This was a cute story about a football star and a girl who only wants a hookup. It got a bit repetitive towards the end and the characters became a bit unlikeable. Steamy, quick read.

Overall I really enjoyed this read! I got an ARC copy of this book, and it fit well within the usual books and tropes I enjoy!

Drew had me hooked from the beginning. Personally I love when the guy falls first and Drew was a perfect example of that. His immediate attention to Anna and drive to go after her was swoon worthy the entire book.

I won’t spoil anything- but one thing that really irked me throughout the book was Anna’s “best friend” Iris. I am not sure if the intention was to make her one of the worst friends in history? If it was- nailed it! Otherwise I struggled to understand Iris and her motives. She was flat out mean to Anna multiple times and i don’t really feel we got any sort of redemption arc for her.

Overall, i loved the story and am excited for the rest of the series.

I received a free ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

✅ college athlete romance
✅ Drew Baylor, a football player & Anna Jones, student who has a lot of baggage and insecurities - both are college seniors
✅ Dual POV
🌶️: it’s literally in the name

If you go the audiobook route, Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton are excellent

This is definitely a kind of book I like, AKA a sports romance. I really enjoyed this one, and loved the premise and the chemistry between the characters.

I didn't love it, though, and I think part of that was just my overall struggle with the characters and their interactions as the story goes on. Again, not bad, but it just took a way a little bit for me.

A sports themed opposites attract romance, The Hook Up moves quickly and follows a common college football player arc. However, despite being in college, the main characters read younger and the instalove is overwhelming in nature. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

The Hook Up, written by Kristen Callihan, is the first book in the Game On series. This title was originally published in 2014 and is being released in January 2025.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Anna (FMC) & Drew (MMC)

This title is a sports themed, opposites attract love story. Anna and Drew first meet class, Drew is instantly attracted but Anna is hesitant. She does not understand how someone like the college football quarterback could possibly like someone quiet and reserved like her.

They have their instant connection and there is some OW/OM drama, but no cheating. There is a third act breakup that lasts a few weeks, both date other people but soon realize they only want each other.

This is my first time reading this author, for a college themed sports romance it was pretty good!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Anna and Drew spar with each other from their very first meeting and continue to do so all while fighting intense attraction between them until one night it becomes too much. From then on it becomes a battle of giving into that desire but also keeping a distance something Anna struggles with because Drew is all in from the start. For as much as they spar with each other they also care deeply about the other and eventually find themselves falling in love despite everything. They have their ups and their downs but together they learn to be their best selves.


Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

I know these characters are young heels, but I was not prepared for the level of immaturity that they possessed. Because of this I could not get into this story. It was also an insanely quick insta love. Like wow they saw each other and were totally and utterly head over heels in love. I just could not. I am really sad that this was not the book for me as I wanted to like it. Next time.

The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan is a steamy, heart-tugging romance that defies the rules of casual hookups and explores the intense chemistry between college student Anna Jones and star quarterback Drew Baylor.

Anna is determined to keep her focus on finishing school and avoiding complications, especially with someone as high-profile and irresistibly attractive as Drew. Despite her best efforts, their paths cross and ignite an undeniable passion.

This story's banter, fun, and spice were so great! Drew is so swoon-worthy that I just melted! Their chemistry was off the charts. Readers will not be able to resist this one!

If you're on the hunt for your next New Adult romance that you will swoon over, appreciate the spice, and enjoy humor then I have found the one for you! Kristen Callihan, a new author in my reading repertoire, has quickly earned a spot on my auto-buy list with this captivating novel.

From the very first page, I was hooked. Callihan masterfully weaves a story so compelling and immersive that I found it impossible to put down. Her characters are richly developed, the chemistry is sizzling, and the plot is both heartwarming and exhilarating.

This is a must-read for any fan of the New Adult genre. The blend of romance, emotion, and drama is perfectly balanced, making it a truly unforgettable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate diving into the rest of the series. Kristen Callihan has undoubtedly established herself as a standout author in the genre, and I can't wait to see what she delivers next!

I almost DNF’d this at the beginning because the MCs were so childish but I stuck with it and they were actually so cute! Drew bestie in what world is it okay to call a woman “Big Red” and think she won’t be offended 😭

Overall this was a fun read and the two of them are so incredibly cute together.

Read if you like:
• football romances
• dislike to lovers
• man falls first

Oh my god I think this is the worst book I’ve ever had the displeasure of reading. I got 31 pages into The Hook Up before finally choosing my sanity over a misogynist, poorly written novel. Before I went back on here to write my review, I had to confirm whether this was written by a woman or not. The FMC is literally one of the most poorly written women I’ve seen in my 27 years of existence. The misogyny is coming from inside the house!!! Anna is the most insufferable character my two eyes have read and I only made it through 7% of The Hook Up. I am absolutely SHOCKED this book has so many raving reviews when I would rather poke myself in the eyes than try to read this ever again. If there was a way I could bleach this experience from my brain, I would do it. Rip to the brain cells I lost in the 20 min I spent trying to read this.

Thank you to Canary Street Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy.

Prior to receiving this ARC I hadn't heard of this book and oh my goodness it needs more hype!! I loved both of these characters so much, they held so much depth and had flaws that were so real. The third-act breakup was almost painful to read because of how much I cared about the characters and the love they had. Would definitely recommend this book and plan on reading the next one. Love the new covers. Thank you to The Hive for sending me the digital copy of this book.

While I know this story is loved by so many in the sports romance genre, so much so that it was picked up by Harlequin and traditionally republished, I struggle to see it in a high regard like everyone else. It read extremely dated, you could tell it was written in 2o14 and not changed for the current romance market in 2024. The republished edition didn't help refine the writing at all either.

While I think this could've been perfectly fine to someone new to the sports/NA romance scene looking for a fun time, hence my 3 star rating, it didn't meet the mark for the standards set by other really great sports/NA romances I have read and loved.

Going into it I knew that it was going to be spicy, but I was not expecting it to be so much. Regardless of the spice, I stated up until 3 in the morning to finish it.

It follows two college students; Anna and Drew. Drew is your typical popular star quarterback of the football team, while Anna is more of the invisible girl whose only priority is her education. Drew is all in for Anna when he lays eyes on her, but Anna is hesitant to start something with the popular quarterback. He will do anything to prove to Anna that he is completely and utterly all in for her.

At first, I found Anna to be annoying because she thought she was so different from the other girls, but my opinion changed quickly when I got to see the insecurities she had. Her insecurities made me understand the way she acted and behaved, specifically when it came down to Drew.

Drew, at the very start, rubbed me the wrong way, but that was until I read his inner monologue and got to understand who he was. Even though at times he felt so self absorbed, but deep down he truly cared for the people in his life especially Anna.

After the first half, I started to feel like their situationship was getting slightly toxic. Even though I was holding hope for them, I think everything could have easily been resolved if they simply would have communicated their feeling to one another.

All in all, this was a good read and I hope to continue the series to see what comes next!

Overall I really enjoyed this romance! I liked getting to read Drew’s inner monologue and would’ve liked to get more insight like that into Anna. Anna had great character growth throughout the story because at first I wasn’t totally sold on her tbh. The spice was well written and not overdone (but let’s be real for me that’s not even ever a problem lol). I could easily relate to Anna being studious and keeping to herself because I used to be the same way.

The Hook Up is a fast-paced New Adult romance that packs some serious heat from the first chapter. Drew and Anna have it bad for each other and despite their own personal issues and working through some insecurities as a couple, they manage to be there for each other and come out on top. I think the author did a great job of depicting a believable college romance and friend group. I love a romance with a dual POV and this is one I think you'll love the male perspective. If you're looking for a romance with a lot of angst and some swoon-worthy moments, pick this one up for summer! So excited for the new cover reveal!!!

Okay, I loved the story of the football star and the girl who wants nothing to do with sports. A sweet and sappy love story, something I don’t normally read. But, WHOA. That was spicy! 😅😈🍆🍑🍒.

Overall, a cute story, but not for me. The chemistry is way too physically driven. There is no slow burn or build up. There was some amazing banter at the beginning, but ended once the MCs got together. This is just two people who are hot for each other and then get to know each other as they casually hook up. I need more depth from my reads. Anna’s insecurities seemed over the top at times and the way Drew acts after his injury had me rolling my eyes. I did appreciate how they communicated and how Anna stood her ground at the end. She didn’t allow a situation that could have been taken the wrong way get to her and that was probably my favorite part of the book. I also love that he fell first. I recommend this for people who like their reads extra steamy. I had to skim A LOT. 🫣

Thank you to Canary Press for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

This was a fun and spicy quick read! I am not usually a romance person but this was a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed this!