'The Love Hypothesis' won Amazon's best romance book of 2021, has a near-perfect rating on Goodreads, and is all over TikTok. Here's why it's such a unique love story.

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  • " The Love Hypothesis " grabbed the attention of romance readers everywhere in 2021.
  • It was named Amazon's Best Romance Novel of 2021 and was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award.
  • This book checks off all my boxes for a great romance read and is definitely worth the hype.

Insider Today

This year, Amazon named " The Love Hypothesis " by Ali Hazelwood the best romance book of the year. Even though it was only recently published in September 2021, "The Love Hypothesis" has quickly become a fan-favorite, with 88% of Goodreads reviewers giving it four- or five-star-level praise .

It was also nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award and is hugely popular amongst Book of the Month members , with only 1% of readers giving it a "disliked" rating.

the love hypothesis love scene

"The Love Hypothesis" is about Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate studying pancreatic cancer at Stanford. In an attempt to convince one of her best friends that she's moved on from an old crush, she impulsively kisses Dr. Adam Carlsen, the department's notoriously brutal (but undeniably attractive) professor. After the kiss, Adam and Olive agree to fake a relationship so she can prove to her friend that she's happily dating and he can convince their department that he isn't planning to leave anytime soon.

I'm a little picky about my romance novels , so giving this read every bit of a five-star review didn't come lightly. My standards are high because the best romance novels have the potential to expose readers to authentic and imperfect relationships and offer new topics of discussion without making us feel like it's a story we've already read. 

With all the hype surrounding this new romance read, I couldn't resist picking it up.

Here's why "The Love Hypothesis" is one of my favorite recent romance books:

1. the story focuses a lot on olive and adam's lives outside their romance, making their love story more believable and interesting..

Romance novels tend to fall into a few popular tropes such as " enemies-to-lovers " or "forbidden love." "The Love Hypothesis" combines two of the most popular tropes right now, "Fake dating" and "grumpy/sunshine," really well — I loved the contrast between Adam's serious attitude to Olive's bright and sugary one. 

But despite following these tropes, the story feels fresh because it's also largely about Olive's work and its meaning to her. The only other romance book I've read featuring a STEM heroine is "The Kiss Quotient" , so I loved seeing that representation and learning about something new. 

The story honestly reflected the challenges Ph.D. candidates face in academia and that authenticity — deepened by the author's personal experiences — brought the characters, the settings, and the romance to life even more as Olive and Adam faced challenges with funding, time-consuming research, and questioning their sense of purpose.

2. The steamier scenes are also awkward and realistic, which made them even better.

In romance books, there are a few different levels of how graphic a steamy scene can get , from little-to-no detail to explicitly outlined movements. (I personally prefer mine to "fade to black.")

There was only one chapter with adult content, and it was definitely graphic. While I made a ton of ridiculous faces while reading and tried to skim past the parts that made me audibly gasp, I loved that it wasn't a movie-made, perfect sex scene with graceful movements and smooth dialogue. The scene was a little awkward, imperfect, and full of consent and conversation, making it refreshingly real.

3. The book deals with other topics besides the main love story, making it a much deeper read.

While it's wonderful to get swept up in the magic of a romantic storyline, having a secondary plot that addresses real issues is what makes a romance novel truly great . 

Mild spoilers and content warnings ahead: While "The Love Hypothesis" is a fun romantic read, it also addresses the pain of familial death, power differentials, intimacy challenges, and, most prevalently, workplace sexual harassment. 

Love is beautiful, fun, and amazing, but "The Love Hypothesis" takes the opportunity to also include conversations about serious issues. While these topics may be tough for some readers, I think these plot points, hard conversations, and complicated emotions take "The Love Hypothesis" to the next level and make it a five-star read. 

The bottom line

"The Love Hypothesis" has everything I personally look for in a romance novel: A unique storyline, authentic characters, and an important message. If you're looking for a perfectly balanced romance read, "The Love Hypothesis" is worth the hype and definitely one of the best romance books to come out in the past year.

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  • Main content

Your Book Corner

The Love Hypothesis Summary & Review – Where Heart and Science Unite

  • Author: Ali Hazelwood
  • Originally published: September 14, 2021
  • Page Count: 383 pages, Paperback
  • Genres: Romance , Contemporary , Fiction

the love hypothesis love scene

In the enchanting world of romance literature, where love stories flourish like wildflowers in spring, one novel has taken the genre by storm – “The Love Hypothesis” by the talented wordsmith, Ali Hazelwood. With hearts aflutter and pages turned eagerly, readers have been swept away by this delightful tale of love, science, and a charmingly flawed heroine. As the buzz around this book continues to crescendo, we embark on our own journey through its pages, armed with a commitment to honesty and fairness. This review aims to provide a comprehensive yet unvarnished analysis of “The Love Hypothesis,” a book that has captured the hearts of many and left us pondering both its triumphs and its trifles. Join us as we delve into the world of this captivating romance, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

The Love Hypothesis Summary

In the bustling world of academia, Olive Smith, a dedicated PhD candidate with a penchant for equations rather than emotions, finds herself at the center of an unexpected experiment – one involving love. “The Love Hypothesis,” penned by Ali Hazelwood, introduces us to Olive, a brilliant physicist focused on her career, until her path crosses with the notorious and charismatic Professor Adam Carlsen. Sparks fly, but not of the romantic kind, as Olive and Adam engage in a unique “relationship” born out of a scientific hypothesis.

As the story unfolds, we witness Olive’s journey from skepticism to curiosity and eventually, to an unexpected entanglement of the heart. With her pragmatic approach to life and love, Olive provides a refreshing perspective on the trials and tribulations of modern romance. And Adam, a character with secrets of his own, adds layers of complexity to their evolving connection.

What sets this story in motion is the intriguing premise of testing the hypothesis that a fake relationship can scientifically lead to real love. The book navigates the unpredictable waters of romance with humor, intelligence, and a touch of vulnerability. Yet, will this love experiment yield the expected results, or will it defy the very laws of nature it seeks to explore? Without giving away any of the story’s twists and turns, we invite you to embark on this journey with us as we delve deeper into “The Love Hypothesis” to uncover its charms and complexities.

Writing Style and Narrative

Ali Hazelwood’s writing style in “The Love Hypothesis” is a masterful symphony that weaves emotions and intellect together, creating a tapestry that draws readers into the hearts and minds of her characters. With a deft hand, Hazelwood employs vivid imagery that brings the academic setting to life, making lecture halls and research labs feel like tangible spaces where emotions flourish.

Dialogue, a vital tool in romance storytelling, is where Hazelwood truly shines. The banter between characters is both sharp and heartwarming, revealing hidden layers of wit and vulnerability. The interactions between Olive and Adam are particularly noteworthy, ranging from playful sparring to moments of unexpected tenderness. Each exchange feels authentic, adding depth to their connection and making their journey all the more captivating.

Hazelwood employs a distinctive narrative technique by alternating between Olive and Adam’s perspectives, granting readers insight into their individual struggles, desires, and hesitations. This approach enhances the reading experience by allowing us to witness the gradual transformation of their relationship from multiple angles. The intimate glimpses into their thoughts foster empathy, making us root for their happiness while acknowledging their flaws.

While the writing style skillfully captures emotions and relationships, some readers might find the occasional scientific jargon a hurdle. Although these elements contribute to the story’s authenticity, they can momentarily disrupt the flow for those less familiar with technical language. Despite this, the overall writing style enriches the narrative by immersing us in a world where romance and science coexist.

Ali Hazelwood’s writing not only paints a picture of the characters’ internal struggles but also transports readers to the emotional landscapes they traverse. Through eloquent prose and engaging dialogue, the writing style becomes an instrument of connection, drawing us into the story’s heart and encouraging us to invest in its outcome.

Character Development

In “The Love Hypothesis,” Ali Hazelwood’s characters are not just ink on paper; they are living, breathing souls with depth and complexity that gradually unfurl as the story unfolds. Olive Smith and Adam Carlsen, the protagonists of this romantic tale, embark on journeys of self-discovery and personal evolution that resonate with readers.

Olive, a brilliant scientist consumed by logic and equations, is a character of multifaceted layers. Her pragmatism, while admirable, also becomes a shield against vulnerability. As the narrative progresses, we witness her struggle to reconcile her rational approach with the unpredictable world of emotions. Her transformation is marked by moments of introspection, hesitation, and ultimately, courage. However, some readers might find certain aspects of Olive’s growth abrupt, with shifts in her mindset occurring relatively quickly.

Adam Carlsen, on the other hand, is introduced as the charismatic, enigmatic professor. His enigmatic facade gives way to reveal a man burdened by his past and striving for redemption. As his connection with Olive deepens, we witness his own journey towards healing and forgiveness. This growth is intricately woven into his interactions with Olive and his responses to challenges that arise.

While both characters display captivating development, there are instances where their actions and decisions might leave readers yearning for more context. Certain reactions or choices appear slightly disconnected from their established traits, introducing moments of inconsistency in their portrayal.

Despite these occasional inconsistencies, the characters’ evolution is a testament to Hazelwood’s ability to craft relatable human experiences. Their emotional authenticity draws readers in, allowing us to empathize with their struggles and celebrate their victories. The imperfections in their development, while noticeable, do not overshadow the overall impact of their growth, making Olive and Adam protagonists worthy of our investment.

Through intricate character development, “The Love Hypothesis” reminds us that growth is a nonlinear journey, fraught with uncertainty and complexity. The imperfections in their development, much like the flaws within us all, only serve to enhance the richness of the story.

Themes and Messages

Within the pages of “The Love Hypothesis,” Ali Hazelwood deftly weaves a tapestry of themes that resonate deeply with readers. Beyond the surface of romance, the story delves into layers of ambition, personal growth, and the complex interplay between logic and matters of the heart.

Love, of course, takes center stage as the book’s primary theme. The exploration of love as a force that defies scientific quantification provides an intriguing backdrop. The book navigates the different facets of love – from the unanticipated blossoming of emotions to the vulnerability that accompanies it. The story captures the raw essence of love’s unpredictability and challenges us to embrace its uncertainties.

Ambition, embodied by Olive’s dedication to her academic pursuits, is another theme interwoven with the narrative. The juxtaposition of Olive’s scientific precision with the enigmatic nature of love reflects the tension between the rational and the emotional. This theme prompts readers to reflect on the balance between pursuing one’s passions and opening oneself to emotional connections.

Personal growth emerges as a thread that binds the characters’ arcs. As Olive and Adam navigate their feelings and pasts, they undergo transformations that mirror the complexity of real-life evolution. The narrative effectively portrays the struggles and breakthroughs they experience, albeit with occasional instances of pacing that may affect the impact of their growth.

The themes come alive through Hazelwood’s skillful prose, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. Yet, there are moments when the messages might appear slightly overt, leaving little room for interpretation. This directness, while occasionally detracting from subtlety, ensures that readers grasp the intended takeaway.

Ultimately, “The Love Hypothesis” imparts messages of embracing vulnerability, embracing change, and recognizing that love often transcends the bounds of reason. The themes encourage readers to consider the interplay between intellect and emotion, and the value of taking risks in matters of the heart. As we immerse ourselves in these thematic currents, we’re reminded that love and growth are beautifully intertwined, creating a melody that resonates with the human experience.

Criticism & Room for Improvement

While “The Love Hypothesis” undeniably charms its readers, it’s essential to recognize that no book is without its imperfections. Let’s take a closer look at some aspects that may have left certain readers wanting more.

Firstly, pacing is an element that occasionally presents challenges in the story’s flow. While the narrative is generally engaging, there are moments when the pace feels uneven. The transitions between scenes and character developments can, at times, occur abruptly, which may disrupt the overall reading experience.

Additionally, the book’s reliance on scientific jargon might be a double-edged sword. While it adds authenticity to the academic backdrop, it could pose a hurdle for readers less familiar with such terminology. Striking a balance between maintaining realism and accessibility is a delicate task, and some may feel that the book leans a tad too heavily towards the former.

Character choices and reactions, while authentic in many instances, may also leave room for critique. Some readers have noted moments when character decisions appeared inconsistent with their established personalities, causing a slight disconnect between actions and motivations.

Critics have occasionally observed that the story’s central romance, while undoubtedly sweet, leans towards familiar tropes within the genre. While this familiarity can be comforting, it might leave readers craving a more unique twist or exploration of unconventional dynamics.

However, it’s important to remember that these critiques don’t overshadow the book’s merits. “The Love Hypothesis” has earned its accolades for a reason. Its ability to blend humor, intelligence, and vulnerability remains a commendable feat, and the characters’ authenticity shines through despite occasional inconsistencies.

In summary, the book’s pacing, use of scientific terminology, character choices, and reliance on familiar tropes are aspects that may have garnered criticism. These observations, however, are part of the broader conversation surrounding the book’s reception and don’t diminish its overall appeal. The beauty of literature lies in its subjectivity, and what one reader views as a critique, another may see as an endearing quirk.

In the delightful world of “The Love Hypothesis,” Ali Hazelwood has crafted a tale that marries science and emotion, intellect and heart. The book’s strengths lie in its vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and the intricate dance between logic and love. While pacing and minor inconsistencies exist, they don’t overshadow the book’s unique charm.

Embrace the journey of Olive and Adam, two souls navigating the uncharted territories of academia and matters of the heart. As you turn each page, you’ll be drawn into their captivating story, replete with moments of humor, vulnerability, and growth. “The Love Hypothesis” invites you to ponder the mysteries of love, personal evolution, and the sparks that ignite when reason meets emotion.

While opinions on books are as varied as the colors of a sunset, the invitation remains: Discover for yourself the magic woven within these pages. The world of “The Love Hypothesis” beckons with its own hypothesis – that beneath every critique lies a story waiting to be felt, a connection waiting to be made. Venture forth and experience the unique symphony of romance and science that Hazelwood has masterfully composed.

About the Author

the love hypothesis love scene

Ali Hazelwood, the creative force behind “The Love Hypothesis,” is a captivating storyteller known for her knack for blending romance and wit. With a background in engineering, Ali’s unique perspective infuses her writing with a touch of intellectual charm. She masterfully weaves relatable characters, heartfelt emotions, and scientific curiosity into her stories, making them both engaging and thought-provoking. Ali’s passion for exploring the intersection of logic and love shines through in her work, captivating readers with her ability to meld intricate plotlines with genuine emotion. As a rising star in the romance genre, Ali Hazelwood continues to enchant readers with her distinctive voice and her uncanny ability to spark both laughter and introspection.

“As we conclude this journey through “The Love Hypothesis,” we extend an open invitation to you, our cherished readers. Your thoughts and perspectives matter, and we’d love to hear your take on the book. Have you found resonance in its themes? Do you share our observations, or do you see the story from a different angle? Feel free to leave your comments below; this space is a platform for your voice.

Moreover, sharing is caring, and if “The Love Hypothesis” has touched your heartstrings or ignited your curiosity, don’t hesitate to share this review with fellow book enthusiasts. Whether it’s through your favorite social media channels, book clubs, or discussions with friends, your sharing can introduce others to a world of captivating emotions and intellectual intrigue.

As we celebrate the power of storytelling, we look forward to the vibrant conversations that will undoubtedly unfold. Your insights enrich not only our understanding of the book but also the collective experience of literature. So, let’s embark on a journey of words and feelings together, as we explore the pages of “The Love Hypothesis” and the myriad thoughts it sparks. ” – Your Book Corner

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Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding…six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

If you would like to read a list of content warnings for The Love Hypothesis (warning for mild spoilers), please click here . 

SUBSCRIBE TO ALI'S NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND EARLY UPDATES

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The love hypothesis, common sense media reviewers.

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Uneven romance has explicit sex, features women in STEM.

The Love Hypothesis book cover: A White woman in a lab coat and messy bun kisses a surprised looking White man with dark hair

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

An author's note explains Title IX and offers webs

You have to be strong and tough to make it in the

Olive and Ahn are good models of women in STEM. Th

Olive reads as White, is from Canada, and is very

An incident of verbal sexual assault with an attem

Other than a few kisses and some romantic tension,

"Bulls--t," "clit," "clusterf--k," "c--k," "d--k,"

A few food and beverage brands, and a couple of en

All characters are adults of legal drinking age in

Parents need to know that Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis is an adult romance set in the higher levels of academia at Stanford University. Ph.D. candidate Olive starts a fake relationship with a professor in hopes of inspiring her best friend to go for the man she's really interested in. Other than a few…

Educational Value

An author's note explains Title IX and offers websites supporting women and BIPOC women in STEM academic fields. The overall story provides insight into graduate and postgraduate academic life and careers, especially in STEM fields.

Positive Messages

You have to be strong and tough to make it in the academic world, especially in STEM fields. Don't be afraid to speak up when you've been harmed or you learn about something unethical. Your web of lies will eventually come to light, and when it does, it may cause more hurt than being truthful from the start would have.

Positive Role Models

Olive and Ahn are good models of women in STEM. They're extremely loyal and supportive of each other, and Anh creates chances to support other women, especially BIPOC women in STEM. Adam is very protective and kind on a personal level toward Olive, but to his students he's harsh and uncompromising and seems uncaring. Olive makes a grand gesture out of compassion for Anh and models perseverance in advancing her research and career.

Diverse Representations

Olive reads as White, is from Canada, and is very slim. Adam implies he's Jewish and is very tall and powerfully built. Best friend Anh's family is from Vietnam, and she identifies as a woman of color. Roommate Malcolm reads as White, dates men, and enters a romantic relationship with another man. Olive wonders if she's asexual.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

An incident of verbal sexual assault with an attempted kiss and coercion. An excerpt at the end from a future book has sexual harassment and cyberbullying. A man pins another against a wall by the collar and threatens to kill him.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Other than a few kisses and some romantic tension, there's only one sex scene, but it's extended, explicit, and meant to arouse. Oral and genital sex, manual stimulation, genital penetration, sucking nipples and genitals, and orgasm are described in detail with some crude words like "clit" and "c--k." Good examples of consent are modeled, and birth control and being "clean" are talked about. A few times adults talk about sex or sex acts like sixty-nining, butt stuff, and getting a "hand job."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Bulls--t," "clit," "clusterf--k," "c--k," "d--k," "f--k," "f--king," "holy crap," "holy s--t," "pr--k," "s--t," "s--tshow," ass," "assness," "bitch," "bitching," "butt," "crap," "crapfest," "dammit," "goddamned," "hell," "jackass," "pee," "smart-ass." "Jesus" as an exclamation.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

A few food and beverage brands, and a couple of entertainment franchises to establish character and setting.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

All characters are adults of legal drinking age in California, where the story is set. Very little actual drinking is depicted, but there are mentions of past drunkenness, a weekly beer and s'mores night, and taking advantage of free alcohol at academic meetings and conferences.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis is an adult romance set in the higher levels of academia at Stanford University. Ph.D. candidate Olive starts a fake relationship with a professor in hopes of inspiring her best friend to go for the man she's really interested in. Other than a few kisses and some romantic tension, there's only one sex scene, but it's extended, explicit, and meant to arouse. Oral and genital sex, manual stimulation, genital penetration, sucking nipples and genitals, and orgasm are described in detail with words like "clit" and "c--k." Main character Olive experiences verbal sexual assault, and an excerpt from another book in the back has sexual harassment and cyberbullying. Strong language includes "c--k," "d--k," "f--k," "pr--k," "s--t," and more. Adults mention past excessive drinking, look forward to free alcohol at university events, and have a weekly "beer and s'mores night." Two characters remember one of them projectile vomiting after eating bad shrimp, but it's not described. Olive is an orphan with no family. Her mother died of pancreatic cancer, so grief and loss are important themes, along with the struggles women still face in STEM-related fields.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

  • Parents say
  • Kids say (1)

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS is about Stanford graduate student Olive, who needs to convince her best friend, Anh, that it's OK for Anh to date a guy Olive had recently been seeing but wasn't really interested in. So she hatches a plan to "fake-date" none other than the Biology department's most prestigious professor, Adam Carlsen, who's also a huge jerk. As Olive and Adam's ruse gets harder and harder to keep up, Olive starts to feel like she wishes their dating wasn't actually fake. Will she be able to untangle her web of lies without ruining everything, for everyone?

Is It Any Good?

This romance set in the lofty world of a prestigious graduate school program has its ups and downs. It's refreshing to see women in STEM represented and important to highlight how much many women struggle in that world. The Love Hypothesis has some funny banter, especially with colorful supporting characters. Readers who enjoy very familiar romcom tropes will feel at home here, because this story is chock-full of them. The one explicit sex scene is easy to skip for those who aren't interested. A big drawback is Olive's truly bad and unrealistic decision making, which strains believability and takes the reader outside the story.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the graphic sex in The Love Hypothesis . Is it over-the-top? Realistic? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, and other media?

What are some concerns about reading or watching explicit sex ? Do you compare yourself or your body to the characters? Does it make you afraid, feel creepy, or unsure about what sex is like for real people?

What about all the strong language? Is it realistic? Is it a big deal? Why, or why not?

Talk about women studying and working in STEM fields. What are some of the challenges Olive and Ahn face? How do they deal with them? Who supports them? What can men do to make STEM fields more welcoming and inclusive?

Book Details

  • Author : Ali Hazelwood
  • Genre : Romance
  • Topics : STEM , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
  • Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Berkley
  • Publication date : September 14, 2021
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
  • Number of pages : 400
  • Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), iBooks, Kindle
  • Last updated : April 2, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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The Love Hypothesis Review: The Perfect Contemporary Romance for Science Lovers

September 23, 2021 by Jenna | 4 stars , Books , Reviews

The Love Hypothesis Review: The Perfect Contemporary Romance for Science Lovers

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees. That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs. Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Ever since I first heard about  The Love Hypothesis  early this year through Nick @ The Infinite Limits of Love , I’ve been waiting with bated breath for it to be released. The book follows Olive, who is a PhD candidate in biology, and Dr Adam Carlsen, an academic in her department, which got me super excited because I have a PhD in psychology and it sounded like a story that I could really relate to. And I absolutely did!

The novel begins with Olive planting a kiss on a stranger late one night in the hallways of Stanford’s biology department, to mislead her best friend into thinking that she’s happily in a relationship. But when said stranger turns out to be the infamous grump and star researcher of the department,  and  agrees to fake-date Olive to help her out, things start getting a little weird. Olive didn’t expect Adam to be nice to her and she certainly didn’t expect to develop feelings for him either…

I really really enjoyed  The Love Hypothesis.  It was such an accurate depiction of academia (the good, bad and in-between), which isn’t surprising since the author herself is a professor in neuroscience. I just related to all of the different aspects, including the fear of having to give a conference talk over a poster, the lack of funding, the late nights, the imposter syndrome, the absent advisor (and sadly the abusive one). I loved all of it, though I do have to say that I’ve never ever EVER seen anyone sit on someone else’s lap at a colloquium talk before! I’ve read many books about STEM romances and scientists but I can truly say that this is the first one that has truly and accurately depicted the experience of a female in STEM research for me.

I guess it goes without saying that I also really related to Olive and Adam because they’re just my type of people. I felt such a strong kinship with Olive and was 100% in her corner throughout the entire book. And because Adam was also firmly in Olive’s corner, I connected with his character as well. I really enjoyed reading about their developing relationship and thought they had such a supportive and positive relationship.  The Love Hypothesis  is an open-door romance and has one quite smutty scene, but what I really appreciated about the scene was the way it tackled Olive’s demisexuality… and the fact that it was kind of awkward – because sex is sometimes just really awkward and not at all like what’s described in romance novels!

the love hypothesis love scene

I really really loved  The Love Hypothesis  and thought it was a wonderful debut for Ali Hazelwood. I’ve read the sneak peek to her next novel (coming 2022) and I’m super excited for all that it has to bring! If you’re looking for a great STEM romance, look no further than The Love Hypothesis.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Tags: 2021 reads , contemporary

6 responses to “ The Love Hypothesis Review: The Perfect Contemporary Romance for Science Lovers ”

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I HIGHLY recommend this one Tasya! The story is as cute as the cover.

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Ohhh thanks for the review Jenna! I’m going to definitely pick this one up for sure!

Hope you enjoy it Jeann! I really loved it and super excited that the author has more books coming.

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I’m so happy that you also loved it Hasini! It’s probably in my top 10 reads of the year as well.

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The Love Hypothesis Movie: What We Know

the love hypothesis tv series limited series movie trailer release date cast adaptation

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood has a movie adaptation in the works. For all the details about this film adaptation of The Love Hypothesis, here’s what’s we know about The Love Hypothesis movie:

What’s it about? What’s the plot of The Love Hypothesis?

In The Love Hypothesis , Olive is a third-year biology Ph.D. candidate who shares a kiss with a handsome stranger in order make her friend think that she’s in a relationship. She’s horrified when she realizes the “stranger” is Dr. Adam Carlson, a prominent professor in her department who is known for being a hypercritical and moody tyrant.

She and Adam each have reasons for needing to be in a relationship, and they agree to pretend to date for the sake of appearances. Of course, as she gets to know Adam, it’s only a matter of time before she starts feeling something for him, and it becomes clear that her little experiment in fake-dating just might combust…

See the Full Review and Summary of The Love Hypothesis from The Bibliofile.

What format will it be? Will the The Love Hypothesis adaptation be a Movie or a Series?

It’s planned as a feature movie .

Who’s behind it?

Bisous Pictures owns the rights to The Love Hypothesis.

From author Ali Hazelwood: “It’s a true privilege to have Elizabeth and such a talented and experienced team of people working on adapting The Love Hypothesis, and I’m very excited for this next step in Olive and Adam’s story!”

What’s the status of the The Love Hypothesis adaptation?

The adaptation is currently In Development . In an interview in July 2023 , Ali Hazelwood discussed her excitement at receiving the script for the upcoming adaptation and how the project was paused during the writer’s strike.

love hypothesis interview

Who’s in the cast?

No casting details have been released yet.

See the full cast (when available) on IMDB .

When will it be released?

Currently unknown.

Is there a trailer or teaser available?

Not yet! Stay tuned.

The Love Hypothesis Movie Development Timeline

September 14, 2021 The Love Hypothesis (novel) is released.

October 7, 2022 Bisous Pictures Lands Rights To Ali Hazelwood’s ‘The Love Hypothesis’

July 7 2023 Ali Hazelwood discusses receiving the script for the The Love Hypothesis movie adaptation

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Helpful Book Guide: The Love Hypothesis Spicy Chapters List and Review

Posted on Published: July 27, 2023  - Last updated: October 23, 2023

Categories Book Guide , Spicy Chapters

What are The Love Hypothesis spicy chapters? Well, this guide is for you! Though this book is not very spicy, it is still my responsibility to squeeze out the spiciest The Love Hypothesis spicy chapters possible for you. It’s also a book I recommend with the ‘who did this to you” trope!

Table of Contents

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis spicy chapters

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding…six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

The Love Hypothesis Review

The Love Hypothesis is a captivating and heartwarming romance that delves into the complexities of academia and love. The story revolves around Olive Smith, a dedicated PhD student, and Adam Carlsen, a charming and cocky professor. Both characters are beautifully crafted with depth and vulnerability, making them relatable and endearing to readers.

The romance between Olive and Adam is a slow-burn delight, filled with moments of vulnerability and tenderness that will leave you swooning. Their undeniable chemistry and emotional connection create an engaging and satisfying love story. The witty banter between the two adds a delightful touch to their interactions.

Ali Hazelwood’s writing is both engaging and emotionally resonant, effortlessly drawing readers into the world of academia and scientific research. The novel’s exploration of the characters’ hidden depths and vulnerability adds layers to the story, making it a truly captivating read from beginning to end. “The Love Hypothesis” is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and well-developed romance that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

books like the Love Hypothesis

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

The Spanish Love Deception Spicy Chapters

Catalina Martín desperately needs a date to her sister’s wedding. Especially since her little white lie about her American boyfriend has spiralled out of control. Now everyone she knows—including her ex and his fiancée—will be there and eager to meet him.

She only has four weeks to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic and aid in her deception. New York to Spain is no short flight and her raucous family won’t be easy to fool.

Enter Aaron Blackford—her tall, handsome, condescending colleague—who surprisingly offers to step in. She’d rather refuse; never has there been a more aggravating, blood-boiling, and insufferable man.

But Catalina is desperate, and as the wedding draws nearer, Aaron looks like her best option. And she begins to realize he might not be as terrible in the real world as he is at the office.

This book was cute to read! Also have the only one bed trope and enemies to lovers (of course).

Twisted Games by Ana Huang

Twisted Games Spicy Chapters

She can never be his…but he’s taking her anyway.

Stoic, broody, and arrogant, elite bodyguard Rhys Larsen has two rules: 1) Protect his clients at all costs 2) Do not become emotionally involved. Ever.

He has never once been tempted to break those rules…until  her.

Bridget von Ascheberg. A princess with a stubborn streak that matches his own and a hidden fire that reduces his rules to ash. She’s nothing he expected and everything he never knew he needed.

Day by day, inch by inch, she breaks down his defences until he’s faced with a truth he can no longer deny: he swore an oath to protect her, but all he wants is to ruin her. Take her.

Because she’s his.

His princess. His forbidden fruit. His every depraved fantasy.

Regal, strong-willed, and bound by the chains of duty, Princess Bridget dreams of the freedom to live and love as she chooses.

But when her brother abdicates, she’s suddenly faced with the prospect of a loveless, politically expedient marriage and a throne she never wanted.

And as she navigates the intricacies—and treacheries—of her new role, she must also hide her desire for a man she can’t have.

Her bodyguard. Her protector. Her ultimate ruin.

Unexpected and forbidden, theirs is a love that could destroy a kingdom…and doom them both.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Icebreaker spicy chapters

Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA.

A competitive figure skater since she was five years old, a full college scholarship thanks to her place on the Maple Hills skating team, and a schedule that would make even the most driven person weep, Stassie comes to win.

No exceptions.

Nathan Hawkins has never had a problem he couldn’t solve. As captain of the Maple Hills Titans, he knows the responsibility of keeping the hockey team on the ice rests on his shoulders.

When a misunderstanding results in the two teams sharing a rink, and Anastasia’s partner gets hurt in the aftermath, Nate finds himself swapping his stick for tights, and one scary coach for an even scarier one.

The pair find themselves stuck together in more ways than one, but it’s fine, because Anastasia doesn’t even like hockey players…right?

Twisted Hate by Ana Huang

twisted hate spicy chapters

He hates her…almost as much as he wants her.

Gorgeous, cocky, and fast on his way to becoming a hotshot doctor, Josh Chen has never met a woman he couldn’t charm—except for Jules f**king Ambrose.

The beautiful redhead has been a thorn in his side since they met, but she also consumes his thoughts in a way no woman ever has.

When their animosity explodes into one unforgettable night, he proposes a solution that’ll get her out of his system once and for all: an enemies with benefits arrangement with simple rules.

No jealousy.

No strings attached.

And absolutely no falling in love.

Outgoing and ambitious, Jules Ambrose is a former party girl who’s focused on one thing: passing the attorney’s bar exam.

The last thing she needs is to get involved with a doctor who puts the SUFFER in insufferable…no matter how good-looking he is.

But the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes there’s more than meets the eye to the man she’s hated for so long.

Her best friend’s brother.

Her nemesis.

And her only salvation.

Theirs is a match made in hell, and when the demons from their past catch up with them, they’re faced with truths that could either save them …or destroy everything they’ve worked for.

Twisted Hate is a steamy enemies with benefits/enemies to lovers romance. It’s book three in the Twisted series but can be read as a standalone.

Abou t The Fine Print by Lauren Asher

spicy books on kindle unlimited The Fine Print Spicy Chapters

A typical billionaire romance that is quite popular. It’s one of the more famous ones of the genre, especially on Kindle Unlimited.

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

Love on the Brain spicy chapters

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 – 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. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school – archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.

But when her equipment starts to go missing and the staff ignore her, Bee could swear she sees Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas… devouring her with those eyes. 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?

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

It Happened One Summer spicy chapters

Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar… in Washington.

Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can’t do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather—and the hot, grumpy local—that she’s more than a pretty face.

Except it’s a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn’t want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time.

Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan—and this town full of memories—may have already caught her heart. 

Romance between a sunshine fashionable “it” celebrity girl with grumpy sea sailor local. Bright cheerful icon x cold ordinary sailor combo meal.

The Love Hypothesis Spicy Chapters

the love hypothesis love scene

As many readers may know (especially romance book readers), oftentimes we like to seek out book tropes and read romance books that include the book tropes we usually like and the book tropes we want to read at the moment. It’s what drives a lot of book recommendations and is a common way we seek out books to read. If you are a reader who is interested in:

  • Tracking tropes that you have already read
  • Tracking tropes that you would want to read in the future
  • Collect original trope ideas that you came up with (and haven’t come across before)

Then this book trope reading journal is perfectly made for you!

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My Romcom Hypothesis: How THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS Reminded Me of the Power of Humor in Romance

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Megan Mabee

Megan Mabee has been filling notebooks with her story ideas and favorite book quotes since she first began reading. She enjoys board gaming, rewatching Miyazaki movies, and building Legos with her preschooler. Megan holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from UNC Greensboro and a Public Librarian Certification. Megan has worked in a college bookstore and high school library, and she now loves talking books in the public library where she works and as a Bibliologist at TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations .

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I first heard about Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis from one of my very good friends who loves reading, writing, romance, and Reylo as much as I do. After learning that Hazelwood drew inspiration for the book from Star Wars fan fiction she’d written, I knew I had to read it. I did grow up watching the original Star Wars from the VHS boxed set after all, and yes, I may also have a secret crush on Adam Driver. As I immersed myself in The Love Hypothesis , I began thinking about the nature of romantic comedies and why they work so well.

cover of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

So, for those who haven’t read The Love Hypothesis , the story follows third-year PhD candidate Olive Smith as she pursues her research on pancreatic cancer at Stanford. In an attempt to convince her best friend, Anh, that she’s over her ex, Olive falls into an entertaining fake-dating scheme with the aloof and disagreeable professor Adam Carlsen.

When I’m really connecting with a book, I often fold down page corners to remember favorite quotes. Sometimes, I’ll go back, jot down the quotes in my reading journal , and unfold the corners. Usually, though, I leave the page corners folded forever like a true book troll. While reading The Love Hypothesis , I found myself folding down corner after corner. By the time I finished reading, my book didn’t have just a couple of dog ears; it had a dogsled team’s worth.

As I traced my steps back through the pages, I noticed many of the quotes I loved shared a loose theme. These quotes were funny, and they made me laugh. They left enough of an impression that I wanted to save these gems of humor and not forget them when I finished the book. With these funny scenes in mind, I began piecing together my hypothesis on why humor makes a romance so great.

So, What’s So Great About Humor in Romance?

Protagonists are lovable and relatable.

In a romance novel, I more often see myself in the protagonist’s shoes when they’re in funny situations. When life doesn’t go smoothly for my character, I can laugh with them and think, “Yes, I get that. This person is me.” Take the following quote for example:

“She leaned forward. ‘Will you ask a long-winded, leading question that will cause me to ramble incoherently and lose the respect of my peers, thus forever undermining my place in the field of biology?'” (The Love Hypothesis, p. 217)

I have been in those situations where I get anxious while talking, and I’m terrified of veering onto the path of incoherent rambling. I’m relieved Olive gets it. Pieces of humor like this make me commiserate deeply with the protagonist and laugh at the same time.

As that Shakespeare saying goes, “the course of true love never did run smooth,”and in my experience, that’s definitely putting it lightly. Seeing a romance protagonist stumble through the woes of finding love, awkward moments and all, is refreshing and cathartic.

Friend Groups You Want To Be Friends With

For me, funny friends in romance novels come across as more genuine. I feel like I’m a part of the fictional friend group as I’m enveloped in their good humor, and this was definitely the case while I read The Love Hypothesis . I loved Olive’s friends, Anh and Malcolm. They were supportive, likable, and funny.

After Olive gives a presentation at a research conference, Anh and Olive have the following conversation:

“‘…while you were talking, I had a vision of your future in academia.’ Olive wrapped her arms around Anh. ‘What vision?’ ‘You were a high-powered researcher, surrounded by students who hung on your every word. And you were answering a multiparagraph email with an uncapitalized no.'”(p. 226)

My fatal flaw is multi-paragraph emails, and the idea of sending just a “no” is very liberating. The humor like this coming from Anh and Malcolm throughout the book reminded me of my own banter with my friends. Anh and Malcolm were friends I wanted to be friends with, and they did feel like friends while I was reading.

In a 2021 interview with Collider , Ali Hazelwood said, “It’s very hard to make friends as an adult. And I feel like I truly found my adult friends through fanfiction and through the fandom community.” I couldn’t agree with her more; it is hard to make friends as an adult. For me, the funny characters I meet through romance novels feel like I’m in the company of good friends. As they crack jokes in the story, I’m right there snickering along with them.

Best of All, Humor in Romance Cheers Me Up

My favorite romances are the ones that cause me to burst out laughing at the most unexpected times, and that happened for me throughout The Love Hypothesis .

“‘There will be only one bed.’ He frowned. ‘No, as I said it’s a double–’ ‘ It’s not. It won’t be. There will only be one bed, for sure.’ He gave her a puzzled look. ‘I got the booking confirmation the other day. I can forward it to you if you want; it says that–’ ‘It doesn’t matter what it says. It’s always one bed.’ (p. 209)

This teasing of romance tropes was too good. Coming across these unanticipated snippets of humor felt like finding the cookie dough chunks in cookie dough ice cream. You don’t always know if it’s in your spoonful, but when you come across one, it’s the most delicious surprise.

Here, I think lies the heart of why humor makes an impact for me in romance. Romance, with its happily ever afters, is such a feel-good genre. I have always loved reading romance, but I also gravitate towards this genre when I’m feeling down and am consciously or subconsciously in need of something uplifting. When I read a romance novel, I’m wrapped up in a cozy love story. I feel a little more hopeful about the world too.

When humor gets added into romance, though, it’s more than just comforting. It truly cheers me up. When life gives me bad days, winter, or pandemics, I read a rom-com, and I feel some joy again. If you’d like another corny metaphor, romance novels are the bandaids for my tough days and romantic comedies are the Neosporin. They’re a balm for my soul.

My Romcom Hypothesis (Or Rather, Conclusion)

So here’s my romcom hypothesis/conclusion for you: reading romantic comedies is one of my favorite ways to cheer up. It’s not a groundbreaking conclusion, but it is something I think I forget sometimes.

Book Cover of Love On the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

I have been reading and watching romcoms for (almost) as long as I have been watching Star Wars . Sometimes though, I take them for granted. In the midst of dreary or busy weeks, I forget what a pick-me-up a romantic comedy can offer. The Love Hypothesis reminded me of that. This book cheered me up when I needed it, and I hope romcoms can do that for you too.

I can’t wait for Ali Hazelwood’s next book, Love On the Brain , to come out in August. I have a feeling it’ll be just as funny as The Love Hypothesis .

For more humor in romance, check out these 9 Diverse Romantic Comedies to Leave You Smiling , or these 15 Funny Romance Books That Will Bring You Laughter With Each Chapter . You may also enjoy reading this Rioter’s exploration of the idea of Romantic Comedies as Escapist Fantasy Novels. Happy reading, lovebirds!

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The Love Hypothesis

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48 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapters 9-11

Chapters 12-13

Chapters 14-15

Chapters 16-19

Chapter 20-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Different Types of Intelligence

Through the representation of academia , Olive’s difficulty to parse her emotions, and the differences between Olive and Malcolm , The Love Hypothesis shows how there are different types of intelligence. Olive, Adam, and others within the Stanford community possess intelligence, as evidenced by the fact they work in academia. Many of Olive’s thoughts about her experiment show how she understands the material and is always seeking new information with which to supplement what she already believes. Tom’s insults in later chapters reveal just how intelligent Olive is. While Tom also possesses a level of intelligence to remain in the field, even if that intelligence is only enough for him to copy and add to the work of others, his jealousy and view of Olive as a threat shows just how intelligent her thought processes are.

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The Love Hypothesis Movie Release Date, Cast, Plot and More

The Love Hypothesis movie is in the works as the popular romance novel by Ali Hazelwood will soon get the Hollywood treatment by coming to the big screen.

This novel is about Olive Smith, who doesn’t have the best luck in love. However, she attempts to convince her best friend, Anh, that she does by pretending to date her professor, Adam Carlsen. Of course, real feelings get involved, which is usually how this tends to go.

The author, Ali Hazelwood , was born in Italy and initially worked as a neuroscience professor. This job has influenced her writing because she tends to write about women who work in STEM fields.

Her first novel was The Love Hypothesis , which became a NYT best seller. The interesting thing about this novel is that it was originally a Star Wars fanfiction starring characters Rey and Kylo Ren. Eventually, it was tweaked, and most Star Wars references were removed, so it became an original story rather than fan fiction.

Since then, she has published several other novels, with more on the way in 2024. However, our focus in this article will be on The Love Hypothesis because it is set to become a movie.

What is the Premise of The Love Hypothesis?

One of the main characters in The Love Hypothesis is Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate. She tends to focus a lot on school and academics, meaning her love life is a mess.

Her best friend Anh is concerned about this and is convinced that her romance life is in peril. To trick her best friend into thinking that her romantic life is fine, Olive Smith decides to start fake dating Adam Carlsen, a young professor at the college she attends. But she’s surprised when Adam agrees to fake date her and help her continue her charade.

ali hazelwood's the love hypothesis movie

At first, everything seemed to be going well. They are convincing people that they are an actual couple, but eventually, real feelings start developing. When this happens, Olive begins to panic because this was not supposed to happen.

That’s the basic plot of The Love Hypothesis book, and it will likely stay the same for the upcoming movie adaptation as well.

It’s natural for book-to-movie adaptations to condense the source material to fit the movie’s runtime, and for rom-com books like this one, it won’t present a challenge to write a script that does justice to the novel.

What is The Love Hypothesis Movie Release Date?

In October 2022, the author herself announced that a movie based on The Love Hypothesis book was in development.

It’s only been a little over a year since this announcement came out, but there hasn’t been any update regarding what stage the movie is at. As such, a release date hasn’t been announced!

A script must be made, the casting must be decided, and a lot of things need to be accomplished in the pre-production stage, and only then does the actual filming begin.

This is a process that can span months or even years. Sometimes, it can also fall through for a multitude of reasons. Many books are picked up for movie or TV series adaptations but do not reach the point where the filming starts.

It’s still very early for The Love Hypothesis movie, so hopefully, this will not be the case with it, and we will get to see it enter into the production stage and eventually get a release date.

the love hypothesis movie announced

What is The Cast of The Love Hypothesis Movie ?

As we said in the previous section, the movie adaptation was only announced a little over a year ago, so the cast hasn’t been decided yet.

The script needs to be written first before this even happens! Thankfully, the author of the book, Ali Hazelwood, would be the writer, or one of the writers, to adapt the book and transform it into a movie by writing a comprehensive script.

As soon as the cast for the main characters is announced, I will update this section and not keep you waiting for the information!

Who is Developing The Love Hypothesis Movie ?

According to Collider , the movie rights to The Love Hypothesis book have been given to Bisous Pictures, a production company.

You might wonder who this production company is because chances are you haven’t heard of it before. This is likely because it’s a very new production company with only one finished film to its name. The other movie listed is The Love Hypothesis , which is still in production.

Persuasion , a movie released in 2022, is the first and only finished film on Bisous’s list of works. The movie aired on Netflix and was directed by Carrie Cracknell, with well-known actress Dakota Johnson staring in one of the roles.

The romance genre is popular and shows no sign of slowing down. When The Love Hypothesis book was published, it was a little different from other romance novels because it originally came out as a fanfiction before the author changed it into an original piece. This enabled her to publish it, and it became a worldwide phenomenon in a relatively short time.

So, when it was announced it would be a movie, hopes were high and continue to remain as we wait for another update on this movie. Until we get any solid information about the upcoming The Love Hypothesis movie, you should consider re-reading the book or picking up one of the author’s other books while you wait!

Also Read: Book Lovers Movie Release Date

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Charlie Puth Subtly Acknowledges Taylor Swift's Name-Check on 'Tortured Poets Department' Lyric

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Anne Hathaway Reveals What She Aimed to Achieve With Steamy Scenes in 'The Idea of You'

Anne Hathaway Reveals What She Aimed to Achieve With Steamy Scenes in 'The Idea of You'

Anne Hathaway opened up about what she hoped to achieve with the intimate love scenes in her new movie The Idea of You .

The 41-year-old actress stars in the romance alongside Nicholas Galitzine . During a recent interview, she and director Michael Showalter were asked if there were conversations about “how explicit” the love scenes would be.

She replied by revealing what became the “North Star” to their onset love scenes.

Keep reading to find out more…

Speaking to Variety , Anne explained how she looked to Robinne Lee ‘s novel that inspired the movie for inspiration.

“Intimate acts! In the book, Robinne describes intimate acts with the most unbelievable energy. In their first physical sexual connection, Hayes brings Solène to orgasm while [she is fully] clothed,” she recalled. “That became our North Star in terms of expressing cinematic sex in a way that makes it about her pleasure, while also making the point that a huge part of pleasure is giving someone else pleasure.”

The Idea of You premieres on Prime Video on May 2.

If you missed it, we recently learned the shocking star that was considered for Anne ‘s role and the pop star who inspired the movie . No, it was not Harry Styles !

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Prime Video movie of the day: Música is an unusual and heartwarming love story with 98% on Rotten Tomatoes

Música is a little gem of a movie

Musica

If you're looking for a movie on Prime Video that'll warm your heart without being so sugary it'll rot your teeth, Música could be just the thing. It's a love story with an unusual twist: Rudy is "tortured by music", hearing it everywhere he goes, and that's shown on screen as everyday things burst into musical performances that often feel like they're from the same universe as Everything Everywhere All At Once . 

  • Watch Música on Prime Video now

What is Música about?

Música takes its inspiration from star Rudy Mancuso's own lived experience: he has synesthesia, which is a neurological condition where one sense triggers effects normally associated with others – so in Mancuso's case he says "I personify sounds, feel shapes and see music". 

This "true-ish story" is set in a Brazilian neighborhood in Newark, and Mancuso plays a street performer who lives with his mom and whose girlfriend finds him, and his condition, frustrating. Then he meets Isabella, played by Camila Mendes. What happens next was described by The Mercury News as "sweet and soulful", and while it may be "hitting beats we've grown accustomed to" the film "doesn't follow in others' footsteps. What a gem."

There's comedy here, but its in the magical realism of Rudy's visions: the New York Times says it's "a comic trip inside a mind that's forever feverishly creating – even against his will" while The Hollywood Reporter says it's a stylish coming of age debut where Rudy "navigates the turbulence of love, life and puppetry". It's "charming", and "even when its narrative tips into clichéd territory,  Música ’s aesthetic remains loose and kinetic — an exciting reflection of its creator’s spirit."

According to Indiewire , "on the surface, “ Música ” feels like a very standard story about a talented guy who finds himself caught between two girls he likes, and – rather than be honest with them – starts dating both at the same time." But there's much more to it than that. "Mancuso and director of photography Shane Hurlbut manage to deliver a stunning musical where no one breaks into a traditional song and dance number." The movie "heralds the arrival of a filmmaker, an actor, and a musician worth paying attention to, while also delivering a winning and visually inventive musical comedy."

Being a musical, not everyone will rank it among the best Prime Video movies , but it's gone down a storm with everyone who's seen it.

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Carrie Marshall

Writer, broadcaster, musician and kitchen gadget obsessive Carrie Marshall ( Twitter ) has been writing about tech since 1998, contributing sage advice and odd opinions to all kinds of magazines and websites as well as writing more than a dozen books. Her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man , is on sale now. She is the singer in Glaswegian rock band HAVR .

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the love hypothesis love scene

'Challengers': Josh O'Connor, Mike Faist talk phallic churros and 'magical' love triangle

the love hypothesis love scene

For Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor , it’s game, set, match on “ Challengers .”

The sought-after heartthrobs are cheerful yet slightly delirious after a monthlong global press tour for the buzzy tennis drama (now in theaters), in which they play best mates turned bitter foes pining for the same girl ( Zendaya ). Now at the tail end of promo duties, they’ve grown accustomed to prosaic interview questions.

“‘Who’s the best tennis player?’ We’re over that,” Faist says with a grin. “Yeah, it should be obvious that it’s me,” O’Connor quips.

While they insist they’re having “the time of our lives,” there are things they miss most about home. For Faist, it’s his rescue dog, Austin. For O’Connor, it’s his cherry tree – a birthday gift from friends that is just now starting to bud.

“I miss my garden more than anything in the world,” the British actor says. “I've got a friend who's looking after it and she sends me pictures every few days. This is not even lying: I cry when I look at them.”

Mike Faist compares the movie's erotic churro scene to 'a game of tennis'

“Challengers” begins in 2019, as the diffident Art Donaldson (Faist) prepares to face off in a low-level tennis tournament with the desperate, cash-strapped Patrick Zweig (O’Connor). Through flashbacks, we discover that Art and Patrick were a once-inseparable doubles team until they met Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), an alluring and fiercely driven tennis star who takes up coaching after a college injury.

Tashi and Patrick dated before he broke her heart, and Art eventually swooped in to marry her. The guys couldn’t be more different: Patrick is all brashness and machismo, while Art is sensitive and insecure.

“The truth of the matter is, we probably find ourselves somewhere in between both characters,” Faist says. “They’re like the dichotomy of man.”

The charged dynamic between Patrick and Art is impossibly hot: In the film’s tantalizing first half, the guys are constantly grabbing, slapping and roughhousing with each other. During a three-way, they quickly forget about Tashi and just start making out with one another. They’re routinely pictured sweaty, shirtless or nude, gazing into the other’s eyes as they wolf down phallic-shaped foods like bananas and protein bars.

In one homoerotic moment, Patrick pulls Art close in a university cafeteria, speaking intently as Art takes a ravenous bite of Patrick’s churro. The actors spent weeks rehearsing and running lines together, so by the time filming started, they could improvise as their characters.

“That scene in particular is just about the interplay between them,” Faist says. “So when Josh is holding that churro right to my mouth, it’s so obviously there that I’m going to take a bite of his churro. (Laughs.) But that’s the great thing about working with Josh: He tees you up for something and I hit the ball back. It’s like a game of tennis – we’re just giving each other something to play with.”

At one point, while surrounded by naked men in a locker room, Patrick swipes through men and women on a dating app. The characters’ sexual fluidity has been a swoony topic of conversation on social media, which O’Connor credits to the dearth of male intimacy in mainstream American movies.

“There’s been a lack of that imagery and those conversations in films for a long time, and it’s thankfully getting better,” O’Connor says. “But in this movie, what’s so nice is the (relationship) between the three of them, whether you want to call it love or obsession. Tashi wants them together; she’s attracted to the two of them as a thing. You hope people walk out of the theater with this realization that they all need each other.”

Tashi is "forcing this fire underneath them to create this great game of tennis," Faist adds. "She's able to pull out something magical and transcendent."

Josh O'Connor finds it 'intimidating' to release 'Challengers' into the world

After years of independent dramas and supporting TV roles, “Challengers” marks a major leading-man moment for O’Connor, 33. The charismatic actor won a Golden Globe in 2021 for playing Prince Charles of Wales in “The Crown,” but accepted the prize remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The release of “Challengers” was also delayed nearly nine months, due to the Hollywood actors strike last fall.

“As actors, you really can’t plan for anything,” O’Connor says. “You get very used to not making holiday plans because you might get a job and have to cancel them. It’s very hard to commit to birthdays or weddings or anything.” But he’s been grateful for the slow ease into stardom. “The nice thing about it was that it delays the point in which loads of people are going to watch you onscreen. That’s quite an intimidating thing!”

Faist, 32, has similarly been waiting in the wings. After earning a Tony Award nomination for Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” Faist got his big-screen breakout as Riff in Steven Spielberg’s reimagined “West Side Story” in 2021. The movie musical was a box-office disappointment due in part to the Omicron surge. But he credits the project for giving him confidence as an actor to ask questions and offer input behind the scenes.

“When someone like Steven Spielberg, the godfather of cinema, comes to you like, ‘No, you got this. I trust you, I hired you’ – that’s a really empowering thing,” Faist says. “I’m forever indebted to him.”

When it comes to their careers, both actors believe in cosmic connections and timing. Before the pandemic, Faist auditioned for the now-Oscar-nominated “Past Lives.” Although he didn’t get the role, he sent a note to director Celine Song, complimenting her “beautiful” story and wishing her well.

Two years later while shooting “Challengers,” Faist learned the film’s screenwriter, Justin Kuritzkes, is Song’s husband. “I’m coming to the realization that we don’t choose projects,” Faist says. “They kind of find us in a roundabout way.”

O’Connor, too, wrote multiple letters to director Alice Rohrwacher “trying to force” a collaboration. They eventually did work together on this spring’s “La Chimera.”

“The punchline is that she never received the letters – she just reached out on her own, which says a lot,” O’Connor recalls with a laugh. “Having said that, I will be writing to Paul Thomas Anderson.”

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The Starting Line on Getting a Taylor Swift Shout-Out in ‘The Black Dog,’ 22 Years After Pop-Punk Band’s Breakout: ‘It’s an Unexpected Showering of Love’

By Chris Willman

Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

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taylor swift and the starting line tortured poets black dog

There’s no golden ticket quite like the golden ticket of finding your name in the lyrics of a Taylor Swift song. It’s one thing if you’re Charlie Puth, and already on a list of Spotify’s 150 top monthly artists. But for another musical artist name-checked in Swift’s album “ The Tortured Poets Department ,” the impact stands to be much more impactful. The pop-punk band the Starting Line gets mentioned twice in the song “The Black Dog,” and suddenly nostalgia for (or newfound curiosity about) the Philadelphia-based group is skyrocketing.

Popular on Variety

The Starting Line actually enjoys the distinction of being the only other artist to get mentioned twice by name in the album lyrics. Take that, Puth, Blue Nile, Patti Smith, Dylan Thomas, Clara Bow and Stevie Nicks! (Actually, it could be three times, since, beyond the two mentions in “The Black Dog,” the phrase “the starting line” also pops up separately in the song “Fresh Out the Slammer,” but it isn’t used as a band reference there, just a figure of speech… or is it? )

The name pops up in the first chorus:

I just don’t understand how you don’t miss me In The Black Dog When someone plays The Starting Line and you jump up But she’s too young to know this song That was intertwined in the magic fabric of our dreaming Old habits die screaming

And wait, in the second round, they’re back:

“I feel like it’s trying to impart some sort of nostalgia of the time and the kind of music that we were making at that time, and I’m very flattered that we were the representation of that,” Vasoli says.

Swift would have been turning 13 the year “Best of Me” came out, a number that obviously holds a special place for her, even possibly as an age. And even though the song was a national hit with emo fans, establishing the Starting Line as Warped Tour material, the group remains hometown heroes in the Philadelphia area, not far from where Swift grew up, which may solidify a nostalgic appeal for her.

Yet the lyrics also clearly establish that excitement over sharing “Best of Me” was something that she and the person she just broke up with in the song had in common… and Swift doesn’t often lie in her material. So the question riling fans up has been: If it’s not fiction, is it more likely to be about Matty Healy or Joe Alwyn?

“I’m certainly getting a crash course in the backstory between the characters that are involved in this thing,” says Vasoli, not picking any sides himself. “So it’s been a pretty fascinating study in fandom, for sure.”

Lending obvious weight to the argument in favor of Healy, the frontman for the 1975, is that he actually sang “Best of Me” twice in concert while dating Taylor Swift , at least by the timelines laid out on the world wide web. Or at least he sang a snippet of the Starting Line’s signature song at a show April 21, 2023 and again on May 3 of last year. “Shout-out to people in their thirties,” Healy quipped after performing the song excerpt. Now, it’s not easy to say conclusively that no one else who has split with Swift in recent years was a major emo-head, too, but the Internet is just sayin’.

When Healy started showing his love for the Starting Line in concert last spring, “we heard about it, but it certainly didn’t get the kind of attention that this did. It seems like now people are kind of checking out those YouTube videos of him covering that song a little bit more, and there’s a little bit more investigation to be had about them. At the time it was just sort of a cool thing that was passed around between the guys, but didn’t make it much further past that.”

(Arguing against the theory that “The Black Dog” is about Healy, though: Based on photographs Jack Antonoff posted of studio sessions from last year, fans believe the song was recorded in mid-May 2023. Which would lend itself to a hypothesis that it’s really about Alwyn, and that she played the song for Healy, who was then inspired to cover “Best of Me” in concert. A tangled web.)

But they wouldn’t be playing “Best of Me” over the PA in a metal bar, so we can probably at least rule the Paris possibility out, right? “I don’t know. You know, we’re heavier than you would think,” Vasoli counters. “We surprise people with our heaviness once we get up there.”

But he doesn’t have any personal knowledge of any of the Black Dog geo-location possibilities. “No, the only black dogs I’ve met are just good boys and girls out there at the dog park,” he says. “Your guess is as good as mine on that one.”

The Starting Line only has two shows on the books at present: a gig at the Novo in Los Angeles on the first day of summer, June 21, followed much further down the line by a set at the When We Were Young festival Oct. 19. The Starting Line actually played quite a few shows in 2023; these were the most the band had done in about a quarter-century.

Could they book a lot more now, and bill themselves as one of the few Swift-endorsed rock ‘n’ roll bands of their ilk in the world?

“You know, it’s been sort of a point of conversation of, how much do you lean into something like this?” Vasoli admits, a little cagey even with himself about how much to be seen as taking advantage of it. “Because something like this is not something you really plan for in your music career,. The reverberations have been very big and we’re just sort of trying to accept it with gratitude at this point, sitting back and just seeing what happens from it.”

Although the singer says those two concert dates “are it for now, there’s gonna be more that’s coming down the pike and more that’s getting booked. The vast majority of the band has day jobs that keep them obligated to stay home a little bit, more than some of the other bands. So we don’t hit the road for too long on a regular basis, but we’re trying to get into a rhythm where we can do more of it.”

He also says new music will be heard from the group, for the first time since a 2015 EP.

“There’s been an uptick in us playing together, and a really great interpersonal dynamic between the band members recently that has been very creative and inspirational, playing together recently. So we’ve been into a creative process writing new music since last year. We’re just collecting everything and figuring out the best way to get that out there. But we’re generating music and have been for a bit of time. With us trying to get back into a more usual pace with the band, after all this time, it’s nice that we’re getting a little bit of light on us at this moment, especially given that we’re engaging more than ever since like 2007, when we kind of let our foot off the gas.”

Sample comments on Reddit threads about the Starting Line’s name-check: “I am losing my millennial mind over this reference.” “This one was for the elder emo swifties.” “I screamed! They were my absolute favorite band in high school. My husband and I still listen to them all the time.” “All the elder emo millennials screaming: One of us, one of us.” “That moment when you realize you’re a musical influence to one of the biggest stars on the planet.” “Drop the (Starting Line) cover of the song immediately.”

And: “THIS IS THE MOST PENNSYLVANIA THING THIS WOMAN HAS EVER DONE. i’m so happy for you guys.”

(For those who really pay attention to both intersecting worlds, a joint fan noted: “Funny to think the Starting Line and Jack’s first band Steel Train were both on Drive Thru Records.”)

The singer still seems wonderstruck, to borrow a Swiftian word, about this stroke of recognition. “It’s a trip man, for sure. I can be nothing but really grateful and humbled by this whole thing. And it’s nice that I even get to speak with someone like you about our group in any capacity. So very happy about it.”

And if more dates are indeed in the offing as a result of this? “Please, everybody come check our band out. If it’s good enough for the name drop, come check out the goods.” He is suddenly abashed at what he just said. “You don’t have to print that part. That sounds so weird.” Vasoli can be forgiven for a little enthusiasm: Being embedded in the document that the whole world is scanning — a lyric sheet — is the kind of thing that can make somebody jump up.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Starting Line (@thestartinglinerock)

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Pop Culture Happy Hour

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Pop Culture

You know it when you see it: here are some movies that got sex scenes right.

Linda Holmes

Linda Holmes

the love hypothesis love scene

It is a happy coincidence that our "What makes a good sex scene?" episode came out in the same week as Challengers, a film about a romance triangle in the tennis world starring Josh O'Connor, Zendaya and (not pictured) Mike Faist. Niko Tavernise/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures hide caption

It is a happy coincidence that our "What makes a good sex scene?" episode came out in the same week as Challengers, a film about a romance triangle in the tennis world starring Josh O'Connor, Zendaya and (not pictured) Mike Faist.

What makes a good sex scene? It can be easier spot bad sex, but Aisha Harris, Christina Tucker, Ronald Young, Jr. and I tried to focus on the good this week on Pop Culture Happy Hour. You can listen to our full conversation here. (We didn't originally plan for this episode to run the same week as our episode about Challengers , which is out in theaters now, but it's a happy coincidence, since that film has gotten a lot of attention — probably too much, relative to its other merits — for the sex scenes involving its three leads. It's really very good .)

Watch a tense romantic triangle play out on the tennis court in 'Challengers'

Movie Reviews

Watch a tense romantic triangle play out on the tennis court in 'challengers'.

It's often very obvious when a sex scene is bad, just like when a sex scene in a book is bad. It can get so uncomfortable to watch that you have to leave the room (and not in a way that feels true to the story). One of my personal tells for a bad sex scene is when all I can think about is how hard the actors are trying to persuade me that the characters are having a good time. For example, there has been much good discussion in recent years about Showgirls being a more interesting and competent project than it originally got credit for, but in that one pool scene (if you know it, you know it), all I can see is the effort.

Lauren Bacall And The 'Sex? What Sex?' Kind Of Movie Sex

Lauren Bacall And The 'Sex? What Sex?' Kind Of Movie Sex

It's not always as clear which scenes are good . That's partly because they serve so many different functions, all of which look different, and all of which can be effective. Furthermore, you don't want to confuse whether a sex scene is used well in a film with whether it's hot to you personally, despite the fact that there is overlap between those considerations.

In the 'Last Dance,' Magic Mike leaves his thong-and-dance routine behind

In the 'Last Dance,' Magic Mike leaves his thong-and-dance routine behind

Here's what I mean: When Aisha talks about the sequence near the beginning of Magic Mike's Last Dance , it's not irrelevant that the scene is, to her (and to me), hot. But it also makes sense in the context of the film and the franchise, partly because of the way it sets up the power dynamic between Mike (Channing Tatum) and Max (Salma Hayek Pinault). Mike is older now, he knows more, and the way he approaches a lap dance is actually different than in earlier movies.

And not all good sex scenes are hot in the same ways. The one I mentioned in the episode, from the romantic drama Love & Basketball , is sexy, yes. But it's also a scene between young adults (the talented basketball players Monica and Quincy, played by Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps), and as such, it incorporates a tentativeness that's not present in Magic Mike's Last Dance , to say the least. As Ronald pointed out during our discussion, that sex scene is quite different from one that takes place later in Monica and Quincy's relationship, when they're older and know each other better. That certainly feels true to real life, but it's not always reflected in Hollywood films, where I would tentatively estimate that 90% of on-screen sex is more idealized and thus less intimate than real-life sex, in part because it isn't allowed to change over the course of a relationship.

'Like it or not, we live in Oppenheimer's world,' says director Christopher Nolan

Movie Interviews

'like it or not, we live in oppenheimer's world,' says director christopher nolan.

Even further from the hotness of the lap dance scene is Ronald's pick: the imagination of Kitty Oppenheimer (Emily Blunt) running wild in Oppenheimer. While her husband (Cillian Murphy) is being interrogated, she pictures him having sex with his mistress, Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh). It goes by quickly enough that it might seem like a Christopher Nolan flourish for flourish's sake, but it serves the purpose of letting you feel her pain over her husband's affair. Her relationship with Robert doesn't look especially romantic in the film, let alone sexually charged; she finds herself consumed by the idea that he was having hot sex with this other woman, and she locks eyes with her vision of a naked Tatlock and finds herself tormented. It's not really the intent of the scene to titillate the audience, just to give specificity to the shape of Kitty's preoccupation with the affair.

What makes a good sex scene?

What makes a good sex scene?

Christina raised another really important point, which is that sex scenes also collide with viewers at very specific moments. Her example from Bound , and the scenes between Violet (Jennifer Tilly) and Corky (Gina Gershon), touches on (among other things) her own history. It's an underappreciated aspect of the sex-in-movies discourse: representation matters in these scenes as much as anywhere else. I always wish I saw more sex scenes in movies that featured a broader variety of body types; it's still really rare to see ones that feature anybody who is even average sized. This is one of the reasons I'm curious about the upcoming season of Bridgerton , which places its focus on the gorgeous and curvaceous Penelope (Nicola Coughlan).

Looking for 'nomance': Study finds teens want less sex in their TV and movies

Looking for 'nomance': Study finds teens want less sex in their TV and movies

Good sex scenes are like any other kind of good filmmaking, honestly: it comes down to execution with purpose and care, done relative to whatever the function of the scene might be.

Whether that's spiciness or conflict or relationship growth or (as in the case of Bound ) setting up a steamy neo-noir story that wouldn't be the same if it weren't hot as heck, form follows function, ideally.

This piece also appeared in NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss the next one, plus get weekly recommendations about what's making us happy.

Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts and Spotify .

Challengers Is the Horny Tennis Movie Hollywood Needs

A witty, erotically charged three-way love story about tennis, sex, and ambition..

Peter Suderman | 4.26.2024 8:17 AM

For the last decade or two, Hollywood, like the rest of America, has been marked by a sex recession. Depictions of lovemaking, not long ago a fixture of big-screen productions, all but went away. Nudity practically disappeared, especially in big-budget productions. The number of studio-produced romantic comedies dwindled. Children's films dropped lovestruck princess plots that resolved in weddings for journeys of empowerment and therapeutic self-discovery.

There were myriad reasons for the shift: Some of it was a product of #MeToo, and a growing sense that on-screen sex and nudity were both unnecessary and exploitative. Some of it resulted from the rise of superhero movies and the decline in films targeting adult moviegoers. Ironically, the shift occurred in concurrence with changes in physical appearance, especially among male leads, who bulked up and got shredded for larger-than-life superhero roles. The result was a curious on-screen world in which, as one writer put it , " everyone is beautiful and no one is horny."

So it is somewhat jolting to see a movie in which everyone is beautiful and also very, very horny. Indeed, sexual desire, and the way it infuses so many aspects of one's life, is the subject of Challengers . It's a delirious, delightful, love-triangle romp—not only the horniest tennis movie you'll ever see, but the horny tennis movie Hollywood needs.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers tells the story of three ambitious tennis players who love and lust for each other. There's Mike Faist as Art Donaldson, the studious nice guy of the group. There's Josh O'Connor as Patrick Zweig, the charming-but-erratic striver who can't quite get his act together. And connecting the two, there's Tashi Duncan, played by Zendaya, a should-have-been superstar who switched to coaching after an injury derailed her tennis career.

Kuritzkes' script flitters back and forth in time, taking viewers from the moment the trio first meets at a juniors tournament to the peak of their careers, showing the trio coming together and coming apart. The nonlinear narrative, which spans a decade or so, captures the ebb and flow of desire and the ways it can turn into an obsession over time.

Zendaya's Duncan is the pendulum that swings between the two male leads, but it's clear they're competing for more than just her attention. A crucial scene, early in the movie, depicts the trio perched on a hotel bed in a three-way kiss shortly after they first meet: As it lingers, Duncan leans back, watching with satisfaction as the two men continue the kiss without her. For her, the pleasure is in both attention and power, and even more specifically in converting the former into the latter.

Part of what makes Challengers so invigorating is that it understands the complexities of adult desire, the interplay between attraction to another and how that person reflects on the self. It's a movie about how lust and love and heartbreak are all tied up with ambition and self-perception, and the ways those change over time: In college, Duncan falls for Patrick because of his edge, his rakish charm. But after her injury, she marries Art for his stability, his calm competence, his compliant willingness to be guided and molded by her. With Duncan as wife and coach, Art becomes a top-ranked tennis player; his career is the life she couldn't have.

In every scene, every interaction, every serve, and every line of dialogue, you see the connection between sport, ambition, sex, power, and self-definition. The three young leads bring deep vulnerability to their performances. But rather than softness or tenderness, that vulnerability takes the form of burning, high-stakes desire. Guadagnino makes Challengers a movie about wanting,  in every aspect of life.  Tennis, for this trio, is a game and a career, but it is also a love language, an intimate, intense, highly physical exchange between two people seeking total understanding of themselves and each other.

Did you ever think that tennis is a lot like sex? might seem like a thin conceptual reed on which to hang a movie, but Kuritzkes' screenplay keeps finding new ways to explore the power dynamics of the game, and meta-game of lust and ambition around it. Guadagnino, meanwhile, directs with such verve that it never settles into blandness; at times he captures tennis matches from underneath the court, or with POV shots of tennis balls flying between rackets. A pulsing, witty score from Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross—their best film work since the score for The Social Network —keeps energy levels high. Reznor and Ross' playful, EDM-influenced soundtrack underscores the movie's metaphorical conceit, that tennis and sex and desire are a sensual dance of domination and submission.

Challengers is not a gratuitous film in terms of nudity or explicit sexuality. But its heat levels are off the charts. There is an unapologetic sense of erotic intensity, a libidinous spark rooted in star power and silver screen glamour, that has recently been too absent from the big screen. Challengers will not, on its own, end Hollywood's sex recession. But as an indicator, this one goes a long way toward bringing sexy back.

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Everyone’s talking about ‘Challengers’ — specifically the last 10 minutes

Warning: This story contains spoilers for "Challengers."

The Zendaya-led tennis flick "Challengers" hit theaters April 26, and for better or for worse , social media is already abuzz with memes, reactions and plenty of opinions.

Since the release of the movie's first steamy trailer in June 2023, "Challengers," starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist, has been one of the most anticipated movies of 2024.

"Challengers" follows three tennis prodigies over more than 15 years, from when they meet as teens, to the movie's central match that sees former best friends Art (Faist) and Patrick (O'Connor) pitted against each other. Meanwhile, Tashi (Zendaya), now a tennis coach, watches her husband and ex-boyfriend face off.

Throughout the game, a series of flashbacks unveils the stakes of the game. Justin Kuritzkes, the screenwriter, tells TODAY.com the inspiration for the film came from asking himself what could make watching tennis even better.

His answer?

"If I could know exactly what was at stake for each player at every moment in the match," he says. "Somebody could be whispering in my ear, not just like, 'Oh, he's upset because he missed that serve,' but, 'Here's the real reason why he's upset. Here's why her face looks like that in the crowd.'"

His novel idea resulted in a critically-acclaimed " erotic tennis thriller " that people can't stop talking about.

Here's what fans are saying about "Challengers." Beware, spoilers are ahead.

‘Challengers’ is entering the love triangle Hall of Fame

The premise of "Challengers" seems understandable enough: Tennis royalty / married couple Tashi and Art are forced to confront former flame and friend Patrick on the court.

But as the film wears on, viewers learn that the lot is far from simple.

Each character is hurt and hurts others through their actions. For example, Art sowed the doubt that likely led to the fight between Tashi and Patrick before her career-ending injury; Patrick is spoiled, crass and brazenly flirts with his former best friend's wife; and Tashi cheats on Art not once, but (at least) twice.

Some fans have compared the trio to characters from "Succession," unlikeable and nearly unredeemable.

"My spoiler free review of #Challengers is that they’re definitely all villains in their own way & no one is completely in the right or wrong," one viewer wrote on X.

Some, however, were quick to declare which "team" they were on, taking to social media to outline which of the three main characters deserved the most support.

"Tashi did nothing wrong," one user on X wrote.

"i’m an art donaldson lover & apologist first, human second. i’ll protect him with all i have," another viewer wrote.

"i’m patrick zweig’s #1 defender already and if you have to say s--- about him you have to go through me first," one X user said.

One TikTok reviewer argued that the discourse over Patrick vs. Art specifically rivals famous fictional love triangles in pop culture, like Edward and Jacob from "Twilight."

"Challengers joins the love triangle movies that will divide the world," the poster wrote over the video . "I present to you: Team Patrick Zweig or Art Donaldson?"

Out of the theater, straight to the tennis court

Like "The Queen's Gambit" inspired viewers to start playing chess, some fans say after seeing "Challengers," they want to pick up a racket and hit the court.

"can’t stop thinking about Challengers tbh i need to play tennis like yesterday," one X user posted.

"need challengers to flop there’s only 4 tennis courts in all of humboldt park and they’re already always full. playing tennis cannot become a summer 2024 trend, " another wrote.

Fans praise ‘Challengers’ aggressive, techno soundtrack

As the stakes of the tennis match increase in "Challengers," its soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross only heightened the feelings of suspense.

The fast-paced, energetic, electronic tunes resounded in theaters over slo-mo tennis scenes. Prior to "Challengers," the Nine Inch Nails duo notably scored 2010's "The Social Network" and 2020's "Soul," taking home the Academy Award for best original score both times.

Online, fans say the film's score makes them want to party.

"Challengers soundtrack better be playing at the clubs this summer I’m ready to DANCE," one viewer wrote.

"I need to hear the Challengers soundtrack at a club expeditiously," another wrote.

The Cut simply writes, "The 'Challengers Soundtrack Makes Me Feel Invincible."

Viewers call the last 10 minutes ‘exhilarating’

As the stakes of the match between Art and Patrick unfold over the film's 2 hours-and-11-minutes runtime, the secrets between the trio come to light and peak in the film's final act. The match's third set end at 6-6, forcing a tiebreak.

It's revealed that Tashi asked Patrick to throw the match so Art can win and regain his confidence ahead of the U.S. Open, but instead of laying off, Patrick lights a fire under Art by confessing from across the net that he and Tashi had slept together.

How, exactly?

Well, in a flashback, shortly after Patrick and Tashi start dating, a jealous Art asks if the couple had slept together. Playing coy, Patrick refuses to confirm or deny anything, but says if he makes a certain gesture (resting the tennis ball in the throat of the racket) during his next serve, the answer is yes.

Now, at the end of their match in present time, Patrick makes the gesture at Art, a moment that had audiences on the edge of their seat.

From there, the match instantly intensifies with Art momentarily getting over any hang-ups he had about wanting to retire. Patrick just grins, seemingly enjoying sparring with his old friend again.

Viewers have called the scene "exhilarating," and at one point, audiences watch the volley from the perspective of the tennis ball, ricocheting off each racket at a high speed.

In the end, Art draws closer and closer to the net, before finally jumping in the air to spike the ball before he tips over, passing the net and landing on top of Patrick. The friends share a tight hug as Tashi screams, "Come on," thrilled at the level of gameplay.

"the ending of Challengers is some of the most exhilarating cinema i’ve seen in a long time," one viewer wrote on X after.

"those tennis matches in challengers felt so f----- real like tell me why i was fully sat up in my seat watching like this," another person wrote, accompanied by a video of Taylor Swift watching the Chiefs.

But what does the ending mean ?

Kuritzkes tells TODAY.com that the question of who won the match is "totally irrelevant."

The film ends when the trio is finally being honest with each other again — and when they finally just play "good tennis," he says.

“In many ways, this is a movie about people who can only really speak their hearts on the tennis court, through action, through playing,” he says. “There’s so many things that they want to say to each other, there’s so many things they want to understand about each other, or recognize about each other — that they can only really get to when they’re playing.”

“I think by the end for me, they’re playing all of a sudden,” he adds. “Art and Patrick are playing a real point, and somehow Tashi is playing, too. So the movie’s over.”

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

Everyone’s talking about ‘Challengers’ — specifically the last 10 minutes

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  1. Summary and Review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

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  29. Challengers Is the Horny Tennis Movie Hollywood Needs

    Movies. Challengers Is the Horny Tennis Movie Hollywood Needs A witty, erotically charged three-way love story about tennis, sex, and ambition. Peter Suderman | 4.26.2024 8:17 AM

  30. Everyone's talking about 'Challengers'

    "Challengers" follows three tennis prodigies over more than 15 years, from when they meet as teens, to the movie's central match that sees former best friends Art (Faist) and Patrick (O'Connor ...