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shannanh's review against another edition
3.0
Rashida and Elliot meet at a bar and decide to hook up, not knowing they're on opposite sides of a very important situation. A story that is told from 2 different points of view, Rashida's goal is to keep the area that her grandmother lives in from being destroyed.
Although the book does a good job of highlighting gentrification, I felt the chemistry between the main characters was a little off and awkward. Although this story didn't really do it for me, I will read more books from this author.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Although the book does a good job of highlighting gentrification, I felt the chemistry between the main characters was a little off and awkward. Although this story didn't really do it for me, I will read more books from this author.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
echoesoutloud's review
4.0
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hookup Dilemma was a really enjoyable read!
When Elliott Quinn and Rashida Howard end up in a hotel room together, all they know is their first names. And after an enjoyable night together, they don't really expect to see each other again. Until they do and they realize that they're now stuck on opposite sides of an already complicated situation.
While Rashida is fighting for her community and her childhood, Elliott is working hard to make sure his fathers business stays afloat. But at every step of the way, they're constantly stopped by the other and their feelings keep growing until they just can't ignore them anymore.
This had a really good premise and was executed really well. I really liked the way the way that the author kept switching between the two pov's. The quick transitions really helped to fully understand where the two characters stood and the way their minds worked.
But the downside of these quick transitions was that it was hard to understand the passage of time, i.e. how much time had passed during the transitions. In some instances it was seconds, but there were times where we had a time jump of a couple of days, and even a couple of weeks. And it wasn't always clear exactly how much time had passed and what happened in that time. That's one thing I would have liked to be clearer.
But apart from that this was pretty good, with a slight enemies to lovers trope, as they were on opposing sides of the same issue. Elliott was a great character and I liked that he was clear on the way he felt about her and didn't let their situation affect his feelings. From the second he saw her, he was hooked and ran towards her and his feelings at every turn.
On the other hand, Rashida ran a little hot and cold, with being super involved and then backing off at the slightest misstep. She had a lot of trust issues, and I would have liked to see more of her working through that. But I did like the way that Elliott remained steady through it all, but still gave her space when she needed it.
I also liked the side characters. Rashida's grandmother and her friends were a force to be reckoned with and kept us entertained. Elliott friend/business partner, Chris was also a really nice addition to the book. They added some excitement and kept things interesting throughout.
This was a nice romance, without being overly sweet or serious. It had some steamy moments and some romantic ones with a good balance of anticipation and tension. Overall, it was an enjoyable romance, with a satisfying HEA!
Full review at https://echoesoutloud.wordpress.com/2021/12/02/review-the-hookup-dilemma-by-constance-gillam/
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
The Hookup Dilemma was a really enjoyable read!
When Elliott Quinn and Rashida Howard end up in a hotel room together, all they know is their first names. And after an enjoyable night together, they don't really expect to see each other again. Until they do and they realize that they're now stuck on opposite sides of an already complicated situation.
While Rashida is fighting for her community and her childhood, Elliott is working hard to make sure his fathers business stays afloat. But at every step of the way, they're constantly stopped by the other and their feelings keep growing until they just can't ignore them anymore.
This had a really good premise and was executed really well. I really liked the way the way that the author kept switching between the two pov's. The quick transitions really helped to fully understand where the two characters stood and the way their minds worked.
But the downside of these quick transitions was that it was hard to understand the passage of time, i.e. how much time had passed during the transitions. In some instances it was seconds, but there were times where we had a time jump of a couple of days, and even a couple of weeks. And it wasn't always clear exactly how much time had passed and what happened in that time. That's one thing I would have liked to be clearer.
But apart from that this was pretty good, with a slight enemies to lovers trope, as they were on opposing sides of the same issue. Elliott was a great character and I liked that he was clear on the way he felt about her and didn't let their situation affect his feelings. From the second he saw her, he was hooked and ran towards her and his feelings at every turn.
On the other hand, Rashida ran a little hot and cold, with being super involved and then backing off at the slightest misstep. She had a lot of trust issues, and I would have liked to see more of her working through that. But I did like the way that Elliott remained steady through it all, but still gave her space when she needed it.
I also liked the side characters. Rashida's grandmother and her friends were a force to be reckoned with and kept us entertained. Elliott friend/business partner, Chris was also a really nice addition to the book. They added some excitement and kept things interesting throughout.
This was a nice romance, without being overly sweet or serious. It had some steamy moments and some romantic ones with a good balance of anticipation and tension. Overall, it was an enjoyable romance, with a satisfying HEA!
Full review at https://echoesoutloud.wordpress.com/2021/12/02/review-the-hookup-dilemma-by-constance-gillam/
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
anamsantos's review against another edition
5.0
Great book, love the story.
I love both characters and their development.
Also I like that even they are on oposite sides, they do try to make it work.
Overall really entertaining and fun novel
I love both characters and their development.
Also I like that even they are on oposite sides, they do try to make it work.
Overall really entertaining and fun novel
applemagnet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
buriedinbooks's review
1.0
1/5 stars ⭐
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Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book! This is my honest review, all views are my own.
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The Hookup Dilemma follows food critic Rashida and architect Elliot after they realize their unlikely connection after a one night stand: Elliot’s father bought a property in Rashida’s family’s neighborhood and plans to gentrify it, and Rashida is ready to fight to save it.
This book was… not for me. I don’t think it would be in good taste to elaborate much, but simply put: I did not like the writing, the plot, the characters, or the romance whatsoever—not the intro, not the middle, not the ending. I finished this book just to say I finished it (also its ridiculousness was kind of funny to me). If I were to gripe about anything specifically, it would be the nine or so references to sweat (with at least two referencing sweat between the boobs). It was just… so, so unnecessary. Also, it felt like every time the main couple was together, they were itching to tear each others’ clothes off, and it was not done very well in my opinion.
This just didn’t do it for me, personally. I have too many annoyances and frustrations to mark it even two stars. 1 star.
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Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book! This is my honest review, all views are my own.
-
The Hookup Dilemma follows food critic Rashida and architect Elliot after they realize their unlikely connection after a one night stand: Elliot’s father bought a property in Rashida’s family’s neighborhood and plans to gentrify it, and Rashida is ready to fight to save it.
This book was… not for me. I don’t think it would be in good taste to elaborate much, but simply put: I did not like the writing, the plot, the characters, or the romance whatsoever—not the intro, not the middle, not the ending. I finished this book just to say I finished it (also its ridiculousness was kind of funny to me). If I were to gripe about anything specifically, it would be the nine or so references to sweat (with at least two referencing sweat between the boobs). It was just… so, so unnecessary. Also, it felt like every time the main couple was together, they were itching to tear each others’ clothes off, and it was not done very well in my opinion.
This just didn’t do it for me, personally. I have too many annoyances and frustrations to mark it even two stars. 1 star.
laurenkisling's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
indie's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I really like the strangers to enemies to lovers trope. Rashida and Elliott have a one night stand and then realize that his father owns the company that is trying to buy up the neighborhood her grandma lives in. For some reason I went into this expecting it to be a clean romance. I mentally prepared myself for no smut haha. But much to my delight I was wrong! I thought the plot and romance was good! I especially loved the side characters in the book (minus Elliots dad). Grams was the best.
chermama's review
5.0
Don't know how I came across this book but so glad I did.
Spoiler
I loved how strong willed Rashida was and Elliot's love for Rashida and doing his very best to make everything work out for her and the community that she loved so very much.ljrinaldi's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those ron-coms with mistaken identify, enemies to lovers, lust and social justist.
And lust. Lots of lust.
Rashida has a one night stand with Elliott, before she realizes that he is the one she was going to go visit, to see about not gentrifying her community. Elliott's father's business, which he is in charge of, after his father has a heart attack, thinks they are doing the right thing for the community, which used to be a nice place to live, but now is getting a little shop warn. They figure putting in a chain high end grocery story will spruce things up.
Rashida sees it for what it is, though, the first step into gentrification, and the end to the community of many elders who have lived their all their lives, and will have no where to go if houses start being flipped, and people start moving into the new trendy part of town.
Set in a made-up area of Atlanta, the two, who are lusting after each other all over the place, try to come up with a solution to their problem, which will, of course, allow them to get back together again.
Nicely done. Fun story. But, wow, sex in the first few chapters is a bit of a hit over the head for those who are used to a slow build-up.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And lust. Lots of lust.
Rashida has a one night stand with Elliott, before she realizes that he is the one she was going to go visit, to see about not gentrifying her community. Elliott's father's business, which he is in charge of, after his father has a heart attack, thinks they are doing the right thing for the community, which used to be a nice place to live, but now is getting a little shop warn. They figure putting in a chain high end grocery story will spruce things up.
Rashida sees it for what it is, though, the first step into gentrification, and the end to the community of many elders who have lived their all their lives, and will have no where to go if houses start being flipped, and people start moving into the new trendy part of town.
Set in a made-up area of Atlanta, the two, who are lusting after each other all over the place, try to come up with a solution to their problem, which will, of course, allow them to get back together again.
Nicely done. Fun story. But, wow, sex in the first few chapters is a bit of a hit over the head for those who are used to a slow build-up.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.