Before she ever dreamed of bestselling romance novels, Ali Hazelwood was elbow-deep in peer-reviewed journals, writing about brain stimulation and cognitive neuroscience—fields where swoony glances and happy endings were, unfortunately, in short supply. But somewhere between lectures, lab work, and grading papers, she found herself craving a different kind of narrative. One with emotional tension, sharp banter, and the thrill of two people realizing they’re absolutely doomed to fall for each other.
Originally from Italy, Ali’s path has taken her through Germany, Japan, and finally the United States, where she pursued her Ph.D. in neuroscience. For years, she juggled academia with her love of storytelling, scribbling scenes during breaks and slipping into fanfic communities at night. That blend of intellect and intimacy—equal parts brainy and blush-worthy—would eventually define her signature style: romances that don’t just charm but think.
Her breakout novel, The Love Hypothesis, began as Reylo fan fiction and evolved into a New York Times bestseller that reshaped the landscape of STEM-themed romance. With each new book—from Love on the Brain to Love, Theoretically and Not in Love—Ali continues to explore the emotional lives of scientists, grad students, and women navigating love in spaces that weren’t always built for them. Her heroines are smart, stubborn, and sometimes terrified—and that’s exactly what makes them unforgettable.
In 2023, Ali stepped away from her career as a professor to write full-time, trading syllabi for storyboards. She's since expanded into young adult fiction with Check & Mate, and even dabbled in paranormal romance with Bride, proving that love—like science—is full of possibilities.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found crocheting, inhaling cake pops, or watching sci-fi with her three demanding cats and her very patient husband. Her stories may begin in the brain, but they always end in the heart.
