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readwithria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Not In Love is a very different vibe of book from Ali Hazelwood’s previous works. While she did an amazing job with it, it was missing a little bit of the signature Ali ~sparkle~ for me.
Don’t get me wrong - I enjoyed the book! I think this was one of the strongest plots that she’s written so far. What I think struck me as a bit odd was the shift in the writing between Rue’s POV chapters and Eli’s POV chapters. Rue was written in first person, while Eli was written in third. It made for a bit of a weird reading experience, and also made the transition between POVs a little clunky. Now of course I read an ARC, not the finished copy, so there’s no guarantee that this stayed true to the end of the publication journey, but it seems unlikely that so much of the book would change between ARC distribution and final pass pages.
Now onto the things I did enjoy! I loved Rue and Eli’s sense of humor. Their banter was great, especially once Rue gets more comfortable. I also appreciate how Eli accepted Rue’s (imo autistic coded) personality for exactly who she is. She was one of the most distinct FMCs that Ali has written, and I really enjoyed reading her inner thoughts and watching her process things.
While this isn’t my favorite AH book, it still hit the spot. 4 stars.
Don’t get me wrong - I enjoyed the book! I think this was one of the strongest plots that she’s written so far. What I think struck me as a bit odd was the shift in the writing between Rue’s POV chapters and Eli’s POV chapters. Rue was written in first person, while Eli was written in third. It made for a bit of a weird reading experience, and also made the transition between POVs a little clunky. Now of course I read an ARC, not the finished copy, so there’s no guarantee that this stayed true to the end of the publication journey, but it seems unlikely that so much of the book would change between ARC distribution and final pass pages.
Now onto the things I did enjoy! I loved Rue and Eli’s sense of humor. Their banter was great, especially once Rue gets more comfortable. I also appreciate how Eli accepted Rue’s (imo autistic coded) personality for exactly who she is. She was one of the most distinct FMCs that Ali has written, and I really enjoyed reading her inner thoughts and watching her process things.
While this isn’t my favorite AH book, it still hit the spot. 4 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol
zluvsreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can’t function rn, ask me again later.
Hi, it’s later. I finished the book for the second time and I’m ready to spew my thoughts.
BRING BACK CLINGY PEOPLE IN RELATIONSHIPS. No but in all seriousness, I loved how absolutely WHIPPED Eli was for Rue. I can’t fathom the amount of love he has for her because it goes beyond realms.
Since it IS Ali Hazelwood, this had a chemical engineer as the FMC with a focus on food conservation and dealing with making foods last longer. The fact that she went into that industry/specialization due to the food insecurity she faced when she was a kid really broke my heart. She deserves the whole world I cannot.
It was quite fun to learn more about chemical engineering but also private equities and law stuff because of what was going on. I wouldn’t say I’m an EXPERT on it all, but it was nice that I understood a lot of what was being written/done in the book. The language was very digestible for outsiders, which I loved.
This novel is not complete without an animal companion! Eli has a huge dog who I’m obsessed with (dogs over cats any day) and it was funny to see Rue interact with the dog.
The familial aspects/relationships discussed and shown in here made me want to bawl. Both Eli and Rue are older siblings, but with different relationships with their younger siblings. I did like Maya and thought she was funny, however I hope that Vince got some help in the end. It did indicate that he had some alcohol issues so perhaps rehab would be a great place to start. I’m not sure what he is like when he is sober, but I hope their relationship gets some sort of relief/closure.
Now, this was Ali’s steamiest books yet and I can say that with complete confidence. If you have read Ali’s works before, you know they are open-door but this is bordering on erotic, which she said so herself. Let me just say, Miss Hazelwood knows how to write a fucking sex scene my geez. I also loved the care and consent/communication that the characters had with each other. Very refreshing and loved to read about it, since it was casual and not at all awkwardly written or forced.
Eli is a sex god and I’m convinced of that. The way he teased her and was commanding asf but in a green flag sort of way was so fucking hot. Have I ever read a book with a restraint sort of sex scene? If no, I need to read more. Eli Killgore, everybody. Rue was everything too omg, don’t even get me started. It’s so funny to me that she quickly realized that it wasn’t just sex, but she defaulted to that when things were getting too deep for her. I love her sm, I want to protect her with my life.
Platonic relationships go hard! Eli and Minami were very fun to read about. It’s interesting to me that he’s younger, but acts like her big brother half the time. Their friendship was so sweet omg, I cry.
Their little friend group was fun!! Eli, Hark, Minami, and Sul. How ironic of Eli to make fun of Sul for being whipped when he literally can’t stay away from Rue for longer than 2 seconds without combusting. LMAO. When they were making fun of Hark for golf, oml that was so fucking funny. Like yes, play into the stereotype! You’re hilarious.
I loved Tisha and her sister. Although her sister was only there in calls, she managed to make an impact and I’m glad she was a character in this. Tisha being her rock, and literal best friend turned sister, was everything to me. I’m glad Rue had her.
Overall, another banger from the queen of STEM romances. Definitely will be your cup of tea if you like spicier romances with STEM themes, scandals, and down-bad MMCs. Out on June 11 2024! Preorder now I beg of you.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publishers for providing me with the e-ARC of this wonderful book!
Hi, it’s later. I finished the book for the second time and I’m ready to spew my thoughts.
BRING BACK CLINGY PEOPLE IN RELATIONSHIPS. No but in all seriousness, I loved how absolutely WHIPPED Eli was for Rue. I can’t fathom the amount of love he has for her because it goes beyond realms.
Since it IS Ali Hazelwood, this had a chemical engineer as the FMC with a focus on food conservation and dealing with making foods last longer.
It was quite fun to learn more about chemical engineering but also private equities and law stuff because of what was going on. I wouldn’t say I’m an EXPERT on it all, but it was nice that I understood a lot of what was being written/done in the book. The language was very digestible for outsiders, which I loved.
This novel is not complete without an animal companion! Eli has a huge dog who I’m obsessed with (dogs over cats any day) and it was funny to see Rue interact with the dog.
The familial aspects/relationships discussed and shown in here made me want to bawl. Both Eli and Rue are older siblings, but with different relationships with their younger siblings. I did like Maya and thought she was funny, however I hope that Vince got some help in the end.
Now, this was Ali’s steamiest books yet and I can say that with complete confidence. If you have read Ali’s works before, you know they are open-door but this is bordering on erotic, which she said so herself. Let me just say, Miss Hazelwood knows how to write a fucking sex scene my geez. I also loved the care and consent/communication that the characters had with each other. Very refreshing and loved to read about it, since it was casual and not at all awkwardly written or forced.
Platonic relationships go hard! Eli and Minami were very fun to read about. It’s interesting to me that he’s younger, but acts like her big brother half the time. Their friendship was so sweet omg, I cry.
Their little friend group was fun!! Eli, Hark, Minami, and Sul. How ironic of Eli to make fun of Sul for being whipped when he literally can’t stay away from Rue for longer than 2 seconds without combusting. LMAO.
I loved Tisha and her sister. Although her sister was only there in calls, she managed to make an impact and I’m glad she was a character in this. Tisha being her rock, and literal best friend turned sister, was everything to me. I’m glad Rue had her.
Overall, another banger from the queen of STEM romances. Definitely will be your cup of tea if you like spicier romances with STEM themes, scandals, and down-bad MMCs. Out on June 11 2024! Preorder now I beg of you.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publishers for providing me with the e-ARC of this wonderful book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Car accident
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