Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

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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. Although they have absolute polar opposite personalities, they become best friends, both knowing their relationship will never go any further. The fact that that’s such a surprise to her is a little heartbreaking, but the impossibly sweet conclusion washes all the pain away. 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.

I’m not entirely sure why I keep trying with romance novels because they’re never exactly what I want them to be in the way that other novels can be exactly what I’m looking for even before I know what I’m looking for. Hazel’s relationship with her mother was so inspiring, and I loved how they loved each other unconditionally. That aside, “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” was an extremely comical, entertaining, sweet read. 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.But she feels more like a type than a character– Hazel is the epitome of the “quirky girl,” although most of her wildness comes out in the stories from her college days rather than her present behavior. I loved seeing them grow into a couple toward the end of the books due to a certain circumstance, which I think could be seen as predictable, but I personally didn’t see coming and sort’ve loved! I also loved that this book had some deliciously steamy scenes, but overall those were just accessories to the overall plot. 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. 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.

They take the classic, much-maligned stereotype of the “cool” girl—the gorgeous, wild, sexually-liberated, adventurous madcap that men go crazy for—and they make her feel real and engaging…In so many stories of this type, the journey is about the free spirit woman helping the more buttoned-up man let loose and learn to enjoy himself. 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. Thank you to Gallery books for letting me enjoy this romance novel that had me itching for more love of Christina Lauren.

Hazel is a lot to handle--she’s loud, a little weird, oftentimes says the wrong thing, and fully embraces those she loves. 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.