# Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

By Christina Lauren

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/josh-and-hazel-s-guide-to-not-dating-704987e6/

Hazel Bradford and Josh Im know each other from college and reconnect as friends. When Josh’s relationship ends, they start choosing dates for each other and going out as a foursome. The other people rarely work out; Josh and Hazel keep finding reasons to spend more time together.

## What makes it funny?

The blind dates bring awkward conversation and unwelcome encounters with exes. Hazel’s habits supply smaller jokes too: Kirkus notes that she keeps vases in the oven to protect them from her parrot. Readers in book groups single out the double-date setup when describing why they find this romance so funny.

### The comedy at work

Hazel supplies the energy and Josh answers with calm acceptance. Their search for other partners gives them a convenient way to flirt without having to call their own relationship a romance.

### Try this if…

A warm friendship that develops into attraction drives this story, with failed dates along the way. Book-group readers describe it as an easy, affectionate read and mention returning to it for rereads.

### Good to know

This is a standalone adult romance. Some book-group readers call it wholesome; the publisher’s description also makes clear that Josh and Hazel’s friendship includes sex.

## What to expect

- Genre: Romance
- On the shelf: Contemporary romance · Romantic comedy
- Kind of humor: Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel
- Length: 320 pages
- Audiobook: Available
- Published: 2018

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren, Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Josh-and-Hazels-Guide-to-Not-Dating/Christina-Lauren/9781501165856)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/christina-lauren/josh-and-hazels-guide-to-not-dating)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/6445827045492054)
- Author commentary: [Author: book details](https://christinalaurenbooks.com/Clo2/books/josh-and-hazels-guide-to-not-dating)
- Publisher: [Publisher: synopsis and edition](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Josh-and-Hazels-Guide-to-Not-Dating/Christina-Lauren/9781501165856)