NOT IN LOVE - Ali Hazelwood

This book brings together science, business, and forbidden romance in a way that feels fresh and fun. Rue Siebert is a biotech engineer who’s worked hard to build a life of stability, but everything changes when Eli Killgore enters the picture. He’s leading a hostile takeover of her company, and their attraction complicates things in all the best ways. From the beginning, their chemistry is undeniable, but the fact that they’re on opposing sides adds layers of tension and conflict to their relationship.

Rue and Eli are both compelling characters who feel real and relatable. Rue’s dedication to her job and her internal struggle between loyalty and desire make her someone you can root for. Eli, while initially seeming like the classic corporate villain, turns out to be much more complex. Hazelwood does a great job of peeling back his layers, showing us that he’s not just driven by greed but by personal motivations that make his feelings for Rue even more poignant.

What really stands out in Not In Love is how it balances the professional and personal stakes. Rue and Eli’s affair is supposed to be short-lived and no-strings-attached, but as their connection deepens, it’s clear that their hearts have other plans. The blend of workplace drama, scientific intrigue, and heartfelt romance makes this book an enjoyable, emotional ride that leaves you cheering for their love to win, despite all the obstacles.