3.75-4 Stars - After finishing her phd, Elsie pictured a dream career continuing her research in theoretical physics. Instead, she's working as an adjunct professor teaching way too many classes, miserable and broke, and having to work as a fake girlfriend for hire to make ends meet. Overall, Elsie's side gig is ok...she's providing companionship and using her skills as a perpetual people pleaser to be whoever her clients need. But Elsie dreams of a better job and a better life. This opportunity seems finally in her grasp when she scores a final interview for a faculty position at MIT...only to discover that the final decision comes down to experimental physicist Johnathan Smith-Turner. The professional rival of all theorists AND (unbeknownst to Elsie) the brother of one of her regular fake-girlfriend clients...who seems to loathe the very sight of her.

I have read Ali Hazelwood's other books as well (and enjoyed them!) and I have just started to notice that her heroes and heroines are ~very~ similar in each book. This isn't necessarily a bad thing...they just seem a little interchangeable just with different scientific disciplines. The heroines are kooky quirky and teeny tiny with no clue how beautiful they are. The heroes are big and broody bad boys of science who have secretly been obsessed with her since the moment they laid eyes on her. I did like the set-up of this book with Elsie fake dating Jack's brother, but I feel like this plot point was kind of a throw-away. It was ultimately unimportant to the major conflict of the book.

The strength of Love, Theoretically is really in Elsie's insecurity and uncertain situation. It is a reality for a lot of people entering into the workforce to be underemployed and stretched thin across multiple jobs with no healthcare and student loans. This coupled with Elsie's insecurity and people pleasing made her a very empathetic and relatable character. While Jack's obsession with her felt a little unjustified and little too insta-love for me, I appreciated the care that is shown in overcoming Elsie's fears and insecurities. It didn't feel like Jack just fixed all of her problems, but more like he helped Elsie work through them on her own.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think this might be the most nuanced of Ali Hazelwood's books so far and I'm looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow as writer.

I was so excited for a new Ali Hazelwood! I can always trust her to give me a smart book with lots of feels. While I loved the premise of this one, the characters were a little harder for me to fall in love with. Jack was the misunderstood brooding hero, which I love always, but Elsie was a little too naive for my taste. She was the crowd pleaser and kept trying to move up in her field, but kept getting held back. She is trying to get a fellowship, but the panel of people that has to decide has Jack on it and she knows Jack doesn't like her.
It was quite obvious to me pretty early that he couldn't get her out of his head, but she was stubborn to that fact. She kept believing the worst about him and just writing off the things he did for her. I really couldn't find Jacks character as believable as the other men Ali has written. I really was struggling with how "popular" he was and well known outside his field.
The ending of the book was really sweet and I did love the romance. If youlove Ali Hazelwood and all the smart couples she writes, you will like this too.
Thank you to Berkley, Ali Hazelwood and Netgalley for an early copy.

Even though all Ali Hazelwood books tend to be some combination of a smart, funny girl who gets thrown into a situation with a giant handsome guy and he is obsessed with her while she is oblivious + science, I can't help but be charmed by them every single time. Her humor and banter writing skills are some of the best out there, and I will inevitably read whatever she writes like my life depends on it.

What science genre and giant man type will we explore next?!

As I said, I didn’t love Ali Hazelwood’s debut so I was nervous to start Love, Theoretically yet I had no reason to be. The story follows Elsie who is a theoretical physicist and adjunct professor who is also hired to be people’s fake girlfriends. If it sounds a little unbelievable, it is but it’s part of the charm.

It all comes to a head when Elsie comes face-to-face with Jack who is her fake boyfriend’s brother and someone who seemingly destroyed her hopes at a career. Of course, the two are forced together as Elsie is interviewing at MIT and that’s where Jack works so from there, it’s a waiting game.

While the two have some animosity toward each other, it’s so clear they want each other, and watching these two smart idiots fall in love was great. I don’t want to give away too much because I feel like it’s best to go in, not knowing everything. While this was a solid read for me, it wasn’t a perfect read yet it’s easily my favorite Ali Hazelwood I’ve read yet.

That’s not to say I have no complaints about Love, Theoretically. I will say that all of the scientific stuff went over my head. However, I do think upon reading the author’s note, it made sense yet that can offputting to some readers. I also don’t particularly enjoy the way this author writes sex scenes.

Other than that, this was a pretty well-rounded book and a massive surprise for me. I think if you didn’t love her debut, you might end up enjoying Love, Theoretically as I did. Coupled with the cute cover and just downright undeniable connection these two had, you’ll be thinking about Elsie and Jack long after you close the book.

Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong! I loved this book. I loved the characters. Jack just might be my favorite guy Ali’s written. He is PERFECT. The plot did feel a bit similar to the first two books but considering I ate those ones up, I didn’t mind. It also seemed a little more science-y than the previous two, which I also didn’t mind. Reading it made me feel smarter lol. & the Oliver & Adam cameo made my heart BURST, I missed them so much!

Elsie Hannaway wears many hats. From adjunct physics professor to professional fake girlfriend, Elsie's constantly juggling something. She should've known it would come crashing down eventually. When Elsie gets an opportunity to apply for her dream position at MIT, she's determined not to let anything stand in her way. Even if the brother of her favorite client, and the man who single-handedly ruined the reputation of theorists everywhere, sit on the hiring committee. Ever since Jack Smith met Elsie, he knew something was off about her. That didn't stop him from lusting after her-- even if he believed her to be his brother's girlfriend. Now, the pair are butting heads at interview dinners, and Jack can't hide his desires for much longer. Despite her growing feelings, can Elsie allow herself to fall for the man she's loathed for so long?

I'm beginning to realize that Hazelwood has a specific formula for her books that she doesn't deviate from. Our heroine always has that 2010-Tumblr-quirky-girl aesthetic, and the love interest is always a broody behemoth of a man. It's starting to make all of her books blur together. Unfortunately, this was my least favorite from her. I thought it was boring. The pacing was too slow in the beginning, and then way too rushed at the end. This was more of a me-thing, but I found the science in this one too hard to follow. I don't have a science brain, so most of what they were talking about flew over my head. It didn't help that I couldn't stand Elsie. She's the human equivalent of a doormat. It was frustrating every time she refused to stand up for herself. She gets there by the end, but it was almost too little too late. I liked the romance between her and Jack, but it didn't wow me. The book was fine, but I'd love to see Hazelwood shake things up because her books are starting to get a little predictable.

Love, Theoretically is the upcoming third novel by romance author Ali Hazelwood, in what I personally consider to be her Academia Trilogy, and this one is one that is worth reading either if you're a fan of the author (like me) and wants to keep reading her books and will be surprised to see her improvements and developments in this latest book, or if you have read her before and have however found yourself a bit annoyed or just tired of the same type of setting and themes a.k.a academia etc etc, well I'm telling you, this one is worth it.

In her author's note Hazelwood comments that this is her most academia book of her books, something I had noticed quite early on while I started to read, and something that she has worked wonderfully into the story, showing her growth as an author in diving deeper into those themes and struggles, such as job interviews, the hardships of finding a position, tenure, or even funding, the competition inside academia, the intense power advisors hold over advisees, the importance and influence people put onto academic publications and how they can either elevate or destroy someone's career/or field. It's all there and many more. I was genuinely surprised by the tone of this one, I was expecting what I found on her two previous novels, but was very interested and compelled to read this more mature and even darker side of academia that she portrays here.

The characters are also a bit different, I mean mainly the MC (Jack is not that different from the other two love interests from her previous books, he is just blonde and has tattoos for a change). Elsie is a very peculiar and particular character, and much of what happens in the book (for example the cliche of a fight at 80% that is typical of romance novels) takes different nuances here because of this character, and I really enjoyed that! I found it very refreshing and different to read about Elsie and although I wouldn't exactly consider this book enemies to lovers (its more of a rivals to lovers if you want to get technical) it made for very interesting dynamics and situations.

Now, another thing that has been a topic of discussion, is the sex scenes in Hazelwood's books, particularly after the trilogy of short stories that not only repeated a certain formula (if you know, you know) but also because of that made you feel like you were reading the same thing over and over. I admit that on that front I would very much like for the author to explore different things, and she does sort of do that in here in one of the scenes (although the other falls into the formula again) and that scene was really good! I just feel like when it comes to romance, there already a lot of cliches and stereotypes and tropes that are followed or people who dissect them and others that read a book simply because it is enemies to lovers or grumpy sunshine you know it, there are whole posts dedicated just to the tropes in romance perhaps even more than with other genres, so I just think that in the middle of all that at least the sex scenes (if there is spice) need to be a bit more innovating from one book to the next, even when they're being written by the same author. I was personally satisfied with what I read in this book because like I said earlier in my review I see this as the concluding book of an "unofficial" trilogy of academia, therefore with the author's next release I will be hoping for something <i>else</i> altogether, and I really really hope she delivers.

Anyways, I do recommend Love, Theoretically if you're looking for a fast, devourable romance read! I think that her fanbase will be thoroughly satisfied with this one, and yes! There is an Olive/Adam cameo! So freaking cute!

So, so good. Hazelwood’s best book yet. All the STEM situations we crave, but somehow more and even better. It’s an academic goldmine that’s been finely honed into a perfect plot. The lead characters are new and their personalities are rich with possibilities (though the tall/small dynamic still reigns and I do have an *again? sigh* for that… but the book is still too good to dwell on it). The mental and physical health challenges are varied and strong. I could feel every emotional pang and worry, nothing was overblown or undersold. It’s a delicate balance, especially when mixed with humor and love, family and friendships, to create a compelling and fresh story.

I don’t want to say any more. I could talk about the characters and situations in detail, how invested I became in every character and moment, but no one wants spoilers. Add it to your must read list as I add it to my Best Books of 2023 list. Brava.

I wanted to love this, but I’m honestly tired of reading the same story over and over again from Ali Hazelwood.

The lead characters in this book are much more polished and well rounded than some of the previous Ali Hazelwood books I read. Jack is smart, sarcastic, and fun. Elsie is adorable and I related to her quite a bit. The side plot with her mentor felt unnecessary and just there for conflict, but otherwise a solid and steamy read!

Did I tell you I squealed when I got an early copy of this book from Berkeley? Yes, I did. And you can't judge me when you will do the same as well. I love her previous books, so I know I am going to enjoy reading this one as well.

I have to say that I was right when I said I would enjoy reading this book. And it went beyond my expectations. I truly love it so much. It’s a tad different from her previous books, but it does have similar academic romance vibes.

Love, Theoretically focuses on Elsie, who is trying her best in her academic career while maintaining her fake dating services. It may not be ideal for her, but she has to pay rent and eat. But it does help that she has a big job opportunity at a highly prestigious university. And she is more than willing to put in the work when she has to go through the interview process. 

While Elsie is willing to do anything to secure this job opportunity, she never expected to run into her fake boyfriend's brother, Jack. Her own world will explode if anyone finds out about her fake dating services. And she knows she can’t count on Jack since he hated her from the start. But you know, hate and love underline each other. That’s where everything gets more interesting. 

I won’t go any further because it will literally spoil everything in the book. But I will say that you should expect a bit of rivals-to-lovers vibes with a dash of the "he falls first" trope and a lot of steamy scenes in the mix.

This might be my favorite Ali Hazelwood by far! I felt like there was so much more feelings involved than her other books which made me really love this.

This book is funny and also swoony. The way Jack gets Elsie was just everything. Reading about politics within academia was also interesting and obviously made this book even better cause obviously they hate each other lol!

Tropes: fake bf’s brother, academic enemies, he falls first.

If I could reach into this book and hug the characters I would. Because I felt the most pressing need to do so when I was reading this delightful new romcom from the queen Ali Hazelwood. I honestly don't need to say much more than that because all of her books are absolute perfection and that includes this one.

“You could be my entire world…if you let me.”

“I think wherever it is that we’re going, maybe, just maybe, it might turn out to be a place I never want to leave. “

“Be gentle with me Elsie. That’s all I ask.”

I so enjoyed this one.

Ali Hazelwood has a way of writing Stem women (and women in general) that just make them (for the most part) very real women. They struggle with finding their place in a male dominated environment. They struggle with letting go of little pieces of themselves and letting people in. I just love them.

I really related to Elsie. As a people pleaser myself, wearing masks, and changing it fit what people want is a constant struggle. I think Ali really captured it.

You could tell that Ali really let herself enjoy writing this one. And just went for it. And I love that!

Color me Obsessed!

This was my favorite Ali Hazelwood yet! I thought at the beginning that I wouldn't like Elsie because I don't love characters that are so wishy washy and just say what everyone wants to hear, but seeing her grow and stand up for herself, and not being able to make the "perfect" Elsie for Jack was so satisfying. They were so cute together and it absolutely made me melt.

I loved Ali Hazelwood's first book, but was a little let down by the second one, which felt a bit too similar to the first while also having a lot of extra stuff going on. I still liked it, just not as much. This one was different (though the male main character was similar to the first two, very broody with lots of silent, borderline angry pining) and the story felt fresher to me. The female main character, Elsie, recently graduated with a PhD in theoretical physics and is living the not at all glamorous life of the adjunct, teaching a ton of classes at three different universities and still not making ends meet. She moonlights as a fake girlfriend on an app called Faux, and she's recently been playing long-term girlfriend for a client/friend who doesn't want to come out to his family as aro/ace. She has weird tension/friction with his older brother (the broody, pining one), which isn't a big deal until she shows up for an incredibly important interview for a tenure-track position at MIT and he's not only a member of the hiring committee/physics department, but also happens to be her professional nemesis, the guy who wrote an article humiliating theoretical physicists when she was a middle schooler. Turns out that he was in high school, he had a bone to pick with a specific theoretical physicist who happens to be Elsie's mentor, and he's pretty confused when she shows up as a candidate because she's told his whole family that she's a children's librarian. They become friends and he calls her out for something that no one has ever noticed - that she completely changes her personality based on what the people she's interacting with need/want/expect. He offers her friendship as a space where she can be honest and authentically herself, and it's a romance, so things escalate. All of this is happening against the backdrop of academic politics (which felt very real to me as a person who works in higher ed) and while Elsie is trying to deal with her type 1 diabetes, which she literally can't afford to take good care of because she has no money and no health insurance. I'd love to see a little more diversity among Hazelwood's heroes, but I'll certainly keep reading these STEMinist romance novels.

- Elsie seems to have at least some substance to her
- Oh look a tall, muscular MMC who is SO tall we need to mention it every page
- Physics remain a mystery to me but I assume they make sense to some people
- Why is Elsie responsible for her brothers????? They’re not 8. They’re adults
- We do love a good hedgehog appearance
- Cece is a good friend
- Elsie needs a spine. Badly.
- Jack is 100% a jerk no thank you
- I think I hate the words STEMlord & alphahole in equal measure
- Excuse me Pluto is still a planet don’t be fucking rude
- Wow Jack is thoroughly unpleasant
- But he sort of has a personality, which is a vague improvement?
- Yes we get it he has neck muscles & arm muscles & all the muscles everywhere forever
- Does code-switching apply to white people?
- Having any sort of chronic illness in the US sounds like a dystopian nightmare
- Alright Hazelwood the “I refuse to think I’m brilliant even though I get told that same thing every other fucking page” shtick is getting a bit old
- Found the Star War reference
- Does Fendi make chairs?
- Rich kids suck so much
- I do enjoy how much this book mentions cheese
- Leave it to the brother high on laughing has to break the news about Jack’s crush on Elsie. Sucker.
- Aaaaaand we’re back to the muscles
- Oooooo Jack is monologuing
- I’ll give monologue points for that
- Listen I am not here to yuck anyone’s yum but why do Aliverse men always pine for the manic pixie dream girl? Like ~they’ve loved her since they met her~ shenanigans
- A non-white person! Yay!
- If anyone was surprised that George was a woman I will eat my hat
- Oh dear
- Well at least Elsie had some self-awareness
- I might… actually like Jack?????
- What is happening
- Yeahh that sounds like Adam
- Goddammit I can already tell I’ll need to re-read TLH
- Why am I like this
- For the 9000th time, peens can just be average sized. I promise nothing bad will happen
- Okay the take me out as in dinner or murder scene was funny
- I legit laughed out loud
- I’ll give you this one Hazelwood
- I don’t know when sassy grandmas became a thing in rom-com novels but I am not remotely upset at this development
- Wow so Caroline is terrible
- There’s something fishy about Dr L
- I would bet money that he’s somehow sabotaging Elsie
- Hello Adam & Olive, glad to see you’re both still up to your usual shenanigans
- “I doubt Olive is familiar with the concept of fake dating”
- I. AM. DYING. The dramatic irony is painful
- Elsie needs so much therapy it’s not even funny
- (it might be a little bit funny)
- Well JJ should absolutely be punched in the face
- I’m lowkey v stressed by the fact that Jack is a somewhat reasonable human
- My heart hurts for Elsie
- Let the record show that if any dude ever tried to paint a picture on my chest with their cum I would simply get up & leave because that is not a thing nor is it remotely romantic-sounding
- They did the sex, huzzah
- So Dr L is the reason for Jack’s mum being kicked off the research team
- The Henley thing is so confusing to me
- They’re just shirts??
- Jack has a point about Elsie’s relationship with Dr L
- It is a bit weird
- And Dr L is a terrible person no way who could have possibly seen that coming
- That was not a particularly exciting break up or reunion

This is the kind of book you drop everything to read--and it's more than worth it.

Love, Theoretically is a romance powerhouse. It starts off with our FMC Elsie in a terrible (misunderstood) situation, and she can't do much to counter it. She's in an underpaid, no-benefits work situation and she's valiantly working to get into a better position.

But it appears Jack is standing in her way.

Jack, who falls first. Of course, he's our MMC and he's possibly my favorite Ali Hazelwood male lead--with Elsie as my favorite female lead. I'm a huge AH fan (her books are getting me through my STEM postdoc; guess who can't afford therapy in academia), but this is my favorite of them all.

The pacing is perfection, the references to science so cool you'll want to Google a few terms, and the romance enough that I'm surprised my Kindle didn't singe my fingertips.

There is so much heart here, between Jack and Elsie, and the hope Elsie has even in her lowest moments is tangible. This is Ali Hazelwood at her best, and I'll reread this book a dozen times over.

Also, there are nods at Bee and a cameo from Adam and Olive!

RUN to pre-order this. Don't wait to read it--it's everything you're looking for and more if you enjoyed any of her previous books, or if you simply want a rock-solid romance, heart-and-mind-melting romance to sink your teeth into. I give this my highest recommendation!

I absolutely adored this book. 5 HUGE stars. I was very hesitant after the first 2 books (I did enjoy them) as I didn’t want another book that was “The Love Hypothesis in a different font”. This book was so binge worthy, I found myself finishing it within a day. The female leads isn’t too quirky and the male lead is emotionally mature. Loved this!

Another Ali Hazelwood that just didn’t hit for me. Ali seems to be writing the same story 7 different ways and I’m a lil tired of it 😅. How many different ways can you have a big hulking guy with some teenie tiny girl who can’t believe he likes her? Not for me, but other STEM girlies might stan!