A review by purplepenning
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

STEMinist and STEAMy, this latest rom-com from Ali Hazelwood does not disappoint. (Unless, like many vocal pre-read-reviewers on Goodreads, you want it to be COMPLETELY different from her previous books, in which case I might suggest reading any of the hundreds of thousands of books written by other authors.)

Have I mentioned, by the way, that I love it when the conflict in an emerging relationship (i.e., the third act breakup) is organically developed from the backstory and from characters responsibly working through their baggage rather than from a simple miscommunication? Ugh. So good. Anyway... pick this up if you: 
  • were on the fence about The Love Hypothesis but like the idea of rom-coms featuring women scientists finding love (and a fitting career and health insurance)
  • are prepared for mature, explicit communication, in and out of the bedroom
  • are prepared for groan-worthy science puns 
  • are intrigued by an acrimonious hedgehog roommate
  • like the "friend's brother" trope and the subversion of the fake-dating trope
  • are a recovering people pleaser or peacemaker or (thanks, patriarchy and gender roles!) only girl in your family
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