A review by eisenbuns
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

funny lighthearted relaxing 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

I was a little nervous to pick up this book, because I wasn't sure it would live up to all the hype it's received on this platform and Booktok, especially. But as soon as I shared that I was reading it, so many of you reached out to say how much you'd loved it. I had a gut feeling I was in for such a treat.

Olive is a well-meaning 3rd year PhD student who sometimes makes... bad choices. Choices like impulsively kissing the first man she sees in the lab late at night because she's trying to convince her best friend that she's over another guy. That man turns out to be the notorious Dr. Carlsen--renowned asshole professor who's "ruined" the lives of several of Olive's peers. 

Through a series of (hilarious) events, these two start fake-dating, and the rest is history for me. I found this story so charming, like diving back into a favorite fanfiction. 

I really do think that this being a fanficiton first did this story a favor. This author knows exactly which buttons to press, what stakes to raise, and how to write better smut than 90% of the adult romance publishing world. 
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