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The Love Hypothesis

by Ali Hazelwood

Rated 4 out of 5Alison's rating

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos. As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't bel…

The Messy Reader verdict

Fun, smart and swoony

Reviewed 2 September 2025 messyreaderby messyreader Spoiler free

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood was such a fun, smart, and unexpectedly heart-warming read. Olive and Adam's chemistry is delightful, and I loved how their - fake dating - trope played out with plenty of humour and swoony moments. The STEM setting felt fresh, and Olive's internal voice made me laugh more than once.

That said, some parts felt a little predictable, and the pacing dragged in the middle, but overall it's a charming romance with characters you can't help but root for. Perfect for fans of academia-set romcoms and the 'grumpy x sunshine' pairing.

Would definitely recommend if you're in the mood for a clever, feel-good love story with a scientific twist.

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