Scan barcode
kayleighoneillonwheels's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Minor: Body shaming, Death of parent, Medical content, Sexism, and Sexual content
memorable's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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 could hardly put it down, it was so good! The only thing I didn't like that much was the whole talk about Olive not being "normal" for hardly experiencing sexual attraction. Other than that, even though it's really easy to see where things are going, it's a really good book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Cancer
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia, Bullying, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, and Medical content
technicallyaly'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did!
I loved the chemistry between the characters, their relationship felt natural and comfortable, which is the best thing to read in a rom-com novel. The plot wasn't my favorite — the situations they found themselves in (particularly the sunscreen scene? Her sitting on his lap at the talk??) felt a little unbelievable to me, I can only suspend my disbelief so much — but the characterization made up for any shortfalls elsewhere. As far as fake dating goes, this is one of the better ones. They're just... hanging out. Developing feeling. They were less concerned with the show and were enjoying each others company, which I appreciated.
I loved the chemistry between the characters, their relationship felt natural and comfortable, which is the best thing to read in a rom-com novel. The plot wasn't my favorite — the situations they found themselves in
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death of parent and Medical content
tml_emily's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Toxic friendship
kthedestroyer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
a few spoilers in the next few paragraphs
In my defense: I bought this book without reading what it's about
Which would actually mean that it's also my fault that I picked up a book that has fake dating, professor and student relationship as well as smut in it. Yeah, I apologize to myself.
I hate fanfiction tropes. Like, deeply. They're always predictable and you know exactly where the story is going. I absolutely despise age gap stuff and I have never seen fake dating done right.
Well, up until now - and I'm only talking about fake dating. It's because there was slow-burn and you could actually see the chemistry between Driver, ugh I mean Carlsen, and Sugar Girl (yes, this is how I will address Olive). They were both very funny and charming in their own ways. I was a big fond of those callbacks as well so yeah, those private jokes were very good.
Sure, the book was predictable as shit but I am willing to overlook it.
Now to the thing that actually destroyed the perfect rating for me.
The SMUT.
Look, I know people love it and that everyone's obsessed with and blah, blah, blah but I am not. I honestly forgot how much I hated those detailed descriptions but this book reminded me of the feeling.
Yuck.
Also, imagine reading this in front of your family and trying to not make a face when Adam (Driver) Carlsen says "you can take it". It's not a very pleasant situation.
Okay, now to the good stuff aka the first half. Yes, the second half was fine but it felt a bit too much like fanfiction to me at that point.
I really liked how the grumpy meets sunshine trope was handled and both leads were very likable. Side characters were a hit or miss, but again... I don't really mind too much.
I was impressed by those references to cringy rom-com topes that Sugar Girl made and how there were two beds in that hotel room.
Have I mentioned that I really like science-centered stories? No?
Damn, I should've written a review for Instant Karma.
Anyway, I love science in romance books. It's a great aesthetic and I feel like I'm actually getting something smart from it (even though I'm mostly not).
The last thing that I would like to mention is that this book is hilarious. Like seriously. Let me end this with a genius quote, relatable to all the Balkan folks out there
In my defense: I bought this book without reading what it's about
Which would actually mean that it's also my fault that I picked up a book that has fake dating, professor and student relationship as well as smut in it. Yeah, I apologize to myself.
I hate fanfiction tropes. Like, deeply. They're always predictable and you know exactly where the story is going. I absolutely despise age gap stuff and I have never seen fake dating done right.
Well, up until now - and I'm only talking about fake dating. It's because there was slow-burn and you could actually see the chemistry between Driver, ugh I mean Carlsen, and Sugar Girl (yes, this is how I will address Olive). They were both very funny and charming in their own ways. I was a big fond of those callbacks as well so yeah, those private jokes were very good.
Sure, the book was predictable as shit but I am willing to overlook it.
Now to the thing that actually destroyed the perfect rating for me.
The SMUT.
Look, I know people love it and that everyone's obsessed with and blah, blah, blah but I am not. I honestly forgot how much I hated those detailed descriptions but this book reminded me of the feeling.
Yuck.
Also, imagine reading this in front of your family and trying to not make a face when Adam (Driver) Carlsen says "you can take it". It's not a very pleasant situation.
Okay, now to the good stuff aka the first half. Yes, the second half was fine but it felt a bit too much like fanfiction to me at that point.
I really liked how the grumpy meets sunshine trope was handled and both leads were very likable. Side characters were a hit or miss, but again... I don't really mind too much.
I was impressed by those references to cringy rom-com topes that Sugar Girl made and how there were two beds in that hotel room.
Have I mentioned that I really like science-centered stories? No?
Damn, I should've written a review for Instant Karma.
Anyway, I love science in romance books. It's a great aesthetic and I feel like I'm actually getting something smart from it (even though I'm mostly not).
The last thing that I would like to mention is that this book is hilarious. Like seriously. Let me end this with a genius quote, relatable to all the Balkan folks out there
Malcolm was making that face, the one he reserved for people who wore sandals paired with white socks. He could be a little scary, she had to admit.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Medical content, and Sexual harassment
politewriter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
This book is absolutely phenomenal. A beautiful college romance without any of the gross power dynamics. Any sensitive topics were approached with care and sensitivity. The chemistry (pun intended) between the ML and FL is stunning, hilarious, and adorable. All characters get an appropriate amount of time to develop and move around the plot, no wasted characters. Author does a great job dropping hints and weaving together clues so readers can arrive at plot twists at just the perfect time. Absolutely loved the realistic portrayal of friendship dynamics and academia. The author is amazing at discussing the realities of academia without ostracizing those outside of STEM. Some of the lexicon may be a bit to digest, but no other majors are ever discredited for the work they do in their own fields. This book is the perfect blend of nerdy, wholesome, and thrills.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Terminal illness
Minor: Vomit, Medical content, Acephobia/Arophobia, Gaslighting, and Racism
Workplace abuse, abuse of power dynamicshayleyw'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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cancer
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Death of parent
Minor: Violence, Vomit, Toxic relationship, and Medical content
sanhatiser'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical content, and Sexual violence
holthmsn's review against another edition
funny
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
5.0
The Love Hypothesis - one of my favourite contemporary romances released in 2021!
The graduate lab and STEM setting surpassed my expectations for fitting a fake-dating trope and grumpy x sunshine couple. A compelling romance with well-developed characters! Adam & Olive stole my heart!
The graduate lab and STEM setting surpassed my expectations for fitting a fake-dating trope and grumpy x sunshine couple. A compelling romance with well-developed characters! Adam & Olive stole my heart!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Cursing and Medical content
marieasyndrome's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
MY NEW FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE!! I love everything about this book, the characters, the plot, the romance, the tropes, EVERYTHING!! I rarely 100% like the main characters in a book, but I LOVE EVERY MAIN CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK. Olive and Adam were flawed but when they're together, they're perfect. They understand each other so much it's amazing to write. It is written so well too, you can literally read this book in one seating. And the tropes! Come on, who would like grumpyxsunshine, one bedroom, and fake dating in just one book?? This book made me smile so much my cheeks hurt. GO READ IT!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Medical content