A review by sophiecatherine
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So I picked up Ali Hazelwood's "Love, Theoretically" and let me tell you, it's like a breath of fresh air. If you're worried it's just gonna be a rehash of her other stuff, nope, she's switched it up – and it's kinda cool.
The basic story feels familiar, like the comfy couch you love sinking into. But Hazelwood sprinkles in these unexpected twists that keep you hooked. And guess what? The fake-dating angle isn't front and center. It's there, but it's not stealing the whole show. Smart move, since that's for sure not one of my favourite tropes out there...
Now, let's chat about the characters. Jack's a mixed bag. Some might dig his take-charge vibe, while others could see him as a control freak. And Elsie? I love the name too. She's like your friend who's awesome but keeps asking, "Do you really think I'm awesome?" It can get a tad much, with Jack becoming a crutch.
But there's a silver lining. The banter between these two is gold. Seriously, their verbal back-and-forth is the heart of the story. And Elsie's personal journey, from "Help me, Jack!" to "I'm doing this for me," that's a mic-drop moment. The character growth is real.
Quick heads-up though: explicit sex scenes alert. Yep, they're there, and I skipped them without losing track of the story. So, if that's your groove, cool. If not, skip away.
Bottom line, "Love, Theoretically" gives Ali Hazelwood a whole new vibe. It's like she put on a fresh playlist and we're dancing to it. Sure, not everyone might jive with the characters, but the humor and growth make it worth the read. SoI'd go with a solid ★★★★☆ – a fun detour from her usual style.