Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood: A Book Review

You know one of those books you've wanted to read for a long time but have yet to get around to? Well, 'Love, Theoretically' by Ali Hazelwood was exactly that for me. Ali Hazelwood has written many books, including 'The Love Hypothesis', 'Love on the Brain' and 'Check & Mate'. I was looking forward to reading 'Love, Theoretically' as I've heard positive thoughts about the book. 

Let's delve into this one:

Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist. She is also an adjunct professor by day. But, by night she offers her services as a 'fake girlfriend' to make up for her non-existent paycheck. She has a pretty sweet deal with her favourite client, Greg as they get on well. However, Greg's brother, Jack Smith, is the brother who has taken an instant dislike to Elsie. 

Elsie realises that her 'fake girlfriend' life and lies may come crashing down when she goes for her dream job where Jack is on the hiring committee. As Greg doesn't know that Elsie is a professor and physicist, will Jack keep her actual life secret?

Elsie also has an instant hatred for Jack as he ruined her mentor Dr Laurendeau's career by publishing an article years earlier undermining theorists everywhere. 

You can see an attraction there, but can Elsie get over her hatred of Jack and his past misgivings? Can she allow herself to be her true self around Jack?

What are my thoughts on 'Love, Theoretically' by Ali Hazelwood?

I absolutely loved this book and flew through it as I couldn't put it down! I've never read a STEM-themed book before, but I certainly learned a lot of new science-y words throughout!

I loved how Elsie and Jack's relationship developed. From haters to lovers, I loved the gradual build-up of their relationship. On the face of it, Jack is a sulky, intense but intelligent man. However, it was lovely to see Jack's softer side and how he treated Elsie.

You can tell that Elsie is confused about how she feels for Jack. She has so much hatred for him for what he did in the past, but she mellows to him as the book goes on. 

The side characters were great, Jack's brother Greg was a brilliant character. We also see how Greg deals with his asexuality and he is just so nice and an amazing brother and friend! I also loved Elsie's best friend and roommate, Cece, who is in the 'fake girlfriend' business like Elsie. I would love to have Cece as a friend as she tells it straight, a quality I always look for in a friend.

Also, a quick side note, it was great to read about a character talking so openly about their diabetes. Elsie is a type-1 diabetic, and as a diabetic myself, it was great for Ali to have a character with a health condition in the book.

Would I recommend 'Love, Theoretically' by Ali Hazelwood?

Absolutely! This contemporary romance was such a fantastic read. I liked most of the characters, except Elsie's mentor, Dr Laurendeau. You could tell he was a bit of a pr*ck as the book went on, and I'm glad Elsie could see him for what he was in the end. Sorry for the slight spoiler! 

*Trigger Warnings - this book deals with gaslighting, controlling behaviour, sexism and the death of a parent. This book is for over-18s only.

Have you read this book? I'd love to know your thoughts!