By Kathy | Last Updated on May 31, 2026
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Ali Hazelwood has quickly become a fan favorite in the world of contemporary romance, earning a reputation for writing irresistibly charming, science-driven stories that blend humor, heart, and real emotional depth. Her books are celebrated not only for their steamy romance but also for their fresh take on women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. With strong, relatable female protagonists who are navigating both their careers and personal lives, Hazelwood’s stories are not just about romance but also about self-discovery, empowerment, and finding love in unexpected places.
Her writing appeals to readers who enjoy quirky, strong-willed characters, chemistry-laden romances, and witty banter. In this article, we will explore the background of Hazelwood’s works, provide a guide to the reading order of her books, discuss why her novels are so popular, and answer the question: Should you read Ali Hazelwood books in order?
Contents
| The Love Hypothesis (2021) | Details |
| Loathsome (2021) | Details |
| The Love Hypothesis (Expanded Edition) (2022) | Details |
| Love, Theoretically (2023) | Details |
| Stuck with You (2023) | Details |
| Under One Roof (2023) | Details |
| Below Zero (2023) | Details |
| The Love Hypothesis (Movie Tie-In Edition) (2023) | Details |
Ah, *The Love Hypothesis*! This one took the book world by storm! It’s about Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student who’s not interested in dating at all. But when she lies to her best friend and says she’s in a relationship, she ends up getting involved with the brooding, grumpy, and ridiculously handsome Adam Carlsen, a fellow scientist. They strike up a fake-dating arrangement that is anything but fake as emotions start to get tangled. It’s a heartwarming, slow-burn romance wrapped in academia, which, honestly, was the perfect combo for so many readers. Plus, if you love STEM representation in romance, this one’s a hit!
Okay, so *Loathsome* is technically not a novel but a short novella that came out alongside *The Love Hypothesis*. It’s a steamy little extra, focusing on the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that fans of Ali’s writing quickly fell in love with. Think lots of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and enough tension to make your heart race. Even though it’s short, it packs a punch, giving a nice little fix for anyone who needed more after the main book.
In 2022, Ali decided to bless us all with an expanded edition of *The Love Hypothesis*. This version includes more juicy extras, a deeper dive into Olive and Adam’s story, and some added scenes that just make the whole fake-dating experience even more swoon-worthy. If you loved the original, this one feels like a perfect little bonus that takes you even further into their relationship.
*Love, Theoretically* is another gem from Ali Hazelwood, featuring a delightful new protagonist named Elsie Hannaway, a physicist who uses her fake-dating skills to help people (for money, of course). She’s always the one who helps people out of sticky situations-until she finds herself in a tricky, real-life romantic situation with a guy she’s been helping out as a fake girlfriend for months. The kicker? He’s actually her nemesis in the academic world. Expect quirky, funny moments, more STEM-centered romance, and that signature Ali Hazelwood chemistry you can’t resist.
Let’s talk about *Stuck with You*! This one brings you a romantic comedy featuring a STEM duo stuck in an elevator (literally) and forced to confront all their tension, both professional and personal. This novella is part of the *STEMinist Novellas* series, which gives us short but intense bursts of Ali’s signature wit and charm. If you want to get hooked quickly with some enemies-to-lovers energy and a bit of forced proximity, this one’s a great little read to squeeze in!
Now, if *Stuck with You* is quick and full of sparks, *Under One Roof* is the perfect blend of humor and steam. It features a woman, Mara, who inherits a house with her new ’roommate’… who just so happens to be her enemy. The tension between these two? Unbelievable! This novella, also part of the *STEMinist Novellas*, is funny, cute, and definitely has that classic Ali Hazelwood charm, where academic pressure and sizzling romance go hand in hand.
*Below Zero* brings us yet another great STEMinist Novella, set in the world of science and high-altitude research. This time, the romance develops between a scientist working in Antarctica and a woman who’s a little bit of a daredevil. Think opposites attract, with a bit of danger and adventure thrown into the mix. The chemistry here is instant, and the cold setting only makes the heat between them even more intense. If you’re into extreme environments and can’t resist a bit of adventure, this one might just steal your heart.
2023 also brought a special edition of *The Love Hypothesis* to coincide with its movie adaptation. This version features a sneak peek at the film, with some behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast. If you loved the book and were excited to see it come to life on screen, this edition feels like a fun way to relive the magic and dive deeper into the movie experience.
Ali Hazelwood’s debut novel, The Love Hypothesis (2021), took the literary world by storm, introducing readers to a fresh and charming blend of academic settings, humor, and heartfelt romance. The book revolves around Olive Smith, a PhD student in biology, and Adam Carlsen, a brilliant but aloof professor. What starts as a fake dating scenario soon blossoms into something much deeper, and readers are swept into the hilarious and endearing dynamics between the two characters.
What makes Hazelwood’s work so appealing is her ability to create complex, highly relatable characters-particularly women in STEM fields, a space often underrepresented in romance literature. Hazelwood’s protagonists are smart, driven, and occasionally awkward, navigating the sometimes cutthroat world of academia while dealing with very real personal issues. These characters are not just seeking love-they are also finding their place in the world, their voice, and their confidence.
Following the success of The Love Hypothesis, Hazelwood released The Steminist Novellas, a set of shorter novellas that continued her exploration of women in STEM, combining romantic relationships with personal growth and career challenges. In these stories, characters grapple with the difficulties of being taken seriously in male-dominated fields while also managing romantic relationships that are both entertaining and heartfelt. Hazelwood’s books have been widely praised for how they deal with gender dynamics in professional settings, making them more than just "romantic fluff."
Most recently, Hazelwood released Love, Theoretically, which continued her exploration of both romance and academia. This book solidified her place as a favorite for readers of academic romance, particularly those who appreciate a blend of humor, heart, and chemistry.
For those who are new to Ali Hazelwood’s books, the reading order may seem a little tricky at first, especially since some of her works are standalone novels, while others are novellas that connect to the same universe. Here’s a breakdown to guide you through the reading order:
Start with Hazelwood’s debut novel, The Love Hypothesis, which sets the tone for the rest of her works. This is a full-length novel with a fake-dating plot at its core, offering everything fans of contemporary romance are looking for: tension, humor, and sizzling chemistry.
After The Love Hypothesis, dive into The Steminist Novellas collection, which includes three interconnected stories:
The novellas, though shorter, still maintain the same level of emotional depth and humor, and they can be read as standalone stories, though reading them after The Love Hypothesis gives you a better understanding of the world Hazelwood has created.
Following The Steminist Novellas, Hazelwood’s third full-length novel, Love, Theoretically, explores another romantic connection within academia. This book features Elsie, a theoretical physicist, and Jack, a professor who is interested in her work but unaware of the real person behind the academic resume. The chemistry between Elsie and Jack is electric, and the story delves deeply into both the romantic and professional struggles that many women face in male-dominated spaces.
In terms of reading order, you can follow the release dates, but it’s not absolutely necessary to read the books in sequence, especially if you’re only interested in specific plotlines. However, starting with The Love Hypothesis will give you a good foundation for Hazelwood’s style, and the novellas offer additional fun, interconnected characters and scenarios that add to the overall enjoyment of the reading experience.
One of the things I find most appealing about Ali Hazelwood’s books is how she blends intellectual stimulation with romance. The characters in her novels are not only quirky and lovable, but they also have a depth that makes them feel real. They are navigating complex careers, often in environments that don’t always support or respect them, which makes their romantic journeys even more powerful.
Hazelwood also has an incredible knack for creating palpable chemistry between her protagonists. Her books are charged with witty banter, slow-burn romance, and deeply satisfying moments of emotional vulnerability. She masterfully builds tension between characters and makes their romantic development feel earned rather than rushed.
Another element I appreciate is how Hazelwood’s stories explore gender dynamics within academic and scientific spaces. Her books often feature women who are working hard to make their mark in male-dominated fields. Through humor and heart, Hazelwood highlights the very real challenges women face in these environments, all while delivering a story that is equal parts romance and personal empowerment.
Finally, the lighthearted, yet emotional nature of her writing makes her books perfect for a cozy read. They are easy to fall into but don’t lack substance, offering readers a satisfying mix of humor, depth, and a touch of steam. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up or a heartwarming escape, Hazelwood delivers every time.
The beauty of Ali Hazelwood’s works is that they’re accessible whether you read them in order or not. Each novel and novella stands on its own, and Hazelwood creates a world where readers can dive in at any point without feeling lost. However, if you want to get a complete picture of her writing style and recurring themes-especially the way she builds her female protagonists and romantic relationships-reading her books in order will provide a more cohesive experience.
The novellas in The Steminist Novellas collection are loosely connected, so you can read them in any order, though starting with The Love Hypothesis might be the most satisfying if you’re looking to follow a more narrative-driven progression. As for Love, Theoretically, it’s a standalone novel but will feel richer if you’ve already read some of Hazelwood’s earlier works, particularly The Love Hypothesis, as it offers an expansion of themes and character archetypes.