Looking for an unforgettable collection of books like The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood? As an award-winning author and veteran blogger, I know how powerful stories can open conversations about difficult topics, such as the difficulties women face in STEM careers and the romantic challenges smart, strong women encounter.
You’ll find detailed reviews of more than a dozen of my favorites in the roundup below. I know you find something dreamy that tickles your funny bone and makes you blush—or something sexist that rankles (or both). Happy reading!
Drive to June by Khristina Chess
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Witty romance
What it’s about
A girl drowning in grief and addiction is thrown a lifeline by an unexpected and romantic stranger—if she’s brave enough to take it.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“You do realize that a car is a mobile make-out location, right?” Ian said. ― Khristina Chess from Drive to June.
What kind of girl drinks after a drunk driver kills her mom?
Sixteen months ago, Adrianna lost her mother. Since then, she’s been drowning her grief—one bottle at a time. With her father always away and her sister off at college, no one notices she’s slowly draining the wine collection and numbing herself to an awful secret she can’t face.
Now, she can’t quit.
Then one evening, a pizza delivery boy finds her crying on the roof of her house and offers to teach her how to drive—and somehow, that changes everything.
Wow—what a ride! Drive to June grabs you from the start and never lets go. It’s more than a story about alcohol abuse—it’s funny, romantic, and deeply emotional, unraveling the truth of grief, healing, and unexpected love. Adrianna and Ian’s chemistry is undeniable, and their growing connection makes this novel dreamy, raw, and unforgettable.
If you loved The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, this is your next must-read.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Quirky science gal with professional challenges, witty
What it’s about
A female chemist struggles to make her way in a male-dominated STEM environment and finds herself in funny situations, as well as academic and workplace sexual harassment.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Because while stupid people may not know they’re stupid because they’re stupid, surely unattractive people must know they’re unattractive because of mirrors.” ― Bonnie Garmus from Lessons in Chemistry
Lessons in Chemistry is one of the best books I've read in a while. It made me laugh out loud on many occasions. Elizabeth Zott has a direct and no nonsense practicality about her that is so lovable. Her dog, six thirty, makes a delightful sidekick. That she teaches him almost 1,000 words (and the author gives him a point of view) is beyond wonderful.
Elizabeth's struggles for equality in a male-dominated world were poignant and emotional. She demonstrated great restraint and composure when it wasn't deserved. I felt grateful to women of her generation for the opportunities I enjoy today in the technology workplace.
This is an inspiring, page-turning, and important book about women in this field and the challenges faced historically to make progress in this area. If you devoured The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, you will like this one.
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Why it’s like The Love Hypothesis
Smart "tech" girls, fun romance
What it’s about
A girl and a boy become embroiled in a Twitter feud that begins with snarky Tweets but quickly escalates into a viral sensation.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“It's weird, how you have no idea how far you've come until suddenly you can't find the way back.” ― Emma Lord from Tweet Cute
Tweet Cute is a sweet YA romance told in alternating viewpoints of two teens who are engaged in a Twitter war for their family businesses. In a case of hidden identities, Pepper and Jack also are involved in a secret budding relationship through an app that conceals their identity from one another. What could possibly go wrong?
Plenty!
I loved all of the food in the book, and the world from Pepper's point of view felt very real to me. She has never left beyond the general radius of her NY apartment, and the adventure of getting on a train for her college interview seemed big and important. I could also get a real sense of Jack's neighborhood and the deli and its patrons. Both teens had very rich character development.
As a romantic novel, I had bigger expectations when the couple finally got together. It didn't feel quite as satisfying in that aspect as it might have been. Still, a can’t-put-down great read, and I definitely recommend it as a binge-worthy novel for fans of The Love Hypothesis.
The Future Unborn by Khristina Chess
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Smart girls in STEM, personal ambition versus societal constraints, witty romance
What it’s about
A brilliant robotics student faces an unplanned pregnancy as she prepares her MIT college applications
Why I Love It - Book Review
“There is no place for the word twerking anywhere on your college application. Ever.” ― Khristina Chess, quote from The Future Unborn
What if helping someone you love means giving up all of your dreams?
Ignore the cover. Trust the story. The Future Unborn is an unexpected novel that balances humor, STEM, love, high-stakes ambition, and a pregnancy test in a deeply compelling narrative.
Kansas Jones has it all: class president, varsity swim team, straight-A student, a future at MIT.
Then one misstep results in an unplanned pregnancy—threatening all her hopes and dreams.
Kansas thinks twelve weeks is plenty of time to act, but with finals, college applications, and the R2-RoboCon competition piling up, the clock is ticking faster than she ever imagined.
When a family tragedy shifts her perspective, she finds herself facing a tough choice that no blueprint can solve.
What makes The Future Unborn so special is the blend of lighthearted banter, robotics team collaboration, a sweet romance, and the a gut-wrenching decision that’s as hopeful as it is heartbreaking. If Lessons in Chemistry left your breathless, you won’t want to miss this YA book about young women in STEM. Think Juno meets The Love Hypothesis.
Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood
Why It’s like the love hypothesis
Sexism & strong female in a historical context
What it’s about
A woman steals her 2-year-old daughter from a state-run institution and flees across state lines in a fight to be able to keep her.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“A body forgets, but the heart remembers.” ― T. Greenwood from Keeping Lucy
Inspired by a 1971 article about horrific conditions at the Belchertown State School for the Feeble-Minded, this thrilling historical novel by T. Greenwood explores the powerlessness of women at that time, society’s response to handicaps, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.
After seeing an expose about the school where her daughter was taken at birth, Ginny decides to visit and see for herself. She is so shocked by the conditions that she checks out her daughter, who she is seeing for the very first time and who has Down Syndrome, and she flees with a friend to Florida. In the thrilling journey that follows, the two women are chased, have car trouble, take shelter in a seedy motel, and run out of money.
I loved the way the author portrayed the challenges Ginny faced. She’d never driven a car in her life. Any access to money came through her husband, who expected her to follow along and not ask questions.
If you’re looking for books about sexism like that in The Love Hypothesis, check out this one, where a mother kidnaps her daughter and resists her overbearing father-in-law and husband to do the right thing. Note that there is nothing funny here.
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Smart girls in STEM
What it’s about
A top student and runner aspires to attend MIT, but faces several personal challenges and family responsibilities.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“A teacher (a good teacher) is composed of molecules of education and intelligence, bonded together by patience and passion.” ― Laurie Halse Anderson, quote from Catalyst
Kate Malone is another hopeful MIT applicant. A smart math and science nerd, she is regimented about organizing all aspects of her life. In fact, she is so confident that MIT will accept her that she has not applied to any other colleges.
Things don’t go as planned. Worse, things change at home that force Kate to adapt in ways she never expected.
While Catalyst wasn’t my favorite Laurie Halse Anderson novel, it does fit this list for books like Lessons in Chemistry because Kate is a young woman in STEM, dealing with all the issues that entails. Check it out!
Laurie Halse Anderson is another author on my list of Best YA Authors to Binge on Kindle Unlimited.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
More Ali Hazelwood!! Strong woman in STEM, profesional challenges, witty romance
What it’s about
A theoretical physicist moonlights as a “fake girlfriend” for a side hustle that lands her in trouble with a professional rival.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Physics is like sex: it may yield practical results, but often that’s not why we do it.” ― Ali Hazelwood from Love, Theoretically
Love, Theoretically isn't the delightful gold standard that The Love Hypothesis is, but this book definitely answers my question: do I love this author?
Yes, yes I do!
I didn't love her second book, Love on the Brain at all, so this was a real question. However, this third return, Love, Theoretically brings two characters with great chemistry, great banter, a great science problem, a solid conflict, and a great overall story.
Elsie and Jack are fun couple to watch, especially as Elsie grows as a character and discovers what she really wants... honestly.
More, please. :-)
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Witty and dreamy romance
What it’s about
A sweet and heartbreaking story of first love that won’t disappoint.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I just can’t believe that life would give us to each other,” he said, “and then take it back.”
“I can,” she said. “Life’s a bastard.” ― Rainbow Rowell from Eleanor and Park
It's been a long time since I've encountered a novel that I literally couldn't put down. Eleanor & Park was one of those books. I loved every minute. I sat on the porch, on the couch, on the floor by the window... and devoured this book. It was a wonderful reading experience about first love. Sweet and heartbreaking and everything I wanted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, romantic young love story.
The story unfolds from alternating points of view, both Eleanor and Park, as they fall in love over the course of one year. The dialog is witty, snappy, and fun.
As a super-dreamy book about about young love, it will give you all the feels. If you devoured The Love Hypothesis, you won’t want to miss this.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Historical strong woman in STEM, profesional challenges & sexism
What it’s about
Set in New England in 1789, not long after the American Revolution, a midwife challenges men in the community about a murder in the community.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“It’s an unimaginative accusation and one that I am frankly tired of hearing. Witchcraft. As though there is no other explanation for a woman who excels at her work.”― Ariel Lawhon, quote from The Frozen River
What a wonderful book! Historical fiction isn't my usual genre, but the cover and the accolades for The Frozen River made me give it a try.
On a high level, this mystery is about a midwife named Martha Ballard. The body of an accused rapist is found frozen in the river, and after examination, Martha says that the victim was murdered. She becomes a key witness in a trial for the woman who was raped because she treated the woman's wounds after the assault. The other accused man is a judge.
This novel has many layers. Beyond the mystery, there is the social commentary on women, family, sexual assault, and society during early days of America in New England. Paul Revere is mentioned as a friend of the family. The author depicts a rich setting of cold winter, warm homes and hearts, young love and pre-marital relationships, and the early court system. I couldn't put it down.
I will definitely read other novels by Ariel Lawhon! If you loved the strong, historical women in Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus, you will definitely devour The Frozen River.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Witty and dreamy romance
What it’s about
A girl falls in love with the boy next door in this highly romantic summer love story.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“His bed’s really comfortable. And he never pees in it.” ― Huntley Fitzpatrick from My Life Next Door
This adorable YA love story is compelling and has an unexpected ending. Everything about the messy Garrett house draws Samantha into it, but especially the good-looking son, Jase. He’s one of several children in the house. His little brother, George, has some of the best lines. I laughed out loud. The sneaking around teen love stuff was pretty wonderful. Samantha’s best friend is a jerk, and her sister is too. No wonder she’s so drawn to the loving family next door.
Samantha is keeping this relationship with Jase a secret from her mom and everyone else in her life, but eventually that blows up in her face. In the process, she learns some lessons about who she is and who she wants to be.
If you liked The Love Hypothesis, this dreamy YA book will leave you smiling for days. It evokes all those light feelings of happiness, joy, and romantic love. You just can’t help sighing about that first kiss. You can’t wait for Samantha and Jase to take their relationship to the next level, and your heart breaks when things get rocky. This is such a sweet story. So cute!
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Why it’s like the love hypothesis
Dreamy romance, fake dating tropes
What it’s about
A teenage girl's secret love letters are accidentally mailed to the boys, forcing her to confront her past crushes and navigate unexpected romance.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“I want to say yes, but I don't want to be with a boy whose heart belongs to somebody else. Just once, I want to be somebody else's first choice.” ― Jenny Han from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Lara Jean is a super sweet adorable character, and even though the story seems like a common love triangle, there are enough twists to keep the pages turning. Plus, Lara Jean herself is such a star. She’s naive and on her own for the first time, and she’s making all kinds of mistakes. She’s basically a train wreck. I love her immensely. Two plot points surprised me, and I thought I had those wrapped up early on.
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did, but I finished it in two sittings. Now I see why everyone’s been reading it! :-)
Something about Lara Jean reminds me of Olive Smith in The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
Why it’s the love hypothesis
Strong woman in STEM, professional challenges, witty romance
What it’s about
Two scientists share a coveted project and manage to fall in love.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a community of women trying to mind their own business must be in want of a random man’s opinion.” ― Ali Hazelwood from Love on the Brain
In this nerdy romance, Bee and Levi are scientists working together on a project for NASA. He's an engineer and she's the neuroscientist. Bee has lots of quirky and adorable qualities, but I missed the laugh-out-loud humor I found in The Love Hypothesis. These characters came across as a bit flat.
Still, it's a good romance for fans of Lessons in Chemistry. I rooted for Bee and Levi to work out their issues and fall in love. I thought the roommate's surprise romance felt bolted on rather than fully integrated and seemed like an unnecessary distraction from the main story line.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
why it’s like the love hypothesis
Strong female protagonist in male-dominated environment
What it’s about
Set in occupied France during WWII, two sisters contribute to the war effort in different ways, each heroic in its own right.
Why I Love It - Book Review
“Vianne didn’t hesitate. She knew now that no one could be neutral—not anymore—and as afraid as she was of risking Sophie’s life, she was suddenly more afraid of letting her daughter grow up in a world where good people did nothing to stop evil, where a good woman could turn her back on a friend in need." ― Kristin Hannah from The Nightingale
The Nightingale starts slowly. It takes its time with characterization and setting, but when the Germans invade Paris, the plotting picks up and doesn't stop. Two sisters give their perspective on events as they unfold. Isabelle, the impulsive one, has a heroic story to tell about saving airmen, while her older sister Vianne takes another route that is ultimately heroic in its own right. These women have a complicated family relationship, both with each other and also with their father.
For the last 150 pages, I curled up and cried and cried. Not since Elie Wiesel's "Night" have I been so horrified by the atrocities that the Nazis committed. Kristin Hannah does not flinch as she shows readers the brutality that Jews, French citizens, and allied fighters experienced during World War II. It's unfathomable that humans can inflict such evil on one another. That individuals rose up with such courage is astonishing. Isabella was not even twenty years old when she began her fight. Her sister had much more to lose, as did all the other French citizens who found ways to resist, to save Jewish children as their parents were forced onto trains, and all the others who didn't give up even with starvation, sickness, cold, and great loss.
Be sure to give The Nightingale a look. It's one of those books that will keep me thinking for a long time.
Other Books like The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
If you are looking for other books like The Love Hypothesis, check out the Readers Who Enjoyed The Love Hypothesis list on Goodreads.
You might also be interested in my post, Other Good Reads, which lists other reviews of Binge-Worthy YA Books So Addicting You Can’t Stop Reading.
Author Bio
Khristina Chess is an award-winning author of a dozen young adult novels, including The Cutting Edge of Friendship, The Delinquent Hero, and Junior Missing. Hollow Beauty, her book about eating disorders, was named a finalist in the Next Generation India Book Awards. She tackles tough teen topics and writes binge-worthy books across multiple genres, including contemporary, thriller, mystery, and adventure.
In a recent interview from her alma mater, she described how her experience in the creative writing program prepared her for success.
