Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

Out of all the Ali Hazelwood books I have read, Love, Theoretically is my favorite one yet!!! As a science teacher, Ali Hazelwood's dedication to writing about women in STEM brings me SO much joy.

If you are short on time, scroll down to the bottom for a quick recap!

Synopsis

Elsie Hanaway is a Theoretical Physicist working as an adjunct professor. With money being so tight, especially with her medical condition, she not only has to pick up extra courses to teach but also a side job, fake dating. Elsie is currently “dating” Greg, who is also quickly becoming one of her friends. She just wishes his brother was a little more welcoming when she is at family events instead of giving her the evil eye.

While the teaching and fake dating is helping her to barely get by, she is unable to get any research done. The one thing she actually WANTS to be doing. With the encouragement from her advisor, Elsie applies for a job that will not only give her time to work on her research as a crystal fluids analyst, but also health insurance. Which is pretty important when you have diabetes. She has made it to the end of the road for interviews, and it is down to her and one other candidate. She just has to prove to the Physics team that she is the one for the job.

The interview process is a three day event, starting with a dinner with everyone from the department. She is extremely surprised when she discovers the experimental physicist that will be one of the people deciding her fate, is also her fake boyfriend's brother. Her fake boyfriend's brother who thinks she is a librarian. Her fake boyfriend's brother who knows she is lying about something and is set on finding out the truth.

Review

Elsie was such a fun, entertaining and unique character. Her inner dialogue had me laughing out loud. Elsie is the type of character who you find yourself relating to. Her desire to please everyone hits so close to home. It is so easy to get caught up in life and forget what makes you happy because you are worrying about others. This novel is such a great reminder to be you and not try to change for other people. Ali Hazelwood does such a great job of showing Elsie’s growth throughout this novel and I wish I could go back and re-read it again!

The sexual tension and banter between Jack and Elsie is perfect. Jack is such a patient and kind character, who cares so much about Elsie’s feelings and wants. He is the perfect match for her. I also loved Greg, Jack's brother and Millicent, Jack and Greg’s grandmother. She brought me so much joy, making me wish I still had a grandma to banter with. Her relationship with Jack was absolutely adorable.

This is definitely a very heavy academic book. There were times while reading when I felt completely lost in the science aspect. I had no idea what was really being said, but then it would switch back to the story line and I felt like I was back in the game. While I enjoyed the science talk, I did feel lost at times. I learned alot from this book about the different types of physicists as well as funny science jokes.

Love, Theoretically is one of those books that I wish I could pick up and read it again for the first time. We need more books that reflect on women in STEM out in the world. Ali Hazelwood, you did not disappoint!

Quick Recap:

Title: Love, Theoretically

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Genre📖: Contemporary Romance

Star Rating: ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Read if you enjoy: Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez

Good Reads Rating: 4.22

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Women in STEM