No sophomore slump here! Love on the Brain is as deliciously swoony and addictive as The Love Hypothesis, with characters who are equally compelling. I devoured it in one sitting and LOVED it the whole way through. It's quirky and science-filled, with a relationship that's layered and nuanced. I loved trying to figure out our hero's thoughts and feelings, and I loved that it has a similar vibe to The Love Hypothesis (both standalones) while also feeling distinct and original. This heroine takes the quirkiness up a level, and there's also a LOT of scientific fun to go along with the romance. And it is definitely a romance. Told exclusively from the heroine's point of view, one of my favorite parts was intensely analyzing the hero's every thought and action. I kinda felt like a love detective, puzzling out his feelings every step of the way. Both characters are exceedingly likable, even when I was frustrated with the heroine's cluelessness - or reluctance? - at times. It held my attention with ease, and is without a doubt one of my favorite books of the year.
The story follows Bee, a neuroscientist whose last relationship almost tanked her career before it even started. The bright, bubbly woman is now a little more closed off, though she's incredibly excited about the career opportunity that has come her way. The temporary assignment is the kind of project that could change her entire career trajectory, and Bee can't wait to get started... until she discovers who her co-lead on the project will be. Bee met Levi back in grad school, and his attitude couldn't have made it clearer how much he despised her. She hasn't forgotten about her grad school nemesis in the years since, and seeing him again makes all of those old feelings come rushing back. Her hatred and resentment towards him, of course. As the two start work together, their old issues rise to the surface, and it doesn't take long to realize that their project won't be successful if they can't get along.
Bee is quite the character, and she makes this story feel even more vibrant than anticipated. It felt like everything was turned up a notch - the personality, the science, the chemistry, the pop culture references. Oh, and the HEAT! This is steamier than The Love Hypothesis, but it's still got the slow burn goodness that I was hoping for. Bee and Levi are FANTASTIC together, and it was easy to see all of the ways they're perfect for each other... even if Bee is oblivious. The whole book is low angst but friction-filled, with enemies to lovers vibes and tons of sexual tension. It really felt like a rom com, and the tone is upbeat throughout. I loved Bee and Levi's rich history, how they are in so much of the book together, and how everything just felt so unique. I loved the whole thing, let's be honest here. This exceeded my (very high) expectations, and made for one incredibly memorable read.
Love on the Brain
4.3
| 26,269 ratingsPrice: 1.99
Last update: 12-19-2024