Published by Berkley Books
Published: September 14, 2021
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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 believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs.
Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When a book drops that is super hyped I admit I worry. Whether it is a young adult or romance, I get scared the hype will kill my love for the story. It has happened before and I know it will happen again. The hype effect is real and I fear it. So when literally everyone on my Instagram timeline and in stories was talking about The Love Hypothesis I was scared. Was the hype effect ready to strike? Then I got my copy. Safe to as there was no hype effect. Everything people were saying about The Love Hypothesis was true. The book was delightful and I’m so happy I read it.
The Love Hypothesis is what happens when a fake relationship leads to read feelings. It’s the story of Adam, a hot shot professor at Stanford, and Olive, a 3rd year PHD candidate. When Olive realizes that her BFF likes her ex she kisses the first guy she sees in order to pretend she is over her ex and has a new man; that new man being Adam. He is grumpy and a lab tyrant, but he goes along with Olive’s game and even helps her when a big conference almost jeopardizes her career. But the more time the spend together the closer they get and soon fake doesn’t feel so fake. Especially to Olive who has sworn she would never get romantically attached. Guess someone forgot to tell her heart.
The one thing I loved the most about The Love Hypothesis was the chemistry, and I’m not talking science. Adam and Olive oozed chemistry from the moment they met. Sure it was whacky that she Stephanie Zinone’d him (If you haven’t seen Grease 2, watch it!!!) but their first interaction was gold and showed their immediate connection. Adam comes across as abrasive and mean, but with Olive he is anything but sweet and respectful which just lead even more to their chemistry. Don’t get me wrong, they both had things to work out. Olive was terrified to get close to someone since she lost everyone in her past and Adam was not great with the communication, but they were so good together.
All in all The Love Hypothesis was a delightfully nerdy rom-com with characters you will love. Adam and Olive carry the story, but the side group is just as good. If you feel this is too hyped, take my word for it and read it. It’s so great you won’t be sorry!
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