4 Stars
This is the first book that I read from this author and now I'm a fan. The Hookup is fun, humorous and a sweet read about how opposites really do attract. Sophie and Cain couldn't be more different, but they perfectly balanced each other out.

Sophie has always been fine blending in, she'd be more happy to have others and especially her sister, Bella, take the spotlight. But before her sister's wedding, Sophie has decided to take matters in her own hand. Find a man and have a little fun.

Cain lives a rough life. He's angry, a drunk and always ready for a battle. His twin, Christian, aren't speaking because of a lot of "baby mama" drama. And when he meets Sophie, everything changes for Cain. Sophie is not the typical gorgeous and flaky woman that Cain has fun with it. There's something about Sophie that has Cain wanting to spend time with her. She's eccentric, honest and let's Cain be himself.

As Cain and Sophie "hook up," they both realize that even though their worlds don't match up, there's something about each that both need.

The Hookup is a great read and will continue with Sophie's sister and Cain's brother. There is definitely some drama brewing between those two!

I wanted to bad to enjoy this book, but for me I just couldn't get into it. I liked how the main characters were were different, but this book just wasn't for me at all.

I’m a big fan of Erin McCarthy so it pains me that The Hookup did not work for me. The two main reasons: I really disliked Cain and his perpetual pity party and I felt Sophie deserved so much better. Sophie, you are a socially awkward Harvard math prodigy with OCD who tries to be nice to people even when you don’t understand them: you can do so much better than settle for the first hot alcoholic ragey commercial fisherman that abandoned his maybe own child to come along and take your virginity.

Cain hit the jackpot with Sophie: she’s patient, understanding, accepting, and forgiving of his tantrums. But there was nothing to Cain, other than intense sexual chemistry, that made me understand why she would put up with his surly, childish, pouting ways. The sex was good but c’mon. Instead, we see Cain rage at several family members including his twin brother who may or may not be the father of Cain’s ex-girlfriend’s baby; embarass and hurt Sophie publicly, mock Sophie’s sister, etc.

I was reminded a bit of Tuesday Jones from Erin McCarthy’s Slow Ride, the blogger who had to admit her alcoholism was destroying her relationship and life. But unlike Tuesday, Cain fully embraces his alcoholism. He’s so full of rage and self-pity that he believes he’s entitled to his alcoholic crutch. This made recovery seem unbelievable as well as unsustainable.
Maybe that was the beauty of dating a genius. Sophie was smart enough to know you can't change another person.
I wish that Cain could have been more likable because Sophie was truly an interesting mix of OCD, social awkwardness (Asperger’s, maybe?), and kind introspection. But every time we got a glimpse into her inner workings, Cain would monopolize her thoughts and feelings with another outburst.
My mother was right. It wasn't The Notebook. I couldn't marry the lobster fisherman and sit back and watch him drink himself to death.
I was disappointed that the story didn’t dwell deeper into the Cain-Christian-Ali triangle and Camp’s parentage. I understand that Cain’s twin Christian will get his own story with Bella, Sophie’s sister. That is just too close for comfort, as I didn’t like what little I saw of Christian and Bella here. I’m not sure I’m invested enough to read their story to find out about the fate of poor little Camp.

2.5 stars

Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.

4.5☆
Loved it

What I liked:
The  writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: The Jordan Brothers
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author and the other books in this series.

3.5 Cocktails

I liked this romance between Cain and Sophie. For Cain's faults, he was the only one that saw past Sophie's quirks and OCD. He liked her for who she was and was always there with a compliment to prove to her that she was just as pretty and special as her sister.

I would have liked a bit more of a development of what happened between Cain and Christian. That fallout was the reason for Cain's downfall, so it would have been great to have that detail.

3 1/2 Stars
This was a decent story about Cain, a lobster fisherman, who seems to be lost in the bottle and Sophie, a 25 year old grad student who really just wants to lose her virginity to a bad boy. I liked the story but aI wasn’t wowed! Their hookup turns out to be so much more for them and becomes a regular thing while she is in Maine for her sisters wedding. What I liked most is that they accepted each other, flaws and all, which actually made their love kind of pure and sweet which are not two words you would ever think to describe Cain. This was an angsty but heartfelt story thankfully and an HEA was actually seeming doubtful to me at times. There was lots of drama going on between Cain and his twin Christian that gets out of hand at one point and it doesn’t look good for our H/h. Can they put their fragile new relationship back together even with Sophie going back to Harvard?

I received an ARC from Netgalley.

I really liked this story. It was fast and detailed but at the same time it had that slow burn feel to it. When it came to Cain and Sophie you could see that they were perfect for each other. One of the things I liked was how they understood each other. They didn’t try to placate the other by saying or doing things they didn’t mean. The drama was there but it was huge drama. I’m interested in seeing what’s going to happen in the next book. From reading the description of this book, sadly we know through out this whole book that Christian and Bella are getting a book, this kinda took away from my Focus of the main characters in this book, but I was still able to enjoy it.

My main issue, which could change ones it’s published in the lack of POV changing indicators. It seemed like one sentence it was Sophie‘s point of you, and then all of a sudden it’s Cains point of you. It got to be very daunting when trying to keep up with what was going on. It took away from my enjoyment of the overall story because I have having to try and catch the cues that were were in someone else’s head. This could be changed at publication but it’s if not, I have to give it 3 stars. It would be a solid 4 star read with those indicators. #2OCCJD

What happens when a one night hook-up turns into something more??

The Hook-Up was an enjoyable read. It also answers that question for the reader.

I haven’t read many books by Erin McCarthy, but the ones I have read have been entertaining and ones I would recommend. I saw this book/series and read the blurb and knew it was a book I wanted to read.

The Hook-Up is the first book in Erin’s Jordan Brothers Series. It’s an opposites attract romance that is told in Dual POV. I found the characters entertaining and relatable. Cain is your typical bad boy who has some serious issues. Sophie on the other hand was my favorite in this story. She was quirky and straight forward. She said what she meant and without a filter. What made me fall for Cain was how accepting of her quirks and differences. He saw her for who she is and not how different she was. It will make more sense once you read this book.

Now even though this story does revolve around sex and what is supposed to be a one night stand. It was so much more than that. The author touches on the serious subject of alcoholism. Also acceptance for one another. I thought she gave an accurate portrayal of what goes through an alcoholics mind. How the harder stuff is easier to deal with when alcohol is involved. She also showed how it can be a persons downfall. I loved watching both Sophie and Cain grow as this story is told. Although I will say that I thought this story dragged a little in the middle. By about the 60% mark I was wondering when something would happen to spice this up a little. But even with that I thought this was a story worth reading.

The author kind of hints to something happening between two other characters to set up the next book. I look forward to reading Christian’s book. I think he has some serious redeeming to do.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the opposites attract story that has two flawed characters, but also leaves you smiling in the end.

I can not come up with words that adequately express my glee at meeting Sophie Bigelow, possibly the most unique and engaging heroine of a Romance, or any, novel I’ve ever come across. Just when I think I’ve read about almost every possible permutation of a female character imaginable, this author presents one I’d never thought of. She's attractive but no raving beauty like her sister. She doesn’t turn heads when she walks through a bar. She's socially awkward and has no filter, and senses she is a constant disappointment to her parents despite her achievements. But she is scary smart. Cheers to this author for making that combination sexy, fun, and multi-dimensional. Her dialogue is perfect, and her voice Is consistent. I am in awe. Finally a fresh take on a lead character!
Cain is a little less nuanced but still interesting, with a large bundle of issues that can’t be neatly resolved. While I’m generally not intrigued by a character who is essentially a functioning alcoholic, it works in this story. He’s the perfect foil to Sophie, and their relationship works in a kind of lovely way.
Sophie Bigelow is s delightful, unique character and her story is one of my reading highlights.

This was my first book by Erin McCarthy, and it definitely won't be my last! I didn't realize when I started that this is book 1 in The Jordan Brothers series, and now that I know certain characters will be getting a book I'm definitely excited!

Sophie is not you typical college student. She's quirky & a bit of a nerd, preferring to spend her time doing math equations then partying. She doesn't flirt or adhere to social standards, just tells it like it is and doesn't care what anyone thinks. But now she's 23 and still a virgin, and no, she's not saving herself for marriage. She has, however, done plenty of studying on the subject & is ready to test out all her sexual skills. She just needs a random participant.

Cain has been dealt a pretty rough hand, having been betrayed by those closest to him. His coping mechanism? Alcohol. He's become the town drunk, bitter & resentful, using whiskey to try and numb he pain. When Sophie ends up in the same bar he is drawn to her quirkiness, and more than willing to help give her what she wants.

I adored this book. I was expecting a steamy, hook up turns to insta love book. There was definitely steamy sex scenes, but there was also a huge dose of truth & reality. It wasn't just another romance that I loved but couldn't believe would ever happen. These characters are both flawed, yet complement each other perfectly. I found myself cringing & laughing, frequently at the same time, and couldn't put it down. I do, however, feel their story is a bit unfinished. I did enjoy the ending, but would definitely love more from Sophie & Cain!

I had a hard time reading this book. I liked how it started out, but eventually there wasn't much of a plot. I very much disliked the hero Cain. He was rude and immature. I liked Sophie's spunk and her honesty. But I just didn't feel the connection with these two. There were some sweet moments when the two were together, but the ending felt rushed. For me the story lacked the spark or the intrigue for me to want to continue reading more of the series.

I reviewed this title editorially for RT Book Reviews and you can see my review in their May digital issue

so first let me start by saying I loved Sophie and her straight forward, blunt and literal personality. She was who she was and made no apologies for that. It was refreshing to read a character who was not willing to be treated as less than what she deserved; and who had a backbone.

Cain was so broken and just going through the motions of living day to day when Sophie blasted into his life with her literal view on life and her innocence.

This was a good book and I can’t wait to see what happens with bella in the next book!!

I enjoyed Sophie and Cain's story very much!! Though they both had issues and demons to deal with especially with both in dysfunctional family situations. They were certainly two of a kind. Although I didn't care for Bella much, I was curious as to what happened with her pending nuptials and with Christian. This book gets my thumbs up for being real. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Emotionally engaging.....I really thought that Sophie was way out of her league when dealing with Cain and I also felt that Cain was a jerk. :) I did feel sorry for him because of what happened with his brother was SOOOO not cool under any circumstances, I just wished his hurt hadn't manifested itself through anger and drunkenness. Sophie is so compassionate that I knew she would fall for him but as inexperienced as she is, she is a very smart woman whose tolerance may be long but it is not indefinite. Yeah, this hook-up gives Cain just the wake-up call he needed to realize that life is still worth living after bad things happen, so man up and move on, sunshine is waiting.....very realistic story.

Totally enjoyed this book. Erin McCarthy has a fantastic sense of humour & reality all rolled up together. This story of looking for the answers in all the wrong places & people was a funny but heartbreaking story. The character of Sophie was so honest & innocent, yet strong but vulnerable while Cain was dark, stormy & broken to the point of vulnerable. Their story was only to be one night but one night turned into one week & Hearts got opened that were once thought permanently locked or not there at all. This fun, emotional story had you rooting for Cain to finally see his past didn’t define him & for Sophie to finally have some in her corner understanding her overly intellectual brain. Sophie & Cain were a wonderful pair who together brought out the best in each other. Definitely recommend. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I ended up enjoying this book much more than I had anticipated. The characters were great, flawed and realistic. I was totally invested in the relationship. I can't wait for Bella and Christian to get their stories!

****3.5 Stars****
Sophie is a genius, no really she is but that doesn't always translate well into her day to day life. So when she finds herself staring into the attractive eyes of Cain Jordan she decides to grab the bull by the horns, so to speak, and see what sex is all about.
Cain sure isn't expecting this quirky, gorgeous woman to proposition him like she does but he loves women so what the hell. What he doesn't expect is how much Sophie starts to mean to him, in just a short amount of time. Sophie herself doesn't expect to fall for this quiet, tortured man but low and behold she does.
A steamy read that had more heart in it that I originally thought and I am so happy for that!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little surprised at how steamy this book is but I fell in love with Cain and Sophie and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to see exactly WHAT happened between Bella and Christian!

The Hookup is the first title in the new Jordan Brothers series. It follows the story of Cain, a lobster fisherman and alcoholic, and Sophie, an OCD mathematics student. Cain is perfect in his imperfections. Life has handed him a steaming pile of shit and he drinks beyond reasonable expectations to try to escape it all. Sophie has her own pesky problem in the form of her virginity, which she just never got around to getting rid of. In Cain, her logical self sees opportunity. What neither is counting on is that someone so logical and honest might be the perfect fit for someone who is done with liars and cheats. For Cain, Sophie is a breath of fresh air. He doesn't care about her family's money or all their differences, he cares that he can trust exactly what comes out of her mouth. Will they be able to turn a one night stand and vacation romance into a real life relationship?

I devoured these two for all their quirks and imperfections. I enjoyed the secondary characters. I can't wait to see what is behind Christian's betrayal and how Sophie's sister figures into the continuing story... I know there's more there and can't wait to read the next book.