A BOOK REVIEW OF

“NOT IN LOVE” by ali hazelwood

Prepared by:
jovela kate famucol
11- einstein

Submitted by: jovela kate

Submitted to : ms. Marylen dapat

Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid,
and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable,
pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.

Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through - and he's a man who gets what
he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can't stop thinking about. The woman who's off-limits to him.

Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-
strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business - one that plays for
keeps.

ALI HAZELWOOD is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love
Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and
the ever after is not always happy. Orig- inally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before mov- ing
to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake
pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly less feline husband).
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Genre : a Contemporary romance

INTRODUCTION

"Not In Love" by Ali Hazelwood is a fascinating, funny romance story that delves into the difficulties of love and personal
relationships, focusing on two compelling and realistic characters, Rue Suebert and Eli Killgore. The novel transports readers on
an emotional rollercoaster, mingling humor and heartbreak as the two main characters traverse the complexity of their
blossoming relationship.

BOOK SUMMARY

Rue Suebert is an ambitious, yet quiet scientist who excels in her field of study. She is clever, humorous, and fiercely
independent, preferring the order of her lab and job to the turmoil of social relationships. Rue's aversion to partnerships derives
from a previous heartbreak, which made her wary and hesitant of love. Despite her unwillingness to open up, Rue's vulnerability
is clear to those who take the time to get to know her.

Eli Killgore, on the other hand, is a charming, outgoing, and laid-back coworker who finds himself captivated to Rue. Eli, with his
laid-back attitude and reputation for being a bit of a heartbreaker, exemplifies everything Rue wants to avoid. However, there is
a depth to him that surprises Rue, demonstrating that he is more than just the lighthearted, charming guy he appears to be on
the outside.

Their paths unite professionally when they are obliged to work together on a high-stakes research assignment. While Rue is
initially hesitant to collaborate with Eli, she soon recognizes that their combined talents could result in significant discoveries. The
contrast between their personalities provides an intriguing dynamic, with Rue's skepticism and Eli's magnetism continually
clashing. But underneath their disagreements is an unmistakable magnetism that neither of them can deny.

As the novel progresses, Rue struggles with her developing feelings for Eli. She has spent so much of her life avoiding romance
and the possible sorrow it might cause that she is unclear how to manage her feelings. Eli, on the other hand, is determined to
convince Rue that love does not have to be painful; it can be beautiful and transformational. Despite their opposing viewpoints
on love and relationships, the two gradually open out to one other in surprising ways.

Their professional relationship continues to spill over into their personal lives, and the more time they spend together, the more
Rue begins to doubt her concerns of intimacy. She starts to see Eli in a different light—not just as a charming coworker, but as
someone who actually knows her. Eli's steadfast support and patience help Rue break down her emotional barriers, and she
begins to accept the prospect of loving someone again.
The book also delves into Rue’s internal struggle, as she grapples with the fear of repeating past mistakes. Her heart, once
broken, is now hesitant to trust again. The memories of her previous relationship, which ended in betrayal and heartbreak,
linger in her mind, making it difficult for her to fully embrace the growing connection with Eli. This emotional journey is
relatable for many readers who have experienced the hesitance and uncertainty that comes with opening up to someone
new.

Eli, for his part, is more than a playful coworker. He has his own worries and vulnerabilities, which he conceals beneath his
cheerful facade. He is aware of Rue's hesitations and is patient, waiting for her to accept her sentiments. He does not force
her to do anything, but rather provides a safe environment for her to reconsider the possibilities of love. His calm and
compassionate manner gradually convinces Rue that love is not something to dread, but rather something worth striving for.

Ali Hazelwood does a wonderful job of striking a balance between humor and emotional depth throughout the work. Rue and
Eli's banter is cheerful and full of witty exchanges that bring a feeling of humor to the plot. However, as the individuals
reveal their anxieties and previous experiences, the novel goes deeper into the complexity of love, trust, and personal
development.

The book implies the value of vulnerability in relationships. Rue's journey is about more than just falling in love with Eli; it's
about being vulnerable and trusting someone enough to be loved back. Eli's journey is also about breaking down the barriers
he's put around himself and allowing someone in. Their connection develops gradually but steadily, and by the end of the
novel, both characters have matured emotionally and personally.

The emotional peak of the novel is satisfying, as Rue and Eli ultimately acknowledge their affections for each other. Their
love journey is not without obstacles, but it seems earned and genuine. Rue's development from a guarded, emotionally
distant person to someone willing to embrace love and connection is a fascinating story arc that readers will connect with.

The novel's supporting characters play an important role in Rue and Eli's journey. They provide insight, counsel, and
humorous relief, which helps to anchor the plot in reality. Rue's relationships with her friends and colleagues bring dimension
to the story, demonstrating that love and support can take many forms beyond romantic ones.

In conclusion, Ali Hazelwood's "Not In Love" is a sincere and captivating romance that delves into the difficulties of love,
trust and vulnerability. The novel's portrayal of Rue and Eli reminds readers that love is more than desire and attraction; it is
also about trust, maturity, and the willingness to open oneself up to another person. Hazelwood creates a story that is both
amusing and emotionally resonant, making it a great read for anyone who appreciates a deep and true romance.

ANALYSIS
"Not in Love" by Ali Hazelwood is a contemporary romance novel that revolves around the journey of two characters,
typically set within a modern, science or academia-based backdrop, which is a common theme in Hazelwood's work. The
novel’s primary themes revolve around love, self-discovery, vulnerability, and the nuances of modern relationships.

RECOMMENDATIONS

I highly recommend to young people like me that they should read the novel, especially if they are driven into a love that got
them questioning their worth. The characters not only make the reader feel understood and seen, but the book can also
somehow give the readers a sense of comfort. Also, it can really help us realize what love truly is and how love can help us
mature and grow as a person.

Another one is I would really tell them to be mentally prepared for the plot. This book taught me that we should never settle
for anything that is bare minimum; we should also learn to appreciate the people that are always there on our side helping
us get through the toughest times.