Bride by Ali Hazelwood

“The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood is a charming and witty contemporary romance novel set in the world of academia. The story follows Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate who doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships. To convince her best friend that she’s over her ex, Olive impulsively kisses the first man she sees—who turns out to be none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor known for his grumpy demeanor. Surprisingly, Adam agrees to fake-date Olive to help her out, and as they spend more time together, their pretend relationship starts to feel more real. The novel explores themes of love, trust, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives.