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xvicesx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my second Ali Hazelwood book and I'm just as pleased with this read as I was with the first one. It was a beautifully put together story, and though I'm really not keen on the misunderstanding trope, this was nicely done altogether.
I loved to see Olive fall in love with Adam, and how entirely patient Adam was for her, and how entirely sweet her friendship with Malcolm and Ahn was, and well, everything.
It was a great story, in a great setting, and as far as romances go, supremely sweet. Highly recommended.
I loved to see Olive fall in love with Adam, and how entirely patient Adam was for her, and how entirely sweet her friendship with Malcolm and Ahn was, and well, everything.
It was a great story, in a great setting, and as far as romances go, supremely sweet. Highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Cancer and Terminal illness
chelseasofia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
Ok, on the one hand this book was fun, had great STEM and science rep (which I know zero about but was delighted by the specificity of it all - it’s refreshing to see characters so knowledgeable in their field of work), and I really liked the characters and their growing relationship. They really *cared* for each other and were thoughtful about each other’s feelings and boundaries. It was fairly well written (not a ton of weird overly explanatory anxiety ridden character thoughts, only a few sprinkled hither and thither) and it did not feel like a chore to read (high bar I know).
On the other hand, I am tired of a few things that are still very popular in romance: the tall guy/short girl thing, likewise the repeated wonderment about how BIG he is (ok, I get it, a couple mentions would have been enough though), and the fact that two very intelligent people can’t make the logical conclusion to not pile on lie after lie, or that sacrificing yourself for the imagined happiness of someone else by continuing those lies is somehow “real love”, please. Also the miscommunications that don’t really make sense. Also the *ridiculous* ways that they’re forced to get closer in public (via Olive’s friend pressuring her) was just kinda dumb/not fully developed. I love tropes but let’s try and inject a little reality?
I did have to keep reminding myself that these people are in their 20s and not experienced at relationships, being honest with others about their feelings, or even with themselves. I know I didn’t tell someone I loved them when I was that age, so I guess I’m just over some of this stuff because I’ve read it a lot, and I’m old (sarcasm).
I did like Olive but I wished she didn’t have to be so unsure and tentative for so much of the book. And (spoilers?) when a big awful thing happens I wanted to scream at the way she was just going to push it down and try to continue as if nothing had happened. I guess that just means that I cared for the characters. But also, the big awful thing was really over the top, done by a capital-V Villain and it came completely out of nowhere. People who are abusers and manipulative don’t really go this hard this fast, do they? I wanted it to be a little more nuanced. But then again, maybe people are really this brazen and awful in academia. It did make for a great conclusion of the story later on.
The thing I liked most was them slowly becoming friends and coming to really care for each other in such a lovely way. And it all led to the one sex scene which was both tender and hot, with lots of good communication, plus the demisexual rep. Worth it. 🔥🔥🔥
On the other hand, I am tired of a few things that are still very popular in romance: the tall guy/short girl thing, likewise the repeated wonderment about how BIG he is (ok, I get it, a couple mentions would have been enough though), and the fact that two very intelligent people can’t make the logical conclusion to not pile on lie after lie, or that sacrificing yourself for the imagined happiness of someone else by continuing those lies is somehow “real love”, please. Also the miscommunications that don’t really make sense. Also the *ridiculous* ways that they’re forced to get closer in public (via Olive’s friend pressuring her) was just kinda dumb/not fully developed. I love tropes but let’s try and inject a little reality?
I did have to keep reminding myself that these people are in their 20s and not experienced at relationships, being honest with others about their feelings, or even with themselves. I know I didn’t tell someone I loved them when I was that age, so I guess I’m just over some of this stuff because I’ve read it a lot, and I’m old (sarcasm).
I did like Olive but I wished she didn’t have to be so unsure and tentative for so much of the book. And (spoilers?) when a big awful thing happens I wanted to scream at the way she was just going to push it down and try to continue as if nothing had happened. I guess that just means that I cared for the characters. But also, the big awful thing was really over the top, done by a capital-V Villain and it came completely out of nowhere. People who are abusers and manipulative don’t really go this hard this fast, do they? I wanted it to be a little more nuanced. But then again, maybe people are really this brazen and awful in academia. It did make for a great conclusion of the story later on.
The thing I liked most was them slowly becoming friends and coming to really care for each other in such a lovely way. And it all led to the one sex scene which was both tender and hot, with lots of good communication, plus the demisexual rep. Worth it. 🔥🔥🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Body shaming, Misogyny, and Bullying
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Cancer
microbemom's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Death of parent
lilhappyhermit's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
This story made me kick my feet like a school girl. I loved following Olive and Adam’s story as they try to navigate fake-dating each other. Watching them slowly get to know one another and that blossom into them falling in love had my heart exploding. Then, to top it off, having that satisfactory “full circle” moment at the end of the book was just the cherry on top.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer
petite_madeline's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
All of Ali Hazelwood's books are a must-read for me! I always devour her stories and have a great time, so this book was no exception!
You'll love this book if you love:
You'll love this book if you love:
- STEMinist romance
- Grumpy, broody MMC with "you hurt her, you die" energy
- Fake dating
There is definitely a noticeable formula to Hazelwood's books: A bubbly and witty woman in academia is placed in forced proximity with a colleague who she initially hates then learns to love. Then cue a second man who she trusted but turns out to be a vile despicable person to turn her life upside down. But, of course, things turn out great in the end.
I love it! Sometimes, it's comfortable to read a book and know where it's going without knowing where it's going at the same time. And, as they say, if it's not broke, don't fix it!
I wonder if, perhaps, my affinity for Hazelwood's books come from the fact that I initially started really getting into romance through fanfiction. There's something familiar, cozy, and nostalgic about that fanfic feel that just hits right for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Cancer
booking_along's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexism, Bullying, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Grief
eleek0609's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Death of parent
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
5.0
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is a wonderful fake-dating book. Olive is a scientist and wants her best friend to be happy. In order to achieve this, she kisses a man in front of her best friend to show her that she is over her last relationship. This man is Adam Carlsen, a professor at her university and a mean one. As they realize that they both would benefit from a relationship, they start a fake one.
I heard so many good things about this book and now I get the hype. This book is funny, romantic, sexy and so much more. I loved to read about women in STEM. This was really empowering, even though I would personally never pursue a career in STEM. I had to google several words used in this book... But that made it so authentic. I loved it! The short hypotheses at the beginning of each chapter were so intriguing. I always wanted to know what the hypothesis had to do with the chapter. Quite a clever move.
The chemistry between Olive and Adam was so good (and hot!). I loved that Olive just called out his mean demeanour. Even though Adam can be really mean to his students, he was so supportive of Olive. I loved Olive's friend Malcolm. I hope so much that he will get his happy ending. He kind of would deserve an own book.
I am still a little surprised that I love this book so much. Usually, I am a little scared if I find a book promoted on bookstagram as I have bought several that were promoted that were really really not good. But here, the hype is totally deserved. I can't wait to read Ali Hazelwood's other books!
I heard so many good things about this book and now I get the hype. This book is funny, romantic, sexy and so much more. I loved to read about women in STEM. This was really empowering, even though I would personally never pursue a career in STEM. I had to google several words used in this book... But that made it so authentic. I loved it! The short hypotheses at the beginning of each chapter were so intriguing. I always wanted to know what the hypothesis had to do with the chapter. Quite a clever move.
The chemistry between Olive and Adam was so good (and hot!). I loved that Olive just called out his mean demeanour. Even though Adam can be really mean to his students, he was so supportive of Olive. I loved Olive's friend Malcolm. I hope so much that he will get his happy ending. He kind of would deserve an own book.
I am still a little surprised that I love this book so much. Usually, I am a little scared if I find a book promoted on bookstagram as I have bought several that were promoted that were really really not good. But here, the hype is totally deserved. I can't wait to read Ali Hazelwood's other books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death of parent and Cancer
Minor: Alcohol and Grief
anndreya's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Cancer, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
angeliquescollection's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
What a cute book. It was a great way to kick of the month of love.
I enjoyed the STEM representation. Although I’m not in STEM, it was the path I was going to choose so to live vicariously through these characters were fun.
I loved the side characters and their dynamics. It all felt very authentic and comfortable.
Olive and Adam were a cute duo. I love “grumpy” and “misunderstood” men in books and Adam delivered.
I enjoyed the slow burn of it all. It made their final moments to getter that much better. And I can’t wait to read more from Ali Hazelwood.
I enjoyed the STEM representation. Although I’m not in STEM, it was the path I was going to choose so to live vicariously through these characters were fun.
I loved the side characters and their dynamics. It all felt very authentic and comfortable.
Olive and Adam were a cute duo. I love “grumpy” and “misunderstood” men in books and Adam delivered.
I enjoyed the slow burn of it all. It made their final moments to getter that much better. And I can’t wait to read more from Ali Hazelwood.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Minor: Gaslighting and Misogyny