Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Published by Gallery Books on September 2018Genres: Adult Fiction
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
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 (Roomies, Beautiful 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?
Review: Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Review:
I devoured this book, it was so much fun.
Josh is a Korean American nice guy who is a good nice guy. Hazel is half manic pixie dream girl and half hot mess. Hazel decides they’re destined to be best friends. Nothing more, right?
I like how different Josh and Hazel are and how they accept each other for their quirks. It’s a very supportive and encouraging friendship, built on mutual trust and respect. I like how they started off as friends and then the chemistry started! I really liked Josh who was endearing and sweet. A character like this in less capable hands could be seen as vanilla and boring, but Christina Lauren always comes through and Josh was the hero we all want Hazel to end up with. And Hazel.
Oh Hazel.
I love how a mess she is. She’s crazy and messy and bold. I think it was wonderful how genuine she came across, how confident and vulnerable she was at the same time. Sure, her crazy could be seen as annoying but I didn’t feel anything but love for Hazel. I love how she knew she was a particular kind of mess and she felt very strongly that a guy needs to love her as is and not try to change her. I’ve seen girls like this, been friends with girls like this, and it’s true. You need to find the guy who appreciates you and your mess, all that it means.
The romance is steamy and flirty and fun with a little bit of heartbreak. I like how the pace of the book moves quickly. I’m not kidding when I said I devoured this book. And Josh sounds dreamy. I love that he speaks Korean and that his family means so much to him.
Josh, call me. I have some friends I want to set you up with!
Overall, a very solid and fun book from the masters. Don’t miss it!
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
