May 28, 2025sarahylockwood

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood by Ali Hazelwood

Rate: 5/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers):

I will be the first to admit that modern romance novels are not my go to pick. It has actually been years since I’ve read a romance, other than dabbling in the Bridgerton series. After watching how fellow readers go crazy for some of the special editions of Hazelwood’s novels, I couldn’t help but be curious as to the appeal. Even more so once I realized these novels had a STEM foundation.  

Once I picked up Love, Theoretically, I couldn’t help but wish this read would have found its way to me sooner. I loved so much of this story. The characters were flawed and utterly relatable. Jack and Elsie were damaged, but unique as I struggle to draw parallels with other characters in literature. If anything I could see pieces of myself in Elsie that I’d never quite put a definition on as a woman making her way in the science field. 

Hazelwood perfectly captures the terrible purgatory that is life immediately following obtaining your PhD. Out of grad school I was so sure the perfect job would come my way. Not only that, I was confident I would have a pick of wonderful opportunities. Due to a slumping economy, those theoretical opportunities that would launch my career failed to initially materialize, damaging my ego along the way. Eventually I accepted a less than inspiring job, though while in that purgatory I had a thankless but enjoyable adjunct position to fill the gap. Never fear my friends, I’ve eventually stumbled my way into a job in my field I love after patiently (impatiently) waiting a year or so. Reading Elsie’s career plight opened those ego damaging wounds that I’d thought I’d left behind long ago. Her hopelessness and desperation when a dream job appears pulled at my heartstrings almost more than the love story. 

Elsie’s best friend and roommate was hands down the best part of this story. She is authentically quirky and hilarious, making me wonder who in Hazelwood’s life was the inspiration. That said, Jack’s Grandma came in a very close second. Honestly, so much of the supporting cast was crafted with such care that they all elevated this story beyond that of a tangled career/love story. 

Overall, I couldn’t stop reading Love, Theoretically. It was a delightfully spicy story in a setting that is near and dear to my own career path, though mine was lacking the hulky handsome professor to add some drama.

Additional Insight (Spoilers abound):

  • Who does the grandma leave the money to?
  • I can’t imagine the gossip behind the scenes when Jack and Elsie showed up together to a family event the first time. 
  • Did Elsie’s roommate end up with Kirk? What is the story there?
  • Does Elsie find a tenure track position? And how does that work with Jack. It’s no joke having two people in the same field.

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