Review of the love hypothesis by ali hazelwood

Synopsis:

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding…six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Romance | 383 pages | 2021 | Berkley Books

Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis was my first foray into her work, and it was a delightful introduction. This slow-burn romance has a bit of predictability, but it ultimately charms with its heartfelt story and endearing characters.

From the get-go, The Love Hypothesis sets the stage for a classic romance trope: the fake relationship. While this setup might seem familiar and somewhat predictable, Hazelwood’s execution breathes fresh life into it. The plot unfolds with a satisfying pace, keeping readers engaged as Olive and Adam navigate the complexities of their agreement.

One of the highlights of the book is the slow-burn romance. Hazelwood masterfully builds tension and chemistry between Olive and Adam, making their eventual connection feel well-earned and deeply satisfying. The gradual development of their relationship allows readers to invest in their journey, rooting for their inevitable happy ending.

Olive and Adam are wonderfully crafted characters. Olive is intelligent, quirky, and relatable, making her a compelling protagonist. Her vulnerability and determination resonate throughout the story. Adam, on the other hand, is the quintessential grumpy yet secretly soft-hearted hero. His gradual reveal of a more tender side beneath his stern exterior is one of the book’s most enjoyable aspects.

The predictability of the plot doesn’t detract much from the reading experience. In fact, it adds a comforting familiarity, allowing readers to focus on the character dynamics and the witty, often humorous, dialogue. Hazelwood’s writing style is engaging and accessible, peppered with scientific references that add an authentic touch given the academic setting.

Final Thoughts: The Love Hypothesis is a lovely read that excels in delivering a feel-good romance with depth and heart. Despite its predictability, the book’s strength lies in its character development and the chemistry between the leads. Olive and Adam are characters you’ll root for from start to finish, and their journey from fake dating to real love is a joy to experience.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances and endearing characters, The Love Hypothesis is definitely worth adding to your reading list. Ali Hazelwood has crafted a delightful story that, while familiar, is executed with charm and sincerity, making it a standout in the contemporary romance genre.