and Levi interacted, which helped me get to know them as a couple, plus I will never say no to extra open door scenes.

My only gripe is some of the final climax felt rushed, undeveloped and out of place. I think another few chapters would've rounded out a character's motive and explained the outcome of a social media incident better for me. I would've rather substituted meeting Levi's family for more at the end. The final scene itself with the acceptance of a future is heartwarmingly magnificent .

This is a solid tension-filled laugh out loud spicy second novel from Ali Hazelwood and if you are a fan of The Love Hypothesis, you will probably love this one too!

Read if you like:
STEM
archenemy rivals
tall, dark, handsome and big cinnamon roll
sassy and smart women
open door spice
witty banter
cats
You've Got Mail

4.5 rounded up.

Was this review helpful?

Ali Hazelwood does it again! Sweet, spicy, funny, and achingly romantic. I really loved this book and it's big heart

Was this review helpful?

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE TO STOP READING BECAUSE I COULD NOT HANDLE WHAT WAS HAPPENING

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with the EARC!

Love on the brain is the upcoming book of Ali Hazelwood (coming out on august 23!!).

Here we have our lovely protagonist, Bee Königswasser, a neuroscientist and Marie Curie biggest stan who will be working with NASA on BLINK a new neuroengineering project, the thing here is that she is co-leading this project with, in her words, her nemesis Levi Ward (they didn’t get along on grad school).

ok, so

1) THE STAR WARS REFERENCES !!! I am a big fan myself of the whole saga, you would find me highlighting literally everything star wars related

2) BEE. bee is an amazing main character, she’s funny, super intelligent, kind, an animal lover and loves her sister to death. I actually really liked her character and how she realized her feelings towards everything that is happening to her.

3) of course Levi. Here we have the definition of boy obsessed. He was an amazing love interest, he was literally always showing the devotion he had for Bee :”)

4) THE KITTENS

If you are looking forward to read this, whatever reasons you have, it will not disappoint! I had a good and funny time while reading this, no boring points (a big plus in mu case).

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely LOVED this one! Bee is such a quirky and loveable character, you can't help but root for her. I really enjoy the STEM backgrounds of the characters in Ali's books and that they don't shy away from the fact that women are treated differently (read: poorly) than men in those fields. The terms Bee uses for groups of men in the workplace like Cockcluster™ and Sausage Referencing™ cracked me up. The book is an exciting and enjoyable read with a few dashes of serious steaminess. Overall, a perfect romance novel! I was sad when it was over! Thank you #netgalley for this advance copy of #LoveOnTheBrain I was thrilled to read it early and not have to wait until the fall! Team STEMinist forever! I can't wait for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

I for sure read this book in one sitting but we won’t talk about that. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!!

Let me tell you Ali Hazelwoods writing does not disappoint. But that’s not surprising. Her writing is fast paced and easy to read (especially if English is not your first language) the story line and plot were so well thought out and put together. Words cannot express how much I absolutely adored this book. Good lord.

The romance was just perfect with Levi the main love interest who is broody and has communication issues. Bee, with her purple hair who has a tendency to faint when surprised. They had so much chemistry it was the perfect romance read. And not only were the two MCs perfect but so where all of the side characters as well. I especially loved Rocio Bees RA and although she was a side character The author did a great job of building her character and connecting her to the plot. Another character I loved was penny as some one who also has epilepsy I adored her and the way she was written.

What I loved so much about this book is how deeply I connected with Bee. She bounced around to different country’s and continent’s after her parents died in a car accident. Because of this she was never able to feel as if she belonged somewhere. She has trouble loving things in fear of losing them. I loved her character development through out the story! Honestly beautiful

Another thing I loved is how this book shines a light on the sexism on women in STEM. This book honestly made me feel like I could do anything I wanted and Bee is such a bad ass (love her 💗) this book was also naturally funny which I feel like is hard to achieve sometimes but I was genuinely laughing at the jokes they did not feel forced at all.

Then ending was even better than I could have ever possibly hoped for ( I was screaming in all upper case). I would recommend this book to anyone with eyes who can read.

Overall would i recommend? : DUH YALL NEED TO READ

Was this review helpful?