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icepoppy 's review for:
Not in Love
by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
All of Ali Hazelwood’s books have been drafts leading up to this one. I read her books but damn are they cookie cutter. The guy is always BIG. 6’3” specifically. And is BIG. And they are always brooding. There’s always an “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic thats the lead going “cool he's dead to me” when something doesn’t go her way and is 100% a misunderstanding. There’s always a mentor who betrays our FLs and who never like the ML in the first place. Often times the FLs are not that strong of characters although they always insist that they are in their internal monologue. And of course the use of gen z slang and name dropping pop culture references incessantly.
Not in Love, while still following some of Hazelwood’s touchstones, is actually better. Eli is not described as big every time we see him (although the trope does appear in the most predictable way) and Rue actually holds her ground and thinks through her actions. Our characters admit when they fuck up and acknowledge their flaws without making it a “teehee aren’t a quirky” moment. Less of a romcom for sure but a better read.
Not in Love, while still following some of Hazelwood’s touchstones, is actually better. Eli is not described as big every time we see him (although the trope does appear in the most predictable way) and Rue actually holds her ground and thinks through her actions. Our characters admit when they fuck up and acknowledge their flaws without making it a “teehee aren’t a quirky” moment. Less of a romcom for sure but a better read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Gaslighting