This was not the typical Ali Hazelwood book that I'm used to and it threw me for a loop. If I had known it's more of an erotic romance than a romance, I would have gone in thinking something different. As far as the story goes, it was ok for me and the end made it a little better for sure. As always, I love the STEM element. I will still keep reading her books and just seeing what she comes up with next!

I have genuinely loved everything that Ali Hazelwood has done. The Love Hypothesis was probably my favorite book ever written This one did not disappoint. It was fun, spicy, and everything in between. I can't wait for her next book to come out.

This is my first Ali Hazelwood in awhile, and I really enjoyed the tonal shift into this read! Had an undercurrent of darkness, but the love was strong and the MC was incredibly unique. The first half, I wasn't sure. The second half I LOVED. Overall really enjoyable read.

Thank you Berkley for the gifted e-copy.

Ali Hazelwood is on a roll this year! Not in Love brings a bit more steam than most of her previous books, which is totally fine with me. However, I didn't feel like I connected with the characters in this one like I did in her previous books. I will say this plot was a little deeper (and darker?) than her previous books, and her characters had a lot more depth as well.

Rue is a biotech engineer that focuses her work on extending the shelf life of produce. She doesn't do relationships - or anything longer than one night. She had a rough childhood and has a lot of food issues as a result (hence her research), and she's still dealing with some issues with her brother. She's supposed to have a "date" with Eli but her brother shows up and causes drama, so Rue calls it off - even though there's some sparks flying between her and Eli.

Too bad Eli turns out to be part of the company that show's up at Rue's work because they just took over their loan.

I'm struggling with this review, obviously. There was a lot I liked about this book, but I feel like it dragged a bit in the middle. Rue frustrated me as a character, although I loved Eli. I also really liked Rue's bff and would love a book about her!

Ali Hazelwood is an auto buy author for me, so without a doubt I will read her next book!

Prior to reading this book, I saw people keep saying "this is her spiciest book yet" and then I read it... I AGREE. It still has the same Ali elements that I've loved in all her previous books, but I definitely was panting 🥵 over them more than usual. This was a fun read overall. Love when the mmc is down so bad for the fmc!

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving this copy.

I really enjoyed the drama of this one. And how much spicier this was than her past books. Like she finally stepped out of her asexual super teeny tiny female MC cast type. I mean, sure she was just tall, still only had 1 friend, and was dirt poor. But who cares, this shows growth for Ms Hazelwood.

I really just want a strong female character that also has friends! Is that too much to ask.

But this was good. Entertaining. Definitely skewed from her normal way of writing. And certainly a step in the right direction after how bad (imo) her last adult novel was. So good for her.

I'm so disappointed. This is not a bad book by any means but it's boring. The love story feels pointless 30% of the way through, making the rest of the book drag. It's insta love, it could've been 100 pages shorter and it put me in a reading slump that I have yet to recover from. Also, the change in POVs was jarring. First person to third person? What are we doing. Why.
.
After 'Love, Theoretically' rocked my world I was so ready to be in love with this but nope.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was way more smut than I was anticipating and not really in a good way? I didn’t find the characters had a whole lot in common and anytime we heard anything from Eli’s perspective all he seemed to like about Rue was her body/physical appearance despite being an extremely smart, well educated scientist. Not terrible but definitely not my fav.

My first Ali Hazelwood and unfortunately not going to be my favorite. The insta-love trope isn't something I particularly enjoy, and I didn't feel like I could relate to the characters all too much. Excited to try out more Ali Hazelwood that I will hopefully enjoy more!

Took me a while to get into this book but once I did, I definitely enjoyed it! I loved Rue and Eli's spicy chemistry. I also enjoyed the twist and turns associated with Harkness' (Eli's company's) takeover of Kline (the company Rue works for) as it kept things exciting and engaging. Lastly, the found family and forced proximity tropes were definite pluses for me.

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! I devoured this book, I didn’t want to put it down, every time I did I was thinking about it and the next I would be able to pick it up again. This book felt different from other Ali Hazelwood books, the characters were different, and they were both closed off and convinced they weren’t capable of love. This being said Eli was Obsessed with Rue from the moment he met her and it was so hot. Eli is so hot, Ali leveled up the spice in this one because some of the things this man said and did were so hot, that the spice had me blushing. In similar Ali Hazelwood fashion, I loved the representation of women in science I always feel like I learn something new about the field every time I read her books, and even though that’s the main point I enjoy it. I liked learning about the issues these characters had and how their life experiences shaped them. From the beginning, they knew they could trust each other and would share their terrible stories that they hadn’t and didn’t want anyone else to know it was so cute. This book ranks in my top two Ali books I think love theoretically is still my favourite but they are pretty close!

I also posted my review on GoodReads. Here is the link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6303319750

I love reading Ali Hazelwood's books, so I was worried when she said this one was different due to the character's back stories/trauma and focus on adult content. I love Ali's MMCs, the smart, sciency women, small moments that mean so much, internal dialogues, ride or die friends, and even the villain storylines. The "he falls first" trope is seriously one of my favorites and she's a master at it! However, I do not love books that are "spicy" and filled with graphic content, because most follow the formula where the MMC is a Golden Retriever by day and then turns into a foul mouthed, alpha male by night. I don't want to read chapters full of crude language, potential consent issues, and very specific descriptions about their body parts and noises. It makes me cringe way more than swoon, so I was worried about not liking this book.

Although there are a lot of intimate scenes in Not in Love, I didn't find it crude or contradictory to the characters' personalities. They both have a lot of emotional traumas, especially Rue, and physical connection is their common language. It's safer than emotional feelings and both really enjoy it. So, physical intimacy is how they begin to connect emotionally, versus the other way around. But these interactions are full of understanding and trust, so the spicy scenes were also sweet. Eli knew how to care for Rue in the ways she was willing to accept, and consent is never questioned. He's a very gentle, intuitive, caring person and one of my favorite MMCs, aside from Jack in Love, Theoretically.

Okay, not as "good" as other Ali Hazelwood books, but fans are fairly warned at the beginning of this book about the differences between this book and what she's written in the past. I liked it because there's healthy sex communication included and it features an autistic MC. It doesn't quite hit a full 5 stars because it's more erotica (I'm not a huge fan).

This was the first title I read by Ali Hazelwood. i have heard great things about her earlier books and decided to give this one a try. I like both the main characters individually, but I found it hard to believe in the development of the relationship and feelings for each other with so much time spent apart for weeks at a time. I will still give Hazelwood's other books a shot when I get the chance to see what all the hype is about.

okay this is so entirely different from the books ali hardwood usually writes but i was pleasantly surprised by it. It still had that wholesome love story feel i get when i am reading her books but you get a deeper connection to the characters and their individual stories with this. It is also one of her most spicy books so i enjoyed that aspect as well

Not In Love does describe the way I feel about this book because I am very much in LOVE!
There has never been a Ali Hazelwood book I haven't liked and it's not starting now. While tonally different from her more light hearted rom coms, this book, which has been described as an "erotic romance, is full of angst and spice, a combination Hazelwood mixes together perfect.
With backstories much more harrowing than that of her previous books, these characters are rich with detail and trauma, making an enthralling book.
No one does a man obsessed better than Miss. Ali Hazelwood. And Eli Kilgore is OBSESSED. A truly down bad man who would do anything for the girl who doesn't even know if she likes him at all., he IS the standard.
Not in Love is everything I wanted and more and I wish I could read about Rue and Eli for the rest of time.

Ali Hazelwood’s *Not in Love* presents an engaging blend of romance, corporate intrigue, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the competitive biotech industry. The novel revolves around Rue Siebert, a determined biotech engineer whose career at Kline, a rising star in food science, is jeopardized by a hostile takeover led by the charming but relentless Eli Killgore. This conflict sets the stage for a captivating exploration of loyalty and desire, pushing both characters into uncharted emotional territories. Rue is portrayed as a relatable and multi-dimensional protagonist; she embodies the challenges of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment. Her life seems meticulously curated, with supportive friends and financial stability that she fought hard to achieve. However, the sudden threat posed by Eli and his team throws her stability into disarray. Rue’s struggle to maintain her career while grappling with her feelings for Eli provides a compelling narrative thread that keeps readers invested in her journey. Eli Killgore, described as offensively attractive, is not simply a handsome foil to Rue’s character. He is a complex figure driven by personal motivations that add depth to the story. His attraction to Rue complicates his ruthless business tactics, creating a tension that resonates throughout the novel. As the story unfolds, readers witness Eli’s transition from a corporate predator to a man torn by genuine feelings for Rue, establishing a romantic tension that is both exciting and fraught with consequences. The secretive nature of Rue and Eli’s relationship introduces an element of suspense, as their no-strings-attached affair unfolds amidst a backdrop of corporate warfare. The ticking clock of a looming deadline—when one company must ultimately prevail—heightens the stakes, making every encounter between Rue and Eli feel charged with urgency. Their chemistry is palpable, and Hazelwood expertly navigates the push and pull of their relationship, showcasing the complexities of love in a high-stakes environment. Hazelwood’s writing shines in its ability to balance romantic tension with the realities of workplace politics. She skillfully weaves in themes of loyalty and ambition, challenging Rue and Eli to confront their priorities and the consequences of their choices. As the narrative unfolds, both characters must grapple with the implications of their relationship, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of what it means to love and be vulnerable in a world that demands strength and control. In conclusion, *Not in Love* is a captivating read that deftly blends romance and professional ambition. Ali Hazelwood’s sharp prose and well-developed characters invite readers to reflect on the complexities of relationships forged in challenging circumstances. Rue and Eli’s journey is not just about love; it is about the sacrifices and choices that define us in the pursuit of happiness. For anyone looking for a novel that will keep them turning the pages with a mix of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments, *Not in Love* is a must-read.

2.75 ⭐️!

i give 3 stars to books that weren’t my cup of tea but i’d still recommend & books with 2.5 stars & below are books i wouldn’t recommend & just weren’t good. this one is getting the weird 2.75 rating because although i wouldn’t recommend this to someone, i could see why someone would still want to pick it up.

i want to preface by saying that ali hazelwood is normally an autobuy author for me, & although she said this book was different than the others i don’t think it’s too far off. however, there were just some things i didn’t love this time.

for starters, why the heck was rue’s pov in first person & eli’s pov in third person? i’ve read that in fantasy when they are transitioning from a full book being in first to third, but my goodness. it felt like there wasn’t an editor for this book & it just kept taking me out of the story & building connections with the main characters.

speaking of which, i have lots of vvvvvv strong opinions about rue as a character, but frankly i think y’all need to make your own opinion on her. so i will keep this to myself unless asked.

with all this being said, the spice was spicinggggg. literally, this book felt like 75% spice & 25% plot. which i wasn’t necessarily mad at. in regards to plot, i did like the conflict & how everything resolved, but other than that i feel like nothing except insta lust & insta love took place in this book. it’s vvvvv insta lust/attraction & insta love.

if you want to read this book, go for it! i know some people who say this is their favorite ali hazelwood…it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

3.75 but rounding up to 4

Thanks Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to love this one because I’m a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood’s other books, but Not in Love didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The story itself was fine, and the steamy scenes were definitely a highlight, but I struggled to get into it.

I’m a mood reader, so it might just be that I wasn’t in the right headspace for this book. However, Rue is such a badass STEM woman that I couldn’t help but admire her. Despite not loving this one as much as her previous works, I still appreciate Ali Hazelwood’s writing and happily added this book to my shelf. Not a bad read at all—just didn’t resonate with me as much this time around!

It's a little difficult for me to know if this is objectively good because I read it so quickly. For about twelve hours counting an annoying break for sleeping in the middle, I became so invested in Rue and Eli. (It's a little PWP-y if we're being honest? And the actual plot is patent law?) It's a little angsty, sure, but not nearly as much as I was expecting because the main characters are such darn sweet and hurt little babies.