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The Hookup Duology #2
The Unforgettable Hookup
Sam’s story…
One night. That’s all it was supposed to be.
I can’t believe my luck when the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen propositions me in a bar, looking for his first-ever one-night stand.
No names. No strings. Just pure fun.
I’m more than happy to oblige.
But after our incredible night together, I can’t stop thinking about him. Unfortunately, I have no way to track him down.
Lucky for me, fate is about to intervene…
Please note: this 35,000-word story is the companion novella to The Anonymous Hookup. It is the same story told from Sam’s perspective. It can be read as a standalone, but for the best reading experience, it should be read after The Anonymous Hookup.
One night. That’s all it was supposed to be.
I can’t believe my luck when the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen propositions me in a bar, looking for his first-ever one-night stand.
No names. No strings. Just pure fun.
I’m more than happy to oblige.
But after our incredible night together, I can’t stop thinking about him. Unfortunately, I have no way to track him down.
Lucky for me, fate is about to intervene…
Please note: this 35,000-word story is the companion novella to The Anonymous Hookup. It is the same story told from Sam’s perspective. It can be read as a standalone, but for the best reading experience, it should be read after The Anonymous Hookup.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2024
155 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read
About the author
Jax Calder
30 books1,089 followersJax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
March 22, 2024
I didn't know how I'd feel about this novella, since the story is the same as in The Anonymous Hookup, but I really enjoyed it. It was lovely to experience some moments from Sam's POV and I loved learning how he felt and what he thought about Lane.
The only thing I didn't enjoy that much is the new epilogue. It's just my personal preference, but I'm sure that most readers will love it.
Personally, I don't think this works well as a standalone, because we don't get much of Lane here, not even through their conversations. It would be difficult to understand his character and get the full story without reading the previous book. This one reads more like a companion novella.
The only thing I didn't enjoy that much is the new epilogue. It's just my personal preference, but I'm sure that most readers will love it.
Personally, I don't think this works well as a standalone, because we don't get much of Lane here, not even through their conversations. It would be difficult to understand his character and get the full story without reading the previous book. This one reads more like a companion novella.
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June 3, 2025
The Unforgettable Hookup is book two in The Hookup Duology by Jax Calder. I read The Anonymous Hookup when it came out and fell in love with Lane and Sam. It was entirely told from Lane’s POV so I was beside myself to learn that Jax was giving us the same story from Sam’s POV. Truly, it was like reading it again for the first time. And it made me fall in love with them all over again.
“Who knew kissing could be this good?”
Sam Heaney is twenty eight years old and is a director of a television show that is doing well and gaining his popularity. Sam is at the point in his life when he wants to settle down but just hasn’t found the right guy. And if you read the first book, then you know that’s where this story begins, with Sam in a bar and the most beautiful man he’s ever seen offering him one night, an anonymous hookup. Only it’s a night he can’t forget, doesn’t want to forget, if only he knew who the man was! But fate was hard at work with these two and had plans for them.
“He’s not just a gorgeous guy. He’s my perfect guy.”
The entire first book in this duet is in Lane Fenwick’s POV but just as a reminder, Lane has been deeply hurt in his previous relationship and still isn’t in a good place when he first meets Sam. He is determined that this is just a one night stand. But now, getting it all from Sam’s mind, the poor guy was so overwhelmed with feelings for Lane and was so worried he would scare him off, not really knowing anything about his history. So he just did everything he could to show him in actions how he felt.
These two laughed so much. Their jokes were so silly. They were just perfect together. And all the ways they were connected and didn’t even know it was just so crazy amazing.
“You’re a smitten-kitten, aren’t you?”
“If I was going to be any kind of feline, I’d be a manly lion.”
This whole book made my heart so happy. And in truth, I loved it so much, it makes me want to read every single thing Jax Calder has ever written. If you want to smile, swoon and your heart to be full, then go ahead and grab this duet. I hope you fall in love with Sam and Lane, just as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
“Who knew kissing could be this good?”
Sam Heaney is twenty eight years old and is a director of a television show that is doing well and gaining his popularity. Sam is at the point in his life when he wants to settle down but just hasn’t found the right guy. And if you read the first book, then you know that’s where this story begins, with Sam in a bar and the most beautiful man he’s ever seen offering him one night, an anonymous hookup. Only it’s a night he can’t forget, doesn’t want to forget, if only he knew who the man was! But fate was hard at work with these two and had plans for them.
“He’s not just a gorgeous guy. He’s my perfect guy.”
The entire first book in this duet is in Lane Fenwick’s POV but just as a reminder, Lane has been deeply hurt in his previous relationship and still isn’t in a good place when he first meets Sam. He is determined that this is just a one night stand. But now, getting it all from Sam’s mind, the poor guy was so overwhelmed with feelings for Lane and was so worried he would scare him off, not really knowing anything about his history. So he just did everything he could to show him in actions how he felt.
These two laughed so much. Their jokes were so silly. They were just perfect together. And all the ways they were connected and didn’t even know it was just so crazy amazing.
“You’re a smitten-kitten, aren’t you?”
“If I was going to be any kind of feline, I’d be a manly lion.”
This whole book made my heart so happy. And in truth, I loved it so much, it makes me want to read every single thing Jax Calder has ever written. If you want to smile, swoon and your heart to be full, then go ahead and grab this duet. I hope you fall in love with Sam and Lane, just as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Read
March 21, 2024***no rating***
I’m super fucking sad right now.
I was not one of those who wished for Sam’s POV after loving the absolute shit out of The Anonymous Hookup. But when I saw one was coming I was super excited for it right alongside everyone else.
But this was sadly not at all working for me. I was super fucking bored. And I really really hope, that you guys will feel differently about it.
The cover is super sweet, tho. ♡
************
The Hookup Duology
Book 1 - The Anonymous Hookup - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - The Unforgettable Hookup - no rating
I’m super fucking sad right now.
I was not one of those who wished for Sam’s POV after loving the absolute shit out of The Anonymous Hookup. But when I saw one was coming I was super excited for it right alongside everyone else.
But this was sadly not at all working for me. I was super fucking bored. And I really really hope, that you guys will feel differently about it.
The cover is super sweet, tho. ♡
************
The Hookup Duology
Book 1 - The Anonymous Hookup - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - The Unforgettable Hookup - no rating
October 25, 2024
I really really liked this duet.
I really enjoyed The Anonymous Hookup, and I mostly prefer romance books to be dual POV because like I need to know what both parties are feeling ok? So, when I saw we had Sam's POV I knew I had to read it right away.
And, oh boy! If I liked them before now I was obsessed, Sam was adorable, he was completely smitten with Lane from the first moment he saw him, and by this point, we know Lane has a lot of issues and insecurities, so it was awesome to see how Sam viewed him and how he never thought less of him and instead, he always had Lane highest opinion of him.
Sam was so careful always trying not to freak out Lane because he knew where his stand in having a relationship was, but what these two didn't realize was that they were practically already in one.
I knew how their story ended already so no surprises there, but it was still awesome and cute and sweet to experience it all from Sam's POV.
Plus that epilogue was the sweetest 🍯
I really enjoyed The Anonymous Hookup, and I mostly prefer romance books to be dual POV because like I need to know what both parties are feeling ok? So, when I saw we had Sam's POV I knew I had to read it right away.
And, oh boy! If I liked them before now I was obsessed, Sam was adorable, he was completely smitten with Lane from the first moment he saw him, and by this point, we know Lane has a lot of issues and insecurities, so it was awesome to see how Sam viewed him and how he never thought less of him and instead, he always had Lane highest opinion of him.
Sam was so careful always trying not to freak out Lane because he knew where his stand in having a relationship was, but what these two didn't realize was that they were practically already in one.
I knew how their story ended already so no surprises there, but it was still awesome and cute and sweet to experience it all from Sam's POV.
Plus that epilogue was the sweetest 🍯
April 11, 2025
This book is a companion novella of the original story, The Anonymous Hook-Up, and tells the story from Sam’s perspective. I would recommend reading the original first, where you follow the other main character, Lane. The Anonymous Hook-up (book 1) feels more complete because Sam’s thoughts are crystal clear from his expressions, so you don’t really miss his POV.
Overall, I thought I’d enjoy this one more than the original, because I love the angst of following the main character who thinks his love is unrequited, but I ended up liking the first one more because it felt more complete (as I said before, you don't miss Sam POV the way you miss Lane's).
Still, I enjoyed having Sam’s perspective after rereading the original. If you enjoyed the anonymous hook-up (that I really recommend, that novella saved me from a reading slump) and would like to read Sam’s POV and a 10-years later epilogue, I would recommend reading this.
↬ The Hookup Duology:
1. The Anonymous Hookup: 3.5 stars
2. The Unforgettable Hookup: 3 stars
Overall, I thought I’d enjoy this one more than the original, because I love the angst of following the main character who thinks his love is unrequited, but I ended up liking the first one more because it felt more complete (as I said before, you don't miss Sam POV the way you miss Lane's).
Still, I enjoyed having Sam’s perspective after rereading the original. If you enjoyed the anonymous hook-up (that I really recommend, that novella saved me from a reading slump) and would like to read Sam’s POV and a 10-years later epilogue, I would recommend reading this.
↬ The Hookup Duology:
1. The Anonymous Hookup: 3.5 stars
2. The Unforgettable Hookup: 3 stars
March 18, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Still the same sweet love story from The Anonymous Hookup just told from Sam’s POV.
This was a lovely addition to an already cute novella.
I loved how we got to see Sam completely head over heels for Lane.
A lot of the scenes were identical in both books, which did feel a little repetitive after a while.
Still, super sweet vibes.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I was Lane’s first-ever hookup. I want to be his last-ever hookup as well.
Still the same sweet love story from The Anonymous Hookup just told from Sam’s POV.
This was a lovely addition to an already cute novella.
I loved how we got to see Sam completely head over heels for Lane.
A lot of the scenes were identical in both books, which did feel a little repetitive after a while.
Still, super sweet vibes.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
March 28, 2024
Sweet and lovely.
Sam's pov brings nearly nothing new, his feelings were obvious in the first book, but nevertheless it was fun to read.
Sam's pov brings nearly nothing new, his feelings were obvious in the first book, but nevertheless it was fun to read.
March 22, 2024
Absolutely love that we finally got Sam's POV!!! Definitely made me tear up 🥹
March 21, 2024
"It’s like…my whole life, I’ve been standing at a door trying all these keys in the lock, and some you can’t even fit into the lock, and others will go in and look like they fit, but they don’t turn. But with Lane, the key turns so effortlessly, perfectly. And no, I’m not using euphemisms to describe our sex life, although that is off the scales as well."
Another cracker of a novella from Jax Calder! As regular readers of my reviews will know, I don't really like novellas but this duology has been one of the exceptions to my rule.
The Unforgettable Hookup is Lane and Sam's story from The Anonymous Hookup, told from Sam's perspective.
Lane has recently come out of a long-term relationship, and not a very good one as it turns out. His BFF has encouraged him to have a no-strings, no-relationship, totally out of character hook-up to clear his head and let his hair down.
And so he heads to a bar. And hits on Sam. Who is totally adorable. And totally up to the challenge.
But what happens to their one-off hook up when it seems as though fate is conspiring to push them back together....?
Off the charts chemistry, fabulous steamy times, cute as anything non-relationship and a HEA. What more could you ask for? Apart from some more chapters of adorable!❣️
4 cute and steamy stars
Another cracker of a novella from Jax Calder! As regular readers of my reviews will know, I don't really like novellas but this duology has been one of the exceptions to my rule.
The Unforgettable Hookup is Lane and Sam's story from The Anonymous Hookup, told from Sam's perspective.
Lane has recently come out of a long-term relationship, and not a very good one as it turns out. His BFF has encouraged him to have a no-strings, no-relationship, totally out of character hook-up to clear his head and let his hair down.
And so he heads to a bar. And hits on Sam. Who is totally adorable. And totally up to the challenge.
But what happens to their one-off hook up when it seems as though fate is conspiring to push them back together....?
Off the charts chemistry, fabulous steamy times, cute as anything non-relationship and a HEA. What more could you ask for? Apart from some more chapters of adorable!❣️
4 cute and steamy stars
March 30, 2024
An alternate pov for an already drama free, slightly predictable plot? Not really a good idea.
Firstly: there are one too many books out there called “The Anonymous Hookup”. Having only recently read this one, (and really being curious about the other pov here), I was a bit surprised at first when I started reading: it’s (obviously) about another hookup, and different characters.
No problem, I thought, seeing that I quite liked book 1 back then when I read it.
Wellllll… I’m sad to say that the second pov didn’t work for me here. When you take a sweet, drama free, slightly predictable plot and leave out the inner ramblings of the more complex, conflicted character, all that’s left is… well. Still nice. But lukewarm. I’m not even sure how to rate it.
I’ll just try and think of it as standalone, and if I’m completely honest, I’d rather go with 2 stars than three. It’s… nice. Not bad. The writing is ok. The main characters likable, the evil ex a toad.
It’s just that I usually only hand out 2 stars for books I don’t particularly like (a 1 star rating is rare, because I usually tend to dnf those relatively soon).
So for that reason - and that reason alone- I’ll go with 3 stars. It’s relatively short, and might work as a sweet pick-me-up.
Firstly: there are one too many books out there called “The Anonymous Hookup”. Having only recently read this one, (and really being curious about the other pov here), I was a bit surprised at first when I started reading: it’s (obviously) about another hookup, and different characters.
No problem, I thought, seeing that I quite liked book 1 back then when I read it.
Wellllll… I’m sad to say that the second pov didn’t work for me here. When you take a sweet, drama free, slightly predictable plot and leave out the inner ramblings of the more complex, conflicted character, all that’s left is… well. Still nice. But lukewarm. I’m not even sure how to rate it.
I’ll just try and think of it as standalone, and if I’m completely honest, I’d rather go with 2 stars than three. It’s… nice. Not bad. The writing is ok. The main characters likable, the evil ex a toad.
It’s just that I usually only hand out 2 stars for books I don’t particularly like (a 1 star rating is rare, because I usually tend to dnf those relatively soon).
So for that reason - and that reason alone- I’ll go with 3 stars. It’s relatively short, and might work as a sweet pick-me-up.
March 15, 2024
5 stars
I'm going to give this 5 stars because I freaking adore these two guys: they're awesome and lovely and just perfect for each other. I loved how they bonded over a simple life spent between doggie dates, gardening, book talking, easy dinners and great intimacy. No fancy stuff needed (take that, Preston!)
It is obviously a little more angsty because Sam fell first and fast and he was the one waiting for Lane to acknowledge that they were in love and for him to throw away the restricting definition of "no strings attached".
I liked the epilogue very much and the life they built together reflect their relationship and what really matters for them.
Very recommended
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I'm going to give this 5 stars because I freaking adore these two guys: they're awesome and lovely and just perfect for each other. I loved how they bonded over a simple life spent between doggie dates, gardening, book talking, easy dinners and great intimacy. No fancy stuff needed (take that, Preston!)
It is obviously a little more angsty because Sam fell first and fast and he was the one waiting for Lane to acknowledge that they were in love and for him to throw away the restricting definition of "no strings attached".
I liked the epilogue very much and the life they built together reflect their relationship and what really matters for them.
Very recommended
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
March 21, 2024
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
The Anonymous Hookup is my favorite short story I have ever read to this day. I love every single thing about it. So when I found out this author was writing this in Sam’s POV, I was like hell YEAH sign me up.
It was lovely. I loved it. I am so in love with it. It was just a tad boring to me, ONLY because I just knew what to expect since I was just reading the same exact story in a different pov. Still didn’t make me love it any less though. Nothing could ruin this story for me. I loved seeing just how obsessed Sam was with Lane in this pov. I knew that Sam really liked Lane from the other book, but you don’t see just how much until you read this one. Beautiful.
The author did change things up by writing a new epilogue. It was so lovely. It makes me want to read some of her other books based on some character cameos in the epilogue.
Did I say I loved this?
The Anonymous Hookup is my favorite short story I have ever read to this day. I love every single thing about it. So when I found out this author was writing this in Sam’s POV, I was like hell YEAH sign me up.
It was lovely. I loved it. I am so in love with it. It was just a tad boring to me, ONLY because I just knew what to expect since I was just reading the same exact story in a different pov. Still didn’t make me love it any less though. Nothing could ruin this story for me. I loved seeing just how obsessed Sam was with Lane in this pov. I knew that Sam really liked Lane from the other book, but you don’t see just how much until you read this one. Beautiful.
The author did change things up by writing a new epilogue. It was so lovely. It makes me want to read some of her other books based on some character cameos in the epilogue.
Did I say I loved this?
April 22, 2024
Tropes: failed one night stand
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: bad exes, wacky mom in a fun way, cute dogs
Sam is 28. Lane is 26. This is a duology. The first novella was told from Lane's perspective. This second novella is Sam's perspective. Sam works in the entertainment industry as like a producer/director. He's very successful. Lane works as a teacher at a high school. Lane has been burned in his last relationship, his ex was really self-centered and the relationship was more about accommodating his needs then Lane's. Lane has never done the hookup thing before. He decides to have an anonymous one night stand and hits on Sam. They have their hot hookup with great banter and end it there. But fate will not allow these guys to stay apart. They subsequently meet over and over again and decide to continue hooking up because it's so good between them. Lane tries to hang on to the anonymity angle, but they quickly lose their grip on that. But Lane still isn't ready to commit to calling this dating or boyfriends. He gets there by the end!
Sam and Lane are really great people and are perfect together. They have a lot in common, they want the same things in life, and they have a lot of chemistry between them. They are so good for each other that I just really enjoyed reading their story.
I did read the other novella first and I enjoyed it. It has been quite a while since I read after I read Sam's POV I went back and I skimmed through Lane's POV. The events are the same for the most part. But it is a different twist on things reading Sam's thoughts and the events that were happening on his side. It's been long enough that I thought this was still a refreshing read, not terribly duplicative. I enjoyed that we got a completely different epilogue in this particular book and that it was 10 years in the future seeing them having a very happy family life. It was nice to see their happy ever after extend and their family come to fruition.
I'm not normally a big fan of novellas. I often feel like it's not enough pages to really develop a story. I've said before, that some stories can be told in a shorter number of pages and other stories need more pages and authors don't always make the right choices with the length of what they're writing and the story suffers. That's not the case with this duology. Both of these novellas were a complete and complex story with lots of development and the length of the story fit the pages it was given. So I think the author did a good job!
I gave Lane's POV five stars. I give Sam's POV 4.5 stars. I think I enjoyed Lane's a little bit more because there was a bit more tension and mystery with the whole, who is Charles Dickens thing. That just added a little something. Also I do like a grumpy, black cat, reluctant character like Lane opening up. So I enjoyed Lane's POV a little bit more.
Some notable moments:
"His eyes meet mine in the elevator mirror. “Plus, I think the probability of two serial killers being in the same elevator is extraordinarily low.”"
"“And I’m thinking of getting an outdoor pizza oven, one of those grunty ones that can cook two pizzas at a time.” “Oh, right.” I can tell from my mother’s voice that she’s got me on speaker and isn’t really listening to me. “And then I’m going to dress up in my tutu and ride my purple unicorn in circles around the pizza oven as part of a ritualistic mating dance.” “Oh, right.” I knew she wasn’t listening."
"“I still can’t believe you two know each other,” I say. “I’m sorry, honey, if I knew he was gay and this cute, I would have tried setting you up with him years ago,” Mum says. Lane’s cheeks stain red, but he quickly responds, “I’m fairly sure I would have resisted any attempt of my trash-talking chess opponent Charles Dickens to set me up with their genetic relative.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: bad exes, wacky mom in a fun way, cute dogs
Sam is 28. Lane is 26. This is a duology. The first novella was told from Lane's perspective. This second novella is Sam's perspective. Sam works in the entertainment industry as like a producer/director. He's very successful. Lane works as a teacher at a high school. Lane has been burned in his last relationship, his ex was really self-centered and the relationship was more about accommodating his needs then Lane's. Lane has never done the hookup thing before. He decides to have an anonymous one night stand and hits on Sam. They have their hot hookup with great banter and end it there. But fate will not allow these guys to stay apart. They subsequently meet over and over again and decide to continue hooking up because it's so good between them. Lane tries to hang on to the anonymity angle, but they quickly lose their grip on that. But Lane still isn't ready to commit to calling this dating or boyfriends. He gets there by the end!
Sam and Lane are really great people and are perfect together. They have a lot in common, they want the same things in life, and they have a lot of chemistry between them. They are so good for each other that I just really enjoyed reading their story.
I did read the other novella first and I enjoyed it. It has been quite a while since I read after I read Sam's POV I went back and I skimmed through Lane's POV. The events are the same for the most part. But it is a different twist on things reading Sam's thoughts and the events that were happening on his side. It's been long enough that I thought this was still a refreshing read, not terribly duplicative. I enjoyed that we got a completely different epilogue in this particular book and that it was 10 years in the future seeing them having a very happy family life. It was nice to see their happy ever after extend and their family come to fruition.
I'm not normally a big fan of novellas. I often feel like it's not enough pages to really develop a story. I've said before, that some stories can be told in a shorter number of pages and other stories need more pages and authors don't always make the right choices with the length of what they're writing and the story suffers. That's not the case with this duology. Both of these novellas were a complete and complex story with lots of development and the length of the story fit the pages it was given. So I think the author did a good job!
I gave Lane's POV five stars. I give Sam's POV 4.5 stars. I think I enjoyed Lane's a little bit more because there was a bit more tension and mystery with the whole, who is Charles Dickens thing. That just added a little something. Also I do like a grumpy, black cat, reluctant character like Lane opening up. So I enjoyed Lane's POV a little bit more.
Some notable moments:
"His eyes meet mine in the elevator mirror. “Plus, I think the probability of two serial killers being in the same elevator is extraordinarily low.”"
"“And I’m thinking of getting an outdoor pizza oven, one of those grunty ones that can cook two pizzas at a time.” “Oh, right.” I can tell from my mother’s voice that she’s got me on speaker and isn’t really listening to me. “And then I’m going to dress up in my tutu and ride my purple unicorn in circles around the pizza oven as part of a ritualistic mating dance.” “Oh, right.” I knew she wasn’t listening."
"“I still can’t believe you two know each other,” I say. “I’m sorry, honey, if I knew he was gay and this cute, I would have tried setting you up with him years ago,” Mum says. Lane’s cheeks stain red, but he quickly responds, “I’m fairly sure I would have resisted any attempt of my trash-talking chess opponent Charles Dickens to set me up with their genetic relative.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
3.5 stars
The second wonderfully fluffy instalment in this duology, which could entirely be read as a standalone as it rehashes the events from the first book but from the other MC's perspective.
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this a lot: it really hit the spot for something cosy and joyful, and it made me happy. That said, I don't think this really brought anything new to the series, as there are very few elements that we see from Sam's perspective that weren't either also lived by Lane, or learned by him through his discussions with Sam.
I think I would have rather had the missing scenes, or more of an extension of their timeline, than what was delivered here. I feel that instead of that, the sex scenes were slightly more developed, or more explicit, as I remember in the first one that things were skimmed over a fair bit. I'm not sure it was entirely necessary for something so short.
If you're in the mood for something fun with very lovable characters, I would still definitely recommend this.
I kindly received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
The second wonderfully fluffy instalment in this duology, which could entirely be read as a standalone as it rehashes the events from the first book but from the other MC's perspective.
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this a lot: it really hit the spot for something cosy and joyful, and it made me happy. That said, I don't think this really brought anything new to the series, as there are very few elements that we see from Sam's perspective that weren't either also lived by Lane, or learned by him through his discussions with Sam.
I think I would have rather had the missing scenes, or more of an extension of their timeline, than what was delivered here. I feel that instead of that, the sex scenes were slightly more developed, or more explicit, as I remember in the first one that things were skimmed over a fair bit. I'm not sure it was entirely necessary for something so short.
If you're in the mood for something fun with very lovable characters, I would still definitely recommend this.
I kindly received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2024
If you loved The Anonymous Hookup, you’ll love this. It’s Sam’s POV and it was perfect.
In the AH, I felt myself wanting to be inside Sam’s head and now that I have been, it’s like the stars have aligned and everything has clicked.
Sam and Lane are perfect together and I love that they tried to remain “casual” for so long even though they were both head over heels. 😂
This book can absolutely be read as a standalone (it’s the same story as the AH) but I feel like it’s best to read them in order to get the full effect.
These two are both the best. The humor is top tier and the spice is spicyyyyy.
I’m so glad that Jax decided to write Sam’s POV. 😍
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary opinion!
In the AH, I felt myself wanting to be inside Sam’s head and now that I have been, it’s like the stars have aligned and everything has clicked.
Sam and Lane are perfect together and I love that they tried to remain “casual” for so long even though they were both head over heels. 😂
This book can absolutely be read as a standalone (it’s the same story as the AH) but I feel like it’s best to read them in order to get the full effect.
These two are both the best. The humor is top tier and the spice is spicyyyyy.
I’m so glad that Jax decided to write Sam’s POV. 😍
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary opinion!
October 25, 2024
3.50 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sam and Lane are 🥰🥰🥰
Sam and Lane are 🥰🥰🥰
March 13, 2024
okay I absolutely loved Sam’s pov on this.
Seeing how Sam fell just as quick as Lane did was fun to read and it made the scenes a little bit more emotional at times.
“Because to me, it feels like there are so many strings currently running from my heart to your heart that I couldn’t possibly count them all.”
The surprise little cameo in the epilogue made me very happy as well😭🩵🥹
Once again, soulmates do actually exist and they are Sam and Lane🩷
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Seeing how Sam fell just as quick as Lane did was fun to read and it made the scenes a little bit more emotional at times.
“Because to me, it feels like there are so many strings currently running from my heart to your heart that I couldn’t possibly count them all.”
The surprise little cameo in the epilogue made me very happy as well😭🩵🥹
Once again, soulmates do actually exist and they are Sam and Lane🩷
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
March 17, 2024
il pretty sure this is the only novella i’ll ever like.
it was so cute seeing sam’s sweet obsession, i really didn’t know i needed this.
such a sweet addition to the story!!!!
i read an arc and this is my honest review
it was so cute seeing sam’s sweet obsession, i really didn’t know i needed this.
such a sweet addition to the story!!!!
i read an arc and this is my honest review
March 14, 2024
I adored Lane & Sam's story told through Lane's POV so I was quite excited to re-experience it through Sam's eyes. A light low angst novella about two men who have an instant connection that made being a one night stand impossible, especially when theit paths keep crossing. A romance filled with lots of steam , great banter, adorable pups, fate , and a sweet HEA. 🥰
Favorite Quote :
I want to worship this man. I want to show him he is everything to me. I kiss down his chest, his skin sweet and slightly salty under my lips. He tastes like he’s mine.
Favorite Quote :
I want to worship this man. I want to show him he is everything to me. I kiss down his chest, his skin sweet and slightly salty under my lips. He tastes like he’s mine.
Read
June 20, 2025I was annoyed though that the second in the duology is the story from the LI perspective, but it’s all the exact same scenes so there’s almost nothing new about it, especially since the LI is pretty clearly into MC in the first book.
from the LI we mainly get “oh I’m super into him but he seems nervous I better make a joke. 100% success rate reading him and using jokes as a response” so it’s mainly just the LI reading the MC from book 1 perfectly every scene?
So, I recommend only reading the “sequel” alt perspective if you read the original at least a year ago so it’s not fresh in your mind.
I could see it being fun to revisit from and alternate perspective if you don’t remember the original well, but the only new content is the epilogue, which is set at a different time than the epilogue of the first book.
It’s not like Unrequited/Requited where it’s the same story but has different scenes or time apart, or the Death and the Devil one where it’s Ethan’s perspective and he’s on a whole other mission.
And in those situations the two characters are pretty emotionally withdrawn, as well, so you don’t know where they are at in the first book when our MCs are pining and wondering what the LI is thinking. Those are the couple stories that have pulled off the opposite single perspective set during the same time period novel.
Though I’ve enjoyed short stories and epilogues from alternate perspectives, it really only works for me if there’s something original, not the exact same scenes rehashed.
from the LI we mainly get “oh I’m super into him but he seems nervous I better make a joke. 100% success rate reading him and using jokes as a response” so it’s mainly just the LI reading the MC from book 1 perfectly every scene?
So, I recommend only reading the “sequel” alt perspective if you read the original at least a year ago so it’s not fresh in your mind.
I could see it being fun to revisit from and alternate perspective if you don’t remember the original well, but the only new content is the epilogue, which is set at a different time than the epilogue of the first book.
It’s not like Unrequited/Requited where it’s the same story but has different scenes or time apart, or the Death and the Devil one where it’s Ethan’s perspective and he’s on a whole other mission.
And in those situations the two characters are pretty emotionally withdrawn, as well, so you don’t know where they are at in the first book when our MCs are pining and wondering what the LI is thinking. Those are the couple stories that have pulled off the opposite single perspective set during the same time period novel.
Though I’ve enjoyed short stories and epilogues from alternate perspectives, it really only works for me if there’s something original, not the exact same scenes rehashed.
June 21, 2025
4 stars!! A wonderful follow up to the previous book; this time from Sam’s POV. ❤️❤️❤️
June 4, 2024
4.5 stars
Ugh, I knew this was going to break my heart, but in a good way. Through the first book, you could see Sam falling and Lane blind to it due to his own past. He's such a cinnamon roll and you see it in every line of this book in his POV.
Ugh, I knew this was going to break my heart, but in a good way. Through the first book, you could see Sam falling and Lane blind to it due to his own past. He's such a cinnamon roll and you see it in every line of this book in his POV.
April 23, 2025
This review is for both the "The Anonymous Hookup-" and the accompanying novella in the duo, "The Unforgettable Hookup."
Easily 5 stars- so magical and swoony! Honestly, give me a little bit of "fate" woven into any romance and I am HOOKED.
I was kind of shocked at how much I loved these two little doses of swoontown. "The Anonymous Hookup" and "The Unforgettable Hookup" are the same story, but the first one is told from Lane's POV, while the second one is told from Sam's. (And- that really, really worked for me). I thought it might make things repetitive, but it didn't-- instead, we were treated to all sorts of pieces of the puzzle that were never seen through Lane's lens- and it made for such a well-rounded, even MORE romantic story!
These novellas are on the longer side- definitely gave me the feel of Jax's full-length books, versus her shorter "bonus chapter" style ones.
Lane is just out of a long-term relationship with his toxic ex. He has never experienced a hookup-- he has always been a relationship guy. His best friend decides he needs to move on with life, experience something casual for once-- something brand new that is out of his normal wheelhouse. He decides he will hookup with the first guy who pays him attention that night at the bar- and boom, man is he lucky that guy ends up being Sam.
Lane very awkwardly propositions Sam, and they have one steamy as hell night together under the rules Lane puts in place- no names, no phone numbers, no repeats. It is obvious that Sam, who knew the rules going in, is hinting at another date after experiencing the night of his life- but Lane sticks to the rules he sets and leaves, never expecting to see Sam again.
But fate has other ideas.... And that is where this story stole my heart. The two guys connect again in the unlikeliest of ways, and as they finally give in to some more casual sex (still without knowing names, professions- anything about one another is prohibited to discuss-) they end up being tossed together AGAIN in a scenario you have to laugh at. It becomes obvious that if they hadn't met at the club, they would have met in the second scenario anyway. And if they didn't meet there, they would have met in scenario 3. And if they didn't meet there, they were going to meet in scenario 4. YOU GET THE IDEA.... it is just awesome.
Their lives connected and overlapped in ways they just hadn't discovered yet-- one way or another these two were destined to meet. Once they finally gave in... and began sharing their pasts and backgrounds and lives with one another, it was so obvious they were perfect together.
This story comes complete with a grand gesture that knocked my socks off... and it became EVEN BETTER once I read the novella from Sam's POV, because it included so many moving parts and behind the scenes bits and pieces that just took it from amazing to INCREDIBLE. There really is something SO SO MAGICAL about these two! They were chemical from the first night, bantered back and forth like they were made for each other, and rank up there with my favorite couples I have read this year.
Jax Calder really nails it with these- I love all of her books and novellas, but these are in my top 5 for sure!
Easily 5 stars- so magical and swoony! Honestly, give me a little bit of "fate" woven into any romance and I am HOOKED.
I was kind of shocked at how much I loved these two little doses of swoontown. "The Anonymous Hookup" and "The Unforgettable Hookup" are the same story, but the first one is told from Lane's POV, while the second one is told from Sam's. (And- that really, really worked for me). I thought it might make things repetitive, but it didn't-- instead, we were treated to all sorts of pieces of the puzzle that were never seen through Lane's lens- and it made for such a well-rounded, even MORE romantic story!
These novellas are on the longer side- definitely gave me the feel of Jax's full-length books, versus her shorter "bonus chapter" style ones.
Lane is just out of a long-term relationship with his toxic ex. He has never experienced a hookup-- he has always been a relationship guy. His best friend decides he needs to move on with life, experience something casual for once-- something brand new that is out of his normal wheelhouse. He decides he will hookup with the first guy who pays him attention that night at the bar- and boom, man is he lucky that guy ends up being Sam.
Lane very awkwardly propositions Sam, and they have one steamy as hell night together under the rules Lane puts in place- no names, no phone numbers, no repeats. It is obvious that Sam, who knew the rules going in, is hinting at another date after experiencing the night of his life- but Lane sticks to the rules he sets and leaves, never expecting to see Sam again.
But fate has other ideas.... And that is where this story stole my heart. The two guys connect again in the unlikeliest of ways, and as they finally give in to some more casual sex (still without knowing names, professions- anything about one another is prohibited to discuss-) they end up being tossed together AGAIN in a scenario you have to laugh at. It becomes obvious that if they hadn't met at the club, they would have met in the second scenario anyway. And if they didn't meet there, they would have met in scenario 3. And if they didn't meet there, they were going to meet in scenario 4. YOU GET THE IDEA.... it is just awesome.
Their lives connected and overlapped in ways they just hadn't discovered yet-- one way or another these two were destined to meet. Once they finally gave in... and began sharing their pasts and backgrounds and lives with one another, it was so obvious they were perfect together.
This story comes complete with a grand gesture that knocked my socks off... and it became EVEN BETTER once I read the novella from Sam's POV, because it included so many moving parts and behind the scenes bits and pieces that just took it from amazing to INCREDIBLE. There really is something SO SO MAGICAL about these two! They were chemical from the first night, bantered back and forth like they were made for each other, and rank up there with my favorite couples I have read this year.
Jax Calder really nails it with these- I love all of her books and novellas, but these are in my top 5 for sure!
March 23, 2024
Sweet, really sweet. Reading this story from Sam's pov was a new book altogether. Sexy, funny, happy times. A great read .
Read
April 11, 2024I didn’t realize this was the same story as the Anonymous Hookup, just from the other MC’s POV.
My bad. 😂
My bad. 😂
May 5, 2024
Very disappointing. Most scenes were rehashed and the little things from Sam's POV that were added were not enough to make the read worthwhile imo.
March 29, 2024
[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 5 stars (10/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: hookup to lovers, low angst, soulmates vibes, coincidences
Review:
When I read The Anonymous Hookup last year, I was not expecting to fall so in love with their little story, nor was I anticipating the enormous smile that each subsequent realisation about each other left. It ended up being one of my favourite novellas, and I've wanted to re-read it for a while. Well, let's say I was beyond excited when I found out about this accompanying novella! This time, the entire story is from Sam's POV, and it was just as fun the second time around!
I haven't read the first in quite a while, and to be honest, I'd forgotten a lot about what happened, so getting to relearn everything, but this time from a different perspective was so fun! These two have such insane chemistry, and from the get-go you can tell that this was never just a hookup, but it was something much more. They feel like soulmates reunited, and I just loved the ways that they kept getting more involved in each other's lives. There is very little angst, but the development of their relationship is really well done for something as short as this. The major difference between this and the last novella was the epilogue, and it was great to get more from much later in their future.
This is a super quick, light read which is full of funny banter, lots of steamy moments, and the sweetest HEA for both of them. It is the perfect palate cleanser if you've read a lot of angsty or dark stuff, and it's perfect for if you're falling into a slump.
Rating: 5 stars (10/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: hookup to lovers, low angst, soulmates vibes, coincidences
Review:
When I read The Anonymous Hookup last year, I was not expecting to fall so in love with their little story, nor was I anticipating the enormous smile that each subsequent realisation about each other left. It ended up being one of my favourite novellas, and I've wanted to re-read it for a while. Well, let's say I was beyond excited when I found out about this accompanying novella! This time, the entire story is from Sam's POV, and it was just as fun the second time around!
I haven't read the first in quite a while, and to be honest, I'd forgotten a lot about what happened, so getting to relearn everything, but this time from a different perspective was so fun! These two have such insane chemistry, and from the get-go you can tell that this was never just a hookup, but it was something much more. They feel like soulmates reunited, and I just loved the ways that they kept getting more involved in each other's lives. There is very little angst, but the development of their relationship is really well done for something as short as this. The major difference between this and the last novella was the epilogue, and it was great to get more from much later in their future.
This is a super quick, light read which is full of funny banter, lots of steamy moments, and the sweetest HEA for both of them. It is the perfect palate cleanser if you've read a lot of angsty or dark stuff, and it's perfect for if you're falling into a slump.
March 24, 2024
2.5 stars / C-
I really enjoyed The Anonymous Hookup - (review HERE) and was pleased to see there would be a second book about Sam and Lane, this one telling the story of their romance from Sam's PoV.
Although The Unforgettable Hookup tells the same story - and I knew that going in - it was disappointing, and maybe that's on me, because I was hoping for some new scenes and things from Sam's perspective that we didn't already know. But this story adds pretty much nothing to the original and it feels much more like insta-love even though it follows the same events. The only new thing is the epilogue set ten years on, and it's so sappy I almost gagged.
The author says that she never intended to write Sam's PoV, but that readers kept asking her for it so she decided to give them what they asked for. But I think that maybe next time, she should listen to her gut - just because readers ask for something doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea.
I enjoy Jax Calder's work, but The Unforgettable Hookup lacks the spark of its companion novella.
I really enjoyed The Anonymous Hookup - (review HERE) and was pleased to see there would be a second book about Sam and Lane, this one telling the story of their romance from Sam's PoV.
Although The Unforgettable Hookup tells the same story - and I knew that going in - it was disappointing, and maybe that's on me, because I was hoping for some new scenes and things from Sam's perspective that we didn't already know. But this story adds pretty much nothing to the original and it feels much more like insta-love even though it follows the same events. The only new thing is the epilogue set ten years on, and it's so sappy I almost gagged.
The author says that she never intended to write Sam's PoV, but that readers kept asking her for it so she decided to give them what they asked for. But I think that maybe next time, she should listen to her gut - just because readers ask for something doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea.
I enjoy Jax Calder's work, but The Unforgettable Hookup lacks the spark of its companion novella.
March 26, 2024
This was unfortunately not what I was hoping it would be. I really loved the first book, the Anonymous Hookup, and was left wanting more of Lane and Sam. But after reading this my predominant thought is... yeah, not like that.
For a novella, this felt *so long.* A lot of that stems from coming into it immediately after reading the Anonymous Hookup. I know it's supposed to be the same story in Sam's perspective, but I was hoping for new scenes and for his perspective to reveal things we didn't already know. And I didn't get that.
The story is rehashed very closely. The dialogue is almost entirely taken directly from the previous book, with only a few lines of Sam's thoughts added each time. And they were thoughts that could easily be gleaned from the previous novella.
There are a few scenes of Sam with his coworkers, but they are short and don't add much. I read the whole thing just waiting for that new scene that would be worth it but... it never came. If anything I feel like most of what was added was more sex scenes and extended descriptions of the sex scenes that were in the previous book. As I said in my review of the Anonymous Hookup, I generally don't like sex scenes in books, and I tend to skim them. That worked in the Anonymous Hookup, but here it didn't leave enough new material to make the story feel complete.
I also don't think this stands alone nearly as well as the previous one. It feels much more insta-love-y than Lane's perspective, somehow, even though it's the same series of events. Sam doesn't seem to have as much depth as Lane did, as a character, and everything ends up feeling sort of hollow.
Overall I would recommend the Anonymous Hookup over this one, and wouldn't necessarily recommend reading both, unless you're really desperate for Sam's POV. And then just go into it knowing that it's not going to add much.
*Thanks to Jax Calder for providing an early copy for review.
For a novella, this felt *so long.* A lot of that stems from coming into it immediately after reading the Anonymous Hookup. I know it's supposed to be the same story in Sam's perspective, but I was hoping for new scenes and for his perspective to reveal things we didn't already know. And I didn't get that.
The story is rehashed very closely. The dialogue is almost entirely taken directly from the previous book, with only a few lines of Sam's thoughts added each time. And they were thoughts that could easily be gleaned from the previous novella.
There are a few scenes of Sam with his coworkers, but they are short and don't add much. I read the whole thing just waiting for that new scene that would be worth it but... it never came. If anything I feel like most of what was added was more sex scenes and extended descriptions of the sex scenes that were in the previous book. As I said in my review of the Anonymous Hookup, I generally don't like sex scenes in books, and I tend to skim them. That worked in the Anonymous Hookup, but here it didn't leave enough new material to make the story feel complete.
I also don't think this stands alone nearly as well as the previous one. It feels much more insta-love-y than Lane's perspective, somehow, even though it's the same series of events. Sam doesn't seem to have as much depth as Lane did, as a character, and everything ends up feeling sort of hollow.
Overall I would recommend the Anonymous Hookup over this one, and wouldn't necessarily recommend reading both, unless you're really desperate for Sam's POV. And then just go into it knowing that it's not going to add much.
*Thanks to Jax Calder for providing an early copy for review.
April 4, 2025
I need to stress that this is NOT a sequel to Lane and Sam’s story. It’s the SAME story, only from Sam’s POV instead of Lane’s. The only thing different is that there’s an epilogue at the end of the book that shows them a decade down the road. If you read the books back-to-back, you’ll literally be reading the same things – line by line – in a lot of places. This worked for me because I love these guys together, but it might not work for others.
I enjoyed this every bit as much as I did The Anonymous Hookup. Hell, maybe more. In the first book I liked Lane okay, but I LOVED Sam. That didn't change. If anything, I ended this loving him more.
Full review can be found at -
I enjoyed this every bit as much as I did The Anonymous Hookup. Hell, maybe more. In the first book I liked Lane okay, but I LOVED Sam. That didn't change. If anything, I ended this loving him more.
Full review can be found at -
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