Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood

Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood

Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood explores the complexities of modern relationships through the eyes of its protagonist, Rue, a chemical engineering PhD who navigates both personal and professional challenges. Set against the backdrop of a high-pressure workplace, Rue grapples with her feelings for her best friend’s sister, Nyota, a successful law school graduate. The narrative delves into themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery, making it a relatable read for fans of contemporary romance. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy witty dialogue and emotional depth in their romantic comedies. Ali Hazelwood's engaging writing style brings the characters to life, creating a compelling story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced the trials of love and career aspirations.

Key Points

  • Explores the romantic tension between Rue and Nyota in a high-pressure work environment
  • Highlights the challenges of balancing personal relationships with career ambitions
  • Features witty dialogue and relatable characters navigating love and self-discovery
  • Set in a contemporary context, appealing to fans of modern romance
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  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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1
SIMPLE ENOUGH
RUE
adies, this is a genuine, nonrhetorical question: How do the two of you
survive in the real world?”
I stared at Nyota’s contemptuous expression, reflecting on the
unique brand of humiliation that came with having one’s best friend’s little
sister (who’d been repeatedly rebuffed when attempting to enter the
backyard tree house; who’d publicly feasted on a booger at Christmas 2009;
who’d been caught French-kissing a clementine in the linen closet a few
short months later) question one’s ability to carry out a productive
existence.
Then again, back in the day, Tisha and I had been three whole years
older than her, and we’d harbored a clearly misplaced superiority complex.
We knew better now that little Nyota was twenty-four, a law school prodigy,
and a newly minted bankruptcy lawyer whose billable hours were worth
more than my tragically high car insurance premium. To add insult to
injury, I followed her on Instagram, which was how I knew she could
bench-press more than her weight, looked incredible in a monokini, and
regularly baked onion rosemary focaccia from scratch.
In a powerful flex whose brilliance kept me awake at night, Nyota had
never followed me back.
“You know us,” I said, choosing honesty over pride. Tisha and I were
holed up inside my closet-sized office at Kline, FaceTiming someone who’d
probably never even saved our phone numbers. Dignity was the least of our
worries. “We are barely hanging on.”
“Can you just answer the question?” Tisha bristled. As humbling as this
was for me, it had to be much worse for her. Nyota was her sister, after all.
“Really? You call me in the middle of the workday to ask what a loan
assignment is? You couldn’t google it?”
“We did,” I said, omitting that we’d added for dummies to the search.
And yet. “We got the gist of it, we think.”
“Great, then you’re golden. I’m hanging up, see you both at
Thanksgiving—”
“However,” I interrupted. It was late May. “The reactions of other Kline
employees seem to suggest that we might not be fully grasping the
implications of this loan assignment.” My threshold for odd was high, and
I’d been able to brush off the HR rep brazenly browsing monster.com at his
standing desk, the chemists who’d bumped into me face-first and run away
with nary an oops, the vacant stare of my usually dictatorial boss, Matt,
when I’d informed him that the report he was waiting on would take at least
three more hours. Then, while I was emptying my water bottle into a potted
plant that had lived in the break room longer than I’d been in the workforce,
a technician had burst into tears and suggested, You should take Christofern
home, Dr. Siebert. It shouldn’t die just because of what’s about to happen to
Kline.
I had no clue what was going on. All I knew was that I loved my current
job at Kline, the most important project of my life was at a pivotal point,
and I was too socially challenged to easily transition to another workplace.
Today’s event did not bode well. “There’s going to be an assembly in fifteen
minutes,” I explained, “and we’d love to walk in with a better idea of what
—”
“Ny, stop bitching and just regurgitate it for us like we’re five,” Tisha
ordered.
“You guys are doctors,” Nyota pointed out—not as a compliment.
“Okay, listen carefully, Ny, ’cause this will blow your mind and we
might have to report it to the UN and have a trial at The Hague: the topic of
private equity firms and loan assignments did not come up in any class
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End of Document
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FAQs of Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood

What is the main theme of Not In Love?
The main theme of Not In Love revolves around the complexities of love and ambition. Rue, the protagonist, struggles to balance her feelings for Nyota with the demands of her career in a competitive workplace. The novel explores how personal relationships can be affected by professional pressures, highlighting the challenges of maintaining connections in a fast-paced environment. Through humor and emotional depth, the story illustrates the journey of self-discovery and the importance of understanding one's own desires.
Who are the main characters in Not In Love?
The main characters in Not In Love include Rue, a dedicated chemical engineering PhD student, and Nyota, Rue's best friend's sister who is a successful bankruptcy lawyer. Their relationship is central to the plot, as Rue navigates her feelings for Nyota while dealing with the challenges of her job at Kline. The dynamic between Rue and Nyota showcases the complexities of love, friendship, and professional ambition, making their interactions both humorous and poignant.
How does the setting influence the story in Not In Love?
The setting of Not In Love plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Set in a high-pressure workplace, the story highlights the challenges that come with balancing a demanding career and personal relationships. The corporate environment at Kline serves as a backdrop for Rue's struggles, emphasizing the impact of work stress on her romantic life. This setting not only adds tension to the plot but also reflects the realities many readers face in their own lives, making the story relatable and engaging.
What style of writing does Ali Hazelwood use in Not In Love?
Ali Hazelwood employs a witty and engaging writing style in Not In Love, characterized by sharp dialogue and relatable characters. Her prose captures the humor and emotional nuances of modern relationships, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' experiences. Hazelwood's ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments creates a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of contemporary romance. The writing style enhances the overall reading experience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
What audience would enjoy Not In Love?
Not In Love is ideal for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a blend of humor and emotional depth. Fans of romantic comedies and those who appreciate stories about self-discovery and personal growth will find this novel particularly appealing. The relatable characters and realistic portrayal of modern relationships make it a great choice for anyone navigating the complexities of love and ambition in today's world.

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