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The college years are a time of transition—a time to grow up, to learn to be responsible, and to figure out who we really are. But in Christina Lauren’s Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating, when two very different college classmates bump into each other years later, they find that the only thing that’s changed is their compatibility.
The story begins as wild and crazy Hazel Bradford and calm, cool Josh Im reconnect for the first time in years. In college, they shared a variety of strange encounters—starting with the night they met, when Hazel threw up on Josh’s shoes. Now, 10 years later, Hazel is just as quirky as she was in college, and Josh is just as responsible—yet the two quickly become best friends, hanging out together and going out on a series of ridiculous double blind dates. And it seems that everyone but Hazel and Josh knows how their story will end.
While it may not be a surprising story, Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is still a fun-filled (and occasionally steamy) one, thanks to its likable characters, their amusing antics, and their all-too-obvious connection.
Hazel is completely wacky—the kind of person who clearly fits well with the third-graders whom she teaches but not necessarily the kind that most parents would want to have responsible for their children. She has no filter and even less shame. At times, she can be a bit…much—a little too bold and clueless and immature. But she’s also strangely lovable.
Josh, on the other hand, is perfectly even-keeled and grown-up, with a stable job and a grown-up apartment. But he’s incredibly sweet and thoughtful, too—the kind who will do anything for his friends. And—most importantly—he likes Hazel just the way she is.
These characters definitely make for an unlikely pair, yet they’re not entirely unbelievable. After all, opposites often attract—and while these two certainly have their differences, his stability seems to balance her wackiness, and they tend to bring out the best in each other. And that makes their journey through friendship and definitely-not-dating (and…just maybe…something more) an entertaining one.
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is an easy-going and amusing read—perfect for poolside or a lazy Saturday afternoon. Admittedly, Hazel’s bold personality does take some getting used to—but if you can appreciate her eccentricities the way Josh does, you’ll enjoy this light and fun-loving romance.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
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