The Hook Up

by Shaw Hart

Auden
Opening my own design firm in Lilac Harbor was hard, but things are finally starting to break my way.
Then I meet my new neighbor and the bane of my existence.
Wade Collins.
He's a grumpy jerk.
He's also my partner for a big remodel that I've been hired for.
Working with Wade is going to be difficult, but nothing that I can't handle.
Except, the more time that I spend with him, the more that I start to like him.
Maybe by the end of this project we can even be friends.

Wade
I've been in love with Auden Laurie since high school.
We got off on the wrong foot though, and I never managed to fix it.
Now we're working together and I know that this is my chance to finally win my girl over.
She want to be friends and bury any hatchets, which is a good start, but I want more.
I want all of her.
I just need to figure out how to make her mine.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2024

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. Looking for some flirty, feel good reads? Then check out her books on Amazon!

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Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hook Up is Book 2 of Lilac Harbor. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, grumpy-sunshine, forced-proximity, small-town, curvy girl gets her hunk second-chance romance. Aiden is a plus-size, smart, sassy, driven, and curvy interior designer. Wade is a hunky, grumpy, somewhat introverted contractor who is her new next-door neighbor as well as partner for a new refurbishing project. They also went to high school together and both crushed on each other but never made their feelings known. Wade had a hard life being raised in the foster care system and wasn't overly social in school. The two get off to a rocky start the day that Wade moves in, but as they begin to work together, old feelings resurface, and Wade doesn't want to let her go again. But can he let down his walls and let her in? This couple really had such great chemistry. I loved the found family theme, and the HEA was amazing after some minor angst. I loved it and loved how their family all came together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auden and Wade's story pulled me in from the beginning. Entertaining and steamy with banter between the two. They met years ago while in fifth grade when Wade's family moved to the town. He has been in love with her ever since. Though he kept that to himself. Turns out Auden also had a crush on him. Somehow these two find a way to make it work and find an HEA

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden has just landed a new big client “Montgomery” in her Design Firm. Her best friends Arlow-Clay and Cupcakes, and Lena-Baker and manager of the cupcakes here the great news they want to celebrate but she just wants to settle in for the night. Auden is so excited for the client but her attention has also diverted to the new neighbor moving in. As she jams out getting ready for her bath. The pounding at the door draws her attention and when she opens that door. Wade Collins’ her high school crush.
Wade Collins moved to Lilac Harbor in fifth grade and that is when he first met Auden. He has been in love with her since then and it just grew but even though she is his dream girl the first impression he just made was not good. He has always been awkward around people, never feeling like he belonged. His crush went on for years because he never talked to her.
Cute story of the shy guy in school, crossing paths with the girl from him dreams. Maybe this time he can make the girl his. Girl determined with work and the future that she is allowing life to pass her by.
Book has topics of loneliness, self-image and worthiness, two individuals that are too in their head to live life. Story plays along as the two play the “what if’s” game in their heads. The connection and passion that Wade and Auden share is special.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden has her own design business in Lilac Falls and was hired for a "job of a lifetime" doing a total makeover for an old bank that will be renovated. Wade is in charge of the building renovations. He has been in love with Auden for years and hasn't seen her since they graduated high school. He was known as a grump who didn't socialize. Unbeknownst to Auden, Wade has moved into the vacant house next to hers. Imagine her shock when he bangs on her door, and she opens it in only a towel! He asks her to lower her music and leaves. Once she shows up at her design job, she is hit with another surprise. Wade is the contractor working with her on the renovation.

Wade grew up in the foster system and learned to keep his head down and not get attached to people. He believes this job will give him a chance to connect with Auden at a more personal level. Over time, they share their life experiences with one another and their feelings deepen.

It's a beautiful story of love, finding oneself, and building a life with someone. My only issue is that the title, "The Hook Up". It makes the book sound like it's about a one-night stand, rather than a deep love between two people. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thisbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers* Auden finally gets a big new client for her interior design company, she is very excited to start the remodeling of an old building, putting a lot of effort and heart into it. The night before she shall start her new neighbour rings her bell, to complain about her loud music. It is Wade, the only boy, now man, she ever had a crush on. Wade has fallen for Auden since he saw her for the first time in the fifth grade. He never felt worthy enough, living in forster homes. He fought hard to provide for himself. Now he wants to remodel the house, he bought, besides working as a contractor. He is a gruff and broody man and his people skills are not the best. So the conversation with Auden is not the best, she wants to slam her door in his face. The next day they find out, that they work for the same project. They agree to to try to be friendly with each other, but both want more. Working side by side brings them closer together and deepen their feelings, realizing what is reall important and overcome the fear of loss.
Shaw Hart creates a town/ own world, in which we meet characters again. I love that,like meeting old and new friends. Wade is a brooding and shy guy, I liked that about him and in the end the two are perfet for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BossyDani · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of facing your fears and finding someone to stand by! Auden and Wade both have “what if” thoughts about school and regrets regarding eachother. Now, Auden is on the cusp of her dream job designing a remodel and she discovers Wade is the construction manager. To complicate matters, he has moved in next to her and their first encounter was a grumpy, rude moment. But he endeavors to redeem himself and support her work.

Auden wants a simple hook up to lose her virginity but Wade is more than that. And he has his own hangups and worries. They both struggle with loss and fear of losing more. I loved the message that you don’t have to do life alone. Find someone—a partner, found family or friends—to be there for you and you can be there for them.

Shaw Hart writes a vivid community with terrific supporting characters and even a great fancy restaurant I want in my town! Short rib gnocchi sounds amazing! 😊

My favorite line was when they realized: “It’s not about grand gestures or big declarations; it’s about the simple, quiet moments that make everything else fade away.” That is the kind of romance I want to see. This book definitely delivers!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is back in town after college, starting her own design firm. He is her next door neighbor and the local contractor she will be working with on a new project. They went to school together, and he has had a crush on her since then, never thinking himself good enough he never told her. Now things are different and she looks at him with new eyes. This is such a sweet story of vulnerabilities. They both have past trauma to heal from but in this case most of the baggage is his from growing up an unwanted foster kid. He definitely has instalove for her, and she is not far behind. They are both worried and confused but want to be the other. The character development was good especially for him, giving him very complex feelings to work through given the way he grew up. They get spicy and it is steamy but this is overwhelming a sweet story that really has you rooting for true love. The Epilogue gives you a sweet view into their future and their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden Laurie opened her own design firm after college in her hometown of Lilac Harbor. She has just landed a big job doing the Montgomery remodel.

Wade Collins grew up in the foster care system. At fifteen, he was lucky enough to be placed with Ray, who was a stable influence for Wade for the remainder of high school. He ends up buying a house that he intends to remodel and flip. The day he moves in, he finds out that he is now next door neighbors with Auden. He has been in love with Auden since high school.

The next morning, he goes to his new remodeling job. He is the contractor for the Montgomery remodel and will be working with Auden. Auden is nervous because this is a crucial job for her business and she used to have a crush on Wade back in high school.

It was cute to watch both of them worry about still being attracted to each other. Both of them needed this remodel to go well but the sparks between them was undeniable. I was rooting for them to figure it out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 2 of the Lilac Harbor series and focuses on Wade and Auden. Wade has been in love with Auden since they were kids but he never quite got the courage to make a move due to their vastly different upbringings. Growing up, Wade struggled with being in foster care and never feeling like he truly belonged and didn’t think he was good enough for Auden. Little did he know that Auden felt the same way about him growing up. When they become neighbors and co-workers, they begin to fall for each other more and more but due to some internal struggles with both of them, they do have some push and pull until they finally lay it all out on the table and go after what they want. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auden and Wade had a thing for each other in high school but neither had the courage to speak up then. Years later they find themselves living next door to and working with each other and although their reunion doesn’t get off to the best start, over time their long-held feelings for each other grow. However, they both hold back from declaring their feelings because of their own anxieties and insecurities. This is a fulfilling story of a gentle couple getting to know each slowly and finding out how much they have in common, and finding the courage to speak from their hearts. Shaw has created two genuine and sweet characters with complicated histories which add depth to the story, which is filled with tension, angst, steam and tenderness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina (Soter) Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

"È nella mia testa dal momento in cui mi sono svegliato questa mattina e, se devo essere sincero, è lì da molto più tempo. C'è qualcosa in lei, qualcosa di più del modo in cui sorride o del modo in cui i suoi occhi si illuminano quando è entusiasta di un nuovo progetto. È il modo in cui mi fa sentire. Come se forse, solo forse, valessi qualcosa di più della somma delle mie parti."

" “Ti voglio così tanto”.
Si tira indietro quel tanto che basta per guardarmi negli occhi, il suo respiro si fa rapido e superficiale. “Allora prendimi, Wade. Sono tua”.
E in quel momento, con quelle parole, tutto va al suo posto. Questa non è solo un'avventura, non è solo un momento di passione. È qualcosa di più, qualcosa di vero, qualcosa che ho aspettato per tutta la vita. E mentre la bacio di nuovo, perdendomi nel suo tocco, so una cosa per certo.
Non la lascerò mai andare."

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winning the contract from the Montgomery’s as the interior designer for the building they are renovating is the opportunity Auden has always wanted. What she didn’t know is that the contractor is the boy who never noticed her in high school and happens to be her cantankerous neighbor.

Wade had feelings for Auden when they were in high school however he was afraid to act on them as he believed she deserved more than he could give her. Now that they are working together the sparks fly between them, but they had some bumps along the way.

The feelings and chemistry between them were never in question however Wade has some insecurities from his past that he will need to overcome if they are to have a future together.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Hook Up Book 2 of Lilac Harbor. Auden can’t believe Wade is her new neighbor. She had a huge crush on him in high school. Finding out she’s going to be working with him was a shock but they get along so well and have great chemistry Wade can’t believe it’s Auden, his high school crush. He’s been in love with her forever. Can this guy with no family admit his love foe the girl next door? They both have insecurities and it’s affecting their relationship. I loved the story and the characters. Sometimes we make what is so simple, too hard. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hook Up: An small town romance story of Auden and Wade..Book 2 of Lilac Harbor ...The 2 known each other when they were younger.. a quiet kid and been bullied because of it and also being a foster kid and his crush,the girl who likes with everyone..Now years later they were both living in their small town next door to each other and working side by side... is there a romance and hea for them? read it to find out! A quick,interesting,sweet, and lovely read..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4*
An enjoyable sweet small town romance. Auden and Wade were aware of each other back in high school and now they are reunited on a construction project. Each had insecurities about pursuing one another especially now that they are grown. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow but I will admit at times it seemed a bit repetitive. Storyline is sweet with a side of spice with each of them overcoming vulnerabilities and doubts to find a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden opened her own design firm in Lilac Harbor after college. She has finally landed a big job that could open doors for her. Her new neighbor is none other than her high school crush, Wade. He is the contractor on the same project.

Wade has known that Auden is the only woman for him but he is constantly sticking his foot in his mouth or not saying anything. He has been a loner for all his life, can he risk putting himself out there?

This is steamy read with a lot of drama of Wade's making.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Shaw Hart has done it again. The Hook Up was a great second chance romance. Auden is finally achieving her goal of starting her own design firm. The last person she expects to work with on her big project is her new grumpy neighbor and teenage crush Wade Collins. Wade and Auden had crushes on each other in school but neither one ever said anything. Now years later they are living next door to eaves other and despite Wade's grumpy demeanor the more time they spend together, the more Auden begins to see the real Wade. Great read.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

writing was confusing and story felt disjointed

I kept feeling like I skipped a chapter or it was out of order, especially towards the end. The characters were confused and I was confused as why they were confused. Overall, felt like this story was lacking a plot point or two. I could not follow the timeline at all and every time it felt like they resolved something it would come up again in the next chapter. Definitely a first for me as I don’t remember ever noticing this with other Shaw Hart stories.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden is back in her hometown after college and opening her design firm. Wade is her next door neighbor and has been in love with Auden since high school. When they are working on the same project together things take some sweet and steamy turns. This is a well written, steamy read with well developed characters, drama, and a great ending. The Hook Up is book two and a great addition to the Lilac Harbor series. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My heart hurt so much for Wade (H) because of his past and how unsure he felt about himself. Auden (h) at first was sassy but then she also turned so unsure as well. For me this book made my heart sad. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this book, it's beautifully written, I just don't enjoy a lot of angst.

Dual v-cards

Safe read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden has finally made it!! She moved back to her hometown and started her own design business and she has landed her biggest client to date. Now there is an unexpected twist. Her neighbor and the contractor on the project she is working on is her high school crush, Wade. He has actually had a crush on her since high school also but he was just too shy to do anything about it. Now that they are grown will Wade finally make his move?

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auden and Wade grew up together and had secret crushes on one another. Now, years later, Wade moves in next door to Auden and they get off to a tough start. But as they work together on s project, old feelings resurface. Can they get the chance to be together now? The chemistry sizzles in this short story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving this series. Its sweet but there's still some drama thrown in there.
Wade and Auden knew each other in high school.. They both liked each other but were afraid to tell the other person. Will that follow them into adulthood or will they finally get over their fears and make the leap to their happily ever after??
I really liked both main characters and it was so good to see them grow throughout the story..
5⭐
2.5🌶

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Lilac Harbor. This is a fast paced instalove short story. I enjoyed the awkward meeting between Auden and Wade. Wade has a lot of insecurities due to growing up in foster care which leads to miscommunication between him and Auden. Enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auden and Wade's story was wonderful. These two have been in love with each other for years but neither said anything. Now, Auden and Wade are put on a project together and while they started off a little bumpy, these two were about to fall even more for each other and finally get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Wade and Auden have super hot chemistry that made their relationship even better. They were passionate and enjoyed each others company. There were some skeletons in Wade's closet that made him scared to move forward but the love of good woman can be the magical cure. This is a definite must read.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute small town romance. It was a short well written story that had a great pace. I loved that it was characters who had a shared backstory, it made the story feel more real. Auden and Wade had really good chemistry and I liked them together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started reading Auden and Wade's story, I didn't want to put it down. They have been friends for a long time and both had feelings deeper than friendship for the other. They have to work through some miscommunications in order to make things work. I recommend reading this enjoyable book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hook Up is Auden and Wade's HEA. Wade has been in love with Auden for years. She had a crush on him in high school. They are hired to work on the same job, and they both realize those feelings didn't fade.
It was sweet and I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Wade and Auden’s story. Wade has been in love with Auden Laurie since high school.
They got off on the wrong foot, and he never managed to fix it. Now they're working together, and he has his chance to finally win her over. She wants to be friends which is a good start, but he wants more. It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.