Books & Bottles Series (#18)

A little behind on my posts for July but that’s okay! It’s the end of the month and it’s time for my favorite series on my blog.

It’s Books & Bottles time, my friends! I can’t believe this but I’m actually ahead of my reading schedule right now and I’m hoping to get a ton done during my family vacation this weekend.

I feel like I’m playing it a little safe this month with my wine. I choose one from my wine club but that’s okay. It didn’t disappoint. You’ll want to pick one up too.

_{Disclaimer: The following post has Bookshop & Amazon affiliates links. If clicked and purchased, a small percentage will go toward On the Trip Side. Thank you for your continual support!}

Table of Contents

Books & Bottles Series (#18)

I was hesitant about this book. I bought it during Seattle’s Annual Independent Bookstore Day. I knew the reviews were high on GoodReads and figured if I didn’t like it, I could loan it to a friend. So I took a chance and supported my local bookstore.

Book: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis a book by Ali Hazelwood

Buy from Bookshop.org

Buy from Amazon.

Short Summary (from the back of the book):

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.

Honest Review: 4.5 Stars

I was not prepared to like this book so much. I genuinely thought this book was going to be overhyped, like the rest of the books I’ve snagged from either booktok or GoodReads. This one? Right on point!

Olive was very relatable. She cannot even fathom Adam being remotely into her because:

He’s a jerk to everyone … but her
He’s a next-level hottie and she believes herself to be a plain jane

Adam has been into her since day one and it’s very obvious from the first chapter. However, I loved going through the play-by-play with these two. I loved their banter and the silly and completely unnecessary “fake dating” trope.

The only thing I did struggle with a bit was the age. It’s been a while since I’ve read about anyone on a college campus. Even though she’s in her graduate program and he’s a professor, it was tough. But totally engrossing.

That said, if you love spicy reads… grab this book next. 😉

If you’re looking for book recommendations, check out my Amazon book list here!

The Bottle: Airfield’s 2020 Viognier

This is, unfortunately already SOLD OUT! I cannot believe it and I’m wondering how the 2021 will hold up and when it will be released. I’ll keep my eyes out to update you guys.

This is my perfect Summer patio white. Honestly, this might be my favorite table white. You cannot go wrong with it. It’s light, airy, floral scented and so crisp. I love this white chilled and, don’t you dare judge me, on super hot day I love to add frozen strawberries to my glass.

What I’m Tasting:

Super light, crisp, and fresh. Think crisp cool summer apples. The tasting notes state “crushed almonds, banana bread and secondary flavors of apple blossom and honeydew melons”. Which, I second the honeydew and apple blossoms.

What I’m Smelling:

This is a lovely and kind of sensual floral scent. If this were a type of fragrance I would describe it as a youthful sexy bright floral.

Overall Grade: A

I picked up 3 bottles and I wish I bought more… I cannot wait to get the 2021 and hope I can save one of these for 2023 because that’s when it hits peak maturity.

Thank you for reading my Books & Bottles (#18) this month! I loved this pairing. I felt like it went really well with the Summer shirtless volleyball scene in the book. 😅

Happy reading!