A review by ashleyvharris
Love on the Brain, by Ali Hazelwood

adventurous funny hopeful informative 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

4.0

Nerdy science romance is a fucking delight and Ali Hazelwood proves it yet again in her second book Love on the Brain.

Ali has such a distinct writing voice that feels natural and engaging. I struggle with books that try too hard to be sarcastic and *witty* because it always feels forced and unnatural. Ali does not have this problem at all. Her jokes and dialogue read like a conversation with my friends. She makes it so easy to connect with her protagonists this way.

I’m a bit conflicted over the two main characters and their romance. Let’s be honest, I would commit crime for Levi Ward (also Rocio and Felicette). But it also felt like a near carbon copy of The Love Hypothesis. Levi and Adam Carlsen are almost interchangeable, no? And the Bee and Olive too. Their romances also felt very similar. It would have been great to see something completely different. Can I get a male scientist with golden retriever energy, please? 

No spoilers, but the ending felt… extra? Like I feel like it was a little too General Hospital telenovela-y. Like okay [villain], calm down, please. 

Also, my cat-loving hear was glowing. Someone send me links to Schrödinger and Felicette fan art please and thanks. Love them both and they obviously stole the show. 

With that said, my BIGGEST, most PRESSING critique of Love on the Brain is I NEED LEVI’S POV. LIKE YESTERDAY. Even more than Adam Carlsen, I was DYING to know this man’s thoughts. I want this entire book again but from his perspective, a la Midnight Sun. Do you hear me Ali? I need twenty-five (25!!!) chapters plus an epilogue with nothing but Dr. Levi Ward pining after Bee. Otherwise I will be talking about this every week in therapy.

If you like nerdy things, science, romance, or cats, you should read this lil’ gem of a book. It made my cold, shriveled heart happy :)
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