Reviews

Hooked by Karla Sorensen, Whitney Barbetti

ladycivic's review

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5.0

I LOVED this book!!! Lucy...omg that girl!! She was so completely real, just doing whatever it took to get by. She. Is. HILARIOUS!! And X...so quiet, so...there. The two completely balanced each other out. Loved them together!! This book had me laughing out loud so loudly!! But at the same time I was completely stressed out about what was going to happen next! I really, really, really hope this magical author duo have more in store for us!

sasha2599's review

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5.0

Oh my gosh- when I read the author's note at the end of the blurb, I knew this would be a fabulous book: "This book deals with subject matter that is highly improbable, sometimes campy, and definitely illegal. Please don't use it as a guideline for how to live your life, but enjoy nonetheless." I adored both Lucy and X- both flawed and imperfect, yet perfect together. This book was laugh out loud funny, swoony, and sweet. It was a super-fun read and I hope these author collaborate again because they certainly made magic with Hooked!

ness11's review

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5.0

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

5 "X marks the spot" Stars!!!

I am so giddy right now. I freaking loved everything about this story, especially the two main characters! This book was filled with with so many laugh-out-loud moments. My gosh there was never a dull moment.

Lucy was the type of character I love rooting for. She has her problems, but she's stronger because of them. She doesn't know what it's like to need someone because she's always been alone. So it's hard for her to trust anybody because of a past relationship. Even though she can take care of herself, it couldn't hurt to have one person on her side.

X was so perfectly flawed. His solitude is his happy place. He doesn't need nor want for anything. He is perfectly fine alone and wouldn't want it any other way. The thoughts that ran through his mind made me hurt for him. I so wanted him to come out victorious on the other side.

X and Lucy made quite the pair. More in common than either one of them could think possible. These two were a riot together. All the mischievous they encountered, I can't even. I loved this perfectly imperfect duo.

"And maybe that was what love was, or what falling into love was. The knowledge that you’d do anything to secure the other person’s happiness, even if it meant giving up everything, every part of your world, in exchange."

'Hooked' did just that, it hooked me. I couldn't get enough of X and Lucy!!! I honestly didn't want their story to end. Karla and Whitney did a phenomenal job. Seriously, such an enjoyable read. And OH MY GOSH, chapter twenty six gave me life!!!! I freaking swooned so hard, looooooved that chapter to pieces!!!! #GetHooked

cortneyf's review

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5.0

I loved this book! not only did the story line just flow it was one that was difficult to put down, i just wanted to finish the book and see where Lucy and X ended up.

lifeinthebooklane's review

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4.0

4.5 out of 5 stars

I loved this book with it's perfect mix of chaos-filled adventure, romance, comedy and seriousness. I knew when I read the author's warning that the book is highly improbable, slightly campy and definitely illegal and should not be used as a guideline of how to live your life that I was about to read a very good book ...... and I wasn't wrong.

"Born on this earth? So the aliens among us are probably prancing about,
guilt-free." I uncrossed my arms. "F**kers."




Lucy is the klepto, compulsive lying, former drug dealer who stole my heart with her vulnerability and lack of self-worth. And boy, despite her special brand of crazy, did she make me shed a tear or two....

My apartment was littered with things that I'd purchased at thrift stores or dug through dumpsters for - things that looked antique, like some well-meaning grandmother had passed down her her tea cup collection. But no one knew I collected each of those damn tea cups myself, to give the appearance that I had someone who loved me enough to give me something they loved,

Xavier is the only son of a billionaire, neat freak, anxious wreck, occasionally paranoid hero who had no idea how to interact with the crazy that is Lucy but who was the perfect fit for her.

Something about her ... had wrapped around my insides in the same kind of messy knot. Even if it fit the definition of clinical insanity. I had absolutely no desire to untangle her.

The writing is excellent, the plot flowed well and the prose was really easy to read and follow. The characters, particularly the supporting ones, were slightly over the top and caricatured but this was deliberate (remember the authors' warning). Xavier and Lucy actually became more real and believable as the story progressed and I loved their battle with being attracted to each other.

I enjoyed the story from the first to the last line and was in that torn state of wanting to know how it ended without it ending! This is my first read by either of these authors but if their other books are anything like this it most assuredly will not be my last.

bookishmama13's review

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5.0

Whitney Barbetti and Karla Sorensen became two of my favorite authors this year! When I learned they were writing together, I just knew I had to read it! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I'm so glad I did. I laughed so hard, which isn't usually something that happens. Barbetti and Sorensen create relatable characters, ones you cheer for and want to be friends with! Definitely read this book!

glimpses_of_my_books's review

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2.0

I cringed just as much as I laughed. The story is ridiculous- completely 100% not in touch with reality. And it is that that makes the story both funny and oddly charming as well as infuriating. X and Lucy meet at a group therapy session, they both have issues. She proceeds to try to steal from him and pretend that is not what is happening by giving him a lap dance... Improbable, cringe worth, and yet... funny. That is how I felt the entire book. I am very glad is over but at the same time can't say I regret reading it... 2 out 5 sounds appropriate!

theestherhadassah's review

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5.0

DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS BOOK FOR HONEST REVIEW. I ALSO PURCHASED A COPY. #SUPPORTOURAUTHORS!
Lucy and X are just so perfect. Hooked is packed with laughs, some tears and heart-jolting moments, that you just cannot put it down. I've never read anything from Karla Sorensen (don't put my head on the chopping block), but I have read The Weight of Life by Whitney Barbetti and love it. So it was really great to see her writing style mixed with someone new. The chemistry and dialogue is so spicy, and they mingle so perfectly. I could not put it down. As a matter of fact. I'm going to read it again!

fyfecort's review

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5.0

I loved this book! not only did the story line just flow it was one that was difficult to put down, i just wanted to finish the book and see where Lucy and X ended up.

talknerdybookblog's review

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3.0

I had to suspend my disbelief to enjoy the plot. But, once I wasn't stuck on how unrealistic it was, the romance was really sweet, cute and funny.

Safety: Safe
Spoiler
• No cheating
• No OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief (2 days) separation between the Heroine and Hero


Possible Triggers:
Spoiler
• The Hero's mother is a super controlling helicopter parent
• Heroine's life is endangered: her ex-drug dealer is attempting to kill her
• The Hero saves the Heroine by (accidentally) killing the drug dealer
• Heroine went to jail for drug dealing and drug use


Ending:
Spoiler
• HFN (they live together and have a puppy together)