Review: Stuck with You – Ali Hazelwood

Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood is a short, steamy STEMinist romance featuring rival scientists, forced proximity, and unresolved feelings in a broken elevator. Set in the world of academic brilliance and emotional chaos, this novella delivers witty banter, second chances, and undeniable chemistry. If you enjoy smart heroines, cinnamon roll heroes, and quick reads with big feelings, this story is for you.

Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood
Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Buy Links:Buy on Amazon

Nothing like a little rivalry between scientists to take love to the next level.

Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn…

Logically, Sadie knows that civil engineers are supposed to build bridges. However, as a woman of STEM she also understands that variables can change, and when you are stuck for hours in a tiny New York elevator with the man who broke your heart, you earn the right to burn that brawny, blond bridge to the ground. Erik can apologize all he wants, but to quote her rebel leader—she’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee.

Not even the most sophisticated of Sadie’s superstitious rituals could have predicted such a disastrous reunion. But while she refuses to acknowledge the siren call of Erik’s steely forearms or the way his voice softens when he offers her his sweater, Sadie can’t help but wonder if there might be more layers to her cold-hearted nemesis than meet the eye. Maybe, possibly, even burned bridges can still be crossed….

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The second story in Ali Hazelwood’s Loathe To Love You series, Stuck With You brings us yet another pair of characters who fit right into the author’s signature romantic formula.

This time we meet Sadie, a superstitious engineer who must have a croissant before every big client pitch — it’s part of her ritual. But the last croissant gets snatched up by Erik, another engineer, and that’s how this story begins.

Things escalate quickly between them, with an instant connection that feels a bit like love at first sight. But then something major happens, and they stop speaking. Fast forward to a day when the power goes out in their office building and of course, they get stuck together in the tiniest elevator imaginable.

There were a few things I really liked about this novella. First: it’s by Ali Hazelwood and I truly enjoy her voice. Second: I loved seeing a female character who’s passionate about soccer. As a woman who loves football myself, I really appreciated seeing that kind of interest portrayed as normal and fun in a female character.

That said… this was my least favorite couple from this series so far.

Like in most of Hazelwood’s stories, the characters are full-grown adults, with real-life experiences and baggage. That’s why the cause of their falling out felt a bit too trivial to me, something that could’ve been cleared up in an hour-long, honest conversation. The lack of communication and emotional maturity here didn’t sit right.

And then there’s the pacing: they meet in one single day and suddenly act like soulmates destined to be. I wanted more time, more development, something that made me believe in their bond. Compared to Under One Roof (Mara and Liam’s story), this one just didn’t hit the same.

Final Rating: 3 stars!

Have you read Stuck With You? Do you like your romances fast and fiery, or do you prefer a slow burn? Let’s talk in the comments!