Review: Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating

Since my son was born, I’ve found myself awake in the middle of the night, sitting in a dark room, for a couple of hours a night while I feed him. As a result, I’ve been going through a LOT of books – and spending more time than usual on Netgalley. (After all, diapers are expensive.) And I’ve gotten really fortunate in that I’ve hit a whole slew of really excellent books over the past two months. 
The most recent of these is Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren. 

Most men can’t handle Hazel. With the energy of a toddler and the mouth of a sailor, they’re often too timid to recognize her heart of gold. New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (RoomiesBeautiful Bastard) tells the story of two people who are definitely not dating, no matter how often they end up in bed together.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right?

I loved this book so much! Hazel is fun and quirky. She’s not at all afraid to be herself, but at the same time, thinks being herself means no one will ever want her. As someone socially awkward and a bit geeky, I identified SO HARD with Hazel. Her voice was very authentic, and I wish I knew Hazel so we could be friends.

Josh is utterly swoon-worthy, and he’s got a distinct voice that I also loved. This was a great book, and I’m so glad I got to read it. This is the first Christina Lauren book I’ve read, but I’ll absolutely be reading more. 

Five stars. Thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
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