⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS

Girl meets Boy.
Girl likes Boy.
Girl sleeps with Boy.
Girl finds out that Boy is trying to destroy everything she loves.

Hilarity ensues.

THE HOOKUP DILEMMA was a deliciously fun ride! The steam starts early, the lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope was really quite amusing to watch, and I (while I did ASSUME that everything would work out - that is why most of us head to this genre) was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out HOW Rashida and Elliott could be together and save a beloved neighborhood!

I really liked that you could see that even though they were on different sides of an issue, Rashida & Elliot were truly trying to see how they could make something work between them. It felt a lot like a real-life situation you may run into (even if not with a one-night stand), and I enjoyed being able to see them work through it.

My favorite part of this book might have been the side characters though. It's not often that a team of grannies steals the spotlight, but THEY DID HERE. Similar to DIAL A FOR AUNTIES, the grandmas in the neighborhood that Rashida grew up in are quick, witty, and adorably oblivious.

If you're looking for a book that has steam, tender moments, and hilarious senior citizens, LOOK NO FURTHER.

Highly recommend!

The humorous way that Constance portrays the different generations in the story is refreshing while dealing with the complications of the relationships between them.

Rashida and ElliotQuinn met at the bar one night and had an instant connection between. Who would have thought they were ‘enemies’ on opposite sides on a sensitive issue? Rashida is a food critic who is trying to save her childhood neighborhood from the big business bad wolf that is Quinn enterprises. Needless to say that this leaves Rashida and Elliot’s huge attraction in danger.
This was a cute ‘lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers’. A fast-paced story with many funny scenes. The story was light and very easy to read.

WHAT I LIKED:
- Rashida’s relationship with her grandma is amazing and reminded me so much about my own relationship with my grandma, so it hit a sensitive spot in my heart
- The mean pranks the old lady and her friend did on poor Elliot were amazing! Who doesn’t love a nice old lady that turns out to be sassier than we had expected?
- The plot was light and amusing. I really enjoyed the story in general.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
- The author focused too much on their sexual tension and less on their romantic feelings towards one another.

CONCLUSION:
For fans of the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope that need a light and funny read I recommend this book.


THIS BOOK STALKER CONFESSES:
PLOT: ★★★
CHARACTERS: ★★★
WRITING: ★★★★
COVER: ★★★★
OVERALL: ★★★

Pulled in by the cover and blurb I was eager to get into this book. I didn't know what to expect. This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed the premise of this story and the tangible chemistry that existed between the main characters.

Rashida, Elliot and the community project that brought them together. An unexpected meet up and one night stand that led to so much more.

I could say it was predictable but It was not. I appreciated the storyline that allowed us to get to know the character. I was equally invested in their love story unfolding as well as the project that was happening in the community. Loved their chemistry that was also steamy!

Elliot was not afraid to put himself out there and while Rashida was hesitant at first after knowing who Elliot was she slowly got into the idea that this was more than a one night stand and she could actually trust Elliot while still saving her Grandmothers' community.

It was a page turner.

Happy Reading!

This was a cute instalove romcom that had a serious plot regarding gentrification.

I really enjoyed the chemistry, banter and steam between Rashida and Elliot and their relationship was sweet. I would have liked a little bit more focus on the development of their relationship and more of why they were attracted to each other beyond the physical. But I did really enjoy their relationship.

The gentrification issue did give it a seriousness that you don't often find in rom-coms and it was a substantive plot point and very much in the zeitgeist.

All in all it was a lovely weekend read that I would recommend to lovers of instalove rom-coms.

Thanks for the advance reading copy.

I did not finish this book, unfortunately. I got to 20% and was enjoying the plot but just couldn't connect with the characters. Maybe I'll give it another try in the future.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy in return for an honest review

*First I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed the chemistry between Rashida and Elliott, and in a romance novel, that comes first. The conflict was right off the bat with the both of them on opposing sides of the rezoning and gentrification of Rashida's grandmother's neighbourhood. Elliott is more of a lackey for his father's company, who is recovering from an illness, but he is the face of the adversary for a lot of the book. I felt like the conflict of the neighbourhood issues overwhelm the novel even though I understand it is the main reason why they cannot be together, but I felt myself skimming to get to the ending where they have their HEA. I would read this again.

Characters were great but the plot made the story drag.
I think the main issue I had was that there wasn’t a good balance between the plot and the romance. The gentrification and other social issues (which are important and relevant!) overshadowed the romance part of the story.
It felt like a story with a romance in it, not a romance book. Does that make sense?
Either way, not bad but also didn’t sweep me off my feet.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
The Hookup Dilemma is a modern day romance. Rashida is trying to save her grandmother's neighborhood from property investors. Elliot is trying to help save his father's company from financial ruin. These two meet and have a one time fling. They soon realize they're on opposite sides of the same project. They soon grow feelings for one another as they try to reason with the other on the pros and cons.
This was just an okay romantic read. The characters were engaging to read but I really didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters.

The Hookup Dilemma was a cute, fast read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and easy read.

The attraction between Elliot and Rashida is undeniable and I quite like that this book started off with them having a one night stand. I love that Constance Gillman not only has the romance ta the front and center of the book but also the issue of gentrification of neighborhoods as well. There's a really good balance between the two.

This book isn't really enemies to lovers as one might think based off the blurb. They are on opposite side of the gentrification issue (but even then, not really) but that's about as "enemies" as it gets. I'd honestly classify this as "meet cute friend to lovers" rather than "enemies to lovers".

The characters had depth to them, but I don't believe they were well rounded. The issue of gentrification is the focal point of the story, and while it was written very well, it didn't allow for other aspects and personalities of the characters to shine through. I would have loved to see more about Rashida and her sisters relationship or Grammy and Rashida's moms. Rashida and Elliot barely have a "getting to know each other" phase which makes the love aspect a bit unrealistic.

All in all, not a bad book but not a great book either.

It was okay! I really didn't care for Rashida too much. Her grandmother and her friend hit Elliot with their car, And then try to put him in the hospital with the salted-down food. I did not that funny. Especially when the grandmother felt just justified in what she did. And how Rashida didn't really correct her. I thought this would be better. I dnf'ed so I can't even recommend this book. I voluntarily read this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Hookup Dilemma was a fun, quick read! Unlike many books, there wasn't much lead up to the hookup - Rashida and Elliott are instantly attracted to each other. Then, their hearts and minds begin to catch up. The Millhouse community acts as a third character - full of sights, sounds, tastes, and people. Watching a love story develop with that as a the background was delightful.

I DNF this book, it was mostly about lust and all that stuff... it's not smutty but I didn't like the way it turned out..their feelings were mostly physical
Anyways it would be good if you like some steamy romance based book
Not for me though!

*Thanks to the publisher and netgally for a free copy in return for an honest review

I absolutely love how this book is full of strong women who don’t take crap from anybody. Rashida’s relationship with her grandmother was so wholesome, reminded me a lot about me and my nana. While I normally don’t read books written in the third person the way Constance Gillam wrote this book was so beautiful and seamless I forgot all about!! This book gave me a little star-crossed vibe. Love the way Elliot is with Rashida and all the ladies in her life, he is so respectful, loving, and GENUINE!

The ending was perfect, I was not expecting the little twist and Rashida’s last words made me smile so hard my face was hurting!!

Perfect nice easy read to get you through a reading slump.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

I found this to be a really cute book to pass the time. Rashida and Elliot have an instant attraction which makes sense in a romance novel but it progressed in a way I did not expect. The epilogue was quite sweet and this was a fun new addition to the genre.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange of an honest review.

I loved how this book had more depth. I enjoyed reading it.

I was hooked by the premise of the book and that cover, loved it! The banter was engaging and the book entertaining. Sadly, I felt romance between the leads was not developed as fully as I would have hoped. The chemistry and attraction was there, but the book seemed too focused more on their conflict.

The ending was neatly wrapped up, if not a little too quickly, which I enjoyed with Rashida and Elliot coming together for the community and themselves.

I want to thank NetGalley, Constance Gillam and Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Amara for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.

The Hookup Dilemma is an enjoyable romantic book filled wit lots of substance in the story. It has lots of push and pull from the residents of a small community trying to preserve the integrity of their neighborhood from wealthy investors seeking their own gain. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest. It’s an easy, fast paced book with humor, heart and soul. I recommend reading this book, you won’t be disappointed.
Irene Geller

It was such a lovely experience to read this book! I really enjoyed the characters and the development of their relationship. I usually don't like books in third person, but it worked out well for this one. Rashida and Elliot were so amazing, I loved their romance and their dynamic. The epilogue was also very sweet! The only thing I didn't like was the long chapters, but that's just a personal preference. Overall, I loved this story!

I requested to read and review this book for free from Entangled Publishing. This book has romance, drama, mystery. Elliott a man that has some not so memories but wants to do the right thing. Rashida loves most of her life and the spirit of wanting to do right by others. Can opposite attract. Can different ideas lead to one common goal. Is there such thing as true love? Can things left unsaid really hurt someone if you are trying to protect them? And don't stand in the Old Ladies way or you might get hurt. This is for a mature reader and can be read anywhere.