Ali Hazelwood first caught my attention with her witty, heartfelt, and refreshing take on contemporary romance. From the moment I started reading her novels, I was hooked by the way she blends humor, authenticity, and a deep love for science into stories that are equal parts fun and heartwarming. I’ve never picked up one of her books without finishing it—and I’ve always been sad when I reached the last page.
Characters That Feel Like Friends
Hazelwood’s characters feel so incredibly real to me. They’re often intelligent women navigating the challenges of STEM fields, which is something you don’t often see in the romance genre.
Take Olive from The Love Hypothesis, for example. She’s a PhD candidate balancing academic pressures, personal insecurities, and an unexpected fake-dating situation that turns into the kind of romance dreams are made of. What I love most is how flawed, quirky, and lovable Hazelwood’s heroines are. They make you root for them—not just in love, but in every aspect of their lives.
A Love Letter to STEM
With Hazelwood’s background as a neuroscientist, it’s no wonder her novels feel so authentic. Whether she’s describing the intensity of a research lab or the awkwardness of academic conferences, her settings reflect the real highs and lows of being a woman in STEM.
For readers like me, who have spent time in male-dominated academic or professional spaces, her stories feel like a love letter to our experiences. For others, they offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that’s equal parts challenging and rewarding.
Tropes That Never Get Old
If you love romance tropes, Hazelwood delivers in ways that will make your heart sing. Fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine pairings—she’s mastered them all.
One of my favorite examples is Love on the Brain, where the enemies-to-lovers trope takes center stage. Hazelwood masterfully builds tension and misunderstandings, slowly revealing that the “enemy” might not be so antagonistic after all. The emotional payoffs in her books are always worth the wait, leaving me with a happy, satisfied grin every time.
More Than Just Romance
What sets Hazelwood apart is her ability to give romance depth. Her stories aren’t just fun (though they absolutely are); they also explore vulnerability, resilience, and mutual respect. Her heroines don’t just find love—they find themselves.
Through their relationships, Hazelwood’s characters learn to embrace their flaws, assert their worth, and grow as individuals. It’s empowering to watch these women navigate their challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Humor That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
Hazelwood’s humor is the icing on the cake. Whether it’s witty banter, hilariously awkward situations, or self-aware protagonists, her books have moments that make me laugh out loud. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to stop reading just to compose myself from a particularly funny scene.
A Strong Supporting Cast
The friendships, mentor-mentee dynamics, and supporting characters in Hazelwood’s books make her worlds even richer. These relationships highlight the importance of community and make her protagonists more relatable and likable.
Ali Hazelwood’s novels aren’t just stories—they’re experiences. They make me laugh, cry, and think, all while celebrating the brilliance and resilience of women in STEM. Her books remind me that love isn’t just about finding someone else—it’s about finding yourself, too.
If you haven’t read one of her books yet, I can’t recommend them enough. Just be prepared to laugh, swoon, and maybe even learn a little science along the way.