I don’t know how she does it, but Hazelwood has such a skill for writing love stories that are exceptionally bingeable to me – no matter the tropes. Fast burn, “it’s just a hookup” romances featuring prickly, black cat heroines are usually not my favorites, but I ate this up in a single day. The chemistry between these two was palpable, the story was fresh and different, and I was completely immersed in the romance. It’s significantly spicier than Ali’s usual, with a couple who work out their frustrations and discover their compatibility in the bedroom before they let emotions get involved. It’s got definite “he falls first” vibes with a forbidden element and an edge of dislike, which made every interaction feel charged with tension. So good. It’s also truly dual perspective (unusual for the author), so I loved getting to see both sides of the story and scrutinizing every scene for the deeper meaning beneath the heat. It kept me on my toes and made me adore the couple in a way I didn’t expect – I loved it!

The story follows Rue, a scientist working on a project that is close to her heart. She’s friends with her boss and admires the woman’s accomplishments, so Rue is upset when some finance guys step in and attempt to do a hostile takeover of the company. Even worse, though? One of the guys is Eli, Rue’s failed hookup and unexpected connection from the night before. The two are on opposite sides of a very messy situation, but it’s impossible to deny that they’ve got a connection. A physical one, at least – Rue doesn’t let emotions get involved with anyone. But there’s something about Eli that keeps pulling her back in, even when she loathes everything he represents.

In some ways, this felt like a “Hazelwood” book, and in others it was very, very different. For starters, the spice level is MUCH higher than usual – perhaps even higher heat than a Tessa Bailey book, for example. It might not be for the same audience as The Love Hypothesis, but I read all heat levels, so I was happy to go along for the ride. The spice is also incredibly important to the relationship development, revealing things about these characters and the way they feel about each other. The spice is also intimate and fueled by sexual tension, so it lends plenty of depth to the story. The forbidden element was great, and I liked that more layers were revealed as the story progressed. I also loved that we got so much of Eli’s perspective – he is such a fantastic character, so steady and sure in some ways, yet so out of his element with his girl. Rue is a true black cat heroine, reluctant to get involved and a definite flight risk. They were fire together, and I loved them both more and more as the story progressed. This held my attention with ease, and showcased just how addictive Hazelwood’s writing style is to me.

THIS WAS SO GOOD. Ali's writing is clearly getting so much better with every single book and I TRULY loved this one. I was kicking my feet this entire time.

rue and eli are here! ali said that this is her angsiest yet, and boy did she mean it. these characters are so complex and fighting against so many external and internal forces and I ate it up. and eli is 👏 down bad👏

when rue’s lab is going under, eli and his company buy the loan. but it wasn’t the first time they met. they had a chaotic meet cute the night before after matching on a dating app. what follows is a delicious forbidden, forced proximity ✨we shouldn’t✨ romance that was so much fun to read.

also ali’s first dual pov romance was perfection.

I do have to say rue’s “I don’t do love” and eli’s lack of character development held this back from being a 5 star read for me. eli’s whole personality was being obsessed with rue at points and it got somewhat tired. I’m also not the biggest fan of workplace romances so I wasn’t as invested as others might be.

🎧 thank you so much to libro.fm for an alc. callie dalton and jason clarke brought these characters to life so perfectly.

thank you to berkley romance and netgalley for an earc!

read if you like
✨ forbidden
✨ workplace romance
✨ just once to get it out of our system

Ali Hazelwood’s novels typically run more towards a slow burn love story but Not In Love immediately introduces the heat and the flame just gets hotter as the story moves forward, never dimming. Not quite erotica, but the steamiest novel I’ve read in quite awhile. So, if you are leary of explicit scenes, especially in audio books, you may want to steer towards a paperback that you can skim through. This author has always done a great job at building up the tension in the two main characters, and because she’s taken away the ‘will they or won’t they’ build-up she supplies us with a really great subplot, the reason for Kline’s takeover.

In an interview I read with the author, she described this novel as being full of “angst”. I’d certainly agree. Rue delves into this secret relationship with Eli, has constant regrets, and her friends don’t want her to have this relationship. Eli, too, has friends who don’t agree with his pursuit of Rue. Reading both character’s POV’s help the reader understand these characters and definitely adds to the emotional tension. I was thankful for Eli’s point of view because Rue comes off as kind of a cold character, hiding all of her wants and needs behind this cool persona. A facade she uses to protect herself from hurt. If I hadn’t been able to see how Eli viewed Rue, it may have been difficult to get past her walls and identify with her and like her.

I truly enjoy these STEM romances by Hazelwood. She is now not the only one writing in this sub-sub genre, but I favor her style and look forward to seeing what aspects of real-life women she will write into her characters. Rue was a little more difficult to like, but I still appreciated her differences and loved how Eli viewed and was attracted to her character. Their love story was different, a little more antagonistic, and yes “angsty”, but I still enjoyed reading their story.

"I'd rather not surround myself with someone who'll hurt me just to get ahead."

To tell you the full and entire truth, I apply for arcs of Ali Hazelwood for my very best friend, who loves her as much as I love Nora Roberts. She gets to devour them, and I get to enjoy the journey of watching her love an author so entirely. It's not that I don't enjoy Ali's books, because I do, and more so with each that I read, it's just that I wouldn't pick them up on my own time if I didn't have a reason to do so.

I think that has officially changed with Not in Love. I love when you can watch an artist build their craft over time, come into themselves, and find who they are in whatever they create. Ali's voice gets more and more clear with each story she tells us, and this one really hit for me. I loved Rue's reasoning for what she does, how she feels, and how unapologetic she is at being herself. It's so rare to see a female character not be made to change while also remaining kind-hearted and good. She never pushes who she is into other people's faces, doesn't expect them to like her, and keeps to herself whenever she feels like a bit too much for the world.

Some may say she puts herself into a box. I say that she respects her boundaries and never pushes herself to be something she isn't. It's beautiful, creative, and entertaining. I was lost in getting to know her. It was so relaxing to watch someone fall in love with a person and not an idea. Because I think that's what Rue and Eli had been missing, why they thought they would never find a person to love. They didn't take a moment to understand that it comes from falling in love with a soul. Choosing someone, no matter how broken you feel or act. Being there for all the parts of someone they believe isn't enough.

And while all of Ali Hazelwood's books are love stories in one way or another, this one was a friendship story as well. Of how sometimes friends break your heart, and sometimes that hurts so much more than any other. How sometimes you trust the wrong people, and sometimes it isn't because they're terrible, but because they thought they were doing the right thing, selfishly, for themselves.

Eli and his friends joke about how "it's the friends you make along the way" that matter, but I think that is the true gift of this story. That it is the friends you make along the way. That it always should be. That they're going to encourage and embrace you for all you are without any gains or expectations other than a shared joy in never holding yourself back.

I loved this book. I'm so grateful to my own very best friend that gets me to read things I never would have picked up on my own. I can't imagine not having been able to read this, experience it, love it. Thank you to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to slow-burn fall in love with Ali Hazelwood. I hope you can feel just how truly honest this review is.

Book Review: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

"Not in Love" by Ali Hazelwood is a delightful, heartwarming, and romantic read.
Rue Siebert, a biotech engineer, has her world turned upside down by a hostile takeover led by the irresistibly attractive Eli Killgore. Despite being on opposite sides, Rue and Eli can't deny their attraction, leading to a secret, no-strings-attached affair.
The story is engaging and romantic, with a perfect mix of workplace drama and tender moments. The characters are well-developed, hardworking, and loyal. The push-pull dynamic between Rue and Eli kept me hooked, and their chemistry is undeniable.
Ali Hazelwood's writing is heartfelt and light, making it easy to root for Rue and Eli. Even though it's different from her usual STEM-focused romances, Hazelwood's storytelling captivates me every time. This book is a must-read for romance fans looking for an entertaining and steamy love story.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

I had to read this book two times in order for me to form a cohesive thought about it. To me, this is by far Ali’s best book and that’s high praise from me given the fact that I have been eating her books up since The Love Hypothesis release day. I loved this book so much (if you couldn’t tell already). I loved the depth of these characters, the tell-me-something-you-haven’t-told-anyone-else before that existed throughout Rue and Eli’s forbidden and steamy situation-ship. Eli is THE epitome of boy-obsessed, he is the blueprint. Rue’s character was amazing and I just love her and the development her character had. I like that even when she has an aloof personality, you can tell how much she cares and knows exactly what she wants.

I absolutely loved how even though Eli and Rue had trouble with the concept of dating, this “enemies with benefits” situation led them to find comfort and learn how to love one another. I am obsessed with this book, I can’t stop talking about it!

3.5 This is my fourth Ali Hazelwood, and by now I kind of know what to expect, but this one is definitely steamy compared to the other STEAM romance books I have read from her. There is of course conflict about the two main characters being together, but oh how they do love to be together. There was so many spicy scenes in here that I started to look forward to the times when they weren't between the sheets so that I could get a moment to cool down. The story kept me engaged and I was interested in what was going to happen next, but I didn't feel the same connection that I felt in previous books by this author that I enjoyed. Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.

Just to put it out there I have read all of Ali's books and aside from 1 love them all and this one is not any different! One thing I did like was that at the beginning of this book Ali put a disclaimer that this one is not like her others and while I agree with that you still get everything you love about her books. Things I loved in this one; he fell first, like right away, the backstory for Rue which is a huge part of her character and the spicy scenes!! Highly recommend this one if you have enjoyed any of her previous works or just want to give her a try but know this is open door. Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for my gifted copy of review! I also preordered this one because I loved it so much! Out now!!!

1.5 Stars
I spent way too long trying to read this because honestly, these MCs were so insufferable to me. I think Rue is supposed to be neurodivergent but she really didn't have much of a personality to me and even her best friend and that friend's sister made comments about how unlikeable she is, so I really could not understand why Eli was so obsessively into her. Eli's POV was always about wanting to hook up with Rue and that was pretty much his entire existence. Their thing is pretty much being terrible people and sharing stories of the terrible things they've done and I just don't get it. I usually devour steamy books but I did not enjoy the insta lust in this one at all and found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. I wanted to like this so bad, especially since I've enjoyed the other books by this author that I've read but unfortunately, I don't think this one was for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!

🔬Not in Love 🔬

“It’s because with you I never have to worry about being too odd, too unlikable, too out of tune. You never make me feel anything other than just right.”

Oh, precious Eli and Rue. There were so many deeper feelings at play in this story. Rue and Eli both have pasts that they are still working through. They found their sexual chemistry before they felt comfortable exploring their emotional connection.

I truly enjoyed watching them each discover what they needed and learn to ask for it. The ending was just chef’s kiss perfection. I adored following Rue and Eli.

If you’re looking for Hazelwood’s usual recipe in a light fluffy romance, this is not quite that. But you should still give it a try because the darker journey is worth the light at the end! And the chemistry is definitely worth it.

Check this one out for:
🔬 Forced proximity / workplace romance
🔬 Rivals with benefits to lovers 😏
🔬 Women in STEM queens
🔬 Delightful supporting cast of characters

Not in Love is on shelves June 11, 2024! Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

First and foremost, I want to give a huge thank you to Berkley and Ali Hazelwood for the copy of this eARC.

At the start of our story: Rue and Eli match on a dating app. Everything is going swimmingly, and the two really hit it off. So much so that they’re about to do the no-no cha cha, but fate intervenes. They end up going separate ways, and then Rue arrives at work the next day for a meeting only to discover…
Uh oh. He’s the enemy.
Dun dun dunnnn!!!!

His company has bought out the loan that helped create her company. Which isn’t normally something to panic about, but there’s rumors that there’s more to it, and everyone will soon be out of a job. Eli’s boss wants him to keep Rue close. While Rue’s boss wants her to stay as far away from him as possible. The heat builds as they both try to save their careers without hurting the other.

Unfortunately, I was not in love with this book. Normally I eat Ali Hazelwood books up like they’re my favorite meal, but this one fell short for me. I wished that all the characters dove a little deeper. The groundwork was there, but I wanted MORE from each of the relationships. There were a lot of very interesting side characters that I wanted to know more about, but never quite got that satisfaction.

The concept was so interesting, but I deeply disliked the MMC Eli. The way he spoke to Rue was so uncomfortable. There was something about him that made his flirty statements come across as creepy as opposed to swoon-worthy. What I found most jarring was the way the POVs were set up. I was ecstatic to discover that this was dual POV… until I got to Eli’s chapter… Rue’s chapter were written in first person, while Eli’s were in third. As much as I tried to get used to it, the switch back and forth kept pulling me out of the story.

This is by far Ali’s spiciest book yet, but there were times where I felt like the spice took away from the plot. It felt like that was the only chemistry these characters had, and they didn’t belong together otherwise. BUT, much of that could be my own bias. I’m not a huge fan of insta-lust, and that was definitely where this book was headed from the start. I love when there’s heat between characters, but I was craving something a little more substantial between these them.

All in all, it was interesting watching these two try to navigate their precarious situation at work while juggling their feelings for one another. This book may not have been for me, but I recommend that you give it a try. It’s a spicy forbidden workplace romance, and has all the STEM goodness we know and love from Ali wrapped in a much different package than normal. I love that she took risks with this book, and tried something new. Especially after releasing Bride in the same year! It seems like she’s living her best life, and exploring different interests / writing styles. I have a feeling this year of releases in particular will attract a new audience, and I’m excited for what new opportunities that brings her.

Although this book wasn’t my favorite, I’m still looking forward to what comes next. The reviews for this one are very divided so you’re either going to love this book or hate it, but that shouldn’t stop you from picking it up.

I. LOVE. TENSION. AND. FORBIDDEN. MOMENTS!
4.5 stars

This is the first male pov we have had in an Ali Hazelwood book and I NEED her to make this a regular thing in her writing because damn she writes them in my favourite position... on their knees begging.
Eli Killgore oh! We love a man who knows how to long, grovel and take control.
Rue was such a strong heroine, even in her weaker moments of blind loyalty and devotion it just shows her humanity. Her trials with her emotions for Eli, her problems with her family, her conflict with the threats looming over her work and the struggles she has with food insecurity and finances have placed her in my #1 slot of Ali Hazelwood characters. The growth and solid structure of this character from beginning to end was on point.
There was so much patience and tenderness in this romance between Eli & Rue that was the stronghold of this book. The hot spicy and very much appreciated sex scenes were also good *wink wink* but that level of intimacy that their talking and 'experiments' gave were magnificent!

Also, I want to bring attention that this book touched on some backstories that were a touch darker - not really dark but that wasn't the usual trauma backstory. We touched on sibling relationships, in two areas that went in two different paths; one sibling having to step up and raise their sibling after parental death and how that relationship was not all sunshine and roses but hurt, pain and rocky. While the other shows you can choose yourself and while it can hurt someone else and make you feel guilty in a way, choosing your own happiness is right and important. Didn't really think this would hit me in my emotions but I cried and actually realized this was something I needed to hear - even if I didn't know it!

I only reason I think I didn't give this 5 stars was because of the abruptness of the start of the book and how it took 50-60 pages for me to fully get into it, but once I was in I was in. It has a longer build-up than many are used to but I highly recommend it!

BONUS NOTE: CONNOR HARK, THEY CAN NEVER MAKE ME HATE YOU! GIVE ME A HAPPY ENDING FOR THIS IRISH MAN!

3.5 stars

According to Ali Hazelwood, Not In Love differs from her other books. On the one hand, the themes addressed in Not In Love are darker (child neglect, grief, and food insecurity), and on the other hand, the book is more of an erotic romance than a rom-com. I liked both characters, Eli a little more than Rue, and I loved reading from both their POVs. However, I struggled getting into the book at first. I found the second half of the book more enjoyable. I liked the premise, but I didn't love all the sex scenes, even as someone who usually likes steamy romances. Overall, I enjoyed Rue and Eli's love story but didn't love it as much as the author's other books.

Thank you Berkley Romance for the advanced reader copy and PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Ali Hazelwood is back to her woman in STEM roots with Not in Love. Rue is a biotech PhD, and she is working on a new patent in food science that would help to address food insecurity. She knows what she wants, and it's not love. So she uses a hookup app to meet men with one rule, no repeats. The day after she meets Eli, he turns up at her office as one of the private equity founders buying out her company.

This book felt like an emotional roller coaster. There were times when I loved and hated both Rue and Eli. And there were times when I was so frustrated with them both. I found their way of connecting with each other by sharing some of their deepest stories incredibly moving. And the steamy aspects were quite well done (though I strongly disagree with the author intro saying this is erotica).

I loved the secondary characters from both their friend groups, the fun little nods to a hockey romance and ice skating, his role as a single guardian, and that he falls first. And all the taboo aspects and more serious drama added a whole additional dimension for me.

I was so appreciative of how the audiobook was performed. Zachary Webber is always a favorite of mine, and he and Callie Dalton nailed the characters.

So different from anything Ali Hazelwood has written before, Not in Love is beautifully gritty and raw! The romance, chemistry, and plot are all tied up in tender emotions and balanced so well with one another. I loved how this was written and how Rue and Eli's relationship developed, they seemed to communicate through sex and their love was so dirty and sensitive. Their histories and characters were explored thoroughly and I enjoyed getting to know them as they reluctantly fell in love. The dual POV was such a nice touch, I loved reading Eli's perspective and his absolute obsession with everything Rue. While I believe this is more of an emotional romance than a romcom; the banter, touch of angst, tension, and steam all wrap up into an enigmatic forbidden romance that perfectly treads the line between serious and sweet.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Berkeley publishers for this arc of Not In Love.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t grasp my attention as much as I wanted it to. I found myself struggling to push through the chapters and connect with the plot/characters. Which in turn, left me to DNF this book.

I feel like the chemistry between the two MCs just wasn’t there for me and I just felt slightly bored. Overall, there was some good banter and nice friendships, but I don’t think I have the right to completely give an opinion if I simply was not able to finish the entire book. I feel so many people may love it, it just wasn’t for me.

3/5 stars ⭐️

Another excellent title from Ali Hazelwood! She revisits many of the same themes seen in her other works: contemporary romance, enemies to lovers, STEM setting- but manages to make it different and engaging every time. The characters in this book have experienced more trauma than typical Hazelwood characters, and I appreciated Hazelwood's approach to that.

This is an intense, addictive, steamy read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

I think this ranks as one of my least fav novels of Ali's unfortunately. Too much smut ruined a plot I actually found to be interesting. I found both MCs to be annoying. Sorry!

I loved Ali Hazelwood's first few novels, but this was a miss for me. It lacks the romcom aspect that is the main draw for me of her other novels, leaving only unlikeable characters and lust.

I never connected with either character. Eli spends his page time either a) lusting after Rue or b) remembering past relationships. He has no personality? Rue spends her time either being clueless about anything that's not science with her best friend, being cold and unfeeling, or avoiding dealing with her past. They bond by telling each other all the horrible things they've done.

The sex, decoupled from emotion as it is, is absolutely not what I want to read (I put up with skimming sex scenes to get to the romance / romcom). Without the romcom or romance... there's nothing there for me to like. I never connected with any side characters either. They're all annoying or unlikeable. Even the science/academia setting I loved in her previous books is missing. The science is barely there and it's focused on the takeover of a company.

There's literally nothing about this book that I like which is incredibly rare for me.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an advance copy for review.