| Title | : | Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1501165852 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781501165856 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 309 |
| Publication | : | First published September 4, 2018 |
| Awards | : | Goodreads Choice Award Romance (2018) |
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?
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating Reviews
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5+ stars!!!
I've read several of Christina Lauren books and I can say with the utmost confidence that this is their best book to date. It's by far my favorite of theirs. There wasn't one thing I didn't love about it. Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating is the epitome of opposites attract. It's one of the best friends to lovers story I've ever read and I loved it so much!! I have no doubt it will be one of my favorite reads of 2018.
Hazel Bradford is a bit of a weirdo, and I mean that in the best way possible. She knows she can be a lot to take, she gets it. She's fun, loud, a little crazy and a lot of amazing. When she meets Josh Im in college, she's got a bit of a crush, but Josh seems to be right there in the middle of all her embarrassing moments. Josh is very much the opposite of Hazel. He's mellow, cool, calm, and collective.
“I realize that finding the perfect person isn’t going to be easy for me because I’m a lot to take,” she says, “but I’m not going to change just so that I’m more datable.”
Fast forward years after college and Hazel becomes besties with a girl named Emily. She soon finds out that Emily is Josh Im's sister. Josh and Hazel are back in each other's lives and Hazel is determined that they become best friends. Josh is at a place where he could use a best friend, so even as different as these two are, they end up spending all their free time together and this unlikely pair just clicks.
I loved reading about these two together. They were perfect. You could feel the attraction under the surface, the friendship, and the love. They had so many adventures and crazy (non)dates with others that just made me laugh out loud. I think what I loved the most is that Josh loved Hazel for who she was, crazy and all. He never wanted her to change or calm down, he just accepted her. It was a beautiful thing.
I laughed and smiled so much while reading this book and it gave me the best heartwarming feels. This story was everything. These types of books aren't usually my favorites, as I lean towards books that are more heavy and emotional, but this one hit the spot for me. It was exactly what I wanted and I loved every single second.
As you can probably tell from my raving review, I highly recommend this book. I could not have loved it more if I wanted to. Hazel and Josh were both such endearing and fantastic characters and I loved their connection and chemistry. If you're looking for a book that will give you a permanent smile, one that will make your heart so happy it could burst, and just a completely lovable friends to lovers book, pick this one up. You won't regret it!
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Whyyy that ending? Ewww.
In my search for cute sexy romances that don't make me want to kill one or both love interests,
Christina Lauren is usually one of the first to be recommended. I've wanted to read their books for a while now, and seeing as it is so highly rated, I picked
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating.
It started very fun. I want to stress that I enjoyed a lot of the book and currently have several other
Christina Lauren books on hold at my local library. Hazel is a hilarious spitfire of a character. She's got that whole clutzy and embarrassing (in a funny way) romance heroine thing going on, but she's also unapologetic. She's not willing to change for any man, and she's happy with who she is. Of course she has insecurities like everyone, but it was nice to see a woman not constantly berating herself over everything.
Josh, too, is a likable character. At first, he and Hazel seem totally incompatible. He's more serious, more straight-laced, more in control of his life. In Josh's life, everything has its place; in Hazel's life, she has to somehow navigate through the mess and pets to find anything. Josh only speaks when he has something important to say; Hazel blurts out pretty much every thought she has.
The two are thrown together and, strangely, their opposing personalities seem to complement each other and a friendship evolves. They would never date each other, of course. Instead, they decide to set each other up on joint blind dates. Many funny and awkward encounters follow and, with every disaster date, it looks more and more likely that Josh and Hazel are ignoring what is right in front of their eyes.
It's not an original plot, but it is fun for the most part. There are some pacing issues, I think, with the time between them becoming friends and, um, later developments being too long. But the smut is awesome when it does arrive.
It was probably going to be a 3.5 rounded up, but that ending just made me cringe. What is this, a 1980s Harlequin romance? Not only was it ridiculously rushed, but that is just not my brand of sexy fun. Also,
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If pure FUN is what you’re after, look no further than Josh and Hazel. Theirs is a love story riddled with enough comedic relief to inspire bouts of couch-shaking laughter, earning side-eye from drowsy felines and leading my husband to question, “are you all right over there?” More than all right, I was a giddy and giggly gal, smitten with this dynamic duo and their quirky quest for love.
It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a
Christina Lauren and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. For the entirety of the
Beautiful Bastard series, I was transfixed by the light and fun approach these co-authors bring to the world of dating. Their ability to relay humor and sexiness through such irresistibly charming characters always felt akin to magic. No surprise here, the terrific twosome delivers again with Josh and Hazel.
This time around it was Hazel—a character laced with an entirely unique approach to life and an enchanting nature—that I found most endearing. There was some part of me that wanted her to pick me to be her new best friend—forget Emily or Josh. A self-proclaimed “hot-mess”, with an admirable sense of self, Hazel has never allowed herself to feel that cringe of embarrassment that inhibits so many of us. Instead, an unabashed free spirit, prone to bouts of rambling, she has the wherewithal to understand that changing herself to appear more dateable would never work long-term. Her plan: find a guy with enough guts to take on her Hazy tornado.
The one person she knows is (a) out of her league and (b) too mellow to handle her brand of fun is Josh Im. Back in her life after 10 years—he was once her biggest crush and someone she showed all of her cards immediately—she decides if she can’t date him, she’ll settle for second best. So starts her campaign to make him her new bestie.
What fun would a love story be without the gorgeous guy with an athletic build demanding our attention? Hey, wait a minute. Don’t be so shallow. *wink* A little buttoned-up initially, Josh is more than just a pretty face; he's patient, kind, sensitive and also incredibly respectful. Let’s just say, it didn’t take much rallying for me to join Team Josh.
Josh is a little apprehensive about letting Hazel get close and you kind of can’t blame him; she did once proposition him and then proceed to barf on his shoes. Despite their differences in approaching life, it’s easy to see the organic chemistry that exists between them—like their innate ability to communicate with simply a look. It's sort of awe-inspiring, but don’t go getting any ideas, they’re just FRIENDS.“I like being your person.”
Having deemed one another undateable, but craving a connection, they make a game out of finding their potential partners. Each enlisted to find a match for the other, so they can double date. The resulting rendezvous are nothing short of hilarious!
As the plot thickens, everyone seems to be in on the secret except for Josh and Hazel. And I mean everyone. Their journey to love is intoxicatingly quirky, perfectly paced and all around fun. It’s one I couldwatchreread over and over. In fact, when I turned that final page, my love-drunk heart wanted to go back to the beginning and experience it all again. -
5th reread lol. I have no chill when it comes to rereading my favourite books, but I like that about me.
It’s still perfect, my feelings toward this book doesn’t seem to change, it just intensifies each time.
It’s literal happiness. Characters so good, so pure and so alive in my head, I couldn’t and can’t get enough!
————————————————
Original review.
WTF is this cuteness that I’ve just read?! I mean, I’m way too happy. My heart is more or less glowing.
Sign me up for alllll of Christina Lauren’s novels!
I want to be Hazel. I want to find me own Josh (plus a dose of every other fictional character I’m obsessed with, in him!)
This was such a delight to read! A real damn treat and it felt so good to get lost in this story.
Biggest thing I took away from this book: that being yourself, wholeheartedly and unapologetically, is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Had such an awesome time buddy-reading this with
Karima! 💛 -
This was *clenches fist* so cute.
I read this during Valentine's Day, so I was in the mood for a fluffy romance. I'm happy to report that that's exactly what I got - and then some. I actually giggled aloud to myself several times. Alone. So alone. On Valentine's Day.
Josh and Hazel have the best chemistry. Although they have two very different personalities, they perfectly complement one another. AND Hazel, our Jessica Day-type quirky lead, is not forced to change her ways for love. Heck yes.
Josh really was the template for a Perfect Guy. Besides being, you know, drop dead gorgeous, he was kind, supportive, stable, loyal, and respectful. He also loved his mom. I die.
This book was 100% about Josh and Hazel's relationship, which isn't that surprising in a romance. However, I need more than just romance, whether it be drama in the main character's family life, work life, school life, etc. (Good examples of this in adult romance are The Hating Game or The Wedding Date) As Hazel starts a new job at the beginning of the novel, I thought maybe that'd come into play, but it doesn't. Instead of adding non-romantic drama as a curveball near the end, we get really unnecessary romantic drama. The last third of the book sadly dragged the book down from a 5-star to a 4-star because of it. -
"I realize that finding the perfect person isn't going to be easy for me because I'm a lot to take," she says, "but I'm not going to change just so that I'm more datable. At the end of the day, being myself is enough. I'm enough."
I related to this book on a spiritual level. Duo Christina Lauren's brand of humor was so on point in this novel, it felt like they had written it specifically for me as a reader. I can't express how uplifting and enjoyable of an experience I had reading this hilarious romp, and I found the underlying message to be just as beautiful as the cover art is. I'm a firm believer that you can never have enough novels preaching about self worth and being comfortable in your own skin, and this story falls firmly in the category of "never settle for less than what you deserve simply because you aren't the world's standard".
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating was just the cutest book ever. Uff! I've been struggling lately with a lot of heavy life stressors and have found myself gravitating more and more toward romantic comedies and upbeat contemporaries, genres I never would have touched even a year ago. I'm so thrilled that books like this have been a gateway for me to a type of escapism I never thought I would need, but am grateful for none-the-less. I can't remember the last time I've laughed out loud so frequently while reading. I also loved that this book had some deliciously steamy scenes, but overall those were just accessories to the overall plot. If you enjoy rom coms with less graphic content and a greater focus on the comedy portion and the feel good fluffies, this one is for you.
Unexpectedly, I really enjoyed the tidbits included into Josh's family heritage. I've been on a roll lately with books including various forms of asian culture, and the Korean traditions expounded upon here were a nice addition in bringing Josh and his family to life. There are other emotional thematic elements discussed, so it's not just a goofy tale in total, but the overall vibe is kept light and upbeat. Honestly, the second I finished this book my first reaction was that I wanted to flip back to the beginning and reread it immediately. If you enjoy lighter romance that leaves you with a sense of the feel goods and will keep you chortling with laughter the entire go, you NEED this in your life. I cannot recommend this one highly enough!
*I received a review copy via the publisher. -
OMG look who's got a romance novel at the ready!! Yes, it's me! (surprisingly)
3.5/5 ⭐
This has actually been a somehow sweet read. Hazel is a total nutjob but she is adorable in her own way and Josh is so different from her that they actually click well together.
Their love story is playful and hot and unexpected and by the end, it was a bit emotional. In an interesting way. -
➳Quirkiness, fun double dates, sexy times that became unexpected, everything combined together to bring two individuals that are beyond different but definitely meant to be...
➳When one starts reading a romance novel by my favorite duo
Christina Lauren, one should know that you will forever love the story no matter what. When one reads romance stories, you expect a trope to take into place. No matter what, this new stand-alone filled with fun adventures between two best friends, has every retrospective of uniqueness when hitting the pitcher at the exact spot of loving Josh and Hazel. To me, maybe I say this because my love for Christina and Lauren is immense, but I am down-right honest about my reviews. This novel will knock you off your feet when it comes down to the laughter that comes out of you when Hazel does something that is beyond endearing and in a juvenile way.
➳This story basically revolves itself around the idea and actions of Josh and Hazel becoming best friends after some "awkward" college moments and finding out that Hazel's best friend, Emily, is Josh's sister, who is married to Dave, the principle and the boss of Hazel in her new job at a new elementary school as she teaches the third grade. After becoming best friends, Hazel and Josh decide to start setting up double dates with individuals they know, for each other. At first it all starts wonderfully because they both have fun with the partners they end up choosing for each other. But it gets to a point where the sexual chemistry between Josh and Hazel, the unexpected status of being roommates, and one drunken night, they change the tables to wanting to become more than best friends.
➳There is a sudden and unexpected love towards Hazel and her persona. Her vibrancy, her enthusiasm, all her quirks that makes her such a unique individual that has taken everything in her empowering personality to admire herself and not care what others thing about her, is what truly captivates the reader to wanting to read more, CRAVE that kind of writing that Christina and Lauren always seem to specialize in. That's what makes Josh admire Hazel. Her love towards him as his initially best friend is indeed swoon worthy. And as a rom-com, one never goes wrong with loving all the adventures these two encounter and go through.
➳Overall, 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. Thank you to Gallery books for letting me enjoy this romance novel that had me itching for more love of Christina Lauren. If you are looking for something sweet, exciting, and enthusiastic, then this novel is the ideal one for you.
➳ARC kindly provided by Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review...
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oh my goodness. my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! this is just so much fun, so silly, so pure, so cute. its been awhile since ive read something that has made me so giddy and giggly. my last christina lauren book was a miss, so i am so glad my faith in their stories has finally been restored.
my previous downfall with CL stories is i can never seem to like both characters. i usually prefer one over the other, but this time i loved both josh and hazel. and even more importantly, i loved them together. i thought the best part was watching their friendship grow into something more. it felt so organic and natural and something i could really root for.
the only thing that prevented me from loving this more was the ending. im not quite sure i like where it headed, and it didnt really feel necessary to josh and hazels story. it wasnt completely awful, just a personal preference, i suppose. still super cute and enjoyable, overall!
↠ 4 stars -
This would have been a full on 5 star read had it not been for the dramatic/unnecessary turn the plot took in the last quarter 🙃 although despite the weird ending, I did love the characters SO MUCH and their chemistry was just A+++++. But tbh I am so conflicted on how to rate this bc that ending was JDJSHSKAKSISJAJSJ WHY
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ARC provided by Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.“The world seems full of men who are initially infatuated by our eccentricities, but who ultimately expect them to be temporary.”
Most of you know that I’m a pretty big fan of Christina Lauren!
Autoboyography is now one of my favorite books of all-time. And friends, I really enjoyed this book and it made me so unreasonably happy! Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is set in Oregon and is honestly one of the cutest friends to lovers stories I’ve read in such a long while. I honestly never wanted this book to be over.
➽ Hazel - Teacher, the quirkiest character I’ve ever read, but I mean that in a good way, and has finally reunited with a guy who she has embarrassed herself around for the past almost decade.
➽ Josh/Jimin - Doctor, Korean (Yeah, named Jimin, smart marketing because BTS Armies are going to love him with their whole heart), and currently in a long distance relationship that isn’t working.
And these two’s paths have constantly crossed since college, but fate has truly brought them together when Hazel attends her best friend’s BBQ, only to realize that Josh is the guy who she has embarrassed herself around since college. But after that BBQ, they decided to be friends and it leads to them going on a lot of double dates, which are all mostly bad.
There is a constant theme of family in this book, both from Hazel and Josh’s side, and I loved it so much. Hazel’s relationship with her mother was so inspiring, and I loved how they loved each other unconditionally. Josh is from a much more traditional background, but the love is so there and so very abundant. Seriously, both of these families warmed my damn heart and it was easily one of my favorite parts of this book.
I also really loved how Hazel wouldn’t change herself for anyone. And I think this book does a really good job at showing you how most people are pretty negative about anyone being too loud, too weird, and too different than the standards society puts on us. This isn’t like the typical “oh, the girl is quirky and cute” but this is the more realistic and sad treatment of people who live their life to the beat of their own drum. And seeing Hazel (and Josh) always speak up if anyone was negative or judgmental, was really beautiful. Because, like, who the hell wants to be normal anyways?“I have chaos around me, but it’s like he doesn’t even care. He doesn’t need me to change or pretend to be someone else. He’s my person. He’s my best friend.”
This book was actually funny, too! Like, I was giggling alone in bed while reading at least a third of this book. Hazel is one of the most fun protagonists I’ve read about, and she and her animals had me laughing constantly. And all the dates? So freakin’ funny! I honestly could perfectly picture this book, and I actually think it would make for a fantastic romcom movie adaptation.
But this book does have a lot of steamy scenes, so trigger and content warnings for sexual content, talk of past death of a loved one, cheating (off-screen and not main characters), and a homophobic slur.
And out of all these trigger warnings, I want to talk more about the homophobic slur, because it was so damn pointless. I mean, it was said in a negative light, but it wasn’t necessarily challenged. Like, it felt so bad to read and took me completely out of the story. These authors could have just as easily said “he said a rude thing” or hell, even “he said a homophobic slur” without actually using the word. Like, I hated it so much and it was easily the worst part of this book.
The only other negative thing I'll say is that the ending felt rushed. Like, we spend so much time watching these two people become friends, and the romance and love has to come rather quickly. Which I get, and I don’t mind that much, but I was still shocked with how the last few chapters went and then I got hit with the word “epilogue” and it felt so abrupt. Also, this book is 95% light, cute, and heartwarming, and then it just takes a really dark turn during the last tiny bit, and it just felt very disjointed.“You’re second only to a unicorn as far as best friends go, Josh Im.”
But overall, I really did enjoy this sweet friends to lovers story. I think this is for sure a perfect summertime read. Oh, and even though it has a cover that looks very much like
Roomies, these worlds and stories are not connected what so ever. So, don’t be scared or think you have to read
Roomies first! But I totally recommend this one, and I hope if you pick this one up, that you’ll enjoy it so very much, too! Happy reading!
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The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
I'm read this for
#smutathon, which was hosted by
Lainey and
Riley! ❤
And this is a buddy read with
Lilly at
Lair of Books! ❤ -
still salty
i'm still a little annoyed so i figured i'd give my thoughts here now that i've had time to simmer.
first of all, christina lauren. not every protagonist needs to be quirky with big tits. can we make her a bitter shrew with big tits???? can we make her quirky with a FAT fucking ass??? i just finished the unhoneymooners and the protag in that book + this book are like, the same. i can't remember either of their names so that goes to show how unique their personalities were.
the unhoneymooners was fun and tropey and the relationship development was SUPERB. this book? not so much.
my main issue was NOT the stupid ending that everyone seems to hate. i actually didn't mind that one bit. my issue was with how the characters met up after college and were essentially INSTANT friends. there was no angst or build up, it didn't feel like how a real friendship develops. and then, and i don't think this is entirely CL's fault because it's hard for ANY author to do, but making the two character discover their feelings together felt rushed.
it is INCREDIBLY hard to make friends turn into lovers convincingly. and the makings of it were here. the failed blind dates, the attraction from day one. but it just fell flat for me. the parts did not mesh well enough together to make me think "wow they are MADE for each other," and sadly that's the whole point of a romance.
i think christina lauren books are destined forever to be hit or miss for me. if you want a perfect CL book, i'd try the unhoneymooners. -
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying me with a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 Stars
UMM..... THIS WAS SO GOOD!!
I told myself I wouldn't read anymore Christina Lauren because I thought
Roomies was a bit bland and not up my alley, but this one just sounded cute so I broke my own rule and WOW I'M SO GLAD I DID THIS IS A NEW FAVORITE OF THE YEAR!
The main thing I love about this book is the main character. She's cute and quirky and fun without trying too hard to be ~different~. She's authentically weird rather than being a manic pixie dream girl, and she's aware of it, AND she's proud of it. She reminded me of Jess from New Girl, which is my favorite show of all time because I love her character so much. That, combined with the fact that she also reminded me of Lucy from
The Hating Game made me love her. Her dialogue was always so great--hilarious without EVER being cheesy. She was so refreshing and unlike any character I've read before. Hazel also really validated a small part of me that's insecure that I'll never find anyone because I'm too weird. I've never read a book like this before, like I was receiving a gentle pat on the back. Two thumbs up.
Josh was also SO sweet and mindful and generous and he's the perfect love interest. The dynamic of (sorta) enemies to friends to lovers was also a great slow burn. The pacing of this is exactly what I look for in romance and I would read every book Christina & Lauren write if they do it similar to this one.
As always, Christina & Lauren were really mindful of representation, feminism, and healthy relationships. The love interest and most prominent side character in this are Korean, and their culture was discussed at multiple points in the book (I'll link some ownvoices reviews discussing the rep if I see any once this comes out). However, there were a few times that Hazel would fetishize Koreans because she sexualized Josh's Korean name and the way he sounded when he spoke Korean. It was the only thing I thought was distasteful about this book, and maybe (hopefully) it'll be edited out in the final version. Lastly, there's a lot of candid talking about sex, including discussion about consent and bleeding and other good stuff. Also, there's a lot of fighting back against slut shaming and women being able to do what they want, which I think was great. I just love how the characters in Christina Lauren book will encounter a problem in the relationship or with sex and literally say, "Hey, let's talk about this" rather than avoid each other childishly. SO GOOD! (and yes, that's how low the bar is in romance books to be considered good, people.)
I was warned that the ending of this might be something I'm not into, and I gotta agree that this veered a sharp left at the end. I haven't decided if I liked it or not, but it was definitely *cough* a choice. I'd have to talk about it in a spoilery review. But if this would've ended differently, I probably would have given it 5 stars. (Update: it’s not a bad twist, it’s just a plot point that i think was random to throw in at the END of a book lol. no worries! read it anyway!)
Definitely add this to your TBR if you're looking for some healthy romance that has equal parts cuteness and steaminess. I adored it thoroughly. -
I've always enjoyed romantic comedies at the movies, but I've never really been a fan of them in book form. But sometime over the last year I found the writing duo that calls themselves Christina Lauren. I was absolutely wowed by Autoboyography (
see my review) last year, and then earlier this year I fell for Love and Other Words (
see my review), and that will be one of my favorite books of 2018.
Who is this man that I've become?
I don't know, but after reading their newest book, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, one thing is clear: I'm all in on the Christina Lauren fan train. Their books may be predictable at times, they may be a little sappy, but I don't care. They are I-wish-I-could-stay-in-this-chair-until-I-finish-this-book readable, and they're utterly heartwarming to boot.
Josh and Hazel have had more than a few meet-not-so-cutes. There was the time in college when Hazel threw up all over his shoes. Or the time when she was dating one of his roommates, and Josh walked in while the two were using the couch, although not for relaxation. And then there was the time when he was her TA, and she wasn't able to turn in a paper because she had to have her wisdom teeth removed, so she wrote him an email while on painkillers, an email he printed and framed.
Hazel is a third-grade teacher, and she may have more in common with her students than she cares to admit. She's a free spirit, eccentric, completely without filter, fun-loving, and not ashamed of anything. She is loyal, loving, and generous to a fault. She'd give you the shirt off her back—literally—but she knows that makes her a difficult romantic prospect. Josh, on the other hand, is a physical therapist, who craves order and calm.
"'I realize that finding the perfect person isn't going to be easy for me because I'm a lot to take,' she says, 'but I'm not going to change just so that I'm more datable.'"
When she and Josh meet again 10 years later, they know they aren't a suitable match romantically, but each grows enamored of the other as a friend. They happily settle into their role as best friends, and begin setting each other up on blind dates, with each one turning out a bit more disastrous than the last.
"The world seems full of men who are initially infatuated by our eccentricities, but who ultimately expect them to be temporary. These men eventually grow bewildered that we don't settle down into calm, potential-wifey girlfriends."
Of course, the more they try to find the perfect person for the other, the more they start to realize how intense their feelings are for each other. But how can they jeopardize the easy rapport, the casual, laid-back friendship they share? What happens if taking the next step is absolutely the worst thing they can do? Is life without Hazel (or Josh) the life they want?
"'But if you changed your mind about something like that,' Emily says, 'I think that's the one thing that could dim her light. We both know Hazel is a butterfly. I think you have the power to take the dust from her wings.'"
You probably know what will happen, and you'd be partly, or perhaps mostly, right. But the appeal of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating doesn't lie in surprises, it lies in the utter charm of its characters, the utter warmth of its heart, the beauty of its message of being yourself no matter what, and, if I'm being honest, some pretty steamy sex scenes. I didn't want to tear myself away from this book because I couldn't get enough of it.
Some label Christina Lauren's books as "chick lit," and while perhaps as a whole they may appeal more to women than men, the term "chick lit" shouldn't be seen as an insult or somehow connoting they're not well-written. These books are sweet, warm, sexy, sensitive, emotional, and fun, and if that's a bad thing, I'll still line up for more. (Their next book comes out in December, so at least I won't have to wait long.)
See all of my reviews at
itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at
https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html. -
STOP RIGHT THERE AND Please just read it if you haven't because ahhhh I am in love with this book!!
“I always thought I caught you in . . . a phase. His left eyebrow makes a fancy arch. "Apparently you're just like this.”
What? Do you need a 'BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS' romance? Oh, you don't want annoying character? Do you also want an amazing protagonist who is quirky and cute but also knows what she is doing? The writing should be good too? Oh, I don't know—I say—READ THIS GODDAMN BOOK!
Christina Lauren did a number on me! I just can't really say anything else than it was amazing! I can't seem to find any flaws...it is perfect for me. I was waiting to find a romance book that I can read and re-read and re-re-read,
The Hating Game didn't do it for me...this one did!
I have been struggling with a reading block for so long, I would start a book and then read a chapter and close it back up because I wasn't in the mood. But I started this book and felt the dying need to read it—this was the first time in a looooooong time I actually wanted to finish a book!
“Are you listening?”
“Barely.”
“You are perfect for me.”
Hazel is my new religion. I say "worship hazel for clear skin" and "worship hazel for better grades". She was the funniest character I have ever read so far. She says what is on her mind and doesn't give a fuck about people's opinions. She doesn't get away from what she feels. She doesn't create unnecessary drama and she is the best character to ever step in the book world.
What I loved even more about her is that she is who she is and she is proud of herself, which was just so amazing. Be like Hazel Y'ALL!
Josh is sweet, perfect, funny, perfect, serious, perfect, amazing, perfect.
What I need in life is a best friend like josh who will apparently turn into my lover...that is only what I want y'all but god right here isn't very giving.
“But at the end of the day", she says, and puts her hand outside the open window, letting the wind pass through her fingers, "being myself is enough. I'm enough.
I mean I think this book deserves to be read by every living soul because it is that amazing! The characters seem very much real, the relationship is genuine, the chemistry doesn't feel forced, the plot is amazing...and this book didn't annoy me for one second! Now I suggest you give the book a try when I say I didn't get irritated because I get annoyed by characters so often and SO FAST that I then have problem with them breathing and then it ruins the book for me. So, all I want is for them to choke and die and leave me alone...and this isn't limited to fantasy, the dying part expands to romance too (lol).
See my point? So When I say I didn't get annoyed...that says a lot in itself.
So—read this book y'all (what is with me and using y'all every 2 seconds! I don't even live in America to have a Tennesse accent...also don't come after me for wrong facts too).
*y'allhere is one of the best fanarts...I love it so so muchy'all!*
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In the beginning, Hazel was definitely an amazing character and I loved her quirky weird personality but after a while I thought it was exaggerated.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a lot like hazel in man’s areas but some things were just too unrealistic.
Now Josh, he was something else. I mean I understand that they both were struggling to accept their feelings but it was dragged out.
And right before I thought nothing would happen, boom:
My Least favorite trope makes an appearance like 50p before the end -
OMG CHRISTINA LAUREN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!! What a cute, fun and heartwarming rom-com with some of my favorite tropes!! It has the best friends to lovers trope, opposites attract, slow burn, dual POV, short chapters and is filled with humor, tension, banter, chemistry and just the right amount of spice!! I absolutely LOVED this book so much!! Once I started reading I literally could not stop and finished it in a day!! I found myself smiling, cackling and swooning the whole time!! Another book to add to my favorites for 2024!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Hazel is quirky, fun and eccentric but she can also be a lot to take. Realizing this about herself, Hazel makes no apologies for who she is and refuses to change for anyone. Josh is kind, handsome and more reserved. Basically, he is the complete opposite of her! When they met in college, Hazel had a huge crush on Josh. However, Josh thought of her more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, they meet again and become best friends. Then they come up with this wild idea to double date and find the perfect match for each other. Let's just say, each double date is more disasterious than the last. But is there more between them? But how could they be right for each other with being so different? No way they could be compatible, right?
Overall, this is the perfect friends to lovers rom-com with a HEA and the sweetest epilogue EVER!! I highly recommend and it deserves all the stars!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -
❥ 4.5 / 5 stars
“Raw emotion paints his expression. I’ve honestly never seen anyone look at me this way… it’s more than desire. It’s need.”
I feel like I made the right decision to give
Christina Lauren another chance after she had disappointed me a little with
The Unhoneymooners. ❤️❤️❤️ -
3.5
Fun, fluffy friends to lovers to soulmates story with a bit of an edge.
Hazel first me Josh in college when she propositioned him at a frat party and then proceeded to puke on his shows. They have some embarrassing run-ins afterward, but it isn’t until 10 years after college that they are reunited. Hazel is a lot to handle--she’s loud, a little weird, oftentimes says the wrong thing, and fully embraces those she loves. Hazel is aware that she’s different and not everyone can handle her personality. While she loves her friends wholeheartedly, she keeps romantic love at bay in fear of being hurt. Hazel realizes that Josh’s rigid personality makes them a bad romantic match, so she decides the next best thing is to become his best friend.
“When I meet someone I love, I become an octopus and wind my tentacles around their heart, tighter and tighter until they can’t deny they love me just the same.”
The two friends decide to help one another find love and go on a series of blind double dates. Of course the more and more time they spend together, the more they realize that there is more to their relationship than just friendship.
I was completely entertained while reading this. Hazel’s character was a breath of fresh air and her voice drew me in. I loved her idiosyncrasies and honesty. Josh’s character was a nice contrast to Hazel’s. I loved all of the animals and other quirky little bits added in. While I knew where things were headed the whole time, Hazel’s character kept me invested in reading.
This is a fun, uplifting read that left me smiling. Highly recommend to those looking for something light and happy! -
An enjoyable 3 stars for most of the book but the last 3-ish chapters brought in a trope that I HATE so the ending has left me a little bitter about this book.
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My first read by this dynamic writing duo, and I was extremely impressed. Their writing style is addictive and their witty, humorous characters are ones you won’t forget. It was simply an unputdownable read!
”I can honestly say without question I have never known anyone else like you.”
”So completely undatable?”
”Something like that.”
Josh and Hazel completely melted my heart. Although they have absolute polar opposite personalities, they become best friends, both knowing their relationship will never go any further. In Hazel’s eyes, Josh is pure perfection and Josh will do whatever it takes to protect Hazel.
…and nothing-I mean nothing-scares me more than the idea of us dating and him deciding that I’m too wild, too weird, too chaotic. Too much.
To say Hazel is eccentric is like describing the ocean as a bit wet. Josh, of course, couldn’t be any more laid back if he tried.
Being near Hazel is like being in a room with a mini cyclone.
Everyone around them can see they make the most adorable couple. Trouble is they aren’t a couple at all. Watching their relationship progress was pure bliss.
This book is too sweet, too romantic, too swoon worthy to ever pass on. A totally top notch read, but beware .... laugh out loud moments will be had ;) -
This was really cute & I loved both Josh and Hazel a lot. I didn't really like the ending, but I loved the majority of the book, and I'm definitely interested to read more from Christina Lauren!
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4 Stars.
A Fun, Quirky, Laugh out Loud Rom Com!
Hazel is quirky. She can’t help but say exactly what’s on her mind the second it pops up and boy does that get her into trouble. She even considers herself to be completely undatable. She is utterly fantastic, what can I say? Josh is somewhat low key and unassuming. He and his girlfriend don’t really do much of anything of when they are together. Perhaps that’s why she cheated on him.
Hazel and Josh met in college years ago - he was one of the few guys who was cool with her zaniness. Seven years later they meet up at a party and become best friends. Now Hazel has a plan to get him out on the dating scene again by setting him up on blind dates to help him get over his ex. Talk about a farcical endeavor.
As several of you may know, romance novels are not my go to genre by any stretch of the imagination but when I saw all of the reviews for this I was quite intrigued. “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” sounded funny and sarcastic - like something I would be interested in, and so I just had to see what all of the fuss was about.
I gotta give this one credit: I listened to the audiobook in my car and there were several moments where I was laughing out loud hysterically - stomach aching from giggling so much. I mean, dude, this is really good (I even put notes in my audiobook book so I could go back and listen again). I absolutely LOVED the smart sarcastic sassy back and forth commentary between Hazel and Josh - they had chemistry galore (repartee is my kind of thing - I am huge fan of Pacey and Joey from Dawson’s Creek and loved their witty banter). What I realized however, is that I prefer PG-13 kind of romance novels. I am not a fan of any romantic encounters that are explicit (insert emoji: hand to face - eek!). I blushed more than once and I’m way over the age of consent, lol. That aside, “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” was an extremely comical, entertaining, sweet read. I simply adored Hazel Bradford and wish more characters had her oomph. Christina Lauren totally got my attention with this captivating read (in my ways than one, obviously)!. I am intrigued enough that I would definitely listen to another one of her rom coms (though I’ll skip those little parts that will be sure to make me blush).
Thanks to all of my Goodreads friends who recommended this so highly (Melissa, Larry, Berit, Melisa and Hollis, to name a few). You were right! This is a gem and I highly recommend it.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on. 10.27.18. -
this is THE book of my life, plz excuse me while i hug this book to my chest for the next 10 years.
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4.5 Fun Flirty Fabulous Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
This! Book! What an absolutely adorable sweet and funny romcom with the perfect amount of steam and sizzle🔥
Hazel is being added to my book BFF list and might even have earned the top spot!!! Hazel is a friend you want by your side and somebody you wish you were more like... she had such a fabulous sense of who she was and was not willing to compromise herself for anyone... she had a heart of gold and a tremendous passion for life.... she was also loud, eccentric, and had an unusual fashion sense.... As somebody who is too concerned with what everyone else thinks, I really need some Hazel in my life and in my personality... and Josh? Well he wasn’t too bad either...😉
This was probably one of the absolute best friends to lovers books I have ever read... convinced that they are completely wrong for one another, and after Josh is cheated on and ends a two year long relationship... josh and Hazel begin setting each other up on blind dates.... most of these blind dates were disastrous and hilarious... I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit throughout this book.... I mean we’ve all been on bad dates, so this part was so tremendously relatable and a lot of fun!
Also really loved how important family was in this book... Hazel had an equally eccentric mother, and the bond between them was undeniable... josh’s family was equally fabulous, I loved how accepting they were of Hazel.... i’d also really love Josh‘s mom to cook some Korean food for me!
Beautifully told with some pretty darn amazing characters! This book had it all... humor, romance, friendship, family, pets, food, and sizzle! Absolutely recommend to fans of this writing team, and if you aren’t a fan already pick this book up and you will become one!
*** many thanks to Gallery Books for my copy of this fabulous book *** -
This book was cute as shit. Christina Lauren is a favorite author of mine, and I have to say this is my favorite book of theirs since
Autoboyography. I loved it so much.
This is a romance that takes place in Portland, Oregon (which is another thing I loved.) It follows Hazel Bradfurd and Josh Im. They've known each other since college and she's embarrassed herself inf front of him a handful of times over the years. Now it takes place years later when she is an elementary school teacher, and he is a physical therapist, and they randomly cross paths once again.
Hazel is one of the quirkiest characters I've ever read. And normally when I read quirky characters, it's usually the author despertaely trying to make their characters seem quirky and fun and unique - but Hazel is so odd and endearing and I absolutely loved her. She's maybe my favorite female protagonist in a Christina Lauren novel so far. Not only is she not easily embarrassed and doesn't really have a filter, but she loves animals and has a lot of them - she wants seventeen kids - and she doesn't want to change any part of herself to find love, which I admire a lot. And then we have Josh, her Korean love interest who I also adored. Josh is the SOFTEST thing, he's so sweet to her.
Hazel's character was giving me some New Girl Jessica Day vibes for real. I mean come on, she's an elementary school teacher from Portland, Oregon, and she has these intense feelings for her best friend Josh (kind of like with Nick in the show). And this book is also hilarious like New Girl and just all around giving me New Girl vibes which I loved.
"I realize that finding the perfect person isn't going to be easy for me because I'm a lot to take, but I'm not going to change just so that I'm more datable."
This is a solid best friends to lovers romance. Their friendship felt so real and it happened so naturally and it steadily grew into romance and it was just so CUTE and it made me so GIDDY to read them. This book had me cracking up too, they both have an amazing sense of humor and I was laughing my ass off in certain scenes! I mean the whole premise of this book is that Josh and Hazel become best friends and then they start setting each other up on blind double dates, and some of the dates are absolutely hilarious. It was entertaining as shit."I've never really had a love that could consume me. I want to know that kind of fire."
I also loved the developed side characters and their stories. Like how Hazel is so close to her Mom, and her Dad used to think her Mom was also strange and they don't take shit from men. I also like Josh's relationship with his sister and his Mom, and how their Korean culture is mentioned from time to time and their traditions!"I saw myself and Mom from the outside in a way I hadn't before, like Dad represented this mainstream ideal and she and I were these loud, bouncing yellow dots outside the standard curve."
Ahhhhh, this story was just so cute and one I'm definitely not going to forget for a long time. I adore both Josh and hazel so much. I will admit the ending of this book definitely felt a little too rushed, but I was so happy with the rest of this book I couldn't not give it five stars. This book just made me very happy and reminded me why Christina Lauren is an all time favorite for me. -
"We both know Hazel is a butterfly, I think you have the power to take the dust from her wings."
This is the happiest book I've ever read in my entire life.
I think sometimes author's forget that sappy, happy, enjoyable, funny, non-traumatic books can be just as entertaining and wonderful as the twists and turns in others. I literally don't think that you could find a happier book than this one if you tried.
Hazel is so eccentric and wonderful. She reminds me of myself when I was younger, but still somehow acts her age at the same time. She's the biggest sunshine in the universe. Josh is so endearingly, consistently confused by her and I loved watching him fall in love with her antics. I loved watching him join in and become a better version of the kind person he already was. There wasn't a single moment between them that felt forced, or unnecessary, or even out of place. From the start of their friendship to where they end up, it felt as real as anything.
I love that the side characters are relevant and real. That both of their parents are so important to them and we can feel that. I love that near the end, when they're trying to figure out what they want, neither pressures the other. Josh even suggests that Hazel tie things up with someone else even knowing he's already in love with her. I love it even more because Hazel told him the same thing, despite having a huge crush on him, when Josh was trying to figure things out with his girlfriend. It's so special to me, this book is so special to me.
I just know this is going to be my ultimate comfort read for the rest of my life. There's not one moment in this book I didn't love.
Josh and Hazel are the blueprint. -
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Dating was cute, funny and addictive with a side of steaminess!
Hazel is eccentric and unapologetically louder than life and true to herself. She was a breathe of fresh air and laugh out loud funny. There were times her antics felt a bit over the top but it worked to showcase how self-assured and content she was with herself. She was not changing for those around her. You simply had to accept her and love her for who she was. Those lucky enough to do so were rewarded with an amazing and fiercely loyal woman in their lives.
Josh was Hazel's opposite - grounded, low-key but just as loyal. He saw Hazel for who she was and not only accepted her but loved her for it. Their friendship was adorable and of course meant to be more. I loved how it evolved as they started fixing each other up on dates. There were so many hilarious moments. I honestly think I at least smiled (when not outright laughing) while reading this entire book.
If you are looking for a witty, fun and romantic read - look no further! Grab this one and enjoy! -
**I don't give audiobooks star ratings because I cannot analyze the prose**
Audiobook Rating: shrug | Performance: the male narrator was a double pack of ass
Honestly who hired the male narrator? He was AZZZZZ. Idk how the whole hiring process goes but if there was some sort of audition and you heard his 'female voices' and still said: "yep, this is our man", I think you need to visit your doctor because you have a hearing problem. If the audiobook hadn't been 7 hours, I would've yeeted it.
It's hard for me to 'objectively' judge this one because the male narrator really took me out. How am I supposed to believe this guy is some Korean Ken when he sounds like a hysterical Alvin the Chipmunk?? So instead of giving me opinny on the story itself, I want to discuss the spicy scenes in this book.
Ladies, are we screaming "SUCK ON ME" when people go down on us???? Is that a thing?????
And two... when they were sharing the bed and woke up from their simultaneous sex dreams (Hazel was actually orgasming from hers SOS) ??? LMFOAOKSOKAOFJOF??? THE TEXTS I FIRED OFF TO MY HUSBAND AT 8:30AM!!! I WAS FLABBERGASTED!! And then Josh was like: I gotta c** so 1) I can jerk off in the bathroom like a weirdo or 2) I can use your orifices. The whole situation was just UNCOMFY and giving me 16-year-old boy wet dream.
OK and lastly.... one of the 'twists'.......................... BYE -
4.5 stars. Early on, life taught me that it would be fucking helpful to separate people into two groups:
Then as a teacher the "people I could like" perpetually end divided again into three groups:
People : Hazel is SO immature, she's stereotypical and really such an over-the-top annoyance, UNREALISTIC OHMYGOD
Me : 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
People : -and she's a teacher? What the fuck with that? I've known teachers, I went to school, so you can trust me when I say that they would never-
Me : 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
People : -and she's what, twenty-seven? Lmao that's outrAGIOUS-
Me : 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂 fuck you maybe
I'm sorry but it's hard to be annoyed by a "stereotypical character" when she's so relatable you're a bit scared the authors spied on you. I'm not saying that I am Hazel (because that would be creepy), but so many parts of her resonated in me that when I read all those reviews dismissing her, I struggled not to take it personally. Which is ridiculous. I know. But I am ridiculous, could you follow a little here?
First of all, she was such a realistic teacher.
I felt ATTACKED O_o
I mean...
Making your boyfriend do clay at home because you have to try once before doing it with your class? ✔
Wearing fun costumes at work because you can? ✔ (I was an elf in December --- you're jealous, admit it already)
Getting weirdly intense when August is running towards its end? ✔
Everything rang true, really, and that's actually pretty rare. I loved that.
Secondly, from someone who have no chill whatsoever: THANK YOU, HAZEL. Strangely enough, I don't usually enjoy characters who are designed to be quirky, but with hindsight it's often because by the end of the book, they have to change in order to find love. I hate that shit. Doesn't that sound wild anyway? We're living in a depressing world filled with wars, racism and selfishness but people are gonna hate on goofy characters because they don't, what, take life seriously? I don't get it. I never did. Jumping around, being overtly excited about stuff we care about and ignoring social rules doesn't mean we have no soul, that we're never hurt and that we're superficial or worse, selfish. It just means that we experience life differently, and we deserve people who love us for who we are. Never settle for less, my friends. NEVER.
I realize my review is starting to look more like a personal rant than anything else, so here are the reasons why I think you should give
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating a chance :
✔ I tried reading
Beautiful Bastard once and had to rage-quit = authors do evolve;
✔ Josh, the love-interest, is a Korean-American precious cinnamon roll and never EVER asks Hazel to change = instant stan;
✔ It's genuinely so fucking funny = I laughed OUT LOUD a lot and it's been forever since it last happened to me;
✔ The sex scenes really did it for me? Like it's so rare? But? I loved them so much?
✔ Fun family and friendship scenes = the heroes aren't living in a romantic bubble, thanks a lot;
✔ There's a fish named Daniel Craig.
My only complaints come from a rather ridiculous trope used in the last 30% to add unecessary drama (but I didn't hate it as much as I would usually do) and a rushed ending (but maybe I'm just greedy). All in all, it uplifted my mood and I really, really needed it. The best compliment I could give it, though? I'm sure I'll reread it.
CW - homophobic slur, sex scenes, death of a loved one (in the past), cheating (not the main couple)
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