I enjoyed The Hookup, even though it wasn’t quite what I was expecting–clearly, I hadn’t read the blurb very closely (or at all…I suspect my decision making was mostly, “Oh, I like Erin McCarthy…click). It definitely deals with heavier topics than its cover would lead you to believe. Its characters are quirky and believable, though, and there was nearly as much smiling and laughing going on over here as there was groaning and shaking my head (mostly at Cain, I’ll admit), so…I’d say even though it ended giving me a different experience than I thought I was going to have, I’m not at all sorry I picked it up.

Sophie’s OCD and (lack of) social skills made reading from her POV a lot of fun. I loved that Cain, for all of his flaws–which he is not at all blind to, either, which helped make him more likable too–was the one person to see her as she really is and truly appreciate her. Even though he initially was attracted to the outward appearance her sister offered, one conversation with Sophie was enough for him to pretty much start asking, “Bella who?”

Things move pretty fast for Sophie and Cade, but it doesn’t end up feeling as if their relationship is rushed; the fact that there’s a time gap toward the end helps too, and honestly, I was okay with not personally witnessing what happens during that time. We hear what we need to hear about each of their time apart, and are handed a big ol’ teaser about something happening to Bella that the next book will apparently reveal–hopefully we’ll also learn more there about Cain’s family drama there as well, because he wasn’t in a place in this book where he could talk to his identical twin about the drama that tore them apart in the first place. Since Cain’s future is more of a HFN than an HEA at the end here–he’s still got some work ahead of him–fingers crossed that the next book ( The Breakup) will have plenty of Sophie-and-Cain sightings to assure us that they’re heading safely along the path toward an “EA” ending.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy

The Hookup, by Erin McCarthy, is the 1st book in her new "Jordan Brothers" series. Sophie is super intelligent but when it comes to fashion and men, its like she is completely clueless. Cain has a block on his shoulder that he isn't letting it go and it is somewhat do to his brother. Yet these two together work. Cain is an alcoholic while Sophie is OCD and has these unusual quirks. Their relationship started after Sophie met him when Sophie was at a bar with her older sister to work on her social skills and Cain was making eyes on her older sister. Sophie still talked to him and Cain found her sweet and adorable…after talking longer than a few minutes. This is a book that makes you think in several ways yet has a beautiful romance to jump into. The only things that have me wondering is what the deal was between Cain and his brother. It was slightly explained but not enough to explain why Cain went into such a dramatic downfall. Otherwise, it is a very good read. I cant wait to read Cain’s brother’s book.

My Rating: 4.3 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

The Hookup is Erin McCarthy's forts book in her new series The Jordan Brothers and it was a smash with me ! A cute , quick read that you will not want to put down!

Sophie and Bella have come to the families vacation home on the shores of Maine to prepare for her sister Bella's wedding; Bella being the perfect blonde haired , blue eyed makeup and fashion conscious daughter that Sophie's mother wishes she was . Instead Sophie is brown haired, curvy and more into comfortable clothing, converse and math, but for tonight their first night in the house she has agreed to let her sister play dress up with her" doing get her use to it for the wedding" . What Bella does not realize is that the almost 25 year old Sophie is determined to loose her v card tonight.
It is not like she has not wanted to in the past but her one boyfriend on high school turned out to be gay and the guys she go so to college with well are just Harvard nerds like her.
So when they walk into the local bar and Sophie gets her first look at sex on a stick Cain , she knows immediately that he is the one she wants , but of course the first one he talks to is Bella .
Luckily , Bella is not looking to cheat on her fiancé and is happy to tell Cain she is engaged.
Cain's attention shifts to Sophie and he realizes that Sophie is actually more attractive to him and even more so because Sophie is straight forward , no lies , no deceit , no games. That's just her nature. Cain is captivated , being a nightly bar patron drinking away the anger and deceit of his long term girlfriend and his twin brother Christian. Sophie is a refreshing breeze!
A one night stand agreed upon, a great night together soon lads to a hot guy who has a bar bunny nightly wanting more from the captivating Sophie. However is want enough to overcome the class differences , the alcoholism and the trust issues.
Pick up this delightful read and find out!
Arc copy generously provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review .

I have chosen not to review or finish this title. As always, I thank you for the opportunity.

Thanks,
Laura

Something about Sophie and Caine just grabbed me and didn’t let go. I love that whole 'opposites attract' trope and this is a particularly good one. Sophie is unique – smart, real and accepting. Exactly what Cain needs! And he is everything that she never knew she needed! I love that he’s a lobster fisherman. I love that she’s working on a PhD in math. This is the first in a series and I’m excited for what’s to come. Very hot, very interesting. Although I also wished there had been even more development in their relationship, I really enjoyed what I read. I’m eager to see what bits and pieces we will get in the next book which tells the story of her sister and his brother! It looks like Erin McCarthy has a number of other series so I plan to go check some of those out as well!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Alcoholism, cheating

Sophie and Cain were a strange couple. While they both allowed each other to just be themselves, I thought that this story had a very young adult feel to it.

Sophie likes numbers – they make sense for her. While she's in town for her sister's wedding, she decides that she no longer wants to be a virgin. There's no muss and no fuss when it comes to her mind being made up. Despite being dressed like a semi-hooker by her sister, Sophie is immediately drawn to Cain.

Cain is not having the greatest of times in his life right now. His family is messed up and there isn't really anything he can do about it. He is drowning in alcohol and hatred. When he sees Sophie in the bar, he can't help but be drawn to her no-nonsense attitude and brutal honesty. He likes her quirks and can't remember the last time he wanted to spend more time with a woman than just one night.

For both Sophie and Cain, they dance around their attraction to each other, but know that despite not knowing each other for very long, they tell each other things that they have not shared with anyone else. Cain is kind of a butt towards the end and it made the ending of the story much more difficult. I also had a lot of unanswered questions in terms of Sophie's sister, Cain's brother, and the family dynamic of both.

Overall, this was a cute story about acceptance and love, but there was just something missing.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆☆
I really loved this book. The characters of Sophie and Cain are very complex and riveting and each have their own set of demons.

Sophie has always been misunderstood. She's different from the rest of her family and she knows it. She's learned to adapt. When she meets Cain and he gets her, she knows that there is something special about him.

Cain has his own demons. He has faced betrayal by his own family and he's struggling to get through the day. He copes with alcohol and thinks he's hiding his problem from Sophie.

Until he realizes that the only important thing in his life is Sophie.

This book has it all and I had all the feels while reading it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the start of a new series, and I think we can look forward to a winning streak here from Ms. McCarthy. Although there is some world building, it is very subtle and just slides straight into the story.

I really enjoyed both lead characters, they are so completely different, and yet it just works so well. Sophie is really well written, with such a wonderfully literal view of life, and yet perfectly capable of developing emotional skills if given the right encouragement and opportunity. Once we see how she is treated by Bella, it is not difficult to work out how she could remain aloof. Cain, however, unexpectedly turns out to be exactly who she needs. I love that he is far from perfect (his drinking may be an issue for some readers), and the twists ensure that we have more sympathy and hope for the situation than I ever expected at the start!

The dissection of their intimate moments, and her inner voice is just fabulous. It has a way of articulating some very real worries, which on occasion are said out loud. Cain just deals with them perfectly, both being light hearted and funny, yet mindful of her naivety. It was hot and freeing for them both.

We get quite few hints as to future plot lines, but never does the story stray far from these two ill-fated lovers – and the ending hints at a great new beginning.

Well shit on a stick.... yet another author to gush over like a giddy little fangirl. Seriously, cheese and crackers comrades. This book was perfect. I really enjoyed reading this and when I say I read it one sitting, I definitely read it in two hours. It was amazing.

I loved the characters - FLIPPING LOVED THEM.

Sophie was a huge treat. In many romance novels, you get this nerdy girl figure type who has socially awkward skills, I love the nerdy types. I always think it adds something to the chemistry in the long run, or rather the development of the character dynamics to get to the HEA. Sophie was a different breed of nerd that was refreshing. She says what is on her mind, she doesn't fiddle stick around the truth, she is extremely smart, hilarious and just generally the sweetest thing. I also adored that she is so misunderstood by her family, mostly by her sister and mother yet Cain sees past her awkward flaws, taking her at face value, she is just a huge ball of amazing. Everything from her personality, how she views the world, everything - she was just beautiful.

Of course Cain also took a treat for me, it was definitely a hate/love for his character. At first I am really reserved for him, he seems rather guarded personality, hostile, broody alpha male with some questionable lifestyles - definitely the drinking irked me. Going in, I didn't understand what motivated this, but tickle my pickle I was curious, there had to be something and boy was it. It was a damn good backbone to the story. He was a hot mess that is for sure, but it was unjustified. I definitely sympathized for him, many moments of his perspective I just wanted to reach out and hold him, Cain was definitely broken.

I say love/hate for Cain for basic reasons. A lot of this had to do with the chemistry and their dynamics together. On the one hand, Cain treats Sophie with the respect she deserves, he honestly treats her like an adult, a human being. They explore her sexuality together. It is a beautiful thing, honestly I know it sounds weird, but what started their relationship was just something I found to be phenomenal, it was beautifully written. However what became adamant on my dislikes towards Cain is that they were both becoming this all consuming, obsessive couple, really depending on one another to get over their internal conflicts. It was Cain though that really had a lot of internal demons. One that really tortures the growth of the feelings towards one another. Both with his mistrust, family issues, plus his budding alcoholism that was drowning out his pain - this in turn reflected on their relationship. At many points he crossed the line of being too compulsive, too addicted on their passion which boiled into something of a rage filled impulse.

On the other hand though I liked it. I needed it to happen. I needed his rage to finally open his eyes, be the man he was meant to be. Cain was a complicated individual, Sophie really opened his eyes to another world, to him growing as an individual. I loved their chemistry. The connection between Cain and Sophie was just on another level.

Overall, I adored this book. It was the perfect blend of angst feels with believable drama and the sweetest, most swoon worthy moments. I enjoyed the chemistry so much, everything simply slayed me. I honestly could not say that enough - it was perfection.

I highly recommend reading this book, I am super excited to continue reading other works from McCarthy. Plus the announcement for the cover and synopsis for book two, THE BREAKUP is on Goodreads and holy snack crackle and pop I am ready! Do I need to offer up anything for a ARC? Because I am prepared to sale my husband...

4 ‘Because, because’ Stars!

The Hookup is the first installment in the 'The Jordan Brothers' series.

This story is about Cain Jordan. He’s a lobster fisherman and spends his days nursing a hangover while on the job, and his nights numbing the pain of his twin brother’s betrayal.

Sophie is mathematic genius with a literal approach to life. Her studies she has immersed herself in have left little room for a social life or any kind of relationship.
With her desire to finally let loose, she lets her sister doll her up for a night of adventure.
Once she spots Cain, she knows he’s the man for the job.

I was instantly drawn into with their easy banter and chemistry. Cain is a perpetually broody guy but with Sophie’s quirky-no-nonsense personality, he can’t help but crack a smile and come alive by her refreshing attitude towards life.

Sophie was a character I very much enjoyed reading and getting to know.
I didn’t know how I felt about Cain in the beginning, but he eventually won me over. The more I read, the more I understood him.

I would’ve liked more information about the conflict surrounding these two brothers. It involves Cain just as much as it does Christian.
I know the next book will be about the other Jordan twin, so I’ll be looking forward to learning more about that.

This story was well written. The author knew when add humor and when to be serious. The steamy scenes also complimented the story and were strategically placed.
Sophie and Cain had genuine connection I felt while reading. They were sweet, funny and hot together.
The Hookup is a book I’d definitely recommend.

Sophie wants to ditch her virginity, and where better to do so than coastal Maine? Truth be told, Sophie reminds me a lot of Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper, but in the best way possible. I really enjoyed watching Sophie & Cain's story unfold!

Sophie is smart so smart that she still a virgin at her age but being smart to figures she should be able to think of a way to get a man to sleep with her. And her sister Bella wedding should be the perfect place. When she sees bad boy Cain she knows he's the one plus he's drunk so it should be easy to convince him. She really doesn't she her appeal. Sophie looks at a person and see there while side not just what other see. Cain is bad boy yes but he's had been so much betrayal and heartbreak you understand why he is that way. I loved these two together and how they thought it was just a hook up but so much more. I need Christian and Bella book.

Sophie and Cain are explosive in this emotional unexpected romance. Sophie is the most honest, loveable brain. Her brutal honesty and literal speaking makes her a refreshing lead female character.
Cain is such a mess, he just begs to be helped.
I wish there was a way to forget the story so I could experience it all over with fresh eyes. It was truly a great story! 5 stars!

The Hookup by Erin McCarthy is book One in The Jordan Brothers series. This is the story of Sophie and Cain.
Cain has a block on his shoulder that he isn't letting it go and it is somewhat do to his brother. This upset has him just working, drinking and sleep with or without someone. Cain knows that he is an alcoholic but doesn't have plans to change anything.
Sophie is a smart (genius) 25 year old virgin that doesn't have real social skills and boarders on OCD. Sophie is in town because her beautiful older sister is getting married. Her sister dresses her up and takes her to a bar to help her with her social skills and Sophie thinks to use the to loose her virginity.
Sophie immediately spots Cain at the bar but he only has eyes for her sister until he learns she getting married. Cain isn't to taken with Sophie at first but the longer he talks to her he finds her adorable and hard to resit.
This was a really great read! It almost impossible to put down. Just loved it!

Can a genius girl and a down in the trenches guy fall in love? We know they can have plenty of chemistry to hook up for one of the hottest nights either has ever had. Sophie is adorable in The Hookup. She’s smart and numbers are her thing. But there’s one thing she’s never had time for and now it’s just getting in the way. She’s ready to jump in feet first with the handsome local sitting at the bar. Cain isn’t looking for a hookup, he’s just enjoying his whiskey at the moment. But when the newest tourists walk in to the bar, he can’t help but take notice.

This couple had my heart beating like crazy. The Hookup is my first Erin McCarthy book and I am ready for the next one. I loved the buildup of the story and the climax had me in tears. I didn’t realize I was crying until I heard myself sobbing. That’s what good writing and an even better story is supposed to do.

Where do I start with this book? I had some problems with this book, but I also liked it in a lot of ways. I like the person that Sophie was and that she had a little Asperger's. However, I thought that the fact that Cain was an alcoholic wasn't really handled until 95 percent of the book and he didn't feel HE really had a problem until he was made too. Both of these characters are two very different people but are somewhat similar in a lot of ways. They both come from homes that are less than perfect. While Cain comes from a family where his twin brother potentially knocked up his girlfriend and his father was in jail for the robbery of copper theft...Sophie's family has always treated her as if she were the plague because she is super smart, has OCD and maybe moderate Aspergers. She says the first thing that comes out of her mouth and pretty much doesn't mind that it comes out awkward at times. Cain finds this extremely refreshing and sexy. When Sophie goes to a bar with her older, more beautiful sister who tries to make her feel inadequate- she meets Cain who is...a hot mess!! Here's where it gets tricky - He's an alcoholic and doesn't want to change. He likes being one and doesn't see a problem with it. He's got a chip on his shoulder, but there's something about Sophie that he finds interesting and he sets out to change his own mind. What was supposed to be one night, turns into two...and then turns to more.

What I didn't like about this book was all the sexual content, glorified drinking and flippant disregard for the child in the book. Cain's a nice guy, but he drinks constantly and I wouldn't be surprised if his liver was just one large vat of alcohol. He didn't eat, he didn't really sleep and he apparently didn't spend time with family or have any activities that didn't involve drinking more than my weight in liquor. Which is interesting to me is that he's a "functioning alcoholic" and he seems to be able to do it quite well, which tells me that he's been doing it for years and not just a year and a half. It bothered me at times his inner dialogue and the only saving grace was Sophie because I really liked her. Once I started reading, I didn't really want anyone bothering me and I even started the treadmill time over so I could continue with the story. I felt for Sophie - we've all felt awkward and felt like we weren't wanted. This just made me go back to those high school days. I would read this if you're looking for something a little heavier. This isn't a light read and it may trigger some people who have alcoholics in their family or are one themselves.

I was given an ARC copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

The Hookup, is book one in the author's new series the Jordan Brothers. I've been a fan of Erin McCarthy for a while, after having found her Fast Track series, so I was excited to jump on board and read The Hookup.

Sophie is amazing. She's a real person who says what she thinks, literally. She has no filter and speaks her mind. She has this amazing personality and outlook on life, even if her family thinks she’s weird. But what family doesn’t think the smart one is weird? What Sophie was prepared for was the town “bad boy” Cain Jordan.

Cain is one hot man, but holy woah is he is a hot mess. Hanging out at bars night and night and the endless list of one night stands, you can tell he has a past and something about it bugs him. Cain was content to just sit and drink is sorrow away until Sophie. Sophie wasn’t what Cain expected or thought he wanted but oh man was he wrong.

Watching these two figure out that it was more than just a one night stand made the book. I loved watching them navigate each other and the relationship that was developing. I can’t wait to get my hands on more from this series and author!

A real change of pace with this one! And I loved it for the uniqueness of it all. No hot, alpha billionaire in a designer suit or a muscular hot guy with sex oozing. Nope, Cain Jordan is a drunk who doesn’t want to change and lives his life exactly how he want to do it. No reason to change and until or if there is, he’s going to continue doing the same each day. But he does have the hot body . . .

Sophie Bigelow sort of sounds like the same type of woman – no need to change what is working for her - she’s extremely intelligent, sees no reason to waste time or money getting all kinds of clothes and bling. And she does look good all decked out . . .

So you can’t figure out how they meet? A wedding - best man and sister of the bride. A one night stand and they are both done and dusted. Until she finds out that she is pregnant.

This is a fun and funny story, with a few soft spots, but very enjoyable story of two opposites who do attract! You’re going to love this one and come back for more! Can’t wait for the next story!

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.

The sassy nerd and the playboy. A cute twist on this story line. Sophie has no filter, that I absolutely love. Cain is forever drinking to deal with his problems. They are opposites, but sometimes that just works. Cain is kind of hard to love. Drinking is a huge addiction and very hard to battle. I loved that it was a struggle and not so cut and dry as you read in some other books.
All in all it was a cute read. I loved the quirky characters.

The Hookup is the first book in The Jordan Brothers series by Erin McCarthy and definitely a great start to a series that I want to read more of.
Erin McCarthy usually writes books about flawed characters that gravitate to one another out of necessity or need and this story is no exception.
Cain and Sophie decide that each other is the perfect hookup, but what starts as something meant just for fun and only one night becomes a habit that neither one wants to break.

The virgin & the lush, an interesting couple if it works. Ms. McCarthy makes it work. Cain has been drowning in bottles of alcohol. He doesn't feel he is an alcoholic because he still makes it to work everyday. He doesn't feel his life is worth living. After all, no one supports him or understands where he's coming from. His brother acts like he hates him. His mother acts like nothing is wrong & Cain should just suck it up.

Sophie is a brainiac - high IQ, low tolerance for superficial items & no time for sex. She's determined that her sister's wedding is the perfect time to lose her virginity. She's only in this place for a short time & so doesn't have to worry about the awkward running into each other on the street. Tall, dark & handsome sitting at the bar is perfect, because, or in spite of, the fact that he's drunk.

This was an interesting book to read. Cain had a perfect right to his feelings & I waited for one of the characters to let his mom have it! He ended up being perfect for Sophie because he wouldn't have trusted perfection. Sophie's awkwardness worked in her favor. She just didn't know how to communicate. Her blunt honesty actually helped Cain to grow past everything. I enjoy Erin McCarthy's books & felt this was a really good one.

I have to start off with I loved Sophie. All her ticks and intricacies and all out honesty I found refreshing and fun. I loved seeing her find herself and finding herself worthy and appreciated.

Cain, he was difficult. But hearing his story your heart hurt for him and what he has been through. I just wanted to reach out and hold him and take away his pain and anger. I hated that he turned to alcohol to dull the pain. I did love how Sophie seemed to calm and made him feel things he thought were dead, including happiness.

This is an emotional read of two halves that complete each other. I hope to hear more about Sophie and Cain in future books in the series.

I am looking forward to the next book. I’m very intrigued with Christian and Bella and can’t wait to see what happens.