I love my life. As owner and chef at one of the hottest restaurants, I know how to keep things sizzling in and out of the kitchen. What more could I ask for? But I'll tell you what I didn't ask for ... a klutzy, curly haired woman slamming into me with a unicorn cake. Yes, you read that right--a damn cake decorated to look like the mythical creature bathed in every color of the rainbow.
What could be worse, right? I'll tell you. My brother hired her to be my pastry chef. You'd think that would be my biggest problem, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Aside from her being one of the clumsiest women I've ever met, she turns me on like no other woman has. She tastes sweeter than anything she creates, and we make a great team in and out of the bedroom ... I mean kitchen.
When we first met, I worried my restaurant wouldn't survive her. Now I worry that my heart won't.
I never wanted to fall in love, but sometimes life isn't all unicorns and rainbows.
When I first read Miss Schwehm's book, Ryker, I shelved it under DNF. I hesitate to pick up another of her book. The blurp on Hooked is promising. It promising enemy to lover romance. So I dived in. And boy I was mistaken. This book is not about enemy to lover romance. Just romance. The story/ plot is flat and bit dragging. The character development is straight forward without any dark/ heartbreaking secret from the past. I consider this vanilla romance.
What stands out from this book is it is sweet. Vanilla sweet. Now and then I do need a vanilla sweet romance. Some sort of break from heavy and erotic reading. This book served its purpose. I do like Gia. I can relate to her dorky and clumsy behavior. While Josh is beta male regardless his admission he is a man whore in the past. It turns out he is a loyal, sweet, down to earth and protective character.
Josh and Gia were amusing from beginning to end. They were funny from the beginning because of the way they met. Her clumsiness at first infuriated Josh but then he liked it. They had so much in common in which they both enjoyed the kitchen. He was an executive chef and she was a pastry chef. These two had some very funny moments which was great to read and of course there was his family which is never a dull moment. It was great reading on all the Prescott’s and how easily Gia fit into their world. The epilogue was fitting for Josh and Gia.
Hooked is appropriately titled because a few pages in and you will be HOOKED on the sexy, tatted chef's story that rounds out this heartwarming series of stand-alone romances. Joanne Schwehm gave hints, little nuggets on how hot Josh Prescott was in previous books. Trust me, as hot as you expected him to be, well, go ahead and crank up the burner because he's that much hotter! When he meets Gia, he had no idea what would hit him both literally and figuratively. I won't say any more, as you need to read Hooked. In fact if you haven't yet, you need to go back to the begging and start with Incumbent and then move right through each sibling's book... all five of them. Gah, I'm not crying, you're crying! Book 5 is the end??? I'm starting to bug Ms. Schwehm for more because I feel like the Prescott's are family. I've laughed with them, cried with them, and I'm going to miss them! #JoshisAMs #DaneisAMs #DrakeisAMs #JackisAMs #SorryNotSorry #AlphaBetaPerks :-)
THEGUIDETOROMANCENOVELS ↪ R E V I E W ↩ This is a NEW to me author & books!! Honestly, jumping into a Book #5 without having read the other's I am taking a risk but I have heard good things about this author and the blurb really got me.
I have an AMAZING REVIEW put together for this, this book really stuck with me. So if you want to check out my FULL REVIEW, TEASERS I made & MORE. -> CLICK HERE
Joanne Schwehm is back with the final book in the addicting, swoony Prescott series and she wrapped this series up perfectly with an amazing book and one hell of a romance y'all. Definitely my most anticipated Prescott and in my opinion the best book of this entire series, Hooked hooked me right from the very start and did not let go until looooong after the pages quit turning.
Josh and Gia lit up my kindle and stole a piece of my heart from the very moment that they met. These two y'all.... GAH!! were they ev-er-y-thing! I did not want miss a moment of them once I started their journey and I raced through the pages as fast as I could. Gia was so very real and so very relatable in a lot of ways, total girl crush and Josh... well our irresistible tatted up, chef/owner knew exactly what to do and did it oh so very well.
Undeniable chemistry. An unstoppable attraction. A connection that'll make your heartbeat speed up. Great banter. Enough angst to keep you hanging on to every little word. Josh and Gia were worth every single moment that they gave.
This series is a must read any day of the week. While they can each be read as a standalone, these books and these characters are so much better when are introduced and read in order.
Hooked will do just that to you the reader once you meet Josh and Gia ! Josh Prescott is the youngest of the family and making his way as a reknowned chef. He is talented. smart and it doesn't hurt that he is tall, tatted and oh so sexy! Gia is a beautiful, clutzy pastry chef/baker that is give the chance to show off her talent on morning TV. When these two collide .......no literally no one is left with out a bit of unicorn cake on their face! The connection is instant but neither is really sure if it is there ?? They are thrown together as a perfect team and soon realize that besides the behind the scenes as the food dynamic duo it could be so much more . They have a slow sexy funny awkward burn and I Loved it !!I was also so excited to once again be thrown into the Prescott world and fell in love with all of them once again. Love this family !!! Nicely Done Joanne !!!!! ~~Michele McMullen ~~
Omg!! You know you’ve read another fantastic book by Joanne when you’ve finished her book and you let out a huge sigh because your heart is so full!! It started out with laughter and I continued to giggle when klutz meets chaos!! Had a fun and swoon worthy air to it!! So many wonderful emotions that will leave your heart full!! And a sneak preview of what’s to come next!! Exciting to say the least!!
When a curly-haired klutz accidentally smashes her unicorn cake into Josh's chest, it's the start of the one thing he's spent his adult years avoiding - feelings and a relationship.
Although this owner chef/pastry chef duo has a rough start, their chemistry is too much for them to withstand, and they give in. But, can they sustain a relationship, which is something Josh has never had, nor wanted? Especially when Gia gives him an ultimatum that will cause him to make the hardest decision he's ever faced?
I really liked Hooked. It's fun and witty and so damn sexy, and one word - Josh! Josh made the story for me. He's so sweet and protective and is one dirty-talking, dirty doing chef. Whew, he can cook for me any day! I had more of a problem with Gia, but only near the end when she forced Josh into making a decision he couldn't possibly make that wouldn't have horrible consequences either way. Before that, though, I thought she was fun and quirky and perfect for and with Josh. I haven't read any of the other stories in this series, but after having read and loved Hooked, I plan on going and downloading the rest of the Prescotts, asap.
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
Josh is a successful chef who has just opened Prism, his own restaurant. He has no time for love or relationships as all his attention is focused on ensuring its success and his family. When he has the opportunity to appear on a tv show and showcase his restaurant it is too good an opportunity to turn down.
Gia is fun and humorous and the kind of friend you would like to have. She runs her pastry chef business from her home, but she has bigger dreams. When she has the opportunity to appear on the same show as Josh, she never expected the most publicized klutzy experience of her life to become a chance to work with Josh. Let the chaos begin!
I really enjoyed these two together. Not only do they have hot chemistry and witty banter but once they really get to know each other the kitchen isn’t the only thing heating up. It was also great to catch up with the other Prescott’s as well.
The way that Josh and Gia meet in Joanne Schwehm’s latest release, Hooked, has to be one of the most entertaining encounters that I’ve read in a romance book for some time, and the fact that their more than awkward initial interaction is only the beginning of what occurs between these two made me eagerly read on, hoping that the electricity between Josh and Gia amped up instead of sputtering out.
And, after finishing their story, I’m happy to say that every time Josh and Gia find themselves around one another, a lot more things fly than cooking utensils, cake, and other delicatessens, and watching them find their place with one another, both in and outside of Prism’s kitchen, made for one great read.
It’s interesting how people view/judge other people’s idiosyncrasies negatively just because they’re different or awkward. Josh saw Gia’s clumsiness as a negative personality trait - one that angered him at the beginning of the story, but as the story continues and as he accepts that Gia’s a klutz and that, that part of her is endearing rather than aggravating, he starts to see just how amazing she is and how good they could be.
I love a quirky and clumsy heroine - there’s something real about her, relatable if you will, that allows readers to connect with her. I can’t help but cheer Gia own, even when she’s a hot mess, because she is who she is and that’s all that matters to her.
Gia is an absolute gem of a main character - not only because she’s one heck of a fantastic baker, but because there are so many sides to who she is and that is illustrated brilliantly in Hooked. She may be vulnerable and a bit insecure at times, but she’s also a beast, especially when she’s in her haven - the kitchen.
Not only does Josh prepare delectable food for his patrons, but he also has one heck of a delectable personality and physique, which means that it’s more than just his food that women salivate over. Josh is a commanding hero - one who runs a tight ship because he’s a perfectionist and he expects nothing but the best from those he employs.
Schwehm’s Prescott series has been a blast to read. Each story has been entertaining, steamy, and comical, with a bit of angst thrown into the mix. The Prescott siblings are a unique bunch, and while they may be a bit too rowdy and over the top when they’re all together, I wouldn’t want them to change because it’s their personalities that make for good stories.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Hooked by Joanne Schwehm is book 5 in the Prescott Series. This is the story of Josh Prescott and Gia Russo. I haven't yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book. Josh owns a very popular restaurant that he is the Chef at, which consumes his life and mind. Although he is close to his family there is no women that can compete with his restaurant. Gia is a fun, all rainbows and happy go lucky women that besides being clumsy wants to be a great Pastry Chef. They are really so much different in personality and of course since they are in close quarters they keep bumping into each other. But when they start to actually interact and learn about the other they start to want more than either thought they ever wanted. Loved this book! I now have to read the others since I am so 'hooded' on this one.
I had been waiting for this book for what seems like forever and it was totally worth the wait. Josh and Gia's book was superb. Ms. Schwehm writes with such a convincing flair that I couldn't put it down. The Klutzy Gia who runs into (literally) Josh on a tv show becomes the klutz of Josh's dreams. Not exactly love at first sight, maybe love soaking wet. When Josh realizes Gia's dream of studying with a French pastry chef he won't be the one to hold her back. While they are both miserable they part ways only to be reunited with a surprise HEA. A well written, fast-paced, funny, sexy awesome read. I highly recommend the whole Prescott series but each book is a stand-alone novel. Well done Ms. Schwehm!
Oh my goodness! The Prescott men are so delicious. If you want a face paced, easy to read, funny, sexy romance..this is it. The whole series is delectable. ~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~ Plot~ 5/5 Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5 Secondary Characters~ 5/5 The Feels~ 5/5 Pacing~ 5/5 Addictiveness~5/5 Angst~ 5/5 Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5 Theme or Tone~ 5/5 Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5 Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5 Originality~ 5/5 Ending~ 5/5 Book Cover~ Sexy Series~ The Prescott Series Source~ Kindle eBook - ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes Would I recommend this book? Yes
There is something about a guy who can cook.....and Josh Prescott can cook!!! What girl wouldn’t want a man who knows his way around a kitchen!!!
I loved Gia!!!! She was such a delight to get to “know” and watch her grow as a woman and as a pastry chef. I loved how she was a bit vulnerable but get her in a kitchen and she will rule it!!! I honestly want to try her desserts!!!!
Throw these two together and you’ve got FIREWORKS people!!!!
You'll be Hooked in the first chapter. Josh Prescott is happy being the only single Prescott, what does he need with a relationship when he is the chef/owner of Prism? He doesn't think he does until Gia, the new pastry chef for his restaurant comes crashing into his life, both literally and figuratively. Josh and Gia's story neatly ties up the Prescott series with family, humor and these two heating up more than the kitchen.
I love Josh Prescott!!!! Smoking hot, sexy, panty melting God that can cook. He is the perfect man!!! Finally a Prescott book that didn't take me on a rollercoaster of emotions. The perfect mix of laughter, love that is sure to have you believing in fate! Josh and Gia met in a very unconventional way and their paths to admitting what the were feeling was a fun one to follow along with!
The sex scenes were Hot!!! Great writing Joanne Schwehm!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Josh and Gia had a disastrous meet cute. He disliked her but he also couldn't stop thinking about her. Gia is hardworking and needs a chance. She is a talented baker, desserts are her expertise. She's klutzy, awkward, and Josh doesn't really want her in his restaurant. But, he is trusting his brother with the hire.
These two, they were adorable, sweet, their chemistry was off the charts. I love Josh's inner thoughts about her. How much he was starting to get attached to her and vice versa. The guy who never really wanted a relationship, now is questioning everything. I enjoyed all the brothers and their significant others in Josh and Gia's story. Loved the reunion. This was such an enjoyable read.
All of the books in this series are great and Hooked did not disappoint! I loved Josh- he was so sweet and sexy and Gia was fantastic! From her very first scene, I was a big fan of hers. She had me cracking up with her clumsiness and I found it very endearing.
Hooked was so much fun and the romance made me happy and smile. You will be rooting for Josh and Gia all the way.
Perfectly paced with well developed characters and great writing, Hooked is a must read!
You will be Hooked from the very first pages. I know I was!
Gia just gets all excited at times, "...Nat, my boss is spectacular. His *** is… well, he must be a squat expert. Never in my life had I seen a man of such perfection.” Josh likes to make sure his girl knows she's appreciated, "he looked behind me. “Your *** is perfect.” I liked this book, I loved Josh.
Both heat and humor with minimal angst; a must read for series fans
Interconnected standalones like the Prescott series are my favorite kind of series, plus I was a fan of the earlier books, so I was excited to get a chance to read this. As it’s been a while since I read those earlier books, I can verify the author did a nice job making this work as a standalone but I do think having read the earlier books would add to your experience here, especially as this seems to be the concluding book of the series.
I was a little leery at the start with the way Josh and Gia met—it’s easy for the-heroine-is-a-klutz storylines to get a little too slapstick for my taste, probably because I’ve been known to have a few klutzy moments myself and I tend to identify fairly strongly with the heroine, lol—but I should have trusted this author more. It was never overdone and I didn’t have one of those uncomfortable wincing moments where there’s just too much laughter at the heroine’s expense. In addition, the setup didn’t lead where I half expected because Josh is a truly good guy; he already had me even before he mentioned teachers cringing when he walked into a classroom because of older brother, Dane, but it really made me laugh remembering similar situations of my own. Josh and Gia had a spark from the beginning in spite of nearly being smothered in unicorn cake, but their employer/employee relationship has them both fighting the attraction—at least for a little while. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, and Gia especially had some nice character growth as she gained confidence in both her personal and professional life.
For fans of the series, there were some sweet moments for Josh’s brothers and their ladies that made for a nice wrap up for their stories—though we got a tease instead of a real wrap up for Gretchen, so it appears a short story or novella is in the works for her. Besides family members, there were also a few other secondary characters to help fill out the story, and Natasha was a particular favorite.
One relatively minor quibble: I did find the conclusion of Josh and Gia’s personal storyline a bit too fast and a touch unsatisfying. Since this book is the conclusion of the series, I understand part of why the author made the choices she did, but compared to how much I enjoyed the rest of the book, the way they got back together just seemed a bit trite to me. It wasn’t enough to stop me from enjoying the book as a whole, however.
A must read for series fans, this was a fast, fun and enjoyable read with nice touches of both heat and humor, and with minimal angst, that made for a nice ending to the series (though I will be looking for that last follow up for Gretchen). 4.5 stars
I seriously do not know where to start. ‘Hooked’ by Joanne Schwehm was a first-from-this-author to me and I don’t think I can put into words how much I loved this book.
It is one of the most hilarious books I’ve ever read, and I mean snort water out of my nose kind of funny. It also is romantic as ever and super passionate. It has everything you need to create a great romance book.
Gia and Josh’s story might not start with the right foot, in fact, they meet in one of the funniest and most unique encounters ever.
Their encounter might have been a surprise for both Gia and Josh but it definitely led to a series of events they’ll never forget.
Josh is gorgeous, both inside and out, he’s obviously good looking and has every department box ticked, but he’s also sweet, passionate about what he loves, a team player, a perfect gentleman and most importantly one of the most genuine persons anyone will ever meet. His dream has always been to own his own restaurant and now that he has one, he has devoted his life to it, he lives and breathes Prism.
Gia, where do I even start with her? She is most definitely one of my favorites female characters. She’s wild in kind of a quiet way, she’s quirky, unique, with a head of unruly curls and the mind of a genius, but unfortunately, she’s got two left feet. The poor girl couldn’t be clumsier, but that is part of her wonderful persona. Oh and she’s also a very very talented pastry chef.
Their story is hard and fast, they might not want to admit it but their attraction is off the charts. They are an amazing team in and out of the kitchen, their connection is unbelievable and even though they are polar opposites, they couldn’t be more perfect for each other.
‘Hooked’ is definitely a must read, especially if you’re looking for something to make you laugh until you cry, fall in love really fast, make your mouth water and feel every single word written.
Check this baby out ASAP and add it to your tbr… trust me, you won’t regret it.
Oh my happy heart! Hooked is the conclusion to the Prescott Series that I have been waiting for. From the Josh and Gia's, literal, first run in, I was there for it. There was family and humor and food heat and friendship and heart.
Josh, the baby of the bunch and the one determined not to settle down. Married to his job, and not looking for anything serious gets more than he bargained for when he and Gia collide, literally. His second encounter with Gia didn't fare much better than the first. And when he learns the news that she'll be working for him, he for sure thought it was going to be a recipe for disaster.
Gia was so adorably awkward that I couldn't help but root for her. From her glasses to her curly hair she was a mess of color and creativity. Her talent in the kitchen more than impressed Josh. And as they spent time working together, he found himself drawn to her more and more. To say these two were electric together would be an understatement. They were dynamic and hot and I could feel the emotions building every time they came together. So color Josh surprised when he realizes he went and did the thing he thought we could never do, fall for a woman.
And when it was all on the line, it was Josh who made the hard choice. I shook my kindle and went "noooooooooo!"even though it was the right thing to do...But fate, the good ol' fickle thing she is, decided she wasn't quite done with Josh and Gia yet. I can say I didn't see that one coming but I am beyond thrilled this panned out the way it did. And that ending, talk about perfection. Nothing else would've done this book, and this series justice. Hooked was bittersweet. While I am sad to say farewell to the Prescott's, I loved all of their journey's. And the way Joanne Schwehm gave me glimpses into all the siblings futures left me more than satisfied.
One can never have too many Prescott’s and this book is another example of why this is one of my favorite family series of all time!! Josh and Gia meet under somewhat stressful situation, at least for her anyway, and talk about anything that can go wrong does! As much as I was laughing, I felt bad for this beautiful woman that’s trying to get a break with her amazing baking ability. And what better way to showcase her work than to work in one of DC’s hottest restaurants owned by Josh Prescott!!
And so begins the love story that neither were looking for. While Josh may be the youngest brother of this family he’s very much a hot and sexy man and when he sees something or someone that he wants, he goes all in!!
There’s really no easy way to say this…. Gia is a klutz on every level except when it comes to her baking. I totally related to this girl because I’m somewhat of a klutz too. The difference is that I don’t have some hot man to rescue me every time I stumble! All of these rescues lead to some HAF sexy times with these two. I mean I was totally fanning myself because the turn up the heat.
One of the things I really loved about this book is they know how to laugh and that to me is a perfect recipe for a relationship…friendship, sizzling chemistry and the ability to laugh and have fun! Throw in the rest of the Prescott family and well it’s a family trifecta!!
Ms. Schwehm has delivered a book that captured my heart from the very first scene to the last. She’s made me fall in love with this entire family and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself if there’s a time where I won’t have any Prescott’s to drop everything and read because my life just won’t be the same without them!
"Between her crystalline eyes, sweet smile, culinary talent, and love of being in the kitchen, Gia Russo had started to grow on me."
Josh Prescott is wholly focused on making his restaurant, Prism, a success. Even though all his siblings have found 'The One', he himself has no time for relationships. He meets Gia Russo under the most inauspicious of circumstances, and when she starts working as his new pastry chef at his restaurant, there's no denying the attraction between them. Even though it's not ideal for them to be involved since he's her boss, she's like no one he's ever met before and he finds himself bending his own rules.
"Something clicked inside of me anytime I was around him. Josh brought out an excitement inside of me and a desire that I had no idea existed."
Gia can't quite believe the career opportunity she's been given - working at Josh's restaurant where she's given carte blanche to create whatever she wants to. And, then there's her gorgeous boss. The more time she spends with him and his family, the more she feels herself falling.
"Mine. When was the last time I wanted to claim someone in that way? Never, that was when."
This was a fab read! Totally adored Gia! She's sweet and klutzy, innocent and clever. I loved her modesty and earnestness. Josh is a wonderful guy! He's fair, caring, and genuine. And, hot AF!! I love the pull between them. I loved that they didn't play games with each other. I also loved the dynamics and banter that the Prescott family had, and how they welcomed Gia into their circle.
This was a fun, feel-good read with a little bit of angst and a beautiful ending. I absolutely need to backtrack and read the earlier books in this series.
This is a new author to me, so obviously I didn't read the the first four books before jumping into this one! And I am glad that I got to read this one because it is seriously a romantic, sweet and swoon-worthy read!
Josh Prescott is the man of every girls' dreams. Being a chef he can cook anything. His loyalty lies within his business and his family. He is driven, and successful, and absolutely drool worthy.
Gia is the worlds biggest klutz. She is witty and hilarious. She is in her own league all together. To be somewhat shy, she really blossoms like a flower around others.
After Gia made Josh into a rainbow mess on live broadcast, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work with the award winning Chef Josh Prescott. Obviously Josh weren't thrilled to be working with a klutz but his brother assured him she's the best pastry chef he ever hired.
They work more than well together, as they weeks pass they realize they are more alike. They are really so much different in personality and of course since they are in close quarters they keep bumping into each other. But when they start to actually interact and learn about the other they start to want more than either thought they ever wanted.
Reading about this couple will leave a big smile on your face and hoping they can be together and they both truly deserve each other.
ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
I quickly fell under Josh’s spell… I just love a man that can cook some amazing food. Gia was also such a hoot! Josh and Gia’s meeting was nothing short of hilarity! I found myself giggling through a large chunk of this story. I really enjoyed Gia… she’s somewhat shy and a huge klutz but once she’s in the kitchen she’s at home and seems to know what she’s doing. I enjoyed all her concoctions! I loved watching Josh going from deep aggravation to somewhat tickled to downright smitten with Gia. They had some great chemistry together and worked well together once they got in the groove.
I enjoyed seeing the other Prescott men and family. They made me chuckle as well. Joanne Schwehm can really write some fun characters. I adored watching them mesh together over time. This was really a happy, feel-good story that leaves you feeling contentment. Hooked is a happy sigh type of book. You’ll find yourself reading with a slight smile and heaving out happy sighs occasionally. It was written well with great characters. I found myself quickly wrapped up a sweet and spicy story!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
THOSE PRESCOTT BOYS THOUGH!!!! I have been anxiously awaiting Josh's book. I wanted this tattooed hottie's book since forever, being the last single Prescott boy in the family, I knew his book was going to be yummy, both from his looks and the food he makes. Hooked is one of those books that will having you laughing so hard. I literally felt this heroines embarrassment so many times. The chemistry between Josh and Gia was amazing, everything fell into the most perfect pace, from meeting one another to working together and so on. I did like most of the story development, it just felt like the last 25% was rushed. I wish it could have been more drawn out, it would have been nice to see things play out more slowly, I would have had a better feel for the ending that way. Other than that, it was nice to see the previous Prescott brothers and get their take on things.
Josh Prescott is the man of my dreams. Being a chef he can cook anything. His loyalty lies within his business and his family. He is driven, and successful, and absolutely drool worthy.
Gia is me, and I am her. We are both the worlds biggest klutz. I love to bake, she loves to bake. She is witty and hilarious. She is in her own league all together. To be somewhat shy, she really blossoms like a flower around others.
After a very unusual meet and greet, Gia gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work with the award winning Chef Josh Prescott. They work more than well together, as they weeks pass they realize they are more alike than not. What is the worst that could happen?