The Hookup

First & Forever Stories #13

by Alexa Land

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas

When Ryder and I met in Las Vegas, both of us were clear about one thing—this was just a hookup, nothing more.

Neither of us was looking for a relationship. Besides, we came from totally different worlds. I was an aspiring fashion designer from San Francisco, and he was a cowboy running a horse rescue in rural Texas.

Even so, that Sin City hookup led to another. And another.

We know we should stop before someone gets hurt. But every time we get together, every time he holds me and touches me and whispers my name, I find myself wondering—is there any world where Ryder and I could make this work? Or were we right from the start, and is an occasional hookup the best we can ever hope for?

This low-angst, opposites attract gay romance is part of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever Stories collection. It features a dual point of view, and it can be read as a stand-alone.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

About the author

Independent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/

Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.

Reviews

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about beautiful Fashion designer, Hal, and Rescued Horse Ranch owner, all cowboy, Ryder.
They meet and have a one night stand, but that will never be enough with these two. As Ryder is on the ranch, Hal is nearby and the chances they find each other are 100%.
The men are wonderful in each of their ways, and drawn to the other. Both learn lessons as they get dee[er into the romance. It's fun, exciting, super sexy and a wonderful read.
ENJOY !

=====

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5

Loved the characters. The MCs were honestly great and so sweet. The story itself was just really boring. So much info we didn’t need and their dialogue just didn’t seem natural.

Safe. No cheating (both were cheated on), no OM drama and almost but no third act break up. HEA (engaged)

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, stopping at just 28%. I'm having to skim wordy tours through reaction/emotion/reasons, but worse, I'm not at all interested in either character.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Ryder and Hal in a previous book in the series, but it was left as their supposedly one-time hook-up. Ryder lives on a ranch in Texas and Hal is a fashion design student in San Francisco - living with friends in the pink Victorian. In this book, we find out that once was never going to be enough. Ryder and Hal navigate the world of a long-distance romance, as their love continues to deepen. Although it all seems impossible, their true love and commitment to each other has a way of helping them find their HEA.

[Faith Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous addition to the series. City fella Hal meets Cowboy Ryder in Vegas. Their connection is instant, and what begins as a long-distance romance turns into so much more. I love seeing past characters, especially those who live in the big pink Victorian. Ryder isn't your typical cowboy, but instead, a great big softy. Love him for Hal.

[Tracy Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe… I loved this book hard! So sweet and heart rendering. I loved Hal and Ryder and I’m so happy they got their HEA!

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I found it romantic and involving and I was so happy with the ending which was perfect. Never thought of visiting Texas but would love to see the blue bonnets blooming.