I ate this book up. I loved it so much. Ali Hazelwood never fails to pull me into a book and make me obsessed.

Elsie is a theoretical physicist and is determined to get her dream job at MIT. Currently, she works as an adjunct professor on some days and as a fake girlfriend on others. Her people pleasing skills are perfect for the fake girlfriend job, although she often has to fend off some creeps who think she’s offering more than just a date. For most people, she goes on one date and that is all she offers, but for her favourite client, she has attended multiple family occasions to offer him support. The only issue is, she really does not get along with his broody, older brother, who happens to be incredibly attractive. At their first meeting, Elsie thought her and Jack were getting on well, but then somewhere out of the blue, Jack switched and has seemingly hated Elsie ever since. As Elsie only has to see Jack when she is acting as someone else, this has never been an issue, until she attends a dinner with the board at MIT who are deciding who will get the job that Elsie so desperately desires. When Jack shows up at the dinner and is incredibly confused as to what she is doing there, and why she is lying to her brother about her job, things start to get a little messy for the characters, but as a reader, I was addicted!

Jack is an experimental physicist, and all but declared war on the theoretical physicists with a paper he published years ago, directly affecting Elsie’s mentor. This obviously causes a lot of tension between these two characters that I couldn’t help but eat up. If I could read this book for the first time right now I would, because I honestly loved these two. Elsie gets to be her true self for the first time in forever and begins to learn things about Jack that she never thought she would know about her fake date’s brother.

I devoured this book and I’m here to say, you have to read it!! I loved it and I adored these characters so much. Did I understand a lot of the STEM terminology? No, but did I love the romance between Elsie and Jack? Hell yes.

I absolutely loved this from page 1. Despite lacking severely in science knowledge I found the backdrop and physics talk really interesting. Jack and Elsie's relationship was very sweet and I found the representation for ace and diabetics a great addition

i loved this book so much. It was such a fun read and I flew through the pages! I LOVE JACK!!! he was the absolute sweetest and I loved the way he was with Elsie. He was so warm and loving!! He was her safe space.

The chemistry between the two, I loved sooo much!!

I’m so grateful for this arc because I’ve been really looking forward to this one!

The Love Hypothesis, Part 3. Hazelwood has a huge fan base and this is clearly what they want, but I’m not overly keen on the same thing being rehashed time and time again.

Elsie the theoretical physicist. Jack the dumb ass. I mean, experimental physicist.

Elsie is a professional girlfriend - yeah, I don’t think Ali uses that term for her but that’s what she is. She goes on dates (and dates ONLY… no P in V stuff going on thank you very much!) with guys for money. I mean, she’s got student debt to pay off and medical bills.

And her favourite fake boyfriend - Greg - has an older brother, Jack. Yes, that Jack. But maybe she should call him Jonathan instead…. Side note: is Jack short for Jonathan? Because that was never talked about in the book….

And who is Jonathan? Jack? Whoever.

He is the person who single-handedly made a rift between theorists and experimentalists. Who tore down Elsie’s mentors career. Who hates the fact Greg is with Elsie. And, who secretly loves her 😍 sorry, spoiler. But we all knew that was coming, right?

I am in love with Ali. There, I said it. I’ve read all her books (I may not have left a review of them (yet) but I have) and they are such easy reads.

This series is women in STEM, showing women that the sciences are worth getting involved in.
But also, it’s showing a woman the bare minimum she should be expecting from a man.

I was all for Jack. He seemed like such a intuitive guy, holding back when he knew Elsie wasn’t ready and all that. Well, just not treating her like shot mainly.

And then chapter 19 happened and I lost everything for him. Sorry. Maybe I’m just fed up of men (honestly, I do want another relationship…. Just…. MEN!) or maybe he is an ass. Maybe you should read the book and find out for yourself….

But the second a guy gives me an “ick”, shows a “red flag”, or just gives me the need to say “oh you know what, fuck off!” Then I’m over it. I’m over whatever was going on and I’m out that door.

OK, what happened after was all kinds of hot. But nope. I just can’t get passed that question.


And chapter 23… what a ridiculous argument! Oh I feel really bad for slating this story. But he is an ass! And Elsie is vilifying him for something he did, what? 15 years ago? And you find out why he did it, and she STILL is angry at him!? What a non-argument.


OK, I’ve calmed down. I’ve finished the book. That was over quickly. Everything was sort of thrown together and worked out pretty in a bow within about 3 chapters.

The ending felt rushed. Like Ali realised she was going on a little and thought “OMG, I need this to end! How can I end it now? Oh….” And then tapped away.

Safe to say I’m a little deflated by it. But, will I be running out to buy the paperback once it’s released on June 13th? Oh for sure.

I enjoyed this book, I would have enjoyed it more of it was the first Ali Hazelwood I had read as it was very similar to all her other books. Same premise of enemies/lovers, predictable storyline and pretty identical to her other books. That being said, for this book alone without comparing, I did enjoy it and found it an easy and enjoyable read.

Is this actually a 4 star read? Probably not, but I really enjoyed this book.

I suspect a lot of Ali Hazelwood fans might not enjoy 'Love Theoretically' as much as her other books, as I feel like the horniness is a bit subdued (though of course the male lead is constantly described as 'huge') and the plot is a lot slower/less dramatic than her other books. However I really enjoyed this one, even though at times it felt more like a character study than a romance?

I also loved how the book touched on asexuality and aromanticism, as I feel like this is quite unsual for a mainstream romance book (or at least in many of the mainstream romances I have read). All the misunderstandings also got resolved way faster than they usually do in an Ali Hazelwood book.

Not a full five stars because I felt like the plot was a little slow in the last third of the book (especially when the conclusion was pretty obvious).

Overall, another fun read from Ali Hazelwood.

This was a wildly funny book with an interesting insight into the intricacies of being a women in STEM.

It is always a joy to read about smart women taking in the world and going after what they want - though it takes Elsie a while to get there. When we meet her, she is an *extreme* people pleaser. It grew frustrating at times, so it was rewarding to read about the shift in her by the end of the novel.

Part of that shift is to do with Jack. Elsie sums it up nicely when she says “Jack sees me.” He looks after her. He pushes her to be herself. He loves her exactly the way she is. He helps her see that she can ask for what she wants without fear.

The snarky rapport between them is also excellent! And when Jack tells Elsie exactly how he feels after she makes some wrong assumptions…

Heart. Thumpingly. Good.

I did, however, have a few niggles about Jack as a boyfriend. He was an assertive character - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing - but I found the psychoanalysis he did of Elise to be patronising at times, and his actions bordered on controlling. He spoke for her, he made decisions for her when be assumed what’s best for her, and in turn it made Elsie seem pathetic. This was briefly touched on, but I felt like more could have been done to address Jack’s flaws as much as Elsie’s.

I have also found that Hazelwood overuses the “I’m tiny, he’s massive” thing in her novels. It made the steamier scenes a bit too cringe for me.

I loved the hilarious side characters we met - Cece, Millicent and Greg - and I especially loved the little cameo from a certain fake dating biologist duo…

Love, Theoretically is a similar story to Hazelwood’s Loathe to Love You collection. If you enjoyed those, then this is the book for you!

I really loved this STEM based romance jut as much (if not more than) the other Ali Hazelwood novels I have read. It was just really uplifting and a feel-good read whilst also having an important message about putting your happiness first sometimes and standing up for yourself to others in order to do so. There's no better version of you than you.

I also liked the obsession with Twilight that the protagonist had but that's just me relating...

Amazing book from start to finish!

Ali Hazelwood has provided another real page turner! With an ‘enemy becomes lover’ storyline.

A professor Elsie, who has diabetes, has a side hustle to help her afford medication and make ends meet. When she applies for a job, the last thing she expects is an interviewer to be someone who could expose her past.

The story follows the interview process and everything in between.

The story is beautifully written and provides a mix of emotions. It tells a story of how a woman can survive and flourish in a man’s world!

Great read! Would definitely recommend!

Ali Hazelwood just gets better and better. I actually finished the book and went back and read it all over again. The chemistry between the two main characters is electric and so well done. And Elsie is the most wonderful flawed character. There were some great twists and turns I didn't see coming. It's an absolutely perfect book, perfect plot, perfect sexual tension, perfect characters and totally original. I think she's just shot into top favourite author's list. I can't recommend this book too highly, in fact I'll be ordering the paperback as soon as it's available.

This was cute and fun and I did like Elsie and Jack. However, it just felt like Ali Hazelwood was rehashing the same story she's already told twice. There's nothing new here.

It's official: Love Theoretically is my new favourite Ali Hazelwood book. This was perfection.

It felt a lot more mature than The Love Hypothesis, perhaps because of the setting (academia) and the older characters. Jack is a new top book boyfriend and I really resonated with Elsie's character as a fellow people-pleaser. Their chemistry was off the charts and I couldn't put this book down!

Read this for:
- Fake dating
- Twilight love
- Top-tier banter
- Enemies-to-lovers
- An Olive and Adam cameo
- Women in STEM and academia

Some people may say that there a lot of similarities between Ali Hazelwood's book but honestly? It's a formula that works. I can't wait to read what she comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Love, Theoretically" is my favorite Ali Hazelwood so far! I've read all of her books since the release of "Love Hypothesis," and, as a woman in STEM, they always resonate with me. Even though I'm not in academia, I still work in a male-dominated field. This particular book felt like it was written specifically for me in a way I can't quite articulate.

Jack initially seemed too good to be true, but as we learn more about his past, we begin to understand him better. And he's officially

One thing I couldn't stop thinking about was - if a woman had carried out a similar "prank" as Jack did, the response would have been completely different. Instead of targeting the journal, people would have gone after her; her life and career would have been ruined. She would not have been hailed as a representative of her field like Jack was. This reality is disheartening.

This was my second book by the author. I loved a lot more than the first one I read. It was amazing and the couple makes me swoon.
Jack is one of the best hero I have ever read in romance .
I recommend this one to anyone .
(I also loved the Adam and Olive cameo)

Love Theoretically follows academic rivals Elsie and Jack in this romantic tale.
Elsie is a broke and whip smart physicist who's life gets messier by the minute after bumping into her fake-boyfriends brother at her interview for a prestigious job. Jack is immediately suspicious of her and attempts to figure out why she lied. This sets the two off on the wrote note, especially when Elsie discovers that Jack tore her mentors (who she owes so much too) career apart and tried to disprove everything she believes in as a theoretical physicist. Unfortunately for Elsie, Jack is is on the MIT hiring committee for the MIT job Elsie not only wants but needs.

As always with Ali Hazelwood books it fun and fantastic and feminist.
Every main character is smart, funny and ambitious which is so fabulous to read. I love how Hazelwood manages to make her books about science and romance at the same time.

I liked Elsie as a main character - she was quirky and different which meant that the romance was similar. Don't get me wrong, it had all of the favourite romance tropes like being forced to stay the night, enemies to lovers etc but with a background like science and the rivalry being something so academic I think that this makes it stand out.

Overall, a very lovely book that is perfect for a night of escapism.

I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it was a copy paste of the love hypothesis, I just need Ali to give us something new, not struggling woman in STEM finally gets appreciated and the grumpy man who she thought hates her has been in love with her the whole time and has been hyping her up behind the scenes. This couple seemed to lack chemistry for me and the sex scenes were so cringe.
Whilst I really enjoyed love on the brain, I didn't like the love hypothesis as much and this one reminds me much more of the love hypothesis, so if you enjoyed it I'm sure you will enjoy this one.

Ahhhh I love this author! This book is perfection I loved Elsie and Jack! Their journey to the root of both of their issues, finding each other and accepting truths about themselves was emotional.
Even though I know nothing about the subjects these guys study, It didn’t hinder the story at all. If anything it was super interesting, I’m ever so grateful to my kindle for the word look up dictionary option! I have definitely learnt a few new words!
Elsie and Jack had some fiery chemistry, I love a slow burn with a build up to some spice! Jack being the large, hot, smart gentleman is just what Elsie needs to become herself and the person that Jack needs. 💜

Thank you so much to the publisher @littlebrownbookgroup for a copy of this book via NetGalley, I can’t wait for this to come out in June so I can add it to my shelf!

To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement, I loved it!

Elsie our main character is a lover of physics and is a theorist. She's a die hard lover of Twilight (Bella and Alice 4eva!) and is addicted to cheese. She also is a master of hiding behind a wide range of multiple personalities due to her need to be a people pleaser. This works with her side job at 'Faux' as a fake girlfriend for hire.

Working as a fake girlfriend is how she first meets Jack Smith. He's the brother of her regular client Greg and he makes her feel nervous and more seen then anyone has before.

I related to Elsie so much reading this book. She's terrified to be herself for fear of people leaving her if she disagrees with them or does something they don't like. She is passionate about what she believes in and wears her heart on her sleeve. When she meets Jack he sees right through her act and for the first time in her life she is herself round someone.

Jack Smith is Elsie's enemy, he's done things in his past that have upset Elsie and her fellow theorists with a prank article that he managed to get published in a well know publication that subsequently ridiculed the profession of theorists. It also doesn't help that he's backing a different person to receive the job at MIT that Elsie is also going for.

Jack and Elsie straight away have tremendous chemistry and they push and pull with each other throughout the book. Although at first Jack is super wary of Elsie's intentions it doesn't take long for him to be enamoured with her and I love how he gets under her skin.
There was a lot of humour in this book, I know I've found a great book when I'm laughing out loud, then in the next moment I'm in tears or smiling wide.

The cameo with Olive and Adam was a special highlight as well as the numerous Twilight references that I highly appreciated. A special mention also has to be made about Elsie's roommate Cece and her pet hedgehog. Elsie's interactions with the hedgehog were so funny!

If you were a lover of Ali's previous books you will definitely not be disappointed with this book. The enemies to lovers trope was done so well and it is different to her previous couples. I really hope we might get an extended epilogue for these two in the future (fingers crossed) and I can't wait to see what Ali has in store for us next.

This is such a fun and easy read. It is very similar to Hazelwoods other books but it’s still enjoyable. She does seem to write one type of couple though. Tiny girl, giant man. This is definitely my favourite of hers so far though.

I loved the chronic illness, diabetes representation. It was so nice to see a love interest not having to hide that part of her life. Elsie was so lovable and it was great to see her grow. Her chemistry with Jack was perfect and I just love an enemies to lovers trope. There are also some great side characters. Both Cece and Greg were amazing friends. In fact I need Cece as my bestie asap. I also loved the scene with Jacks nan. There are some laugh out loud moments which I love to have with my romance.