BANNED

Yes, The Love Hypothesis Is Banned!

by Ali Hazelwood · Berkley · 2021

ISBN: 9780593336823

4 documented challenges

The Love Hypothesis follows Olive Smith, a third-year biology PhD candidate who, to convince her best friend she’s dating someone, impulsively kisses the first man she sees: Adam Carlsen, a notoriously grumpy young professor. When Adam unexpectedly agrees to keep up the ruse, their fake relationship becomes entangled with real feelings, academic politics, and the systemic challenges women face in STEM.

A #1 New York Times bestseller and a BookTok phenomenon, the novel has been challenged for sexual content and profanity. Its removal from some library shelves has been particularly ironic given its themes of women fighting to be taken seriously in their professional environments.

Why Was It Banned?

Where Was It Banned?

Florida Clay County School District 2023
Texas Granbury ISD 2022

Read It Anyway

The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:

Buy from Capital Books

Support the bookstore that built this site. You won't get your book overnight, but we'll make 30%.

Buy on Bookshop.org

Support indie bookstores. Pick one or help them all. (We make 10%.)

Buy on Amazon

We know. They're huge, cheap, own a rocket ship, and you'll probably get it overnight. (We get 4%.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Love Hypothesis banned?

Yes, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood has been banned or challenged in 4 documented instances across 2 states in the United States, including Florida, Texas. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.

Why was The Love Hypothesis banned?

The Love Hypothesis has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Sexual Content, Profanity. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.

Where is The Love Hypothesis banned?

As of 2025, The Love Hypothesis has been banned or challenged in Florida, Texas. Notable bans include Clay County School District (2023), Granbury ISD (2022).