The Love Hypothesis Review: Did It Live Up to the Hype?

There’s been so much hype around this book! That at times intimidates me, which is why I put off reading this book for a while. But in the end, I couldn’t resist the adorable cover and I just had to see for myself what the hype was about.

While I did enjoy this book and recommend it, I also feel like I was let down a little because it didn’t make my list of favorite books of the year (as online recommendations would suggest). Maybe it’s a me thing this year as I haven’t found any books that have blown me away. But here’s my The Love Hypothesis review.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

What is The Love Hypothesis about?

Our hero is a young professor and the heroine is a super smart PhD candidate. She finds herself needing a fake boyfriend and the arrangement works for him as well to get funding he needs.

What worked for me in The Love Hypothesis

I love that this debut is so original and delivers something new to the genre while also hitting on so many things we love. A grumpy/sunshine pairing, slow burn romance. Perfect banter, great development of their relationship.

Seeing them truly become friends and be comfortable around each other, even while they weren’t the most comfortable with others, was one of my favorite things. They fit so perfectly together.

What kept it from being a favorite

I wish we could’ve seen things from Adam’s POV as this book is only told from Olive’s and for me it was lacking. Especially when it comes to romances! 

The enormous hype probably played a part in my expectations, too. I enjoyed the book and absolutely see why readers love it. And as much as I enjoyed it and recommend it, it didn’t blow me away as the hype would suggest.

Is The Love Hypothesis fanfiction?

Yes! This story actually started out as Reylo fanfiction. Before it was a romance book, it was a Star Wars fanfiction called Head Over Feet, written around Rey and Kylo Ren. It was rewritten for publication with new characters and all franchise elements taken out. Ali has been up front about this. It does not read like fanfiction now and you don’t need to have seen a Star Wars film to follow it.

Should you read The Love Hypothesis before watching the movie?

Yes, there is a book adaptation on Prime Video September 23, 2026. I am legit so excited about it and I think it will be a great adaptation so my expectations are high, to say the least.

But if you like the fake dating trope and some slow burn romance, yes read the book before the movie. Olive and Adam’s friendship will have you giddy and kicking your feet. And I always feel that reading the book first lets you experience the story without knowing how the adaptation handles it.

Because let’s be real, most adaptations change some things and sometimes for the better. If that is the case with this one, you’ll have a tainted experience reading it. If you read it first, love the original version, and then watch it and like what they changed even more? Win, win.

Is The Love Hypothesis spicy?

This isn’t a super spicy book, but there is on page sex. So if you’re looking for fade to black, this isn’t it. However, Olive isn’t interested in sex generally so it takes some time before she’s into that and after she realizes she has feelings for Adam.

There is basically one sex scene in this book, and that is Chapter 16. You can also find some followup in Chapter 17. However, I would give this a 2 star (generously) on the spice scale, standard romcom vibes but not a spicy book.

Final Thoughts

The Love Hypothesis is just the kind of romance that will leave you with a big smile on your face. It’s the perfect nerdy and sexy romance. The perfect choice for newbie romance readers too.

If you liked the setting in this book, you’ll want to pick up even more women in stem romance books, and I’ve got the recs for you.

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