I'll start by saying that this is not your typical Ali Hazelwood book. Yes it involves STEM, and romance but asides from that it's definitely a move in a different direction. It's darker, not that it's dark overall but there are some darker themes. Rue, the main female, is not your typical bubbly female with the hilarious quips you would normally come to expect from an Ali book but she's loveable all the same, in her own way. I liked having both Rue's and Eli's POVs but the fact the tense changed between them was a little confusing. Rue and Eli definitely have undeniable chemistry and it was fun exploring their different type of relationship between two somewhat damaged people and how they helped each other heal.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette for this advanced eCopy.

Thank you to NetGalley & Hachette Australia for providing me with this ARC in return for my honest review.

Look, I’m not a huge contemporary romance reader, and I knew that going into this I’d have to cut it some slack.

Rue is a serious, straightforward biotech engineer with few meaningful relationships; she doesn’t fuck with emotions. Apparently she’s so socially awkward that she can’t even pet a dog, though she seems to do just fine in parts of the story where her off-handedness isn’t the focal point.

Enter Eli, the incredibly good looking dude who’s working to steal the company Rue works for. He finds himself to be completely smitten, obsessed, with Rue after a half hour of mundane conversation.

They begin a secret affair (because of his, you know, trying to take over the company she works for - that one of her two friends owns) but everybody knows so it’s not really a secret at all. They have what I read as mediocre sex but is written to be completely earth-shattering, mind-blowing, world-changing… in fact, Rue is SO GOOD that Eli blows his load after just sticking the tip in, once. Oh, and she orgasms after he says something vaguely flattering to her. Maybe they really are a match made in heaven.

Rue also has a brother, who was written into the story as a way for Rue to need Eli’s help (damsel in distress and all that) who is painted an aggressive asshole because he wants Rue to sell the cabin their parents left them, so he can acquire some financial security? Rue doesn’t want to because SHE has a high paying job and therefore financial security, and wants to keep the cabin so she can feel more connected to the father she never talks about. I dunno… I’m on his side there.

I’m sorry, I really tried to enjoy it; but the story felt stale, more like it was just going through the motions rather than actually having something to say. The characters were outlines with no depth and I didn’t believe their connection, despite the exchanging of their ‘worst stories’ to show how honest and understanding they were of each other.

Nothing much really happened, apart from the aforementioned mundane sex, and the plot was tied up in a neat little bow.

Again, contemporary romance isn’t really my thing, so maybe I’m being harsh. I know Ali Hazelwood is huge in the book community, and I enjoyed the other only book of hers I’ve read (Bride) but this one was a miss for me.

Rue, a talented biotech engineer, has dedicated her life to her mentor and the company they built together—Kline. So when a group swoops in to buy Kline, threatening her job and those of her coworkers, she’s understandably furious. To complicate matters, her recent one-night stand is none other than Eli, one of the partners aiming to take over Kline.

Eli has his own reasons for wanting to acquire Kline, but he’s also captivated by the enigmatic Rue Siebert. However, Rue avoids any form of romantic entanglement and views Eli as the enemy. Despite this, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Can they find a way to reconcile their professional conflict and explore their personal connection?

Every time Ali Hazelwood releases a book, I think, “This is my favorite,” and then she outdoes herself. I’m always drawn to Hazelwood’s male leads, but Eli stands out—he’s charming, kind, and irresistibly sexy. Plus, having his perspective in the story adds a whole new dimension!

This isn’t a slow-burn romance. Rue and Eli meet through an app for a no-strings-attached night, with Rue determined to keep it that way. Eli, while always respecting her boundaries, hopes for more. Despite my usual skepticism towards insta-love, Rue and Eli’s connection felt authentic and deeply emotional, leaving me in tears by the end.

“Not in Love” perfectly balances Ali Hazelwood’s signature humor with deeper, more poignant themes. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times, yet the heavier moments made me appreciate the characters even more.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s both hilarious and heartfelt, definitely add “Not in Love” to your TBR!

4.5 ⭐️ and my fav Ali to date!!

~v minor spoils if you want to go in totally blind~

If you like slow burn romance fast burn spice this one was written just for you. What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into a "maybe we should just get this out of our system and it'll go away” and we can guess how well that goes!! The spice in this is next level for Ali and can I just say keep it coming tysm 💳💳💳

Eli is down bad for Rue, who is a no nonsense, won’t change herself for anybody kind of girl. I loved their chemistry and believed them as romantic leads. The romance wasn’t instalove with I appreciate, I can understand an immediate attraction and believe it waaayyyyy more easily. I generally like Ali’s books until about 75% through then lose interest but this had me all the way to the epilogue.

I didn’t expect the emotional vulnerability in this book which was a little different from Ali’s others, the characters weren’t perfect and their stories were raw and open. I found this helped me to invest more in the romance because I cared about both Rue and Eli seperate from each other.

Tropes:
♥️ Forbidden Love
♥️ Enemies with benefits
♥️ “I didn’t know who else to call”
♥️ Simp MMC, and I mean SIMP

Taylor Swift song vibes:
🎵 'I Can See You'
🎵 'Electric Touch'
🎵 'Goldrush'

Ty to Ali and Netgalley for sending me this arc, obsessed 💕

Rue is a biotech engineer working in a successful start-up on a project she is very passionate about; Eli is the front man to a hostile takeover of the start-up. As attraction erupts, can they keep their affair just that? Or will emotions threaten to take over?

I love everything that this woman writes. She has tread into different territories after the successes of her first few books: from romcoms, to YA, to paranormal romance and now to pretty much erotic romance. I don't think that Ali Hazelwood can do any wrong by me.

I really enjoy the depth that these characters had. They were working through so much history in their respective stories; and eventually, they were working through it together. These characters are very flawed in a believable and maybe relatable way, and adds some grounding to this story.

Also, 100% her steamiest book yet!

I just can't wait to see what she does next!

Thank you to Hachette Aus for a review copy of this one, all opinions are my own.

This book is unlike Ali hazelwood book I’ve read. Whilst it comes with an authors note describing how it was different (no spoilers) I wasn’t expecting it to be so. I’m here for the neurodivergent esque Rue, and Eli, like her, was both likeable and dislikeable. I was curious to see where the storyline went, and I was pleasantly surprised even with guessing where it was headed. My only issue with this was that it just felt a little dark. Everything was heavier, and it felt like this book was a vessel just to explore writing more intricate smut scenes. Lots of talking and descriptions and straight to the point, with animal attractions to the point where I feel like they should’ve been werewolves in a paranormal romance and it would have made more sense, and more enjoyable. Bride could’ve easily had everything the characters and setting swapped with this and both would have been more authentic. Not problematic , especially if you like more intense book, but not in the vein of her other writing style, so enter with caution.

Ali is my favourite author, and I will follow where ever she leads.

I’ve seen a few reviews that say this isn’t the Ali Hazelwood work they were expecting. Not In Love wasn’t what I was expecting either. It was more. It was nuanced. It was deeper than her other books. Maybe I’m older, more jaded or more neurodiverse than other reviewers? Rue is so relatable to me. Although she is unapologetically herself whereas I hide/mask those parts of myself. Rue is such a lovely example of the parts of us that are a bit prickly and broken; those parts we hide from the world. She doesn’t. She has her niche and moves through the world on her on terms. Eli sees her. He is enamoured by Rue; he admires all of her. He waits patiently until they are on the same level. No pressure. Always waiting for consent. Consent is sexy. Eli has his own shit as ell; both main characters are flawed, but in a perfect way.

I can’t overlook the side character in this book. They are great (as per usual!); I want a sequel about Minami and the whole Harkness gang! I love Tisha for loving Rue for just as she is. The dynamic between sisters; Tisha and Nytoya was chief’s kiss. The first scene opens with Rue, Tisha and Nytoya. The sisters are bickering in a way only siblings who love each other unconditionally can do. It was such a lovely way to enter the story.

The romance: its why we are all here right?! Don’t we all want a sweet, charming, ex hockey player to go feral over us and then make us french toast AND respect our boundaries? Yes PLEASE. There is more spice in this book that Ail’s other books. Depending on your taste preference that may be an improvement or not. I’m totally here for IT. I would rate it 3.5 out of 5; The other steminist novels I would say are more 2 of 5. Do with that what you will.


Not in Love is devastating but sexy; It’s like listening to sad Taylor Swift songs; comparable to poking at a bruise; it hurts but in a way you will never not go back for more.

Thank you to Hachette AU, Ali Hazelwood and NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (Believe me I was absolutely begging for it!)

ALI HAZELWOOD DOES IT AGAIN!

If you love Ali Hazelwood's other books, you're going to love NOT IN LOVE. Though billed as more erotic romance than rom-com, this was chock full of great characters, brilliant writing and a beautiful love.

I enjoyed that both characters found similarities with each other and how Rue really opened up with Eli. Eli is the perfect MMC - he's kind, thoughtful and respectful. Totally swoon worthy!

Rue is the perfect example of a STEM-girlie - she's awkward, healing and unsure. And I loved every part of her.

READ FOR:
STEM-romance
Spice
Dog daddy
Forbidden affair

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for the ARC! Opinions are my own

This is my first Aliverse book. And I enjoyed it.

The characters both had tragic back stories, which made the way they connected unique in their acceptance of each other.

It was beautiful to read how Rue slowly opened up and started to accept who she was because of Eli, even through betrayal and heartbreak from other sources.

The last line of the book also stole my heart! I think it’s a new favourite quote.

Starting out by saying- I'm a massive fan of Ali Hazelwood, I didn't think anything could top Love on the Brain for me but Not in Love is my absolute number 1 pick now!
According to Ali, those book is less rom-com and more erotic romance - which is true (lots of spice!). I really enjoyed the honesty in this book, the characters and their vulnerability really flew off the pages. I felt Rue was a beautiful example of "my type of" STEM- girlie - awkward, unsure of herself and healing from her own past trauma. She felt less polished, and more real than any of Ali Hazelwoods other FMC's - even though I loved them all, Rue is just perfection! Eli is the MMC we have come to know and love from Ali, he has his own past to deal with, but he is respectful, kind and totally swoon worthy!
I can not Love this book any more! Total perfection!

Thank you to Hachette AU, Ali Hazelwood and NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Usually I really like Ali Hazelwood's books but this one is not one I appreciated as much. The story line is good, the main characters are interesting but somehow it was really messy and just lost me. Yes, Rue is an engineer and she is emotionally unavailable because of her past and somehow she made it her whole personality even though she has been in therapy (?) and Eli is a finance bro but he also almost did the same degree as Rue and they both can ice skate (ok). (and yes, 'I'm looking for a guy in finance, trust fund...' was playing in my mind countless of times, however, works more for Hark..., anyway).
I don't have a problem with overly sexual romance books, but the amount of times Eli connects Rue as a 'fantastic lay' just got too much. I would have liked to have less Eli and Rue and more Rue and Tasha moments. There was the moment at the end where I thought, oh yes, maybe finally a book without a happy end, but nope. They all live happily ever after...

Three and a half stars.

Thank you to Hachette NZ/AU and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Quick note about this book: There’s spice. A lot of spice. For me personally, too much spice. But if spice is your thing, you’ll love it. If you don’t like spice in your books…this one probably ain’t for you.

Now that the spice is out of the way…this is a story about spice—I mean, trauma, sorry, trauma. Rue, our FMC, is what I would describe as layered and uniquely portrayed in how her trauma is expressed to the reader. Over the course of the novel, she and Eli share their experiences and begin to bond through their spice and traumatic pasts (there I go again, sorry). While I liked both characters, there was one thing that irked me. I really did not like how Eli spoke to Rue when he was trying to help her through her trauma. It felt like a parent speaking to a child rather than an adult supporting another consenting adult. Especially further along when the two became more ‘entwined.’ I just couldn’t help scrunching up my face each time. Unfortunately, the physical relationship overwhelmed the emotional connection too, and near the end I was questioning if I found their relationship believable.

The plot was quite predictable. Within the first half you can already guess who the bad guy is and what the outcome will be, but I think this book is intended to be more character based than plot so that can be somewhat forgiven.

I really enjoyed the side characters. I do wish we had a bit more time to get to know them as they were, at times, more interesting to me than our leads. Especially Minami and Tisha.

While this was an enjoyable read, at times tragic, it didn’t astound me in any way and the main characters, while layered, didn’t particularly build any emotional connection to me where I feel that this was Hazelwood’s intention.

Would I recommend this book? Fans of Ali Hazelwood and a whole lot of spice sure won’t be let down, but if you are looking for an engaging plot based read and aren’t keen on spice, I would say to give this one a pass for now.

The review will be posted to my bookstagram (@storybookminimalist), Goodreads, and StoryGraph closer to the release date.

Not In Love showcases Ali Hazelwood’s most bold, confident writing yet, in which her words just radiate off the page.

From the outset, Not In Love is somewhat drastically different from previous works, whereby our love interests begin in a Romeo-and-Juliet-esque romance through instant attraction–one that cannot be tamed despite their best efforts. Exploring new territories, our FMC Rue is quite standoffish–cautious, even. Although I love these new traits, I am always expecting the effortless attractiveness and brooding we observe in all of Ali’s MMC’s–and that’s exactly what Ali delivered in Eli.

In Ali’s readers note, she makes known that Not In Love is rather more of an erotic romance than a rom-com, and she wrote such with care and delicacy. Doing so is difficult–as evident throughout various authors' works, but Ali perfectly achieved the balance between the physical and emotional in a story that so visibly seeks to focus on the physical–doing so with such ease. Their competitive workplaces made for a perfect backdrop, allowing their romance to develop alongside the physical aspect, resulting in all their relationship intricacies being masterfully developed.

I only fear Ali has taken the widespread criticism that ‘she writes the same book in different fonts’ too literally, because since Love, Theoretically, she has steered away from what she is known for–even her first release of 2025, Whet, is a complete change in direction. Despite my willingness to devour everything this woman writes, I wouldn't mind a book that goes back to her roots.

Not In Love is a perfect example of an ‘erotic romance’ in which the author can balance complex issues alongside romance, leaving readers with a refreshing, fun and angst-ridden novel where Ali’s talent bursts from the pages.

Rue & Eli meet on a date where they had planned to have a ONS which ultimately doesn’t end up happening. When Rue comes into work the next day she realises that Eli works for Harkness, the company that is trying to take over the company that she works for. Eli & Rue are torn between loyalty to their teams & their undeniable attraction so they decide to have a secret no-strings-attached affair.

This is my probably least favourite Ali Hazelwood book which is unfortunate because I love her & her books. This books feels very different to her usual cliche, cheesy, lighthearted books which I LOVE, as it’s more raw, vulnerable, serious & deals with slightly heavier topics, however it fell short imo🤷🏻‍♀️ I actually enjoyed the plot & I kept reading because I actually wanted to see how that storyline would pan out. However, this book was kinda slow-paced for me & I found myself constantly getting distracted & putting the book down because of it.

Both Rue & Eli are different than Ali’s usual characters which is great, but I also had a hard time connecting with them. Rue was a complex character who comes off as standoffish & aloof but that’s only because she’s trying to mask the fact that she’s self-conscious & socially awkward. I didn’t like the fact that she didn’t really try to grow as a person, & I know she can’t really change who she is, but the fact that every time there was an opportunity for them to communicate & grow both individually & as a couple she just resorted to sex instead of dealing with her emotions properly😕 but I also admired the fact that she never tried to change who she was to fit societies expectations, & was always true to herself.

Eli is probably my least favourite Ali mmc. Something about this man rubbed me the wrong way🫣He was super respectful when it came to Rue’s wishes in the bedroom however he also felt a little pushy at times. He was super sweet, protective & obsessed with her but sometimes his obsessive thoughts about her were quite objectifying & it got icky very quickly…

Rue & Eli definitely had great passion & chemistry in the bedroom & this is Ali’s spiciest book this far, however the lust & their physical connection overshadowed their emotional one. I know they shared their deepest, darkest secrets with one another, but these facts were so random & it didn’t help them seem as if they knew each other on a deeper level. So more relationship development was needed. However, Eli being able to understand Rue’s dry humour was cute, & their easy banter was fun. There was definitely some tension, pining & angst, & I enjoyed the forbidden aspect of their romance.

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me, however I do think that others will enjoy it, especially if they’re looking for something different from Ali.

Thank you to Netgalley & Hachette Aus for the eArc in exchange for my honest review!

4.5*

Thank you Hachette and Ali Hazelwood for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was amazing
The dual POV is something I've wanted from Ali's books and never thought I'd get until now
The mutual pining and angst had me eating this up every step of the way
Rue was super relatable and I loved how her struggle with her brother and feelings for her parents were portrayed
Eli's patience with Rue and how obsessed he was with Rue was amazing and I loved his willingness to give Rue time to adjust, every step of the way

Overall, a slay from Ali as usual

Thank you to Hachette AU, Ali Hazelwood and NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ali Hazelwood again smashed it out of the park with this one. The dual POV brought another element into this that really added depth to Eli’s character and to see how gone he was for Rue was brilliant. Rue was very relatable and I loved how she was very ‘clinical’ in most conversations with Eli and he held her accountable but also listened to her and allowed her to be how she was

I've been a huge Ali Hazelwood fan for coming up on 3 years now and while I love all of her books, I was sure that nothing was going to top Love on the Brain for me. And I was correct...until now.

Not in Love is raw and beautiful and absolutely perfect. Both Eli and Rue are a little broken in their own way but they fit together perfectly (I feel like I am saying perfect too much...sorry, not sorry).

Their relationship development was a joy to read and while the conflict part was a little predictable, I still enjoyed the ride. The grand gesture at the end was one of my favourite parts but I am so, so glad that we get dual POV for this novel because Eli...sigh Eli...is just a dream. He falls hard and fast for Rue but this still feels so far removed from instalove. Don't get me wrong, I love Rue too but there is just something about Eli that makes me swoon ever so slightly.

I will give this all the stars and quite possibly the moon. Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette for the eARC.

i like a lot of this author's work but not sure about this one... the writing style was both inconsistent and repetitive, and i just wasn't sold on the characters' motives. the premise was classic fanfic meet-cute but i found the ratio of smut to plot line to be a bit unhinged. definitely not enough for me to write off the author because i do enjoy her other works, just this one wasn't it for me unfortunately.

With every new Ali Hazelwood book I read, I think to myself ‘this is the best one yet’ and ‘Not In Love’ followed this pattern, it was an incredibly anticipated read for me and I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype. I am so glad that the worry was for nothing, because, simply put, I love this book. It was emotional, witty and romantic with interesting characters and an engaging plot. So engaging that I essentially inhaled the book in 48 hours.

Looking deeper, I feel I have to start with the characterisation, particularly Rue. Rue’s character is constructed in an authentic way, she is not called socially awkward because she is just a bit of an introvert who likes her own company. No, Rue is direct, doesn’t engage in meaningless conversation and has developed an icy persona, because she just doesn’t want to talk to you. I loved this about her. I also loved the fierce manner in which she loved and defended the few friends who she was close to, she is a character so full of dimension she almost leaps out of the page. There were also so many parts where I just wanted to scoop her up and give her the biggest hug I could, because, well, her trauma. And the other part of this dual perspective story, Eli, what a man! To start off with and get the shallow part out of the way, hot. The fact that he is described as a hulking tree trunk of a man (as all Ali Hazelwood love interests should be) with the nice nose and the gorgeous messy curls is not enough, he has to get dialogue like that too? And care for his sister? And have a behemoth dog with a ridiculous name? I’ll say it again, what a man. Additionally, the side characters! They were all buzzing with personality, there were no 2D paper cut out side characters to fill space. Tish was hilarious and honestly I think I knew I adored her as a character from the first chapter where she expressed how much she adored her cat, because, well, same! Maya’s sarcasm and wit? Chefs kiss. And the drama and dynamic of the Harkness team! Beautiful, perfect, more please!

Like all Ali Hazelwoods books, ‘Not In Love’ is compulsively readable, the story has a great flow and I always felt compelled to turn the page and keep going. There weren’t any times I felt it was stagnant and I just wanted the story to keep going. This book was so, so much spicier than her others, and oh boy, did she do it well. If I had pearls I’d clutch them, I think at certain points I blushed, bravo Ali, bravo. It wasn’t just all spice, I loved watching Rue fall in love without even realising what it was and that she was capable, and Eli. Sweet obsessed in love Eli who was so gone for her from the beginning. Masterful writing right there, I was kicking my little heels and squealing internally while reading about them. I also loved the super sly references to other characters in the Aliverse, I saw the name Mallory Greenleaf and smiled so wide! I miss those characters from the moment I turn the last page of their books and to see them again, even if it is just their names being tossed out in reference, it gives me the most delightful hit of serotonin.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.