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Hooked
Librarian Note: See Alternate Cover Edition HERE.
Victoria has it all. She is bright, beautiful and the envy of her colleagues. Yet, despite her success, she knows deep down something is missing. On a leisurely trip to Italy, she meets with destiny in a way that will change her life forever. Destiny being a gorgeous man atop a motorcycle. Mateo is everything Victoria is not. He sees the beauty of life in a way she doesn’t. Against her better judgement, Victoria steps into Mateo’s world. She will never be the same. Experience the passion, regret, and rediscovery that sends a young woman's heart on a roller coaster ride of emotion. This book contains sexual content and situations suitable only for mature readers.
Victoria has it all. She is bright, beautiful and the envy of her colleagues. Yet, despite her success, she knows deep down something is missing. On a leisurely trip to Italy, she meets with destiny in a way that will change her life forever. Destiny being a gorgeous man atop a motorcycle. Mateo is everything Victoria is not. He sees the beauty of life in a way she doesn’t. Against her better judgement, Victoria steps into Mateo’s world. She will never be the same. Experience the passion, regret, and rediscovery that sends a young woman's heart on a roller coaster ride of emotion. This book contains sexual content and situations suitable only for mature readers.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2014
13 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Clarke
11 books16 followersI'm a Toronto based author with roots in Western Europe. I've left the service industry to focus on my literary work and enjoy writing about romance , relationships and the path that is life!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 24, 2016
I have to say this book was not what I expected. I was thrilled to be asked to read this book by the author for my honest review. And when I started reading it on his website (the first 4 or so chapters are there) I wanted more!! So I was gifted a copy and immediately started devouring the pages. From the details of the location to the emotions of the characters, I was sucked into Victoria's journey and was praying for her HEA! Now Victoria isn't the usual heroine I would follow, but there is just something about her brilliance in the working world and ignorance when it comes to love, that just made me completely fall in love with her character. We see her at the top of her game as an analyst, and yet clueless as to how to process the emotions she feels, which is exactly what happens when she is on vacation and meets the sweet and simple, yet totally handsome Mateo. Communication with their bodies is not lacking, but their language barrier (being Victoria's lack of relationship experience and more critical nature) ends their foreign love affair all too soon.
Time heals most wounds of the heart, but Victoria will have a few more speedbumps along the way to finding a forever love. When Victoria meets Peter on a lunch break, they slowly unfold into a friendship and then begin a semi-romantic relationship. When the proposal comes, I have to say...I kind of expected more heat...but Peter is written as a very simple soul. He loved her and it seemed from the way the book goes, that the love was less than physical and more of needs being fulfilled. When Victoria comes to the realization that he is her happily ever after, they plan the most beautiful wedding scene I've read, it felt like you were right there seated in the audience and watching the dramatic conclusion unfold before you. I wont give more away, well maybe a little, the story is a complete, whole heart wrenchingly beautiful tale of finding ones true love or soul mate. And when you get "Hooked", you will understand, because you become hooked on this love story, that - that kind of love is worth fighting for.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a journey through one woman's adventures of finding a love that keeps you 'hooked'. #oneclick #mustread #romance
Time heals most wounds of the heart, but Victoria will have a few more speedbumps along the way to finding a forever love. When Victoria meets Peter on a lunch break, they slowly unfold into a friendship and then begin a semi-romantic relationship. When the proposal comes, I have to say...I kind of expected more heat...but Peter is written as a very simple soul. He loved her and it seemed from the way the book goes, that the love was less than physical and more of needs being fulfilled. When Victoria comes to the realization that he is her happily ever after, they plan the most beautiful wedding scene I've read, it felt like you were right there seated in the audience and watching the dramatic conclusion unfold before you. I wont give more away, well maybe a little, the story is a complete, whole heart wrenchingly beautiful tale of finding ones true love or soul mate. And when you get "Hooked", you will understand, because you become hooked on this love story, that - that kind of love is worth fighting for.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a journey through one woman's adventures of finding a love that keeps you 'hooked'. #oneclick #mustread #romance
July 18, 2021
I was gifted this book .. and Honestly did not know what to expect as I have never read or heard of this author ...
the main characters are ....Victoria and Mateo and they truly are written to have great chemistry.
Victoria is at the top of her game as an analyst, and so totally clueless as to how to process emotions she feels, because she grew up not having any examples...which is exactly what happens when she is on vacation ... she meets the sweet and caring,kind.., yet totally handsome Mateo.
Communication with their bodies is not lacking, but she creates a language barrier (being Victoria's lack of relationship experience and more critical nature) ends their foreign love affair... for it is her time to head back but she instead scolds him due to her thinking and causes a heartbreaking end to their fantasy world.... causing it to end all too soon.
The saying is "Time heals all wounds" ... well most wounds of the heart,maybe... but Victoria will have a few more bumps along the way to finding a forever love. She meets a Guy I thought for sure was a mafiosa .. turns out was just a player .. hahahaa
with her broken heart she returns to Matteo only to find him involved with a woman who cares nothing for Matteo..
as Victoria seems to still desire and love him... so sadly she returns to Chicago still with a damaged heart and feelings that seem to be everywhere..
Then Victoria meets Peter on a lunch break, they slowly unfold into a friendship and then begin a semi-romantic relationship.
When the proposal comes, I have to say...I was a tad disappointed... where was the steamy love, the chemistry,..
but Peter is written to be a very simple mineded person... He loved her and it seemed from the way the book goes, that the love was less than physical and more of needs being fulfilled. When Victoria comes to the realization that he is her happily ever after, they plan the most beautiful wedding scene,
it felt like you were right there watching the dramatic conclusion unfold before you.
The story is a complete, whole heart wrenchingly beautiful tale of finding ones true love or soul mate.
And what happens when you are unsure of Life and how to accept certain things in life ....you become "hooked" on this love story, as the main characters search out their Love for one another... IS that the kind of love worth fighting for? .
I truly enjoyed reading this story of finding love and the soulmate we all wish we could find in our lives ....
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a journey through a couples adventures of finding a love that keeps you seeking to be 'hooked'. was a great read.. this is an honest review share by me was not promised anything in return...
the main characters are ....Victoria and Mateo and they truly are written to have great chemistry.
Victoria is at the top of her game as an analyst, and so totally clueless as to how to process emotions she feels, because she grew up not having any examples...which is exactly what happens when she is on vacation ... she meets the sweet and caring,kind.., yet totally handsome Mateo.
Communication with their bodies is not lacking, but she creates a language barrier (being Victoria's lack of relationship experience and more critical nature) ends their foreign love affair... for it is her time to head back but she instead scolds him due to her thinking and causes a heartbreaking end to their fantasy world.... causing it to end all too soon.
The saying is "Time heals all wounds" ... well most wounds of the heart,maybe... but Victoria will have a few more bumps along the way to finding a forever love. She meets a Guy I thought for sure was a mafiosa .. turns out was just a player .. hahahaa
with her broken heart she returns to Matteo only to find him involved with a woman who cares nothing for Matteo..
as Victoria seems to still desire and love him... so sadly she returns to Chicago still with a damaged heart and feelings that seem to be everywhere..
Then Victoria meets Peter on a lunch break, they slowly unfold into a friendship and then begin a semi-romantic relationship.
When the proposal comes, I have to say...I was a tad disappointed... where was the steamy love, the chemistry,..
but Peter is written to be a very simple mineded person... He loved her and it seemed from the way the book goes, that the love was less than physical and more of needs being fulfilled. When Victoria comes to the realization that he is her happily ever after, they plan the most beautiful wedding scene,
it felt like you were right there watching the dramatic conclusion unfold before you.
The story is a complete, whole heart wrenchingly beautiful tale of finding ones true love or soul mate.
And what happens when you are unsure of Life and how to accept certain things in life ....you become "hooked" on this love story, as the main characters search out their Love for one another... IS that the kind of love worth fighting for? .
I truly enjoyed reading this story of finding love and the soulmate we all wish we could find in our lives ....
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a journey through a couples adventures of finding a love that keeps you seeking to be 'hooked'. was a great read.. this is an honest review share by me was not promised anything in return...
October 14, 2017
Ok so I finished this book a few days ago and so I felt the need to wait on writing my review to allow this story to completely sink in for me.
Victoria a successful business analyst, is a a well earned holiday to the beautiful country of Italy. Here she meets the very alluring Mateo who, in his way, teaches Victoria that there is a lot more to life.
So this isn't your regular girl meets boy story, it's not until the very last couple of pages do you find out the ending to this tale. So I found this authors descriptions of of Italy and explaining the characters surroundings fantastic, but I did find the characters lacked the authors shown talent in describing. Therefore, I found it hard to picture the characters and in most cases, I found it hard to connect.
Now don't get me wrong, this is still a great book to read. If I was to suggest anything more, personally, I would've loved an epilogue at the end, just so I could've had more closure on the story. Oh and maybe the book title doesn't really represent the storyline. If I was to suggest a title it would be along the lines of 'Better Judgement', because it seems all main characters a learning to use their better judgement. PS, without spoiling the ending, I was completely shocked by Peter's actions in the ending, I didn't think he had it in him.
Victoria a successful business analyst, is a a well earned holiday to the beautiful country of Italy. Here she meets the very alluring Mateo who, in his way, teaches Victoria that there is a lot more to life.
So this isn't your regular girl meets boy story, it's not until the very last couple of pages do you find out the ending to this tale. So I found this authors descriptions of of Italy and explaining the characters surroundings fantastic, but I did find the characters lacked the authors shown talent in describing. Therefore, I found it hard to picture the characters and in most cases, I found it hard to connect.
Now don't get me wrong, this is still a great book to read. If I was to suggest anything more, personally, I would've loved an epilogue at the end, just so I could've had more closure on the story. Oh and maybe the book title doesn't really represent the storyline. If I was to suggest a title it would be along the lines of 'Better Judgement', because it seems all main characters a learning to use their better judgement. PS, without spoiling the ending, I was completely shocked by Peter's actions in the ending, I didn't think he had it in him.
February 12, 2019
Loved this book. An enticing love story.
When Victoria takes a trip to Italy she not only has a vacation of a lifetime but meets the man of her dreams, or is he? Spending a week with Mateo has been everything she never knew she wanted. But when her time to leave comes and an argument ensues. Victoria realizes maybe this was all just a holiday romance.
While returning home and back to her daily life, she slowly falls for an amazing man that works nearby. Hoping she’s found her soulmate, they decide to wed in the fall.
But is he truly her the one?
So many fun and exciting parts to this book. Sweet romance, heartache and heartbreak, falling in love and learning about ones true self. This book has a little bit of something for everyone.
5/5
When Victoria takes a trip to Italy she not only has a vacation of a lifetime but meets the man of her dreams, or is he? Spending a week with Mateo has been everything she never knew she wanted. But when her time to leave comes and an argument ensues. Victoria realizes maybe this was all just a holiday romance.
While returning home and back to her daily life, she slowly falls for an amazing man that works nearby. Hoping she’s found her soulmate, they decide to wed in the fall.
But is he truly her the one?
So many fun and exciting parts to this book. Sweet romance, heartache and heartbreak, falling in love and learning about ones true self. This book has a little bit of something for everyone.
5/5
May 24, 2019
I was recently at a book signing and had the wonderful opportunity to meet this author. He’s new to me and I took a chance on reading his work. So glad I did!!
This story is a very different kind of romantic read. It’s a slow burner and sensual build up. Romantic prose on a page portraying one woman’s journey in the pursuit of once in a life time love.
It’s about the character of a person no matter how pretty the package or how they got there. It’s success measured by the internal worth of a person.
I loved reading about Victoria and Mateo’s journey to each other. Very realistic and can easily identify with the characters.
If you’re looking for a different read, this is it! Loved it! Highly recommend, 5 out of 5 stars.
This story is a very different kind of romantic read. It’s a slow burner and sensual build up. Romantic prose on a page portraying one woman’s journey in the pursuit of once in a life time love.
It’s about the character of a person no matter how pretty the package or how they got there. It’s success measured by the internal worth of a person.
I loved reading about Victoria and Mateo’s journey to each other. Very realistic and can easily identify with the characters.
If you’re looking for a different read, this is it! Loved it! Highly recommend, 5 out of 5 stars.
June 12, 2019
Finding out who you really are
I really loved this story because it kept me on my toes. I loved Mateo because hes this quiet guy who values hard work and simple things life has to offer. Victoria was another matter for me because at first i didn't like her at all. I found her selfish and uncaring. But slowly my feelings towards her as the story continued as her outlook on life changed. I liked Peter in the beginning but as he gained success and wealth, he began to change which had me not caring for him at all. The story ends exactly how it should have. After you have read this book I recommend you read a tale of james next.
I really loved this story because it kept me on my toes. I loved Mateo because hes this quiet guy who values hard work and simple things life has to offer. Victoria was another matter for me because at first i didn't like her at all. I found her selfish and uncaring. But slowly my feelings towards her as the story continued as her outlook on life changed. I liked Peter in the beginning but as he gained success and wealth, he began to change which had me not caring for him at all. The story ends exactly how it should have. After you have read this book I recommend you read a tale of james next.
June 14, 2019
I enjoyed the message the author conveyed throughout this book, to embrace life, seeking happiness inspite of what others may think. Victoria is a woman who always did what was asked of her by her family, friends and coworkers. Her job was her life. She thought having a good job, making money to pay her bills was all that mattered. A vacation to Italy changed her perspective on life by meeting a Spainard named Matteo. He was her polar opposite in every way. Victoria's life is in Chicago. So much happens in Victoria's life. The ending I did not expect. I did not give this book 5 stars because I felt it was too wordy!
May 12, 2020
Out of all the books I have read by this author I have to say this is my least favourite. That is not to say it was a bad story because it WAS NOT. It was a good story, just not my cup of tea. I really liked Mateo and Peter. I found Victoria a bit prudish at first, but as the story proceeds she changes and grows.
September 10, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And honestly I couldn't wait to be finished with it. It was so badly written, so random sometimes, that I had to put it down. And I dreaded picking it back up. Victoria was so childish at times, and so smart at other times. The men are not at all developed. I liked Mateo at first, but he had no passion, no feeling at times. And Peter was just plain boring.The only thing it has going for it was that it has a HEA ending.
November 1, 2016
Outstanding
I am impressed by the talent and skill of this wonderful new author.
The story flowed effortlessly. The passion and drama were perfect with the right amount of fire...a must tread
I am impressed by the talent and skill of this wonderful new author.
The story flowed effortlessly. The passion and drama were perfect with the right amount of fire...a must tread
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September 22, 2015Dnf
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews