“You were always in my head. And I could never get you out.”
Love on the Brain is a fun, nerdy romance by Ali Hazelwood that ties together academic rivalry with sizzling chemistry and a good dose of humor. Bee Königswasser is a neuroscientist who has toiled for years ascending the academic ladder. Her opportunity of a lifetime is a dream job at NASA, but things aren’t as smooth sailing as they seem.
Her new colleague is the kind of guy named Levi Ward, who is a pleasant, intelligent and implausibly dumb fellow; who in turn, at the same time turns out to be her biggest academic rival. Tension there is already pretty high: only grows worse, due to chronic debates on labor problems, as well as deep-set, unyielding personal qualities.
As Bee navigates her way through high-stakes pressures in a job and scientific discoveries in the lab while being puzzled over a mysterious sabotage, she begins to wonder if there is more to Levi than what initially met her eye. Can two people with strong personalities find common ground in their professional and personal lives?
It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and yes, a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance that will have you smiling by the end.
Love on the Brain Book Review
I was captivated by Love on the Brain as it’s just the right blend of quirky, witty, and heartfelt. But one of the reasons this book works is because Hazelwood can make you laugh and, in the same breadth, root for the characters to get their happily-ever-after. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic does amazingly well, especially since, at first glance, tension between Bee and Levi feels so real. Their chemistry is electric, and you just get swept up with them in back-and-forth banter.
I must say, the true gem of this book was its heroine, Bee. She is a clumsy, book-smart, awkward protagonist who seems to be completely believable. I really liked her enthusiasm about neuroscience and how that part of her character fit perfectly into the rest of the novel. She is endearing, and it is not hard to understand why she would want to prove herself in a field that still is pretty masculine.
Levi was a bit of a tough nut to crack from the beginning. In all fairness, however, his icy facade and aloof demeanor had this reviewer rolling their eyes a time or two. But as you get further into the vein of his character, though, you see the layers beneath all that ice and by the end, be rooting for him about just as much as you do for Bee.
This one has twists and turns that keep one guessing. For example, the laboratory sabotages tension alongside the push-pull tension within the workplace rivalry along with some good moments that reveal the Bee-Levi relationship development in unexpected manners. It’s just the pick-me-up this one needed on a romantic, empowering vibe.
Not perfect, but sometimes it was a little unbalanced in pace, particularly as it approached the romance parts. There were places where the pacing completely derailed, but I never lost my interest in reading until the end. The number of scientific talks was a little too much for the taste of a few readers, yet I think it’s truly what helped Bee and even the plot to really come alive.
I’d give Love on the Brain a 4 out of 5 stars. The witty banter, the steamy chemistry, and the strong female lead more than make up for the pacing issues. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves romantic comedies, strong heroines, and a little bit of nerdy charm.
Love on the Brain Book Characters
Bee Königswasser: A beautiful neuroscientist and an extremely enthusiastic woman about the work she is doing; Bee is that dark horse and makes one believe in the fact that good brains and good hearts can come this far with both careers and relationships.
Levi Ward: That gruff mysterious colleague of hers. Who also, it would turn out, happens to be some kind of whiz scientist to boot. Bee’s love rivalry turns into romance.
Ronald: Bee’s best friend who is supportive (and hilarious) in her professional and personal life.
Jack: He meets with his colleague Bee – but soon turns out to be a full-time assistant to a gruff mysterious colleague of hers.
Zoe: Bee’s flatmate whom she vents her frustrations to and also an emotional support.
About Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is a New York Times bestselling romantic comedy with quirky, witty, and very strong heroines. The author blends science, humor, and romance, making characters believable and describing the STEM world as attractive and fun. She is also the author of The Love Hypothesis, which brought a huge success among fans. She promised to remain in their hearts because they are rom-com fans. Currently, Ali Hazelwood is residing in California.
Her free time is spent spending her family time, reading more, and all such things are there. After writing, people can see the same person showing interest in nerd science fiction.
What’s Love on the Brain About
Ali Hazelwood’s Love on the Brain is about a genius neuroscientist Bee Königswasser landing her dream job at NASA. But that is not all too perfect when everything has to put up with being paired with arch-academic foe and annoyance, Levi Ward – and how he is so charming. As the professional rivalry turns out to be a romantic one, Bee has to confront her feelings for Levi, dealing with sabotage in the lab, high pressure, and the fight for herself in the male-dominated science field.
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Date Published: August 23, 2022
Pages: 368 pages, Kindle Edition
Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
Love on the Brain Ending
The ending of Love on the Brain is satisfying and full of heart. This wraps up the romance with the feeling of it being deserved, and there’s a sweet feel-good resolution to the tension built throughout the novel. While some might have hoped for just a bit more drama or conflict toward the end, the quiet yet impactful conclusion really fits well with this type of romance. Heart-wrenching and romantic, it always leaves you with a smile and the belief that true love isn’t something that just happens—it’s earned by learning, growing, and having the time of your life.
FAQs: Love on the Brain
Who wrote “Love on the Brain”?
Ali Hazelwood authored this contemporary romance that blends scientific workplace drama with emotional character development.
Is “Love on the Brain” part of a series?
No, it’s a standalone novel, though Hazelwood has written other STEM-focused romances with similar themes and settings.
What is the main conflict in the story?
Professional rivalry and past heartbreak create tension between neuroscientist Bee and engineer Levi as they’re forced to collaborate.
Does the book have explicit content?
Yes, it contains several descriptive, intimate scenes, making it appropriate for mature readers comfortable with adult content.
Is scientific knowledge needed to enjoy this book?
No, the neuroscience elements are explained clearly, making the story accessible to readers without scientific backgrounds.
I’m John Stauffer, a Harvard professor and book lover. Here at John Stauffer Books, I share my thoughts on the books I read through honest reviews and recommendations. I cover everything from well-known classics to lesser-known works that deserve more attention.
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