Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

by Christina Lauren

Just friends. Just friends. JUST FRIENDS. If they repeat it enough, maybe it'll be true . . .

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 taste for the absurd don't send them running, her lack of filter and tendency to say exactly the wrong thing will. Their loss. Not everyone can handle a Hazel.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college. 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?

New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren (Roomies, Beautiful Bastard) tells the laugh-out-loud, uplifting story of two people who are completely wrong for each other - in all the right ways.

What are people saying about Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating?

'Romance for the twenty-first century' Kirkus Reviews

'Josh and Hazel's Guide to not Dating is pure joy . . . funny, clever, and surefooted' Sally Thorne, author of The Hating Game

'With exuberant humor and unforgettable characters, this romantic comedy is a standout' Kirkus Reviews

'a hilariously zany and heartfelt novel . . . sure to please readers looking for a fun-filled novel to escape everyday life with' Booklist

'Hilarious...perfect balance between charming moments and sultry episodes' Publishers Weekly

'Endearing and hilarious. As per usual Christina Lauren has managed to exceed all expectations. You ladies make me love your characters more with every book you write and I. NEED. MORE.' Goodreads Reviewer

'I am beyond glad that I had the chance to read this book this time around. It definitely brightened my mood and I will definitely be reading this beauty again.' Goodreads Reviewer

'Fresh and wonderfully satisfying' Goodreads Reviewer

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

5 of 5 stars

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Rating: 4.5 Stars

My face hurts so much from this HUGE smile I am wearing, and the happy tears -- they just keep coming. You know what? It's all perfectly OK, because it speaks to what a fun and delightful experience reading this book was.

From the beginning, I knew this was going to be a very satisfying rom-com. Hazel had that feel of an old-school rom-com heroine, and I thought she was hilarious. But Hazel wasn't just there to be the funny guy to Josh's straight man. Although Hazel owned her crazy, she saw how it could be off-putting, and struggled with her own insecurities regarding people being able to put up with her being too Hazel. I will not pretend that my heart didn't ache a little for her every time these thoughts polluted her mind, and I wish I could reach out and hug her.

I liked the way Hazel set her sights on something, and worked to make it happen. She wanted Josh Im to be her best friend, and she sort of made that happen. She was able to "insert" herself into Josh's life at a moment when he really needed a friend, and although they were almost polar opposites, they complimented each other in the best ways.

Watching Josh grow to embrace Hazel's crazy was a beautiful thing. Every little step he took toward that HEA made my heart grow and expand exponentially. And my goodness! What isn't there to love about Josh Im? He was described as being extremely attractive, but he was also driven, successful, kind, considerate, smart, a good brother, a wonderful son, and a great friend. This girl had permanent heart eyes when it came to Josh Im.

The dates Josh and Hazel went on were a source of hilarity in the book, but at the same time, they were painful for me, because I just wanted Josh and Hazel to be together.

But it all didn't matter, because that ending was perfection. Crap! Happy tears are rolling down my cheek just thinking about it. I may never stop smiling.

Once again, I would like to thank the awesome Christina Lauren for such a wonderful experience. I laughed, I swooned, I smiled, and I shed the happiest of happy tears for Josh and Hazel.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 5 September, 2018: Finished reading
  • 5 September, 2018: Reviewed