16 Books Like the Love Hypothesis to Obsess Over
The Love Hypothesis is a phenomenon and has started a STEM romance wave. We created this amazing list of books like The Love Hypothesis so you can overcome that book hangover.
Love the enemies-to-lovers trope? What about workplace romances? We have them all right here!
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The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive Smith is a Ph.D. student who does not believe in her ability to be in love. When her best friend develops a crush on someone she dated briefly, she decides to kiss the first man she sees in order to prove she is over him.
That one kiss happens to be with THE Adam Carlsen, an academic genius. The two decide to fake-date and what starts out as pretend, becomes something more- for Olive. I loved this fake dating, office romance novel and it has a well-earned spot on its list of the best romance novels of all time.
Books like The Love Hypothesis with Characters in STEM
Raiders of the Lost Heart
Author: Jo Segura
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía, a spirited archaeologist, dreams of unearthing an ancient Aztec warrior’s bones from deep within the Mexican jungle. Her dream comes true when she is invited to a dig site, but she’s not alone.
Enter the infuriatingly handsome Dr. Ford Matthews, her rival since grad school, now sharing the spotlight and leading the dig. The jungle adventure takes a twist as they unite against a crafty thief, all while sparks fly between them.
Why Kirsten loves it
It makes me so happy when romances get original with their storylines. I’ve never read a romance set on an archeological dig site, so I loved it! This is a fun one for fans of Indiana Jones and Bad Ass women in Stem.
Find this book in: Books like the Love Hypothesis
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I was not prepared for this book! Reader beware that it is the Rosie Project with a sprinkle of Pretty Woman and a whole lot of 50 Shades.
It is not offensive in the least but, I listened to this one, and let me say that I am very glad that my kids were not in the car. I did not realize that some of the scenes would be graphic.
It is a great romance with a neurodiverse main character named Stella who hires an escort to teach her about relationships and I loved it. This contemporary romance is definitely on its way to classic status and has a well-earned place on our list of books like The Love Hypothesis.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Author: Graeme Simsion
Year: 2013
Genre: Fiction
More info: International Sensation
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
You know how this book is going to end even before you start reading it. However, that does not make the journey any less enjoyable. I found it to be cute and endearing.
Don Tillman is the autistic narrator. We listen to every unfiltered thought in his quest to find a wife. His scientific approach to this endeavor was simultaneously endearing and unromantic, but right on par with the way Don thinks.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn’t sure if Don actually cared but soon discovered that he cared deeply, he just expresses that in a different way
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the first books I read with an autistic character and I think it opened up the possibility of writing about neurodivergent people as main characters in the story as opposed to supporting characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved watching Don as he continued along his journey to find love and find a wife.
Find this book in: Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings
Harper is a dental student who has worked so hard over the past three years to get into the best oral surgery program in the country. She will not let anyone or anything stand in her way. Her determination and grit remind me of Olive and this book needs to be included on a list of Books Like The Love Hypothesis.
When Harper crashes into Dan, a first-year dental student, everything changes. Despite being determined to stay “just friends”, Harper is finding that harder every day.
I enjoyed this pick from our list of romance books. There are detailed descriptions of Harper’s anxiety which at times is completely debilitating. I liked the fact that this book looks at anxiety and depression as a part of these characters without glossing over the realities.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
This was a book that I totally enjoyed. I read reviews that people didn’t like Chloe. They thought she was whiny and annoying. I completely disagree.
I thought that she was funny, quirky, and had more depth than I initially thought. It is a well-written romance with a little more story than I usually find in this genre and for this reason
Find this book in Books like The Love Hypothesis / Books with Colors in the Title
The Love Proof by Madeleine Henry
Is there a formula that can prove love exists? Madeleine Henry does such a great job of mixing love with a drop of science to create this love story that spans decades. Sophie Jones is a physics prodigy exploring time.
During her first week at Yale she meets Jake Kristopher and the two immediately start a romance. But when the romance starts pulling Sophie from school, their relationship is tested.
Sophie throws herself into her work to prove what she has always known (I won’t spoil this adorable read but it’s perfect for a list of books similar to The Love Hypothesis). I wish the book was a little bit longer because I want to know more.
Work Romances Books Like The Love Hypothesis
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
As soon as I saw what this book was about, I knew I wanted to read it. I love Emily Henry books. Nora is a literary agent who is a shark for her clients. Her life is books and will stop and nothing for her job or her little sister, Libby.
When Libby begs Nora to take her to Sunshine Falls, the setting of one of her most famous books, she reluctantly agrees. When they get there, the town does not look anything like the book describes. In addition, her literary nemesis, book editor Charlie Lastra is in Sunshine Falls.
Now, Nora and Charlie find themselves together in a plot twist neither of them could see coming. This amazing romance about books is perfect for our list of Books Like The Love Hypothesis and is a must-read if you loved the book.
The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
I picked up The Ex-Talk because I wanted to read a romance by a Jewish author. I loved that this one featured a biracial, interfaith couple.
The concept was cute – two radio show hosts fake a relationship to try to get ratings. Except they are pretending they already dated and broke up… which eventually leads to them dating.
This fake dating book was a cute, easy read. This is an office romance novel that is perfect for books like The Love Hypothesis.
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
In this romance, Laurie is completely blind-sided when her partner of 18 years leaves her without warning. When her ex’s new girlfriend becomes pregnant within months of the breakup, Laurie is devastated.
When Laurie gets stuck in an elevator with Jamie (the office ladies’ man), they devise a plan. Laurie can get back at her ex and Jamie can get a promotion by showing he has a respectable girlfriend. But, as time goes by, it is harder to draw the line between fake and real. This is another office romance novel that is perfect for a list of books like The Love Hypothesis.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
I’m an avid weather lover, so this was one of my most anticipated Winter 2022 new releases!
In this romance novel, weather girl Ari teams up with sports anchor Russ to get their feuding bosses back together Parent-Trap style. This sweet and hilarious office romance novel is perfect for a list of books like The Love Hypothesis as well.
Along the way, they kindle sparks of their own! There are lots of fun weather puns, adorable scenarios for both romantic pairs, and love scenes that aren’t for the faint of heart🔥🔥🔥.
The best part of all is that the book deals with REAL life issues like depression, body image, teen pregnancy, and complex families.
If you love workplace romances, head over to our post 14 Hot Office Romance Books You Need to Read Now for more.
Enemies to Lovers Books Similar to The Love Hypothesis
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
When I learned that Tessa Bailey used Schitt’s Creek’s Alexis as her inspiration for Piper, I knew I had to read this grumpy sunshine romance.
After getting in trouble one-to-many times for her party-girl lifestyle, Piper and her sister are banished back to their late father’s hometown in Washington.
While she’s learning to be responsible and money-conscious for the first time in her life, she needs to try not to fall for a local fisherman, Brendan. This is a sailing novel with heat!
Find this book in Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books similar to The Love Hypothesis / Emily Henry books.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!
This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!
Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books
Bringing Down the Duke
Author: Evie Dunmore
Year: 2019
Genre: Political Romance
More info: Book 1 of 4 from A League of Extraordinary Women
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Evie Dunmore’s debut novel spanned a series of badass women during the Suffragette era. While the story is a romance, don’t let that fool you! You’ll get a history lesson on the suffrage movement in English History as well as a lesson on Estate and Inheritance laws — which were still of utmost importance a few decades later when Downton Abbey takes place.
Annabelle Archer has the scholarship to be one of the first women to study at Oxford. In order to keep it, she must spy on the Duke of Montgomery and try to persuade him to the suffragette’s cause.
Why Kirsten loves it
The chemistry between these two crackled off the page in this romance. If books are up your alley, this book is perfect for you. I loved Dunmore’s portrayal of strong women who stuck to their guns.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Historical Romance Novels / Books like Bridgerton / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
This book was my choice for a classic adaptation and I loved this contemporary fiction book it. Food and romance are at the center of this book and I thought that it was done so well.
It has all the classic conflicts of Pride and Prejudice with a fresh new spin that made the book so relatable and easy to read. The conflicts make it perfect for books like The Love Hypothesis.
If you love Enemies-to-lovers books, we have an entire post!
Fake Dating Books Like the Love Hypothesis
The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory
This was such a fun read- it was perfect to take with me for a weekend away. When Alexa gets stuck in an elevator with Drew, she makes the crazy choice to accompany him as a fake wedding date to a wedding the next day. If you love fake dating books, this is one of the books like The Love Hypothesis you must read.
What she didn’t account for was the fact that there might be some real attraction between them. She is a good girl and he is a commitment-phoebe. Can they make it work? We think you’ll love this wedding book.
The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
For the last two years, I have been emotionally dependent on romance books to take me away from the reality of the pandemic. Every time I think that things are looking up, I am thrown for a loop.
Tara does not do relationships because one heartbreak is enough. But, when she meets her best-friends new brother-in-law, sparks fly between them.
Suddenly, Tara finds herself in a dare to date the gorgeous and tempting Seth Kim without falling in love. This book was everything that I hoped it would be and is perfect if you loved the love hypothesis book.
More Books Like the Love Hypothesis
Lessons in Chemistry
Author: Bonnie Garmus
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society- the kitchen and the home. I did not know what to expect when the book started and I never could have guessed where the story would take me.
Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.
She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America how to cook and follow their dreams outside of the home.
Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. This is also an absolutely wonderful book about motherhood!
Trigger Warnings
Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
Elizabeth Zott is never characterized as neurodivergent. However, the way that she relates to the other characters leads me to believe that she is. I love the character growth and I was cheering for her success throughout the entire book. Can I also tell you how much I LOVE Six-Thirty?
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved seeing a woman before her time being a powerful strong role-model. She thrived and set a great example for her daughter. That is not even to mention the narration of this book! She is so great and so is six-thirty.
Find this book in: Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide / 15 Books Like Lessons in Chemistry/ Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Books About Women in the Workplace / Books About Food / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
The True Love Experiment
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Felicity “Fizzy” Chen is a romance novelist who has never been in love and she is beginning to think she has lost her mojo. Connor Prince is a documentary filmmaker who is thrown off balance when he needs to create a reality TV show.
When he convinces Fizzy to be the star of this show, sparks fly. The two have undeniable chemistry but will this ruin the TV show that is supposed to be about finding Fizzy’s true love? The show is supposed to see if chemistry is the same as compatibility. It is in essence, the science of love.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a delightful celebrity romance and the science element makes it perfect for anyone looking for something like The Love Hypothesis.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Novels / Books like The Love Hypothesis / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
Bee is a brilliant and unconventional scientist who lives by a strict code “What would Marie Curie Do?” She even has a secret Twitter account to help other female scientists in a male-dominated workplace.
When she is offered her dream job at NASA, she cannot wait to start until she realizes that she is not the lead scientist. She is the co-lead with her work nemesis Levi Ward. To make matters worse, he seems to be sabotaging everything that she tries to do. Could there be a better pick for enemies-to-lovers books?
Ali Hazelwood does an amazing job of writing fantastic romances while still including the struggles that women have to deal with daily.
Find this Book in Office Romances / Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Beach Reads 2023 / Audie Awards 2023
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Any romance novel by Ali Hazelwood has become a must-read so, it is no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read her newest STEMinist romcom!
Elsie has learned to live two lives; an adjunct professor in theoretical physicist by day and a fake girlfriend the rest of the time (to make ends meet). She has also learned to read people and become the Elsie that they want her to be.
When she interviews for her dream job as a theoretical physics professor at MIT, her two worlds collide. How? I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Elsie learns what she really wants an how to ask for it in a delightful and charming way.
This steamy romance novel is a must-read from our ultimate list of beach reads. It’s one of my picks for the best romance books of 2023 too! If you are looking for books for summer, this one is for you.
The Complete List of Romance Tropes: Our 12 Favorites
Looking for more romances categorized by trope? Here are all my favorites.
Ultimate List of Romances
If you love The Love Hypothesis and all things romance, then this is the list for you! We have this list carefully divided by sub-genre.
