The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood Review, Synopsis and Review
The love hypothesis: In Ali Hazelwood’s 2021 novel, “The Love Hypothesis,” a female scientist embarks on a comedic journey towards true love, filled with lies, tears, and awkward moments. This instant New York Times bestseller was recognized as a BuzzFeed Best Summer Read of 2021 and a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards.
Ali Hazelwood, originally from Italy, journeyed through Japan and Germany to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience in the United States. Currently a college professor, she specializes in crafting romance novels that highlight women in STEM fields, with “The Love Hypothesis” marking her debut in the genre.
When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships—but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor—and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding… six-pack abs.
Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
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The Love Hypothesis Summary
Olive, a biology Ph.D. student, has a chance encounter with a guy in a bathroom after her degree interview, but she doesn’t catch his name. Fast forward to the present, Olive is immersed in researching early detection methods for pancreatic cancer. In a quirky turn of events, she kisses a guy to pretend she’s in a relationship, only to discover he’s Dr. Adam Carlson, a faculty member in her department.
To keep Adam from leaving for another university, they agree to pretend to be in a relationship. As they spend time together, Olive sees Adam’s demanding but kind nature. She also opens up to him about her mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer.
Despite developing feelings for Adam, Olive is hesitant to confess. Misunderstandings arise when she overhears him pining for someone else, and Olive, in turn, pretends to have a crush on someone else. Olive seeks more lab space, leading her to Dr. Tom Benton at Harvard, who turns out to be friends with Adam. Olive secures a spot in Tom’s lab for the next year.
Their relationship faces challenges at a science conference in Boston, where Olive is sexually harassed by Tom. Despite the complications, Olive and Adam sleep together. However, to avoid complicating Adam’s joint project with Tom, Olive ends their relationship. Adam, meanwhile, is applying for a position at Harvard.
In a twist of fate, Olive discovers she accidentally recorded the conversation where Tom harassed her. Seeking advice, she turns to her roommate Holden, who encourages them to tell Adam about the recording. When Olive shows Adam the video, he reports the incident to their faculty, resulting in Tom’s dismissal.
While exploring other research opportunities, Olive receives promising responses. In a heartfelt moment, she confesses her love to Adam, who reveals that she’s the one he’s been interested in for years. Ten months later, Olive and Adam celebrate their anniversary by re-creating their first kiss.
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The Love Hypothesis: Key Takeaways
Love and Science Coexist: The novel challenges the notion that love and science are incompatible. Olive, the main character, showcases that being a brilliant scientist doesn’t preclude experiencing love and emotional connections.
Vulnerability as Strength: The story emphasizes that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Olive’s journey reveals that opening up and embracing vulnerability is essential for personal growth and fostering meaningful relationships.
Complexity of Grief: The novel delves into the intricate facets of grief and how individuals cope with loss. Olive grapples with her father’s death, exploring its profound impact on her life and relationships.
Self-Acceptance Matters: The narrative underscores the significance of self-acceptance and self-love. Olive learns to embrace her quirks and imperfections, leading to increased confidence and self-assurance.
Communication in Relationships: The novel highlights the pivotal role of clear and open communication in building healthy relationships. Olive and her love interest, Adam, navigate the importance of honest communication, strengthening their connection and fostering a healthy relationship.
The love Hypothesis Review
In 2021, Professor and author Ali Hazelwood gained widespread recognition with her book “The Love Hypothesis.” This TikTok sensation revolves around two scientists, a fake relationship, and an intriguing love experiment. Packed with humor, surprises, and heartfelt moments, “The Love Hypothesis” stands out as a classic modern romance.
Meet Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate skeptical about romantic relationships. Her best friend, Anh, holds a contrasting view, believing in love at first sight and enduring connections. A mix-up in the love department prompts Olive to convince Anh that she, too, desires a happily ever after. To win her friend’s trust, Olive devises a love experiment, utilizing their scientific background.
This unconventional plan leads her to a conceited professor, Adam, who surprisingly agrees to participate in the charade. As the fake couple attends a crucial conference, the terms they set for their arrangement take an unexpected turn when Adam risks everything for Olive. In the world of this spirited scientist and grumpy professor, love might just seize the day!
Enter Adam Carlsen, the grumpy professor, who serves as an unlikely but effective love match for Olive. Initially skeptical of Adam’s intentions, I found him evolving into a genuine and honorable character, particularly during a pivotal conference storyline where he becomes Olive’s protector. The unexpected sizzling scenes in the story caught me off guard, adding an unexpected but intriguing element.
“The Love Hypothesis” covers a range of important topics, including women in science, STEM, higher education, gender bias, assault, power dynamics, expectations, past trauma, and male-dominated spaces. While some parts of Ali Hazelwood’s story resonated well with me, others left me with mixed feelings. In conclusion, “The Love Hypothesis” is a read that sparked both positive and critical responses.
The Love Hypothesis Analysis: Should You Read It?
In a nutshell, this book is delightful. If you’re not in the mood for heavy thinking or profound questions, this is the perfect escape. It works wonders if you’re stuck in a reading slump and need something light and enjoyable—it’s my top choice for those moments. The romance is charming, and the academic backdrop benefits from the author’s background in academia.
The characters are endearing, even though there are times you might want to shake them and yell, “stop being foolish!” Olive embodies the sunny, quirky girl, with her love for Star Wars mirroring the author’s own passion. Adam is the classic grumpy character who communicates through tortured looks. Together, they form a great duo, despite struggling with expressing their feelings. On the flip side, the side characters remain somewhat flat, serving mainly as plot devices.
My main gripe is Olive’s obliviousness throughout the novel. While Adam’s crush on her is evident, Olive seems completely unaware. This, coupled with the presence of two fantastic tropes—sunshine x grumpy and fake dating—brings in the worst element: miscommunication. Despite the novel’s length, it’s frustrating that a single honest conversation could resolve all the issues.
Despite these complaints, this novel holds a special place among my favorites, and I’ve even gifted it to two people for their birthdays. Ali Hazelwood proves to be a fantastic author, delivering immensely enjoyable books.
