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I get up on the wrong side of the bed . . . every single day.

They call me grumpy. A downer. Maybe even negative. But when your fiancée shatters your life into a million pieces it can take a while to heal.

Enter Gwenivere. She's ethereal, hypnotic, and completely stunning. Everything that I'm not . The night she slips into the empty chair next to me during a night out with the team feels like the shutters being thrown open in a blackened room.

Her heat pierces my tough outer shell just like a ray of light. And as I swallow her sunshine, she draws me to her. The closer I get, the more I want to claim her as mine. But she's not looking for a knight in shining armor . . . she has her own thing going on. Helping people. Healing people.

They say my heart is broken, and that I don't believe in second chances. But deep down—I do. I want to trust and let her see the real me underneath the gruff exterior.

I don't want my sweet Gwen to pay for the sins of the past. And if I let her in—let myself fall again—her soft vulnerability might be exactly what stitches me back together.

Contains mature themes.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2021

163 people are currently reading
308 people want to read

About the author

Colleen Charles

152 books1,183 followers
After 26 years in Corporate leadership at a Fortune 500, I discovered people within the organization lacked integrity. I’d always known deep in my soul that I was trying to fit a square peg in to a round hole since I’m the typical creative type. I miss my staff but I don’t miss the corporate world. It’s been said that the Universe will let you know if something isn’t right for you. The first time, it will hit you with a pebble. Then a brick. Then a boulder. Let’s just say that I got flattened. When my fifteen pound toy dog, Nigel, was threatened, I knew it was time to say goodbye.
It’s true.
Here’s what I found within the first thirty days of being free. Writing stories from my heart that readers love means more to me than working myself in to an early grave for people who only care about their bottom line.
My heart has never been more full and my soul has never been more satisfied.
I’ve never worked so hard in my life but it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s worth it. All of it. Because it’s about the joy that’s found within the journey. The highs and the lows because I get to write stories for all of you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, enjoying and recommending the stories that I write. When you share my work with others, nothing is more rewarding. Your word of mouth is my very best friend … that, and your reviews. There is nothing more important to me than all of you.
I love to hear from my readers and answer all communications personally. You can find me at:

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5 stars
178 (50%)
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120 (33%)
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42 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,230 reviews219 followers
December 10, 2021
4 star Review Hooked (Minnesota Caribou #6) by Colleen Charles
I enjoyed this story, it may have been a short read but Colleen Charles packed a lot into this entertaining read. Dylan is is intense, rather grumpy and is a loner. Until he meets Gwen who brings light into his dark life.
I was drawn to both these characters , I liked how she looked at the world and how she saw that there was more to him than meets the eye but Dylan has been badly burnt in the past and has a hard trusting.
As their relationship developed it was heart warming to watch. This is the second book I have read recently with a hero that is grumpy and I enjoyed it. For me these two were meant to meet and find love.
1,600 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2021
This is book number 6 of the Minnesota Caribou series and focuses on Dylan and Gwen. Dylan is a hockey player who had his heart shattered to pieces by his ex-fiance and has pretty much turned into a grump since. Gwen is a free spirit who is deeply connected to nature and has such a positive outlook on life. These 2 are complete opposites on paper but they each bring something uniquely different into the relationship that the other is needing to be complete. I love how Gwen's ray of sunshine, positive attitude shines through to Dylan. They are such a complement together, especially once they learn to accommodate the others lifestyle while blending it with theirs. I really enjoyed this story. Great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,992 reviews173 followers
December 9, 2021
Sassy. Saucy. Spicy. Hooked should come with a warning label that reads, " Prepare to lose your heart.". Bordering on addictive, Charles balances out the temptation with emotion that doesn't back down. A challenging read that proves itself to be all heart.
1,542 reviews
December 12, 2021
He plays pro hockey for the Minnesota Caribou. She breeds cannabis for a living. He's a little closed off and she's a nature's girl. What could these two possibly have in common! Dylan Sinclair is a kind, grumpy man with a heart of gold. That heart is still damaged after he and his fiancee broke up, and he's not willing to chance having that feeling ever again. Gwen is an Earth Mother kind of woman. She loves the land, doesn't eat meat, experiments with a cannabis crop and loves to dance and swim in the rain. Dylan adores her but, in the back of his mind, they're just way too different. They're opposites and there's no way they could make it in the long run. He doesn't consider it breakfast if it doesn't have bacon and, as far as naked dancing or swimming is concerned, it's simply not his style. They are thrown together often since the Caribou friends spend hours together, along with their WAGS. Gwen thinks he might be interested because she catches him looking every once in a while, but what would he want with her? Dylan can't believe how pretty she is and is definitely drawn to her . After a game of dice, Gwen tells them that she's leaving for a short vacation in a cottage on Lake Superior, just north of Duluth, and, when a tornado warning is issued, Dylan has to drive to the cabin to make sure she's okay. Even with the tornado, she's in her element and she has Dylan experience the joys of goat yoga, modeling Davy Crockett caps, sampling Gwen's magic buttons and inheriting a cat named Cinnamon. Everything is right and good, until Dylan panics and reverts to emphasizing their differences and how it just won't work. His painful past is waiting for him at home and it's time for him to draw some boundaries. Hooked is a well-written sweet and spicy love story, with captivating characters who draw you into their world. Vivid descriptions highlight a delicious relationship between Gwen, Dylan and their co-stars, Cinnamon and Watson. A real delight!
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
December 18, 2021
Colleen Charles had me HOOKED with book six in the Minnesota Caribou series. HOOKED takes place during the hockey off-season. Gwenivere and Dylan Sinclair are both interested in each other, but neither one has a clue that the other reciprocates their feelings. Gwen mentioned that she was going on vacation by herself up north of Duluth at the Cottage Cabins in the secluded woods for a week. There is a tornado warning. Dylan is worried about Gwen and drives up to the cabin to make sure she is okay. The couple become trapped together when the roads are impassable due to tornado damage.

I like Dylan and Gwen. They seem like complete opposites. Dylan's ex broke him, causing him to be overly cautious with considering a relationship with Gwen. Prior to this trip, he always seems miserable and is a worrier. He is the assistant captain of the Minnesota Caribou NHL team. Gwen is friends with Cora and Blaine (SAVED, Minnesota Caribou #5). Gwen is a free spirit. She is a botanist who breeds cannabis for a living. Products from her profession resulted in a couple of hilarious situations in the story. Being an animal lover, I appreciated the critters in the story. Gwen and Dylan have some entertaining adventures. They are good for each other.

Colleen Charles does a wonderful job with this story. It is realistic and skillfully written. The characters are genuine and likable. HOOKED is an excellent addition to the Minnesota Caribou series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shiro Kitana.
454 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2023
This book was honestly so frustrating. The FMC was annoying she made assumptions about what the guy was thinking I'm not like regular assumptions but he would ask her how does she be so calm all the time and she immediately assumes he thinks she is flighty and always high on weed the **** and then he told her he is not one for having flings and she was like what he could do it this time. you he only wants to be with someone that way when he wants to be in a relationship with them aren't you just ignore it sigh . Then she was Complained but that he only wants me as a fling when he explained where he was coming from. Then when he said he was going to leave she just was like OKAY I understand then once inside and cried. she didn't even try to tell him or make it seem that she wanted him outside of a fling. I just don't like her she was very irritating to me. not to mention since he came she was called him a friend. I didnt like the MC either his reasons for not wanting to be in a relationship with who was because she's vegan and they are two opposites and that he's not good enough for her so he wouldn't try. Let that settle in he didn't want to be with her for those two reasons what BS am I hearing
2,314 reviews26 followers
December 16, 2021
I loved everything about this beautiful written opposites attract romance! The characters, Dylan and Gwen, were obviously written with love by Colleen. The character development and growth she gives them in this book is what makes it so enjoyable to read. Well, that and the humor, the steam, and the absolutely fabulous ending! I don’t think I’ve enjoyed an ending as much as the one that Dylan and Gwen received.

This book is so funny! The banter between Dylan, Gwen, and their friends is total friendship goals. Their dice night sounds like a fun time that I would like to be part of. I loved Dylan’s knight in shining armor complex as he takes off in a storm to make sure Gwen is safe while on a solo vacation. The scene after he eats some “special” gummies is hilarious!! I also so loved reading about the grump finding his smile again because of the radiant light that is Gwen. These two couldn’t be more different on the outside but on the inside they are perfectly matched. I definitely recommend reading this book. I loved it from start to finish!!

I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,373 reviews14 followers
December 12, 2021
An entertaining read with lots of humor. After having his heartbroken by his ex-fiancé two years ago, Dylan doesn’t talk much and rarely shows and emotion. He has mentioned liking the friend of a teammate’s wife who has joined the group of friends who hangout together. When he gets a severe weather alert about really bad storms including tornadoes near the resort Gwen has gone to be off-grid he drops everything to drive up to check in her.

Dylan arrival is a big surprise to Gwen. The storm causes downed trees to block the road preventing Dylan leaving the resort and they spend a lot of time talking and with the help of some special gummies a real connection develops between them. However, they have to overcome Dylan’s emotional hesitation at risking his heart and his concern that he isn’t good for her.

The inclusion of some sweet furry characters adds to the charm of this romance between opposites.

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,475 reviews42 followers
December 16, 2021
Dylan is the silent type, a gruff hockey player who has been burnt by an ex. Gwen is more bohemian in her outlook. She goes to a secluded cabin alone to commune with nature but Dylan turns up because there is a weather warning and he is worried for her. He finds her dancing outside naked and invoking some sort of love spell. They spend an interesting couple of days together, involving an accidental high, a cat adoption and a tornado. They are sexually compatible but Dylan thinks he's no good for her otherwise, and worries that their lifestyles wouldn't mesh, starting from their dietary choices.

I enjoyed the unpredictability of their recreational activities, I didn't see the goats coming. There's quite a coincidence when somebody who stayed away for two years turns up at the precise wrong moment .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kimberly Holmgren.
310 reviews
December 28, 2021
Absolute perfection!

I have been looking forward to Dylan’s story since I started this series. It was not disappointing. Dylan has been hurt in the past, and the first person he’s found an attraction to since his ex-fiancée walked out, is Gwen. I was a little unsure of how I’d feel about the hippie, vegan, free-spirit that is Gwen, but I loved her. Gwen is instantly attracted to Dylan but she’s trying not to push him. They find themselves thrown together during a storm, and quickly find the attraction is mutual, even if they are both trying hard to deny themselves. They get closer, they enjoy time spent together. I laughed more then I was prepared for here. Especially when Dylan finds her stash of magic buttons. Obviously, he thinks they are too different, but really it’s his past that ultimately has him running away, but he quickly finds himself ready and willing to do what he has to do to make her his forever.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,546 reviews135 followers
December 10, 2021
Colleen Charles is a fairly new author to me and I haven’t read all the books in the Minnesota Caribou Series but that made no difference to the enjoyment I got from reading this grumpy/ sunshine love story. We all know that opposites attract but this couple take it one step further as they realise they could possibly be soulmates. I fell hard and fast for the characters and I was drawn in from the first few pages as I watched the grumpy, heartbroken man open up to a woman determined to bring sunshine and light to his darkness. Hooked us a beautifully written, entertaining yet emotional read that at times will make you smile and at times will break your heart but every emotion you feel will be worth it as you join this roller coaster of a ride. Looking forward to reading more in the series and checking out other works by this very talented author.
2,988 reviews30 followers
April 22, 2023
Dylan, the male lead, has been antisocial grump since his fiancée left him because he wasn’t willing to waste his money on frivolous stuff. When Gwen, the female lead, joins his friendship group, he’s not willing to act on his attraction but, when a tornado threatens to land where Gwen is on an nature retreat, he races up to save her. Gwen is a hippie, nature loving and determined to flow. They have so many obvious differences but maybe they have just as much in common…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, funny, opposites attract, contemporary romance. I really enjoy this author’s humour and the way she engages with lots of emotions. I enjoyed the relationship development and the speed with which they went from friendly to more. I enjoyed the secondary character integration. I enjoyed the animal companion input.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
December 17, 2021
Dylan is a professional hockey player who has been burnt by love in the past and it isn’t an experience he wants to repeat. He meets Gwen through social events with the team and he is drawn to her in spite of himself. When he believes she needs rescuing he doesn’t hesitate to rush in but will their connection end when the weather clears?

Gwen is a free spirit who sees the good in everyone and every situation. She is attracted to Dylan and during the time they are stranded together she shows him a different way of life and living but will she be able to break through the walls he has erected around his heart?

Dylan and Gwen couldn’t be more different from their lifestyles to their personalities, but they prove that in the end love is all that really matters.
Profile Image for Vee.
346 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2021
Dylan and Gwen are complete opposites in many ways. She's a botanist who cultivates cannabis and he's a professional hockey player. He's nursing a broken heart and she believes you choose how you feel in each moment.

Gwen is a little over the top with some of her practices, but Dylan is drawn to her in ways he can't explain or ignore. Sparks and feelings fly during several days spent together away from their day to day lives.

Dylan is in his off season so we don't see any of his time playing hockey. I would have liked seeing more of their relationship moving forward. Evidence of how they are making their differences work as a couple since that was a big theme.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,966 reviews28 followers
December 10, 2021
What a great story about learning to heal from the hurt you suffered, and also, just because someone is different, it doesn't mean they aren't for you! 5 stars for this one!
Gwen, with her fresh approach to life, tarot card believer, enjoys being one with nature during her getaway to a retreat. When Dylan hears there is a tornado heading her way, he doesn't think he just jumps to rescue her and keep her safe! They spend time in the woods, and he enjoys her quirkiness, but he feels she's just not the one to be on his arm for hockey events. But she see's it in her tarot cards, but can she make him realize they are meant to be?
Loved this story, don't miss out, grab it asap!
1,654 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2021
Grumpy Dylan vs. sunny Gwen!

Dylan Sinclair is known for being grumpy and cranky after his fiancé ended their engagement. Gwenivere is anything but cranky especially when she is the chief botanist for a weed company, but Dylan can’t seem to get her out of his mind because she is always so happy with everything. But things change when Dylan tries to help Gwenivere during a tornado and a fun gift shop trip.

Not many times a romance will make me laugh and reread part of it, but you need to read Hooked because Dylan and Gwenivere belong together!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for DesN2004.
652 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2021
What a quirky read!
Dylan is a grump that is just going through the paces of life. He sees something in Gwen that attracts him to her, little nuances that make him start to care for her. He is an alpha male that wants to protect and care for people. Gwen is just who she is, a vegan, hippie, earth loving goddess. She doesn't judge or think negatively, there is something that draws her to Dylan as well. They end up stuck together and you will just have to read the book to see how that turns out. This was a good book with many funny moments, especially when Dylan gets into some of Gwen's good stuff!
486 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2021
5-stars for Hooked

This is book 5 in a series but can be read as a standalone, it's a steamy sports romance that's not heavy on sports as it's the off-season but it's definitely heavy on the romance. She's the sunshine to his grumpy, will these two opposites be able to bridge the gap to a HEA. Find out Dylan and Gwen's story in Hooked, definitely recommend it, this is one you surely won't forget!
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I also purchased the book / read it with Kindle Unlimited and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
January 17, 2022
Dylan and Gwen seem like complete opposites. She is sunny and smiles while he is grumpy and hurting from a disaster relationship. His teammates are hilarious and the banter is entertaining. The two start to open up and Dylan sees light at the end of his tunnel, thanks to her.
The characters are terrific, heartwarming and fun to read about. The storyline has drama, surprises, protectiveness and romance, while it flows steadily to a great ending. Loved the chemistry and emotional buildup. Great ending that brings lots of smiles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,164 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2022
Dylan & Gwen

Dylan is the man you want to bring home and make him feel loved. He is so broken over his failed engagement with a gold digger that it made him wary of any woman in his path.

Gwen is the woman you want as a best friend. Her quirkiness is adorable.

When they meet Dylan keeps her at arms length but he is intrigued by her. She is the complete opposite of him - she is into tarot cards, mother earth and she is a strict vegan. Dylan loves meat and he is very stoic and serious.

There are parts of this book where the antics are laugh out loud hysterical - one such part involves gummy bears.

Definitely a book worth reading!!!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews163 followers
December 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. This moving romance is filled with an abundance of rich emotions and intense feels. I found it very easy to fall for this couple. The whole grumpy/sunshine pairing really appealed to me and frankly, I ended up firmly believing that these two were soulmates and meant to be. I thought the writing was well done and that the book read quite smoothly. This beautiful, fun and heartstring tugging tale hit me with some rock-solid swoon and left my heart an ooey gooey mess. I thought it was wonderful! I am independently posting an impartial review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
December 11, 2021
This is the sixth book in this amazing series, and this is Dylan and Gwen’s story. Dylan is intense, grumpy, heartbroken and a loner, and when Gwen enters his life, she is quirky and a ray of sunshine, and she brings light into his darkness. This is a beautifully written emotion roller coaster, which is heartwarming, entertaining, and with humor, witty banter, second chances, and love, which all leads to an addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Emily Utsch.
591 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2021
Sports romance (though off season), hippie verses stodgy, stranded together, unrequited love and hot HOT spice :) This book was amazing!!! I was wondering how two people that are so different would be able to work out a life, but I loved it.

This is not the first book in the series but it can be read as a complete stand alone, everything you need to know will have been given to you. You will just know more about the secondary characters. But once you read this, you will want to read the whole series!
3,174 reviews
December 23, 2021
A wonderful addition to the series.

A wonderful addition to the series! The six book in the Minnesota Caribou series gives us Dylan and Gwen’s story. Total opposite but they just click and I love watching how their relationship blossom to so much more. She brings the sunshine in his grumpy life and when they finally stop fighting the attraction it made for an enjoyable romantic read.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,519 reviews53 followers
December 27, 2021
Dylan has had his heart encased in a fortress since his ex-fiancée broke it. Downright surly, he's developed a sort of reputation as the team grump. He's extremely drawn to Gwen, though, who's his opposite in every way: calm, relaxed and free-spirited. Will their different personalities be too much?

"What is it that I do to you?"

"I'm not sure, but I never want it to stop."


I liked the way the author developed the characters, showcasing their growth, giving the entire story an authentic, relatable feel. This was a sweet and fun romance. I liked how Gwen was patient with Dylan. Both characters were easy to like and their romance made me swoon and smile.

I recommend this read.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
3,211 reviews26 followers
December 26, 2021
I really enjoyed Hooked by Colleen Charles. Its book 6 in the Minnesota Caribou series but can be read on its own. Hockey romance is a favorite genre of mine so I was anxious to read Dylan and Gwen's story. They say opposites attract and Dylan and Gwen were the perfect example. Dylan is grumpy and moody after getting his heart broken where Gwen is light and cheerful with a love for nature and dancing in the rain. If you like hockey themed romance you will love their story! 5 stars.
2,186 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2021
In the final book in the Minnesota Caribou Series we get Dylan and Gwen's story of opposites attracting. They were such polar opposites but they worked together and I enjoyed watching as their relationship developed. They had great chemistry and she brings happiness to his surly life and the humor helped tell their story. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2022
He's a grumpy and broken-hearted hockey player... She's a free-spirited and spontaneous botanist... Dylan and Gwen and complete opposites, yet they're fun together, and perfect for each other. I loved this story; it's exactly the reason that I continue to read this author's books. The characters are real, flaws and all, and they have great friends. The story is entertaining, and sweet but oh-so-steamy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
January 26, 2022
Hooked is a fun and entertaining book with great character and a well written opposite attract story line that you will not want to put it down. There are parts of the story that will warm your heart and others that will have you laughing so hard.

Great addition to the series, and just a delight to get lost in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,636 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! This amazing romance was filled with emotions along with heart touching moments. Dylan and Gwen were perfect for each other. His grumpy to her sunshine was the perfect combination. They were soulmates! Hooked is a beautiful, fun, sexy romance I enjoyed very much! It is a great addition to the Minnesota Caribou series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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