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The Hookup Dilemma
Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, this laugh-out-loud #OwnVoices story proves that sometimes the least perfect arrangement can lead to something perfect for them.
Rashida Howard has never been a one-night-stand kind of woman, but she has good reason for making an exception with Elliott after meeting him in a bar. Cliché? Yes. Utterly amazing? Absolutely. Regrets? None.
Elliott Quinn is a workaholic. The one night he decides to break his routine, he has an encounter with the woman of his dreams. But no matter how amazing they are together, work will always come first.
Both of their lives get turned upside down when they find themselves on opposite sides of an ongoing fight between Elliott’s company and Rashida’s community. Though their chemistry is undeniable, neither of them will risk their integrity…or their heart.
And just when they think they might have found a solution that benefits both sides, they uncover a secret that will change everything.
Rashida Howard has never been a one-night-stand kind of woman, but she has good reason for making an exception with Elliott after meeting him in a bar. Cliché? Yes. Utterly amazing? Absolutely. Regrets? None.
Elliott Quinn is a workaholic. The one night he decides to break his routine, he has an encounter with the woman of his dreams. But no matter how amazing they are together, work will always come first.
Both of their lives get turned upside down when they find themselves on opposite sides of an ongoing fight between Elliott’s company and Rashida’s community. Though their chemistry is undeniable, neither of them will risk their integrity…or their heart.
And just when they think they might have found a solution that benefits both sides, they uncover a secret that will change everything.
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Published November 16, 2021
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About the author
Constance Gillam
8 books205 followersI'm an avid writer, preferring a book over television. I'm also introverted and have to make myself engage people in conversation at parties.
I hate to shop but admire anyone with a sense of fashion.
When I want to get something done, I'm a bulldog in my determination to accomplish it, even if it takes forever. I'm not very tech saavy so sometimes those task do seem to take forever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
September 19, 2021
2.5 Stars
A cute and steamy own voices romance about two people on opposite sides of a community issue
Rashida Howard, food critic and Elliot Quinn, Architect have an amazing one night stand after meeting at a bar, but don't expect to see each other again. However, they soon realise that they're on opposite sides of a battle between Elliot's company and Rashida's community. Will love prevail?
Did I request this book purely on that gorgeous cover, which drew me in like a moth to a flame? Why yes I did 🤣 Did the story live up to the cover? Not for me unfortunately!
Told from both Rashida's and Elliot's POVs, I thought that the The Hookup Dilemma would be a lovers to enemies to lovers story, but that wasn't really the case. The characters never really had that enemies thing going, and Elliot in particular was just such a nice guy! It was more of a couple wants to be together but think they can't because of a conflict of interest and trust issues type of tale!
Whilst Rashida and Elliot had tons of chemistry, and trust me it was electric, I felt the romance part of the plot came secondary to the Gentrification part. If you're from Atlanta or Georgia in general, or are interested in the social and economic issues linked to the Gentrification of neighbourhoods, then you might enjoy this more than I did. For me, this part of the plot was quite boring, and slowed the pace of the story down a lot. It took me eight days to read this, and I kept putting aside every couple of chapters. I really didn't want to be reading about rezoning and community meetings or mediation. It was also quite predictable!
However, I did admire Rashida's will to try and preserve her Grandma's community, and enjoyed reading about the fictional town of Millhouse, looking back through her happy childhood memories. I also liked seeing it in the present day, where we visited the ice-cream parlour, the church, and a few of the residents houses.
I enjoyed the theme of family and loyalty throughout the book. Both Rashida and Elliot were fiercely loyal to their families, Elliot to his sick father and his business, and Rashida to her mother, sister and Grandmother. AND I loved all the strong women in this! Rashida's grandmother and her friends provided some comedy and humour, which I liked, although none of those women should be behind the wheel of a car!
As I mentioned above, Rashida and Elliot had strong chemistry and attraction, with a fair few spicy scenes, which started from the first few pages, but I didn't really feel the romance was fleshed out enough. I wasn't really invested enough in their relationship, something was missing for me between the scorchio sex scenes and the declarations of love. I wanted to actually feel them fall in love more?
If you want a light, read with a HEA, then give this one a go though, other early readers have rated it higher, so it might just be me and the grumpy slump I'm in! 🏡🏡🏡
Available on 16th November 2021.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Many thanks to both NetGalley UK and Entangled Publishing LLC for the ARC!
A cute and steamy own voices romance about two people on opposite sides of a community issue
Rashida Howard, food critic and Elliot Quinn, Architect have an amazing one night stand after meeting at a bar, but don't expect to see each other again. However, they soon realise that they're on opposite sides of a battle between Elliot's company and Rashida's community. Will love prevail?
Did I request this book purely on that gorgeous cover, which drew me in like a moth to a flame? Why yes I did 🤣 Did the story live up to the cover? Not for me unfortunately!
Told from both Rashida's and Elliot's POVs, I thought that the The Hookup Dilemma would be a lovers to enemies to lovers story, but that wasn't really the case. The characters never really had that enemies thing going, and Elliot in particular was just such a nice guy! It was more of a couple wants to be together but think they can't because of a conflict of interest and trust issues type of tale!
Whilst Rashida and Elliot had tons of chemistry, and trust me it was electric, I felt the romance part of the plot came secondary to the Gentrification part. If you're from Atlanta or Georgia in general, or are interested in the social and economic issues linked to the Gentrification of neighbourhoods, then you might enjoy this more than I did. For me, this part of the plot was quite boring, and slowed the pace of the story down a lot. It took me eight days to read this, and I kept putting aside every couple of chapters. I really didn't want to be reading about rezoning and community meetings or mediation. It was also quite predictable!
However, I did admire Rashida's will to try and preserve her Grandma's community, and enjoyed reading about the fictional town of Millhouse, looking back through her happy childhood memories. I also liked seeing it in the present day, where we visited the ice-cream parlour, the church, and a few of the residents houses.
I enjoyed the theme of family and loyalty throughout the book. Both Rashida and Elliot were fiercely loyal to their families, Elliot to his sick father and his business, and Rashida to her mother, sister and Grandmother. AND I loved all the strong women in this! Rashida's grandmother and her friends provided some comedy and humour, which I liked, although none of those women should be behind the wheel of a car!
As I mentioned above, Rashida and Elliot had strong chemistry and attraction, with a fair few spicy scenes, which started from the first few pages, but I didn't really feel the romance was fleshed out enough. I wasn't really invested enough in their relationship, something was missing for me between the scorchio sex scenes and the declarations of love. I wanted to actually feel them fall in love more?
If you want a light, read with a HEA, then give this one a go though, other early readers have rated it higher, so it might just be me and the grumpy slump I'm in! 🏡🏡🏡
Available on 16th November 2021.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Many thanks to both NetGalley UK and Entangled Publishing LLC for the ARC!
November 16, 2021
It's lust at first sight for Elliot Quinn, when he sees a beautiful, curvy woman breeze past him. He's an exhausted architect working two jobs and taking care of his ailing father. Granted, he's the CEO of his company and heir to his father's struggling conglomerate. He never expects to see his dream woman across from him at a busy bar in the heart of Atlanta. It's fate!
Rashida Howard is fierce. She refuses to give up on Marcus Quinn, who is planning on gentrifying her grandmother's neighborhood for a fancy supermarket and a commercial center that cater to the upper echelon and millennials. There is no way her grandmother and family friends will succeed in a neighborhood that doesn't want them. She's a food critic for a powerful magazine and if critiquing has taught her anything, it's to never give up. When she rests at a bar booth, she is surprised the person she is sharing a table with is strikingly handsome (and extremely flirty). Rashida accepts his offer to dinner and proceeds to have an unforgettable, passionate night with her mystery man.
Elliot is shocked to find Rashida gone in the morning, but he is determined to see her again. He will never forget their lovemaking and effortless conversation. He finds her at a town hall meeting disputing the construction of his father's plans. He understands the complications that can arise from the displacement of hundreds of people but also needs everything to go smoothly. Suddenly he finds himself at odds with the woman he spent an incredible night with. Their random one-night stand turns into a frenemies-to-lovers story. Rashida wants nothing to do with Elliot, who to her is the only thing that stands between the peace and demolition of her grandmother's home. She had her first kiss there, skinned her knees, and played jump rope there, and has countless memories more to make with her grandmother. He is so confident, warm, and trusting though, how could she not want to be with him?
She has trouble trusting his motives towards her, but he begs for forgiveness and regains her trust. As much as they should not be together, their connection draws them in closer as they learn to compromise and make difficult choices. I loved the happily ever after ending! So adorable. This book had the perfect blend of steam and swoon-worthy romance.
I wish this book hadn't included so much schmoozing and business talk because some chapters were dull and repetitive. Elliot was a great character but I really didn’t need to read about rezoning and construction plans. During the middle of the book I felt that it lost momentum, but by the end it picked up to give us a resounding happily ever after.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rashida Howard is fierce. She refuses to give up on Marcus Quinn, who is planning on gentrifying her grandmother's neighborhood for a fancy supermarket and a commercial center that cater to the upper echelon and millennials. There is no way her grandmother and family friends will succeed in a neighborhood that doesn't want them. She's a food critic for a powerful magazine and if critiquing has taught her anything, it's to never give up. When she rests at a bar booth, she is surprised the person she is sharing a table with is strikingly handsome (and extremely flirty). Rashida accepts his offer to dinner and proceeds to have an unforgettable, passionate night with her mystery man.
Elliot is shocked to find Rashida gone in the morning, but he is determined to see her again. He will never forget their lovemaking and effortless conversation. He finds her at a town hall meeting disputing the construction of his father's plans. He understands the complications that can arise from the displacement of hundreds of people but also needs everything to go smoothly. Suddenly he finds himself at odds with the woman he spent an incredible night with. Their random one-night stand turns into a frenemies-to-lovers story. Rashida wants nothing to do with Elliot, who to her is the only thing that stands between the peace and demolition of her grandmother's home. She had her first kiss there, skinned her knees, and played jump rope there, and has countless memories more to make with her grandmother. He is so confident, warm, and trusting though, how could she not want to be with him?
She has trouble trusting his motives towards her, but he begs for forgiveness and regains her trust. As much as they should not be together, their connection draws them in closer as they learn to compromise and make difficult choices. I loved the happily ever after ending! So adorable. This book had the perfect blend of steam and swoon-worthy romance.
I wish this book hadn't included so much schmoozing and business talk because some chapters were dull and repetitive. Elliot was a great character but I really didn’t need to read about rezoning and construction plans. During the middle of the book I felt that it lost momentum, but by the end it picked up to give us a resounding happily ever after.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2021
The Hookup Filemma is actually a very ute book. I am surprise to see low rating for this book.
The hero is super nice guy. I thought the story can be very boring. But turns out to be very nice.
Or maybe I need a vanila romance to balance my read. The whole plot is simple and yet sweet. I enjoy it very much. Suitable for lazy humid weekend.
4 stars
The hero is super nice guy. I thought the story can be very boring. But turns out to be very nice.
Or maybe I need a vanila romance to balance my read. The whole plot is simple and yet sweet. I enjoy it very much. Suitable for lazy humid weekend.
4 stars
December 1, 2021
This was my very first introduction to Constance Gillam's writing, and I could not be more pleased. This romantic comedy was everything I needed - it was fun, moved in a very fast pace, and was this book really 400 pages? I just could not devour this book fast enough. The hookup really started hot and quick, and the meet cute was one of the best I have read.
The characters were so lovable and enjoyable, which went from lovers to enemies to a joyous HEA. The conflict and the heartwarming love and loyalty for family came through the pages in a wonderful way. I was ahhhing and ooohhing all the way.
For a delectable and sexy read while tugging at all your heart strings, don't miss reading the Hook Up Dilemma. If you are a romance reader or just need a fun and entertaining read, do pick this one up. You will love it!
The characters were so lovable and enjoyable, which went from lovers to enemies to a joyous HEA. The conflict and the heartwarming love and loyalty for family came through the pages in a wonderful way. I was ahhhing and ooohhing all the way.
For a delectable and sexy read while tugging at all your heart strings, don't miss reading the Hook Up Dilemma. If you are a romance reader or just need a fun and entertaining read, do pick this one up. You will love it!
September 19, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
The Hookup Dilemma was a fun 3 star read this is my first time reading this author I'm looking forward to reading her other books
3 🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
The Hookup Dilemma was a fun 3 star read this is my first time reading this author I'm looking forward to reading her other books
3 🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
d-n-f
October 10, 2021I DNF this book, it was mostly about lust and all that stuff... it's not smutty but I didn't like the way it turned out..their feelings were mostly physical
Anyways it would be good if you like some steamy romance based book
Not for me though!
*Thanks to the publisher and netgally for a free copy in return for an honest review
Anyways it would be good if you like some steamy romance based book
Not for me though!
*Thanks to the publisher and netgally for a free copy in return for an honest review
January 25, 2022
Steamy and funny, this story surrounds the fate of an Atlanta neighbourhood after a one-night stand turns into an awkward dilemma.
Rashida is determined to protect the Millhouse District from Quinn Enterprises and their plans of rezoning the area to include commercial property. Believing it would benefit the community, Elliott is desperate to continue with the build to aid his father while also winning over Rashida, the woman he cannot stop thinking about since their passionate night together.
I adored this cozy, tight-knit community filled with history. I truly felt for Rashida simply wanting to preserve her childhood memories. And I must mention her grandmother, a resident of the neighbourhood. She was a firecracker! Her and her elderly friends brought so much humour to this story.
Finding it difficult to please everyone he cares about, Elliott was a truly loyal character in a tough predicament. I really enjoyed seeing these two characters work towards a compromise and find a happily-ever-after not only for themselves but also the community.
Rashida is determined to protect the Millhouse District from Quinn Enterprises and their plans of rezoning the area to include commercial property. Believing it would benefit the community, Elliott is desperate to continue with the build to aid his father while also winning over Rashida, the woman he cannot stop thinking about since their passionate night together.
I adored this cozy, tight-knit community filled with history. I truly felt for Rashida simply wanting to preserve her childhood memories. And I must mention her grandmother, a resident of the neighbourhood. She was a firecracker! Her and her elderly friends brought so much humour to this story.
Finding it difficult to please everyone he cares about, Elliott was a truly loyal character in a tough predicament. I really enjoyed seeing these two characters work towards a compromise and find a happily-ever-after not only for themselves but also the community.
October 4, 2021
2.5 stars
This has a super cute cover and a fun sounding premise, but unfortunately I just didn't click with it. I felt like the main characters didn't have much chemistry and the plot was slow and boring. There were some cute moments and I liked that Rashida was so close with her grandmother. The idea of saving a neighborhood and helping older residents makes my heart happy.
Rashida and Elliot meet up one night and have a one night stand. Rashida doesn't intend to see him again, but then is shocked when she realizes Elliot is part of the people trying to change her neighborhood and push current residents out. They fight over the issue, though Elliot can't do much since it's his dad's company. It kind of felt like Rashida was arguing with him just because.
The ending sped up and seemed to resolve everything very quickly and easily. I was disappointed that we didn't get a lot of explanation and felt like the author just wanted it to be over. There were also a couple lines in the book saying things like "my stomach gave a queer twist" and I didn't appreciate the author using the word Queer to mean odd or strange. The LGBTQ+ community has worked hard to change the word to something positive and this felt out of touch.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and gave an honest opinion. Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the copy
This has a super cute cover and a fun sounding premise, but unfortunately I just didn't click with it. I felt like the main characters didn't have much chemistry and the plot was slow and boring. There were some cute moments and I liked that Rashida was so close with her grandmother. The idea of saving a neighborhood and helping older residents makes my heart happy.
Rashida and Elliot meet up one night and have a one night stand. Rashida doesn't intend to see him again, but then is shocked when she realizes Elliot is part of the people trying to change her neighborhood and push current residents out. They fight over the issue, though Elliot can't do much since it's his dad's company. It kind of felt like Rashida was arguing with him just because.
The ending sped up and seemed to resolve everything very quickly and easily. I was disappointed that we didn't get a lot of explanation and felt like the author just wanted it to be over. There were also a couple lines in the book saying things like "my stomach gave a queer twist" and I didn't appreciate the author using the word Queer to mean odd or strange. The LGBTQ+ community has worked hard to change the word to something positive and this felt out of touch.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and gave an honest opinion. Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the copy
October 30, 2021
The Hookup Dilemma is a winner in my books! The cover was absolutely beautiful. I fell in love with both Rashida and Elliot right away, just as they did. The chemistry between the two characters was charged with sexual tension that was electric when they were together. I was expecting a typical love/hate trope and it was anything but that.
I absolutely loved reading a narrative from the strong women. They were full of spit and vinegar and ready to fight for what they believed in and loved.
If you're looking for a hot romance with southern charm, this is the book for you!
*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I want to express a thank you to the valued author, the publisher who took a chance on the author, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*
I absolutely loved reading a narrative from the strong women. They were full of spit and vinegar and ready to fight for what they believed in and loved.
If you're looking for a hot romance with southern charm, this is the book for you!
*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I want to express a thank you to the valued author, the publisher who took a chance on the author, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*
dnf
January 7, 2023DNF at 9% of the audio. I said my goal in 2023 was to DNF books that obviously seem like a 3⭐️ read or less after trying a couple of chapters. This is me following through on that. Nothing was “wrong” with the book; the writing style just isn’t connecting with me.
March 29, 2022
Such an amazing read, grumpy sunshine trope and one night stand turned into more, utterly amazing. Would 100% recommend🤩🤩
November 26, 2021
This was a fun romance book, I enjoyed it. The characters are strong and relatable.
Rashida is a food critic from a historic but slightly run down neighborhood where her grandmother and her friends still live. Elliott is an architect who’s father wants to build in the neighborhood, and Rashida is firmly opposed. When Rashida and Elliott first meet, they don’t talk about his job, their chemistry takes them away into bed. Can their relationship survive once they discover the truth?
The writing was good and the book was entertaining. I especially loved Rashida’s grandmother and her friends, what a fun set of characters! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rashida is a food critic from a historic but slightly run down neighborhood where her grandmother and her friends still live. Elliott is an architect who’s father wants to build in the neighborhood, and Rashida is firmly opposed. When Rashida and Elliott first meet, they don’t talk about his job, their chemistry takes them away into bed. Can their relationship survive once they discover the truth?
The writing was good and the book was entertaining. I especially loved Rashida’s grandmother and her friends, what a fun set of characters! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 21, 2021
Thank you to @entangledpublishing, @constancegillam and Netgalley for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review!
After meeting a bar and hooking up soon after, Rashida and Elliot soon realise they are on opposite sides of gentrification project. Rashida is fighting for her Grandmas home and her childhood community whilst Elliot is fighting to keep is dads company afloat.
I think what I, and many people may go into this book expecting are enemies to lovers. However, this book is about fighting for what you believe in but also fighting for a relationship that you know is worth it.
What I really liked about this book was the characters always kept true to themselves; Rashida is very headstrong and Elliot is very loyal but they both had this great attraction to each other that despite their difference in opinions they always gravitated towards each other.
The book was very well written; I thoroughly enjoyed the dual povs so we could experience both Elliot and Rashidas perspective. The smut was great and tasteful! The supporting characters were amazing I could literally imagine all of them and especially being Jamaican I loved the representation of the Islands and POC!
I will most definitely be looking forward to more RomComs from Constance, and I can’t wait to add the physical book to my collection!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After meeting a bar and hooking up soon after, Rashida and Elliot soon realise they are on opposite sides of gentrification project. Rashida is fighting for her Grandmas home and her childhood community whilst Elliot is fighting to keep is dads company afloat.
I think what I, and many people may go into this book expecting are enemies to lovers. However, this book is about fighting for what you believe in but also fighting for a relationship that you know is worth it.
What I really liked about this book was the characters always kept true to themselves; Rashida is very headstrong and Elliot is very loyal but they both had this great attraction to each other that despite their difference in opinions they always gravitated towards each other.
The book was very well written; I thoroughly enjoyed the dual povs so we could experience both Elliot and Rashidas perspective. The smut was great and tasteful! The supporting characters were amazing I could literally imagine all of them and especially being Jamaican I loved the representation of the Islands and POC!
I will most definitely be looking forward to more RomComs from Constance, and I can’t wait to add the physical book to my collection!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 8, 2021
1/5 stars ⭐
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Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book! This is my honest review, all views are my own.
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The Hookup Dilemma follows food critic Rashida and architect Elliot after they realize their unlikely connection after a one night stand: Elliot’s father bought a property in Rashida’s family’s neighborhood and plans to gentrify it, and Rashida is ready to fight to save it.
This book was… not for me. I don’t think it would be in good taste to elaborate much, but simply put: I did not like the writing, the plot, the characters, or the romance whatsoever—not the intro, not the middle, not the ending. I finished this book just to say I finished it (also its ridiculousness was kind of funny to me). If I were to gripe about anything specifically, it would be the nine or so references to sweat (with at least two referencing sweat between the boobs). It was just… so, so unnecessary. Also, it felt like every time the main couple was together, they were itching to tear each others’ clothes off, and it was not done very well in my opinion.
This just didn’t do it for me, personally. I have too many annoyances and frustrations to mark it even two stars. 1 star.
-
Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book! This is my honest review, all views are my own.
-
The Hookup Dilemma follows food critic Rashida and architect Elliot after they realize their unlikely connection after a one night stand: Elliot’s father bought a property in Rashida’s family’s neighborhood and plans to gentrify it, and Rashida is ready to fight to save it.
This book was… not for me. I don’t think it would be in good taste to elaborate much, but simply put: I did not like the writing, the plot, the characters, or the romance whatsoever—not the intro, not the middle, not the ending. I finished this book just to say I finished it (also its ridiculousness was kind of funny to me). If I were to gripe about anything specifically, it would be the nine or so references to sweat (with at least two referencing sweat between the boobs). It was just… so, so unnecessary. Also, it felt like every time the main couple was together, they were itching to tear each others’ clothes off, and it was not done very well in my opinion.
This just didn’t do it for me, personally. I have too many annoyances and frustrations to mark it even two stars. 1 star.
September 21, 2021
Really loved the premise of this! Two people on opposite sides of an issue have a one night stand- incredible. Especially with such a topical issue as gentrification.
I really liked the characters, the romance was believable and fun. Their banter was great. However, I wish the romance had taken a side step, and we focused on the main plot. The book loses momentum during the second half, and I think it’s because the romantic portion was too easy. I wish there was more of a divide over their stances.
Despite that, it’s a fun, intriguing read. Lots of steam. Both leads are great.
Thanks to Netgally for this arc in exchange for my unbiased review.
I really liked the characters, the romance was believable and fun. Their banter was great. However, I wish the romance had taken a side step, and we focused on the main plot. The book loses momentum during the second half, and I think it’s because the romantic portion was too easy. I wish there was more of a divide over their stances.
Despite that, it’s a fun, intriguing read. Lots of steam. Both leads are great.
Thanks to Netgally for this arc in exchange for my unbiased review.
September 20, 2021
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rashida, a food critic who is also heavily involved in trying to save her grandmother’s neighbourhood from gentrification unknowingly hooks up with the son of the person responsible for the upcoming changes.
The Hookup Dilemma was a cute and quick read. Rashida was a strong character who was fun to read about (which is great because a lot of the time it’s hard to find a heroine in a romance that’s not annoying). I don’t think there was much to Elliot outside of him wanting to be with Rashida but who am I to complain about a man obsessed? I consider that a plus sometimes. I also wouldn’t call it enemies to lovers because this man was obsessed from the get-go.
I do feel like something was missing. The story ended but I still had questions about some subplots and Rashida’s motives and aims.
Rashida, a food critic who is also heavily involved in trying to save her grandmother’s neighbourhood from gentrification unknowingly hooks up with the son of the person responsible for the upcoming changes.
The Hookup Dilemma was a cute and quick read. Rashida was a strong character who was fun to read about (which is great because a lot of the time it’s hard to find a heroine in a romance that’s not annoying). I don’t think there was much to Elliot outside of him wanting to be with Rashida but who am I to complain about a man obsessed? I consider that a plus sometimes. I also wouldn’t call it enemies to lovers because this man was obsessed from the get-go.
I do feel like something was missing. The story ended but I still had questions about some subplots and Rashida’s motives and aims.
November 18, 2021
Two people with the world on their shoulders meet at a local bar when trying to unwind from the stresses of life. Alex who’s trying to save his dad’s business while maintaining his own and Rashida who has been appointed the voice of residents about to be displaced by progress.
They meet, banter and connect and decide to get to know one another in the biblical sense, for one night only. Destiny has other plans for them because these two strangers meet under two different agendas, one for progress and one against progress.
I did have questions about Rashida’s breakup with her long-term boyfriend since two completely different versions were given for the breakup.
This book is a departure from the author’s Lakota series, which you should put on your reading list. I definitely enjoyed the author’s foray into romance and look forward to reading more of these types of stories from her.
Recommended: Read It!
They meet, banter and connect and decide to get to know one another in the biblical sense, for one night only. Destiny has other plans for them because these two strangers meet under two different agendas, one for progress and one against progress.
I did have questions about Rashida’s breakup with her long-term boyfriend since two completely different versions were given for the breakup.
This book is a departure from the author’s Lakota series, which you should put on your reading list. I definitely enjoyed the author’s foray into romance and look forward to reading more of these types of stories from her.
Recommended: Read It!
November 3, 2021
Thanks Netgalley and Entangled publishing for giving me an ARC of The Hookup dilemma.
After reading the summary, I thought I was going to really like this romance especially since we have an enemies to lovers. Unfortunately it didn't do it for me too much. The story centers around a commercial structure that has been bought by the male lead's father and the female lead is fighting against the father's plans. I found that we were much more focused on this "battle" and that the romance was in the background. Even though it was interesting to follow it wasn't what I was looking for.
After reading the summary, I thought I was going to really like this romance especially since we have an enemies to lovers. Unfortunately it didn't do it for me too much. The story centers around a commercial structure that has been bought by the male lead's father and the female lead is fighting against the father's plans. I found that we were much more focused on this "battle" and that the romance was in the background. Even though it was interesting to follow it wasn't what I was looking for.
November 2, 2021
thank you netgalley & entangled publishing for an advanced earc of this book.
rating: 3 stars
while a very interesting plot, the book failed to fully grasp my attention and keep me entertained. so many moments felt weirdly choppy and rushed, the pacing threw me for a loop, and random plots kept getting introduced that i didn't necessarily enjoy.
rating: 3 stars
while a very interesting plot, the book failed to fully grasp my attention and keep me entertained. so many moments felt weirdly choppy and rushed, the pacing threw me for a loop, and random plots kept getting introduced that i didn't necessarily enjoy.
January 13, 2023
*3.75 Stars* ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨
I really like the strangers to enemies to lovers trope. Rashida and Elliott have a one night stand and then realize that his father owns the company that is trying to buy up the neighborhood her grandma lives in. For some reason I went into this expecting it to be a clean romance. I mentally prepared myself for no smut haha. But much to my delight I was wrong! I thought the plot and romance was good! I especially loved the side characters in the book (minus Elliots dad). Grams was the best.
I really like the strangers to enemies to lovers trope. Rashida and Elliott have a one night stand and then realize that his father owns the company that is trying to buy up the neighborhood her grandma lives in. For some reason I went into this expecting it to be a clean romance. I mentally prepared myself for no smut haha. But much to my delight I was wrong! I thought the plot and romance was good! I especially loved the side characters in the book (minus Elliots dad). Grams was the best.
March 2, 2023
i went into this book with low expectations… and it was actually good? i enjoyed the romance. the plot line was fine. it was very cliché but i’m not mad about it. i actually like elliot and rashida. i don’t know. i think i’m just stunned that i liked this book. the author did a good job displaying the characters feelings. i liked the 3rd person pov changes. this isn’t my favorite book. my only complaints are disgusting description words. but other than that 3.2 stars.
July 8, 2025
Too much boring drama outside of the romance.
September 29, 2021
The Hookup Dilemma was a cute read but it just wasn’t for me.
I liked the characters; I understood their different motives and what they wanted to achieve. I also liked them as a couple, even though I felt the romance in this book was cut short. Personally, there was just too much going on about the building in the Millhouse area and Rashida and Elliott being on different sides of the conflict and not enough real romance, though there was some lust.
All that plot about the community and them both being on different sides and therefore they can’t interact romantically felt so repetitive at times and to be honest it bored me.
And after all that drama the ending felt a little rushed. Everything resolved rather quickly for that stupid long fight and then we got a time jump for over 3 month and didn’t get to see what actually happened. (And then another time jump 3 years into the future…).
Like I said, this book wasn’t really for me but I bet there are a lot of other readers who’ll enjoy this kind of story.
I liked the characters; I understood their different motives and what they wanted to achieve. I also liked them as a couple, even though I felt the romance in this book was cut short. Personally, there was just too much going on about the building in the Millhouse area and Rashida and Elliott being on different sides of the conflict and not enough real romance, though there was some lust.
All that plot about the community and them both being on different sides and therefore they can’t interact romantically felt so repetitive at times and to be honest it bored me.
And after all that drama the ending felt a little rushed. Everything resolved rather quickly for that stupid long fight and then we got a time jump for over 3 month and didn’t get to see what actually happened. (And then another time jump 3 years into the future…).
Like I said, this book wasn’t really for me but I bet there are a lot of other readers who’ll enjoy this kind of story.
November 22, 2021
4.5
I was immediately hooked on this steamy, own voices novel!
This is my first novel by the author and I definitely will be looking up her other books. Rashida and Elliot come from two different worlds! Their opposite in every way but when they meet the chemistry is off the charts and their connection is undeniable!
I loved the plot of the story and though it’s romance I love a book that drives more than just between the sheets action! This book really brings many things to light like gentrification and preservation! I am not from the Atlanta area but after this book I would love to visit and see the beauty that the area had to offer!
This book is full of a wide array of hilarious and charming characters! Rashida’s grandma being one of my faves! She’s hilarious but tenacious and you can see where Rashida gets her fire from!
Don’t worry Elliot and Rashida are front and center and their steamy scenes are definitely off the charts! From start to finish I loved everything this book had to offer!
I was immediately hooked on this steamy, own voices novel!
This is my first novel by the author and I definitely will be looking up her other books. Rashida and Elliot come from two different worlds! Their opposite in every way but when they meet the chemistry is off the charts and their connection is undeniable!
I loved the plot of the story and though it’s romance I love a book that drives more than just between the sheets action! This book really brings many things to light like gentrification and preservation! I am not from the Atlanta area but after this book I would love to visit and see the beauty that the area had to offer!
This book is full of a wide array of hilarious and charming characters! Rashida’s grandma being one of my faves! She’s hilarious but tenacious and you can see where Rashida gets her fire from!
Don’t worry Elliot and Rashida are front and center and their steamy scenes are definitely off the charts! From start to finish I loved everything this book had to offer!
October 28, 2021
My thanks to Entangled Publishing & Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This books follows Rashida and Elliott as they meet and fall in love on opposite sides of construction project. Who knew planning board meetings could be like this?
Rashida is a food critic with close ties to her Grandmother's neighborhood. Elliott is the architect son of the man trying to develop an area of the beloved neighborhood to attract younger upwardly mobile homebuyers.
The supporting characters play no small role in the book, with Rashida's grandmother, mother, sister and BFF getting subplots and stories of their own.
Overall, this was a sweet book with a lot packed in. Too much? Possibly. There were some pacing issues with the plot. Rashida's sister starts strong, fades out for about 10 chapters, and then roars back in at the end. I feel like this book deserved more attention in the editing process. There were several instances of silly inconsistencies (s/one facing away in one sentence and looking into eyes in the next, or not wearing a shirt and then having a shirt with no action) which took me out of the story. These things are minor, but distracting.
#NetGalley#Reviews #TheHookupDilemma
This books follows Rashida and Elliott as they meet and fall in love on opposite sides of construction project. Who knew planning board meetings could be like this?
Rashida is a food critic with close ties to her Grandmother's neighborhood. Elliott is the architect son of the man trying to develop an area of the beloved neighborhood to attract younger upwardly mobile homebuyers.
The supporting characters play no small role in the book, with Rashida's grandmother, mother, sister and BFF getting subplots and stories of their own.
Overall, this was a sweet book with a lot packed in. Too much? Possibly. There were some pacing issues with the plot. Rashida's sister starts strong, fades out for about 10 chapters, and then roars back in at the end. I feel like this book deserved more attention in the editing process. There were several instances of silly inconsistencies (s/one facing away in one sentence and looking into eyes in the next, or not wearing a shirt and then having a shirt with no action) which took me out of the story. These things are minor, but distracting.
#NetGalley#Reviews #TheHookupDilemma
February 20, 2022
This is one of those books where I really wish there were half stars, because this to me was a solid 3.5. I really liked the story more than I anticipated. I had no idea how they would work out the fact that Elliott was on the wrong side of potential gentrification and I spent the whole book hoping I’d still like him at the end (spoiler: I do). I think if anything this book went too easy on forgiving the supposed ignorance of gentrifiers - I don’t see how someone in Elliot’s field wouldn’t know more about the issue and tbh ignorance isn’t an excuse when your privilege is destroying lives. Romance plots NEVER make me think like this so I was impressed. But what was lacking for me in this romance was the character development. Rashida and Elliot had so much potential to be fantastic characters but as much as I liked the gentrification plot, that was pretty much the only real development the characters got other than a few minor mentions of past relationships and family drama. With more depth I think their love would have felt more profound. The steam was great and came into play super early! I would definitely recommend this one.
February 8, 2023
I had never heard of this author before but I am a sucker for a cute illustrated cover and when I saw this I had to pick it up. I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I will say if you are looking for something that starts with a (literal) bang and continues throughout the whole book The Hookup Dilemma is for you! I really enjoyed so many things about this book; both MC's, the storyline, and especially Rashida's sassy grandma. I will say that this was not only insalusty (obviously. Like I said it starts with a bang), but it is also instalovey which usually isn't my thing but somehow it just worked for me here. I really enjoyed the relationship between Rashida and Elliott. They were on opposite sides of a pretty big issue but they could help but find themselves in each other's orbit. This book is a story of gentrification, and familiar obligations. It tackles some pretty heavy topics well but is also full of swoon and steamy moments. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what is next from this author.
October 14, 2022
I discarded this one.
I…the romance for one part didn’t draw me in. The sex and the steamy scenes didn’t really help at all.
The characters, the situations, I wasn’t invested in, and usually, I like a fluffy rom com, but this was just…rushed. The ending, the chemistry, felt like a complete typical romance.
Elliot, Rashida, might as well be names that I don’t even remember, because the characters just…it was like sex was written into their life and I just wasn’t drawn in. Maybe it was the book or maybe it’s that contemporary romance is a hit and miss. Well, I did read a few pages in. The story is there, but my interest wasn’t.
I…the romance for one part didn’t draw me in. The sex and the steamy scenes didn’t really help at all.
The characters, the situations, I wasn’t invested in, and usually, I like a fluffy rom com, but this was just…rushed. The ending, the chemistry, felt like a complete typical romance.
Elliot, Rashida, might as well be names that I don’t even remember, because the characters just…it was like sex was written into their life and I just wasn’t drawn in. Maybe it was the book or maybe it’s that contemporary romance is a hit and miss. Well, I did read a few pages in. The story is there, but my interest wasn’t.
November 25, 2021
“He chuckled. She looked frazzled. Her eyes were wide and her face dewy. She was beautiful. He wanted to drag her from this overcrowded venue and take her someplace private where he could love her thoroughly.”
Rashida Howard has never been one for one night stands, but she has good reason after meeting sexy Elliot in a bar. Does she regret it? Nah. Should she? Possibly. Elliot Quinn is a workaholic, but then he sees the sexiest woman he has ever laid eyes on getting out of an Uber. When said woman slides into his booth at the bar after a long day, he knows it is meant to be. They have an instant attraction, but soon find themselves on opposite sides of an ongoing fight between Elliot’s company and Rashida’s community. Can they make it work when their hearts and integrity are on the line?
Ahhh, if only investment capitalist’s could all follow this formula and do what is right, not only what makes the most money. One can dream. But I digress. I really loved this book! The chemistry between Rashida and Elliot is 🔥 and I love how they remained respectful of each other throughout the book, despite being on opposite sides of an issue. What a novel idea 🤦🏼♀️. That was very refreshing and made me root sooo hard for them! I was sucked right into their story from page one and that feeling never let up.
The cover is just gorgeous and so apropos. If you love a good love story with honorable characters and spicy grandma’s then you will love this one! Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rashida Howard has never been one for one night stands, but she has good reason after meeting sexy Elliot in a bar. Does she regret it? Nah. Should she? Possibly. Elliot Quinn is a workaholic, but then he sees the sexiest woman he has ever laid eyes on getting out of an Uber. When said woman slides into his booth at the bar after a long day, he knows it is meant to be. They have an instant attraction, but soon find themselves on opposite sides of an ongoing fight between Elliot’s company and Rashida’s community. Can they make it work when their hearts and integrity are on the line?
Ahhh, if only investment capitalist’s could all follow this formula and do what is right, not only what makes the most money. One can dream. But I digress. I really loved this book! The chemistry between Rashida and Elliot is 🔥 and I love how they remained respectful of each other throughout the book, despite being on opposite sides of an issue. What a novel idea 🤦🏼♀️. That was very refreshing and made me root sooo hard for them! I was sucked right into their story from page one and that feeling never let up.
The cover is just gorgeous and so apropos. If you love a good love story with honorable characters and spicy grandma’s then you will love this one! Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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