Barbara Rachel's Reviews

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood My rating: 5 of 5 stars A physicist has a double life as a fake girlfriend and it threatens to catch up with her as she is trying to land her dream job. I loved this book. I have not been a fan of some of Ali Hazelwood’s books but this was absolutely incredible. She apologizes for making this too academic, but I disagree, I think it really worked here. The politics and the dynamics of the MC’s relationships within academia were so eye opening and moving. The personal journeys both MC’s have to make are moving and so relatable. Truly I laughed, I cried and just really loved this book - so happy I gave this author another chance.

I loved this book! This was a series I read out of order, which was fine. Here we have Rosaline who is looking for an escape from her financial challenges but on her way finds romance and then love and most of all her voice. The love in question led to my favorite line, as she found “someone who cared about who she was rather than who she should be.”  I absolutely recommend this book. There were so many hilarious moments that had me replaying the audible to listen through it again. There were, as I have come to expect from Alexis Hall, some quite serious moments as well. All in all, it was funny, heartwarming and thought provoking.  The audible was ready by Fiona Hardingham, who was fantastic. ⏰ listened to in 1 week but also kept replaying parts i enjoyed (which was multiple) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ fairly explicit. At first basic sex but also some more authentic moments of intimacy. Well written for sure. It was a fair amount but not unpleasant, except the scene described below.  ...

 First of all, let me say I did receive this ARC for free; I am writing a review voluntarily. Okay, to get right to it, I really enjoyed this book! Our protagonist may have been down on her luck, but it has made her stronger than she knows and I enjoyed her wit and sarcasm, both of which are a cover for a deeply loyal person (once trust is earned).  The descriptions of transformation - shifting, heightened senses - were very well written - it was almost like being there.  I appreciate being able to visualize the scene and the characters in this way, especially the fantastical and magical aspects of the story. (#ADHDreaderandreviewer) Some of the dialogue, however, seemed clipped or rushed and I wished for some more of the eloquence put into the prose.   🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ The intimacy scenes are very spicy and had some different aspects - without giving anything away - that I found surprising. Nothing over the top, by my standards, but I will not be recommendinnng this to ...

  Let me start by saying I went into this really wanting to like these stories. I was even in the mood for some novellas rather than committing to an entire book. While there were certainly things I did enjoy, especially in the last novella, Below Zero , each story was spoiled for me by the cringy intimacy scenes. And I do not mean in an awkward way because much of life's more intimate moments can be awkward. That is just realism and that is one aspect of Ali Hazelwood's writing I do appreciate. She embraces and in some cases celebrates the weirdness. What could be cooler? It is something else about those scenes, in particular that bothered me, which I will explain.  ***spoilers ahead. I did enjoy getting to know each character. I was rooting for them all to see past their hang ups and being so introverted and to fall in love. I also really respect the concrpt of these stories: STEM career women, smart, all kinds of idiosyncrasies, trying to make a human connection or two. It ...