The Love Hypothesis

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Genre: Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pages: 384

Date Started: 2 March 2022

Date Finished: 10 March 2022

"The Love Hypothesis" came highly recommended from a variety of sources, including Goodreads, and I'm glad I picked it up. As a newcomer to the romance genre, it proved to be an excellent choice that entertained and enthralled me from start to finish. The story revolves around Olive Smith, a pragmatic third-year Ph.D. candidate who has a skeptical view of lasting romantic relationships. However, when her best friend Anh insists that she's in a committed relationship, Olive finds herself in a rather peculiar situation. To convince Anh, she employs an unconventional tactic—kissing the first man she sees, who happens to be the enigmatic and somewhat notorious professor, Adam Carlsen. What follows is an unexpected agreement to maintain their fake relationship, which brings with it a unique blend of comedy and romance. Olive's character is a highlight of the book. Her naivety and determination to do what's right are endearing, and her vulnerabilities add depth to her personality. The portrayal of her close-knit circle of friends and her struggle to comprehend her feelings resonates well with the story, making her a relatable and likable protagonist. "The Love Hypothesis" offers a light-hearted and enjoyable romantic comedy experience. While it doesn't dive into serious scenes or employ unimaginable plot twists, it serves as a welcome change from more weighty fiction. The story progresses swiftly, maintaining the reader's interest without requiring deep contemplation. The author skillfully weaves an engaging narrative, and the chemistry between Olive and Adam adds a touch of sizzle to the plot. Their evolving relationship, along with Adam's surprising support and undeniable charm, makes the book an entertaining exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. In summary, "The Love Hypothesis" is a charming and breezy read, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a light-hearted romantic comedy. If you're in the mood for a book that offers respite from the complex and heavy, this one is sure to keep you engaged and leave you with a smile.

Favorite lines from the book:

• Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.

• I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.

• I'm starting to wonder if this is what being in love is. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.

• You can fall in love: someone will catch you.