Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist with a double life, finds herself in a complicated situation when her fake girlfriend persona clashes with her academic ambitions. Her carefully constructed world crumbles when she discovers that Jack Smith, the older brother of her favorite client, is the same man responsible for her mentor’s downfall. Jack, a renowned experimental physicist, holds the key to Elsie’s dream job at MIT. As they engage in a scholarly battle, Elsie is unexpectedly drawn to Jack. Will she risk everything to explore her true feelings and put her theories on love into action?

Book review of Love Theoretically

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood is a delightful romance that takes readers on a whirlwind journey from enemies to lovers. The book offers a refreshing twist by featuring a protagonist who is a diabetic, without making her entire storyline revolve around her condition.

While the academic side of the story is given significant attention, it manages to captivate readers without becoming overwhelming. Compared to the author’s previous works, such as Love on the Brain, the academic aspects are more engaging. As someone familiar with the academic world, I appreciated the realistic portrayal.

The exploration of mental health is another aspect that stood out. Elsie’s struggles are relatable, even if not everyone experiences them at the same intensity. Thankfully, the focus on mental health never becomes overpowering, but rather an important element of the story. The tough love aspect between the main characters is handled well, avoiding any discomfort or unease often associated with such dynamics in other romance novels.

I felt truly seen in Elsie’s character. Her struggles with chronic illness and navigating a male-dominated field resonated deeply. The banter, wit, and nerdy references were on point, showcasing well-paced character development and avoiding the cliché of instant love. Ali Hazelwood consistently crafts believable and relatable worlds filled with self-discovery, making Love, Theoretically a worthy addition to her impressive repertoire.

Ali Hazelwood’s writing style brings modern characters to life with a fanfiction-like vibrancy, yet polished and refined. The contemporary references occasionally threw me off, given their recent nature, but it added to the authenticity of the narrative. The growth of the characters, particularly Elsie’s transformation throughout the book, is notable and distinguishes Love, Theoretically from The Love Hypothesis, the author’s beloved previous work.

Overall, Love, Theoretically may not have resonated with me as strongly as The Love Hypothesis, but it was a wonderful read. I found myself laughing and experiencing a range of emotions while devouring the book in one sitting. It had a cozy and comforting quality, reminiscent of the COVID-quarantine period. Ali Hazelwood’s skillful storytelling continues to capture my heart, and the audiobook narration perfectly captures the essence of the characters.

Specifications
	Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (June 13, 2023) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593336860 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593336861 Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.5 ounces Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.48 x 1.06 x 8.23 inches

About Article Author

Jenna Carter

Jenna Carter spends most of her time immersed in the imaginary worlds that authors construct. Her favorite place in the world is a library full of old books where she hopes to one day find a hidden door to the world of Narnia.