Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Available On: Amazon

Ali Hazelwood’s Not in Love invites readers into the fast-paced world of biotech start-ups and hostile corporate takeovers, blending wit, spice, and emotional depth in a romance as irresistible as it is conflicted. With her trademark STEM heroine and a business-driven enemies-to-lovers dynamic, Hazelwood proves once again why she’s a master of blending sharp humour with heartfelt romance.

Rue Siebert is the picture of hard-earned stability. A skilled biotech engineer, she’s carved out a fulfilling career at Kline, a start-up focused on innovative food science, and treasures her close-knit group of friends. But her carefully constructed life begins to crack when Eli Killgore—an enigmatic finance executive with smouldering charm and an infuriating smile—arrives to lead a hostile takeover of the company.

What starts as antagonism quickly evolves into a secret, no-strings-attached affair, with both Rue and Eli determined to keep their professional lives from bleeding into their personal connection. But as sparks fly, so do complications, and the fine line between loyalty and love begins to blur.

Rue is a relatable and layered protagonist, her sharp wit and guarded nature grounding her in the face of Eli’s relentless charm. Meanwhile, Eli brings a surprising mix of ruthlessness and vulnerability to the table. His dedication to his business partners clashes with his growing feelings for Rue, creating a delicious tension that keeps the story moving at breakneck speed.

Hazelwood leans into the complexity of their relationship, balancing the sizzling chemistry with genuine moments of emotional connection. Their dual points of view provide insight into their struggles, making their journey feel dynamic and deeply personal.

Writing Style and Themes of Not in Love

Hazelwood’s signature humour shines throughout the novel, lacing the dialogue with snappy banter and laugh-out-loud moments. At the same time, the book doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and self-worth. Rue’s professional loyalty and Eli’s internal conflicts are handled with nuance, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward romance.

The biotech start-up setting is a fresh and fascinating backdrop, infusing the narrative with stakes that feel high but grounded. Hazelwood’s ability to balance the corporate drama with intimate, emotionally charged scenes keeps the story compelling from start to finish.

One of the standout features is the dual POV format, which enriches the narrative by offering glimpses into Eli’s thought process. His POV adds depth to his character, transforming him from a slick, business-first antagonist into a man grappling with his feelings in real time.

Rue Siebert Is A Complex Protagonist

Rue Siebert is perhaps one of Ali Hazelwood’s most divisive protagonists, and my own feelings about her are equally mixed. Her emotional distance is a defining trait, which makes her a fascinating, if occasionally frustrating, character to follow. Rue’s detachment is rooted in her past experiences, and Hazelwood does a commendable job of weaving her guarded nature into the narrative. However, this same quality can make it challenging for readers to connect with her on a deeper level.

What’s interesting about Rue is how her perspective is juxtaposed with Eli’s. Her first-person point of view often feels cold and restrained, reflecting her struggles to process and communicate her emotions. By contrast, Eli’s third-person perspective reveals his vulnerability and unwavering interest in Rue, adding warmth and depth to the story. This dynamic creates an intriguing contrast, but it also makes Rue feel more closed off, even to the reader, which may explain why her character has divided opinions.

On one hand, Rue’s emotional barriers and use of physical intimacy as a form of connection feel authentic and relatable, particularly for readers who see themselves in her struggles with vulnerability. On the other hand, her detached approach can make her feel less engaging, especially in a romance where emotional connection is so critical. While Eli’s perspective helps fill in the gaps, it occasionally veers into repetition, particularly in his constant declarations of wanting Rue, which can overshadow her journey.

Ultimately, Rue’s complexity is a double-edged sword. She’s a bold step away from Hazelwood’s previous bubbly, neurotypical STEM heroines, offering a darker, more introspective take on a leading lady. Whether that lands or alienates will depend on the reader—but for me, she’s as intriguing as she is challenging, and I appreciate Hazelwood’s willingness to take risks with her characters.

The Verdict on Not in Love

Not in Love is a strong addition to Ali Hazelwood’s lineup, blending her signature humour, relatable characters, and undeniable chemistry with a fresh, corporate twist. The story delivers laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy romance, paired with plenty of heat that will leave readers fanning themselves.

That said, the book is not without its flaws. While the dual POV adds depth to the romance, some elements of the corporate subplot feel rushed and overly convenient—particularly the resolution, which may leave some readers unconvinced. Additionally, while Rue and Eli’s dynamic is engaging, their character development could have been explored more fully, especially given the novel’s emotional stakes.

Fans of The Love Hypothesis and Love, Theoretically may find Not in Love slightly less compelling due to its more streamlined emotional depth and convenient plotting, but it still delivers on Hazelwood’s trademarks: clever banter, spicy tension, and relatable leads. For newcomers, this is an enjoyable entry point into Hazelwood’s world of STEM-focused romance, offering a unique workplace setting and an addictive enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

Spice Rating

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)

Not in Love is Ali Hazelwood’s steamiest novel to date, with intimate scenes that begin early in the story and maintain a consistent presence throughout. These moments are integral to the characters’ evolving relationship, reflecting Rue’s guarded personality and her use of physical intimacy as a way to connect without fully letting her walls down.

The spice isn’t just there for shock value or titillation—it plays a role in showcasing the tension and chemistry between Rue and Eli, highlighting their internal conflicts as they navigate the line between personal desire and professional loyalty. The scenes are detailed and sensual, offering a raw and sometimes vulnerable look at their connection.

This much spice is a bit of a change from Hazelwood’s other novels, which have previously been mostly slow-burn romances. BUT, it works. Spicy, yes, but not gratuitously so; it complements the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the story and aligns with the bold, no-holds-barred dynamic between the main characters. If you like passion-packed romances this aspect of the novel deeply satisfying.

What Romance Tropes Are in Not in Love?

Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

As with most romance novels, Not In Love features a few favourite romance tropes. The core vibe for me in this one was enemies to lovers, as Rue and Eli’s professional rivalry sets the stage for their fiery chemistry. Beyond that you can also expect the delights of:

• Workplace Romance: Navigating a romance within the cutthroat world of biotech adds tension and intrigue.
• Secret Relationship: Their affair is clandestine, heightening the stakes.
• Opposites Attract: Rue’s grounded, logical mindset contrasts beautifully with Eli’s charisma and determination.
• Redemption Arc: Eli’s willingness to compromise his ambitions for Rue’s happiness offers a satisfying emotional payoff.

The Final Word

Ali Hazelwood’s Not in Love is a vibrant, addictive read that captures the messy, thrilling process of falling for someone who’s all wrong—and entirely right. With its sharp humour, swoon-worthy leads, and undeniable heat, it’s a standout in the contemporary romance genre. For fans of enemies-to-lovers dynamics and unapologetic spice, this is a must-read.