*This is a book review of Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood.

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Quick Facts

Author: Ali Hazelwood
Release Date: June 8, 2023
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary romance
Main Characters: Elsie Hannaway & Jack Smith
Number of Pages: 400
SJ Rating: 99%

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This is my introduction to Ali Hazelwood, and I’m fully aware I’m reading the books out of order.

The Synopsis

Theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway has spent most of her adult life molding her personality to please other people, especially during her side gig of fake-girlfriending. It’s a life, or many lives, she’s gotten used to. But all of it comes to a halt when she repeatedly meets the intense gaze of the attractive Jack Smith. The Elsie Cinematic Universe is completely obliterated.

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The Good

I LOVE the way this rom com is written. The voice of Elsie is very refreshing and different from some of the books I’ve read recently. It made me want to keep reading and ignore my many responsibilities.

The way we were able to get Jack’s POV without leaving Elsie’s first person POV was so perfectly written. It’s so nice when men are vulnerable and don’t wait until the end to show it. The way Jack factually laid all his feelings out had me feeling some type of way. I genuinely think my standards for a man were raised while I was reading this book; Jack’s words literally make my heart melt.

Another thing I love is that Elsie spends chapter four ranting in only her underwear. It felt oddly comforting reading that there’s someone else who strolls around with her boobs out, especially in this sense since she’s having a conversation with her roommate and her roommate’s pet hedgehog.

To add to the list of things I love, there was a sly inclusion of the fight for taxing the rich at the beginning of chapter ten.

Yet ANOTHER thing I love about this book is the comedic relief of the emails from her current students; it really drives home the point that Elsie doesn’t like her job.

The moment of accountability when it comes to female empowerment… fantastic. The apologies Elsie said when she tore down another woman who also worked hard to be a part of boys club is the moment I am talking about. Her acknowledging and owning up to her mistake was beautiful.

THE STEAM!!! Ali Hazelwood knows how to write spicy scenes with the perfect amount of detail without making you feel uncomfortable. The communication during the steam… beautiful, added in the build up and the emotions.

The Bad

This book reminded me of why science is my worst subject. It’s not even a bad thing, but it’s the kind of book I feel like I should’ve done research for so I could keep up with the science terminology.

The Overall

In a nerdy way, I found this book to be pretty funny. It got quite a few chuckles out of me.

Men falling first is literally the best trope; I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite one, as of 2023. Whenever the guy falls first, my faith in men is restored. Thank you, Jack Smith.

This book was addicting in the best way possible. I couldn’t put it down no matter how much I tried. Ali Hazelwood, you have a new fan.

I want to reread this book immediately, but my TBR is staring at me. Now I have to read The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

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Next book to be read and reviewed: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune