Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

by Christina Lauren Narrated by Todd Haberkorn, Jayme Mattler

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

A charming friends-to-lovers romcom about two friends who find that the dates they set each other up on are only delaying the inevitable. But don’t tell them they’re meant to be together, because of course they aren’t. (They are.)

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.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she's a lot to take-and frankly, most men aren't up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don't send them running, her lack of filter means she'll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She's a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met-when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes-to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there's nothing between them...right?

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

07/16/2018
In Lauren’s hilarious standalone, hot mess Hazel Bradford and blueprint-perfect Josh Im are definitely, indisputably not dating. Hazel, extremely eccentric and lacking any filter, has more in common with the third graders she teaches than the exquisite genius Josh, a successful physical therapist. After a series of embarrassing encounters in college, Hazel is certain that she has proven to Josh that she’s completely undatable, but, when they meet again seven years later, she hopes they can be friends. When it turns out Josh’s girlfriend has been cheating on him, Hazel and Josh begin setting each other up on disastrous blind double-dates as an excuse to spend time together. Hazel is wild and unapologetic, and her yearning for love and family is perfectly blended with her refusal to settle for anyone who doesn’t appreciate her quirks. Though the novel is predictable at times and full of convenient mishaps that throw the pair together, Lauren (Roomies) finds the perfect balance between charming moments and sultry episodes. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary. (Sept.)

Booklist

"Lauren (Love and Other Words, 2018) has penned a hilariously zany and heartfelt novel... the story is sure to please readers looking for a fun-filled novel to escape everyday life with."

The New York Times Book Review

"The story skips along...propelled by rom-com momentum and charm.

Booklist

"Lauren (Love and Other Words, 2018) has penned a hilariously zany and heartfelt novel... the story is sure to please readers looking for a fun-filled novel to escape everyday life with."

Library Journal - Audio

★ 11/01/2018
This romantic comedy by best-selling duo Lauren (Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) is a laugh-out-loud listen that also delivers when it comes to more serious emotions. Best friends Josh and Hazel find themselves single at the same time and undertake a series of blind double dates to get themselves back into the game. Their relationship includes secret crushes, friends to lovers, and second chances with past lovers, yet their journey feels fresh. Hazel is a delightfully unique character, and Josh happily plays her straight man, making the odd situations they find themselves in even funnier. Their hilarious friends and relatives help center the characters and provide depth to their story. Narrators Jayme Mattler and Todd Haberkorn switch off based on whose point of view a chapter is told from, but each does such a good job at both protagonists' voices that the tandem effort elevates rather than detracts from the listening experience. VERDICT This novel is sure to be a hit; recommended for all public library collections.—Nicole Williams, New York

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171092191
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	09/04/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,029,203

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