Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: September 14, 2021
Reviewed On: October 3rd, 2022
BASIC PLOT
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding… six-pack abs.
Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
REVIEW
This book was originally lent to be by a friend and after basically devouring it, in one night, I had to get a copy for myself. The Love Hypothesis has easily become a comfort read for me, if I’m feeling down, or sick, or just not up for anything, I reach for this book, and it brings me up.
An awkward situation pushes Adam and Olive to start “fake-dating” we see Adam and Olive grow close to one another. But surprise… Adam has been secretly in love with Olive for years and only told his best friend about her… I mean… Can it get any sweeter?
Let’s start with Olive. I like Olive. I feel bad for what she experienced in her past – no kid should have to go through that much. Her life was shitty, but she made the best of it and is making a name for herself. Can she seem a little childish at times? Yes, but who isn’t? I mean, you’d have to be the most serious person in whole world to not be childish in some of the situations we see Olive in, and serious is boring. We see that Olive is serious about her work and her research and that’s all that matters. You need to have fun in life and when Olive and Adam’s “relationship” starts, her life gets fun!
Let’s talk about Adam. Where can I find myself an Adam because I want one. He’s committed to his work (yum). He’s successful (double yum). He clearly isn’t needy (triple yum). Oh, and did I mention tall and handsome (all the yums). But seriously, since we are experiencing the story from Olive’s perspective, we get a very clear picture of who Adam is. I’d have loved to have know what was going inside his head, but we can’t always have everything. Adam is who he is, but he’s also who Olive needs. That’s why they are so great together.
The banter between Olive and Adam is super sweet, I especially love when he calls her “smart-ass”. When everything goes down at the conference the way that Adam takes care of her without even really knowing what is wrong was swoon worthy. Adam standing up for Olive when finding out what Tom did, risking his career and any possible other repercussions that could have come out from his violence had me clutching my heart because it was just, perfect.
I liked how science was folded into the story but wasn’t over the top so as to alienate a non-science reader. Starting each chapter with a “hypothesis” was a nice addition and gave a little glimpse into each chapter. I also really liked that Olive was “tall”! Not enough novels have main females who are taller. Being taller myself this was so refreshing. This book was a very easy read and as previously stated is a re-read book for me. It really hits all the right spots for me!
FAVOURITE QUOTES
He smiled. “Olive, you can talk about it. And you should let yourself be weepy.”
Hypothesis: If I fall in love, things will invariably end poorly.
“Because he’s him. He’s Adam Carlsen, and I…” She trailed off. No need to continue. And I’m me. I am nothing special. Malcom was quiet for a long moment. “You have no idea, do you?” His tone was sad. “You’re great. You’re beautiful, and loving. You’re independent, and a genius scientist, and selfless, and loyal – hell, Ol, look at this ridiculous mess you created just so your friend could date the guy she likes without feeling guilty. There’s no way Carlsen hasn’t noticed.”
“To be fair, I don’t like people in general.”
“Right.” Don’t ask Olive. Do not ask. “Do you like me?”
A millisecond of hesitation as he pressed his lips together. “Nope. You’re a smart-ass with abysmal taste in beverages.” He traced the corner of his iPad, a small smile playing on his lips.
I will tell you another truth. A truth that, I think, will be best for you. A truth that will take me out of the equation but will make its results better. Because I’m starting to wonder if this is what being in love it. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.
“I am going to take care of this,” he told her. There was something determined, earnest in his eyes. Olive had never felt safer, or more loved. “And then I’ll come find you, and I’ll take care of you.”
STAR RATING
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