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A look inside this book!✅ The Miggidy's Review ✅

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Love, Theoretically Hardcover – June 13, 2023

by Ali Hazelwood (Author)

31,142 ratings

Editors' pick Best Romance

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Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people-pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and arrogant older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And he’s the same Jack Smith who rules over the physics department at MIT, standing right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Love, Theoretically

“It would be so easy to hate Ali—who is brilliant and funny and the most delightful writer…but it’s far more productive to create a shrine I can worship at, praying for her to finish another book quickly. LOVED. IT.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult

"Whenever I want a sexy, witty, delicious romance, told in a fresh and intelligent voice, I read Ali Hazelwood. Prepare to get addicted. Each book is pure joy."—Simone St. James, New York Times bestselling author

"The reigning queen of STEMinist rom-coms returns with a tale set in the cutthroat world of eliteacademia full of delightful humor, realistic emotions, and the messy search for self-acceptance."—Booklist, starred review

"A decidedly quirky and thoroughly charming tale...Geeky science jokes, humorous student emails, and expertly delivered snarky banter enhance the narrative. Readers will cheer for Jack and Elsie and their bumpy road to happily ever after."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Hazelwood’s latest STEM-set novel may be her best yet, addressing not only discrimination among different realms of physics, but the unconscious bias Elsie has to continually fight as a woman in her field...A dynamic rivals-to-lovers romance."—Kirkus, starred review

Praise for Ali Hazelwood

“Hazelwood is an absolute romance powerhouse.”—New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren

“Hazelwood proves that she is the perfect writer to show that science is sexy as hell.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult

“Gloriously nerdy and sexy, with on-point commentary about women in STEM.”—New York Times bestselling author Helen Hoang on Love on the Brain

“Funny, sexy and smart, Ali Hazelwood did a terrific job with The Love Hypothesis.”—New York Times bestselling author Mariana Zapata

“STEMinists, assemble. Your world is about to be rocked.”—New York Times bestselling author Elena Armas on Love on the Brain

About the Author

Ali Hazelwood is the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. She recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies her. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her two feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

1

Waves and Particles

Twenty-four hours earlier

All throughout middle school, my Halloween costume was the duality of light.

I made it with a marker, drawing a bunch of circles and zigzag lines all over one of Dad's white undershirts I'd rescued from the trash can. In hindsight, the production value was so low, not even the physics teacher managed to guess what it was. I never minded, though. I'd walk around the hallways hearing Bill Nye's voice in my head, his beautiful explanation of the ways light could be two different things at once, depending on what others wanted to see: a particle and a wave.

It seemed like a winning idea. And had me wondering if I, too, could contain two-no, a whole multitude of Elsies. Each one would be crafted, custom tailored, carefully curated with a different person in mind. I'd give everyone the me they wanted, needed, craved, and in exchange they'd care about me.

Easy peasy, photons squeezy.

Funny how my physics career and my people-pleasing career started around the same time. How I can draw a straight line from baby's first quantum mechanics concept to my current job. Actually, to both my current jobs. The day one, in which I earn next to nothing by hatching physical theories that explain why small molecules cluster together like cliques of mean girls during lunch hour. And the other one, in which . . .

Well. The other one, in which I pretend to be someone else, at least pays well.

"Uncle Paul will try to rope us into a threesome, again," Greg tells me, soulful brown eyes full of apologies, and I don't hesitate. I don't act annoyed. I don't shudder in revulsion thinking about Uncle Paul's sewage breath or his oily comb-over, which reminds me of pubic hair.

Okay, maybe I do shudder a little bit. But I cover it up with a smile and a professional "Got it."

"Also," he continues, running a hand through his messy curls, "Dad recently developed severe lactose intolerance but refuses to ease up on the dairy. There might be . . ."

"Gastrointestinal events." Understandable. I'd resist giving up cheese, too.

"And my cousin Izzy-she's known to become physically aggressive when people disagree with her over the literary value of the Twilight Saga."

I perk up. "Is she pro or against?"

"Against," Greg says darkly.

I love Twilight even more than cheese, but I can withhold my TED Talk on why Alice and Bella should have left all those idiots behind and ridden off into the sunset.

Team Bellice 4evah.

"Understood."

"Elsie, I'm sorry. It's Grandma's ninetieth. The whole family will be here." He sighs, breath smoky white in the night air of this icy Boston January. "Mom's going to be at her worst."

"Don't worry." I ring the doorbell of Greg's grandmother's town house and offer my most encouraging smile. He hired me to be his fake girlfriend, and he'll get the Elsie he wants me to be: reassuring, yes, but also gently bossy. A dominatrix who doesn't like to wield a whip-but could if necessary. "Remember our exit strategy?"

"Pinch your elbow twice."

"I'll say I'm feeling poorly, and we'll duck out. And when the threesome offer comes, heavily imply that I have gonorrhea."

"That wouldn't deter Uncle Paul."

"Genital warts?"

"Mmm. Maybe?" He massages his temple. "The only good thing is that my brother's coming."

I tense. "Jack?"

"Yeah."

Stupid question. Greg only has the one. "I thought you said he'd be gone?"

"His work dinner got canceled."

I groan inwardly.

"What?"

Shit, I groaned outwardly. "Nothing." I grin and squeeze his arm through his coat. Greg Smith is my favorite client, and I will see him through this evening unscathed. "Let me handle your family, okay? It's what you pay me for, after all."

It really is. And I'm grateful every day that I've never had to remind him. Many of my clients wonder more or less openly what other services I might offer, even though the terms of service in the Faux app are pretty explicit. They clear their throat, stroke their chin, and ask, "What exactly is included in this . . . fake-girlfriend rate?" I'm often tempted to roll my eyes and knee them in the nuts, but I try to not take offense, to smile kindly, and to say, "Not sex."

I also-to answer the standard follow-up questions-don't kiss, frot, dirty talk, get naked, do butt stuff, give BJs, HJs, TJs, and whatever other Js might exist that I'm not aware of. I don't let them pee on me or fondle my feet, nor do I facilitate and/or allow orgasms in my general vicinity.

Not that there would be anything wrong: sex work is legitimate work, and people who engage in it are just as deserving of respect as ballerinas, or firefighters, or hedge fund managers. But ten months ago, when I graduated with a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Northeastern, I figured that by now I'd have a reasonably remunerated academic position. I did not imagine that at twenty-seven I'd be paying my water bill by helping adult men pretend that they have dating lives. And yet here I am, fake-girlfriending my way through my student loans.

Not to kill anyone's buzz, but I'm starting to suspect that life might not always turn out the way you want. An unavoidable loss of faith: there are only so many times one can be hired to project the idea that a client is a charming, well-adjusted, emotionally available human being capable of holding on to a medium-term relationship with an equally high-functioning adult, in order to . . . Well, it varies. I've never asked Greg why Caroline Smith is so obsessed with the idea of her thirty-year-old son having a significant other. Based on snippets of overheard conversations within the Smith Cinematic Universe, I suspect it has to do with the massive estate that will come into play once the matriarch dies, and with the belief that if he provided the first great-grandchild, he'd be more likely to inherit . . . a diamond-studded water hose, I assume?

Rich people. They're just like us.

But Greg's nosy mom is still much better than his brother, who's bad news for a whole bunch of reasons that do not bear contemplating. Frankly, it's a relief that she is my target. It means that when the front door of Smith Manor opens, I can focus solely on her: the withholding, PVC-hearted woman who manages to air-kiss us, fuss with Greg's hair, and push two full glasses of wine into our hands all at once.

"How's life in finance, Gregory?" Caroline asks her son. He downs half of his drink in a single gulp-I suspect because I've heard him explain that he does not, in fact, work in finance. At least four times. "And you, Elsie?" she adds without waiting for a reply. "How are things at the library?"

Following Faux's guidelines, I tell my clients nothing about myself-not my full name, not my day job, not my true opinions on cilantro (excellent, if you enjoy eating soap). And that, in a nutshell, is what fake-girlfriending is about. It initially seemed sketchy that people would pay for a fake date in the age of Tinder and Pornhub, and that they'd pay me-unremarkable Elsie Hannaway of the medium everything. Medium height. Medium-brown hair and eyes. Medium nose, butt, feet, legs, breasts. Pretty, yeah, sure, but in a medium, nondescript way. And yet, my medium mediumness is the perfect blank slate to fill. An empty canvas to paint on. A mirror, reflecting only what others care to project. A bolt of fabric that can be custom tailored to-well. I'm sure everyone's tracking the metaphor.

The Elsie that Caroline Smith wants is someone able to fit in with people who use summer as a verb, not flashy enough to attract a better catch than Greg, and with the nurturing instincts to take care of the son she might love but cannot be bothered to know. Children's librarian seemed like a great fake profession. It's been fun scouring online forums in search of charming anecdotes.

"Today I found three Goldfish crackers in our best copy of Matilda," I say with a smile. Or at least, Reddit user iluvbigbooks did.

"That is hilarious," Caroline says without laughing, smiling, or otherwise displaying amusement. Then she leans closer, whispering as though her son, who's a foot away, cannot hear us. "We are so glad that you're here, Elsie." We, I believe, includes Greg's dad, who stands silently next to her, popping three cubes of colby jack into his mouth with the vacant smile of someone who's been dissociating since 1999. "We were so worried about Gregory. But now he's with you, and he's never been happier." Has he, though? "Gregory, make sure to spend lots of quality time with your grandmother tonight. Izzy is taking pics with her Polaroid to give her at the end of the night-make sure you're in all of them."

"I'll make sure he is, Mrs. Smith," I promise, weaving my arm through Greg's. I break that promise fifteen seconds later, at the end of the glitzy hallway. He downs what's left of his wine, steals two large gulps of mine, and then stage-whispers "See you in ten minutes" before locking himself inside the bathroom.

I laugh and let him be. I feel protective of him-enough to break Faux standard protocol and agree to repeat fake dates, enough to want to defend him from muggers and pirates and his extended family. Maybe it's that his first sentence to me was a panicky "My mother won't stop asking why I don't date," followed by a hesitant, frazzled explanation of why that wasn't going to happen anytime soon-an explanation that hit too close to home. Maybe it's that he always looks like how I feel: tired and overwhelmed. In another timeline we'd be best friends, bonding over the unavoidable stress ulcers that will soon ravage the linings of our stomachs.

I find the empty kitchen, duck inside, and watch the red swirl down the drain as I pour what's left of my glass into the sink. A waste. I should have just refused it, but that would lead to questions, and I don't want to explain that alcohol is a dangerous, glycemic terrorist and that my struggling pancreas does not negotiate with-

"Not to your taste?"

I jump. And yelp. And almost drop the glass, which probably costs more than my graduate education.

I thought I was alone. Wasn't I alone? I was alone. But Greg's older brother is in the room, leaning against the marble counter, arms crossed over his chest. Those unique multicolored eyes of his are staring at me with the usual inscrutable expression. I'm standing between him and the only entrance-either I overlooked him, or he bent the space-time continuum.

Or I mixed him up with the refrigerator. They are similarly sized, after all.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"I-yes. Yes, sorry. I just . . ." I force a smile. "Hi, Jack."

"Hi, Elsie." He says my name like it's familiar to him. The first word he ever learned. Second nature, and not just a bunch of vowels and consonants he's barely had reason to use before.

He doesn't smile, of course. Well, he does smile, but never at me. Whenever we're in the same room, he's an imposing, sky-soaring, stern presence whose main pastime appears to be judging me unworthy of Greg.

"Don't like the wine?"

"That's not it." I blink, flustered. There's a tattoo on his forearm, just peeking out of the rolled-up sleeve of his shirt. Because of course he's wearing jeans and a plaid shirt, even though the Evite specifically asked for semiformal.

But he's Jack Smith. He can do whatever he wants. He probably has a permit carved in those ridiculous biceps of his. Stamped on the blue quarter of his right eye, the one that sticks out like a sore thumb in the chestnut of his irises.

"The wine was great," I say, collecting myself. "But there was a fly in it."

"Was there?"

He doesn't believe me. I don't know how I know, but I know. And he knows that I know. I can see it, no-I can feel it. There's a tingle at the base of my spine, liquid and sparkly and warm. Careful, Elsie, it says. He'll have you arrested for crimes against grapes. You'll spend the rest of your life in federal prison. He'll visit once a week to stare through the plexiglass and make you uncomfortable.

"Izzy must be looking for you," I say, hoping to get rid of him. "She's upstairs."

"I know," he replies, not heading upstairs. He just studies me-attentive, calm, like he knows something secret about me. That I floss once a week, tops. That I can't figure out what the Dow Jones is, even after reading the Wikipedia entry. Other, scarier, darker things.

"Is your girlfriend here?" I ask to fill the silence. He once brought someone to a family thing. A geologist. The most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Nice. Funny, too. I wish I could say she was out of his league.

"No."

Silence, again. More staring. I smile to hide how aggressively I'm grinding my teeth. "It's been a while."

"Since Labor Day."

"Oh, right. I forgot."

I did not forget. Before today, I've met Jack twice, as in two times, one and then another, and they're both stubbornly wedged in my brain, as pleasant as spinach leaves stuck between molars.

The first was Greg's birthday dinner, when Jack and I shook hands and he nodded back at me tightly, when he spent the night giving me long, searching glances, when I overheard him ask Greg, "Where did you meet her?" and "How long has it been?" and "How serious is this?" with an inquisitive, deceptively casual tone that sent an odd shiver down my spine.

So Jack Smith wasn't a fan. Okay. Fine. Whatever.

And then there was the second. Late in the summer, at the Smiths' Labor Day pool party, where I didn't swim. Because there's no way to hide my pod in a bikini.

I'm not embarrassed to be diabetic. I've had nearly two decades to make peace with my overactive immune system, which has way too much fun destroying necessary cells. But people's reactions to the knowledge that I must pump insulin into my body on the reg can be unpredictable. When I was diagnosed (at ten, after a seizure in the school gym that earned me the cruel but uncreative nickname of Shaky Elsie), I overheard my parents chat, low whispers behind the hospital room's divider curtains.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (June 13, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593638859
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593638859
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.8 x 1.38 x 8.54 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #116,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,458 in Workplace Romance
- #5,975 in Romantic Comedy (Books)
- #21,520 in Contemporary Romance (Books)

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31,142 ratings

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Ali Hazelwood

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Ali Hazelwood is a multi-published author—alas, of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging and well-written, with fully developed female characters and fun interactions between them. Moreover, the romance receives praise for its wittiest repartee in the genre, and customers appreciate how it teaches about STEM while being relatable and self-discovery-driven. Additionally, they enjoy the pacing, with one customer noting it's a masterpiece of delight.

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Readability Character development Storyline Intelligence Writing quality Romance Pacing Relatability

220 customers mention "Readability"217 positive3 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and well worth their time.

"...does, and yes I started the audiobook at midnight, and it was wholeheartedly worth it because yet again it’s 5 massive stars for me!..." Read more

"...Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Had lots of lovable, fun moments. Loved the cameos. However, wouldn't mind something different in future novels." Read more

"...Love, Theoretically didn't sing to me like TLH, but it was wonderful nonetheless. I laughed, I misted a little, and I read it all in one sitting...." Read more

"...but her journey of self-discovery and gaining her confidence was so well done and believable, quite frankly. Also, Jack is a unicorn of a man...." Read more

144 customers mention "Character development"137 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly Elsie's fully developed female character with a unique voice, and enjoy the fun interactions between them.

"...All characters were very easily distinguishable and fit the character’s personality and background. Will love to relisten to this I’ve!..." Read more

"...Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Had lots of lovable, fun moments. Loved the cameos. However, wouldn't mind something different in future novels." Read more

"...I ADORED seeing a diabetic character as a protagonist and not making her whole arc or every interaction about diabetes!..." Read more

"...It was fun to watch Elsie come into herself and learn how to have boundaries. I liked the twist in the story...." Read more

136 customers mention "Storyline"124 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it both funny and cute, with many appreciating the banter between characters.

"...The banter, wit and nerdtastic easter eggs are always on point (SO SAY WE ALL to that subtle BSG reference) with pacing and character development..." Read more

"...Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Had lots of lovable, fun moments. Loved the cameos. However, wouldn't mind something different in future novels." Read more

"...I liked the twist in the story. I was not quite expecting what I got. I did not love the added language. There was just a bit much...." Read more

"...I also skimmed the sex scene. I thought TLH's sex scene was great. Funny and full of character growth. LT's sex scenes were just long and boring...." Read more

98 customers mention "Intelligence"89 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, finding it insightful and full of self-discovery, with one customer noting how it encapsulates the ups and downs of academia.

"...Her worlds are always believable, relatable and full of self discovery which isn’t easy to hit the mark on every time...." Read more

"...He is observant, confident, thoughtful, communicative, and honest. His devotion and patience with Elsie made my heart melt...." Read more

"...Also, Jack is a unicorn of a man. He’s so hot and sweet and understanding and I just adored him immensely...." Read more

"...pacing, the characters, the character growth, the complexities of the relationships between them, and, of course, that special something that Ali..." Read more

91 customers mention "Writing quality"77 positive14 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it fluent and easy to read, with one customer specifically noting its sharp language.

"...and character development clearly well fleshed out so that it never feels rushed or like insta love even in a stand-alone romance...." Read more

"...I laughed, I misted a little, and I read it all in one sitting. I feel like I got COVID-quarantine vibes from this book...." Read more

"...I love Ali Hazelwood’s writing so much and I love that her books are so readable even though some of the characters have jobs or interests I could..." Read more

"...other “women in STEM” books, had an original plot that was fun and easy to follow. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put it down...." Read more

85 customers mention "Romance"82 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, praising its witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of love. They appreciate how the relationship unfolds, with one customer noting the chemistry between the characters.

"...or all of the above, this is the contemporary steminist romance for you!" Read more

"...So thanks. But on to the book: The romance was whirlwind once started—though true enemies-to-lovers at the beginning...." Read more

"...I also skimmed the sex scene. I thought TLH's sex scene was great. Funny and full of character growth. LT's sex scenes were just long and boring...." Read more

"...Overthinking people pleasing brats basically. Her and Jack are the best couple, jack might be one of my fav book boyfriends to date...." Read more

62 customers mention "Pacing"50 positive12 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging, with one customer describing it as a masterpiece of delight that captured their interest and heart.

"...The banter, wit and nerdtastic easter eggs are always on point (SO SAY WE ALL to that subtle BSG reference) with pacing and character development..." Read more

"...but the book's otherwise pretty trope-less and original...." Read more

"...I love a brilliant and witty FMC, and Elsie was no exception. She was a total hoot. Jack was so sweet and lovable...." Read more

"...of the relationships between them, and, of course, that special something that Ali puts into all of her books!!..." Read more

62 customers mention "Relatability"52 positive10 negative

Customers find the book relatable and interesting, appreciating its unique story and believable world-building.

"...Her worlds are always believable, relatable and full of self discovery which isn’t easy to hit the mark on every time...." Read more

"...Whenever I pick up one of her novels I know I will be entertained with nerdy goodness and quirky, lovable, intelligent characters...." Read more

"...Maybe it's her fanfiction background, but the stories feel so alive in the way fanfiction does, except polished...." Read more

"...of self-discovery and gaining her confidence was so well done and believable, quite frankly. Also, Jack is a unicorn of a man...." Read more

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Miss Willa Colyns Diary
Yet another smash hit!
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023
Verified Purchase

Y’all few things make my Astronomers heart happy in the way having a fresh Ali Hazelwood book does, and yes I started the audiobook at midnight, and it was wholeheartedly worth it because yet again it’s 5 massive stars for me! Narrative was fantastically on point, and felt very true to the characters with her inflections and tone. She truly captures Elsie’s voice perfectly and pulled off all of the male characters with what seems like ease. All characters were very easily distinguishable and fit the character’s personality and background. Will love to relisten to this I’ve!

Now to the story itself! Did I mention I loved it? As a disabled/chronically ill STEM baddie myself (I’m an Astronomer who is still pissed I’m not called a Skyentist) I felt so seen by the FMC Elsie who is also chronically ill (Type one Diabetes) like me, and a theoretical physicist who doesn’t quite know where she fits in the world. She relies heavily on people pleasing and making herself fit in every situation and this goes seemingly unnoticed by everyone in the world but Jack, her soon to be but maybe technically already nemesis. So much of myself was on these pages, which is something I experience every time I read her books because she has a fantastic way of giving you all the OMG I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME moments your therapy has been lacking. The banter, wit and nerdtastic easter eggs are always on point (SO SAY WE ALL to that subtle BSG reference) with pacing and character development clearly well fleshed out so that it never feels rushed or like insta love even in a stand-alone romance. Her worlds are always believable, relatable and full of self discovery which isn’t easy to hit the mark on every time. But, as expected Love Theoretically seriously earned it’s ranking amidst its predecessors on my bookshelf because it had all the above and more. I will be glaring in I TOLD YOU SO at my bank for giving me grief over how many editions I preordered.

Seriously y’all, if you are a chronically ill romance reader, someone who struggles being a people pleaser who might just need to see themselves as the totally normal relatable hero, a woman fighting through the patriarchy just to live all of your STEM dreams (and may still think Bill Nye is a hottie, also I see you Mitchio Kaku and Brian Cox) or all of the above, this is the contemporary steminist romance for you!

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Miss Willa Colyns Diary

Yet another smash hit!

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023
Y’all few things make my Astronomers heart happy in the way having a fresh Ali Hazelwood book does, and yes I started the audiobook at midnight, and it was wholeheartedly worth it because yet again it’s 5 massive stars for me! Narrative was fantastically on point, and felt very true to the characters with her inflections and tone. She truly captures Elsie’s voice perfectly and pulled off all of the male characters with what seems like ease. All characters were very easily distinguishable and fit the character’s personality and background. Will love to relisten to this I’ve!

Now to the story itself! Did I mention I loved it? As a disabled/chronically ill STEM baddie myself (I’m an Astronomer who is still pissed I’m not called a Skyentist) I felt so seen by the FMC Elsie who is also chronically ill (Type one Diabetes) like me, and a theoretical physicist who doesn’t quite know where she fits in the world. She relies heavily on people pleasing and making herself fit in every situation and this goes seemingly unnoticed by everyone in the world but Jack, her soon to be but maybe technically already nemesis. So much of myself was on these pages, which is something I experience every time I read her books because she has a fantastic way of giving you all the OMG I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME moments your therapy has been lacking. The banter, wit and nerdtastic easter eggs are always on point (SO SAY WE ALL to that subtle BSG reference) with pacing and character development clearly well fleshed out so that it never feels rushed or like insta love even in a stand-alone romance. Her worlds are always believable, relatable and full of self discovery which isn’t easy to hit the mark on every time. But, as expected Love Theoretically seriously earned it’s ranking amidst its predecessors on my bookshelf because it had all the above and more. I will be glaring in I TOLD YOU SO at my bank for giving me grief over how many editions I preordered.

Seriously y’all, if you are a chronically ill romance reader, someone who struggles being a people pleaser who might just need to see themselves as the totally normal relatable hero, a woman fighting through the patriarchy just to live all of your STEM dreams (and may still think Bill Nye is a hottie, also I see you Mitchio Kaku and Brian Cox) or all of the above, this is the contemporary steminist romance for you!

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Q-Q
Another nedy guilty pleasure read
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
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Ali Hazelwood books has always been a guilty pleasure read for me. Whenever I pick up one of her novels I know I will be entertained with nerdy goodness and quirky, lovable, intelligent characters. The novel does focus a little heavier on the scientific side as well as the politics in academia. However, I felt the information was necessary for the purpose of the plot, especially with Elsie's journey as she interviews for her dream job at MIT.

In terms of the characters, I felt our heroine, Elsie was pretty similar to Ali's previous female leads. The only difference is she is more of a people pleasure. However, as the story progresses she learns to be more honest and true to herself. Unfortunately, I didn't really connect with Elsie. I felt her character was inconsistent. She is suppose to be this smart and perceptive character, but she is quick to judge (incorrectly I might add) and is completely oblivious to Jack's intentions, despite how direct he is with his feelings. On the other hand, I was genuinely surprise by the hero, Jack (aka Jonathon Smith-Turner). I loved his character. Totally different from Ali's previous male leads. He is observant, confident, thoughtful, communicative, and honest. His devotion and patience with Elsie made my heart melt. Out of all of the male leads Ali had written so far, he is probably my favorite.

In terms of the climax of the story, it's nothing new. Very predictable. If you have read all the previous novels, you already know who the "villain" is in the story. As stated in my previous reviews, it would be nice to see a supportive male mentor character, because we know they also exist in the field of science.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Had lots of lovable, fun moments. Loved the cameos. However, wouldn't mind something different in future novels.

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8530084
Another cute story!
Reviewed in Singapore on July 5, 2023
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Another great read by Ali Hazelwood. Can’t wait for her next books

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Heloisa
O mesmo enredo dos outros livros da Ali Hazelwood, mas melhorado!
Reviewed in Brazil on June 18, 2024
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Um clássico romance clichê com enemies to lovers, uma pitada de ciência (já que os dois são físicos), dificuldade da vida acadêmica e de ser uma mulher cientista em um ambiente dominado por homens. Li The Love Hypothesis e Love on The Brain e esse é, sem dúvidas, o melhor dos três. Os personagens são mais bem construídos e a química entre eles é sensacional. Um livro pra viajar na história e se apaixonar pela Elsie e pelo Jack!

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Kelly Thumath
Laugh, learn and linger in the book
Reviewed in Australia on March 4, 2025
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I never review books…..I think I’m just a greedy reader who moves from one book straight to the next: loving some, disliking others but never really stopping to think about the author and their art.

But Ali Hazelwood’s books, well! They stop me in my tracks enough to have time to write this review.

How many books are perfect? Probably none, but that’s ok, and Ali’s books are as close as anyone author can come to writing perfection.

It’s the mix of:

- fantastic characterisation (flawed, funny, serious and oh so attractive physically and emotionally!)

- top notch humour (the things that Cece says, and Millicent)

- a plot line that also makes you think about the struggles people face and how we feel about ourselves

- the fact that you finish Ali’s books having learnt a little more than you knew before: whether that be about the world of STEM, academia or even just about emotions ( insight about why we tend to people please, for example)

I’ve read a LOT of books. And all good books have one or more of the elements listed above. But most don’t have ALL the elements. But Ali nails them all!!

On a side note: For years I had a tendency to ignore “romance” or “chick lit” novels because I viewed them as light weight.

Until I read somewhere that we sometimes tend to look down on things as being “not worthy” to be classed as true art simply because they appeal to women and they appeal to a mass audience.
That’s exactly what I was doing!!

Ali’s books are as good an expression of her art and true art as any painting, piece of music or classic novel that have heavyweight art critics panting.
Because they make you feel something!! Many things!!

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sfo
Her books never disappoint
Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 22, 2024
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I don’t know what it is but Ali's books never disappoint. Once again such a good book!

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Misty
Un travail en dentelle
Reviewed in France on May 3, 2024
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J’ai à nouveau aimé cet univers scientifique et les guéguerres que mènent ses derniers. Ici c’est les théoriciens contre les chercheurs de laboratoires. L’auteure explique comment certains scientifiques brillants et sur-diplômés doivent s’abaisser à trouver des jobs d’appoint pour boucler les fins de mois. Elsie travaille comme fausse petite amie, elle est devenue experte, un vrai caméléon qui sait se comporter et adopter le visage de la petite amie idéale, jusqu’à en oublier ses propres envies et besoins. Un jour, une opportunité professionnelle se présente enfin, sauf que Jack, le frère de son client actuel n’est autre que le scientifique qui aura le dernier mot sur l’attribution du poste de ses rêves et qu’il est son ennemi de toujours. Or, Jack saura voir au delà des apparences. Et le monde de fausses identités d’Elsie va s’effondrer, pour la première fois elle devra décider ce qu’elle veut vraiment.
J’ai adoré le personnage de Jack. Sa sensibilité, sa compréhension, sa prévenance, sa prestance. L’abnégation d’Elsie m’a touchée aussi. La psychologie des personnages est vraiment réussie et le développement des sentiments vraiment bien amené. Un travail en dentelle. A lire absolument si vous avez aimé l’univers de l’auteure sans ses autres romans.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Yet another smash hit!

Yet another smash hit!

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4.0 out of 5 stars Another nedy guilty pleasure read

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Another cute story!

5.0 out of 5 stars O mesmo enredo dos outros livros da Ali Hazelwood, mas melhorado!

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh, learn and linger in the book

5.0 out of 5 stars Her books never disappoint

5.0 out of 5 stars Un travail en dentelle

Yet another smash hit!

Another nedy guilty pleasure read

Another cute story!

O mesmo enredo dos outros livros da Ali Hazelwood, mas melhorado!

Laugh, learn and linger in the book

Her books never disappoint

Un travail en dentelle