49 pages • 1 hour read
Love, Theoretically
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Book Brief
389
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood, Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist and chronic people-pleaser, balances her overworked life as an underappreciated adjunct professor and a freelance girlfriend for hire. As she pursues a tenure-track position at MIT, she discovers that the judgmental brother of her client Greg, Jack Smith, is actually Jonathan Smith-Turner, a physicist whose past actions deeply impacted her field. Through her interactions with Jack and the challenges she faces within the scientific community, Elsie navigates themes of love, self-worth, and authenticity, ultimately learning to stand up for herself and pursue genuine relationships.
Romantic
Humorous
Emotional
Playful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
494,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ali Hazelwood's Love, Theoretically receives accolades for its witty dialogue, engaging romance, and well-developed characters, especially the female protagonist. However, some critics note the plot's predictability and occasional reliance on genre clichés. Overall, it's a delightful read for fans of romantic comedies with a scientific twist.
Who Should Read Love, Theoretically?
Readers who enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's previous STEM-focused romances and fans of Sally Thorne's The Hating Game or Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient will likely love Love, Theoretically. Ideal for those who relish witty banter, academic settings, and strong, relatable heroines navigating love and career challenges.
494,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jack Smith
Jack Smith
The head of the Physics Institute at MIT and an experimental physicist known for questioning the validity of theoretical physics. He becomes entangled in Elsie's life through both their professional interactions and personal connections.
Georgina Sepulveda
Georgina Sepulveda
A confident and renowned experimental physicist who is also being considered for a tenure-track position at MIT. She quickly becomes a supportive friend to Elsie despite their initial competition.
Christophe Laurendeau
Christophe Laurendeau
A French theoretical physics professor at Northeastern University who mentors Elsie, offering her a position in his program when others did not. His influence over Elsie's academic path becomes complex and challenging.
389
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
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