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lilhappyhermit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ali Hazelwood got me again with another cute and fluffy STEM rom-com and honestly, I'm here for every second of it. Bee and Levi's story was so adorable. She was so convinced that he hated her and was out to ruin her career when in reality he's been pining for her for years and honestly, I was EATING IT UP. Once she finally starts to realize that her perspective on his actions are not what she thinks and starts seeing him for who he truly is, my heart was exploding. Also, the ending? WOAH. Wasn't expecting that at all and I was here for the plot twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Death of parent, and Gun violence
harvsgiraffe's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Abandonment, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Infidelity
kathis_wonderland's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood is about Bee, who got a job at NASA as a neuroscientist. But her excitement is tempered, when she hears that she has to work with Levi, who despises her. When strange things happen at the lab, Levi steps up and helps Bee. Soon they both realise that they have a lot in common.
After already loving some of Ali Hazelwood's book, I was excited to get my hands on this book. I absolutely love to read about women in STEM. You can see that Ali Hazelwood writes from own experiences. The short author's note at the end of the book gives insights in why the topics addressed in the book are important to the author. I love that. As a going-to-be teacher I share Hazelwood's opinion on standardised tests. I loved the movement that was started in the book.
At the moment, I am fully into enemies-to-lovers books. I can't get enough of them. I immediately fell in love with Bee's style. The hair colour, her clothes - she's a legend. She faces a lot of struggles. Being a woman in STEM is not easy at all. I love how calm she remained when faced with misogynistic comments. I probably would have exploded. Levi gives Bee a lot of credit and defends her if needed. Both did not have the best start, which mostly was because of miscommunication. Their chemistry was okay. I honestly hoped for more. I also expected more spice. Most side characters did not grab my attention. I would have loved to read more about Lily and Penny. They are the sweetest.
This book was not as good as the other two books I read by Ali Hazelwood, but I enjoyed it a lot. I read it in one go. I started the book at midnight, only wanting to read one chapter. The next time I was checking the clock it was past three in the morning. Well, I did not get a lot of sleep, but it was worth it. Can't wait to read more books by Ali Hazelwood!
After already loving some of Ali Hazelwood's book, I was excited to get my hands on this book. I absolutely love to read about women in STEM. You can see that Ali Hazelwood writes from own experiences. The short author's note at the end of the book gives insights in why the topics addressed in the book are important to the author. I love that. As a going-to-be teacher I share Hazelwood's opinion on standardised tests. I loved the movement that was started in the book.
At the moment, I am fully into enemies-to-lovers books. I can't get enough of them. I immediately fell in love with Bee's style. The hair colour, her clothes - she's a legend. She faces a lot of struggles. Being a woman in STEM is not easy at all. I love how calm she remained when faced with misogynistic comments. I probably would have exploded. Levi gives Bee a lot of credit and defends her if needed. Both did not have the best start, which mostly was because of miscommunication. Their chemistry was okay. I honestly hoped for more. I also expected more spice. Most side characters did not grab my attention. I would have loved to read more about Lily and Penny. They are the sweetest.
This book was not as good as the other two books I read by Ali Hazelwood, but I enjoyed it a lot. I read it in one go. I started the book at midnight, only wanting to read one chapter. The next time I was checking the clock it was past three in the morning. Well, I did not get a lot of sleep, but it was worth it. Can't wait to read more books by Ali Hazelwood!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Infidelity, and Gun violence
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, Gaslighting, and Animal death
abby_can_read's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
📖
I had a good time reading this book. Hazelwood is a talented author. The characters were fun and their relationships were good. I liked the pacing and the plot held my attention.
I had a good time reading this book. Hazelwood is a talented author. The characters were fun and their relationships were good. I liked the pacing and the plot held my attention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Gun violence, Death of parent, and Infidelity
koistyfishy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 Imaginary Cat Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
Ummmm being a woman in STEM ... I am offended.
Now, don't get me wrong — I deliberated on this internally for a while, and I believe there's a Catch-22 tied to this issue. So, I'm not sure if there was a way to avoid offending some people.
This is my first Ali Hazelwood and overall, I can't say I'm impressed. I didn't hate the book, nor did I love it. Without anything to compare it to, I can't say if my issues with the book are inherent to all her STEM novels or if it's just this one.
Now, onto why I say it's a Catch-22: this book can be both praised and criticized for its portrayal of science and people in STEM. On one hand, it's commendable as it initiates a conversation with readers who may not necessarily be familiar with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It makes these subjects accessible to everyone and provides insight into the layers within a research laboratory. Some may even argue that this book could serve as a positive influence in inspiring women and girls to pursue careers in the STEM field.
However, on the other hand, the overly stereotyped characters in this book completely undermine all the good it was trying to achieve. I do not believe one woman was NOT either overly quirky, awkward or had some unusual characteristic about her or they are absolute perfect snowflakes. Bee (who is named after a Bee, Buzz Buzz, has an unhealthy obsession with veganism and Marie Curie and is obviously "not like the other girls" as she has a septum piercing and purple hair).
My main issue with her character is that Ali Hazelwood gave her this annoying habit of thought vomit in her internal monologue, trying too hard to be funny by throwing random cliché references or puns about cocks and hoping that something might stick with the reader. Bee felt immature, childish, and seriously like she had just finished high school and was not almost thirty.
Then we have the portrayal that NO MAN IN STEM (besides apparently Levi Ward) is not a misogynistic Neanderthal who believes a woman's place is in the kitchen and not in a laboratory. Every single man in this book except Levi objectifies women, has something against women or women in STEM or just Bee. I don't know, but this stereotype of what men are like in the STEM field is entirely incorrect. While some aspects are true and historically STEM is mostly male-dominated, the constant reinforcement of "this is actually what they are like in STEM" is appalling and annoying.
Levi Ward? There's not much to say about the man as mostly he just grunts or speaks in one-liners, and we are told he had issues but is over them now. And the fact that he's been in love with Bee since seeing her the first time (talk about a little worrisome) — I just have no read on the guy! Good for him; he is perfect for Bee. I did dislike that their entire relationship was built on miscommunication or lack of communication though.
Overall, nothing in this book from a romance side stood out — it wasn't groundbreaking, novel, or worth a Nobel Prize in discovery. I am most likely going to forget about it. In the end, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing... just meh.
Trope Summary:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ STEM Setting
▶ Secret Pen Pals
▶ He is SOOOO BIG and she is so smol
▶ Workplace Romance
▶ Grumpy X Sunshine
▶ Cats
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
Ummmm being a woman in STEM ... I am offended.
Now, don't get me wrong — I deliberated on this internally for a while, and I believe there's a Catch-22 tied to this issue. So, I'm not sure if there was a way to avoid offending some people.
This is my first Ali Hazelwood and overall, I can't say I'm impressed. I didn't hate the book, nor did I love it. Without anything to compare it to, I can't say if my issues with the book are inherent to all her STEM novels or if it's just this one.
Now, onto why I say it's a Catch-22: this book can be both praised and criticized for its portrayal of science and people in STEM. On one hand, it's commendable as it initiates a conversation with readers who may not necessarily be familiar with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It makes these subjects accessible to everyone and provides insight into the layers within a research laboratory. Some may even argue that this book could serve as a positive influence in inspiring women and girls to pursue careers in the STEM field.
However, on the other hand, the overly stereotyped characters in this book completely undermine all the good it was trying to achieve. I do not believe one woman was NOT either overly quirky, awkward or had some unusual characteristic about her or they are absolute perfect snowflakes. Bee (who is named after a Bee, Buzz Buzz, has an unhealthy obsession with veganism and Marie Curie and is obviously "not like the other girls" as she has a septum piercing and purple hair).
My main issue with her character is that Ali Hazelwood gave her this annoying habit of thought vomit in her internal monologue, trying too hard to be funny by throwing random cliché references or puns about cocks and hoping that something might stick with the reader. Bee felt immature, childish, and seriously like she had just finished high school and was not almost thirty.
Then we have the portrayal that NO MAN IN STEM (besides apparently Levi Ward) is not a misogynistic Neanderthal who believes a woman's place is in the kitchen and not in a laboratory. Every single man in this book except Levi objectifies women, has something against women or women in STEM or just Bee. I don't know, but this stereotype of what men are like in the STEM field is entirely incorrect. While some aspects are true and historically STEM is mostly male-dominated, the constant reinforcement of "this is actually what they are like in STEM" is appalling and annoying.
Levi Ward? There's not much to say about the man as mostly he just grunts or speaks in one-liners, and we are told he had issues but is over them now. And the fact that he's been in love with Bee since seeing her the first time (talk about a little worrisome) — I just have no read on the guy! Good for him; he is perfect for Bee. I did dislike that their entire relationship was built on miscommunication or lack of communication though.
Overall, nothing in this book from a romance side stood out — it wasn't groundbreaking, novel, or worth a Nobel Prize in discovery. I am most likely going to forget about it. In the end, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing... just meh.
Trope Summary:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ STEM Setting
▶ Secret Pen Pals
▶ He is SOOOO BIG and she is so smol
▶ Workplace Romance
▶ Grumpy X Sunshine
▶ Cats
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Gun violence, and Death of parent
bethanystone13's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Infidelity, and Excrement
katiecoconut21's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I really enjoyed Love on the Brain, perhaps even more than The Love Hypothesis, which was introduced me to the contemporary romance genre and the amazing author Ali Hazelwood.
I just want to start by saying that the characters are so entirely lovable, and have complex relationships that I feel better mirror real life. After all, the whole driving force behind Levi working on the Sullivan helmets is becauseof his friend who passed away, and he wants to honor his family by finishing the helmets . Coincidentally, these complex relationships led Guy to threaten Bee's life , but more on that later.
Additionally, I enjoy Bee's narration, letting the readers in on various inside jokes that STEM women often relate to. As a female mathematician, I definitely do. It can get a little confusing, as there are random switches from first to third person, but I was able to get over that with a little re-reading here and there.
This book was a series of misunderstandings (as most romances are), but after we get over the initial hurtle thatLevi does not hate Bee, but is in fact, madly in love with her and that Bee did not marry the shit-stain, cheating Tim , the misunderstandings become less central to the plot as focus shifts to Bee learning to trust and accept love again .
I feel like a huge critique some might have of Love on the Brain is how Bee did not realize thather Twitter friend Schmac is Levi before the end of the book. While I figured this out pretty much instantly (why else would the author introduce the madly in-love male character Schmac that Bee gets along with exceptionally well, unlike her Camel Dick nemesis Levi), I would like to point out that in Bee's situation, it is unlikely I would have made that discovery until later. The Internet is huge, and any coincidences could be exactly that, coincidences. So, keep that in mind before judging Bee for not figuring it out sooner.
Now, onto the scenario whenGuy pulled a gun, and threatened Bee into killing herself . I get that we need a climatic moment, but this was way overboard for me. The jump to Guy going to kill Bee was a lot for me to process, partially because I felt it was really extreme, especially for his reasons.
Anyway, I loved this book, and found myself so immersed that I couldn't stop reading. I really recommend it!
I just want to start by saying that the characters are so entirely lovable, and have complex relationships that I feel better mirror real life. After all, the whole driving force behind Levi working on the Sullivan helmets is because
Additionally, I enjoy Bee's narration, letting the readers in on various inside jokes that STEM women often relate to. As a female mathematician, I definitely do. It can get a little confusing, as there are random switches from first to third person, but I was able to get over that with a little re-reading here and there.
This book was a series of misunderstandings (as most romances are), but after we get over the initial hurtle that
I feel like a huge critique some might have of Love on the Brain is how Bee did not realize that
Now, onto the scenario when
Anyway, I loved this book, and found myself so immersed that I couldn't stop reading. I really recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide and Gun violence
witcheep's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is very predictable: from the begining alone I could guess the ending for Bee and Levi (and the knotting of their present, past and online identities ) accurately, though there were a few unexpected twists along the way.
"If nice means being alone, then so be it."
"I can give you nice. I can give you better than nice. I can give you everything."
This doesn't mean that I wouldn't have enjoyed the book — the opposite is true, actually. I wanted to know how the truth would unfold and how the relationship would gradually evolve from assumed hatred to something much warmer. I had to consume this book as fast as possible, it fit my current mood for reading perfectly: the book offers such a warm and fuzzy romance read with just the right amount of turmoil.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity
hjb_128's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse
ghostmomxoxo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I probably only liked this as much as I did because I read it over the course of a 10 hour stay in the emergency department 💜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Gun violence