Book Review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
I picked up The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood with an airy heart, buoyed by the buzz surrounding it. The synopsis promised whimsical romance wrapped in academic charm—a perfect combination for anyone who’s ever felt slightly out of place in a competitive environment. As a lover of quirky love stories set against the backdrop of academia, I couldn’t resist diving in. However, my experience turned out to be a mixed bag of laughter and frustration.
At its core, The Love Hypothesis follows Olive, a PhD student yearning to prove to her best friend that she’s moved on from her ex, Jeremy. In a moment of impulsivity, she kisses Adam, Dr. Carlsen, a seemingly prickly professor, leading to an unexpected fake relationship. Olive’s journey quickly highlights the challenges faced by women in STEM—a narrative that resonates deeply with me, as I see similar struggles mirrored in the political field I study. The representation of a young, non-American woman navigating these hurdles felt real and poignant.
Yet, despite Olive’s rich context as a woman in a male-dominated field, I found her character a tad underdeveloped. It was puzzling that, while we spent the entire book in her mind, I couldn’t clearly picture her. Her initial impulsiveness seemed more childish than relatable, particularly for someone pursuing a PhD. The moment where she kisses Adam to “prove” her over-it-ness felt unrealistic and borderline juvenile. I often found myself wishing for a more thoughtful depiction of her character, given the book’s promise of exploring serious themes.
As for Adam, he embodies the broody type that can either charm or bore readers. Unfortunately, I landed on the latter side—his personality felt bland and one-dimensional. I craved layers, some delightful seasoning that would have helped me understand why Olive fell for him so passionately. Their chemistry, crucial for any romance, often felt forced and awkward, detracting from the slow-burn tension I normally adore.
Hazelwood’s writing style is undeniably engaging—but it would have benefitted from more depth. The pacing occasionally felt disjointed, and some of Olive’s interactions with Adam felt like checkboxes on a list rather than genuine emotional encounters. Moments that could have been heightened instead felt like missed opportunities, and I found myself yearning for more meaningful dialogue to anchor their feelings.
Despite my critiques, I did appreciate the inclusion of Olive’s experiences on the asexual spectrum, even if I felt it was handled clumsily. It’s vital that such representation exists, but it’s equally important it’s portrayed with nuance. Phrases that imply something is “wrong” can inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes, and I wished that aspect had been explored with more tenderness.
Ultimately, The Love Hypothesis may resonate far more with readers who enjoy light-hearted academic romances infused with quirky humor. If you’re someone who thrives on fake dating tropes and loves plotlines sprinkled with comedic mishaps, you might find joy in this book where I felt let down. While it didn’t make the emotional connection I hoped for, I still think there’s a chance for others to find their hearts warmed amidst the academic chaos.
So, if you’re intrigued by STEM settings and charming, albeit sometimes chaotic romances, give The Love Hypothesis a whirl! Just be prepared for a rather bumpy—and at times, melodramatic—ride. And who knows, you might just find a new favorite! If you feel like I’ve missed something significant, let’s chat about it; I’d love to know what others saw that I didn’t. Happy reading!