Love, Theoretically

By: Ali Hazelwood

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

"The reigning queen of STEM romance."—The Washington Post

An Indie Next and Library Reads Pick!

Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people-pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and arrogant older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And he’s the same Jack Smith who rules over the physics department at MIT, standing right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

Critic reviews

Praise for Love, Theoretically

“It would be so easy to hate Ali—who is brilliant and funny and the most delightful writer…but it’s far more productive to create a shrine I can worship at, praying for her to finish another book quickly. LOVED. IT.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult

"Whenever I want a sexy, witty, delicious romance, told in a fresh and intelligent voice, I read Ali Hazelwood. Prepare to get addicted. Each book is pure joy."—Simone St. James, New York Times bestselling author

"The reigning queen of STEMinist rom-coms returns with a tale set in the cutthroat world of eliteacademia full of delightful humor, realistic emotions, and the messy search for self-acceptance."—Booklist, starred review

"A decidedly quirky and thoroughly charming tale...Geeky science jokes, humorous student emails, and expertly delivered snarky banter enhance the narrative. Readers will cheer for Jack and Elsie and their bumpy road to happily ever after."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Hazelwood’s latest STEM-set novel may be her best yet, addressing not only discrimination among different realms of physics, but the unconscious bias Elsie has to continually fight as a woman in her field...A dynamic rivals-to-lovers romance."—Kirkus, starred review

Praise for Ali Hazelwood

“Hazelwood is an absolute romance powerhouse.”—New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren

“Hazelwood proves that she is the perfect writer to show that science is sexy as hell.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult

“Gloriously nerdy and sexy, with on-point commentary about women in STEM.”—New York Times bestselling author Helen Hoang on Love on the Brain

“Funny, sexy and smart, Ali Hazelwood did a terrific job with The Love Hypothesis.”—New York Times bestselling author Mariana Zapata

“STEMinists, assemble. Your world is about to be rocked.”—New York Times bestselling author Elena Armas on Love on the Brain

Fun read but the weakest book yet

I loved TLH, and was pleasantly surprised at LOTB. I immediately preordered LT, but my Barnes and Noble copy is taking forever to come in!

I bought it here, and although I didn’t mind Plummer’s narration, I think this is the weakest out of Hazelwood’s books. The plot
felt, I did not immediately fall for or even like the
Jack and Elsie much, and at times the events were predictable.

I appreciated the moments where Elsie’s character apple up for herself, but I am concerned about her mental state. I like the representation, but that felt shoe horned in as well.

I’ll pause before I preorder Hazelwood’s next book.

I think I’ve found the Taylor swift of authors

This book is phenomenal, I’ve been keeping an eye on all of Ali’s new adult novels since ‘The Love Hypothesis’ and let me just say I’ve loved every bit of it. She has this perfect formula of combining STEM with swoon-worthy love interests along with a plot that is perfectly paced making for an amazing read that I cannot put down every single time. I cannot wait until she releases her next book, and I’m even considering reading her novellas and young adult stuff too!

Enjoyed it immensely!

Enjoyed both the plot of the book and the take on the heroin charachter, it felt very clise to home. The chemistry between the main charechters is very beliveble. The heroes attitude is too agresive at certain points but this does not deter from the story.

my favorite so far

better than all the other books. I love everabout Jack. wonderful book. will listen again

New favorite book!

Amazing narration. Elsie and CeCe’s relationship made me laugh. And Jacks one line quips made me laugh. Overall a superb read!! Couldn’t put it down. jack is my new favorite book boyfriend!! Highly recommend. I love the realistic love story too!