"Hazel Says No" is one of the best books I have read this year! I loved the premise--how one moment in time can affect what happens to a family over the course of a year. There is trauma and the subject matter is pretty dark, but there is also introspection, empathy, growth, and hope. Hazel is a magnificent protagonist and she and her family are complex characters, each constantly wrestling with their feelings and the actions they want or need to take. I loved the "fish out of water" scenario, as the family moves from Brooklyn to small town-Maine, and the individual and collective experiences of the family. Hazel's brother, Wolf, often said the words that others wanted to say and often had laugh-out-loud lines. I think that this will be a perfect read for book clubs, as there is so much to say. I believe that Jessica Berger Gross took a difficult topic, created characters that offer a variety of perspectives on the issue, and allowed readers to be captivated by how one family deals with a really challenging year. Highly recommended! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross is a heartwarming novel that follows a family as they relocate from bustling New York City to a quiet college town in Maine. Each family member finds themselves in a unique season of change—switching careers, starting junior high, applying to college. But everything shifts on Hazel's first day of senior year at her new school, when she simply says, “no”—a moment that alters the course of their lives.

4,5 stars rounded up

What a great book - I loved the fresh voice the author brought to the pages. It made you feel so many different emotions throughout the story from laughing to your heart breaking for Hazel at times. It is hard to believe that this was a debut! All of the characters were so well developed and I loved this whole little family! I was left feeling inspired by Hazel's strength and courage. There were lots of sub-plots that kept things fresh and made the book feel even more real. This will be such a good book club read for this summer as it will leave you with lots to discuss. I would say you should 100% pick up a copy if you enjoy messy but lovable characters, small-town setting, and are looking for your next great literary/contemporary fiction read.

Loved the narration on the audiobook and the discussion with the author at the end!

Sometimes I'll give a book three stars but I still enjoyed the experience of reading it. This is not really one of those times. If I could recoup the hours I spent listening, I'd likely choose a different title to fill the time. That being said, it would make a good book club discussion title. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.5 rounded up. Really well written and interesting. The plot is a spin on an all too common problem. However, there are so many sub-plots that this book feels so very much like real life. Not only that, the characters have depth and feel like real people you could know. Overall an absolutely great book with perf t for this book narration.

Advanced listener copy provided by Harlequin Audio but all opinions are my own.

This was a good read. I could easily see this book in my library, recommended to my students. It was great, I liked the plot, I found it interesting and it hold significance. The matters a heavy and full of depth while holding strong family values.

When the Blum family trades Brooklyn for a quiet college town in Maine, they’re hoping for a fresh start. Instead, they get a wild first day of school, a town rocked by drama, and a senior year Hazel Blum will never forget.

Hazel Says No is a charming, bighearted debut about a creative, close-knit family figuring out how to fit into a new place—and what happens when one unexpected moment sends ripple effects through their lives and the community around them. Told through the eyes of Hazel, her quirky younger brother Wolf, and their parents, Claire and Gus, this story captures the awkwardness, humor, and tenderness of starting over.

This is a warm, witty, and surprisingly emotional novel, perfect for fans of Now Is Not the Time to Panic, Pineapple Street, and Schitt’s Creek. And honestly? It’s just a really cute book—with heart, smarts, and plenty of moments that’ll make you smile.

Title: Hazel Says No
Author: Jessica Berger Gross (Debut Author)
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Emma Galvin
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: New Adult
Pub Date: June 17, 2025
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 352

Hazel and her family move from New York City to rural Maine as her father Gus is a college professor and has been offered apposition at the local college which also cover the tuition costs of family members. Since Hazel is precocious and bright senior in high school this is an offer they cannot turn down. Claire, Hazel’s mother is an artist so is delighted with the moves as Maine is so beautiful!

They move in the summer and Hazel doesn’t know anyone so spends the rest of the summer taking her younger brother Wolf swimming at the local perhaps only pool. Wolf will be in the sixth grade and struggles with ADHD and wants to fit in.
The Principal of the high school is also there with his children and notices Hazel as being new and wants to make her feel welcome so starts to chat with about the book she is reading.
Little did anyone realize that this is the beginning of a series of events that bring the family pain.

The story is well done. I worked in the school system for years so I know things like this happen but not enjoyable to hear about.
I do believe as many others mentioned it would make a good Book Club discussion ~ What would you do? Plus I am sure a discussion of the characters would be included...

At the end of the audiobook there is an interview with the author and narrator which was interesting and I did enjoy hearing their POV.

Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this audiobook.
Audiobook Publishing Date scheduled for June 17, 2025.

⭐️⭐️ 2/5 Stars (Meh)
Setting: Maine
Genre: Literary Fiction; Contemporary Fiction

Hazel Says No starts off with genuine potential. The setup is compelling: Hazel Blum’s family relocates from the chaos of Brooklyn to the quiet rhythms of small-town Maine, offering a fresh backdrop for a coming-of-age story. Early chapters capture the uncertainty of change, the awkwardness of fitting in, and the quiet charm of a sleepy college town. Hazel’s voice feels real, and the family dynamic is initially engaging.

But as the story unfolds, the novel loses its way.

What begins as a heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging quickly shifts into something more preachy than poignant. The multiple POVs—while a nice idea in theory—become repetitive and indistinct. Characters start to feel more like mouthpieces for the author’s views than real people with depth and nuance.

The major theme at the heart of Hazel Says No is one that absolutely deserves attention. It’s timely, important, and could’ve offered meaningful insight. Unfortunately, it gets buried under layers of political messaging that feel more like a lecture than a story. Rather than allowing readers to engage and reflect, the narrative often insists, leaving little room for interpretation or emotional connection.

That said, the book isn’t without merit. The writing itself is solid, and some of the quieter moments do land. But overall, Hazel Says No trades its initial emotional resonance for a soapbox, and the story suffers because of it.

A decent premise with a few bright spots, but ultimately overwhelmed by its own agenda. #netgalley #hazelsaysno

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.

I paired the print with the audio and have to confess that I struggled with the narration for the audio. The voice was just not my favorite, but I suspect that is a subjective opinion.

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

An engrossing family saga/drama that had me hooked from the start. Hazel is a senior in high school, starting at a new-to-her school after her family moved to small-town Maine as her father starts his job at the local college.
I don't want to give away the main storyline as my jaw dropped early on in an interaction between Hazel and her principal.
The rest of the story explores family dynamics, how Hazel deals with what happened to her, and the stress and strife of dealing with an unexpected situation.
The narrator did a fabulous job in managing a host of characters. The personality of Hazel's brother Wolf was very clever and laugh-out-loud funny.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

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.

I also listened to parts of the audiobook, and WOW—it was an experience. The narration brought Hazel’s journey to life in such an emotional and powerful way. Hearing her story in this format made the rawness and urgency of her choices even more impactful. If you’re an audiobook fan, I highly recommend giving this one a listen—it adds an entirely new depth to an already incredible book!

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.
Narrated by Emma Galvin who encompassed each of the characters giving them a distinct and authentic voice. The interview at the end of the audio between Jessica Berger Gross, Emma Galvin and editor, John Glynn should not be skipped!

Im not sure what I expected from this book going into it but but Hazel is such a fierce main character. How one day can change the lives of so many is explored in this novel. It was emotional at times, funny during others, but one of those necessary reads, in my opinion. The narrator was also fantastic!

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.

I loved this book. I read it with my eyes first, then switched to the audiobook, and unfortunately, I think this is one I’d stick to reading in print.

One of the coolest things about this book is the way the story unfolds through the perspectives of each Blum family member—6th grader Wolf, high school senior Hazel, accidental SAHM Clare, and their professorial patriarch, Gus. Each perspective is written so authentically that it truly feels like the character themselves is telling their story. Wolf’s chapters, for example, actually read like an 11-year-old boy wrote them.

I was so excited to see how this would translate to audio, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. Instead of capturing the natural voice of a child, the narration comes across as choppy and overly articulated... like every word is a punch to your ear. I don’t know how else to describe it, but it just didn’t feel right. Maybe if I’d started with the audiobook, I wouldn’t have noticed as much, but coming from the print version, it felt like a missed opportunity.

That being said, the story itself is fantastic. If audiobooks are your preferred format, it’s still worth listening to (it just could have been GREAT).