Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood Narrator: Brooke Bloomingdale
Published by Berkley, Penguin Audio on August 23, 2022
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
Length: 11 hours, 7 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project—a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia—Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.
Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school—archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.
Now, her equipment is missing, the staff is ignoring her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle. Perhaps it’s her occipital cortex playing tricks on her, but Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas…devouring her with those eyes. And the possibilities have all her neurons firing. But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there’s only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?
I always enjoy the books by this author. I realize now they have have some similarities. The characters are based in interesting science study or work. The female is talented, smart and has not had good experiences with men. She has focused on her intellectual life more than her emotional one. Sometimes they have good family or friends but not always.  The men are also smart, usually totally fall for the woman, but like the woman, have focused intellectually rather than social relationships so they don’t tell her. The woman is insecure about relationships because they haven’t gone well, and this guy is actually amazing in his kindness and support. Although, he may be a typical male not realizing how other men ignore the woman’s contributions, ideas or authority unless backstopped by a man.
Bee and Levi follow much of this pattern. They crossed paths in grad school and Bee is sure Levi hates her. They are smart, caring people and actual fit together well. Others, maliciously, get in the way of their relationship, past and present. The project they are working is so exciting and so frustrating. The real problem is the politics of it. Like me, Bee wants to do the work, and hates the politics.
I really loved how perfect Bee and Levi were together. They brought out the best of each other, encouraging and supporting growth. They both have difficulties from their family history.  They thrived in spite of those problems.
I enjoyed their story and the project they developed. Things were more complex, and even dangerous, than they seemed. The situation hit rock bottom before it was resolved. I didn’t figure anything out before it happened and was just along for the ride.  Love on the Brain was true to the author’s style, sciencey, fun and with a bit of mystery.
Narration:
The narrator was new to me. I was comfortable with all her voices, male and female with the men sounding authentic.  I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:Â HERE
Giveaway:
Enter to win a new print copy of Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. US only
About Ali Hazelwood
I’m Ali, and I write contemporary romcom novels about women in STEM and academia. I love cats, Nutella, and side ponytails. I’m also currently learning to crochet, so as you can tell I’m a super busy gal with an intense and exciting life!
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
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This author does seem to have a theme, using her background in a wonderful way. Wonderful review, Anne💜 That’s a new-to-me narrator, too, so that’s good feedback.
Thank you Jonetta. I do really like her theme with the science. The characters have some personality traits also connected to their career focus. It’s interesting.
I haven’t read Ali Hazelwood yet, but she’s one of those authors I see everywhere, and I think her style is one I’d love!
I do love it. I just got philosophical about the themes and style that connect her characters.
I really enjoyed this one! Even though all of her books feature “STEMinists,” and have similarities, I find each unique and have enjoyed them all. I got really frustrated with Levi at first… I wasn’t sure if I’d like him, but the author does a great job winning me over.
Thanks Jen. I really love her books and the science theme too. It was easy to get frustrated with Levi because of the way Bee saw him. Until you see how he was trying to protect himself which Bee did to him also. He was wonderful to her even when he thought he had to steer clear. But I loved them working together best of all.
Cant wait to read this one
I hope you love it too!
I have not read this author YET but I really want to. Hopefully soon!
Thanks so much!
I’ve really enjoyed them all and think you could pick any of them and love it.
I posted my review for this book today too! I just loved it and I enjoyed your review very much.
Thank you Wendy. I do love strong women and science.
An author I never got a chance to read. Hopefully one day.
I know it’s tough to get to things even when you really want to read them. If you want to try her out, you could read one of the novellas she wrote this late spring. The three of them are much shorter; you could read one and see if you enjoy her style. I love the science but if that’s not your thing they may not resonate with you as much.
I think this is the book I’m looking forward to reading the most! I adored The Love Hypothesis. 😀
I hope you love this one just as much!
I enjoyed The Love Hypothesis and definitely plan to pick this one up sometime soon. I am glad to see that you enjoyed it!
It’s very fun and I love the science.
I’m glad this one was a winner for you. I’m starting it this weekend and I’m so excited to meet Bee and Levi.
Enjoy! I look forward to your thoughts.
It’s on my list.
I hope you love it too.
I loved this book so much! I just bought The Love Hypothesis, because now I just have to read that one as well.
I loved this and I loved The Love Hypothesis even more. So I hope you enjoy!
Awwww this sounds so good.
If you’ve worked in STEM, these are really a joy to read.
Great review! I absolutely LOVED the book! Bee is hilarious! And those cat puns??? So funny!
Thank you Elizabeth. I have loved every Ali Hazelwood book I have read.