Reviews

The Hookup by Kristen Ashley

marysesbooks's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I haven't had luck with Kristen Ashley's latest books. They haven't lived up to the depth, chemistry and connection of her older novels. However, I live in hope and thought that this book might be different.

I started getting excited when it felt like I was going to get some of KA's old magic with the tension and angst as Johnny's old flame came back onto the scene. This is where KA excels. The push and pull and ripping my heart out but making it all better. Unfortunately, that was short lived and sizzled out into a disappointing and predictable plot line. Then there was the reveal of Izzy's previous relationship and I was looking forward to the build up of the danger and tension from this (especially as this was alluded to in the blurb). That fizzled out so quickly that I don't even know why it was mentioned in the first place. 

In fact there were so many avenues that could have been taken to make this book more exciting and interesting but all of them were under utilised. Instead the story is more focused on Johnny Gamble (his name is repeated so often) being this epitome of a perfect man and him going on and on about how he's not interested in his ex and telling Izzy how things are going to be. Oh and for some reason Izzy's sister's story gets more prominence in this book than Izzy. 

I was skimming big sections and there were times when I felt like it was just one long epilogue which KA is known for. I highly doubt I'll read the second book. It just wasn't interesting enough to continue.

teraize's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

brky1144's review against another edition

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3.0

An okay read

This is my first Kristen Ashley book, and, honestly, I wasn't blown away by it. It was a slow beginning and I just couldn't connect to either the H/h, the setting, or secondary characters. I usually LOVE small town romance stories, but this fell flat for me.

caitlincariseo's review against another edition

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3.0

I can't tell if Johnny constantly berating Izzy for lifting a finger is endearing or annoying. It was like every other time I was like "can he just once have a normal reaction to her trying to do a dish"?

This was filthy and I loved it. Plot who?

manglitter's review against another edition

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4.0

It was too short for a kristen Ashley's book, I wanted more of Johnny and Izzy. I loved this book and the way it started reminded me of my fav "Motorcycle Man" Tack and Tyra (that now I'm gonna go re-read for the 4th no 5th time!). I have to say miss Ashley, your characters always amaze me with the way they grow fond of each other. Really, did you ever met a man like those you write about or a woman? Let me know because that will really give me hope.
Thanks for another piece of sweet. You made my week-end. Rock-on!

skyu2's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

emhof96's review against another edition

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5.0

Overall rating: 5+ stars

Genre:
Plot: /10
Ending: 8/10
Writing: 10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Hero: 10/10
Heroine: 10/10
Humour: 4/10
Steaminess: 6/10
Feels: 10/10
HEA:
SpoilerYes


Thoughts:
Spoiler

silvercole's review against another edition

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2.0

good a little too fast paced and insta lovey but it was good

rihoward's review against another edition

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5.0

My heart

Anything this author writes manages to sink deep. However, this book was even more special than the others. I connected with the characters. I found myself getting emotional and choked up. Izzy, and all that she stood for, made me feel to the depths of my soul when she talked about her mom and childhood. Add in on of the sweetest make characters, that was grumbly and a typical KA man, but was soft at the same time. Not sure how she was able to do that but she did.

One of my favorites from this author.

desertlover's review against another edition

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4.0

All the KA goodness!