Review of Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
From the moment I heard the delightful intersection of “lesbians” and “STEM,” I knew Love, Theoretically would be a captivating read. Ali Hazelwood has carved a niche for herself with a unique blend of romance and academia, and the promise of physics jokes paired with love left me eager to dive into another one of her worlds. Spoiler alert: I was both thrilled and exasperated by the experience.
At the heart of this story are Elsie and Jack, two characters entwined in a classic enemies-to-lovers scenario set against the vibrant backdrop of academic rivalry. Elsie, an adjunct professor, is trying to navigate her way through the STEM world, all while masquerading as a fake girlfriend for a mysterious client. Enter Jack, a brooding physicist with a haunted past and an astonishing height—he really takes up all the space, doesn’t he? This is where we need to pause and address a particular meme: Ali, I love your descriptions, but after the twelfth mention of Jack being "big," I almost dropped my popcorn in laughter. (Seriously, I get it—he’s tall!)
Now, let’s talk about George and Dora—Hazelwood’s radiant side characters who deserve their own love story. George, a brilliant physicist, and Dora, a souvlaki-making queen, brought a refreshing glow to the narrative. Their dynamic is a testament to the spontaneity and warmth that can exist within academia. Can we start a petition for their story? Because I’m all in.
I appreciated Hazelwood’s ability to incorporate nuanced themes, including conversations about aroace identities—a hallmark of her writing. However, I have to agree with the collective groan at the “daddy” trope. Seriously, in a science romance, must we? Let’s keep this research-focused, shall we?
While Elsie’s emotional intelligence occasionally took a backseat (seriously, how many times can one misinterpret “I don’t hate you” in a mere three pages?), I found her character growth satisfying. She evolved from a people pleaser to someone who stands fiercely in her own truth, aided by a Jack who challenges her to confront her fears.
The pacing rolled smoothly, a welcome change from the often jam-packed plots of Hazelwood’s previous works. I found myself genuinely engaged with the physics jokes—who knew STEM could be this fun? The interplay between Elsie and Jack’s professional lives and their romantic tension made their journey absolutely magnetic.
As I closed the book, I felt a mix of delight and wistfulness. While there were moments I found repetitive—like Jack’s propensity for dramatic remarks and Elsie’s internal battles—they didn’t overshadow my enjoyment. I’m left wanting more, especially the tales of George and Dora.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of STEM romances, witty banter, and heartfelt character growth, Love, Theoretically offers a delightful escape into a world where love can be as complex as any theory. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a die-hard science enthusiast, this book will resonate with you. Grab your popcorn, take a seat, and lose yourself in this charming mix of intellect and desire—you won’t regret it!
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