The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is a charming romance novel set in an academic backdrop, bringing together a Ph.D. student, Olive Smith, and a professor, Dr. Adam Carlsen, in a fake-dating arrangement that turns unexpectedly real. The novel is a heartwarming and amusing journey through the complexities of academia, romance, and self-discovery.
The Love Hypothesis Plot Overview
Olive, a third-year Ph.D. student at Stanford University, is researching pancreatic cancer, a disease that took her mother’s life. Despite her success as a STEM student, Olive struggles with personal relationships, especially with her best friend, Anh Pham. After realizing that Anh is interested in the same guy Olive has recently dated, Olive feels compelled to convince her that she has no lingering feelings for him. This is where Dr. Adam Carlsen, a young and seemingly cold professor, enters the picture. In need of a fake relationship to appease his colleagues and secure funding for his research, Adam agrees to pretend to date Olive. The two of them go along with the charade, but as their “fake” feelings blur into reality, they realize they may be in deeper than expected.
The novel thrives on the fake-dating trope, a favourite among romance fans. The chemistry between Olive and Adam is undeniable, making the transition from faux lovers to actual ones all the more satisfying. Olive’s witty narration and Adam’s gruff yet tender demeanor set the stage for a heartwarming romance. It’s a story filled with moments that make you swoon, like Adam’s unexpected sweetness and Olive’s determination to prove her worth in a male-dominated field.
The Love Hypothesis Characters
While a trailblazer in her own right, Olive Smith doesn’t fully capture the reader’s attention. As a STEM student at Stanford, she is ambitious and passionate about her research, yet her character development feels somewhat flat. While it’s refreshing to see a woman leading in such a field, her personality could have been fleshed out more. Her journey feels less about her personal growth and more about her relationship with Adam, which weakens her role as the protagonist.
On the other hand, Adam Carlsen is everything you’d expect from a romance novel hero. He’s initially seen as cold and detached, but his softer side comes through for Olive. While his character might seem a bit formulaic—strong on the outside, vulnerable inside—it works well within the context of the novel. Readers who love the “tough guy with a heart of gold” trope will find him irresistible.
- Olive Smith – A third-year biology PhD student at Stanford University who researches pancreatic cancer – the disease her mother died from. She fakes a relationship with Dr. Adam Carlsen to convince her friend she got over her ex boyfriend. The book is written from her perspective.
- Dr. Adam Carlsen – A young professor who his students describe as harsh and hypercritical. The university froze his research funds because they were worried he would think of leaving for a different university; Adam agreed to fake a relationship with Olive to make the science department believe he plans to stay at Stanford.
- Anh Pham – Olive’s best friend, pushes Olive to try new things with Adam without knowing their fake relationship. Likes Jeremy, Olive’s ex boyfriend.
- Malcolm – Olive’s roommate and friend, gay, later end up dating Dr. Rodriguez.
- Dr. Tom Benton – Professor at Harvard University and Adam’s friend. He offers Olive a spot at his lab when hearing about her research. Later he threatens and sexually harasses Olive and steals her research. He ends up getting fired from Harvard after Olive reports him.
- Dr. Holden Rodriguez – Adam’s friend, gay, ends up dating Malcolm.
- Jeremy – Olive’s ex boyfriend.
Themes and Criticisms
While The Love Hypothesis delivers the fun and swoon-worthy romance expected from a fake-dating story, it doesn’t entirely avoid controversy. The book touches on heavy topics, like sexual assault, but these elements are used primarily as plot devices rather than fully explored issues. This decision might not sit well with all readers, as it reduces the gravity of such serious themes. Moreover, the academic setting could have been leveraged more to address the challenges faced by women in STEM, but the focus remains primarily on the romance, leaving certain aspects of Olive’s journey underdeveloped.
Background and Reception
Originally published as Head Over Feet in 2018, a Star Wars fanfiction work, The Love Hypothesis underwent significant changes for its 2021 release. The characters were renamed, and all Star Wars references were removed, transforming it into a fresh, stand-alone romance. Despite its fanfiction roots, the book received positive reviews, quickly becoming a New York Times bestseller and earning a starred review from Library Journal. It was also a finalist for the 2021 Goodreads Choice Award for Romance.
Readers appreciated the novel for its humor, chemistry, and engaging writing style, though some felt it fell short in character development. Still, many romance lovers were drawn to its academic setting and the playful dynamic between Olive and Adam.
Film Adaptation
In October 2022, The Love Hypothesis was announced for a film adaptation by Bisous Pictures, a move that excited fans eager to see the story come to life on screen. With its compelling characters and romantic premise, it’s a book ripe for a cinematic translation, where viewers can see Olive and Adam’s journey unfold in a new medium.
The Love Hypothesis Review
Overall, The Love Hypothesis is a delightful romance that will captivate fans of fake-dating tropes, academic settings, and swoon-worthy moments. While it might lack depth in certain areas and some readers may find Olive’s character lacking, the charm of Adam and their romance will likely make this book a hit for many. If you’re a romance lover looking for something light-hearted yet emotional, The Love Hypothesis may just be the book you’ve been waiting for.