ali, my girl… keep GOING. don’t change ANYTHING! this is not a request, it’s a DEMAND!

people criticize ali’s books — alleging that they have too similar of plots — but idgaf! if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! someone having a certain style, approach, and/or theme isn’t a bad thing! she’s a romance auteur folks. you could tells it’s hers just by reading the description.

another excellent entry in smart and sexy hazelwood literary universe. she came, and she conquered. INSANE leads, i love them both. eli’s immediate obsession with rue? YES. rue, loving him, but taking a bit to come to terms, put a name to it? YES.

not too much drama (romantically) in the third act which i APPRECIATE. great side characters. witty dialogue. HOT bedroom scenes. dual pov, done WELL. cute chapter naming convention.

WILL READ EVERYTHING ALI EVER WRITES! she has never let me down (everyone chill tf out, the novellas were CLASSIC)!

#netgalley

Ali Hazelwood is brilliant. I love everything she’s written and this is no exception. She does have a certain formula that works - there’s always a betrayal from a close friend or advisor in the STEM that the brilliant and patient love interest helps with and I fall for it every time.

What to expect in Not in Love:
-dual pov
-let's get it out of our system
-grumpy/sunshine (she's grumpy)
-STEM setting
-forbidden romance
-🌶🌶🌶 (def Ali's steamiest)

Rue, a biotech engineer, owes her life work to her mentor and the company she created - Kline. So when a group swoops in to buy Kline and potentially put Rue and her coworkers out of a job - she's not thrilled. And to make matters worse - the one night stand that Rue was supposed to hook up with just so happens to be...you guessed it - one of the partners wanting to take over Kline.

Eli has his own reasons for wanting to take over Kline, but he clearly wanted to spend more time getting to know the elusive Rue Siebert. But Rue doesn't do strings or repeats. And she especially doesn't want to get entangled with Eli who she views as the enemy. But the chemistry between Eli and Rue is undeniable. Will they find a way to have a relationship with one another even though they are at a crossroads?

Everytime Ali Hazelwood writes a book I think "this is my favorite Ali Hazelwood books" and then she finds a way to write another book that I absolutely love. I know I say I love whatever current male lead Ali has written about but gah Eli...he's so swoony and sweet and sexy. AND AND AND we get this point of view - which I love even more! This isn't a slow burn romance - Rue and Eli meet on an app to have a fun one night stand with no strings. Rue doesn't do strings and Eli while always respecting her wishes wants more than that. While I do have a hard time with insta-love, I never felt that way with Rue and Eli. They had such an emotional connection and by the end of the books I had tears running down my face.

Does Not in Love have the classic Ali Hazlewood humor - yes! I was laughing out loud during so many parts of this book. But Ali also touched on heavier subjects that made me love these characters even more.

cw: parent neglect/abandonment, parental death, starvation.

5 Stars!! I have absolutely devoured every Ali Hazelwood book out there, and “Not in Love” is no exception. I haven’t re-read Ali Hazelwood’s books in a bit, but this one seems to have a bit more emotional heft to it than the others, and that added depth just added something to this book that I can’t put my finger on but made it completely irresistible. I was irrationally angry when I had to put it down. Ali has a way of writing relationships that makes each book couple my new “favorite” but I really think Eli and Rue are!!

Rue is complicated, witty, smart (of course!), caring, and honest. With Ali’s other books the heroines that we know and love are the “sunshine” in the relationship and usually bubbly and all smiles. Rue is not that and honestly it was so refreshing to see. She is nothing but herself and she does not pretend. Ali writes her so intriguingly and I just wanted more and more. Eli is the perfect compliment to Rue. He’s kind, loyal, funny/sarcastic, and gentle. Both of them are beautiful and hot - of course. (Eli’s a former hockey player - enough said.)

Eli falls fast and hard for Rue, and the chemistry between the two is phenomenal. The steam in this book is off the charts (her steamiest book yet and you don’t have to wait long for it either!). Beyond their sexual chemistry, I fell in love with how Eli accepts Rue for exactly who she is and never pushes her to change or gets exasperated when she doesn’t respond “normally.” And Rue is the perfect fit for Eli and balances him out. Reading this book, you just crave the scenes they are together in and you never want it to end.

Pick this up immediately. You won’t regret it!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

5 STARS⭐️

Wow. I am once again obsessed with another Ali Hazelwood book!! I will truly read anything she writes, she is incredibly talented. I love how the most recent books she has published are unique and have a range of personalities!

This book is meant for people who enjoy angst and complex love stories. Eli and Rue are absolutely perfect for each other and I LOVED how Ali crafted their story. This was spicyyyyy and I loved every bit of it. Rue is a girl who knows what she wants (not necessarily emotionally) but it was empowering to read her character!! Eli is the PERFECT man for her. In true Ali fashion, the man is absolutely irrevocably obsessed with the fmc and would do anything for her.

I really enjoyed how this one was a bit "unconventional" in terms of the love story, both characters have a lot of emotional baggage that makes them more complex (especially romantically). However, Ali made it extremely special, and watching them both be able to heal together and be their most vulnerable selves with each other... was perfection.

Rue is a wonderful character. I ADORED her. She is the type of character that jumps off the page because of how alluring she is. She is not your sunshiny girl who always plasters on a smile, she is so much more than that. She has a past that allowed her to get where she is today and has always been a bit of an enigma. When Eli comes into the picture, I believe Rue can recognize who she is and truly feel seen. It was beautiful to witness her growth and her ability to feel loved after turning a blind eye to it beforehand. As I mentioned before, I loved Ali's ability to include a fmc who knows what she wants sexually and isn't afraid to communicate that!

Eli is everything & more. Eli is also a layered character with trauma that he carries around with him. He is unabashedly obsessed with Rue even though she has her walls up. I am SO happy that Ali did his POV, it added so much to the storyline and it does allow you to feel and connect to his character. This man has a heart of gold and is also not afraid to communicate what he wants and likes. I loved his ability to be there for Rue but also respect her boundaries. He waited for her to be ready and showered her in care, love, comfort, and affection. What a man!!!!

This is Ali's most adult book to date, it includes emotional storylines, traumatic pasts, and a ton of spicy scenes. I absolutely loved every bit of it, I am so happy that she is venturing into this territory and I would love to see more of this style in the future!

These two characters make up such a beautiful story about healing, acceptance, vulnerability, and breaking down walls to let others in. I just love how organic their love story was, it progressed so naturally and by the end of it, I wanted more!! I specifically loved that they shared stories as a form of getting closer, it was special and made my heart ache for them!!

What to expect:
- Forbidden Love
- Angst
- Broken families / Traumatic pasts
- Spiceeeee
- Boy OBSESSED
- Enemies with benefits ;)

thank you netgalley and berkeley publishing for this incredible arc!

so i have read most of ali hazelwoods books (still need to read bride and check & mate) and one thing i have to say about this one…this is my most favorite one ive read by her. it was incredible. it has to be her most spiciest too like i couldn’t believe it! but it was the perfect blend of spice and plot and i could just feel the connection between these two. Ali is an instant read for me and BRB while i catch up and read the two books of hers i haven’t read. LOL
this was such a great read and i know people are going to eat it up when it’s released.

also i have never given an ali hazelwood book less than 5 stars. just saying…. SHES AMAZING

Ali Hazelwood is a literal mastermind and i don’t think she will ever write a book i don’t love!

This was absolutely incredible. The writing felt different than any of her other work. It was intriguing, emotional, and so good. My heart hurt for both Rue & Eli, their depth & vulnerability was so well done.

Rue is probably one of the most intriguing female main characters i have ever read, and definitely one of the most complex that Ali has ever written. She’s loyal, caring, witty & dry, and (i guess) pessimistic in a way that stands out among the rest of Ali’s female characters. I adored getting to see Rue heal the wounds of her childhood, navigate her own mind, and grow in ways she never thought herself capable of.

Eli is equally as intriguing. His personality and mind worked in ways that stood out from Ali’s previous male main characters. He’s caring, sarcastic, determined, and kind. The gentleness that he provides the ones he loves and cares for was so lovely. His depth and vulnerability was so well-written, I loved him!!!

Rue & Eli’s romance was beautiful, raw, and subtle. I adore them with my whole heart & loved how different their romance felt in comparison to most love stories I’ve read. The way that they care for, support, and love each other is so beautiful and honest. Their communication was perfect, the way they each allowed a safe space for each other was beautiful, and the way they accepted each other for who they were was everything to me. I loved the slow-burn feel that their relationship had, regardless of the fact that they were consistently hooking up with each other. The tension, chemistry, and spice was incredible. Ali truly knocked it out of the park on that one!!!!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!!!

I inhaled this book in less than 24 hours. It's an absorbing read, and I got totally caught up in the story. Do I think it's the best Ali Hazelwood so far? No, I reserve that for the Love Hypothesis and Love Theoretically. But it has all of her signature elements, and a page-turning plot line. It is also the open-dooriest of all her novels, but that's mostly because of the number of sex scenes. Overall, it's a good read.

PHENOMENAL!!! A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

AHHH!!! My tears flow freely, for my heart is overwhelmed with adoration for this book!! The Queen of STEM romance reigns once more, presenting a sumptuously alluring, intellectually stimulating, and utterly delectable tale of enemies-to-lovers!! Truly, this opus stands as the author's most sizzling masterpiece yet!! Prepare for the inevitable clash of love and animosity as a fiercely intelligent woman encounters a charming, sexy man who is determined on overtaking the very company she works for. Within the narrative lies a forbidden romance brimming with passion, an electrifying chemistry, and a heartfelt, unbreakable bond. Intertwined with these elements are themes of poverty, food anxiety stemming from past traumas, and the intricate power dynamics prevalent in academia. As the story unfolds, our protagonists confront these challenges, delving into the depths of their emotions while navigating the complexities of their relationship. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love amidst adversity. Describing this book as my favorite romance read of 2024 would be an understatement of epic proportions!! Ali Hazelwood has cemented her status as an auto-buy author in my book 💜💜💜💜💜!!!

In a tale where love and science collide, Rue Siebert finds herself entangled in a forbidden, secret affair that challenges the very foundations of her stable world. As a biotech engineer at Kline, she's accustomed to navigating the complexities of her career. However, when a hostile takeover led by the irresistibly charming Eli Killgore threatens everything she's worked for, Rue must confront her deepest desires. Eli, determined to acquire Kline at any cost, finds himself drawn to Rue in ways he never anticipated. Despite the risks, they embark on a secret, no-strings-attached affair with an impending deadline looming over their heads. As loyalty and attraction collide, Rue and Eli must navigate the treacherous waters of love and business. Their hearts are on the line, playing for keeps in a high-stakes game where winning may come at the ultimate price.

I was completely captivated from the very first page and found myself reluctant for it to conclude, yet driven by the need to witness how everything would seamlessly intertwine. I implore you, do not hesitate- rush to immerse yourself in this literary masterpiece! Do not merely walk, but run to acquire this gem. You simply cannot afford to overlook this extraordinary, unparalleled book. My enthusiasm knows no bounds in recommending it, as it unquestionably merits every accolade and all the stars it can receive💫💫💫💫💫!!!!!

For me, Ali Hazelwood has become an auto-buy author. I don't care what she writes, I'll read it. This was no exception. One thing I love about her books is how she always brings STEM-ist bad ass women. That said, Not In Love is a new take and dynamic on her romances. It explore the dynamic of a forbidden relationship in the mix of a company takeover. I loved this from page one. It's interesting, has great characters, and this time a different love story.

I can't wait for people to get their hands on this book.

Synopsis:
Dr. Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough, including a few friends she can always count on. She works as a biotech engineer in the field of food science.

Eli and his business partners want Kline, Rue’s company, and they’ll stop at nothing. They have their reasons, and Eli gets what he wants. That is except for one exception, Rue. The woman always on his mind, and also off-limits.

Torn between loyalty and undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out of the window for a no-strings attached steamy relationship.

Thoughts:
Every single time a new Ali Hazelwood book comes out, I immediately binge it, and then I say “this is my favorite one yet”. Yup, it happened again. The way she wrote the spice in this book was next level! Talk about taking consent up a notch! I had never really thought about some of the things the way that she presented them, and for a romance novel to make me stop and think, you know it must be good. I love how she explored kinks and being open with each other, as well as mutual agreeableness and communication. Being open and building trust is the key to any relationship.

I dare say that my favorite part of this book, well there were many, was that Dr. Rue wasn’t a tiny woman. I was glad that Dr. Rue was almost as tall as Eli! It made the story even more perfect for me. I have commented before that the female main characters tend to be small women who are rescued by big brawny men. There was none of that here. However, there was emotional saving, for which I am all for. Dr. Rue was plenty emotionally damaged, but Eli also had his scars. I really enjoyed the game they played where they shared secrets with each other, and slowly built them up. I think that this is a great way to get to know each other and build trust.

I’m not always a fan of the forbidden romance trope, but in this case, it worked for me. It was believable and didn’t make me feel like I needed a shower in a bad way. I loved that the characters had ethics, and the way this played out was great. I did get the feeling that things might be amiss early on but couldn’t quite put my finger on how it was all going to play out. I was excited to see and learn how it did end. While I wasn’t surprised by the ending, I was saddened by it because it felt all too real.

The writing is, as always, very polished and well done. I think that the story flows nicely and is well paced. While I didn’t want the story to end, I needed to know how all the pieces came together, and I didn’t want to put it down.

Ali continues to be the Queen of STEM but I will read everything she writes. You will want to run and buy a copy of this one, it is that good.

The Queen of STEM returns, crafting another gripping enemies-to-lovers tale that had me forgetting my own name with its steamy intensity. Brace yourself for the clash of love and hate as a brilliant yet sensitive heroine crosses paths with the founder of an infamous corporation, poised to seize control. Can you resist the allure of forbidden love when faced with a hot Scottish ex-hockey player, haunted by a mysterious past intertwined with science and emotional baggage that only serves to deepen his sensitivity and charm? Would you dare to give him a chance, even knowing he represents the very corporation that threatens all you've worked for?

Enter the tantalizing world of Ali Hazelwood's latest novel, where passion ignites, chemistry sizzles, and intrigue abounds. And let's take a moment to applaud the remarkable work of the cover artist—truly deserving of awards for their ability to capture the essence of sweetness, heat, and allure.

Meet Rue Siebert: navigating life with her dream job, a loyal boss who doubles as her best friend, and her trusted wingwoman and colleague, Trish. Scarred by a traumatic past at the hands of her mother and brother Vince—who continues to plague her with inheritance disputes—Rue guards her heart fiercely, preferring fleeting encounters over emotional entanglements. But when she crosses paths with Eli Kilgore through a dating app, she's tempted to reconsider her stance—until their second encounter, not in a hotel room but in Rue's workplace, reveals Eli's true intentions: a hostile takeover of her company.

With determination fueled by loyalty and a hint of resentment, Rue joins forces with her boss Florence and Trish's lawyer sister to thwart Eli's plans. But as their paths continue to intersect and hidden connections come to light, Rue finds herself torn between her attraction to Eli and her mission to protect all she holds dear. Can she risk her heart to a man set on dismantling everything she's built, or has she misjudged his motives from the start?

As expected, the chemistry between Eli and Rue is electric, their relationship evolving with captivating intensity. Eli emerges as a standout book boyfriend, embodying qualities of care, passion, loyalty, and honesty that make him irresistible to Rue—and to readers.

I devoured this STEM romance with relish, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. It's undoubtedly one of my top picks for romance in 2024, and I've included it in my article on Medium.com, which you can find here: https://medium.com/@niluferyozmekik/valentines-day-special-best-romance-books-of-2024-ab14bf29b9a8. I highly recommend diving into this captivating read—it's simply too good to miss.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital review copy of this exceptional book in exchange for my honest feedback—it's truly appreciated.