Sneak Peek: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
ON OUR BOOKSHELF
Not in Love
by Ali Hazelwood
A pre-launch sneak peek of what may be my favorite book of 2024.
I think it’s fair to say that Ali Hazelwood is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of her books, and I pre-ordered a signed copy of this book before I had the immense privilege of reading it ahead of its release via NetGalley. I am so happy to share that Ali did not disappoint — STEM romance is her specialty and I have been SO eager to share this review with you!
What Victoria Loved
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
I believe that you can meet the right person at the wrong time. And I also believe that what’s meant to be will be. So if you let that right person go, and they come back… well, this might be your opportunity for love.
Rue and Eli are meant to be. That may be a silly statement given this is romance novel and we know that means we’re required a HEA. But the way Ali has crafted these two characters, their experiences, their traumas and faults, their quirks and joys. Everything leads to the conclusion that Rue and Eli need to be together…
Yet, their relationship is forbidden and their affair has a deadline. And my heart PHYSICALLY. ACHED. as their story unraveled. Because all I wanted to do was reach into the book so I could sit them down and tell them it’ll all work out. I needed it to all work out. But our girl, Ali, teased it out — allowing the characters to reveal bits of themselves (and their bits) over time. And *sigh* I couldn’t even be mad about it.
That said, I will be rereading this when my physical copy arrives because I need to relive this romance and Eli’s pining. Because if there’s anything about a character that can make me swoon, it’s a man that’s deeply in love.
Pre-order your copy of Not in Love (Amazon) and read with me!
Favorite Scene
“Out of all the people I’ve met, the things I’ve wanted, the places I’ve been, none has ever felt as necessary as you do… isn’t this the most tragic story you’ve ever heard?”
- NOT IN LOVE by Ali Hazelwood
Similar Reads & Recommendations
ANOTHER NEW RELEASE: How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang (Amazon)
An HoH Book Club Pick! The story itself is beautifully paced and features characters so real I wish I knew them IRL. Yulin highlights the societal nuances of life in L.A. and a NJ suburb, while delicately presenting the intimate and wildly complex dynamics and cultural practices of a Chinese-American family (or more broadly, the experience of an American child raised by immigrant parents). The further into the book I got, the more dots I connected. And when I finally reached the end, I realized I’m going to need to read this book again. This instantly made the list of my all-time favorite books.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
TWO DOCTORS, SNEAKING AROUND, AND CRACKLING HEAT: The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson (Amazon)
They say never judge a book by a cover. Well I did… I thought this was going to be a cute little love story, but boy was I wrong. Lana Ferguson delivered a romance AND THEN SOME. When I say this book is NSFW and should be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, I mean it. Enjoy the heat!
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
A FRESH TAKE ON A FORBIDDEN WORKPLACE ROMANCE: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (Amazon)
If you’re a book nerd and love the inside-look into the publishing industry, this is a fun one! Think: twists, turns, and a new meaning to the saying, “I’ll love you in this life and every one after.” Dare I say this may actually be my favorite book by Ashley Poston to date?
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4.5/5
BY THE AUTHOR: Love, Theoretically (The Love Hypothesis #3) by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon)
I read this book twice within the first 24 hours of receiving it, and it very quickly became my go-to palate cleanser / book hangover relief. To say I’m addicted to this romance is an understatement.
Ali introduces us to two intriguing characters in Elsie and Jack and turns up the humor and steam. Enter the world of academia, professional fake dating, and workplace romance. The twists and tiny details had me squealing and eagerly turning the page. The chemistry, the tension, the feud… sighhhh!
Jack Smith might be my ultimate book boyfriend - a sulking, intelligent and no-nonsense with the softest center. If he wants to hunt something to cook for me, I would definitely not say no.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
Side Note: The Love Hypothesis series is an enemies-to-lovers dream. Add these to your list!
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
