Review: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the very first chapter, I was hooked, laughing out loud in ways I rarely do with romantic comedies. There’s something about Christina Lauren’s writing that feels effortlessly witty and warm, and this book delivered exactly what I hoped for: charm, humor, and a surprisingly sweet love story.

Hazel stole the show for me. She’s this whirlwind of quirk and chaos—completely unfiltered, delightfully weird, and so unapologetically herself that you can’t help but root for her, even when she crosses the line into “too much.” At times, I admit, her antics were a little over the top, but honestly, that was part of her charm. She’s the kind of character who makes you wish you were brave enough to live as out loud as she does.

And then there’s Josh—steady, thoughtful, grounded Josh—who is the perfect foil to Hazel’s zany energy. I loved the cultural layers he brought to the story, especially the glimpses into his Korean family life, which added depth without ever feeling forced. Their friendship felt genuine, and watching them bumble through disastrous double dates while clearly falling for each other was just pure joy.

What made this book stand out for me, though, was how light and uplifting it felt. Even when I could see where the story was headed (yes, the ending was a touch predictable), I didn’t mind because the journey there was so fun, so funny, and so full of heart. And unlike so many romances that rely on heavy drama or unnecessary heartbreak, this one kept things refreshingly sweet and sincere all the way through.

If you’re ever in need of a mood-lifting, laugh-out-loud romantic escape, this book is the one I’d hand you without hesitation. It’s the literary equivalent of your favorite feel-good movie—something you’ll come back to when the world feels a little too heavy.

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