Writer Ali Hazelwood does STEM romance right. In her newest book Love, Theoretically, a diabetic theoretical physicist finds herself vying for her dream job, only to face down the man who ruined the life of theoretical physicists everywhere with a paper when he was just in high school. By day, Elise Hannaway is an adjunct professor taking public transportation all over the Boston area to teach during the day. At night, she works as a fake girlfriend through an online service. Using her people-pleasing skill she embodies the perfect version of whatever her client needs. The rules of the game are one date per person, but Elsie has been making extra cash by working with one client more than once. That’s where she meets Jack Smith, the attractive but annoying older brother of her favorite client. When she goes for her dream job at MIT, she finds out that Jack Smith just so happens to be the experimental physicist that wrote the paper that ruined too many lives, including that of her advisor. He also knows more about Elsie’s personal life. Let the games begin.
Experimental versus Theoretical. Academic tenured professor versus adjunct. Enemies to lovers. Love, Theoretically is an absolute blast. Ali Hazelwood manages to balance the romantic aspects of the book with a plot that is absolutely delightful and empowers women. For fans of Hazelwood’s other books, keep an eye out for some familiar characters.
Love, Theoretically is available June 13th.
