This is my first Ali Hazelwood book, and I have very mixed feelings. 

First of all, if I had to hear ONE MORE TIME about how gigantic Jack was, I might have screamed. It was so repetitive and unnecessary — I promise that I won’t forget between page 35 and page 40 that he’s built like a refrigerator. Combined with how naïve and oblivious Elsie was, and how overbearing Jack was, I didn’t really enjoy the actual romance much. I found Jack quite creepy to be honest

(he keeps a photo of her in his bedside table when they genuinely barely know each other? He wants her to move in when they've barely been together for one weekend?? He wants to lock her in his room for two weeks??? WHAT).

He also came across as condescending most of the time to me, and like he infantilised the heroine. The sex scenes were so awkward and not in a cute way (although I liked the emphasis on consent). And what kind of Swedish surname is Turner? Then the villain seemed so flat and cartoonish, rather than a fully-fleshed out character, especially during the conflict. Also, this is very petty but I hate cheese and had to suffer through so much talk about cheese in this book. Enough about cheese already!! 

On the other hand, there were some things I really liked. I loved Elsie’s character arc about learning how not to be such a people pleaser all the time, and how she ended up going to therapy at the end. I liked the setup for how the MCs meet (she’s fake dating his brother, and he begins to suspect something is off). I enjoyed the very realistic depiction of being a woman in STEM and how very science-y the whole book was. I really liked how much Jack just wanted to take care of Elsie, gave her space when she asked for it, and how he didn’t mess with her career even when he was suspicious of her (look, it's a low bar, but it’s disappointing how often that happens in romance). It was great how he completely respected her academic intellect and was so emotionally open with her as well... even if that openness is completely lost on her lol. I also liked how Elsie actually calls Jack out on how patronising he’s being by acting like she can’t make her own decisions. Plus, all of the major side characters besides the villain were well-drawn and enjoyable to read; I particularly liked Cece and Millicent. 

One final thought: the STEMinist appellation promptly needs to die in a fire, thank you. 

At first glance you will think that it’s just another Ali hazelwood stem romcom, but it actually is her best book ever and the only other book I have read from her is the love hypothesis. But if you are a people pleasing girly who puts the needs of others before yours this book definitely is for YOU. like I cried, I never cry reading romcoms. Like listen to these quotes from Jack smith 

Like he is THE boyfriend. No one compares to him. If you want to read a silly little rom-com  book then let it be this one

8 months later
This book is a masterpiece, I have never read a romance novel as good as this one and honestly, it has ruined romance novels for me, because none of the others can compare. There is no week in which I don’t think about Jack smith, I love him even though he is blond. And Elsie just has a special place in my heart, the way I see myself in her in the way she doesn’t feel like she is enough or that her raw self could be truly loved. And jack showing her that he wants her, loves her the way she is. Just *chefs kiss *. AND she likes twilight and makes him watch the movies and he doesn’t complain, she doesn’t have to be embarrassed or ashamed about her interests with him. Oh god I’m already crying ok, so, yeah, it’s a great book, you should read it.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood follows Elsie and Jack as they navigate a relationship which started with a lie and animosity. The romantic and comedic elements were well balanced, and I found the story to be charming overall. It isn’t a perfect book, but it is a lot of fun. 

I can see why people say this is Hazelwood’s best work, as her craft has clearly improved here. Her character and relationship development do seem to flow more smoothly and realistically here. Hazelwood has also improved at communicating information to the reader more subtly through her diction, without just outright telling us the information. Unfortunately, Ali Hazelwood remains unsubtle with the size kink in her work. At least once a chapter if not more, we are reminded how big the male main character is, and how small the female main character is (she’s described as medium a couple times, but really she’s so tiny especially compared to him). Hazelwood has also cut down on the amount of cringe overall. However, if I ever have to read about a pee erection or the character who’s supposed to be an adult combining that into one word ever again, I am suing for emotional damages. 

As always, I appreciated the STEM element in this book. As someone unfamiliar with physics, I did find bits a little jargon-heavy. The heavy jargon bits did not interfere with my comprehension of the plot or characters, and I was able to understand the comedic, and plot or character relevant physics puns and metaphors. I enjoyed the realism that Ali Hazelwood brought to the story from her STEM background, such as the blurb on Elsie’s dissertation topic, and using real journal titles like Nature. I also thought the discussion of the role of adjunct professors in the current academic landscape was important, and well done. 

The part of the book that was most frustrating to me, was unfortunately Elsie (the female main character). Her characterization was often contradictory, and not because she’s a people pleaser. We are repeatedly told how good Elsie is at reading people, yet she is constantly having miscommunications with Jack. This felt completely out of line with what we are told about her character, and like it was just being done to further the plot. She is also repeatedly unfair to, and disrespectful of Jack. Her take on the academic journal scandal, was completely wrong, and bordering on stupid. As someone within academia, it is not

Jack’s

fault that a journal accepted a blatantly falsified article, and the journal, its editor, and possibly the field do deserve scrutiny for that. It’s also unlikely that a single falsified article could affect funding to a field as large as theoretical physics so significantly, unless there were other problems in that field. So either this plot point was unrealistic, or Elsie is just stupid despite how smart she purportedly is. When arguing with Jack, she is unfair and makes false comparisons. There is also an instance where after

Jack says no to sex, Elsie just strips in front of him

. This borders on sexual harassment in my opinion. Elsie as a character frequently left me frustrated and with a bad taste in my mouth. 

On the other hand, Jack is possibly my favourite male main character of Hazelwood’s. He’s the most fleshed out of her male main characters, and takes more of an active role throughout the story. He has flaws which are addressed in the book, but overall he’s likeable. His grand gesture was also fitting and unique, and I loved it. 

Similarly, the side characters in this book really shine. Most of the side characters who get time on page have full personalities, and are likeable. They can each stand on their own as characters, rather than simply propping up the plot or being convenient set dressing.

I also obviously loved the Adam and Olive cameo, and references to Bee from Love on the Brain.

Despite my complaints about Elsie’s characterization, and the blatant size kink, this was another fun Hazelwood STEM romp which in some ways does improve on her previous works. 

I don’t even know how to start this review. First off this is my favourite book of Ali Hazelwood! I mean I love The Love Hypothesis, but I just related to Elsie more. I just related to her overthinking everything, trying to change herself to “make people like her”, and how she is a people pleaser. Jack is literally the most amazing book boyfriend I have ever read. He literally is so patient, kind, reassuring, and just loves Elsie with his whole heart. Like he could read Elsie so well. He knew when something was off right away, he also that he didn’t want to rush things, because it would make her want to run away. He was so patient with being in relationship and how she was scared to have someone truly get her. Jack just helped Elsie open up and be more her which is amazing. I feel like that isn’t written a lot. Literally I probably need someone like Jack, because I like to run away from feelings like Elsie. So, honestly this book gave me some hope, even if he his a fictional character, lol, that maybe I will my Jack. To wrap this up, I think this book will be on my mind for months now. Just the dynamic between the relationships, friendships formed, etc. Plus Elsie & Jack have my heart. Definitely in my top 2 reads of this year!!!! Thank you Ali Hazelwood for always delivering!!!