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geagleson9's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Death of parent and Misogyny
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia, Sexual harassment, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Alcohol, and Mental illness
naomi_k's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia, Cursing, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Classism, Sexual harassment, and Medical content
takarakei's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I went into this having not really liked her first book also thinking that I was reading her second book (which I was told to read cause it apparently has two vegan main characters?). ANYWAY I did like this a lot more than The Love Hypothesis.
Some things about Hazelwood's writing are a bit cringe to me, it's like certain phrases used that can take me out of it, but I can mostly overlook them. I did appreciate that this was paced well as far as the romance cause I’ve been reading too many insta love books recently 😑 I also really like the concept of this book being about Elsie finding ways to speak up for herself instead of placating to everyone around her. Definitely want to send this book to my friend who works in science academia. Also whoever narrates this is fantastic I’m gonna look them up!
MC has diabetes. Side character is ACE.
Some things about Hazelwood's writing are a bit cringe to me, it's like certain phrases used that can take me out of it, but I can mostly overlook them. I did appreciate that this was paced well as far as the romance cause I’ve been reading too many insta love books recently 😑 I also really like the concept of this book being about Elsie finding ways to speak up for herself instead of placating to everyone around her. Definitely want to send this book to my friend who works in science academia. Also whoever narrates this is fantastic I’m gonna look them up!
MC has diabetes. Side character is ACE.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Sexism
Moderate: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia
dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
Closed Door Mods: Chapter 19 (some parts), Chapters 21-22 (some parts)
As someone who’s read Hazelwood’s two prior STEMinist novels, I absolutely love her latest addition Love, Theoretically.
With Love, Theoretically having a much more distinct plot and characters compared to her other works, I found myself able to enjoy the same feelings I had like the first time I read her work. Witty banter under an easy-to-understand STEM context? Check. Strong female lead that you’re able to relate and maybe see yourself being friends with? Check. A swoonworthy romance that will keep you rooting for the couple till the very end? Check and check.
If you want a read that captures the magic of The Love Hypothesis into a brand new story, you should keep an eye out for Love, Theoretically.
As someone who’s read Hazelwood’s two prior STEMinist novels, I absolutely love her latest addition Love, Theoretically.
With Love, Theoretically having a much more distinct plot and characters compared to her other works, I found myself able to enjoy the same feelings I had like the first time I read her work. Witty banter under an easy-to-understand STEM context? Check. Strong female lead that you’re able to relate and maybe see yourself being friends with? Check. A swoonworthy romance that will keep you rooting for the couple till the very end? Check and check.
If you want a read that captures the magic of The Love Hypothesis into a brand new story, you should keep an eye out for Love, Theoretically.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Outing, Sexism, Chronic illness, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Acephobia/Arophobia
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Death of parent
evelynyle_88's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Where to start? Everything about this was perfect! Ali Hazelwood once again proved that she is the powerhouse of romance novel and stories. Being introduced to Elsie Hannaway and Jonathan 'Jack' Smith-Turner made myself feel giddy about them. Slowly but sure.
I love the development of their slowburn romance. And I adore Elsie so much. She is brave for stand for herself and turned to be a better person she should be. I love this book so much!
For me... Love, Theoretically is the best book I've ever read from Ali. Thank you for making STEM themed book so fun to read, Ali! Applaud!
Can't wait to read more books from you. Check & Mate next!
I love the development of their slowburn romance. And I adore Elsie so much. She is brave for stand for herself and turned to be a better person she should be. I love this book so much!
For me... Love, Theoretically is the best book I've ever read from Ali. Thank you for making STEM themed book so fun to read, Ali! Applaud!
Can't wait to read more books from you. Check & Mate next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia and Outing
jessiereads98's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood follows Elsie and Jack as they navigate a relationship which started with a lie and animosity. The romantic and comedic elements were well balanced, and I found the story to be charming overall. It isn’t a perfect book, but it is a lot of fun.
I can see why people say this is Hazelwood’s best work, as her craft has clearly improved here. Her character and relationship development do seem to flow more smoothly and realistically here. Hazelwood has also improved at communicating information to the reader more subtly through her diction, without just outright telling us the information. Unfortunately, Ali Hazelwood remains unsubtle with the size kink in her work. At least once a chapter if not more, we are reminded how big the male main character is, and how small the female main character is (she’s described as medium a couple times, but really she’s so tiny especially compared to him). Hazelwood has also cut down on the amount of cringe overall. However, if I ever have to read about a pee erection or the character who’s supposed to be an adult combining that into one word ever again, I am suing for emotional damages.
As always, I appreciated the STEM element in this book. As someone unfamiliar with physics, I did find bits a little jargon-heavy. The heavy jargon bits did not interfere with my comprehension of the plot or characters, and I was able to understand the comedic, and plot or character relevant physics puns and metaphors. I enjoyed the realism that Ali Hazelwood brought to the story from her STEM background, such as the blurb on Elsie’s dissertation topic, and using real journal titles like Nature. I also thought the discussion of the role of adjunct professors in the current academic landscape was important, and well done.
The part of the book that was most frustrating to me, was unfortunately Elsie (the female main character). Her characterization was often contradictory, and not because she’s a people pleaser. We are repeatedly told how good Elsie is at reading people, yet she is constantly having miscommunications with Jack. This felt completely out of line with what we are told about her character, and like it was just being done to further the plot. She is also repeatedly unfair to, and disrespectful of Jack. Her take on the academic journal scandal, was completely wrong, and bordering on stupid. As someone within academia, it is notJack’s fault that a journal accepted a blatantly falsified article, and the journal, its editor, and possibly the field do deserve scrutiny for that. It’s also unlikely that a single falsified article could affect funding to a field as large as theoretical physics so significantly, unless there were other problems in that field. So either this plot point was unrealistic, or Elsie is just stupid despite how smart she purportedly is. When arguing with Jack, she is unfair and makes false comparisons. There is also an instance where after Jack says no to sex, Elsie just strips in front of him . This borders on sexual harassment in my opinion. Elsie as a character frequently left me frustrated and with a bad taste in my mouth.
On the other hand, Jack is possibly my favourite male main character of Hazelwood’s. He’s the most fleshed out of her male main characters, and takes more of an active role throughout the story. He has flaws which are addressed in the book, but overall he’s likeable. His grand gesture was also fitting and unique, and I loved it.
Similarly, the side characters in this book really shine. Most of the side characters who get time on page have full personalities, and are likeable. They can each stand on their own as characters, rather than simply propping up the plot or being convenient set dressing.I also obviously loved the Adam and Olive cameo, and references to Bee from Love on the Brain.
Despite my complaints about Elsie’s characterization, and the blatant size kink, this was another fun Hazelwood STEM romp which in some ways does improve on her previous works.
I can see why people say this is Hazelwood’s best work, as her craft has clearly improved here. Her character and relationship development do seem to flow more smoothly and realistically here. Hazelwood has also improved at communicating information to the reader more subtly through her diction, without just outright telling us the information. Unfortunately, Ali Hazelwood remains unsubtle with the size kink in her work. At least once a chapter if not more, we are reminded how big the male main character is, and how small the female main character is (she’s described as medium a couple times, but really she’s so tiny especially compared to him). Hazelwood has also cut down on the amount of cringe overall. However, if I ever have to read about a pee erection or the character who’s supposed to be an adult combining that into one word ever again, I am suing for emotional damages.
As always, I appreciated the STEM element in this book. As someone unfamiliar with physics, I did find bits a little jargon-heavy. The heavy jargon bits did not interfere with my comprehension of the plot or characters, and I was able to understand the comedic, and plot or character relevant physics puns and metaphors. I enjoyed the realism that Ali Hazelwood brought to the story from her STEM background, such as the blurb on Elsie’s dissertation topic, and using real journal titles like Nature. I also thought the discussion of the role of adjunct professors in the current academic landscape was important, and well done.
The part of the book that was most frustrating to me, was unfortunately Elsie (the female main character). Her characterization was often contradictory, and not because she’s a people pleaser. We are repeatedly told how good Elsie is at reading people, yet she is constantly having miscommunications with Jack. This felt completely out of line with what we are told about her character, and like it was just being done to further the plot. She is also repeatedly unfair to, and disrespectful of Jack. Her take on the academic journal scandal, was completely wrong, and bordering on stupid. As someone within academia, it is not
On the other hand, Jack is possibly my favourite male main character of Hazelwood’s. He’s the most fleshed out of her male main characters, and takes more of an active role throughout the story. He has flaws which are addressed in the book, but overall he’s likeable. His grand gesture was also fitting and unique, and I loved it.
Similarly, the side characters in this book really shine. Most of the side characters who get time on page have full personalities, and are likeable. They can each stand on their own as characters, rather than simply propping up the plot or being convenient set dressing.
Despite my complaints about Elsie’s characterization, and the blatant size kink, this was another fun Hazelwood STEM romp which in some ways does improve on her previous works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Gaslighting, Acephobia/Arophobia, Outing, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, and Emotional abuse
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This was amazing! Definitely my favourite Ali Hazelwood book to date. If you love STEM related romance or stories with a hint of enemies/rivals to lovers then I highly recommend checking this one out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Outing and Acephobia/Arophobia
stardustandrockets's review
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
5.0
It was rocky at the start, but I definitely think this was my favorite of Hazelwood's books yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
michelle_my_belle's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia and Toxic relationship