I enjoyed this story. Miranda is working hard at two jobs and attending school to better herself. Her life changes when she meets Jake. Jake is an NHL star with money and an attitude that goes with the fame. Jake reveled in the way she treated him like a person, not a star, and his feelings grew for her as he watched her strength of mind and determination. Opposites attract and it is a wonderful journey through insecurities and crossing of social lines. I recommend this story. I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Sweet, sensual, and romantic. Every aspect of the book was great, I'd recommend it to anyone!

Hooked is a sexy and funny romantic read! I devoured this book and didn't want it to end. I loved that the story is told from both main characters points of views. It really helped heighten the emotions and make Jake and Miranda more relatable. There are swoons and sexy times (ahem, parking garage!), but also laughs and just the right amount of drama and angst. Jake and Miranda are great individually, but together they're amazing! I loved how independent and driven Miranda was. She didn't let her go of her own goals and stayed true to herself throughout the entire book. I was glad that she spoke her mind and challenged Jake by always calling him out on his behavior. Her refusal to let Jake just come to her financial rescue only made me respect her more and heightened the connection between our characters. Yes, there was great chemistry and a physical attraction between Jake and Miranda, but their friendship and relationship progressed naturally and didn't feel rushed. I liked that they each struggled to battle their demons and relationship fears. On the outside they live very different lives, but as you peel the layers back, you see how they actually really complement each other. Jake initially comes across as an arrogant jerk, but as the story progresses, you see that it's really a mask and that he has put up a wall around his heart. You realize just how vulnerable and sweet he is and this ups the swoons exponentially. Yes, he makes mistakes, but he owns up to them and resolves things maturely with Miranda, showing how true and deep his feelings run. All of his hockey rituals and superstitions were fun to read about too, though wearing the same game socks repeatedly during a streak sounds pretty terrible! The epilogue was perfect and I loved getting that glimpse of the future. I would love to read more about Jake and Miranda, or her sister Paige, who provided some great comic relief (ahem, getting woken up by books falling onto your head!) If you're looking for a funny and sexy read that's high on swoons and low on drama, you don't want to miss Hooked!

What a great read sweet and sexy! 😍

Hooked is an enjoyable romance with just enough drama to keep it interesting. Jake is a famous Hockey star and Miranda is a student, bartender and hotel maid. They don't really have that much in common (even beyond the obvious) and both are busy with their own lives and dramas. Their relationship builds from a friendship, with Jake being immediately smitten and Miranda being rightly cautious of his interest. Both characters are well developed and do not feel two dimensional. Miranda is someone who is struggling to find enough time and money to complete a degree so she can lead a successful life and Jake is a spoiled entitled sports star, but not really a bad guy. He is someone who has had some hits in his personal life which makes him weary of emotional entaglements and also he is also just a teensy bit paralyzed by guilt. The two characters compliment each other and their relationship is believable. Also, while there is some conflict in the book, it does not get annoying or crazy. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Sports Romance or Contemporary Romance. I received an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.

I recently discovered Brenda Rothert's books and I am quickly becoming a fan. Hooked was a win for me. I like Jake and Miranda and their story grabbed my attention and kept me in the story from start to finish. Jake Birch is captain of his NHL team and has no trouble getting women (including a certain one who is a bit of a whackadoodle), but He has no interest in a relationship so that works for him. When he meets up with Miranda he doesn't really understand his reaction, but he want more than just a quick romp. Miranda is struggling to juggle two jobs and maintain high enough grades to have the scholarship she desperately needs to obtain her degree so she has no time for a man in her life, but Jake isn't just any man.

He's a cocky hockey player. She's a struggling college student. Together they are explosive. May sound like your typical romance but it has a depth that makes this one fresh and enjoyable. Jake Birch finds himself in trouble with the team owners. Their edict, clean up your act or your out. On top of that, after the team owners daughter whines and complains that Jake never called her after he got what he wanted, he's being forced to "date" her. Of course now is when he would meet a woman who actually intrigues him. Miranda wants nothing to do with men. They are the last thing she has time for, so when the hockey hottie she met at the hotel keeps showing up she doesn't give him the time of day. Not willing to take no for an answer, he has the nerve to request her as his personal housekeeper. Now he's getting hard to resist. He's sweet, offers to help her with her studying, and is simply gorgeous. How long can a girl not give in to that?? This was a fun read and one I definitely recommend.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books. Brenda Rothert writes a sweet, compelling hockey romance about an bad tempered hockey player. I enjoyed this emotional story. It has an engaging storyline and I thought the characters were realistic and I immediately connected to them. Jake Birch is a professional hockey player and he meets Miranda Carr while staying at the DuPont hotel where Miranda works as a maid. Jake is immediately attracted to Miranda’s smart mouth and can not understand why she refuses him when he asks her out. He has never had a relationship but he is intrigued by Miranda and can not stop thinking about her. Women usually fall all over Jake and he is surprised when Miranda has no interest in him. She constantly gives him a hard time and he likes the challenge. Miranda is a very busy twenty-five year old. Not only is she going to school, she is also juggling two jobs. Life isn't easy for her but Miranda never complains. She doesn't trust Jake when she first meets him and has no interest in dating him. She doesn't like his bad attitude or his sense of entitlement. I admire how driven Miranda is; she is strong and also has a sweet and nice side. She doesn't let Jake get away with anything and does not put up with his bad attitude. Jake has some issues he has to work through and he has to learn how to open his heart again. Miranda is the best thing that ever happened to Jake but he has secrets he is afraid to share and his secrets could break them up. This story is told in alternating POV so we know what they are Jake and Miranda are feeling and thinking.