Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

In the realm of contemporary romance, few authors have captured readers’ hearts quite like Ali Hazelwood. With her latest offering “Not in Love,” Hazelwood once again proves why she’s become a powerhouse in the genre, delivering a sizzling tale of forbidden attraction set against the cutthroat world of biotech startups. This isn’t just another office romance – it’s a masterclass in slow-burn chemistry, razor-sharp wit, and characters so real you’ll swear you’ve met them before.

A Formula for Forbidden Love

From the moment we meet Rue Siebert and Eli Killgore, the air crackles with tension. Rue’s a brilliant biotech engineer at Kline, a promising food science startup. She’s fought tooth and nail for stability after a rough childhood, and she’s not about to let anyone jeopardize that. Enter Eli, the devastatingly handsome face of a hostile takeover threatening everything Rue’s worked for.

But here’s the kicker – these two can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s a recipe for disaster, and I was here for every delicious morsel.

Characters That Leap Off the Page

Hazelwood has a gift for crafting complex, flawed characters you can’t help but root for. Rue’s not your typical romance heroine. She’s prickly, socially awkward, and fiercely independent. Her struggles with food insecurity and family trauma add layers of depth that had me tearing up more than once.

And Eli? Lord help me, I fell hard. He’s confident without being arrogant, wickedly smart, and harbors a vulnerability that made my heart ache. The way he sees and accepts Rue for exactly who she is… heart warming.

Steam That’ll Fog Your Glasses

Let’s not beat around the bush – the chemistry between Rue and Eli is off the charts. Hazelwood knows how to write sexual tension that’ll have you fanning yourself. But it’s not just about the physical attraction. The emotional intimacy that develops between these two is what really sets this book apart.

Fair warning: you might want to read certain scenes in private. Just saying.

More Than Just a Love Story

“Not in Love” tackles some heavy themes alongside the romance. Corporate ethics, intellectual property rights, and the cutthroat nature of startups all play pivotal roles in the plot. Hazelwood’s background in STEM shines through, lending authenticity to the scientific elements without ever feeling like a textbook.

Found Family and Healing

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the focus on found family. Rue’s friendship with her bestie Tisha is #goals, and the way Eli’s circle of friends becomes a support system for both of them had me reaching for the tissues. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching characters learn to open themselves up to love and support after years of isolation.

A Satisfying Slow Burn

If you’re looking for insta-love, this ain’t it. Hazelwood takes her time developing Rue and Eli’s relationship, and it pays off in spades. The gradual build of trust, the stolen moments, the pining—it all combines to create a romance that feels earned and deeply satisfying.

Hazelwood’s Signature Style

Fans of Hazelwood’s previous works like “The Love Hypothesis” and “Love on the Brain” will find plenty to love here. Her trademark humor is on full display, with banter that had me literally laughing out loud. The pop culture references are spot-on without feeling forced, and there’s a self-awareness to the characters that’s refreshing.

A Setting That Comes Alive

The world of biotech startups might not sound like the most romantic backdrop, but Hazelwood makes it sing. From the high-stakes board meetings to late nights in the lab, every scene feels vivid and immersive. I could practically smell the coffee and desperation.

Not Without Its Flaws

Look, no book is perfect, and “Not in Love” has a few minor stumbles. The pacing lags a bit in the middle, and there are moments where the scientific jargon might lose some readers. A few side characters felt underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more.

But honestly? These are nitpicks in an otherwise stellar read.

The Verdict

“Not in Love” is a triumph. It’s smart, sexy, and emotionally resonant in a way that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Hazelwood continues to prove why she’s become a must-read author in the contemporary romance space.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of slow-burn romance with plenty of sexual tension
• Readers who love strong, complex heroines
• Anyone who enjoys a good enemies-to-lovers story
• STEM enthusiasts looking for accurate representation in fiction
• Those who appreciate a balance of humor and deeper themes in their romance

Similar Reads

If you loved “Not in Love,” you might also enjoy:

• “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang
• “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
• “Beach Read” by Emily Henry
• “Take a Hint, Dani Brown” by Talia Hibbert

Final Thoughts

Ali Hazelwood has done it again. “Not in Love” is a captivating blend of romance, humor, and real-world stakes that’ll keep you turning pages late into the night. Rue and Eli’s journey from reluctant attraction to deep, soul-stirring love is one for the books.

So grab a copy, settle in with your favorite snack (maybe some lab-grown meat in honor of Kline?), and prepare to fall head over heels. Just don’t blame me when you’re up until 3 AM because you couldn’t put it down.