***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Ali Hazelwood does it again!! She makes STEM chicks cool and grumpy smart men extra hot. I loved the quirkiness of her characters and the romance is always so steamy.

At this point, I would read Ali Hazelwood’s grocery list. I read no— devoured the love hypothesis when it came out and was left salivating, Love on the brain was no different. I was, in no certain terms, obsessed.
In the start I wasn’t sure, I liked it but I wasn’t in LOVE with it. but,
by the 80th-ish page? I would have died for any single crumb of this book.
Love on the brain is a steamy stem-centric feminist romance with all the tropes in the very best way. (Perceived) enemies to lovers? check. he falls first? major check. Grumpy sunshine, where our female lead is the one not so willing to jump in? Check.
Our heroine, Bee is a strong, fun, intelligent-scientist who just wants to better the world with her work and find stability for herself.
Our hero, Levi is a quiet, charming, and seemingly the grumpiest grump of them all, at least to Bee.
but, are things ever what they seem?
HEA guaranteed, steam off the charts. secret identity and girls supporting girls internet fame.
I couldn’t get enough of our main couple or the side characters,
not-so-imaginary-cats included.

I couldn’t recommend this book enough. August couldn’t come sooner. Don’t be surprised when my hair goes from red to pink.

*Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the arc!*

I want to start by saying I was not a fan of this book. While I did like the Love Hypothesis (I found it fun and really quick to read), this one just fell short for me. I do have to admire the fact that the author does have a couple novellas lined up so they have a lot going on right now, so it's pretty impressive that this book is being published so quick! In an effort to remain positive in a negative world, I will be starting with what I liked about the book before moving on to the issues I had with it. While these issues might be some things that bothered me, they may not necessarily bother you so take this review with a pinch of salt.

What I liked (and what you might like):
This book definitely checks off all the boxes of a typical rom-com. You have your tall, big, beautiful-eyed male love interest, and your shorter, quirkier, overthinking protagonist. You had all the Hallmark moments and then some. I also absolutely have to admire how amazing the marketing was for this and her last book. The whole "Steminist" branding certainly is a unique, catchy, one and it grabbed me. I wasn't the greatest fan of The Love Hypothesis, but I still chose to read this book for two reasons, 1) because the entire steminist branding just pulled me in, and 2) I wanted to see if the author had grown at all. This book caters perfectly to a Gen Z audience but I'm not sure if it would appeal to any other generations. Gen Z is sure to love all the "wokeness" and such within this novel. I think the only thing I truly liked about this book was Schmac and Marie's online relationship.

What I didn't like:
This entire book, much like TLH, felt juvenile and immature. The plot fell flat for me and the pacing had me wanting to dnf the book after a few chapters. The reader doesn't really connect with the characters (I found myself reading about one of the character's Tragic Backstory and absolutely could not bring myself to care for it) and the whole thing is a little insta-lovey. If you love insta-love, then I'm sure this book is for you. The book starts off with the love interest already basically being in love with her (obviously, as with most dense protagonists, the main character is entirely unaware). There is absolutely no build-up, no angst, no shy glances or anything. I felt the opposite of butterflies- reading this book made me cringe. It was extremely predictable (again, some people like predictable rom-coms!). Additionally, the main character only seems to swoon when the love interest does the bare minimum for her, I get this was the message- that the bare minimum is so abnormal that it's actually swoon-worthy when someone does it, but that doesn't change the fact that it was the bare minimum.

Overall, I don't think I'll be picking up another one of her books (or maybe I might, I am obsessed with the Steminist branding!). This is a typical TikTok book, one that felt wattpaddy, disjointed, choppy, and generic. There's no doubt in my mind that this book will sell well to its intended audience, but personally these books aren't for me.

There are times where you just want to read a book that takes you away from real life. A book where you can lose yourself in the lives of other people and not have to think about what is going on in the world right now. And this was the perfect book for that purpose.

While there are deeper subtexts of sexism, being a woman in STEM and science-related fields it is also a love story at heart. The usual tropes are here: meet-uglies, miscommunication, pining, etc. but the dialogue is crisp and the story won me over. I could see several of the plot points coming from a mile away but with a story I liked this much it didn't bother me.

This was the first title I have read by this author and I would read more of her books.

I absolutely loved this book. The main character is smart and funny, and the miscommunication is frustratingly wonderful! I will definitely be recommending this at my store and cannot wait to purchase the book when it comes out!

Another fun romance by Ali Hazelwood.
What happens when you get your dream job at NASA but are forced to partner with someone you know hated you all through grad school ? Now you think he’s trying to sabotage your success?
Things get very confusing for the brilliant neuroscientist Bee Königswasser. Especially when her partner Is very handsome and vegan too?? What would her role model Marie Currie do? It’s worth checking out this clever and funny romance.

4.5 stars

Ali Hazelwood is just an amazing writer! Just like The Love Hypothesis, she brings the science into romance and it is beautiful and refreshing. Bee and Levi are such well-thought characters with complicated backstories that make the story more interesting and complete. And so much love for Bee's assistant, Rocio. I am as amazed as Bee's sister on how Rocio manages to just top herself,

Why 4.5 instead of 5? Guy is just too annoying. Just too darn much. Like I just wanted to punch him so much and I get it, but still, no idea how a guy like that ever could have ever been part of the space program, let alone Levi actually have hung out with him.

Overall though, read this book! It is so exciting how many more books Ali has just on the horizon and I can't wait to just keep reading her works!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Ali Hazelwood and this series has quickly become one of my favorites. Such an enjoyable swoony read that I couldn't put down. I think this series has a lot of mass appeal, especially for readers who like modern romcoms or enemies to lovers and workplace romance tropes. I enjoyed the secondary characters and setting, but the main draw was definitely the tension and chemistry between Bee and Levi - very satisfying.

This is a phenomenal sophomore novel from Ali Hazelwood, and I am already itching for more from her. I am pleased to report that Love on the Brain gave me the same feelings as Love Hypothesis did, which is to say, exactly what I wanted it to do. And there are certainly a lot of similarities between the two novels, with the Grumpy x Sunshine leads, the years-long pining, and a misunderstanding or two. But it's a formula that works fabulously, especially with Hazelwood's wit and charm woven throughout, so why mess with something that works. And this really, really works. Bee is so wonderful a lead here. Her spirit is free though her heart is guarded, and it makes for a character you can't not love and root for. Levi is everything you want him to be and somehow even more.
Then there's the science which is just fascinating in and of itself. I love this aspect of Hazelwood's novels even when the actual science is way over my head. It's just interesting, and even if you took all the romance plot out, there would still be an interesting story going on. But the romance is of course the star, do not get me wrong. It will fill your heart feel simultaneous like it's going by too slow because you just want to have ALL of it right away, and like it's going by way too fast because you're running out of pages and you don't want to be over. Which is equal parts satisfying and frustrating, so all we can do is wait for the next Hazelwood story and reread this and Love Hypothesis endlessly until that day comes. Hazelwood has officially cemented her status as an insta-buy author for me, as I'm sure will be the case with many, many others once they read this knockout of a story.

Ali Hazelwood has done it again. Did I read this entire book in one sitting? Yes. Did it leave me wanting more? Also yes. Am I excited for whatever Ali Hazelwood writes next? YES! As a woman in STEM - this new genre of STEM-inist rom-com has me absolutely HOOKED. Enemies to lovers, forced (work) proximity, witty banter, AND science? Be still my STEM-inist heart. I love Bee, love love love her. She is a badass who knows her worth (despite being terrified of commitment) and she is smart, she is funny, she is gorgeous, and she loves coffee. When she comes to work at NASA for a dream project to reach her goal of running her lab - enter forced work proximity with her nemesis - Levi. And man, while I'm not quite ready to say forget Adam Carlson - HELLOOOOO LEVI!

Love on the Brain is a stellar sophomore novel by Ali Hazelwood, and readers of her debut novel Love Hypothesis will also love this novel as well. Hazelwood provides a stellar cast of diverse characters and representation with a heaping dose of witty banter to go along with it. I absolutely ADORE Rocio, and want her to be my friend in real life. Also, science based cat names?!?! I AM SOLD. While this is still a slow burn romance, we do get more steamy scenes in this book which I am all for. Also, hello plot twist that my brain didn't see coming until right when it was about to occur.

Despite the rom-com of it all, Love on the Brain addresses serious topics that continue to be a major problem in the world of STEM such as toxic relationships, gender inequality, standardized testing, and inaccessibility to graduate education. As a woman in STEM academics, I appreciate the awareness that is being brought to these topics and the enjoyable ride we get along the way. I cannot WAIT to read more from Ali Hazelwood.

I really liked the love hypothesis and I enjoyed this one just as much. There were a lot of similarities between the two but that isn’t a bad thing. I liked the enemies to lovers storyline and I really liked her assistance. I enjoyed the focus on women in STEM and all the Marie Curie stuff as well

What would Marie Curie do?
🧪
Bee Konigswasser with her pink hair and tattoos love her life as a scientist and when she’s offered to work on a neuroengineering project at NASA—it’s a dream come true. Unfortunately her nemesis, Levi Ward, (who hates her for no good reason!) will be co-lead on the project. Levi has hated Bee since grad school and apparently nothing has changed in the passing years. As the two struggle to work together, it becomes clear there’s something between them, but what is the saying? There’s a thin line between love and hate.
👩🏻‍🔬
Honestly I thought Love Hypothesis might have been a fluke. Like I can’t remember a time I loved a debut adult romance as much as I loved that one. Boy, was I wrong! Ali Hazelwood is no fluke, y’all. She’s got IT and I’m obsessed! She is now one of my top writers in this genre and I can’t wait to read more by her. Combining STEM with romance (and possibly some neurodivergent characters, although it’s never expressly said that Bee is on the spectrum) has me recommending her to anyone that will listen. Her secondary characters are just as awesome as her main characters. Her writing is witty, charming and so detailed it makes it seem like these are real people! It’s an easy 5⭐️. This book releases 8.23. Preorder NOW!

CW: sabotage, parental death in a car accident (in the past), death of a friend in a rock climbing accident (in the past), seizure disorder in children, sexism in the workplace, sexual harassment, firearms and life-threatening situations (that do NOT result in death)

Ali Hazelwood is the BEST at writing funny, smart, and badass romance heroines. Fans of the popular The Love Hypothesis will not be disappointed in her latest STEM romance, Love on the Brain.

Bee gets the chance of a lifetime to work on a neuroscience project with NASA, but her joy is short-lived when she realizes she will be working alongside her longtime nemesis, Levi. I am sure you know where this is going because Hazelwood uses all the tropes. However, she does it in a way that honors the genre and makes you want to squeal with delight! A swooning protagonist? Not lame! Enemies to lovers? So satisfying! Even though some of the plot is easy to predict, the writing and the rounded characters make you hooked.

Highly recommend for those already immersed in the genre and those who think romances are too stuffy-- this one is modern and delightful!

Love on the Brain has great characters. I just adored Bee. I loved getting into her head with her sarcasm and digressions. All of her Marie Curie facts and WWMD (What Would Marie Do?) and how these affect her life and this story.
Every time her La Llorona loving, goth witch assistant Rocio is mentioned, it became one of the best parts of the book. What a fantastic character!
Other gems are Levi’s cat Schrodinger and her “cat” Felicette and how that plays out.
And finally, Levi, as we get to know him and how he reveals his adoration of Bee, he comes across as one of the great book boyfriends in contemporary romance.

The insights into the STEM world and what women have to endure just to do the science they love needs to be shouted from the rooftops. And Bee’s terms for when it’s only men in the room - priceless.

But…spoilers?
The plot elements of Love on the Brain were VERY similar to The Love Hypothesis.
Enemies to lovers
You know he’s been crushing all along
They go to a conference and drama ensues
NIce guy who turns out bad- The Hans Effect (The best Disney villain since he’s just too real)

These similarities did NOT prevent me from loving this book, but I hope that Ali Hazelwood’s next book uses a different trope or has dual POVs, for example.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Still not really my personal cup of tea, but I'm pleased to report I enjoyed this one much more than the author's first book so I'm glad I gave her work another chance! I also liked the neuroscience bits--the chapter titles were a fun touch--as well as the academic politics and the secondary romance (the last enough that I'd be really curious to see what she does with a main pairing that isn't just another Reylo AU as far as the characters). More importantly, I know so many readers who will love Love on the Brain and I will definitely be purchasing and recommending it for them. Thanks to the publisher for giving me the chance to review!

A huge thank you to Berkley Romance for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

5🌟 4🌶

Ali Hazelwood never fails to write the most amazing stories that just sucks you in from the first page and leaves you feeling all these intense emotions and feels. The Love Hypothesis was my absolute favorite read of 2021 so this obviously ended up being my most anticipated read this year and omg, it exceeded my expectations! I loved this so much (given that I devoured this in a day!) and I can’t wait for more from Ali!

What I LOVED: Bee had me falling in love with her from the moment I met her! She was so colorful, empowering, quirky, strong and oh so intelligent. Not only was she a badass neurologist but she’s also a multilingual queen! I related to her love for animals especially kitties and thanks to her, I know more about Marie Curie than I ever would expected in this llifetime 🤣

Then we have Levi Ward, part cinammon roll and part swoony and intelligent hottie with killer green eyes. I fell in love with his broodiness and silence then the more I got to know his softer side, I was done for. The fact that he has a black cat like me gave him plus points!

The romance in this book was EVERYTHING! Their enemies to lovers, academic rivals romance was so genuine in the beginning that I felt the anger and hatred due to all the miscommunication but as they finally got talking and laid their weapons down, the friendship between them was *chef’s kiss* I loved their banter and immediate chemistry and the surprise looks on their face every time they realize how similar they were was so worth the ride. I also enjoyed the hidden identities trope they had on the side (As an avid user of Twitter, I enjoyed the role it had on their story!) They gave more proof that it was obvious from the get go just how perfect they were for each other!

If you’re curious about the steam level, I would say that this was The Love Hypothesis TIMES THREE 😋 Levi Ward can get it any day 😋

What I LIKED: Alongside all the swoon and steam, I really enjoyed how this booo dealt with so much serious topics that aren’t only an issue in the academia setting but in life in general such as toxic masculinity, toxic partners/friends and gender inequality

The side character in this were so easy to love!!! Besides the adorable kitties, I really liked Bee’s assistant and twin sister!

What I DIDN’T ENJOY: Everyone underestimating Bee!! Levi’s boring ass family!! And of course, the “villain” that I least expected but also was sus about. It was just heartbreaking seeing them be the bad person in this amazing story.

THIS BOOK IS PERFECT FOR: fans of Ali Hazelwood. That’s it 🤣

I adore the science of this book, it adds good depth to this story just like Ali Hazelwood's first book, and I also adore the use of social media as a liberation tool but also an Achilles heel! She created a well-rounded background from which to unspool the romance. I loved our heroine's backstory with the globe-trotting twin and tragic past, but wanted to hear her speak more German.

However (did you see that coming) I was not that invested in the romance! I could see what was happening, and I figured out how all the pieces might fall together, and I didn't care that much. I feel badly, but I felt their lives were already magical and maybe they didn't need love? Perhaps I should take a break from romance for a bit.. I was more worried about the cats than the main characters.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early look! I appreciate it.

This book had me in a chokehold for a full 24 hours. It was smart and sexy, and SO un-put-down-able that I was essentially like "I'll see you tomorrow" to my entire family.

Bee and Levi were such a delicious pair. I'm in the minority in that I don't mind misunderstandings in fiction as long as they're realistic (real humans have misunderstandings constantly, as evidenced by Twitter) and I felt like the reasons Bee thought Levi hated her were incredibly well done. Levi was absolutely the pining, brooding hero we deserve in 2022, and the sex scenes were steamy AND emotional, my favorite combination. And I'm going to keep it real: I am not a Science Girl, but I felt like the external plot was written in a way that even a layman like me could say "oh, I get it!" I really enjoyed the pacing, Ali's writing style, and, of course, the love story.

Such a fantastic read to finish out January! This is a must-read for any romance fan.

Thoroughly charming. It's a little close to The Love Hypothesis -- tall, dark, and brooding hero; tiny, brilliant, and quirky heroine -- but Hazelwood's writing is real and funny and it's so great to read about smart women doing things AND getting swoony.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Neuroscientist Bee Königswasser is chosen as a co-lead, along with her archnemisis Levi, for a groundbreaking NIH/NASA project. This book is laugh out loud funny -Bee calls Levi a ""walnut" at one point, which is THE best insult I have ever heard, aside from calling someone a "muppet". The pacing was perfect. I couldn't put it down. Loaded with quirky characters. If you like your romance heroines smart, funny and capable, Love on the Brain is an excellent choice. Recommended for fans of How to Fail at Flirting, Take a Hint, Dani Brown, and The Kiss Quotient.