One little word. NO!!

Who would think that two-letter word could cause such an upheaval.

It certainly did in this small town, but it was a powerful exclamation.

Hazel and her family moved from New York City to beautiful Maine in hopes that they would have a more affordable life.

On the first day of school, Hazel is summoned to the principal’s office where he propositions her. He tells her chooses a girl each year to have sex with, and he has chosen her. She screams no and runs out.

He denies it all and said she is the one that suggested an illicit affair

What a disaster for the entire family.

We follow Hazel and her family as they go through this horrible event that unfortunately does happen in real life.

I did not like Hazel’s mother because she figured that keeping things hidden would take care of everything.

And her poor father was so upset about everything that he messed up his first day of teaching at the college and is already having to watch his step.

Her brother Wolf had to turn down the lead in the play because of pressure from one of his fellow students. Loved Wolf!!

It was a mess all the way around and so sad.

HAZEL SAYS NO was emotional but also a lesson about what's right and what's wrong.

What will win out? What won out for Hazel? 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I've been a big of the non-fiction from this author so was excited to read her debut novel which has been getting some great advance buzz. I went into the story blind and was swept into it instantly - Hazel is starting the first day of her senior year in a new high school - her family has just moved from Brooklyn to Maine for her dad's new job - and is paged to go to the principal's office. Hazel had met the principal many times during casual connections at the local pool where he expressed interest in the books she was reading, but why was she getting called to his office on the first day of school? He chats her up, promising her help to get into the college of her choice, and then outright propositions her in exchange for this help. What should Hazel do in this situation? I hoped the book title was a clue and couldn't wait to find out. The book then round-robins throughout the perspectives of her younger brother, her mom, and her dad - each with troubles of their own. The book became a little over the top for me as influential people become interested in Hazel's story - I wish the story had stayed more grounded in her experience and that it had been told from only her perspective. Still it was well-written and a good debut - look forward to reading more fiction from Jessica Berger Gross.

This was a fantastic debut novel. Jessica Berger Gross expertly explores the different perspectives and emotions of four family members in small town Maine as they navigate the ripple effects of coming forward in a post-#MeToo world while simultaneously trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be.

I enjoyed this debut novel by Jessica Berger Gross. Handling the touchy subject of sexual harassment at the hands of a trusted school employee is not easy, but it is done well here. I appreciate the strength and poise Hazel showed in dealing with everything thrown her way. Only knocking a star off because the ending was wrapped up too quickly and tied with a bow.

I can already tell this is going to appear on a lot of book club lists! So many points for discussion!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book is phenomenal! I will be looking into more books by Jessica Gross, because this book will stick with me forever! I was just engulfed from chapter one. Wonderful story.

Hazel Blum and her family leave their life in New York for a small town in Maine, when her father is offered a a tenured professorship at the local college. Hazel will be entering her senior year of high school, so it's definitely a big change for her. She spends the summer at the local pool with her brother Wolf, but when the first day of school arrives, Hazel faces a life-changing traumatic moment that tips the idyllic balance of the small town of Riverburg.

I found Hazel Says No to be a well written debut novel, that takes on tough subject matter. I felt that Gross had a great handle on the emotions that Hazel went through in the story, after becoming a victim of sexual propositioning by an adult in a powerful position at her school. Hazel's senior year, which should have been a great year for her, becomes one that is filled with depression, self-doubt, town backlash, and anxiety. I loved seeing how Gross brought Hazel through the nightmare situation, allowing her to make the decisions she needed to regain control and find her own way in dealing with the effects this sexual harassment caused in her life.

There is also the aspects of going viral and how social media plays into the lives of these victims, showing both the good and bad sides of this kind of exposure. This was another layer for Hazel to navigate, along with all of the normal anxiety that comes with being a senior and the added stress of being a victim of sexual propositioning and Gross does a great job of giving her character a strong voice.

The story is told through the multiple POVs of Hazel's family, and I enjoyed seeing the story from each of their perspectives. I did find that Hazel's parents were somewhat off-putting for me. I just could not find myself that invested in either one of them, but Wolf kept the story interesting with that annoying little brother energy.

I would definitely recommend Hazel Says No, if you love stories that tackle difficult subject matter, family relationships, small town life, coming of age, and finding ways to heal from a traumatic situation.

3.5 stars
I’m a bit conflicted with my thoughts on this one, and I suspect I will be an outlier. While this is a positive review, I have to say that I struggled, at times, to connect with the characters. With that said, there is important subject matter in this story that I feel was handled responsibly – and all in all, this was a really good read.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This book was not my favorite. The plot had great potential, but if I had to try to pinpoint what exactly about this book I didn’t like, I think it comes down to her writing style. I think some people may love it, but I didn’t enjoy the 3rd person POVs from each family member. I think I would’ve enjoyed only Hazel’s perspective.

Hazel’s family moves from NYC to small town Maine the summer before her senior year of high school. On the first day of school, her principal propositions her for sex in favor of letters of recommendation and help with her senior project. Hazel and her family report him, but it triggers a massive wave of backlash from the community. This novel explores the MeToo movement and family dynamics during difficult times.

It was my first time reading a book regarding the #MeToo movement and the author did a great job showing how hard it is for people to believe women regarding sexual assault.
Overall, I think this would be a good book for some book clubs. A lot to discuss, but it just wasn’t my favorite due to the writing style. Some of the family members annoyed me and I didn’t care for their chapters at all. I would’ve loved a full focus on Hazel and see her experienced more detailed and less story lines from the other family members. Just not my favorite and took me a while to get through.

Thank you to NetGalley, The Hive, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m completely blown away. This book is raw, real, and so incredibly empowering. It’s not just about saying ‘no’—it’s about reclaiming your voice, your choices, and your life.

Sometimes, saying no isn’t about rejection. It’s about survival. Hazel’s story is one of resilience, of refusing to be defined by expectations or past trauma. Jessica Berger Gross masterfully weaves in themes of agency, consent, and the quiet strength it takes to walk away from something that doesn’t serve you—something that many women will deeply relate to.

You don’t owe anyone a yes when your heart is screaming no. Hazel’s journey is one of unlearning, of stepping into her power despite the pressures around her. There were moments that made me pause, reflect, and even see parts of myself in her struggle.

This is the kind of book that stays with you. I highly recommend it, and I hope it sparks important conversations.

Hazel is a high school senior and one of the strongest female young adult characters you’ll meet in fiction. A fictional story but unfortunately all too realistic this novel tackles the #MeToo movement in a small community! Hazel suddenly finds herself in a very vulnerable situation which she handles decisively. But the fallout afterwards, leaves her reeling with doubt and confusion. Berger Gross captured the essence of being an outlier as a high school senior who is suddenly becomes the catalyst to disrupt the town’s perfect persona.
In addition to the trauma of the situation, Hazel also is bombarded with opportunities arising from it. There was a fine line of being aware that there are many ways to be taken advantage of. Her character continues to develop through the novel, and the road to growth is not always a straight path. While this novel deals with serious topics, it did not feel heavy. The subject is presented with empathy, love and unconditional support.
The author also explores each family member’s response to this distressing event and those that follow, with their own thoughts and interactions with each other. Wolf, the younger brother, devout and fierce will not be easily forgotten! I just loved him!
This would make for a great book club read with many points of view to discuss.
Moving to a new state and a new high school for senior year of high school is never easy. Nor is moving from bustling Brooklyn NY to rural Maine. But when her father is offered a job at a prestigious college, that’s what Hazel and her father, mother and brother, Gus does. The summer they spend settling in is idyllic as they become part of their new community. And then, a disturbing event occurs on Hazels first day of school, impacting the family and the town.

This is a story that will stick with me for a long time. As someone in the field of education, it's terrifying how more and more educators are using their position of power to negatively influence and impact student's lives. Jessica created a story with depth, truth, and ultimately, hope. A 5 star read, for sure!

WOWOWOW I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book and I've been telling anyone who sticks around long enough to listen!!

Where do I even start? Hazel - my goodness. To be eighteen again and have the world at your fingertips, but also feeling the weight of that world when making what feels like impossible decisions. After reporting her principal for propositioning her on the first day of school, her story goes viral and she's faced with endless opportunities...some more difficult than others when deciding which to take. She's tenderhearted yet strong, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the novel; I want to be her when I grow up! And Wolf. Sweet Wolf. He made me laugh and also tear up - he has a fierceness and maturity far beyond his years.

In addition to Wolf and Hazel, we also hear from the perspectives of their parents, Claire and Gus. While they drove me crazy, I think Gross did a great job showing the complicated dynamics of family and how what we think is the "right" thing to do isn't always easy or agreeable with others.

"Hazel Says No" took a very prominent and difficult topic and treated it with tact, intertwining different and complication storylines to create a powerful and reflective narrative. Thank you SO much for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this debut novel. This is my honest review.

This was a novel that needed to be written, but it was not an easy read because of the subject matter. That being said, the author did a great job with it. The characters were flawed and real, not always making the right decisions as they try to navigate this crisis. Hazel is an 18 year old girl who is just trying to be an 18 year old girl and get ready for college. But when things start to fall apart, she goes from "victim" to "heroine" and it's all overwhelming for her.

It was not a book I immediately connected with, however, I do think it was well written and was a bold choice for the author's first novel.

Deep exhale. What a wonderful book. A great book for book clubs that can discuss the characters motivations and are sure to have “what would you do in this situation” type discussions.

Do you like books in the LitFic genre that have deep character analysis? Ones that are about difficult subject matter yet offer hope at the conclusion? fish-out-of-water families faced with impossible choices? Then this will be one of your favorite books of 2025.

Hazel was propositioned by her principal the first day at her new school. They moved from New York City to rural Maine. This sets off a series of events that bring the family pain and yet notoriety. She is a precocious and bright teen, her 6th grade brother Wolf has struggles with ADHD and wants to fit in. Her father Gus is a professor at the local college and her mom Claire is an artist. The book alternates their perspectives. The kids are incredibly well developed.

I can hardly believe this is a debut. A fresh new voice in feminist contemporary fiction. A post #MeToo novel that gives us great setting, plot, and characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for the ARC. Book to be published June 17, 2025.

***a best book of 2025***

Hazel Says No is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tackles sexual harassment, personal agency, and the complexities of navigating the post-#MeToo world. With a deeply relatable family at its heart, this debut captures the emotional fallout of a single event that fractures a tight-knit community.

When Hazel Blum’s father lands a tenure-track professorship, her family uproots their lives from Brooklyn to a small college town in Maine. Hazel, a sharp and determined high school senior, is set on making it through her last year and getting out. But everything changes when her school principal makes an inappropriate advance toward her—an event that not only upends her life but also sends shockwaves through the town.

What makes Hazel Says No stand out is its nuanced approach to difficult topics. Hazel is not just grappling with the trauma of the incident itself but also the unexpected opportunities that arise from it. When her story goes viral and a publisher offers her a memoir deal, she is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about her own privilege, the way society commodifies trauma, and the expectations placed on victims. The novel refuses to offer easy answers, instead exploring the gray areas of power, identity, and resilience.

Told from multiple perspectives, the story also delves into the impact on Hazel’s family. Her parents and younger brother, Wolf, each experience their own emotional reckoning as they navigate the fallout, making this more than just Hazel’s story—it’s about an entire family caught in the crossfire of a scandal that exposes the fault lines of their new community.

The writing is sharp, contemporary, and deeply resonant. Hazel’s viral moment happens at an event for a feminist writer reminiscent of Roxane Gay, grounding the novel in the present-day discourse surrounding feminism and social justice. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of tension as the town divides over whether to support Hazel or protect its own.

This is a book that doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions. How do we define ourselves in the wake of trauma? Who gets to tell their story, and at what cost? How do we navigate a world that simultaneously empowers and exploits young women? Hazel Says No is an unflinching, emotionally rich debut that lingers long after the final page.

Very moving novel, amazing set back to think of everything.

Thanks netgalley for this ARC. This is my honest review

Jessica Berger Gross delivers a powerful and timely novel with Hazel Says No, a YA/Adult crossover that tackles the complexities of resilience, justice, and the far-reaching consequences of speaking out. The story follows Hazel, a bright and determined high school senior who is uprooted from her life in New York to a small town in Maine after her father takes a job at a local college. With her sights set on college and escaping her unwanted new home, Hazel’s world is upended when her high school principal makes an inappropriate advance toward her.

What sets Hazel apart is her maturity and strength—she refuses to be intimidated and fends off his advances with courage. However, the fallout is devastating. As the town splits over the incident, Hazel finds herself spiraling into depression, her struggle amplified when her story gains national attention. The novel is told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to see not only Hazel’s journey but also the impact on her family members, providing a well-rounded and deeply emotional narrative.

This book is an important, thought-provoking read that reflects a distressingly common reality in today’s society. Berger Gross approaches the subject matter with sensitivity and depth, making Hazel Says No a compelling and necessary addition to contemporary fiction. Highly recommended for readers looking for an impactful and emotionally resonant story about strength, injustice, and the power of speaking up.

Thank you to Canary Street Press for the gifted ebook. This is one of my favorites of the year so far!

Hazel Says No is a stunning debut that explores the ripple effects of a MeToo moment within a close-knit family and a small town. After moving from Brooklyn to a seemingly idyllic town in Maine for her father’s job, Hazel Blum is ready to Rory Gilmore her way through senior year, staying on the straight path to Vassar. What she doesn’t count on is being proposition by the school principal on her first day of school. Hazel says no, but the reverberations of her accusation (and the inevitable he said/she said) extend well beyond school walls.

The story unfolds through the perspectives of each member of the Blum family, all struggling in their new reality in different ways. The novel approaches its heavy subject matter with empathy and nuance, balancing the weight of the situation with moments of humor and healing. While the topic is serious, the tone is not doom and gloom — an answer in itself to question of whether (and how) a MeToo experience should define a person.

I was blown away by the writing in this novel. Not only is it beautifully written, every single word feels carefully considered and deliberately chosen. This is especially evident in how distinct and authentic each POV feels. For example, the chapters from the perspective of Hazel’s 11-year-old brother, Wolf, read like the inner monologue of a precocious 6th grader. It’s so brilliantly executed that I was floored every time his voice took over.

Hazel Says No captures the essence of small town life, the cataclysms of middle school, the midlife ennui of an unintentional stay-at-home mom, the moral absolutism of fresh faced college students, and the struggle to not let a MeToo moment define the rest of your life. It’s thought provoking and compelling to the point of being unputdownable. It’s an unequivocal must read, so make sure to add it to your TBRs for this summer.

I had the best time with this crunchy little family. And what a book to finish on International Women’s Day! Hazel was a force to be reckoned with. She was a mix of soft and strong and I loved getting to know her. I just really loved spending time with this family in Maine. This would be a great summer read with laughs but also covering a really tough topic.

imagine packing up your life in Brooklyn, moving to small-town Maine, and expecting everything to go smoothly. yeaahh, that’s not how it works for the Blum family. Hazel, our main girl, is just trying to survive her senior year when one dramatic event flips their new life upside down. suddenly, the whole town is talking, and the Blums are at the center of it.

this story was told through multiple perspectives (Hazel, her chaotic little brother Wolf, her designer mom Claire, and her professor dad Gus), the book has a little bit of everything—family drama, small-town gossip, and moments that are both hilarious and painfully awkward. some parts are super relatable, and others might have you rolling your eyes, but that’s life, right? but the small-town setting is a vibe, with its tight-knit (read: nosy) community and unspoken rules. the humor is hit-or-miss, but when it lands, it lands. that said, some moments dragged, and a few characters made choices that had me side-eyeing the pages.

I think overall It’s a solid, character-driven story that’s easy to read, even if it’s not a total knockout. if you like books with messy but lovable families, small-town chaos, and a mix of humor and heart, Hazel Says No is worth a try.

just don’t expect Hazel (or this book) to say yes to all your expectations.

thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.
this was a great book to start my month ❤️