On the HahaFiction shelf
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating
Audiobook available
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.
From the publisher’s blurb
“Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other.”Read the full description at Gallery Books publisher description
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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.
More funny contemporary romance
Sources & further reading
- Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren, Simon & Schuster
Publisher
- Kirkus review
Review
- Reader discussion
Reader discussion
- Author: book details
Author commentary
- Publisher: synopsis and edition
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