This was a fast, fun read for me. I devoured it in a day. The story is about Rashida and Elliot, who meet at a bar and have a one night stand. They run into each other again a few weeks later at a zoning meeting, where Elliot represents his father, who wants to build commercial property in Millhouse, a residential neighborhood. Rashida is there on behalf of her grandmother and other Millhouse residents, who are worried about gentrification pricing them out of the neighborhood. Rashida and Elliot continue to feel attracted to each other and struggle to navigate their feelings in light of their opposing positions on the zoning issue. This book was well-written and I enjoyed the premise of the book. However, I do feel that it was too heavy on the zoning and gentrification issues and failed to fully develop the romance between the characters. I understand that gentrification was a central part of the narrative and deserved attention, but much of the story was just the same characters having the same arguments over and over and over without the plot really moving forward. For a significant portion of the book, I don't think Rashida and Elliot learned anything new about each other, just rehashed this one argument. The side characters also suffered because of this. Rashida's grandma is her motivating force for her position, but in the end we know very little about her except that she doesn't want to be pushed out of her house. These issues did not stop me from enjoying the book or slow me down much, but they kept it from being a home run for me,.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. I love how hot the book started with Rashida and Elliot’s connection!! A great opposites attracts book and the tension of being of the opposite sides of the issue. I thought the grandmas of the story was so cute and added a fun element to story. At times, I was frustrated with Rashida and Elliott with their lack of communication. The story was predictable and I found it an overall fun read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a cute romcom. I was thinking it would be more enemies to lovers. It was more of two people with amazing chemistry who want to be together who think they can’t because of standing on different sides of an issue. Elliott is a great guy and him and Rashida have instant chemistry , attraction, and an amazing one night stand. He finds himself wanting more.
Rashida is strong willed and is determined to save her grandmother’s community from Marcus Quinn tearing it down to build a super center. Then Rashida finds out that Elliot is Marcus’s son and works for him. Can they over come this? Will their chemistry win in the end?

Rashida meets Elliott at a bar and they have a strong magnetic connection. Rashida is not a one-night stand girl, but makes an exception in this case. Rashida is super shocked when she meets Elliott again at the planning committee where both of them are at opposite ends. Rashida is trying to save her grandmother's neighborhood, Elliott is helping his Dad's company build commercial property that would modernize the neighborhood. Will they be able to put aside their differences and overcome the odds that they are at?

The Hookup Dilemma by Constance Gillam is a nice read, the characters are interesting and the chemistry between Rashida and Elliott is steamy and hot. I loved Rashida's grandmother and her neighbors, they were pretty entertaining. I also liked Elliott and his relationship with his partner and family. The strain in his relationship with his father was also well written. I felt that the book dragged a bit and focussed more than needed on the neighborhood and what the builders would do. Elliott was super sweet and nice but came off as a push over. I wish he was treated a little better. Also would have liked to see some more development in their relationship. Overall would rate the book 3.5 stars.

[ENG] Hi!  I'm back with another review!  But before I start, let's make clear that I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  With that said, let's begin!

"The Hookup Dilemma" by Constance Gilliam was not exactly what imagined when I saw the title, and honestly, I liked that.  I thought I was getting a quick, cute, sexy read, but I got more.  This isn't just about the romance between Elliot and Rashida, it's about family, community, and fighting for what is right.

I loved the interactions between the main characters and the old ladies of the community, the family dynamics, and the adventurous spirit of Rashida's grandmother.

Though I wish there was a little bit more romance, I enjoyed the book and appreciated the important topics it brought up.

Finally, this book comes out on November 16, 2021!

Thank you to @netgalley and @entangled_publishing for the ARC

**Important**
This book is for adults and it contains adult content. If you are under 18, you should wait for this one.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[ESP] ¡Hola! ¡He vuelto con otra reseña! Pero antes de comenzar deseo aclarar que leí e hice la reseña de este libro voluntariamente. Todas las opiniones son mías. Con esto dicho, comencemos.

"The Hookup Dilemma" de Constance Gilliam no es exactamente lo que imaginé al ver el título, y honestamente, eso me agrada. Pensé que estaría leyendo algo rápido, tierno, y sexy, pero me dieron más. Esta historia no es sólo sobre el romance de Elliot y Rashida, es tambié sobre la famila, la comunidad, y luchar por lo que es correcto.

Me encantaron las interacciones entre los personajes principales y las señoras de la comunidad, las dinámicas familiares, y el espíritu aventurero de la abuela de Rashida.

Si me hubiera gustado un poco de más romance , me agradó esta historia y los temas importantes que trajo.

Finalmente, este libro sale a la venta el 16 de noviembre de 2021.

Gracias a @netgalley y a @entangled_publishing por el ARC.

**Importante**
Este libro es para adultos. Si eres menor de 18 años, deberías esperar.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

I found this book to be a little lacklustre, even though it began with a hookup between the main characters, the heat and connection between them was missing for me. The dilemma that they are faced with I couldn't relate to because a lot of jargon terms were used and was maybe slightly more complicated for someone like me who lives in the UK.

In the middle of the book I do find that the pace picked up a little and I enjoyed those chapters a lot more but that fell off again in the last 30% where I feel like the communication between the characters and their love wasn't believable. The resolution to the dilemma and their relationship felt rushed and inauthentic.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

Received an ARC
The Hookup Dilemma By Constance Gillam.
A fun and entertaining read but maybe not for me, I liked the characters especially Elliot. but I found the romance to be lacking a little unfortunately. A bit too insta-love for me and I personally like my romances a little more slow burn.
The plot although interesting centred too deeply around building in the Millhouse area which I thought to be a little repetitive after a while.

The ending also felt a little rushed after all the conflict that took place during the book. Although not my cup of tea I would reccomend for someone looking for something cute and steamy. Also love the cover of this book

All thoughts my own.

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