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Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

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"Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating" by Christina Lauren is a romantic comedy that follows the quirky and eccentric Hazel as she reconnects with Josh, her college acquaintance, years later. The story revolves around their hilarious plan to set each other up on blind double dates, which leads to everyone around them questioning why they aren't dating each other. The plot is filled with humor, awkward moments, and heartwarming interactions between the characters, making it a fun and enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance.

Characters:

The characters are distinct, with Hazel being quirky and vivacious, and Josh being calm and supportive, together creating a strong dynamic as their friendship evolves into romance.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by a light-hearted, humorous tone, filled with quirky dialogue and dual perspectives that enhance character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a friends-to-lovers dynamic, where two characters, initially setting each other up on blind dates, gradually realize their feelings for one another amidst humorous situations.

Setting:

The modern-day setting reflects college life and early adulthood, facilitating character interactions in relatable environments.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, making it an engaging read, though the resolution feels somewhat rushed compared to the earlier buildup.
Anyone who knew me in college might be horrified to hear that I ended up employed as an elementary school teacher, responsible for educating our wide-eyed, sponge-brained youth, but in truth, I suspec...

Notes:

The main characters, Hazel and Josh, have a quirky and comedic friendship that develops into romance.
Hazel is unapologetically herself, embracing her eccentricities, which makes her a unique and fun character.
Josh is the calm and supportive friend, contrasting with Hazel's wild personality.
The book features humorous blind double dates that end in unexpected disasters, highlighting the chemistry between Josh and Hazel.
The story touches on themes of self-acceptance and finding love in unexpected ways.
Josh and Hazel met in college, where Hazel humorously embarrassed herself by throwing up on Josh's shoes.
The narrative alternates between Josh's and Hazel's points of view, providing deeper insight into their thoughts and feelings.
The book includes a colorful cast of side characters, including supportive family and friends, which enriches the story.
The humor and light-hearted nature of the book make it a great pick for fans of romantic comedies.
The epilogue has been noted as a favorite part by many readers, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Has Romance?

Yes, the romance is a central theme and is portrayed strongly throughout the narrative.

From The Publisher:

Most men can't handle Hazel. But her best friend Josh isn't most men. Don't miss New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren's new novel about 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?

Ratings (98)

Incredible (10)
Loved It (35)
Liked It (33)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (8)
Hated It (4)

Reader Stats (182):

Read It (103)
Want To Read (56)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (21)

3 comment(s)

It Was OK
5 days

3.5 stars. This was a fun and cute romance. One of my favorite Christina Lauren books

 
Loved It
3 months

2024 re-read because I gave this 5 stars and had no memory of it. Didn't love it the second time around. Hazel kind of drove me crazy.

2018: This was a very fast read and I loved it. I want to be Hazel. Left me with a good book hangover after. =D

 
Did Not Like
4 months

ew. that ending was so bad.

tis the damn readathon. folklore challenge: exile - read a book written by two authors

 

About the Author:

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of longtime writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, the New York Times, USA TODAY, and #1 internationally bestselling authors of the Beautiful and Wild Seasons series, Dating You / Hating You, Autoboyography, Love and Other Words, Roomies, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, My Favorite Half-Night Stand, The Unhoneymooners, Twice in a Blue Moon, and The Soulmate Equation. You can find them online at ChristinaLaurenBooks.com, @ChristinaLauren on Instagram, or @ChristinaLauren on Twitter.

 
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