Joined in 2023 
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It was probably going to be a 3.5 rounded up, but that ending just made me cringe. What is this, a 1980s Harlequin romance? Not only was it ridiculously rushed, but that is just not my brand of sexy fun. Also, I was really disappointed that they didn't even decide to be together before Hazel got pregnant. So it sort of seemed like they were forced together by the baby. Not my idea of romantic. And out of all these trigger warnings, I want to talk more about the homophobic slur, because it was so damn pointless. I mean, it was said in a negative light, but it wasn’t necessarily challenged. Like, it felt so bad to read and took me completely out of the story. These authors could have just as easily said “he said a rude thing” or hell, even “he said a homophobic slur” without actually using the word. Like, I hated it so much and it was easily the worst part of this book. The world seems full of men who are initially infatuated by our eccentricities, but who ultimately expect them to be temporary. These men eventually grow bewildered that we don't settle down into calm, potential-wifey girlfriends." i'm still a little annoyed so i figured i'd give my thoughts here now that i've had time to simmer.
It's not an original plot, but it is fun for the most part. There are some pacing issues, I think, with the time between them becoming friends and, um, later developments being too long. But the smut is awesome when it does arrive. I realize my review is starting to look more like a personal rant than anything else, so here are the reasons why I think you should give Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating a chance : The world seems full of men who are initially infatuated by our eccentricities, but who ultimately expect them to be temporary.”And these two’s paths have constantly crossed since college, but fate has truly brought them together when Hazel attends her best friend’s BBQ, only to realize that Josh is the guy who she has embarrassed herself around since college. But after that BBQ, they decided to be friends and it leads to them going on a lot of double dates, which are all mostly bad. Most of you know that I’m a pretty big fan of Christina Lauren! Autoboyography is now one of my favorite books of all-time. And friends, I really enjoyed this book and it made me so unreasonably happy! Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is set in Oregon and is honestly one of the cutest friends to lovers stories I’ve read in such a long while. I honestly never wanted this book to be over. Quirkiness, fun double dates, sexy times that became unexpected, everything combined together to bring two individuals that are beyond different but definitely meant to be... my main issue was NOT the stupid ending that everyone seems to hate. i actually didn't mind that one bit. my issue was with how the characters met up after college and were essentially INSTANT friends. there was no angst or build up, it didn't feel like how a real friendship develops. and then, and i don't think this is entirely CL's fault because it's hard for ANY author to do, but making the two character discover their feelings together felt rushed.
Josh/Jimin - Doctor, Korean (Yeah, named Jimin, smart marketing because BTS Armies are going to love him with their whole heart), and currently in a long distance relationship that isn’t working. I saw myself and Mom from the outside in a way I hadn't before, like Dad represented this mainstream ideal and she and I were these loud, bouncing yellow dots outside the standard curve." I love that the side characters are relevant and real. That both of their parents are so important to them and we can feel that. I love that near the end, when they're trying to figure out what they want, neither pressures the other. Josh even suggests that Hazel tie things up with someone else even knowing he's already in love with her. I love it even more because Hazel told him the same thing, despite having a huge crush on him, when Josh was trying to figure things out with his girlfriend. It's so special to me, this book is so special to me. Christina Lauren has done it again! The two ladies that make up this incredible duo have outdone themselves with the absolutely delightful Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating.” – Kristen Kranz, HypableI was completely entertained while reading this. Hazel’s character was a breath of fresh air and her voice drew me in. I loved her idiosyncrasies and honesty. Josh’s character was a nice contrast to Hazel’s. I loved all of the animals and other quirky little bits added in. While I knew where things were headed the whole time, Hazel’s character kept me invested in reading.
With exuberant humor and unforgettable characters, this romantic comedy is a standout.” – Kirkus Starred Review I was warned that the ending of this might be something I'm not into, and I gotta agree that this veered a sharp left at the end. I haven't decided if I liked it or not, but it was definitely *cough* a choice. I'd have to talk about it in a spoilery review. But if this would've ended differently, I probably would have given it 5 stars. (Update: it’s not a bad twist, it’s just a plot point that i think was random to throw in at the END of a book lol. no worries! read it anyway!) Hazel is one of the quirkiest characters I've ever read. And normally when I read quirky characters, it's usually the author despertaely trying to make their characters seem quirky and fun and unique - but Hazel is so odd and endearing and I absolutely loved her. She's maybe my favorite female protagonist in a Christina Lauren novel so far. Not only is she not easily embarrassed and doesn't really have a filter, but she loves animals and has a lot of them - she wants seventeen kids - and she doesn't want to change any part of herself to find love, which I admire a lot. And then we have Josh, her Korean love interest who I also adored. Josh is the SOFTEST thing, he's so sweet to her. I just know this is going to be my ultimate comfort read for the rest of my life. There's not one moment in this book I didn't love. What? Do you need a 'BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS' romance? Oh, you don't want annoying character? Do you also want an amazing protagonist who is quirky and cute but also knows what she is doing? The writing should be good too? Oh, I don't know—I say—READ THIS GODDAMN BOOK!Thanks to all of my Goodreads friends who recommended this so highly (Melissa, Larry, Berit, Melisa and Hollis, to name a few). You were right! This is a gem and I highly recommend it. Having deemed one another undateable, but craving a connection, they make a game out of finding their potential partners. Each enlisted to find a match for the other, so they can double date. The resulting rendezvous are nothing short of hilarious! 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.
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