Look, I’m gonna be real with you – I’m a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers story. Throw in some workplace drama and forbidden romance? I’m sold faster than you can say “hostile takeover.” So when I picked up Ali Hazelwood’s latest, “Not in Love,” I had high hopes. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint.
Hazelwood has become a go-to author for smart, sexy romances featuring women in STEM, and “Not in Love” continues that winning formula. But this time, she cranks up the angst and slow burn to eleven. The result? A story that’ll have you frantically turning pages while simultaneously wanting to savor every delicious moment.
The Setup: Corporate Intrigue Meets Undeniable Chemistry
Our heroine, Rue Siebert, has fought hard for her stable life as a biotech engineer at Kline, an up-and-coming food science startup. She’s got a handful of close friends, financial security, and a career she’s passionate about. Life is good, if a bit predictable.
Enter Eli Killgore (and can we talk about that name for a sec? It’s ridiculous in the best way). He’s part of the team orchestrating a hostile takeover of Kline. He’s driven, ambitious, and infuriatingly attractive. Oh, and he’s 100% off-limits to Rue.
You can probably see where this is going, right?
A Match Ignited
Rue and Eli first connect through a hookup app, not realizing who the other is. Their initial meeting is electric, but gets derailed. When they discover each other’s true identities at work, the tension skyrockets.
Hazelwood excels at creating that delicious push-and-pull between characters who desperately want each other but know they shouldn’t. Rue and Eli’s interactions crackle with wit, banter, and an undercurrent of pure want. It’s intoxicating.
Complex Characters You Can’t Help But Root For
What elevates “Not in Love” above your standard office romance is the depth Hazelwood gives her characters. Rue isn’t just a brilliant scientist – she’s also guarded, socially awkward, and dealing with trauma from a difficult childhood. Her journey towards opening herself up to love is beautifully handled.
Eli, meanwhile, could have easily been a one-dimensional corporate shark. Instead, we get glimpses of his vulnerabilities, his fierce loyalty to friends and family, and the driving forces behind his ambition.
Both characters are flawed and make mistakes, which only makes them more relatable. You’ll find yourself cheering them on, even as they struggle to overcome the very real obstacles in their path.
Supporting Cast That Shines
Hazelwood doesn’t skimp on the secondary characters, either. Rue’s best friend Tisha is an absolute delight – their friendship feels authentic and provides some much-needed comic relief. Eli’s business partners, particularly Minami, add depth to the corporate storyline.
Even characters who could have been purely antagonistic, like Florence (Rue’s mentor and Kline’s CEO), are given nuance. The result is a rich world that feels lived-in and real.
Steamy Scenes That’ll Fog Up Your E-Reader
Okay, let’s talk about the sexy times. If you’ve read Hazelwood’s previous books, you know she can write a hot scene. “Not in Love” takes things up a notch. The chemistry between Rue and Eli is explosive, and when they finally give in to their attraction… whew. Let’s just say you might need a cold shower afterwards.
What I appreciate is how Hazelwood uses these scenes to further character development. We learn so much about Rue and Eli through their intimate moments—their vulnerabilities, their desires, the way they care for each other. It’s never gratuitous, always serving the larger story.
A Fresh Take on Familiar Tropes
“Not in Love” plays with several popular romance tropes:
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Workplace romance
- Forbidden love
- Grumpy/sunshine (though it’s debatable which is which)
Hazelwood puts her own spin on each, subverting expectations in delightful ways. The result feels both comfortingly familiar and excitingly fresh.
Science That Doesn’t Take a Backseat
One thing I love about Hazelwood’s books is how she integrates real science into her stories. “Not in Love” is no exception. Rue’s work on a microbial coating to extend produce shelf life is fascinating and plays a crucial role in the plot.
Hazelwood strikes a perfect balance, providing enough detail to make the science feel authentic without bogging down the story. It’s clear she knows her stuff (the author has a PhD in neuroscience), and that expertise shines through.
Tackling Deeper Themes
While “Not in Love” is undeniably a romance, Hazelwood doesn’t shy away from weightier topics. The book explores themes of:
- Trust and betrayal
- The impact of childhood trauma
- Imposter syndrome in STEM fields
- Ethics in business and scientific research
These elements add depth to the story, making it more than just a fluffy romance (not that there’s anything wrong with fluffy romances!).
A Few Minor Quibbles
No book is perfect, and I did have a couple of small issues with “Not in Love”:
1. The pacing in the middle section drags a tiny bit.
2. A subplot involving Rue’s brother feels slightly underdeveloped.
3. There’s one plot point that requires a bit of suspension of disbelief.
However, these are minor complaints that didn’t significantly impact my overall enjoyment of the book.
The Verdict: A Must-Read Romance
“Not in Love” solidifies Ali Hazelwood’s place as a standout voice in contemporary romance. It’s smart, sexy, and emotionally satisfying. Rue and Eli’s journey will keep you invested from page one to the very end.
If you enjoyed Hazelwood’s previous books like “The Love Hypothesis” or “Love on the Brain,” you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. It’s also a great entry point if you’re new to her work.
Fans of authors like Sally Thorne, Christina Lauren, or Emily Henry should also give “Not in Love” a try. It hits that sweet spot of witty banter, steamy scenes, and genuine emotional depth.
“Not in Love” is the kind of book that’ll have you staying up way too late, telling yourself “just one more chapter” over and over. It’s a perfect blend of heat, heart, and humor. Rue and Eli’s story will stick with you long after you turn the final page.
So grab a copy, curl up with your beverage of choice, and prepare to fall head over heels for this charming enemies-to-lovers tale. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a sudden craving for science puns and steamy lab makeout sessions.
Who Should Read “Not in Love”
- Romance lovers looking for a slow-burn, high-tension story
- Fans of women in STEM fiction
- Anyone who enjoys witty banter and complex characters
- Readers who like their romance with a side of corporate intrigue
- People who appreciate a good enemies-to-lovers arc
Who Might Want to Skip It
- Those who prefer their romance without explicit scenes
- Readers looking for a pure fluff story without heavier themes
- People who don’t enjoy workplace romance plots
Content Warnings
The book contains:
- Explicit sexual content
- References to past child neglect/food insecurity
- Some corporate ethics issues
Overall, “Not in Love” is a fantastic addition to the contemporary romance genre. Ali Hazelwood continues to prove why she’s become such a beloved author in the field. If you’re looking for your next good romance read, you can’t go wrong with this one. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go reread my favorite scenes… for research purposes, of course.
