An Easy Read!
I read Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren in about 24 hours. It was well-paced, sweet, light-hearted fun! Just what I was in the mood for.
An Overview
Lauren introduces us first to zany, quirky Hazel. She’s an elementary school teacher who is confident in herself and enjoys being flamboyant. She’s outspoken, honest, and full of awkward moments. Most men she’s dated are embarrassed by her, and she’s decided she won’t go through with that anymore. Then there’s Josh – orderly, mellow Josh. He’s known Hazel since college, but when they reconnect through his sister, they strike up a new friendship. Becoming fast friends, they commit to help the other find the perfect date… because they’d never date each other. Right? Right.
What I Liked about Josh and Hazel’s Guide
- Friends-to-lovers trope
- Josh and Hazel’s friendship (and chemistry)
- Likable, supporting characters
- A good, healthy relationship modeled
- Smooth pacing and plot
What I Liked Less
There were a few things that led me to knock off a couple stars.
- I personally did not relate to Hazel very much. I am as straight-laced and buttoned-up as she is flamboyant and chaotic. I respected who she was as a character, but in all seriousness, she would’ve driven me crazy if I met her in real life. That’s totally a me-thing for the book, but I couldn’t help but feel a little lost trying to relate to who she was and what drove her as a person.
- I thought there were a few missed opportunities in the plot. While the plot moved at a good pace, it almost seemed a little too streamlined. Is that me being super nitpicky? Maybe. I won’t share specifics because I don’t want to spoil, but there were at least two different plot points (one mostly on Hazel and one mostly on Josh) that were introduced and then sort of dropped.
- The ending wrapped up abruptly. I actually turned the page and saw “Epilogue” and went back, thinking I missed a whole chapter somehow. So, while I appreciated the efficient storytelling, there were a few spots I think Lauren could’ve slowed down and spent some time on.
Content Notes
I have to add there was a decent smattering of language and some… more vivid sex scenes. Easy to skip, but readers who prefer no-spice or closed-door romances should be aware.
Final Thoughts
As a whole, I found Josh and Hazel to be a fun and unique read. The idea of a friendship built on mutual respect and affection that develops into something very real, passionate, and special is a truly beautiful thing. I really liked seeing that sort of thing portrayed so nicely and so well in a novel.
Content Rating: Moderate
for some sexual content and language
Copyright Christina Lauren and Gallery Books. Image from Amazon.
2 thoughts on “JOSH AND HAZEL’S GUIDE TO NOT DATING (Christina Lauren) – Quirky, Refreshing Rom-Com”