Reviews with content warning for Grief - Love, Theoretically

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

Spoiler

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

Spoiler

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.

Spoiler

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.

Content Warnings

sarahsbookss's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

a_libra_library's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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alexismil's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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!!!

Content Warnings

antidietleah's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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sebradley29's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing

5.0

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comradeghost's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

As a physicist, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters are so well written and relatable, especially being a non-man in physics. I also finished this in less than 48 hours so…..

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embelle's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ali Hazelwood does it again….her books just speak to me, and I’d be happy to read her writing for the rest of my life. My grad student heart adores all of her STEMinist novels more than I can say

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