I never thought I’d be divorced and a single mother before I turned thirty. But life had other plans. I was content with my life. Being a mom to Jaxon, working as a legal assistant and hanging out with my best friend. Then I met Dane Thompson. Lead singer of Blanked Edge and my new neighbour. The man looks way too delicious in those tight shirts and baggy jeans, with eyes that seem to sear into my very soul. And when my apartment floods and he asks us to move in for a few days, I find myself saying yes. Is it a good idea?Probably not. Do I do it anyway regardless of the way he makes me squirm with just a look? Of course. Nothing at all can go wrong….right?
S.A. Clayton lives in a small town outside of Toronto, Canada with her husband and her scary large collection of books that seem to take over every room. She has worked on both sides of the publishing industry, both in a bookstore and for actual publishing companies. Although she loved both for different reasons, she found that writing was her true passion and has spent the last few years breaking into the industry as best she can. She is a lover of all things romance and began her writing journey in her late twenties. Since then, she has immersed herself in the romance genre and couldn't be happier. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys binging a great Netflix show (Stranger Things anyone?), baking (because who doesn't love cookies!), and spending time with her family.
Again, I can't technically rate this story because I helped the author by beta reading for her but if you know me, then you know I wouldn't tell you a story is cute and swoony if it wasn't, right?! ;) Do with that what you will :)
When Nellie's best friend convinces her a night out is needed, she doesn't expect to meet a gorgeous man. She wants him but she has obligations, things, people in her life that make a hot night unwise. But it won't hurt to give him her phone number, will it?
But will she answer if he calls? Respond to his texts? What about when that same gorgeous guy turns out to be her new neighbor and he offers up his apartment when hers is closed due to water damage? Will Dane be just a holiday hookup or the love of her life?
This is a short, sexy holiday novella with a great couple and the most adorable little boy. It's definitely insta-love-ish, but the characters and the story felt fully developed and it was just right to get me in the holiday spirit.
ARC via The Hatters Author Services for an honest review.
To know me is to know that I love Rockers and Novellas, so this book for me was a win-win. It’s a short and not-so-sweet insta-love story where hard working single mum Nellie, comes across a hot and sexy guy on night out with a girl-friend.
Dane is a Rockstar who has had too much of a good thing. He’s had enough – his two best friends and bandmates, not so much, but Dane still walks. He longs for a normal life, meeting a gorgeous woman who just might be the one to turn it upside down.
When her little man is off staying with his father, Nellie gets shoe-horned out of her apartment and into a night out by her girlfriend. When the said friend ditched her drunk backside to go home with some bloke for a night’s shagging, and her phone died, it was the sexy guy who rescued her, played the gentleman and got her home. She may be up for some fun, but she’s not a risk taker by any means knowing that she has a 5-year-old son who depends on her, and I absolutely admired her for that.
You’ve read the blurb, and I’ll tell you now that the book is as good as that blurb sounds. It’s pure dirty talking feel-good Christmas insta-love escapism at its best, and for me, I’ll always adore a man who appreciates how important Christmas traditions are to a kid.
But, as love blossoms, those bandmates of Danes haven’t forgotten him, and they’ll call in the big guns to drag him back.
I absolutely enjoyed Holiday Hookup, and if you have any semblance of spare moments in your day, I recommend you fit this into it. 4.5 Novella worthy stars
Holiday Hookup is a fun, light read with plenty of steam and awwwww moments. Dane is tired of his life as a rock-star. All the concerts and pressure are getting to him, and he desperately needs a break. His two bandmates don’t take the news very well, but Dane is done. He lets his hair loose a bit at a local bar and meets single-mom Nellie. The attraction and interest between them are instant and hot. They get thrown together just before Christmas and it doesn’t take Nellie very long to succumb to Dane’s charms.
The relationship develops very fast. Well, this is a shorter story, so it has to. I liked the two of them a lot together. They are both interesting characters and they work well together. I didn’t like the way Dane treated the break-up with his band, and that’s a bit of a black mark against an otherwise great personality. That’s why I’m giving it a three.
I can recommend this if you’re in the mood for a steamy HEA, that won’t take up too much of your time. It might have been a quick read, but it was worth it.
S.A. Clayton is back at it again with a brand new, swoony holiday romance. This was one love story that gave me all of the feels and had me falling head over heels right alongside the characters.
Holiday Hookup was a sexy, steamy, unputdownable, fast-paced romance that captivated me cover to cover and seriously, just wait until you meet Dane and Nellie *swooooon*. They had loads of undeniable chemistry and y'all, their or more specifically her plus one *wink* was so adorable in every moment.
Holiday Hookup is the perfect read to heat you up on these cold, winter nights and leave you grinning ear to ear. If you like your romances easier and sweeter then THIS is an absolute must read.
Dane and his band have worked hard over the last decade to achieve the success they have earned but lately he has been yearning for more. He decides to take a hiatus from the demands of his life which brings Nellie into his life.
Ever since her divorce Nellie’s life has been focused on her son Jaxon. A few drinks at a club with her friend leads to a kiss with Dane she will never forget. She doesn’t believe she has the time or energy for a man in her life, but fate had other ideas.
Dane is enough to make you swoon when it comes to both mother and son, the chemistry is off the charts and Jaxon was too cute for words.
Holiday Hookup is the perfect Christmas read. The chemistry between Nellie and Dane is off the charts. This book will give all the warm and fuzzies, with some laugh out loud moments.
So run, one click this book, grab a glass of wine or a mug of hot coco and curl up with this 5 star read!!
I loved how Dane and Nellie first met. The instant connection was great and then when they met the second time, it was a great introduction to Jaxon for Dane. This story left me with a smile on my face.
I loved this story. It is amazing how an author can pour so much feeling into such a short story! I love Dane and Nellie together, add in her son Jaxon and you have the perfect trio! I have read all of this authors books and have enjoyed them very much
Life outside of being a Rock Star. Dane had no idea what he was missing in life until he met them. I loved how this came together with a little holiday goodness added in.
This is the first book by S.A.Clayton that I have ever read. Its a short instalove, holiday novella. Dane and Nellie are so sweet with each other and throw Jaxon into the mix and I practically had a toothache.
Dane Thompson is in a rut. He’s at the height of his career as the lead singer of Blanked Edge. Unfortunately the music has stopped coming to him and everyday trying and failing to write a new song for a new album, is making him even more depressed. He desperately needs a break.
Fortunately break comes in the shape of a cute, single mother, Nellie who is trying really hard to not mess up being a mom.
This is a very short and fast paced novel. Dane and Nellie meet, three weeks later they are living in close proximity and attraction is hard to deny. Just when everything is going great for the two of them, trouble comes when Dane’s former band mate forces Dane to write one more album.
It creates tension between the couple. Of course for Nellie dependability is everything – after all its not just her heart at stake here. As a mom, she has a beautiful five year old to think about as well. Can Dane prove he is in for the long haul?
I want to thank author S.A. Clayton and Enticing Promotions, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
OMG!! I love S.A.'s books soooooo much and this one didn't disappoint either!! I did not want it to end, AT ALL!
The story of Dane and Nellie. What can I say, other than IT WAS AMAZING YOU AND MUST READ IT!!
Thank you S.A. for letting me read this amazing story and all of your other amazing stories!!
Dane is taking a break from music and decides to stay in the town that they last played in.
Nellie is a single mother co parenting her son with his father that only has him every other weekend. Nellie doesn't have time for a relationship and she needs to be there for Jaxon.
Dane doesn't let the fact that she has a son cloud his judgement on how much he likes Nellie, even though he doesn't want to admit it at first.
The more time that they spend together, they find out that they really like each other. But can they make it work with Dane potentially having to go back to work? Can they make it work with Nellie trying to juggle work and her son?
Dane has to deal with his work stuff and get that all sorted before he can do anything about moving on with life.
I really loved the story line of this book, and the characters were amazing!! I LOVED THEM BOTH!
Some of my fave quotes:
1. I know I'm hitting below the knees by mentioning Jax, but I really want her in my space. - Dane can't get enough of her!
2. "Besides, maybe I want him in my pants." - Nellie cracks me up!
HOLIDAY HOOKUP is a quick, fast-paced easy, fun loving read that will certainly get you in the mood for some Holiday loving. Nellie Winston is the single mum of a precocious 4 yr old, Jaxon, and a woman who just doesn't seem to have time for herself ... especially when it comes time for romance. Dane Thompson is looking for some "me" time, after being the lead singer of the rock band Blanked Edge for the past ten years. A night out may just change everything for both of them.
Instant attraction and chemistry between Nellie and Dane is what makes this story so enjoyable. I really enjoyed how their attraction grew into friendship and then to so much more. I love how Dane interacted with little Jaxon, it was genuine and relatable. This man just melted my heart. Both Dane and Nellie need to deal with their feelings, Nellie needs to learn how to trust and open herself u to another man, and Dane needs to deal with his band and how he can change that part of his life.
Can Nellie accept Dane into her heart or will he return to the life he had led for ten years? This was another wonderful story from Ms. Calyton, she never fails to deliver realistic romance. A recommended Holiday read.
A fast paced hot must read Christmas read. Holiday Hookup is a single mom and hot rocky romance that you don't want to miss this holiday season.
Nellie is a single mom of adorable 4 year old Jaxon she works hard and doesn't have anytime for men or romance but the one night she does go out she is blown away by the dark haired stranger that dances with her - but being the responsible mom that she is - she walks away from the guy that got her very hot under the collar!
Dane has been lead singer off Blanked Edge since it was formed 10 years ago in high school but Dane want's out he is just tired of the rocky life. but his band mates aren't happy! Spending a night at a bar just being himself was want he needed but he can't get out of his mind the beautiful woman he danced with even though she turned him down. What Dane and Nellie weren't expecting was to be neighbours now the sparks are about to really fly.
Can Nellie really trust Dane with her and Jaxon's heart or will this break from the band be just an interlude. Dane has never felt this way before he is falling for Nellie and Jaxon fast.
Can Dane prove he is in for the long haul or will the bright lights of LA beckon him back!
I read this in one seating it was such a great sweet read - just what the doctor ordered on these cold winter nights!
This is a sweet and steamy read about Nellie, who is a single mom to 5-year-old Jaxson, and Dane, rock star and lead singer for the group Blanked Edge. Dane is tired of the rock star life and is ready to make a change when he meets Nellie. She is working hard, exhausted, and just trying to get by. The chemistry between them is undeniable. Nellie must overcome her fears and Dane has to work out the details to make his life the one he wants to live. This hot holiday read is written in first person from a dual POV. I really enjoyed Nellie’s independence and her desire to protect her son. I loved how Dane is all-in from the beginning. I adore how he falls for Jaxson as well as Nellie. I love that they fit together so well. This was a fun holiday read that I didn’t want to put down. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance review copy from the author.
This was a very cute, fresh take on the rock star trope. Dane is so tired of everything and needs to be allowed to just BE. He doesn’t count on seeing, meeting, and falling for Nellie or her son, Jaxon. And just when he finally has the life he truly wants just close enough to brush his fingertips, reality comes screaming for more of him. It may take losing so much more than he’s expecting, but Dane isn’t about to give up on who and what he really wants in life just to appease others.
I really enjoyed Dane and Nellie’s progression from strangers to everything, and I especially liked how Dane stepped in without stepping all over Nellie. This provided the perfect escape from reality today and left me feeling like Dane got exactly what he so richly deserved in life. And Nellie definitely got what she needed and deserved, too!
Holiday Hookup is a short(ish) story that packs an entertaining punch, plus everyone can finish it in one sitting. It's the story of a single mother, Nellie, who goes out one night & finds herself with a connection to a sexy stranger, but she stops it after they dance & kiss. Imagine her shock when she learns that her new neighbor is that sexy man, Dane, from that night, and even more complicated, a famous rockstar who needs a break as he has some writer's block, plus he just wants more in his life. They get to know each other & the connection gets stronger (he's so totally adorable with Nellie's tiny human) and just when you think they're on track, BAM! His former life comes back for him, so will they come to a halt before they hit their stride together?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Holiday Hookup by S.A. Clayton is a steamy, romantic insta-love Christmas treat that will most definitely make you swoon.
We meet Dane and Nellie, and we get to see sparks flying, instant chemistry and love that makes us sigh happily. I loved the chemistry between the two, and it made me smile the stronger the relationship. I fell in love with both of them pretty quickly.
It also gets steamy in the book. There are a few fan worthy moments that are incredibly hot, and with their chemistry, that was to be expected.
And little Jaxon... such a total sweetheart!
If you're looking for a quick Christmas treat that will melt your heart and make you swoon, this is the perfect read for you. It will moat tickle your fancy.
As much as her previous book - this one was another cute story about two people that are searching their safe ground.
I loved the strong will that Nellie had and she and Dane had great chemistry but due to her "obligations" she tries to fight it but in the end his persistence on how good they can be together she finally lets her gourd down to find how sometimes you need someone to hold everything up so you can take a (deserved) breather.
I loved this novella and I'm excited to see what come next from S.A. Clayton.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Nellie is a divorced single mom to her little son and she work hard, so when her son is with his dad for the weekend, her bestie drags her out for the night, where she then processed to leave her and go off to have her own fun. Dane is a Rockstar who was the lead singer for Blanked Edge, and was jaded from that life and just want to live his life in peace, and he is also Nellie new neighbour, and he is the one who rescued her and brought her home. I loved the way in which Dane interacted with Nellie’s son. This is a beautifully written story which is fast paced, sweet, fun, entertaining, and a steamy read. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend for all.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, crazy chemistry, and heartbreak.
This is Nellie and Dane’s story. She’s raising her son Jaxon and does not have time for a man. They meet in a bar and have a sweet dance, but she walks away. She does not need man complications. They end up being neighbors and the sparks fly. When she needs a place to stay, he jumps at the chance to have her and her son over. He is falling hard and fast, but will he leave the band, or will he be leaving her behind to go back with the band? Is this a for now love or a forever love?
I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
This is an amazing holiday romance read that will have you swooning from the start. This story is fast paced, steamy and definitely a page turner of a read. This story follows the characters Dane and Nelle. These two characters have amazing intense chemistry between them. This book will leave you all warm and fuzzy and definitely in the holiday mood. This book has it all steamy scenes, laugh out loud moments and lovable characters.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review www.obsessedbookreviews.com
The story was super sweet and cute! Nellie is all work and no play but she has a five-year-old son at home so that’s a real hit to her social life but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Dane he’s a rockstar but just wants to leave the simpler life without all of the trappings that go with LA. They meet at a bar and it’s instant lust but Nellie is thinking about her son so it doesn’t go anywhere until Dane moves in across the hall from her. One little flood in Nellie’s apartment and they are living with Dane temporarily but he wants to make it permanent. There is one little problem, one band mate just won’t let go so Dane has to make a choice- Nellie and Jaxon or fame and fortune. Which will he choose?
4.5 Stars This book had me at Christmas and single mom. I'm so glad I read this because Dane made me fall in love with him. He is going to make you swoon. What he does for Nellie's son to make Jaxon feel like Santa will find him melted my heart. That moment is what solidified Danes fate with me. Nellie deserves for something to go her way and find a HEA. Her life could use some magic that the holiday season has to offer. This book is a fast read, but oh so enjoyable. I couldn't put it down. Dane and Nellie are going to have you hooked. This book made me laugh, smile, and cry. It's great story to get you into the holiday spirit.
Oh, the nights are getting colder, but with S. A. Clayton’s latest release, Holiday Hookup, you will be warmed up in no time. This is a sweet romance story that is about the coming together of two people that just needs to find the right person to complete them. This was a one sitting, binge read, and it was remarkable. With a gorgeous, tattooed rocker named Dane, and single mom, Nellie this story is beyond entertaining. The book has it all; from a disgruntled band member to a holiday nightmare to a steamy tryst under the mistletoe. Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus, and he is delivering a book worth talking about. 5-stars for Holiday Hookup by S.A. Clayton.
What a delightful Holiday Romance novella. This is a quick read that is full of smiles, joy and romance. The author gave us a well written storyline and characters you can’t help but fall in love with and root for (especially little 5 year old Jaxon).
This is a wonderful story about second chances. Second chances at a normal life, second chances at finding true love and second chances at having it all. It’s also full of heartwarming firsts… First times for a hookup, first times for instant love and so much more. I highly recommend grabbing this up, curling up in your easy chair and simply enjoying.
Sexy & Steamy! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading a book from S.A Clayton. Holiday Hookup is a sexy, steamy, and fast paced. This is Nellie and Dane's story. The chemistry between Nellie and Dane is off the charts. Nellie is a single mom of adorable 4-year-old. Dane has been lead singer of Blanked Edge for years. In this story we get to see sparks fly, instant chemistry and love that makes us sigh happily. I loved the chemistry between them. I couldn't put it down. Dane and Nellie will have you hooked just like it did to me. I can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great job.
Sexy & Steamy! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading a book from S.A Clayton. Holiday Hookup is a sexy, steamy, and fast paced. This is Nellie and Dane's story. The chemistry between Nellie and Dane is off the charts. Nellie is a single mom of adorable 4-year-old. Dane has been lead singer of Blanked Edge for years. In this story we get to see sparks fly, instant chemistry and love that makes us sigh happily. I loved the chemistry between them. I couldn't put it down. Dane and Nellie will have you hooked just like it did to me. I can't wait to read more from this author. Keep up the great job.