Review by Lorelei
Jun 20, 2024Ali Hazelwood excels in writing romances set in the STEM world, which isn't something I see very often.
In Not in Love, Dr. Rue Siebert works as a biotech engineer for her friend and mentor and loves everything about her job. Until the day Eli Kilgore and his colleagues show up. They're part of a company that acquires tech firms, and they now have their sights on Rue's company. There's an undeniable and magnetic attraction between the two, but they both know it's a bad idea. Rue is torn between her desire for Eli and loyalty to her mentor.
This book is extra spicy! Eli is a great MMC, showcasing how it's easy for a man to be respectful of a woman and concerned about consent, but still be SUPER HOT. There's a definite tonal shift from some of Hazelwood's other books though; they've tended be lighter and more rom-com, and both our main characters here are a bit of a mess with past traumas that inform their decisions. It make it a bit heavier, a bit messier, but it's a romance - we know there's a happy ending. And that ending feels earned.
I enjoy romances like this because they feel more like real people. We're all flawed human beings, and we're constantly stuck in situations where it feels like there's no easy answer and no real winners. It's a lot easier to related to characters like this than to perfect people with huge bank accounts, flawless skin and no baggage.
Fans of Hazelwood won't be disappointed by this, and if you're new to her work but like some spicy drama, then I'd recommend it as well.
Ali Hazelwood excels in writing romances set in the STEM world, which isn't something I see very often.
In Not in Love, Dr. Rue Siebert works as a biotech engineer for her friend and mentor and loves everything about her job. Until the day Eli Kilgore and his colleagues show up. They're part of a company that acquires tech firms, and they now have their sights on Rue's company. There's an undeniable and magnetic attraction between the two, but they both know it's a bad idea. Rue is torn between her desire for Eli and loyalty to her mentor.
This book is extra spicy! Eli is a great MMC, showcasing how it's easy for a man to be respectful of a woman and concerned about consent, but still be SUPER HOT. There's a definite tonal shift from some of Hazelwood's other books though; they've tended be lighter and more rom-com, and both our main characters here are a bit of a mess with past traumas that inform their decisions. It make it a bit heavier, a bit messier, but it's a romance - we know there's a happy ending. And that ending feels earned.
I enjoy romances like this because they feel more like real people. We're all flawed human beings, and we're constantly stuck in situations where it feels like there's no easy answer and no real winners. It's a lot easier to related to characters like this than to perfect people with huge bank accounts, flawless skin and no baggage.
Fans of Hazelwood won't be disappointed by this, and if you're new to her work but like some spicy drama, then I'd recommend it as well.
Yes to all of this! I completely agree—Not In Love really highlights Ali Hazelwood’s growth as a writer. There's a darker, more emotionally nuanced undertone here compared to her previous books, and it works. Rue and Eli both carry so much emotional complexity, and watching them navigate their past trauma, professional conflict, and growing feelings made the romance feel earned, like you said. And Eli—King of Consent, Lord of Low Voices, Knight of Knowing Exactly What She Needs (without ever pushing). He proves that being respectful, emotionally attuned, and hot as hell aren't mutually exclusive. It’s honestly refreshing to see a MMC who isn't trying to "fix" the heroine, but simply understands her and creates space for her to be herself. I also loved how real Rue felt—socially anxious, whip-smart, deeply loyal but also deeply guarded. The way Ali handled food anxiety, work-life boundaries, and mental health struggles made her feel incredibly relatable. No Insta-perfect billionaire fantasy here—just messy, beautiful humanity and a man who loves her through it. Definitely one of my favorite Hazelwoods now. This book made me feel seen and slightly feral, which is the highest compliment I can give.