Summary
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood explores a contemporary romance against the backdrop of academia. The story follows Olive Smith, a PhD candidate who impulsively kisses Adam Carlsen, a well-known and widely feared professor, to convince her friend of her romantic detachment. This act leads to a fake dating arrangement that gradually evolves into a genuine connection, challenging Olive's understanding of love. Published in 2021, the novel is set at Stanford University, with research and academic events playing a pivotal role in Olive and Adam's relationship.
Plot
In The Love Hypothesis, Olive Smith, a third-year PhD candidate at Stanford University, enters a "fake dating" arrangement with Dr. Adam Carlsen, an intimidating professor. Olive kisses Adam to convince her friend Anh that she has moved on from her ex-boyfriend. Adam agrees to the arrangement to help secure his research funding.
As their agreement continues, Olive learns about Adam's complex personality, contrasting his tough reputation. Their relationship grows amid academic pressures, leading to a pivotal conference where Olive presents her research. Adam's support during this event reveals an unexpected side, prompting Olive to reconsider her feelings for him.
The plot shifts when Olive encounters Tom Benton, a professor from Harvard, who offers her a job with inappropriate conditions. Olive records Tom's misconduct, and Adam's reaction shows his concern for her, leading to Tom's dismissal. This event strengthens the bond between Olive and Adam. The story ends with Olive and Adam's relationship transitioning to genuine affection.
Characters
Olive Smith: A third-year PhD student at Stanford University who researches pancreatic cancer, inspired by her late mother. To persuade her friend Anh that she has moved beyond a previous relationship, Olive devises a plan to fake-date Adam Carlsen. Her initial skepticism about love complicates her feelings as their arrangement progresses.
Dr. Adam Carlsen: A young, distinguished professor at Stanford known for strict critiques. Facing potential loss of research funding, Adam agrees to Olive's plan. His interactions with Olive reveal more complexity to his character as the story unfolds.
Anh Pham: Olive’s best friend who believes in the authenticity of Olive's relationship with Adam. Anh's well-meaning support inadvertently pressures Olive into maintaining the facade.
Malcolm: Olive’s candid roommate whose life intersects with hers in personal and academic settings.
Dr. Tom Benton: A Harvard professor and Adam’s friend whose unethical intentions disrupt key plot developments, shifting from ally to antagonist.
Dr. Holden Rodriguez: Adam's supportive friend whose relationship with Malcolm provides additional context to the narrative's dynamics.
Jeremy: Olive’s ex-boyfriend whose past relationship with her prompts the fake dating scheme with Adam.
Themes
Pressures for women in academia
The representation of women in STEM is central to The Love Hypothesis. The protagonist Olive Smith is a third-year PhD candidate at Stanford, dedicated to researching pancreatic cancer and facing challenges in a male-dominated field. Olive's experiences reflect the demands and expectations prevalent in academia, emphasizing common stressors for students and researchers. The story also touches on sexism and racism in academic settings, presenting systemic challenges within the STEM community.
Romance and attraction
The Love Hypothesis combines two popular romance tropes: fake dating and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Olive Smith kisses Dr. Adam Carlsen, leading to an agreement to fake a relationship. Ali Hazelwood uses the fake dating trope to explore trust and vulnerability as Olive and Adam's relationship evolves from pretense to genuine affection.
The story’s academic setting grounds their personal challenges and supports the development of their relationship. Olive's optimistic nature contrasts with Adam's stoic demeanor, presenting a new angle on these archetypes. Their interactions involve sharp dialogue, offering a distinctive take on traditional romance themes.
Demisexual representation is present through Olive's journey in understanding her attractions. The narrative explores diverse sexual identities with sensitivity.
Setting
Set at Stanford University, The Love Hypothesis examines the world of labs, conferences, and academic hurdles influencing Olive and Adam's relationship. Olive Smith, in her third year as a PhD candidate, faces common academic issues like limited funding and imposter syndrome. Her anxiety over conference presentations and experiences with gender disparities in STEM reflect real-world academic challenges.
Quick facts
The Love Hypothesis began as a Star Wars fanfiction inspired by the characters Rey and Kylo Ren.
The novel became an instant New York Times bestseller and a sensation on TikTok.
A film adaptation by Bisous Pictures is currently in development.
The Love Hypothesis features a fake dating relationship between PhD candidate Olive and Professor Adam Carlsen.
Olive Smith studies early detection methods for pancreatic cancer, motivated by her mother's battle with the disease.
The Love Hypothesis addresses important social issues, including sexism and the #MeToo movement, within academic settings.
Ali Hazelwood authentically portrays academic life in STEM from her personal experience as a neuroscience professor.
The protagonist, Olive, is demisexual, adding representation and nuances to her character.
The narrative incorporates popular rom-com tropes like fake dating, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and the "one bed" scenario.
The Love Hypothesis emphasizes the challenges faced by women in male-dominated STEM fields.
A special collector's edition includes new artwork, a redesigned cover, and a bonus chapter from Adam Carlsen's perspective.
The story incorporates diverse representation, including LGBTQIA and BIPOC side characters.
Film adaptation
Bisous Pictures has optioned The Love Hypothesis for a feature film. As of June 2025, the adaptation is still in development.
About the author
Ali Hazelwood is both a professor and a fiction writer. Originally from Italy, she lived in Japan and Germany before moving to the United States to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. Her debut novel, The Love Hypothesis reflects both her fascination with fanfiction and her understanding of academia and the world of STEM, particularly the challenges for women.
