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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 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? 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
tor_tor_199's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVED this book!! Had so much fun listening to their story! Wasn’t expecting that ending at ALL!
Cute enemies to lovers story, some cat content (literally), office romance, smarty pants. As a current PhD student I also really appreciated the content against GRE! Super enjoyable(sorta predictable) and the steam *chef’s kiss* 🥵!
Wish we got a little more of Levi’s backstory. Honestly would read another book about these two characters!
Definitely will be reading more Ali Hazelwood!
Cute enemies to lovers story, some cat content (literally), office romance, smarty pants. As a current PhD student I also really appreciated the content against GRE! Super enjoyable
Wish we got a little more of Levi’s backstory. Honestly would read another book about these two characters!
Definitely will be reading more Ali Hazelwood!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Gun violence, and Death of parent
vaguelyredhead's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Gun violence, and Death of parent
jessversteeg's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
4.0
Read it in one sitting. Loved the girl-power STEM perspective. The plot was mostly predictable but I enjoyed the ride anyway
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent and Animal death
caitythekitten's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, and Misogyny
cayleybp's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
gemin1reader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
4.0
Ok look. The FMC is really annoying, the plot was 100% predictable and obvious, there’s stupid levels of miscommunication…
And yet I ate this up. I’m sorry, Ali Hazelwood has a hold on me. She writes love stories that I should hate but instead make me cry/give me butterflies and it might not be great literature but believe me, I enjoyed this IMMENSELY.
And yet I ate this up. I’m sorry, Ali Hazelwood has a hold on me. She writes love stories that I should hate but instead make me cry/give me butterflies and it might not be great literature but believe me, I enjoyed this IMMENSELY.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit
partlyclaudia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
not my favorite tbh. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!! after they fucked i didn’t wanna finish the book and it all moved pretty fast after that. dynamics were interesting but not unique and the entire plot was just a little uninteresting? being hard on it i feel like because i did still read the whole thing in one sitting but i was in the mood for something easy and light, which for the most part, this was. a role player for me!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent and Death