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Breakup Bash #1
The First Rule of Hook-Ups
Someone once told me that there are worst things than being left at the altar. Well, not many, in my experience. That was six months ago, though, and my life has moved on. Heck, I have a new job lined up and I'm leaving town.
But, I can't deny that my love life kind of sucks.
That's why I let my friends convince me to join them for Club Escapade's Breakup Bash. And we might just be disillusioned enough to actually enjoy it. Last time we were here, it was for my bachelorette party. That night, I met one of the dancers - Raphael - and when he flirted with me, I almost forgot I was engaged. And there's a part of me that never forgot him.
Now, it seems my friends have wandered off and I'm thinking about calling it a night. Until the music begins and I see Raphael, my secret fantasy, on stage. And this time, I'm definitely not engaged...
But, I can't deny that my love life kind of sucks.
That's why I let my friends convince me to join them for Club Escapade's Breakup Bash. And we might just be disillusioned enough to actually enjoy it. Last time we were here, it was for my bachelorette party. That night, I met one of the dancers - Raphael - and when he flirted with me, I almost forgot I was engaged. And there's a part of me that never forgot him.
Now, it seems my friends have wandered off and I'm thinking about calling it a night. Until the music begins and I see Raphael, my secret fantasy, on stage. And this time, I'm definitely not engaged...
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2018
64 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Nina Crespo
63 books1,061 followersNina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions -- the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing. Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a "borrowing spree" in her older sister's bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel. Let Nina's sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales satisfy your own craving for love, romance, and happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 29, 2023
The First Rule of Hook-Up’s by Nina Crespo
Breakup Bash series #1. Contemporary romance. Alternating POV’s between hero and heroine, 1st person.
Alexa is recovering from being left at the altar with the help of her friends. They decide on another night at the Breakup Bash, a male stripper / dancer entertainment venue where her bachelorette party was held.
Raphael owns the Breakup Bash. Managing the talent, the bar and all the other details keeps him busy. But he can’t help remembering the beauty that caught his eye six months ago. So much so that he actually kissed her on the lips instead of following club rules. But she’s married by now and he needs to forget her. Until she shows up again at the club, unmarried and still distracting beyond words.
Alexa and Raphael agree to a no strings arrangement based on past bad experiences but soon find that feelings are involved which adds stress and complications to their lives. As the time gets closer for her to leave town permanently, they both have decisions to make.
I loved having both POV’s so you knew how much they liked each other.
Steamy hot scenes, sure, but talking to each other would have really solved some of the missteps.
A romance fantasy for every single person that has been to one of those shows. Heat and lust.
Breakup Bash series #1. Contemporary romance. Alternating POV’s between hero and heroine, 1st person.
Alexa is recovering from being left at the altar with the help of her friends. They decide on another night at the Breakup Bash, a male stripper / dancer entertainment venue where her bachelorette party was held.
Raphael owns the Breakup Bash. Managing the talent, the bar and all the other details keeps him busy. But he can’t help remembering the beauty that caught his eye six months ago. So much so that he actually kissed her on the lips instead of following club rules. But she’s married by now and he needs to forget her. Until she shows up again at the club, unmarried and still distracting beyond words.
Alexa and Raphael agree to a no strings arrangement based on past bad experiences but soon find that feelings are involved which adds stress and complications to their lives. As the time gets closer for her to leave town permanently, they both have decisions to make.
I loved having both POV’s so you knew how much they liked each other.
Steamy hot scenes, sure, but talking to each other would have really solved some of the missteps.
A romance fantasy for every single person that has been to one of those shows. Heat and lust.
November 22, 2018
4 More Than What Others Think Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Oh, it is always so easy to classify people. And the joke is this practice of putting others in little classifications is exactly what we don't want others to do to us... Like We are the Exception...So of course, the life lesson goes back to the tried and true...
Do unto others as you wish to have done to you...
Should be easy...
But in reality, it can be so hard not to fall into the traps our past have given us and it takes us stepping back, figuring out what is real and what is assumed...
Nina Crespo takes all of these concepts and layers them deep into The First Rule of Hook-Ups (Breakup Bash Book 1). This book is like a Tootsie Roll...with all the smexy times front and center drawing you into the story and then once you have been enjoying all the yummy times, you start to get to the more meaningful center.
Ms. Crespo has a history of writing smokin' hot men and women who love them. This is no different. She is able to give as good as we need plus throws in some meaningful life lessons along the way. The main focus is to be true to yourself, love who you love and everything will fall into place.
Works for me.
A gifted copy was provided by Entangled Publishing LLC (Brazen) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free
Oh, it is always so easy to classify people. And the joke is this practice of putting others in little classifications is exactly what we don't want others to do to us... Like We are the Exception...So of course, the life lesson goes back to the tried and true...
Do unto others as you wish to have done to you...
Should be easy...
But in reality, it can be so hard not to fall into the traps our past have given us and it takes us stepping back, figuring out what is real and what is assumed...
Nina Crespo takes all of these concepts and layers them deep into The First Rule of Hook-Ups (Breakup Bash Book 1). This book is like a Tootsie Roll...with all the smexy times front and center drawing you into the story and then once you have been enjoying all the yummy times, you start to get to the more meaningful center.
Ms. Crespo has a history of writing smokin' hot men and women who love them. This is no different. She is able to give as good as we need plus throws in some meaningful life lessons along the way. The main focus is to be true to yourself, love who you love and everything will fall into place.
Works for me.
A gifted copy was provided by Entangled Publishing LLC (Brazen) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 22, 2018
I LOVED this book! Nina Crespo is one of my go-to authors when I want something sultry, emotion-packed and just plain romantic. She didn't fail me with The First Rule of Hook-Ups. It's like Magic Mike meets Pretty in Pink. Doesn't get much better than that!
October 19, 2019
Short, sexy, and a nice amount of drama. This was a fun read, I liked the main characters Rafe and Alexa and the story moved at a good pace. Both protagonists have been through terrible relationships and aren't looking for anything serious. They have an immediate attraction and decide to just keep their relationship casual. Of course they click and develop feelings and have to work out what they truly want. The sex scenes were plentiful and hot and the drama was well done and not too much. Fun and quick listen with good narration.
October 5, 2020
This book was easy breazy. The narrator kept it smooth and even paced fir this story of life after a breakup.
Alexa and her two girl friends hit the club after their relationship ended and Alexa made a connection with Rafe, the club owner. They embark on a friends with benefits arrangements and you know how that goes when the sex is great and consistent. Both Alexa and Rafe are good and hardworking people and I was rooting for them personally and professionally.
I enjoyed it. If you want a fast and easy romance, this one is a good choice.
Alexa and her two girl friends hit the club after their relationship ended and Alexa made a connection with Rafe, the club owner. They embark on a friends with benefits arrangements and you know how that goes when the sex is great and consistent. Both Alexa and Rafe are good and hardworking people and I was rooting for them personally and professionally.
I enjoyed it. If you want a fast and easy romance, this one is a good choice.
August 31, 2020
The first rule of hook-ups has a great mixture of drama and romance throughout the whole book the keep me from wanting to put this book down. I enjoyed both Raphael and Alexa back story and I enjoyed the relationship so much.They had so much chemistry from the very beginning that she didn't have with Brad. While I did enjoy the sex scenes throughout the book I felt like it was more then that for these characters. I felt like they truly had this epic love story and as much as they tried to deni it and say it was just the sex it was so much more then that for them.
October 29, 2018
Easy going, quick romantic read. The challenges of love and lost are always present. Alexa and Rafe meet for some fun with no relationship ties. Yeah well we all know that is not going to happen in a HEA story. Likable characters with smooth story line. Smooth writing by Nina Crespo hope to visit her work again. "A copy of this book was provided by Entangled via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are honest and my personal views."
September 1, 2021
Burning hot sex with romance, and humor. You don't want to miss this book.
Get out the fan because this book is sizzling hot! It's so good I got nothing else done but listening. The narrator did a wonderful job at breathing life into already engaging characters.
I can't wait to read Alexa's friend's stories.
I highly recommend this book to any who likes a lot of heat with their romance and a smidgen of humor. Okay, maybe more than a smidgen. Either way this book rocks.
Get out the fan because this book is sizzling hot! It's so good I got nothing else done but listening. The narrator did a wonderful job at breathing life into already engaging characters.
I can't wait to read Alexa's friend's stories.
I highly recommend this book to any who likes a lot of heat with their romance and a smidgen of humor. Okay, maybe more than a smidgen. Either way this book rocks.
August 12, 2020
4.5 stars but I really have no reasons to give it less than 5. It is funny that I picked this book up the day after having a discussion with my readers group about books where sex happens on every other page. This book is definitely all about the sex for 1/2 -2/3 of the book and it was beginning to wear on me when it finally switched over to a relationship. However, that worked for this book - just read the title! The two main characters start off in a no-strings-attached relationship because it is safer than risking their hearts. Of course, in a predictable fashion, they end up falling in love. So given that it was all sex for at least the first half and that it was predictable, why am I giving it 5 stars? The writing was good and the main characters were charming and likable. While the plot was predictable, the characters had back stories unique to their own issues with relationships that made it all believable. I’d read more by this author as this was fun little diversion. Additionally, I listened to the audiobook and it worked for the characters.
I liked that the female lead was a strong character with a fantastic business sense and that the male character was the neat-freak, emotionally supportive and open-minded to business advice from the female lead.
I liked that the female lead was a strong character with a fantastic business sense and that the male character was the neat-freak, emotionally supportive and open-minded to business advice from the female lead.
September 7, 2020
I liked the blurb for this book. I liked the storyline. I didn't even mind what seemed to be a lot of sex. What I really didn't like was Alexa. Where was her backbone? Why did she keep second guessing herself and those around her? She works in her dad's company and her communication skills are just ugh! Seriously?
I listened to this on audible. I might listen to the next 2 books just to see what her 2 best friends are up to in their love lives.
I listened to this on audible. I might listen to the next 2 books just to see what her 2 best friends are up to in their love lives.
September 20, 2019
Confession time...The cover for Nina Crespo’s The First Rule of Hook-Ups had me doing a double-take. Yes. It's that nice. The blurb had me wanting to read the book. Seriously the cover is perfect for the story.
I love the story setup. Alexandra “Alexa” Cayne meets Raphael “Rafe” Dumond aka Raphael the Dream Maker, doing her bachelorette party at Club Escapade. After losing a bet, Rafe is fulfilling his end of the deal by getting back on stage as a member of the Hot Body Hunks. After his performance, he gives Alexa a kiss. Six months later, they meet again. Rafe stops himself from kissing her this time and walks away. Not having any of this, Alexa chases after him and demands her kiss. Rafe thinks she’s now married and still refuses. But when Alexa informs him of her disastrous wedding day, the two give into their desire. Neither is looking for anything serious. Alexa is planning on moving out of state in a matter of weeks. But Rafe convinces her to extend their one-night stand for as long as they each want to or until she leaves.
What starts out as a one-night stand slowly turns into more. Before each of them know it, they're in love. Past relationships, family, and perceptions play a role in keeping these two from what they truly want, which is each other, forever.
It took me a really long time to truly get into the story. It seemed as though Alexa and Rafe’s relationship was only about sex. I personally needed to get to know the characters, in order for me to become invested in them and their story. It wasn't until halfway through the book that I was able to get the true emotional connection I wanted. For me, at that point, the story got better.
In the end, Alexa and Rafe complement each other. He makes her happier than she's ever been. Alexa sees Rafe as a person who is smart and caring, and not just as a former stripper trying to be a business owner. Rafe makes her a stronger person and she helps him to overcome his past. Because I didn’t have that emotional connection immediately, I can't say that I was crazy about these two as characters, at least not Alexa. But I can say that by the end of the story, I understood her and liked her.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
I love the story setup. Alexandra “Alexa” Cayne meets Raphael “Rafe” Dumond aka Raphael the Dream Maker, doing her bachelorette party at Club Escapade. After losing a bet, Rafe is fulfilling his end of the deal by getting back on stage as a member of the Hot Body Hunks. After his performance, he gives Alexa a kiss. Six months later, they meet again. Rafe stops himself from kissing her this time and walks away. Not having any of this, Alexa chases after him and demands her kiss. Rafe thinks she’s now married and still refuses. But when Alexa informs him of her disastrous wedding day, the two give into their desire. Neither is looking for anything serious. Alexa is planning on moving out of state in a matter of weeks. But Rafe convinces her to extend their one-night stand for as long as they each want to or until she leaves.
What starts out as a one-night stand slowly turns into more. Before each of them know it, they're in love. Past relationships, family, and perceptions play a role in keeping these two from what they truly want, which is each other, forever.
It took me a really long time to truly get into the story. It seemed as though Alexa and Rafe’s relationship was only about sex. I personally needed to get to know the characters, in order for me to become invested in them and their story. It wasn't until halfway through the book that I was able to get the true emotional connection I wanted. For me, at that point, the story got better.
In the end, Alexa and Rafe complement each other. He makes her happier than she's ever been. Alexa sees Rafe as a person who is smart and caring, and not just as a former stripper trying to be a business owner. Rafe makes her a stronger person and she helps him to overcome his past. Because I didn’t have that emotional connection immediately, I can't say that I was crazy about these two as characters, at least not Alexa. But I can say that by the end of the story, I understood her and liked her.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
August 1, 2021
To me this book was about never defining a person by the career choices they make. I enjoyed reading how the sex with no strings hookup grew into a true love connection. The chemistry between Raphael and Alexa was out of this world. I enjoyed how they banded together and stood strong against other people's unsolicited advice. Sometimes we all find a love worth fighting for. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
October 27, 2018
Wow what a great story this was! I loved these two together and the story line is the best. Nina is such a great writer and what you get compacted into this short period with Rafe and Alexa is phenomenal! The plot, the story, the characters- there wasn't one thing that could have been better.
The steam factor is off the charts and Nina does these scenes oh so well! You can't ask for more with this book! This is a must read. Yum!
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review.
The steam factor is off the charts and Nina does these scenes oh so well! You can't ask for more with this book! This is a must read. Yum!
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
An ex-stripper with a heart of gold for our male lead? Yes please! I really liked Raph and Alexa's story. This book has been sitting in my kindle for some time. I'm so glad that I finally got around to reading it!
Raph is sexy and hot, without being the typical manwhore. He's been hurt before, so he keeps his heart and emotions close. Alexa was left at the altar 6 months ago, but she's finally starting to open up again. Raph is the perfect man to help her get there! They are so right for each other. However, this wouldn't be a proper romance novel without some ups and downs. Thankfully everything works out at the end and they both get what they deserve!
Raph is sexy and hot, without being the typical manwhore. He's been hurt before, so he keeps his heart and emotions close. Alexa was left at the altar 6 months ago, but she's finally starting to open up again. Raph is the perfect man to help her get there! They are so right for each other. However, this wouldn't be a proper romance novel without some ups and downs. Thankfully everything works out at the end and they both get what they deserve!
August 19, 2020
The first rule of Hook-ups had the perfect mix of romance and emotional drama that kept me from being able to put it down. Both Raphael and Alexa had gripping back stories and their chemistry together was off the charts! This book took me back to the early stages of falling in love with someone. While the sex scenes were steamy and passionate, it was more than just physical between them even if they both wanted to denie it.
January 31, 2021
Alexa has a lot of change going on in her life. Her fiancée leaves her at the alter. She gets a new job and is planning a move across the country. Before her move she goes to the Breakup Bash with her friends. While she's at the club, she sees Raphael again. He's a former male dancer who owns the club. There's an instant attraction. The two of them start a casual relationship that turns into something more.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 24, 2021
This is a steamy romance between 2 characters who have been betrayed by lovers in the past. Rafe and Alexa have incredible chemistry together. It was fun watching their relationship grow from the initial explosive attraction to their happily every after. The book ends with a great epilogue, which is always a plus for me.
October 29, 2018
What was supposed to be the happiest day of her life turns out to be the worst, and the most humiliating when Alexa’s groom to be runs off with his side chick. Months later she is doing better but the betrayal did leave a sting. So what’s a girl to do but go out with her friends to get her drink on and she sees Rafe. Rafe was the dancer that she met on the day of her bachelorette party. He intrigues her but she was going to get married so she did not let it go past a kiss. Now she has nothing stopping her from taking things further.
What starts off as a simple arrangement soon turns into something deeper, but Rafe has some hang ups too. He feels that them coming from different social classes will eventually drive them apart. It also doesn’t help when Alexa’s former fiancé comes back trying to get back together. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to see if more books are written for Alexa's friends.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
What starts off as a simple arrangement soon turns into something deeper, but Rafe has some hang ups too. He feels that them coming from different social classes will eventually drive them apart. It also doesn’t help when Alexa’s former fiancé comes back trying to get back together. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to see if more books are written for Alexa's friends.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
November 19, 2018
I have to say this book had me laughing so hard at points. I mean Alexa and her friends were a hoot! Poor Alexa was left at the altar and she is devastated but decides to move on by leaving town and getting a new job. Her love life sucks and she is ready to move on because no man in town is good enough for her.
So her friends decide they should have one last good time before she goes. So they decide they are going to go to Club Escapade's break up bash and have one hell of a night. But when they get there they separate and leave Alexa by herself so she is just sitting there when the music starts and out comes Raphael.
She remembers Raphael because the night of her bachelorette party he came out and she flirted with him but she was engaged so it couldn't go anywhere but tonight she is single and ready to mingle with Raphael. What will happen when Raphael sees Alexa again? Will they hit it off or will they just flirt again and go nowhere? This is a must read that will have you laughing and lusting after Raphael because he is so dam gorgeous!
So her friends decide they should have one last good time before she goes. So they decide they are going to go to Club Escapade's break up bash and have one hell of a night. But when they get there they separate and leave Alexa by herself so she is just sitting there when the music starts and out comes Raphael.
She remembers Raphael because the night of her bachelorette party he came out and she flirted with him but she was engaged so it couldn't go anywhere but tonight she is single and ready to mingle with Raphael. What will happen when Raphael sees Alexa again? Will they hit it off or will they just flirt again and go nowhere? This is a must read that will have you laughing and lusting after Raphael because he is so dam gorgeous!
November 11, 2018
Not only did I love my first ever Nina Crespo book, she set up the Breakup Bash series so well that I can't wait to read the next books and find out what was going on with Alexa's friends - Nat and Corinne. Alexa and Rafe's story was so sexy and sweet. I really enjoyed that while their connection was largely based on sexual attraction in the beginning, they were able to delve deeper and to see each other for who they were and appreciate each other in a way that they both really needed. Their relationship grew into more than just a physical thing; they were each the support the other needed and the catalyst for growth and healing after they both suffered through disastrous breakups. In fact, as hot as the sexy times were (and they were HAWT), my favorite part of The First Rule of Hook-Ups is how much real support and encouragement Alexa and Rafe offered to each other. It gave me hope - and besides solid entertainment, what more can ask for in a book? 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
November 12, 2018
Nina Crespo’s The First Rule of Hook Ups is an entertaining story of Alexa, a woman who was left at the altar and her rebound fling with Rafe, a club owner and former club dancer. Alexa’s got a new job and a new plan lined up, so what’s the harm
in having a little fun?
Easy to read, fun story with characters that are like able and easy to relate too. Would definitely read more of Nina Creapo’s books.
in having a little fun?
Easy to read, fun story with characters that are like able and easy to relate too. Would definitely read more of Nina Creapo’s books.
November 26, 2018
4.5 stars-
Every Nina Crespo book is an easy and enjoyable read. This one is no exception. Alexa, our jilted bride in recovery, and Rafe, retired male dancer now business owner, have an insta lust connection. They hook-up for what they agree is to be sex without the relationship (the hook-up isn't once but...repeatedly over a few weeks). Sure, we all know it's going to end up complicated and you'd think the characters would have too. Not a novel plot, but that was my only gripe (we know what to expect when we read any on this Entangled line and this one is no exception). The former fiancé shows up trying to patch things up and, I'll bet you can guess where that goes and the conflict it creates between our main characters. This is overall a delightful, fast read with sexy characters who smolder on together on the page.
Book was provided by Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every Nina Crespo book is an easy and enjoyable read. This one is no exception. Alexa, our jilted bride in recovery, and Rafe, retired male dancer now business owner, have an insta lust connection. They hook-up for what they agree is to be sex without the relationship (the hook-up isn't once but...repeatedly over a few weeks). Sure, we all know it's going to end up complicated and you'd think the characters would have too. Not a novel plot, but that was my only gripe (we know what to expect when we read any on this Entangled line and this one is no exception). The former fiancé shows up trying to patch things up and, I'll bet you can guess where that goes and the conflict it creates between our main characters. This is overall a delightful, fast read with sexy characters who smolder on together on the page.
Book was provided by Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2018
I wasnt sure I would like this book at first because it just jumped right into the story without getting to truly know the characters separately but I think that added to it. I loved this book. You have a woman who's recovering from an unexpected break up and I guy who might have started out in a career that most put down but he made more of his life and owned who he was. It was easy to love both Alexa and Rafe. The book was a definite winner in my eyes. I'll definitely be looking for the authors other books.
Read
December 1, 2024this book was oddly prim and proper for a book that was about how much sex these 2 characters could have. llike only the word breasts was used. not a boob or tit in sight, or mark of passion instead of hickey. at some point, i was just listening to it becuase i hate to leave a book unread. i was just so thrown off by the language that i just couldn't get sucked in.
November 16, 2018
My first read by this author, The First Rule of Hook-Ups is an engaging read with wonderful characters and sizzle that is sure to fog the glasses. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to exploring more by this author
July 24, 2025
"The First Rule of Hook-Ups" by Nina Crespo is book one in the "Breakup Bash" series. This story focuses on Alexa and Rafe and is a wonderful start to this series. Alexa is recently single, and her friends take her to a singles Bash. Rafael owns the club that is throwing the party, and Alexa remembers Rafe from before. My favorite part was when Rafe was trying to get over Alexa and his friend Shannon let's him have it. I absolutely love Nina's writing style and how she gets you to fall in love with the characters. I have yet to find a book by Nina that I didn't care for. I am definitely interested in reading the next book in the Breakup Bash series.
October 21, 2018
Where Rafe is concerned Alexa can be an impatient woman, “I don’t care.” She kissed and nipped his bare shoulder and tugged at the knot in his workout shorts and pulled at the waistband. “Off… take it off.” I liked this book, I liked how Rafe and Alexa meshed well together.
October 22, 2018
Wow, The First Rule of Hook-ups, left me hot and bothered quite a bit. Sometimes just bothered. Men can be dense sometimes. I felt bad for Alexa, she seems to have bad luck with men. Good thing Rafe is HOT, if not I'm not sure Alexa should have forgiven him.
November 12, 2018
~ 3.5 Stars ~
The First Rule of Hook-Ups was my first read by Nina Crespo and I honestly enjoyed it. I mean, it's got a Magic Mike feel to it with a smart stripper who is successful and knows how to care for a woman. So yeah, I'm going to gobble that up.
Here's what I'm going to start off with. This story is told in 3rd person and I have to be honest, the story has to really blow me away in order for me to get past that. I think there are only a handful of authors that I will continue to read their stories written in that POV style. It's a personal preference and something in the story has to stand out or connect to me in order for me to really get past it. Fair or not fair, it's the truth. So with that all being said, I found myself wanting to get back to The First Rule of Hook-Ups as soon as possible after anytime I had to put it down to do something else.
Alexa just went through being left at the alter and let's just say that it's left her a bit jaded. When her friends convince her to enjoy herself and just hookup, she's not really feeling it. Until she seems him again. Rafe. The man at her bachelorette party that had her thinking about him way more than she should be. The man she still thought about when it came to that night. Now that she's single, who's to say they can't have a little bit of fun.
Rafe can't believe he's seeing Alexa again. He's never forgotten about her but she's off limits. She's married, right? So imagine his surprise when he finds out she isn't. He tried to push her away but it didn't work. He's drawn to her. He has also been hurt in the past so they make a deal. Strictly a hook up. No feelings involved. Yeah, right. That never works out.
The closer Rafe and Alexa get, the more they realize that they can't live without each other. Things seems to be moving quickly and they didn't even realize it. People keep trying to get in their way so when they finally discover how much they mean to each other, they have to fight for it.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. I'm glad that I kept going and didn't let the 3rd person POV distract me because I did become invested and I wanted to know if they get their HEA. I look forward to reading more books from Crespo in the future.
The First Rule of Hook-Ups was my first read by Nina Crespo and I honestly enjoyed it. I mean, it's got a Magic Mike feel to it with a smart stripper who is successful and knows how to care for a woman. So yeah, I'm going to gobble that up.
Here's what I'm going to start off with. This story is told in 3rd person and I have to be honest, the story has to really blow me away in order for me to get past that. I think there are only a handful of authors that I will continue to read their stories written in that POV style. It's a personal preference and something in the story has to stand out or connect to me in order for me to really get past it. Fair or not fair, it's the truth. So with that all being said, I found myself wanting to get back to The First Rule of Hook-Ups as soon as possible after anytime I had to put it down to do something else.
Alexa just went through being left at the alter and let's just say that it's left her a bit jaded. When her friends convince her to enjoy herself and just hookup, she's not really feeling it. Until she seems him again. Rafe. The man at her bachelorette party that had her thinking about him way more than she should be. The man she still thought about when it came to that night. Now that she's single, who's to say they can't have a little bit of fun.
Rafe can't believe he's seeing Alexa again. He's never forgotten about her but she's off limits. She's married, right? So imagine his surprise when he finds out she isn't. He tried to push her away but it didn't work. He's drawn to her. He has also been hurt in the past so they make a deal. Strictly a hook up. No feelings involved. Yeah, right. That never works out.
The closer Rafe and Alexa get, the more they realize that they can't live without each other. Things seems to be moving quickly and they didn't even realize it. People keep trying to get in their way so when they finally discover how much they mean to each other, they have to fight for it.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. I'm glad that I kept going and didn't let the 3rd person POV distract me because I did become invested and I wanted to know if they get their HEA. I look forward to reading more books from Crespo in the future.
July 12, 2020
This book is what I wanted Magic Mike to be: a fun, sexy story of a girl who’s been done wrong by men getting lucky with a stripper who turns out to have a heart of gold. Alexa was left at the altar and now, six months later, she shows up with some friends at the strip club where she had her bachelorette party, ready to be distracted from her problems for a night. Turns out the man who danced for her months ago that she never quite managed to forget about has moved up from the stage—Rafe is now the big boss man and doesn’t usually dance anymore. But that night he ends up onstage, immediately picks Alexa out of the crowd, and their chemistry picks up right where it left off. If you need a break from all the *everything* going on in the world, this book is the perfect escape. Naughty fun from start to finish.
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