Have you ever Googled Ali Hazelwood? It’s fabulous when the first things that describe her are Italian author and neuroscientist. But before you start jumping to any conclusions, Ali Hazelwood is as down-to-earth as they come. Just take a peek at how this NYT bestselling author describes herself on her website!

“I’m originally from Italy, lived in Japan and Germany, and eventually moved to the US to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. I recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies me. When I’m not at work, you can find me binge-watching shows with my three feline overlords (and my slightly less feline husband), running, or eating candy.”

Apparently, she also loves Nutella, side ponytails, and even crochets. She definitely is our kind of woman! Ali has now left academia to follow her dream job a full-time career in writing, and we are so pleased she has. We love how effortlessly she blends science and academia with heartwarming love stories. Ali also enjoys watching sci-fi movies in her free time, adding another layer to her relatable writer persona.

There is something about living vicariously through the pages of our favorite romance novels. Come on, friends, we all love a great romance—the trials, the tribulations, the tears, those “nooooo” moments, and those times when you literally jump for joy, shouting out “I knew it!”

As you know, we at Once Upon a Book Club love writer Ali Hazelwood’s contemporary rom-com novels and have featured two of her novels in our exciting subscription book boxes.

About Ali Hazelwood

Ali Hazelwood is a contemporary romance author who has taken the literary world by storm with her unique blend of science, romance, and wit. As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has penned beloved novels like Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis. But Ali’s talents don’t stop at fiction; she has also happily authored peer-reviewed articles on brain science, though those lack the romantic flair of her novels.

Born in Italy, Ali’s journey has been nothing short of international. She has lived in Germany and Japan before finally settling in the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. Now based in New York, Ali has transitioned from academia to a full-time writing career, much to the delight of her fans. Her diverse background and scientific expertise add a unique depth to her storytelling, making her a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

One of her central characters, Bee Königswasser, faces career and personal challenges as a woman in STEM, particularly in her role leading a neuroengineering project at NASA.

Ali Hazelwood's Literary Career and PhD

She first bounced into the bookish world with her debut novel, The Love Hypothesis in September 2021. This charming book quickly captured everyone’s hearts and spent over 40 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.

Following the incredible success of The Love Hypothesis, she released her second full-length novel, Love on the Brain, in 2022, along with three fabulous novellas: Under One Roof, Stuck with You, and Below Zero. These three novellas offer interconnected yet distinct love stories that explore classic romance tropes, making them perfect for readers seeking light-hearted and entertaining content. In The Love Hypothesis, a significant event at a science conference threatens Olive Smith's career, putting Olive's career ambitions at risk and highlighting the challenges of pursuing a career in STEM.

She is a powerhouse and doesn’t seem to know how to slow down! In 2023, she compiled her novellas into a collection titled Loathe to Love You. And if that wasn’t enough, she then added her third adult novel, Love, Theoretically, to the mix. But as they say in the ads, “Wait, there’s more!” Ali has also dipped her toes into young adult fiction with her book Check & Mate.

We’re also very excited that Ali has ventured into some new territory this year with the release of a paranormal romance called Bride. And yes, with Ali, there is always something on the horizon, and we are all waiting in anticipation for her seventh book, Not in Love, which is set to hit the shelves in June 2024.

Writing Style and Voice

Ali Hazelwood’s writing style is a delightful cocktail of humor and romance, making her novels impossible to put down. Drawing from her own experiences as a woman navigating the challenging world of academia, Ali hazelwood brings authenticity and depth to her characters. Her writing voice is witty, relatable, and engaging, capturing the reader’s attention from the first page to the last.

With a background in neuroscience, Ali infuses her stories with scientific concepts and themes, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Her novels are not just about love; they are about the complexities of life, career, and personal growth. This unique perspective makes her books a must-read for fans of both romance and science fiction.

Themes and Genres

Ali Hazelwood’s novels are a refreshing blend of love, relationships, and identity, all set against the fascinating backdrop of academia and STEM fields. Her stories typically fall under the contemporary romance genre, but they are sprinkled with elements of science fiction and humor, making them truly unique.

Ali is known for crafting strong, intelligent female protagonists who navigate the challenges of their careers and personal lives with wit and determination. Her characters are often scientists, engineers, and academics, bringing a fresh perspective to the romance genre. The academic settings and scientific themes in her books add a layer of authenticity and depth, making her a standout author in contemporary romance. Whether it’s the trials of putting Olive's career first in The Love Hypothesis or the academic battles in Love, Theoretically, Ali’s novels are a perfect blend of romance, humor, and intellectual intrigue.

Impact and Reception

Ali Hazelwood’s books have made a significant impact on the romance genre, particularly in the STEM and academia niches. Her unique blend of science, humor, and relatable characters has resonated with readers and critics alike. The Love Hypothesis, featuring the unforgettable Adam Carlsen, has been praised for its witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of women in academia. The book’s success has also sparked important conversations about the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields and the importance of representation in literature.

Readers have found themselves not only entertained but also enlightened by the authentic experiences of Hazelwood’s characters. Her ability to weave scientific concepts into romantic plots has set her apart, making her a beloved author in contemporary romance. The positive reception of her work underscores the need for more stories that highlight the intersection of love and professional ambition, especially in fields like science and academia.

Our Favorite Ali Hazelwood Books

The Love Hypothesis

The Love Hypothesis is perhaps one of her most popular books, and for good reason. This delightful novel follows Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate who finds herself entangled in a charade with none other than Dr. Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor notorious for his grumpy demeanor. Olive stages this romantic charade to convince her best friend that she is happily dating, leading to unforeseen developments in both her personal and professional life. A significant event related to a science conference arises, putting Olive's career ambitions at risk and highlighting the high stakes of her academic journey and the challenges of pursuing a career in STEM.

What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement quickly turns into something much more real as Olive and Adam discover the profound connection they share. We loved her witty prose and insights into the world of academia making this book an absolute gem, full of humor, heart, and swoon-worthy moments.

Love, Theoretically

In Love, Theoretically, we enter the life of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway, whose numerous roles have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, grading labs and teaching thermodynamics with the hope of securing tenure. By night, Elsie supplements her income by working as a fake girlfriend, using her finely-tuned people-pleasing skills to become whoever her clients need.

This arrangement works perfectly—until her meticulously managed life falls apart. Jack Smith, the irresistibly attractive and brooding older brother of her best friend and favorite client, is the same cold-hearted experimental physicist who destroyed her mentor’s career and damaged the reputation of theorists. Worse still, Jack is now on the hiring committee at MIT, standing between Elsie and her dream job. The only problem is that Jack's presence stirs up unresolved feelings and complicates her professional ambitions.

Elsie braces for a fierce academic battle, but she’s caught off guard by Jack’s intense, lingering looks and the freedom to be her true self around him. Could being drawn into an experimentalist’s world make her reconsider her closely guarded theories on love?

Bride

Bride takes you into the world of werewolves and vampires and is one of those books you simply can’t put down. In this gripping paranormal romance, a dangerous alliance between a Vampire bride and an Alpha Werewolf ignites a love story to remember.

Misery Lark, the outcast daughter of a powerful Vampire councilman, is forced to leave her life among humans to uphold a fragile peace treaty with their enemies, the Weres. Surrendering herself to the fierce Alpha, Lowe Moreland, Misery finds herself in a world where ruthlessness reigns, and trust is scarce. The fight between Misery and Lowe is intense and exciting life ever, filled with both physical and emotional struggles as they navigate their hostile relationship.

Misery has her own reasons for agreeing to this marriage of convenience and is willing to do everything she can to take back what is hers.

Check and Mate

In Check and Mate, we get to meet Mallory Greenleaf, a brilliant chess prodigy who has always played it safe in life, much like her moves on the chessboard. Enter Nolan Sawyer: a fellow chess player with a mysterious past and an unconventional approach to the game. What woman doesn’t love a bit of mystery?

As their paths cross in a high-stakes tournament, sparks fly both on and off the board. Mallory finds herself pushing through the pressures and challenges of the competition, which catalyze her personal growth and development. We loved her complex but relatable characters, especially watching them navigate the intricacies of love and strategy.

Reading Order and Recommendations

While Ali Hazelwood’s books can be read in any order, some readers may prefer to follow the series or character connections. Here’s a suggested reading order:

1. The Love Hypothesis (standalone novel)

2. Love on the Brain (standalone novel)

3. Love, Theoretically (standalone novel)

4. Loathe to Love You (novella collection, featuring three interconnected stories)

5. Check & Mate (young adult romance novel, standalone)

6. Bride (fantasy romance novel, standalone)

7. Not in Love (romance novel, standalone)

For readers new to Ali Hazelwood’s works, it’s recommended to start with The Love Hypothesis, which has been praised for its engaging storyline and well-developed characters. Fans of sci-fi movies and romance novels with a strong hero will enjoy Love on the Brain, while those interested in academia and STEM fields may prefer Love, Theoretically. Loathe to Love You is a great choice for readers looking for a lighthearted, fun romance with a focus on female friendships.

By following this reading order, you can fully appreciate the depth and variety of Hazelwood’s storytelling, whether you’re diving into the academic battles of Love, Theoretically or the thrilling paranormal world of Bride. Each book offers a unique experience, making Ali Hazelwood a versatile and must-read author in contemporary romance.

Conclusion

And that's a wrap on Ali Hazelwood. We happen to think that if a neuroscientist and professor write a book we're reading, it can't be considered pure fiction. There is definitely an element of intellectual education that makes us the smartest romantics around!

Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club. We would love to hear which of Ali's novels are your favorites!

If you're a fan of author spotlights, make sure to check out our blogs on Simone St. James and Donna Rowell.