Love on the Brain: A Misfire in the STEM of Romance
I was genuinely excited to dive into Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. As a huge fan of her debut, The Love Hypothesis, I was ready to lose myself in another swoon-worthy romance laced with science and witty banter. However, I found myself ranting to my roommate a mere 4% into the story. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and let’s just say, strap in for this ride.
The novel follows Bee, a neuroscientist constantly asking, “What would Marie Curie do?” The opportunity of a lifetime arises when she gets to co-lead a project with NASA alongside her grad school nemesis, Levi Ward. Sounds thrilling, right? But what unfolds is a complex web of predictable tropes and superficial character development that left me feeling more frustrated than charmed.
First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Bee’s support system—her realistic and relatable RA and her supportive twin sister—added a nice layer without feeling forced. Their organic interactions provided a hint of warmth that balanced out the chilly reception of our main character’s journey. Additionally, the vibrant setting in a STEM lab offered a fresh backdrop for romance, intertwining societal commentary on women in science with comedic undertones. While I appreciated the effort, it felt more like an acknowledgment than a profound exploration.
Now, onto the meat of the matter: Bee’s voice. The first-person perspective turned her into a rather immature character, making it difficult to empathize with her. I often felt like I was reading a diary rather than a well-crafted narrative. This did not bode well as I plowed through over 300 pages of shallow character dialogue. Sure, there are glimpses of Levi’s deeper issues, like his therapy journey from an uncommunicative family background—but these avenues remained tantalizingly unexplored. Why introduce such elements if you’re not going to dive deeper?
The romance, touted as an enemies-to-lovers trope, felt more like a missed opportunity. The supposed tension between Bee and Levi evaporated quicker than it formed. Any glimmers of chemistry were overshadowed by repetitive commentary on Levi’s brooding demeanor, which was amusing at first but soon turned tedious. The progression from adversaries to allies lacked the anticipated complexity, feeling rushed rather than earned.
Despite my frustrations, a few moments of clarity did shine through. The cheeky dynamics between Bee and Levi had potential, yet I yearned for more depth. The friends-to-lovers angle could’ve been heartwarming if the slow burn didn’t feel so rooted in the ‘friend zone.’ I wanted those heart-thumping, stolen glances and electric touches, but instead, I got a narrative that moved sluggishly, packed with missed connections.
By the end, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. While I did appreciate some aspects, the overall experience felt hollow. I couldn’t help but voice my disappointments to friends, who seemed baffled by my less-than-enthusiastic take.
In conclusion, while Love on the Brain may resonate with those looking for a light rom-com with a dollop of STEM, it left me yearning for substance. If you’re a fan of Hazelwood’s earlier work and can overlook some of the missteps, it might still be worth your time. But for me, it felt like merely skimming the surface of something that could have been so much deeper.