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The HookUp #1

The Hookup

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A brand new smoldering romance book from New York Times Bestseller JS Cooper

How Do You Know When You’ve Found True Love?

Janie Ryan has always dreamed of meeting her Prince Charming. The one guy that will sweep her off of her feet and carry her away into the sunset. All she wants is the fairytale love and she’s willing to change everything in her life to find and be with the one. Even if that means doing the unthinkable.

He was a Knight in shining armor according to himself
Nate Lexington is bossy, charming, handsome, and quite possibly the most annoying man I’ve ever met in my life. He’s also my best friend. He treats me like his little sister and if he could run my life he would. Only I don’t let him. Much to his chagrin. Nate thinks I live my life with my head in the clouds and all he does is groan when I tell him about my quest for true love.

He was the devil in disguise according to Nate
Dylan Mason is the sexiest man I’ve ever met in my life. I met and fell for him in a weekend. He swept me off of my feet and my heart became his in an instant. He was a charmer, a rogue, a devious manipulator. I didn't care. He was the one I’d been waiting my whole life to meet. He was Mr. Perfection himself.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2018

316 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read

About the author

J.S. Cooper

258 books5,428 followers

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5 stars
144 (32%)
4 stars
109 (24%)
3 stars
99 (22%)
2 stars
50 (11%)
1 star
43 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Renee.
5,206 reviews73 followers
January 11, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher.

The Hookup is about Janie. Janie has always believed in love at first sight. She first laid eyes on Nathan in college across the room and knew in that second that she was in love with him and that they were meant to be together and would be together. However Nathan was a little reluctant, flirted with her friend Alyson some, and just didn't seem to be all that in to Janie one minute and then all about her the next. This is where my problem came in with this book. Janie needed some self esteem or some education on dating and how not everyone believes in love at first sight and how you don't see a guy across the room and fall in love instantly. I wanted to shake this girl so many times. It is like her believes are suck in a constant fairy tale loop and Prince Charming was going to come and whisk her away at any moment. The Hookup takes us though college and then real life with all these characters up until the point of a vacation. This is where the book ends and you are left waiting on the next book to finally find out what happens and if Janie changes any at all. I usually devour everything that J.S. Cooper writes but I had a hard time with this book and it was because of Janie. I hope she doesn't get on yall's nerves like she did mine.
Profile Image for susan.
78 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2018
Ugh.......

I loved everyone of this author’s books but...... I got the prequel to this book and couldn’t wait for this one. I was really disappointed. The first few chapters was the prequel! Then it was like another novella and bam, preorder the next one? It didn’t have the flow that her other books had and it felt rushed. I hate not having an ending but I also hate spending money on something that I’m afraid I’ll be disappointed in again. Not sure wasting another $4.00 is gonna happen. I guess we’ll see come February. Honestly, if this would have been the first book of hers, I don’t think I would read any others.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
January 12, 2018
I've read several of J. S. Cooper's books and I really enjoyed them, but I'm not sure what to think about her latest release "The Hookup". The storyline was good, as were most of the characters. I just couldn't get fully into the story and I think that was because of the main character, Janie. I found her to be really annoying and couldn't believe that someone could be that naïve when it comes to "love". She lived on a fairytale cloud while in college and then 7 years after she's still living on that same cloud.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Merged review:

I've read several of J. S. Cooper's books and I really enjoyed them, but I'm not sure what to think about her latest release "The Hookup". The storyline was good, as were most of the characters. I just couldn't get fully into the story and I think that was because of the main character, Janie. I found her to be really annoying and couldn't believe that someone could be that naïve when it comes to "love". She lived on a fairytale cloud while in college and then 7 years after she's still living on that same cloud.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shaunta.
195 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2018
Mmmmm

This was different then I thought based on the teasers. It seemed a bit rushed until about 60% and there were a number of spelling errors. I wanted to throttle Janie and felt Anabel was a saint for putting up with her when Janie needed a firm smack across the face into reality. The reconnection between Janie and Nate I would have liked to read abit about that because I couldn't really connect with them. It wasn't bad, I enjoyed your other series far better.
Profile Image for William.
2,803 reviews29 followers
June 11, 2018
Fun Quick read

I really enjoyed this tale. It was a bit of self realization of what one really wants in a romance, and whether it's ok to just hook up for the pleasurable aspect. Relationships are work, an this spells it out quite clearly
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
563 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2018
Oh man, where to start. I usually LOVE JS Cooper books, so with being said, I was really disappointed in this one.

This story is told through a series of flashbacks and Janie is the heroine. Janie believes in love and finding ‘The One’. She feels that she will just know when she has met her perfect match. Unfortunately, she feels this feeling with just about every guy she comes across. With the flashbacks that occurred through college, I found Janie to be very whiny, immature and just out right annoying. She’s 19, but acts like she is in middle school. Unfortunately, seven years later, she is still immature and whiny. Her best friend, Alyson is ambivalent as a character. Sometimes, I think she’s a saint for putting up with Janie and other times, she’s just as snippy and irritating.

Another character is the hero, Nate (and I use the words hero/heroine loosely). Despite Janie, knowing he was the one, Nate was a little reluctant. He liked Janie, but pictured her as the clingy type and he wasn’t looking for a relationship since he was a senior in college. This was a problem since he seemed to like her. He was also friendly to Alyson, Janie’s best friend, and this created some conflict between all three characters. Janie couldn’t handle this friendliness and then came across as hot and cold towards Nate. Since he didn’t know what was happening, he then appeared as hot and cold towards Janie.

Like I said, I usually love and devour what she writes, but this one it was hard to choke down and finish. I was then slightly perturbed when I got to the ending. The Hookup takes us through their stages in life. That being college, the real world, a vacation and this is where it ends. Really?? No resolution between all involved nor do we see if Janie truly matures. The follow-up book is The Takedown.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,296 reviews46 followers
January 13, 2018

The book was great but I have to admit that I was disappointed that the first few chapters were actually the prequel and also there was a cliffhanger. Negatives out of the way, it was a great book with wonderful characters and an engaging storyline. Janie and Nate reconnect and then there is Dylan. Cute story with lots of twists, but no spoiler here. I read an advance copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Noreen.
102 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2018
Let me first say, I absolutely hate the practice of taking a complete story and breaking it into multiple parts and then releasing each part of the story as a book, but at least if I know that is the case I can avoid books like that, this was not the case with this book.

First I got the prequel to this book called "That Guy" which I new was the prequel and thus not a complete story, but then I purchased this book expecting the rest of the story, only to find that the first 30% of this book was actually just the prequel I already read. So after skipping through to the new content I again expected to get the rest of the story. If only the book were as detailed as the teaser for the book. Only a portion of what is described in the book teaser is actually in the book. The supposed guy she falls for in a weekend, never happens, she barley knows him after matching on a dating app and going on one date, she plans to spend more time with him and then low and behold the book abruptly ends.

At this point you are encouraged to buy the sequel to the book, which in actuality is just the rest of this book!! A sequel implies another story after the conclusion of the first story, this story never concluded.

Now if authors want to sell more books by doing this, that is their prerogative, but I wish they would warn their readers before hand that this is not a complete story and they will need to buy future books to get the whole story, at least give the reader the option if they want to wait for and then buy future books. It is rather deceptive to have a books content be a certain size implying you are getting a full book, only to have 30% be previous content and then end the book at 90% with previews for other content, and not even provide as much of the story as is advertised in the teaser.

Although I would like to know how it ends, not so sure I will be buying the next book or any other from this author, for fear of the same practice of promising a story then only delivering half with the requirement to buy more to get the rest.
288 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2020
Not what I was expecting

I had really big expectations for this book. But was so disappointed!! Wow! Talk about a buzz kill. This book was for sure. In the first of the book the h/H are really good friends. The H is cooking for H but he ghosts her. She finds out he was with another girl! Doesn't matter if the h/H were just friends or more, you don't ditch someone like that. The H had a back home back then. She didn't speak to him for four years!! Good for her. Now they've been Best Friends for three years. She has female best friend too. I wish she her listened to this best friend more. Hate makes decisions for her and she lets him. He set her up, with a college friend, from his past, on a dating site. Then got all upset that she went and had a good time! When he tells her what he did, she doesn't kick him to the curb like she should have, they watch tv, in bed, in their underwear!! Then she can't figure out why he is all over her and having oral sex!!!!! To say I skipped a bunch of pages would be and under statement!! It wasn't a cute, romantic, comedy to me. It was a book about a girl who couldn't stand up for herself. How can anyone respect her and take her seriously, when she doesn't feel that way herself?? No! No! No! Mad at myself for wasting my time on a book that drove me crazy!!!!!!
30 reviews
January 31, 2018
Currently at 52% on kindle
Ok so I've gotten to like the middle of the story and I am just ready for the damn story to be over. I mean dont get me wrong, I am a HUGE fan of J.S. Cooper but OMG! boy did i hate this book. The heroine is really vapid and seems to only care about looks. The Nate character was a douche....complete and total wanker. The only character that seems to be a tad bit relateable is Anabel. Maybe, the story will improve as i continue but i highly doubt it.

OK I have finished reading the book....2 hours of my life I'm never getting back. And to make it worse, it ended on a bloody cliffhanger *scoff* like that would make me want to read the next book in the series. For those wondering, the next one is called The Takeover and I for one won't be reading it. It's just not worth it. Seriously people don't waste your time with this one.
Bye!
456 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2019
Desperate, Delusional and Dangerous

What has happened to this author? I read The Bachelor Plan right before this book and thought this author had written two of the most unlikeable female characters ever and then along comes Janie. Janie is delusional, she insta loves and then starts picking out her china pattern. She’s desperate but while she listens to what a man is telling her about not wanting a commitment she doesn’t hear him...most likely she’s still thinking about china patterns while he is speaking. Dangerous because she meets a total stranger online and then goes home with him. Janie is the type of hire who will go out on a double date and if she finds her friends’s guy hot will most likely give him a happy ending under the table. She is primed for a reality show and actually eats like a pig.
Profile Image for Melissa Best.
151 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2018
I absolutely loved this book for all of the reasons others didn't. These characters all had issues... Janie is a girl chasing love and she is clueless most of the time, Nate is also clueless to how he is treating his supposed best friend Janie and at the heart of it he is selfish, and Dylan we get to see a bit but from what I can tell he's a player who doesn't know how to interpret Janie so he's intrigued. Janie's best friend Anabel is basically the only adult in the mix with rational thoughts. I'm interested in seeing how this all plays out but it's clear everyone needs to grow up. It seems odd because of how I explained the characters but I LOVE it.... because it's real!!! This reminds me of so many situations from college and my early 20s. I am pumped for the next book!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,032 reviews
November 17, 2019
So “That Guy” was actually just the first 5 chapters of this book. The letter that she reads is not mentioned at the end of this book so I guess I can just hope by reading the next book I forgive out what the hell is going on. Once again the writing and editing is so bad but this is a quick read and I’m interested to see how it plays out. I mainly just feel bad for Janie because she’s just so naive. I would not recommend this series and I’m probably going to be mad at myself for wasting my time on it but it’s too late now.
Profile Image for Kelly.
25 reviews
February 6, 2022
The main character, Janie, is in love with her one time hookup and now best friend. She is so indecisive throughout the whole book. I felt like we were going in circles and got no closure during the story. The book ends on a cliffhanger which I already don’t love. I felt as though none of the characters relationships were healthy with each other and that Janie wasn’t allowed to have thoughts of her own. Her two best friends treated her like she was a child. I feel like the book could have been better if there was some sort of maturing that happened between college and the current timeline.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,578 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2018
The Hookup

Unsure about this story😊. Nate and Janie have had a friendship for many years, early college, yet after a time of disheartening feelings from Nate, towards Janie, not all is understood. Dylan a friend of Nates, encouraged by Nate to approach Janie, now feelings are confused, torn, hurt. This has become a not so sure what? Want to read more, yet unsure at end, if there is another book, sequel. Hoping so.
4 reviews
May 28, 2018
Disappointing

Throughout the book I kept feeling like I was missing something. It was very jumpy and felt rushed. I overlooked this because I normally like this author’s books so thought it would get better and I like the premise of the book. Then, as it is finally starting to get good and you think the weak protagonist is finally going to become empowered and take charge of her life, it ends! What was the point of that book?? So disappointing!
Profile Image for Jamie  Leigh.
6,567 reviews29 followers
January 24, 2018
So disappointed

I love J.S. Coopers books. But this one was very difficult to finish. The writing was great. As usual. But Janie got on my ever lasting nerve. What a massive whiney brat. & Nate is an inconsiderate jerk. I'll read the next book. Only to find out if they ever grow up.
182 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2018
Janie, has been in love with Nate since college, although it was unrequited love all those years ago, Janie had thought she moved passed it, until Nate pops back into her life and she is just she is trying to move on, unfortunately Nate butts in at every possible turn...
Cannot wait to see what Annabel and Janie plan for to do during the Belize trip, that snaps back reality for Nate...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Toi.
4,259 reviews
February 18, 2018
Keeps you on your toes

What happens when fall for the hot guy in college and you're still his buddy but it doesn't seem like he feels the same way and doesn't want you with the new guy you've become friends with .... looking forward to the rest of the story.
Profile Image for Sonja Schultz.
331 reviews
June 3, 2018
I don't really like Janie's character all that much, but I like the story and for a story like this I guess you would need a gullible innocent stupid girl to be the main character, also this book is a cliffhanger so be prepared to buy another book to continue the story.
Profile Image for Teresa Anderson.
384 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2018
Omg

Can't wait for the next one like to keep us hanging.. ..... I want it now please hurry prre ordered the takedown already..
Profile Image for Nereyda Treviño.
9 reviews
January 13, 2018
Great story!

I’m so glad Annabel is helping Jane! Nate needs to wake up! They both love each other but are afraid to take a risk that could end their friendship.
Profile Image for Melissa Alonso.
756 reviews
January 19, 2018
Read

Good read . Cliffhanger want the rest of the story .. not sure about Nate.. hope Jani get what she wants .. maybe they all will wake up .. hmm can't wait to see.
Profile Image for Veronica Mostel.
1,224 reviews
January 21, 2018
Wow

What a great book. Can't wait for the next. Can't wait to see what goes on. They both developed feelings and are afraid to act on them. Loved it
2,220 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2018
The Hookup

Interesting. A lot of back and forth with the characters. Some was confusing. Can't wait to read the next part of the story.
33 reviews
February 18, 2018
Good story

I like the story but not so much that it's in three books. Could have been all in one. Pretty expensive for such short books.
Profile Image for Casey Nortman.
10 reviews
February 20, 2018
Could barely finish

Unlikable characters. Janie is too needy and clingy and Nate is a selfish prick! Just not a great match, I was rooting for Dylan actually.
50 reviews
April 22, 2020
Couldn’t finish. Hard to follow. Scatterbrained, shallow characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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