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Hooking Up #1
Hooking Up
Would you go out to a bar and pick up any random handsome man to spend the night with to mute the heartbreak of your long-term lover - your rock - walking out on you?
Caitlin Edison was so badly hurt by her boyfriend of ten years leaving her that she no longer wanted love, she wanted a cure for love.
After several drinks, one of her best friends suggested she indulge in a one-night stand, a mindless night of fun with absolutely no consequences, to help her heal.
At first, Caitlin scoffed at the idea, but the idea niggled at her and one reckless night, she plucked up all her courage and actually followed through.
There was only one problem - how did Caitlin end up with the one guy in town who wanted more than a one-night stand?
'Hooking Up' is romance at its best – exhilarating, surprising, passionate, witty, moving, enraging, frustrating, sly, worldly and wise.
When Caitlin gets the ride of her life, so will you. Hook up with 'Hooking Up', place yourself in the safest of hands and let yourself go.
Caitlin Edison was so badly hurt by her boyfriend of ten years leaving her that she no longer wanted love, she wanted a cure for love.
After several drinks, one of her best friends suggested she indulge in a one-night stand, a mindless night of fun with absolutely no consequences, to help her heal.
At first, Caitlin scoffed at the idea, but the idea niggled at her and one reckless night, she plucked up all her courage and actually followed through.
There was only one problem - how did Caitlin end up with the one guy in town who wanted more than a one-night stand?
'Hooking Up' is romance at its best – exhilarating, surprising, passionate, witty, moving, enraging, frustrating, sly, worldly and wise.
When Caitlin gets the ride of her life, so will you. Hook up with 'Hooking Up', place yourself in the safest of hands and let yourself go.
238 pages, Nook
First published April 30, 2011
63 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Jessica L. Degarmo
9 books108 followersJessica Degarmo grew up in Upstate New York and now lives with her husband, children and dogs in rural Pennsylvania. When she is not writing, she is an insurance agent, the lead singer in a classic rock band, a country music DJ and an avid collector of gemstones.
Her publishing credits include:
How to Meet a Guy at the Supermarket (November 2010)
Hooking Up (May 2011)
Decisions (July 2011)
The Storm Within, A Johns Creek Novel #1 (September 2011)
Six Weeks (October 2011)
Historically Yours, A Johns Creek Novel #2 (August 2012)
Blood Lust (Lust Trilogy #1) (October 2012)
Holding On, Sequel to Hooking Up (August 2013)
Height of Passion, A Johns Creek Novella #3 (April 2016)
She is currently working on several other projects. Visit Jessica's website for more information at www.jessicadegarmo.com.
On Facebook? Find Jessica at https://www.facebook.com/booksbyjessi....
Follow Jessica on Twitter @degarmo2911.
Her publishing credits include:
How to Meet a Guy at the Supermarket (November 2010)
Hooking Up (May 2011)
Decisions (July 2011)
The Storm Within, A Johns Creek Novel #1 (September 2011)
Six Weeks (October 2011)
Historically Yours, A Johns Creek Novel #2 (August 2012)
Blood Lust (Lust Trilogy #1) (October 2012)
Holding On, Sequel to Hooking Up (August 2013)
Height of Passion, A Johns Creek Novella #3 (April 2016)
She is currently working on several other projects. Visit Jessica's website for more information at www.jessicadegarmo.com.
On Facebook? Find Jessica at https://www.facebook.com/booksbyjessi....
Follow Jessica on Twitter @degarmo2911.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 19, 2014
This was so far from what I expected that I can't judge it objectively.
Judging by the cover and the small synopsis, I gathered this was a fun romance, about a man and woman having a one night stand, and then the hero coming back for more. Well, that was right on spot, but what happens after that first night and his requests for more? Turns out the heroine is not willing at all, and to be honest, she was right to refuse him since she wasn't in a good state for a relationship at that point. She has many issues to solve, not to mention that the hot, charming hero comes with large baggage of his own. Those issues get the spotlight for most of the book; the relationship, when it's there, is just a thing in the background. I liked that the heroine got a backbone at last, I liked the writing, but I wasn't looking for a dark chick-lit; it was a light romance I had in my mind when I picked this. Still, I do not consider it a waste of time and did manage to finish it in 2-3 days.
Judging by the cover and the small synopsis, I gathered this was a fun romance, about a man and woman having a one night stand, and then the hero coming back for more. Well, that was right on spot, but what happens after that first night and his requests for more? Turns out the heroine is not willing at all, and to be honest, she was right to refuse him since she wasn't in a good state for a relationship at that point. She has many issues to solve, not to mention that the hot, charming hero comes with large baggage of his own. Those issues get the spotlight for most of the book; the relationship, when it's there, is just a thing in the background. I liked that the heroine got a backbone at last, I liked the writing, but I wasn't looking for a dark chick-lit; it was a light romance I had in my mind when I picked this. Still, I do not consider it a waste of time and did manage to finish it in 2-3 days.
November 16, 2012
3 and a 3/4th Stars!
Not our usual erotica smut read. The book is very nice.
It has a fast pace, A nice storyline and an amazing plot. Cute, amazing short and fast read.
No steam as such but I really liked it! :D
The story had it all, drama, emotional stuff, cute stuff, bitches, sweethearts and amazing best friends! :P
I HATE Nancy and the stone cold bitch of a granny. Loved everyone else :D
RAYN was *swoon* hot, In my head he looked totally like this :P hehe
Smokin' ;)
Not our usual erotica smut read. The book is very nice.
It has a fast pace, A nice storyline and an amazing plot. Cute, amazing short and fast read.
No steam as such but I really liked it! :D
The story had it all, drama, emotional stuff, cute stuff, bitches, sweethearts and amazing best friends! :P
I HATE Nancy and the stone cold bitch of a granny. Loved everyone else :D
RAYN was *swoon* hot, In my head he looked totally like this :P hehe
Smokin' ;)
January 2, 2013
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Hooking Up was a FREE ebook on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I actually read the entire book... which I hardly do with free ebooks, because let's be honest... it's free for a reason, right?
The plot starts off simply, Catie has been dumped by her boyfriend of 10 years, Michael out of the blue. She is in search of a one night stand and has her eyes set on a hottie in a bar. The hottie turns out to be Ryan, a police officer (yummy) who wants more with Catie then just their one night. He basically stalks her in hopes to date her... finally she caves and turns out she really likes him too. At the same time Catie has family issues that comes to play and finds out the real reason Michael broke up with her. Catie has to deal with her issues before being with Ryan. Ryan of course has issues of his own and the two need to deal with it before they can have their happily ever after.
Hooking Up was a pleasant surprise. Though it is a short book, I read it in one long sitting and loved the characters a lot. I found they were complex and the story wasn't a cookie-cutter plot. I adored the male lead Ryan and found him to be an honorable man and an amazing boyfriend. The female lead, Catie did get on my nerves at time but I understood where she was coming from and why she was like the way she is.
Though I don't support the idea of having a one night stand can lead into him being the perfect guy, the story was cute and a great read, especially since it was FREE!
I give Hooking Up 3 stars... an extra .5 star for being FREE :)
Hooking Up was a FREE ebook on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I actually read the entire book... which I hardly do with free ebooks, because let's be honest... it's free for a reason, right?
The plot starts off simply, Catie has been dumped by her boyfriend of 10 years, Michael out of the blue. She is in search of a one night stand and has her eyes set on a hottie in a bar. The hottie turns out to be Ryan, a police officer (yummy) who wants more with Catie then just their one night. He basically stalks her in hopes to date her... finally she caves and turns out she really likes him too. At the same time Catie has family issues that comes to play and finds out the real reason Michael broke up with her. Catie has to deal with her issues before being with Ryan. Ryan of course has issues of his own and the two need to deal with it before they can have their happily ever after.
Hooking Up was a pleasant surprise. Though it is a short book, I read it in one long sitting and loved the characters a lot. I found they were complex and the story wasn't a cookie-cutter plot. I adored the male lead Ryan and found him to be an honorable man and an amazing boyfriend. The female lead, Catie did get on my nerves at time but I understood where she was coming from and why she was like the way she is.
Though I don't support the idea of having a one night stand can lead into him being the perfect guy, the story was cute and a great read, especially since it was FREE!
I give Hooking Up 3 stars... an extra .5 star for being FREE :)
January 15, 2013
Omg I am so sad I wasted a perfectly good reading day on this book! The cover and blurb totally fooled me!!! And I'm the dumbass that didn't even realize it til it was too late! See, I have this thing where unless the book is just complete shit, I will finish it no matter how bad the headache I got from rolling my eyes too much is! So I finished it. While the idea of this story sounded great, it seriously fell short! I would like to pre-apologize for anyone who wants to read this because from this point on, I'm not even gonna censor anything so there may be spoilers ahead...
Ok so Caitlin and Micheal have been together for ten years. He has decided to leave her and start anew and she is heartbroken. She goes out with her friends and one of them jokingly tells her to hook up with a random guy and she will suddenly have total control of herself and become this new woman or whatever. Months later she goes out on Valentine's Day and picks up Ryan, this total hottie, at a bar. They have sex and the next morning she tries to give him the brush off but homeboy isn't taking any hints! OK, #1, the sex scene sucked! As in, it would have been better off being fade to black rather than the starting-off-red-hot-then-fading-to-grey and leaving me hanging right at the good stuff!
Not ok people! Anyway... So this is where it takes a turn. Up to this point I'm thinking, 'ok, this might not be so bad'.... Oh but it gets worse. Ryan begins to pursue Caitlin even though she repeatedly tells him she's not ready for a relationship and doesn't want anything to do with him. Stalker much!! I mean what else do you call someone who gets your real number (as she'd given him a fake with the brush off) from "a friend at the phone company", and leaves you gifts in front of your door, and invites you do dinners?? Ok, the fact that he's a cop kinda helped ease my wariness but still.... So they begin to non-date date... She internally goes on and on and on about how all the crap in her life and I started to get depressed. Then we find out Ryan has a kid, who's probably the best character in the whole book, and a crazy ass bitch of an ex. Fun times here.... Really. (hope you got that hint of sarcasm) Blah Blah Blah they live Happily Ever After. The only reason I gave this 3 stars is because #1- this is the
FIRST
book I have EVER read where at the mention of a random hook up, there was a mention of protection for more than just pregnancy! I quote: "Where is she supposed to meet this cute guy? And what about disease and pregnancy?" And people, I have read a lot of smut/book porn!!! #2- She has really great friends including a stripper/law student depressed about losing her nakey job! (there is some funny parts with this) and lastly #3- It had a really great ending. After all the crap I just spewed over this, I have to admit that the ending was pretty perfect and I do so love my HEA's! So, for each of the three points I liked it got a star.
**Nope couldn't do it... its a 2 star for me**
Ok so Caitlin and Micheal have been together for ten years. He has decided to leave her and start anew and she is heartbroken. She goes out with her friends and one of them jokingly tells her to hook up with a random guy and she will suddenly have total control of herself and become this new woman or whatever. Months later she goes out on Valentine's Day and picks up Ryan, this total hottie, at a bar. They have sex and the next morning she tries to give him the brush off but homeboy isn't taking any hints! OK, #1, the sex scene sucked! As in, it would have been better off being fade to black rather than the starting-off-red-hot-then-fading-to-grey and leaving me hanging right at the good stuff!
Not ok people! Anyway... So this is where it takes a turn. Up to this point I'm thinking, 'ok, this might not be so bad'.... Oh but it gets worse. Ryan begins to pursue Caitlin even though she repeatedly tells him she's not ready for a relationship and doesn't want anything to do with him. Stalker much!! I mean what else do you call someone who gets your real number (as she'd given him a fake with the brush off) from "a friend at the phone company", and leaves you gifts in front of your door, and invites you do dinners?? Ok, the fact that he's a cop kinda helped ease my wariness but still.... So they begin to non-date date... She internally goes on and on and on about how all the crap in her life and I started to get depressed. Then we find out Ryan has a kid, who's probably the best character in the whole book, and a crazy ass bitch of an ex. Fun times here.... Really. (hope you got that hint of sarcasm) Blah Blah Blah they live Happily Ever After. The only reason I gave this 3 stars is because #1- this is the
FIRST
book I have EVER read where at the mention of a random hook up, there was a mention of protection for more than just pregnancy! I quote: "Where is she supposed to meet this cute guy? And what about disease and pregnancy?" And people, I have read a lot of smut/book porn!!! #2- She has really great friends including a stripper/law student depressed about losing her nakey job! (there is some funny parts with this) and lastly #3- It had a really great ending. After all the crap I just spewed over this, I have to admit that the ending was pretty perfect and I do so love my HEA's! So, for each of the three points I liked it got a star. **Nope couldn't do it... its a 2 star for me**
May 13, 2011
It’s always a little hard on an author releasing a second novel especially when the first one “{How to Meet A Guy at The Supermarket} was so very well received.
I admit to being a fan of Ms Degarmo after her first novel, and was looking forward to reading “Hooking Up.” I am delighted with what this new novel had to offer.
Some characters in romance genre seem so one dimensional, Jessica Degarmo’s new female character of Caitlin is far more clearly defined in my opinion than ‘Quinn’ who was resident female in novel number one.
Caitlin is more fleshed out, crafted with a more delicate hand, and deliberately so. She is well rounded and emotional, honest to a fault, insecure, loving, and more importantly, she is lovable.
I care about her happiness and over the course of the novel, I found myself tearing up at the rejection and pain she had known in her life.
The last rejection inflicted by her live in boyfriend walking out on her with no apparent difficulty sends Caitlin into a freefall of insecurity.
Insecurity caused by her Grandmother who raised her without affection. A bitter twisted woman who punished her granddaughter for the loss of her parents. She provided a roof, food, and schooling and that is where it ended. Caitlin had never known unconditional love in her life …except perhaps from her Sensei, Isamu.
Convinced by her friends that she needs a man…just a one nighter to satisfy her needs, Caitlin goes ahead and does just that for the first time in her life…,
Enter Ryan.
The sex sizzles without making you squirm…the chemical reaction is explosive and deftly handled by the author.
Ryan is supposed to be like other guys after a one-night stand. He isn’t. Ryan is sexy, in and out of his police uniform, yet he is more than that, he is gentle, caring … and in the midst of a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife.
I don’t want to spoil this book for you, suffice it to say that the plot is well thought out, and the twists can catch you unprepared.
Jessica Degarmo excels in this genre; she has an innate understanding of human nature, and her male characters are as beautifully drawn as the women.
There is nothing clichéd in this book, the richness of the characters make them memorable.
Even the secondary characters are fleshed out well. The grandmother is easy to despise, and as for Ryan’s Ex wife…well, trust me you wouldn’t choose her as a friend.
This book is crafted beautifully, and Ms. Degarmo has clearly researched it well…her knowledge of Karate in the book is faultless
.
I hope guys will pick this up to read as well as the women out there.
This book goes way beyond warm and fuzzy chicklit. It is a finely honed and entertaining novel, and I will have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who enjoys a great read.
I admit to being a fan of Ms Degarmo after her first novel, and was looking forward to reading “Hooking Up.” I am delighted with what this new novel had to offer.
Some characters in romance genre seem so one dimensional, Jessica Degarmo’s new female character of Caitlin is far more clearly defined in my opinion than ‘Quinn’ who was resident female in novel number one.
Caitlin is more fleshed out, crafted with a more delicate hand, and deliberately so. She is well rounded and emotional, honest to a fault, insecure, loving, and more importantly, she is lovable.
I care about her happiness and over the course of the novel, I found myself tearing up at the rejection and pain she had known in her life.
The last rejection inflicted by her live in boyfriend walking out on her with no apparent difficulty sends Caitlin into a freefall of insecurity.
Insecurity caused by her Grandmother who raised her without affection. A bitter twisted woman who punished her granddaughter for the loss of her parents. She provided a roof, food, and schooling and that is where it ended. Caitlin had never known unconditional love in her life …except perhaps from her Sensei, Isamu.
Convinced by her friends that she needs a man…just a one nighter to satisfy her needs, Caitlin goes ahead and does just that for the first time in her life…,
Enter Ryan.
The sex sizzles without making you squirm…the chemical reaction is explosive and deftly handled by the author.
Ryan is supposed to be like other guys after a one-night stand. He isn’t. Ryan is sexy, in and out of his police uniform, yet he is more than that, he is gentle, caring … and in the midst of a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife.
I don’t want to spoil this book for you, suffice it to say that the plot is well thought out, and the twists can catch you unprepared.
Jessica Degarmo excels in this genre; she has an innate understanding of human nature, and her male characters are as beautifully drawn as the women.
There is nothing clichéd in this book, the richness of the characters make them memorable.
Even the secondary characters are fleshed out well. The grandmother is easy to despise, and as for Ryan’s Ex wife…well, trust me you wouldn’t choose her as a friend.
This book is crafted beautifully, and Ms. Degarmo has clearly researched it well…her knowledge of Karate in the book is faultless
.
I hope guys will pick this up to read as well as the women out there.
This book goes way beyond warm and fuzzy chicklit. It is a finely honed and entertaining novel, and I will have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who enjoys a great read.
November 21, 2012
I would say this is a 3.5 stars!!!!
I don't really know what to say about this book. I did enjoy it but I felt it was missing something. Maybe it had to do with the length of the book. I find with shorter reads things are cut out that would be beneficial to the story. It made me feel like the story was rushed. I do have to say that the heroine in this book Catie/Caitlin was a bit annoying and frustrating in the beginning. She did eventually grow on me as she discovered herself and what she wanted. Ryan was so lovable but he was flawed as well. I did have a hard time feeling their connection together. Maybe again it was because the book felt rushed. Not a whole lot of steam to this book, which I was a little disappointed with. I guess I just expected more from this book. Overall I have to say the ending saved this book for me.
I don't really know what to say about this book. I did enjoy it but I felt it was missing something. Maybe it had to do with the length of the book. I find with shorter reads things are cut out that would be beneficial to the story. It made me feel like the story was rushed. I do have to say that the heroine in this book Catie/Caitlin was a bit annoying and frustrating in the beginning. She did eventually grow on me as she discovered herself and what she wanted. Ryan was so lovable but he was flawed as well. I did have a hard time feeling their connection together. Maybe again it was because the book felt rushed. Not a whole lot of steam to this book, which I was a little disappointed with. I guess I just expected more from this book. Overall I have to say the ending saved this book for me.
May 1, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much. The title piqued my interest and once I dived into it, I couldn't stop reading it. It wasn't erotica like the title kind of implied, it was about a women who just got out of a long term relationship trying to discover herself, and getting mixed up with a cop who wants something more with her. I really related to the characters and I almost felt like the author was writing about my life (with exaggeration, of course). I completely related to Caitlin's character and all of her obstacles in the story. I even found myself tearing up at certain parts. I will definitely read more books from this author!
May 25, 2011
I really enjoyed "Hooking Up" such a cute read with a great plot.
September 21, 2012
Caitlin and her friends are out drinking when one of them suggests that she get over the breakup with her boyfriend of 10 years by hooking up with a stranger for a one night stand. She knows that it is not in her personality to have a one night stand so she just lets the idea go. But the idea is stuck in her head somewhere and one night she was feeling restless and full of courage so she decides to give it a try. But there is a problem with her one night stand man. He wants more and he doesn't seem to be going away even after she tells him that she doesn't want a romance. There relationship is not easy and they have man ups and downs. But to keep it together, they will have to learn to trust and let go of their pasts.
Review: This was a great book that kept my interest at every turn. The story of Caitlin and Ryan has it all, romance, drama, humor and it's sexy. Their story is very well written. It was an easy read that had me cheering for these two to make it thought the twists and turns of life. And did I mention that its sexy. These two are burning up the pages. I certainly have no problem recommending this book to all of you. So pick up a copy and enjoy.
come see this review and more on juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Review: This was a great book that kept my interest at every turn. The story of Caitlin and Ryan has it all, romance, drama, humor and it's sexy. Their story is very well written. It was an easy read that had me cheering for these two to make it thought the twists and turns of life. And did I mention that its sexy. These two are burning up the pages. I certainly have no problem recommending this book to all of you. So pick up a copy and enjoy.
come see this review and more on juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
November 14, 2012
Caitlin's boyfriend has just ended their ten year relationship, and her friend suggests she "hook up". That is the beginning of a series of revelations. Caitlin is not your average woman. She's been with the same man since high school. She has a steady career she loves. She has two best friends who are great women themselves. Yet for all she has going for her, Caitlin still has deep insecurities that lead her to "hook up" with Ryan. From there we learn of two characters who have issues. For all they have going for them, will they let their issues ruin a potential relationship? Will they get in their own way? The answers are surprising, true to reality and thought provoking.
What a deep, serious, and humorous read about life. Yes, it's centered around a relationship, yet Hooking Up is much more than that. Jessica L. Degarmo wrote an extremely perceptive novel for single adults. Caitlin is a gem. Ryan's a gem. The best friends are wonderful. Every character is so expertly drawn out. Every scene feels so REAL.
I love it.
What a deep, serious, and humorous read about life. Yes, it's centered around a relationship, yet Hooking Up is much more than that. Jessica L. Degarmo wrote an extremely perceptive novel for single adults. Caitlin is a gem. Ryan's a gem. The best friends are wonderful. Every character is so expertly drawn out. Every scene feels so REAL.
I love it.
December 10, 2018
This book is about Caitlin just losing her boyfriend of ten years. She's having some major life issues, and trying to figure out what to do with herself. She ends up taking a friends advice to have a "hook up." But things go wrong when the guy keeps coming back.
He actually wants to try to have a relationship with her. But he has some issues of his own. He is recently divorced with a 6 year old little boy. And an ex-wife who wants to make him miserable.
A lot of this book is a romance. But it was also about Caitlin finding things out about herself. She really dug deep to figure out how to stand on her own two feet.
The book was overall okay. The first half of the book I couldn't stand Caitlin. Then I started to really like her. However there was one part in the book that happened with Michael, that I didn't get because she is a "karate" expert. I won't reveal anything more, but that really bugged me. And it made me frustrated with Ryan when it happened. This book was a nice read to pass the time with. I didn't get too attached to the characters or anything. But it was a nice read.
He actually wants to try to have a relationship with her. But he has some issues of his own. He is recently divorced with a 6 year old little boy. And an ex-wife who wants to make him miserable.
A lot of this book is a romance. But it was also about Caitlin finding things out about herself. She really dug deep to figure out how to stand on her own two feet.
The book was overall okay. The first half of the book I couldn't stand Caitlin. Then I started to really like her. However there was one part in the book that happened with Michael, that I didn't get because she is a "karate" expert. I won't reveal anything more, but that really bugged me. And it made me frustrated with Ryan when it happened. This book was a nice read to pass the time with. I didn't get too attached to the characters or anything. But it was a nice read.
September 8, 2014
I have just had to rate this 5 stars, if I could rate this more, I would. Hooking Up had me hook line and sinker throughout.
I've not read one of Jessica L Degarmo's books before, it was a treat when she offered it to me as a gift for an honest review. I didn't know what I would find. What I found was a very realistic story that endeared me to each character in the story. I can utter WOW, WOW wow wow.
I was gripped so much I had the Kindle in my hand sat at the table while waiting for tea to cook. I took my Kindle to the doctors appointment I need to go to.
As the Caitlin grew away from Michael, it was obvious she would 'grow'. The grandmother who brought her up, oh I didn't like her one bit, and when Caitlin was with her Police officer fiance and she stood up for herself, I was cheering "yeah! go Caitline, go Catlian", she had grown and learnt to stand up for herself. I loved it! The grandmother has serious issues.
Finding out that your family is really not your blood family was a turning point in her life.
I can't WAIT to read the 2nd book in this series HOLDING ON. Out soon!
I've not read one of Jessica L Degarmo's books before, it was a treat when she offered it to me as a gift for an honest review. I didn't know what I would find. What I found was a very realistic story that endeared me to each character in the story. I can utter WOW, WOW wow wow.
I was gripped so much I had the Kindle in my hand sat at the table while waiting for tea to cook. I took my Kindle to the doctors appointment I need to go to.
As the Caitlin grew away from Michael, it was obvious she would 'grow'. The grandmother who brought her up, oh I didn't like her one bit, and when Caitlin was with her Police officer fiance and she stood up for herself, I was cheering "yeah! go Caitline, go Catlian", she had grown and learnt to stand up for herself. I loved it! The grandmother has serious issues.
Finding out that your family is really not your blood family was a turning point in her life.
I can't WAIT to read the 2nd book in this series HOLDING ON. Out soon!
January 25, 2015
Caitlin Edison has been dumped by her first and only boyfriend after more then ten years of being/living/surviving together.
I liked that she stays single for a while before trying out a one-night-stand. She is pretty stupid about safety in that sort of situation, but she gets lucky and ends up with the one super nice guy that is looking for a long term relationship.
Caitlin is a basket-case. She is crazy and needy but a great caring friend and she is lucky to surrounded by loyal and loving friends although her grandmother is selfish and evil.
I loved this damaged lady, Caitlin is insane, but human and loving and deserving of love. She doesn't cheat on any one or hurt anyone. She got lucky when her longtime boyfriend Matthew dumped her, it was the best thing that had happened to her since moving out of her grandmother's house at 18. She grew into an adult and someone ready to have a loving equal partnership with the hot guy that she had a 'on night stand' with.
Freebie for the kindle and 238 pages.
3 stars for a wonderfully flawed human heroine.
I liked that she stays single for a while before trying out a one-night-stand. She is pretty stupid about safety in that sort of situation, but she gets lucky and ends up with the one super nice guy that is looking for a long term relationship.
Caitlin is a basket-case. She is crazy and needy but a great caring friend and she is lucky to surrounded by loyal and loving friends although her grandmother is selfish and evil.
I loved this damaged lady, Caitlin is insane, but human and loving and deserving of love. She doesn't cheat on any one or hurt anyone. She got lucky when her longtime boyfriend Matthew dumped her, it was the best thing that had happened to her since moving out of her grandmother's house at 18. She grew into an adult and someone ready to have a loving equal partnership with the hot guy that she had a 'on night stand' with.
Freebie for the kindle and 238 pages.
3 stars for a wonderfully flawed human heroine.
May 7, 2011
Having read the title and blurb, I was expecting a chick lit novel when I first started reading Hooking Up. We're given the character of Caitlin and her two friends, the virgin and the stripper. There's a few typical chick lit utterances and resemblances which I liked - especially the little thoughts in Caitlin's head.
Then along comes Ryan and suddenly, the story changes. In fact, the whole style changes. It moves to something deeper, dealing with far deeper issues than a one night stand and its consequences. I'm not sure if I liked this departure but it was very well written and ended with everything tied in a neat bow, just how I like my novels to be. At times Caitlin was rather annoying and there didnt seem to be a lot going on but it was a book that kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next, so in that respect it was an great read and definitely one for the lovers of romance.
Then along comes Ryan and suddenly, the story changes. In fact, the whole style changes. It moves to something deeper, dealing with far deeper issues than a one night stand and its consequences. I'm not sure if I liked this departure but it was very well written and ended with everything tied in a neat bow, just how I like my novels to be. At times Caitlin was rather annoying and there didnt seem to be a lot going on but it was a book that kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next, so in that respect it was an great read and definitely one for the lovers of romance.
April 20, 2013
This was a light, fun, cute kinda book. I quite enjoyed it for most of the book. Got a little cheesey towards the end but nevertheless enjoyed it. Really liked both Cait and Ryan. It would figure the one guy she approached wasn't looking for a one time. How he gets her attention is hilarious. It's what he does for a living, a little abuse of power ;). Anyway, he's a great character, and even though she's getting over her break up, she's aware she's in no position be someone's girlfriend again. She's learning where her relationship with Michael went wrong. So she tries to push him away but he's just not having it! It was so adorable. Michael makes appearance and is a total ass, and at that point I wish she would've been stronger instead of crying in front of that asshole. Benji was adorable and fit well with the story. In the end there are some revelations, hurt, lessons learned, time and space, and healing.
September 1, 2013
This was my first book by Degarmo, and I adored it! Degarmo does a very nice job of establishing characters that are both real and likeable. She is great at making you feel the emotions right along with the characters. The book centers around Caitlin and the ups and downs life hands her (as we all know how that happens to us too.) You find yourself wanting her to get a HEA, just like all of us want ours. But Degarmo keeps it real and doesn't try to wrap it up in a pretty little bow. Hooking up shows us that it is ok to get out of comfort zone and sometimes it really is the boost we need to change the direction our life has been taking us. Caitlin meets Ryan, when she decides to follow advice her friend read in a magazine. Degarmo does a nice job of showing how new relationships do have their ups and downs, but that things can be overcome. I don't want to give spoilers, so just go and read the book!
May 30, 2014
I have to admit, I've come to this book pretty late. I'd read "Blood Lust"Blood Lust, so when I saw the new book "Holding On" was released, I went back to read Hooking Up, as it is the first in this story.
It is a fun, somewhat poignant romance. Caitlin is reeling from the ending of a ten year relationship, and to help her "snap out of it", one of her closest, if somewhat naïve, friends suggests she "hook up" with someone.
At first Caitlin ignores the suggestion, but in a fit of desperation following a lonely Valentines Day, she dares venture out.
What follows is an emotive romance - Caitlin resists at first, but we discover much more about her, making her, in my opinion, a more rounded and likeable character.
As for what happens - read it and see! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and engaged with the characters enough to go on to read Book Two
It is a fun, somewhat poignant romance. Caitlin is reeling from the ending of a ten year relationship, and to help her "snap out of it", one of her closest, if somewhat naïve, friends suggests she "hook up" with someone.
At first Caitlin ignores the suggestion, but in a fit of desperation following a lonely Valentines Day, she dares venture out.
What follows is an emotive romance - Caitlin resists at first, but we discover much more about her, making her, in my opinion, a more rounded and likeable character.
As for what happens - read it and see! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and engaged with the characters enough to go on to read Book Two
November 14, 2012
I found this book for free on Amazon, & it did not disappoint. It was a really great book. So, Caitlin is a 28 yr old Pediatrics Physical Therapist who's been in a relationship w/her boyfriend Michael for 10 years. Michael is also her bestfriend & high school sweetheart, they grew up living next door to each other. He's been with her through basically everything, including the death of her parents. Then one day he decides he want out. He feels as though their relationship it just now one of convenience. & he wants more.....From the point in the book Michael left Catie I was wishing she 'd meet a guy fall in love again & rub it in Michael's face. She had been through so much, including being raised by a grandmother who couldn't love her (for reasons which ARE brought out in the story), after the death of her parents. ITS A MUST READ, AND ITS FREE.
June 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. It's a quick, easy, enjoyable read. Bit of a girly book, I'd say, as it has a romance running through it, with just an interesting back story of how Caitlin and Ryan first meet and get together and all their trials and tribulations. It seemed shorter than 200+ pages !
I did get a little frustrated at Caitlin at times as she clearly didn't know when she was onto a good thing but her attitude improved as we went along. There were also a few really funny moments in it. I spotted a couple of apostrophe errors and one spelling mistake which was very good indeed. It truly makes a refreshing difference to the whole reading experience, I can tell you !!
I did get a little frustrated at Caitlin at times as she clearly didn't know when she was onto a good thing but her attitude improved as we went along. There were also a few really funny moments in it. I spotted a couple of apostrophe errors and one spelling mistake which was very good indeed. It truly makes a refreshing difference to the whole reading experience, I can tell you !!
August 30, 2013
What a lovely story this was. The main character was badly hurt in the past but through this story she has learnt to deal with it & move on. Loved the rest of the characters except for the grandmother. Of course your going to have to read this lovely story to find out why:)
This is certainly a book I'd re read although I won't be doing that just yet as I'm about to start the second book in this series, Holding on.
This is the first book I've read from this author & I'm definetly looking forward to reading more of this fantastic authors work.
Received from author in return for an honest review.
This is certainly a book I'd re read although I won't be doing that just yet as I'm about to start the second book in this series, Holding on.
This is the first book I've read from this author & I'm definetly looking forward to reading more of this fantastic authors work.
Received from author in return for an honest review.
June 26, 2012
This storyline was an unexpected surprise for me. Based on the cover and title, I was expecting a much more light hearted and fun book. This was a sweet, funny, infuriating story of self discovery and personal growth, laced with heartache and love. I laughed and cried with Catie and Ryan and enjoyed every second of this very quick read. I got this kindle version for only .99 so it was certainly money well spent.
November 23, 2012
I enjoyed this book and read it one evening. Caitlin is dumped by her live in boyfriend and is having a hard time dealing with it. One of her girlfriends suggests she try a hook up. Caitlin know it's bad advice, but out of desperation try's it anyway. She sees Ryan at a bar and hooks up with him. Things don't work out the way Caitlin expects them to and Ryan has his own issues he is dealing with.
November 22, 2012
Such a great read!! Ryan was swoon worthy!! Catie was neurotic to say the least!! It was so funny how she tried to get rid of Ryan! She ended up having a one night stand or so she thought we the one guy that didn't want that!! Michael was a douche bag and Nancy was such a shrew. I really enjoyed reading this story!
June 11, 2012
Great book. Very interesting happenings for a 'one night stand' that ended up NOT a 'one night stand'. She definitely bares all of her emotions and really sucks you in as we have all been in a situation where we have lost someone special and close to us.
June 9, 2012
This book really struck home with me. This type of breakup really breaks a person down back to their core. I liked how the main characters had emotional baggage to work through before they had their happily ever after.
December 5, 2012
3.5 stars.
When i downloaded this i was expectinng it to be a simple, quick romance but was surprised to find it wasn't.
I'll admit i was a bit bored in the first 10% of the book but then she met Ryan and it became interesting and a rollercoaster of emotion.
When i downloaded this i was expectinng it to be a simple, quick romance but was surprised to find it wasn't.
I'll admit i was a bit bored in the first 10% of the book but then she met Ryan and it became interesting and a rollercoaster of emotion.
April 29, 2013
I decided to download this book as it was free.
I am glad I did as I couldn't put it down.
It is really well written I think and it not too long. (I finished this in a couple of days with is good for me).
I am glad I did as I couldn't put it down.
It is really well written I think and it not too long. (I finished this in a couple of days with is good for me).
August 1, 2013
This book had the perfect amount of love, loss, heart ache, and lust to be a wonderful story. There were so many things that I was surprised about, but I knew that the one night stand would end with a happy ever after.
June 17, 2012
I thought this was a really good book. Very expecting twists and turns. Loved it.
July 30, 2012
fun book...good read!
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