Look, is every Ali Hazelwood romance *kind of* the same? Yes. Do I enjoy them regardless as a fun little treat? Also yes! Sometimes it's nice to know exactly what you're getting, and in Not in Love we got another closed off woman in science who is oblivious to the feelings of the man she's made fall head over heels for her. And I loved every second of it.

Eli Killgore.

That's it.

That's the review.

JK, but that man hit the "I'll take care of you" trope right on the nose, and I adored it.

I love Ali's voice in all of her books. This book also felt the least quirky out of all of the ones I've read. The characters to me felt really developed, and I desperately loved how much Eli needed Rue. His attraction to her was so raw. This was amazing and such a fun read.

I can't wait for the next one!

While I was intrigued to read Ali's newest book, I found myself not enjoying it as much as her previous work. I have to say, I'm all for authors trying new things, In fact, BRIDE is my favorite Ali book despite the fact that it's entirely different than her first few pieces of work. Although I was aware that NOT IN LOVE would be her smuttiest book yet, I wasn't prepared for the plot to not just take a back seat but to actually be completely left behind. I struggled connecting to the characters and therefore didn't feel invested in their love story. I was honestly a little bit bored but I think it's simply because I was so disinterested. I finished it but honestly could not tell you much about the book as the plot was entirely overshadowed.

𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚. 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙮 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠, 𝙍𝙪𝙚. 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩? 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙮𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙?”
OMG. I came into this year having read nothing by Ali Hazelwood and now I've finished book #4. I'm officially an Ali Hazelwood stan. This book was SO GOOD. Like had me gripped tight from the moment I started it to the moment I finished it. I loved Rue and her complicated, stoic ways. I loved seeing Eli from her perspective and then getting his thoughts and realizing that he has been all in from the get go. These two just made me feel everything. Given the reserved nature of these characters I loved that they told each other their personal stories without shame. There was a vulnerability to them and the fact that they were always so accepting of the others story made me get teary-eyed multiple times. This one does have more spice than other Ali Hazelwood books, but I really enjoyed that aspect. It felt true to the characters.
So if you love STEMinist romance with a side of enemies to lovers then this ones for you! Shout out to Berkley publishing for an ARC copy!

This is one of Ali Hazelwood's best books so far! I appreciated that these characters were actually smart and didn't make dumb decisions in order to advance the plot (except our FMC taking five years to ask what the heck happened with her boss). This could actually be her best-written book, though my love for Love, Theoretically prevents me from saying that definitively. Spicy scenes were good (they used condoms! Alert the presses: Ali Hazelwood characters use condoms!), and so was character development, though side characters were left a little flat.

I absolutely loved this book! Rue and Eli are both successful in their careers but also broken for different reasons. For me, this works so well because it makes the characters easier to relate to. The science and finance plot focus is unique and refreshing but doesn’t confuse the reader with too many technical terms. The way the main characters communicate is so refreshing and real. I love their connection!

This is my second Ali Hazelwood novel (Bride was my first) and my buddy readers have said this one is much spicier than her other STEM novels. I was fine with the level of spice because it worked with these characters, their insta-attraction, and their sexual peculiarities. Also, the narrators voices are *chef’s kiss*. Generally, audiobook spice can make me a tad embarrassed but these two are well-seasoned professionals and I wasn’t at all uncomfortable.

Grab your headphones and give this one a listen if you’re a fan of:

- Strong independent FMCs
- A MMC with a tough exterior but a mushy center.
- Spicy spice
- Family trauma
- Touch her and d!e vibes
- Insta-attraction but NOT insta-love (hence the title)
- Women in science
- Duet narration

This was a fun book about an engineer for a biotech company that is subject to a hostile takeover by a debt fund run by her almost Tinder date. Worlds colliding, enemies to lovers, women in STEM and over the top sex scenes. I loved the storyline and actually wished less 🔥 and more interactions about the work situation (the finance geek in me was really into it) and more info about both of their tumultuous childhoods. Such likable, intelligent and accomplished characters, characters who were not afraid to be raw and honest and address their worst moments, trying to move forward. So much interesting and gripping information to digest in one book. But also so much 🔥🔥🔥. So make sure you aren’t in public when you listen

sadly not for me. im not a third person girly and this has third person in it! was so excited for this too

Perfect for those wishing Ali Hazelwood would turn up the heat. This one is quite smutty. The characters are endearing and this is one of those books that you wish that there would be more to come. Super interesting careers and friends.
Please, please work this into a series!! So many possibilities and this can’t be the last time we see this perfect couple!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for an earc and thank you to libro and prha for the audiobook. I recommend reading with both your ears and eyes.

5 big beautiful stars
Ali Hazelwood + SPICE = Me, feral

I loved every single line of this book. In my excitement, I somehow forgot it was going to be dual pov & when it started switching to Eli’s POV - I audibly screeched.

He’s a GOOD MAN, Savannah!!!!!

I love him. No one writes a man down bad like Ali & Eli was next level delicious. Did he just snag the top spot in my ranking of Hazelwood men?? Possibly.

This is me begging on my hands and knees for more super spicy books from Ali.

This pains me to say, but this was my least favorite Ali Hazelwood book she's written to date. I cringed at 95% of this book, between the gross thoughts the characters had of one another, the heavy amount of physical intimacy involved and lack of emotional growth until maybe the last 50 pages, and just the overall plot of this book. Ali is my STEM author queen, and I was sad to see this have little to no science incorporated into the plot. I'm so worried for her next book, Deep End, because I'm concerned we're growing more into a SMUT author and not STEM author. 😖

I’ve read and loved all of Ali Hazelwood’s books, but this one wasn’t for me. It was different than what she normally writes, which is awesome, but I found it didn’t work for me. I found myself not connecting to the characters or the story. I did love the STEM representation in this book though! I know others loved this book, so I do recommend checking it out! I think it just wasn’t for me.

This one was a little different than the others. It seemed to be her most steamy, which is why I’m surprised it’s not my favorite of her books lol This had too much that didn’t add up. I know this is a romance book, but there’s only so much you can overlook.

So the first thing was her background. I hated what she went through, but I loved that she made something so other kids wouldn’t go through what her and her brother did. But I definitely didn’t love that she was so F capitalism but then at the end the thing happens and all the problems like go away. It literally made no sense. But I guess it was real. Everyone has their limits. I didn’t love it, but I guess we all knew she would be ok with it. And as one of my friends, Sarah, brought up, how are you affording ice skating at the competition level when you can barely afford food? I get for fun, but like at that level is something serious.

The other thing I didn’t care for was the male narrator. He was either too close to the mic or the two narrators were in two different places and one of them had equipment that was way more expensive than the other. Because he sounded like Batman and it took away from the story for me. The female narrator did an excellent job to combat that and keep me interested in the story.

The romance was ok. Kind of weird way to meet up if you ask me lol But eh. And the chemistry was there, but barely. It seemed like it was mostly lust and not real chemistry if that makes sense. Even after the first time. Idk it felt forced, not genuine like her others.

The plot was what kept me stuck to the pages tho. I live for academic dishonesty in Ali’s books. Because all of these people in these academic settings can’t be all good. Something has to go wrong. And go wrong it does. When the shit hits the fan in this one, it REALLY hits the fan. Sadly though, it was a bit predictable. But I didn’t know how DEEP it was going to go. And let me tell you, that damn person is an asshole and I HATE that they got anything out of that deal. They deserved prison time and an ass beating. I was so mad I was yelling at the book. I had to message Sarah as I read it because I was livid.

This one isn’t my favorite book by her, which is weird because it’s her most steamy lol But it’s I still enjoyed it a bit. I’m glad I read it, but I think this one was the most mid of her books so far. Things just didn’t really add up for me.

Wow Ali Hazelwood is in her bag and I am just obsessed with Not In Love. As someone who has struggled with Ali's earlier books, and really loved Bride, it has been great to see her come into her own. She is writing what she wants. She is having fun. She is writing erotica with high tension and big conflict. The characters are messy, they are filled with so much trauma, and they love to f*ck. It's actually perfect in such a fun and sticky way.

If you like dual POV, if you struggled with Ali's early books where you have a BIG HULKING MAN and a small tiny woman, if you like characters that dive into their trauma and really peel apart why it is holding them back. This is for you.

If you love Hozier? This. Is. For. You.

I'd love to see Connor and Maya but also wouldn't want to because #agegap lol.

her hORNIEST book yet and i LOVED it immensely vulnerable and profound i love u ali hazelwood for forever i will read whatever ur pen touches

**3.5-stars rounded up**

I don't think I have ever rated a Hazelwood book under 4.5-stars, so we've entered new territory here. This was still a good story, all things considered, but I didn't find it as witty, swoony, sexy, or as charming as her previous books. I also felt less STEM-vibes than I am accustomed to with her writing.

In this we are following Rue, a biotech engineer, and Eli, who works in finance, think venture capitalist, and they're brought together as Eli and his partners are beginning a takeover of the company that Rue works for, Kline. Because they find themselves on opposing sides, it does have a bit of a forbidden romance feel initially. For me, I would have loved if that had been dragged out a little further. They didn't keep it secret for very long.

Maybe I am supposed to believe it was because their chemistry is so strong everyone could just see it...

I loved Eli. I actually felt like he could be Hazelwood's sexiest male lead to date. There was something about him; strength, confidence and kindness for days. I'm in love. Then there's Rue. My gym shoes have more personality than her. No offense.

Every moment from her perspective bored me. I felt absolute zero connection to her and I understand her background, and I guess that is why Hazelwood made her feel more dead fish than engaging female lead, but I wasn't into it. I struggled to picture the two of them together. At the start, it's just supposed to be a hook-up, right? So, I get that. She's a wildly attractive woman, who seems to only want one thing. What guy wouldn't be attracted to that?

As the story continued though, I just couldn't get behind the idea of him becoming so magically obsessed with her. It made no sense to me, thus causing the entire story to feel a bit...put on, I guess. Which, for the record, I have never felt with one of Hazelwood's books before.

Also, there was one aspect of Rue's backstory that felt more like a platform than a genuine part of her character. It just felt oddly placed the way she discussed it. It came off like she needed an interesting, tragic backstory to explain the way she was as an adult. I know it is a serious topic, and I always appreciate when authors include things worthy of discussion, it just felt too strange in this story, with everything else going on. I would have rather spent more time exploring the business, the takeover and Rue's research.

This all comes off as pretty negative and I don't mean it to be. After all, my opinion on Rue all comes down to personal taste. I feel like for the right Reader, for one who can see a bit of themselves in Rue, they may adore this story. Taking everything into consideration, I still enjoyed this and appreciate Hazelwood's risks with the steamy scenes in this one; definitely dipping into some new territory here when it comes to pushing the limits, power plays, etc.

I also loved Eli's story, from his time in college to the present, including him becoming the sole guardian of his younger sister, Maya. I really felt for him in having to make those kinds of sacrifices, but what an incredible man he grew into. He's very emotionally mature.

I'm happy with the conclusion. Having been bored a bit throughout, the end really came together for me and is ultimately why I decided to round up to 4-stars. Overall, I had a decent time with this. There were some great moments. I walk away happy and anxiously anticipating Hazelwood's next release.

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Hazelwood has made such a name for herself in the Romance genre and I'm so happy to be along for the ride!

I loved this book it definitely made me want to read more of Ali hazelwoods writing I’ve always heard good things about her books but this was my first time reading her book and I immediately bought two other books of hers right after I was done!

Ali Hazelwood has done it once again. She has knocked me out of my seat and has delivered a masterpiece. After reading her books, I surely thought nothing would top them. But one after another, I had a new favorite. But Not in Love has far surpassed the previous work. This book was not a romcom and it was all the better for it.

Rue and Eli are the sweetest couple, but I must admit I did not realize how much I would love the tropes in this book. I have never been a fan of he falls first, but this one did it for me. Eli has been head over heels from the start, making him all the more endearing. He took the time to get to know Rue, and how to work with her anxieties and boundaries. He first had to understand her to get her to open up and be open to love. It was perfection in a book.

Now I don't know what to do or what to read next. This book is a book I will recommend to everyone searching for a great love story. Because Rue and Eli have the greatest one.

A one night stand except its with the one person who is trying to takeover your company can't be a good idea right? Well Rue Siebert doesn't do relationships, she doesn't do love... she does casual hookups and one night stands, so when her one night stand turns out to be Eli Kilgore, the very man who is trying to takeover her workplace, Rue shouldn't want him right? Despite being on opposing sides Eli and Rue can't seem to pull away from one another, they keep being drawn back together, and despite their forbidden relationship, their "one night" turns into multiple nights... and possible something more. Rue doesn't know who to believe, her mentor who has been there for her or the guy who has been showing up for her at every moment. Eli wants revenge against the woman who stole his and his friends work and the best revenge is taking her company for her...yet he finds himself falling for a biotech engineer working under her. Eli can't get Rue out of his head, he'll do anything to just be near her, but can he break down her fortress and get her to see that what they have between them is very real and much more than just a hookup? Oh I absolutely devoured this book. This book was HOT. Eli and Rue were so so amazing to read about and their chemistry was off the charts. The relationship between them was so well built and well written. I can't get enough of them and I never wanted this book to end. I would absolutely recommend this book!

Release Date: June 11,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed this romance between the two Characters they have a different arrangement, but it makes for a great story.
Talk about spicy this book is hot. I am still semi new to reading Ali Hazelwood so I wasn’t sure what to expect with the spice but this one hit it hard and good.
If your in the mood to read a really good book about
Forbidden affair
Opposites attract
Friend with benefits
Dual POV
With spicy scenes
I’ve read reviews saying this was a little different for Ali Hazelwood which I was unaware of
So I hope she writes more like this one I am now a Ali Hazelwood fan