The Anonymous Hookup

The Hookup Duology #1

by Jax Calder

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0B177XT8S


I’ve never been a strings-free sex type of guy, but when my best friend encourages me to have my first ever anonymous hookup, I figure, why not? One night of steamy sex with a stranger and then I’ll focus back on recovering from my toxic break-up.

Only I’m not prepared for how incredibly hot the sex is.

Nor am I prepared to run into him again.

Because it turns out my anonymous hookup might not be so anonymous after all…


This low-angst 29,000-word novella is full of fun banter, steamy times, sweet times and contains a few surprises along the way.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, LGBT, Humor, Contemporary Romance

130 pages, ebook

First published June 2, 2022

About the author

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. To read her exclusive novella Being Set Up, sign up to her newsletter: https://jaxcalder.com/newsletter-sign.... You can also join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely story with two very likable and sweet characters. Some situations were maybe too convenient, but I liked how everything came together in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

*****
Re-read 8/2023: So cozy and heartwarming. I love that we get a full story in a novella length.

[☆ Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lane's bestie, BFF gal-pal convinced him to throw caution to the wind and proposition a super-hot guy at a bar for his first ever anonymous hookup, he fully expected it to be a one-and-done, "wham, bam, thank you, man" situation.

[My take on 26 y.o., high school teacher Lane...]



But with both his dog and his teaching job throwing his hookup back into his path, he was more than happy to have several more "play dates" with Sam, the kind, easy-going, and hot AF man of his dreams.

[My take on TV producer Sam...]



This was yet another playful and fun winner from Jax Calder for me, with a grand total of only about 2 seconds of relationship drama. There were also plenty of steamy bits, without the sex feeling overly-gratuitous.

I loved the overall flirty feel of the story and how both MC's fell into an easy domesticity, without even really realizing just how much (and how quickly) their situation had changed.

I really enjoyed the epilogue, too, but the parts with Sam's mother were also a favorite of mine.

This one made me smile from start to finish, so I'd rate it at around 4.5 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a light-hearted, "accidentally falling into love, even if you're actively trying to avoid it" romance.

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[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Anonymous Hookup is a completely delightful novella by Jax Calder. Jax is a new to me author and I am so over the moon for this book, I assure you there will be more in my future!

Lane Fenwick is a twenty five year old high school english teacher in Auckland, New Zealand. About five months ago, he got out of a very toxic relationship where he was made to feel inferior, constantly trying to be who his boyfriend wanted him to be instead of who he was. Now he’s trying to move on with his life. But his best friend steps in and is determined to get him out of his funk. He’s not anywhere near being ready for another relationship so she insists he needs a one night stand. And the first person his eyes home in on is a very good looking man sitting at the bar. Lane has never had a one night stand but maybe this is what he needs. No names, just a night of hot sex! Only fate has other plans.



This entire book is told in Lane’s POV. After their passionate night, these two find themselves face to face once again purely by chance. As they begin to spend time together they realize just how much they have in common, and how much they must have crossed paths and didn’t even know it.

“We really know how to put the ‘extended’ into extended anonymous hookup.”



These two were so wonderful together. Even though we weren’t in Sam’s head, you could just feel how much he was growing to care for Lane. But with all the doubts Lane’s ex put in his head, he’s so sure he can’t be what Sam needs long term.



There is literally no angst in this book at all which was perfect. It was just super sexy, super swoony, and super wonderful. It’s a quick read and one that you won’t want to miss. Now I need to go and look through Jax’s other work!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-read January 2023
Still one of my top-tier favorite novellas. Still so so GOOD!!



4.5***** stars


omg *crying emoji - THAT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!


Their banter was entertaining and so very… playful. The plot was light but checked a lot of boxes for me. I couldn’t put it down. And it also had a lot of pretty good lines, too *lol

Prostate orgasms. There’s nothing better. Pretty sure we could achieve world peace if only more guys got to experience these.

And despite the unbelievability of all the coincidences happening, I loved everything about this story. It was funny and sexy and both Lane and Sam were so freaking lovable characters from the get go.

“It’s so crazy, it’s like… you were hovering in the background of my life all of this time. …” He shakes his head. “There are some incredible coincidences,” I agree. … “Or there is another word to describe it.” “What’s that?” I say. “Fate.”

And if that alone was not swoony enough… the end, people!! The swooniest swoon I’ve ever swooned over!!! So good!

And that’s the end of it.


************
The Hookup Duology

Book 1 - The Anonymous Hookup - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - The Unforgettable Hookup - no rating

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing wrong with this book is that it's far too short.

I wanted more: more Sam & Lane, more dogs, more cuteness, more steam.

But the HEA was perfection, and I couldn't stop smiling.

I'm going to go stalk this author now.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's stunning," I say.
"Yeah," he agrees.
I guess he's used to the view, because when I glance back at him, he's not looking at the expansive city and sparkling water. He's staring at me instead.
~ ugh. i'm weak for these type of scenes. they make my heart melt. 🥺

really cute!! i was entertained throughout the novella, despite its short length. both mcs were likable, i loved their playful banters and i adored the side characters too. i also loved how the concept of fate was intertwined in the story.

[nark · Rating 2 out of 5]

simply too fluffy and cute for me

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

Falling for him wasn’t supposed to be part of this.

An anonymous hookup that was supposed to be a one-time thing. But fate had other plans..

Sweet and short. Jax Calder made me fall for these two so fast.
And since I love dual POVs, I’m just going to jump right into The Unforgettable Hookup.

Tropes and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Anonymous sex (no names)
- Frotting
- Vers MCs
- Shitty ex

[Lau ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread (March 2025): after loving Love Language by this author, I needed to come back to this one. It's as good as I remembered, I had a lot of fun reading it and everything was really good executed. I'd highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a light, spicy and charming novella.

Original review: After his last break up, Lane is not sure he wants to go through another relationship, but he’s never been the one to separate feelings from sex. He still says yes when his best friend dares him to do an anonymous hook up with the first attractive man he sees. The problem: the stranger is good enough to make him want to break the rules.

“You have witchcraft in your lips”

But he doesn’t. Luckily for him, destiny seems determined to change his mind…


Sam and Lane were so cute together. Their banter was very fun and all their interests aligned like they were made for each other. It was too good to be true, it made me roll my eyes while I smiled, but it was a charming novella to pass the time. As always with novellas, I wanted more details, more dialogue, more scenes and more depth, though I have to admit I was in the middle of a reading slump when I read it and it was good enough to not only catch my attention, but also make me want to read an entire fluffy romance filled with these vibes.


I once saw a meme that said seeing someone reading your favorite book was seeing a book recommending a person. I now have an overwhelming number of books recommending him to me. ()
I could fall in love with the guy for his bookcase alone.

*Rating: 3.5/5

[Papie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute, a little sexy, a little funny, but highly predictable (despite the little twist near the end).

It was like every cute MM I’ve ever read, mixed together in a little novella. 🤷‍♀️

[Mia.Mi.Jou (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a big fan of fate playing a role in romance, but this was so cute that I couldn't help but love it. It was charming, sweet and heart-warming. And I did appreciate also all the small things that made the writing entertaining and easy flowing, like funny metaphors and comparisons... Wonderful comfort read I needed right now.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute, sweet, funny, and short - a perfect book quickie for in between, with highly likable characters and no angst at all.

Lane, a slightly shy English teacher, is persuaded by his best friend to go out and hook up anonymously- no names, no strings attached. He can’t forget guy he ends up spending the night with, but as these things tend to go, he meets him again at the dog daycare. They agree to “play-dates”, and soon enough, this entire no-strings-thingy proves to be difficult to maintain.

Their relationship is so wonderfully easy, and free of any drama, and their banter so funny - the only thing that kept me from rating it with 5 stars is the slightly predictable plot (in fact, only one little twist took me by surprise).

This book is like a dessert you didn’t know you wanted or needed, but that leaves you with a goofy smile on your face 😊

[Peppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a book can confirm that soulmates exists it would be this one here😭💕!
I had to put this book a few time down, because I wasn’t able to control myself. This book brought me so much joy<33
It was a such a delightful read, it was sweet, wholesome and sexy. I loved everything about the story, the tropes, the emotions and the humor!
I absolutely felt in love with Lane and Sam, those two had such a great chemistry, they are definitely made for each other🥹

5⭐️

[Ben Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never done this before, never been so assertive in a sexual encounter. But there’s something confidence inducing about knowing I’m not going to see him again.

It's been five and a half months since Lane got dumped by his long term boyfriend, and he hasn't been with anyone since. His best friend, Jules, comes up with the perfect way for him to finally get over the break up and put himself back out there; an anonymous hookup. A one-and-done, no names exchanged hookup with the first guy he finds attractive at the bar.

Lane reluctantly agrees, and it goes way better than he ever expected. So good that he almost breaks his own ground rules, but he doesn't and the two remain anonymous despite their mutual off-the-charts chemistry and attraction.

Luckily the universe must have more in store for them as their paths keep crossing. Grading his students papers causes Lane to arrive at doggie daycare later than usual, where his anonymous hookup is also picking up his dog.

The week apart clearly hasn't dampened the spark between them, so they agree to extend term of their anonymous hookup. (take a shot everytime I say anonymous hookup in this review)

Extended anonymous hookup where we know the names of each other’s dogs. I mean, how hard can it be?

__
This novella is the cutest romance I've read in a while. This should be turned into a movie romcom. It's so good.

The situations they get into are funny and adorable. When they meet again at the doggie daycare had be grinning like a fool. When they agreed to continue the anonymous hookup and they didn't even know each other's names was ridiculous in the best way possible. That ending was the sweetest thing ever!

I really appreciated how Lane's relationship with his ex was dealt with; how it left Lane with a lot of insecurities about his self worth. I feel like the author gave it the proper care it deserved.

...there will always be people who try to make you feel bad about yourself,” I say. “But you’re the one who decides if you let them.”

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh... So Sweet and Hot! 🔥
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I fell hard for this one! The author captures your attention from the beginning and develops the most amazing characters! This is not a cheesy hookup novella but a well-developed, well-written story that makes you swoon, just a little bit.

Smoldering and so sexy with an ending that just rocked my world! Like everyone else, this would have been awesome if it was longer, but so much love for this one.

I know there will be more Calder books in my future!

* copy received for review consideration

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread 03/2024 because of course I needed a reread before starting The Unforgettable Hookup!
4, 25 stars, lovely and sweet novella.
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08/2023
My first book by this author..
This was such a delightful and sweet novella!
The writing style seemed to be a bit simple to me, but I had a great time reading how Sam and Lane fell in love.
4 stars.

[Teal]

Ugh. I'm not sure what made me think I'd be interested in this. Turns out it's yet *another* "female friend obsesses over and tries to micromanage gay man's sex life."



Dnf, dnf, dnf.

[Mug · Rating 4 out of 5]

so adorable and practically angst free and just exactly the kinda of fluffy unrealisiticness i needed😌🤣 like i don’t even care that basically everything that was mentioned was a set up for coincidence after coincidence after coincidence….or as mr anonymous hookup calls it: fate🤣 haha i needed some feel-good cheesiness and this delivered🫶

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the literary equivalent of going out and buying a whole ass cake and eating it in one sitting for dinner.

A little cute, fluffy palette cleanser that was a super quick read.

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

[3.75] the exact fluffy content my ravaged heart (which, you guessed it, was Gregory Ashe's doing 😂) was looking for! i went in fully expecting a string of all-too-convenient coincidences and that was exactly what i got, but sometimes your mood just calls for a short, sweet read where everything works out perfectly.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good novella - I would have loved to read this as a full length novel!

[Vanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Loved it stars!! ❤️❤️❤️ This was a cute, sweet, low-angsty and utterly utterly romantic short story 😍. The banter was fun and cutesy, the anonymous dating was sweet and hilarious.. even the supporting characters were interesting and entertaining; and to top it all despite only getting Lane’s POV throughout the book, the MCs were fun and engaging. I absolutely loved the epilogue 🥰🥰 and really enjoyed this novella overall. It is now on my favorites shelf. Highly recommended to all fans of M/M romance novella done right 👍🏻👍🏻

[Nelly S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A sweet, sexy, and funny novella. It’s entertaining but pretty predictable with a few too many coincidences.

[Tare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - 4.5 Stars

This was adorable. Normally low-angst, fluffy sweetness isn’t my thing but in this case I loved it. I don’t know if it was just because it was a short novella but everything about this one worked for me. The characters were both so lovable. The circumstances were really fun. The pacing was great. It just had a perfect balance.

This starts off with a bang - a no-strings, no-names hookup that was surprisingly full of chemistry. Lane is getting over a bad breakup and is dared by his best friend to just have an anonymous hookup. That encounter is followed up by another chance meeting and we go from there.

I will say Lane and Sam’s chemistry, their flirtatiousness and banter was 👌 They felt comfortable together from their first meeting, they were able to joke and be playful with each other (even during sex which I always love). I adored seeing them fall for each other in all these little moments that just kept adding up.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet, low-angst, and super endearing novella then I would definitely suggest you pick this one up.

[ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Aww, fate-y stuff is cute.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly delightful romance

This was just what I needed, it's pure joy in book form.

I loved everything about this from the tropes, the humour, the emotions and the seriously hot chemistry between the two men.

It's a wonderful twist on the anonymous hook up turns into the love of your life and packed with a lot of great world building in a shorter narrative.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexy and sweet novella! Nothing ground-breaking, and it did get a bit cheesy/saccharine at times, and the big misunderstanding felt a little forced, but overall I enjoyed it, and I'll plan on checking out some of their other works!

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedinly fun and entertaining. Grin inducing, laugh eliciting and just an all around joy.
But the absolute audacity of making this a novella, I wanted 300 more pages of these two.
Excuse me while i go read every book Jax Calder has ever written, but not before I reread this.

[Em Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was so flippin’ cute 🥹🥰 A well-written AND well-paced novella!

[Gustaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely brilliant.

It was sweet and funny and left me with the biggest smile. I just wish it was longer because I could've been reading about Lane and Sam forever.