Love on the Brain: A Match Made in Neuroscience
Another brain-melting romance by Ali Hazelwood, Love on the Brain. So, I recently dove into “Love on the Brain” by Ali Hazelwood, and oh my heart—what a delightful rollercoaster of romance, humor, and STEM nerdiness! If you’re a fan of quirky love stories with a sprinkle of science and tech, this one’s a total gem.
(I would love any couple with two pet kittens and written by Ali Hazelwood. Btw, I think Hazelwood likes to create men who, without the heroine’s knowing, have an unbelievable crush on her for a long period of time. It’s about six years for this one and like two for the last one, isn’t it?)
Hazelwood’s signature blend of humor, intelligence, and romance is on full display, making Love on the Brain a worthy successor to The Love Hypothesis. So, Buckle up as we dive into what makes this book such a fun read!
Enemies to Lovers with a Twist
First things first, let’s talk about the heroine, Bee Königswasser. She’s an engineer with a big brain and an even bigger heart. Along with a serious case of Marie Curie envy. She’s all about logic, science, and avoiding drama. She’s that friend who’s always got your back, even if she’s got a tendency to accidentally insult people while trying to be helpful.
Now, onto Levi Ward—the man who’s about to turn Bee’s world upside down. Levi is a neuroscientist who is as charming as he is brainy. His and Bee’s initial interactions are full of sparks (and not always the good kind). They’re paired together for a research project, and the tension between them is palpable. But trust me, you’ll be rooting for these two to figure things out.
Neuroscience Meets Romance
The book is a lovely blend of enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance tropes. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for the couple while laughing at their awkward encounters and misadventures. Bee and Levi’s journey is both endearing and relatable—showing that even the smartest people can trip over their feelings.
(The way Levi talks to Bee about her on their twitter accounts without knowing who the respective person is has got me crying happy tears, some of the most beautiful lines are here – “I know what she loves to eat, what shows she watches, what makes her laugh, her opinions on pets. I know her dislikes (aside from me). I’ve been cataloging a million little quirks of hers in my head, and they are enchanting. She is enchanting. Smart, funny, an incredible scientist. And . . . there are things. Things I think about. But I’m drunk, and this is inappropriate.”
These lines are definitely going in the love letter I might write in the future. *Living in Delusion*)
Side Characters Who Steal the Show
And let’s not forget the secondary characters! They’re just as vibrant and add so much to the story. From Bee’s quirky coworkers to Levi’s supportive (and occasionally meddling) friends, each character adds depth and humor and brings something special to the table. They provide comic relief, emotional support, and a sense of community that makes the story even richer.
A Love Story for the Ages
At its heart, Love on the Brain is a love story about two people finding their way to each other. The slow burn between Bee and Levi is agonizingly delicious, and when they finally give in to their feelings, it’s a moment of pure triumph. This duo is pure intellectual fireworks with a side of sizzling chemistry. The kind of love story with the best kind of kiss –
“You never sent one. Anyway, it was just a kiss. Purely . . .” Physical. Burning. Good. Electric. Obscene. Heavy. Dangerous. Good. Wild. Good, good, good.
Plus, Hazelwood’s portrayal of a strong, intelligent female lead who still struggles with love and life’s little hiccups is just what we need in today’s romance novels.
If you loved The Love Hypothesis, you’ll devour Love on the Brain. It’s a smart, sexy, and emotionally satisfying read that will leave you craving more of Bee and Levi’s story.
Have you read Love on the Brain? Who’s your favorite character, Bee or Levi? Let’s chat in the comments! Or on my Pinterest Board!
