Romance Books To Read Like The Love Hypothesis
Since the release of her debut novel, the #BookTok sensation The Love Hypothesis, Ali Hazelwood has quickly cemented herself as the queen of STEM-inist romance and the author of more than a dozen books. She’s known for her witty prose, swoon-worthy spicy scenes, and clever heroines. More importantly, Hazelwood’s work shines a light on important issues such as the lack of female representation in science fields, the pressure women are under to be perfect, and how quickly men in power abuse their power. And with The Love Hypothesis film adaptation around the corner — did we mention it stars Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman?! — now is the perfect time to stock up on romances that deliver the fake-dating shenanigans, sharp banter, and intelligent heroines. Whether you’re here for the academia angst, the slow-burn chemistry, or the women-in-STEM energy, these books will more than hold you over until the lights dim and the opening credits roll.
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Add to BookshelfThe Love Hypothesis
by Ali Hazelwood
Begin with the book that started it all! 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 leads Olive to panic and kiss 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. However, Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
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$35.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Love on the Brain
by Ali Hazelwood
For her sophomore novel, Hazelwood delivers another brainy romance, this time complete with an enemies-to-lovers touch! Bee Königswasser just landed her dream job — lead on NASA’s neuroengineering project. If only her archenemy from grad school, Levi Ward, weren’t the co-lead! But her new role comes with a lot of struggles, and Levi’s the only one taking her side. Could she have been wrong about him all along? With quirky prose, a twisty plot, and characters you can’t help but cheer for, Hazelwood delivers another triumph!
Need more Ali Hazelwood? Be sure to add Love, Theoretically to your TBR!
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$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Check & Mate
by Ali Hazelwood
In her YA debut, Hazelwood gives us a smart and electrifying enemies-to-lovers triumph with no shortage of gambits. Four years ago, chess almost ruined Mallory Greenleaf’s family — and she promised never to play again. But she’s thrust into the game’s limelight when she enters a charity tournament and wipes out Nolan Sawyer, the current world champion. Nolan wants to know more about this “mysterious player” who beat him. As Mallory rises in the ranks, their tension is undeniable. With complex characters and sweet scenes, Hazelwood proves she’s a Grandmaster of love stories.
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The Truth According to Ember
by Danica Nava
Like Olive, Ember Lee Cardinal created a little white lie in a time of desperation. The result: She’s landed her dream accounting job in Oklahoma City! Her professional life is looking up, and her love life isn’t too far behind. She and Danuwoa Colson, her company’s IT guy, can’t deny their instant, undeniable chemistry. Despite the company’s no-dating policy, the two decide to go for it. But it’s not long before Ember’s lies start to unravel one by one, threatening the new life she’s built. Fans of Chloe Liese and Lana Ferguson will fall hard for this fantastically messy rom-com.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Atmosphere: A GMA Book Club Pick
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller from the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, and Carrie Soto Is Back! Joan Goodwin, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, has always loved the stars. Her dreams of going to space slowly become a reality when she’s selected as part of the first group of female scientists to join NASA’s space program. Fast-paced and emotional, Jenkins Reid delivers another emotional masterpiece with unforgettable characters.
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$30.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Seton Girls
by Charlene Thomas
The Love Hypothesis gave a sharp observation of power dynamics, especially between men in powerful positions and their female subordinates. Seton Girls takes things to the next level. Thomas peels back the veneer of an elite prep school to interrogate toxic masculinity and the way wealthy men are shielded from real accountability. The novel shines a light on a system that prioritizes reputation over justice, and on how that silence harms women in corrosive ways. It’s sharp and deeply relevant — perfect for readers in search of a book that challenges power rather than excuses it.
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Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
Named a “Best Book of the Year” by The New York Times, Huffington Post, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly, this global bestseller, now also a limited series on Apple TV+ starring Brie Larson and Lewis Pullman, tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist squelched by sexism in the 1960s. Despite longing to be in the lab, she finds herself the reluctant host of the popular cooking show, Supper at Six. But what she doesn’t realize is that her unconventional ways in the kitchen spark a revolution that challenges the status quo. Full of charm and unique humor, Garmus delivers an unforgettable debut.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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My Mechanical Romance
by Alexene Farol Follmuth
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six, under the pen name Alexene Farol Follmuth, comes an enemies-to-lovers YA romance novel featuring a woman-in-STEM protagonist. Bel has a keen talent for engineering, and with college looming, she’s forced to join the robotics club. Not a single member of the (primarily) all-boys club likes her. Things turn from bad to worse when she starts butting heads with Mateo Luna, the club captain. But as time passes, it’s not just the robots giving off sparks. With two snarky leads, this poignant read delivers humor while shining a light on the challenges girls of color face in science fields.
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$10.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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While We Were Dating
by Jasmine Guillory
Named one of TIME Magazine‘s 100 Must-Reads of the Year, this instant #1 New York Times bestseller follows Ben Stephens, an advertising professional, and Anna Gardiner, a budding actress. Ben’s agency just booked Anna for their next big ad campaign. Like Adam, work is the last place both of them expected sparks to fly. Steamy and hilarious, this glittering rom-com comes with no shortage of show business glitz and glamour while bringing into focus body image issues, racism, and the importance of mental health.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Kiss Quotient
by Helen Hoang
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bride Test comes a sexy and fresh new romantic novel you can’t help but devour. Stella Lane, a math whiz with Asperger’s, knows that she’s behind when it comes to the dating scene. Enter Michael Phan, an escort she hired to help her “catch up.” As time passes, feelings grow, and Stella can’t help but wonder if a mutually beneficial agreement can turn into a real relationship. She’s a pro when it comes to predicting outcomes, but love doesn’t always have a perfect algorithm.
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$16.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Didn’t See That Coming
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
From the New York Times bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties and Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers comes a YA romantic read that’s You’ve Got Mail with a video game twist! Seventeen-year-old Kiki Siregar’s favorite hobby is playing Warfront Heroes. To protect herself from harassment, she pretends to be a guy and plays under the user name, Dudebro10. She’s become good friends with another player, Sourdawg. When her parents transfer her to Xingfa School, an elite school known for its conservative atmosphere, she never expected that her digital best friend would also be a student there … but what will he think of the real Kiki? Smart and laugh-out-loud funny, this heartfelt story also explores bullying, its lasting effects, and the courage it takes to be seen.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Drive Me Crazy
by Lizzy Dent
Fans of Emily Henry and Katherine Center are sure to fall for this fast-paced F1 romance! After years of grinding, Chloe Coleman has been named Formula 1’s first female team lead. Her team might be one of the worst in the sport, but she’s determined to turn things around. But the chips are stacked against her, especially when her boss hires Matt Warner, a down-on-his-luck former champion and Chloe’s first love. With its propulsive plot and heart-pounding racing scenes, Dent delivers a modern romance woven with themes of sexism, mental health, and self-confidence.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Sunshine and Spice
by Aurora Palit
Opposites attract in this grumpy/sunshine romance, complete with a cast of unforgettable characters. Naomi Kelly needs to land this new account to save her career. Dev Mukherjee would do anything to stop his nosy mom’s matchmaking schemes. The two have nothing in common, but a fake relationship together can help them achieve their goals. What neither of them expected was real feelings to develop along the way. Fans of B.K. Borison and Christina Lauren will swoon over this joyful story with cultural richness and emotional depth.
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$19.00Buy from Other Retailers:
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Screen Queens
by Lori Goldstein
Three teenage girls are taking male-dominated Silicon Valley by storm! Lucy Katz, Maddie Li, and Delia Meyer beat out thousands of applicants to earn a spot at ValleyStart, the country’s most prestigious high school tech incubator competition. All of them worked hard to get where they are, but do they have what it takes to take down the competition and be the first all-female team to ever win. Uplifting and emotional, this STEM-inist story celebrates female friendships and is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Penny Reid.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Dungeons and Drama
by Kristy Boyce
If fake-dating hijinks and geeky romantic reads are your thing, be sure to add this international bestseller to your TBR list ASAP! Riley Morris dreams of being a stage actress but is suddenly forced to work at her dad’s game store. Determined to make her ex jealous, she and Nathan Wheeler, the store’s other employee, agree to fake-date. But soon, Riley can’t tell if she’s playing a role, or falling for real. You don’t have to be a D&D lover to swoon over this sweet story.
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$11.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Kiss Me, Mi Amor
by Alana Quintana Albertson
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, the second book in the Love & Tacos series features Enrique Montez, the heir to the Taco King empire, and Carolina Flores, the headstrong daughter of farmworkers and owner of her own farm. Love and romance are the last things on Carolina’s mind. But when her family mistakes Enrique for her boyfriend, the two have no choice but to continue the charade. Fake dating with a side of enemies-to-lovers, there’s a lot to enjoy about this spicy rom-com.
Don’t forget to add the rest of the Love & Tacos series to your TBR!
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$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
