The Hook Up
Ratings18
Average rating3.7
Sweet, low angst friends to lovers, gfy story that should tickle pink all romance geeks especially if you love your boys English.
I enjoyed this tale of two good guys, one gay one not (yet) who get to know each other first in the on-line world of gamers and later in the physical. It a very slow burn, getting-to-know-you story in which once the MCs become friends both are reluctant to go any further for fear of ruining the friendship but when the they finally get together you sense it will be a HEA because they've put in the work of creating a rock solid friendship. There isn't much heat on-page but I didn't mind.
I have to dissent to the glowing reviews of this book. While it's generally well written (not riddled with errors, etc.), the story just didn't work for me.
I have no problem with insta-love stories, but from the get go this couple's luv was just too much.He gasped in class when he saw her for the first time. He could always tell when she was near. Their first two hook-ups were in public because they just could not stop themselves (though we learn this is completely out of character for both characters as we get to know them). Despite the obvious insta-love, the characters don't really communicate well, leading to the inevitable miscommunication then wedge between the couple to reach the HEA.I understand where the author wanted to take me, but I just couldn't buy in. I think for me, if you're going to do this kind of meant for each other insta-love story, there almost has to be acknowledgement of otherworldly forces--fate, kismet, whatever--pushing--no demanding--this couple, who really don't have a lot in common except for intelligence and witty banter, to be together. (See Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie).
So, one of the coolest things about this book is how Drew is the one wanting the relationship. Usually when I read romances, especially college ones, the guy is never into having a relationship or settling down – Bachelor for Life, but the woman shows them it can be different. No, Drew knows from the first moment he sees her that he wants more than a one-night stand, but Anna DOESN'T!! A sweet role reversal here.
Oh, yes, it is a bit insta-lovey with Drew, but Anna takes her sweet time.
There are some adorably sweet scenes here and I absolutely loved Drew. The ending, their conflict, how they learned to work together I thought was absolutely great. There are a few awkward scenes... one in particular with strippers that just didn't need to be included at all and casted my boy, Gray, in a bad light.
The synopsis at first is what kept me away from this because it made the book seem like they both would want a one-night stand and then Drew would want friends with benefits annnd it would grew, which I really wasn't interested in reading about. I'm so glad I listened to my GR friends' reviews because this is so worth the read!