***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new STEMinist rom-com in which a scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis--with explosive results.
Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project--a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia--Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.
Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school--archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.
Now, her equipment is missing, the staff is ignoring her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle. Perhaps it's her occipital cortex playing tricks on her, but Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas...devouring her with those eyes. And the possibilities have all her neurons firing. But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there's only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022 and once again, I was not disappointed. There is a reason that romantic comedy is one of my favorite genres and Love on the Brain is one of the reasons. I just loved the mix of humor, emotion, and readability.
Bee Königswasser is over the moon at getting a job at NASA working on a neuroengineering project until she learns that she will have to co-lead the project with her graduate school nemesis, Levi Ward. She doesn’t want to see Levi again, she knows he hates her, but she needs this project for her resume so she can finally get away from her job, and her horrible boss.
Bee goes ahead and takes the job as she also needs to get away from her ex-fiance who broke their engagement recently. She knows she can ignore Leve, but can she? The project seems doomed as soon as she gets there, no email, missing equipment, and no support from NASA, and she’s starting to believe she’s being sabotaged. Is it Levi? Or someone else?
Ali Hazlewood is back with her STEM characters and her signature humor. I love a book with a brainy heroine, and Love on the Brain fits that perfectly. Bee is quirky and unique without being over the top. And Levi is a wonderful hero. A bit dark and broody, but with a heart of gold. This is an enemies-to-lovers trope, and it’s got a You Got Mail vibe as the two main characters correspond via Twitter without knowing who they are DMing.
Both Bee and Levi have some serious baggage they must overcome, and there is a bit of miscommunication in the beginning, but it’s believable. Every interaction they have is just wonderful, from witty banter to swoony tender moments, this couple is everything I want in a rom-com couple.
I found the pacing of the book perfect, I was pulled right in from the beginning and I didn’t put this down until I read the very last word. If you liked The Love Hypothesis, you’ll love Love on the Brain.
I highly recommend Love on the Brain by Ali Hazlewood to anyone who enjoys romantic comedies. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is a multi-published author—alas, of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies her. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her two feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).
I have this on TBR and wanted to read this month but I’m terribly behind in reading this month so might read it next month. Looks like this is as good as Love Hypothesis. Amazing review, Wendy!
I can’t wait to read this one! I loved The Love Hypothesis so much. I’m very glad to hear that this one didn’t disappoint. Now if only my copy of it would come.
Aaaaah this sounds like another fun one by Ali Hazelwood! I’ve started with The Love Hypothesis, but been a a bit busy this week and not much time for reading or blogging.
Your reviews on her books always make me want to simply drop everything and just get reading!!
So glad to hear you enjoyed this one, as it’s one of my anticipated reads! I was a bit disappointed in her STEMinist novella series but am hoping I’ll enjoy the next full-length installment from her!
I haven’t read this goodness, but that cover is too cute and I love that this is set in NASA of all places! WE definitely need more STEM-inist rom coms!
another book i’m really looking forward to reading! i loving the increase in stem related fiction we’re getting lately!
It’s going on my TBR list for sure! I
So glad you liked this! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I’m glad you liked this book. I’ve been seeing it everywhere lately!
It’s super good. Thanks Lydia!
I’m seeing this book everywhere! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. 🙂
Thank you! It’s a good one.
I have this on TBR and wanted to read this month but I’m terribly behind in reading this month so might read it next month. Looks like this is as good as Love Hypothesis. Amazing review, Wendy!
I think it’s just as good or maybe a bit better than Love Hypothesis. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
This sounds wonderful! I can tell how funny this book must be just from the first line. Great review!
Thank you! It is a really funny one.
I haven’t read this one yet, but I definitely want to soon. I really love Hazelwood’s storytelling. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
Thank you, Jenni!
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much – great review! I love these books and the STEM themes.
I do too, Anne. Thank you,
This sounds wonderful- dark and broody guy, humor, good pacing. Maybe I can carve out some time to read it in a few months. Excellent review!
It’s a good one. Thank you, Tessa!
I haven’t read either by this author yet, but they both sound really good & I know you were looking forward to this one, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
I can’t wait to read this one! I loved The Love Hypothesis so much. I’m very glad to hear that this one didn’t disappoint. Now if only my copy of it would come.
I hope you get to it soon!
This sounds so cute and we love seeing women in STEM represented.
Thank you! It’s such a good book!
I can’t wait to read this one. I hope to get to it this weekend. We’ll see. Glad to see you loved it, Wendy!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Rachel!
Terrific review, Wendy. You make it sound very appealing.
Thank you, Cathy
An author I hope to read one day.
She’s so good, I hope you get a chance to read her books one day.
Aaaaah this sounds like another fun one by Ali Hazelwood! I’ve started with The Love Hypothesis, but been a a bit busy this week and not much time for reading or blogging.
Your reviews on her books always make me want to simply drop everything and just get reading!!
Elza Reads
I feel the same way when I read your blog!
Great review! I thought this one was fun, too.
Thanks! I love a fun book
Love it when a book meets your expectations.
Thank you, Rosie! So do I
This looks like a good one. I like seeing heroines with brains too, and ones in non typical professions are all the more welcome. Lovely review Wendy
Thank you, Mallika!
This one sounds like a lot of fun and I really enjoyed reading your wonderful review Wendy! I love that it is set at NASA!
It’s so much fun, Jodie. Thanks!
So glad to hear you enjoyed this one, as it’s one of my anticipated reads! I was a bit disappointed in her STEMinist novella series but am hoping I’ll enjoy the next full-length installment from her!
It’s much better than her novellas. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Excellent review Wendy. I’m excited to read this one too.🤗📚💕
I just loved it and hope you do too!
I haven’t read this goodness, but that cover is too cute and I love that this is set in NASA of all places! WE definitely need more STEM-inist rom coms!
It’s a fun one! Thank you!