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meeklovestoread 's review for:
Not in Love
by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Unpopular opinion: This is my favorite Ali Hazelwood book. (who said that?🫣)
This book had no business being as good as it was. Based on what I heard about it last year, I didn't hear a lot of good things about it. It wasn't people's favorite by her. And considering I heard this is more erotica based, I didn't think it would be for me at all.
But nonetheless, I think this book had a nice balance of spice and plot (60% spice, 40% plot & characters). However, I will say that I think when going into this book, it's good to know that it's going to be more erotica based and even Ali Hazelwood herself provided an author note in the beginning that warns the reader in advance that this book is different from the rest of her novel and that the relationship here is more physical absed because the hcarcters struggle to open emotionally open.
And because I knew that I gave the character grace and it really enhanced my reader experience. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Rue is so different from her other FMCs. She's a tall queen for one, and she's also not the typical quirky Ali Hazelwoof FMC. It was nice to see, and she's my favorite of the Ali Hazelwood women I've read so far. Eli was great, too. The insta-love on his part was a bit off-putting, but I enjoyed the book so much that it didn't bother me (insta-love done right, for me).
Honestly, what kept this from being a 5-star is that I reserve that rating for my GOD TIER books. And this one was just missing the mark a little bit. I do think this book is one of her more emotional ones; however, it still lacked that emotional depth I needed to understand why these characters are so emotionally despondent fully. I don't think we got much attention for the topics she was exploring.The eating disorder. Growing up poor. The abusive brother. Eli's relationship with his sister. And again, why are both of them, especially Rue is so closed off from relationships? I feel like they were given the proper attention they deserve. I also didn't love the epilogue. I could've done without it. Nonetheless, still a GREAT read! I think I'm officially becoming an Ali Hazelwood stan!
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Note: The audiobook features duet narration; however, I will say it took me a while to get used to the narrators for this book. I feel like they could've chosen better.
This book had no business being as good as it was. Based on what I heard about it last year, I didn't hear a lot of good things about it. It wasn't people's favorite by her. And considering I heard this is more erotica based, I didn't think it would be for me at all.
But nonetheless, I think this book had a nice balance of spice and plot (60% spice, 40% plot & characters). However, I will say that I think when going into this book, it's good to know that it's going to be more erotica based and even Ali Hazelwood herself provided an author note in the beginning that warns the reader in advance that this book is different from the rest of her novel and that the relationship here is more physical absed because the hcarcters struggle to open emotionally open.
And because I knew that I gave the character grace and it really enhanced my reader experience. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Rue is so different from her other FMCs. She's a tall queen for one, and she's also not the typical quirky Ali Hazelwoof FMC. It was nice to see, and she's my favorite of the Ali Hazelwood women I've read so far. Eli was great, too. The insta-love on his part was a bit off-putting, but I enjoyed the book so much that it didn't bother me (insta-love done right, for me).
Honestly, what kept this from being a 5-star is that I reserve that rating for my GOD TIER books. And this one was just missing the mark a little bit. I do think this book is one of her more emotional ones; however, it still lacked that emotional depth I needed to understand why these characters are so emotionally despondent fully. I don't think we got much attention for the topics she was exploring.
Spice Rating:🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Note: The audiobook features duet narration; however, I will say it took me a while to get used to the narrators for this book. I feel like they could've chosen better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Cursing, Eating disorder, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment