Not in Love

 Do you want to hear a story?

"Not in Love" is one of the most unique works in Ali Hazelwood’s body of work. It is difficult to conduct a detailed analysis of the book because, while it incorporates narrative elements that are common to the author’s style, this installment possesses an unusually pronounced narrative density.

The story centers on Rue Siebert, a professional fully dedicated to her career at Kline, one of the most prominent startups in the food science sector. Her personal life consists of a small social circle and a complex relationship with her brother. Rue leads a lifestyle characterized by stability and predictability—elements that provide her with a sense of security, while any deviation from her established routine causes her significant stress.

Eli Killgore is a businessman with professional ties to Kline. He is known for being reserved and goal-oriented. In his personal life, he maintains a close bond with his younger sister and his group of friends, as well as dedicating time each day to caring for his dog.

Like Rue, Eli shows a marked preference for structure and predictability; he is a sensitive individual, yet endowed with unwavering self-confidence and determination. However, he faces a significant dilemma: Rue is the person on whom he constantly focuses his attention, even though she is out of his reach.

The central themes of the book revolve around vulnerability, as evidenced by the protagonists’ difficulty in coming to terms with a past marked by adversity. This issue reflects the forced transition to adulthood during adolescence, as well as the complex process of coping with the trauma that both characters face.

 Do you want to hear a story?

Rue fervently longs to place her trust in others; however, her experience tells her that this is a privilege she cannot afford. This caution intensifies when Florace, one of her closest friends, warns her that she must exercise extreme caution in her dealings with Eli and his inner circle, given the imminent threat they pose to Klein’s employees. Faced with this situation, Rue and Eli find a strategic reason to draw closer, each with the mutual goal of uncovering the other’s true intentions.

The narrative follows a linear structure that is repeatedly interrupted to make way for sequences of explicit content. This alternation creates a tonal inconsistency, given that, while the plot appears to be aimed at an adult audience, certain passages exhibit a style more typical of a youthful voice. Furthermore, the work’s length is contradictory, coming across as both excessively drawn out and, paradoxically, lacking in development. Despite featuring interesting characters, these elements fail to mitigate the sense of overload that the reading experience conveys.