Title:  Hooked
Series:
Author:  Brenda Rothert
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Published:  December 6, 2016
Publisher:  Random House Publishing – Loveswept
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Miranda: Even though I’m broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I’m trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey’s hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I’m not flirting back . . . at least, I’m trying not to. Did I mention that he’s hockey’s hottest bad boy?

Jake: I’ve met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it’s like to feel again. But I’m being forced to date my team owner’s daughter to keep my job, so I can’t be caught with Miranda. Still, we’re getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that’s not the only secret I’ve been keeping. But Miranda’s the one I want . . . even if she doesn’t believe me.

Stand Alone Title

Jake and Miranda couldn’t have been more different if they tried really hard.  One a successful sports star, loaded, fame, women and the reputation to go along with all that.  The other a hard working, focused woman out to give herself a better life and willing to work diligently at that goal.  On the surface complete opposites.  Yet… with some time spent together, some serious conversations and a connection that simply cannot be denied – these two people have more in common than first glance would suggest.  They bring out the best in each other… and accept the person underneath exactly as they are.

I enjoyed my time spent getting to know the real Jake and Miranda.  It proves once again that we really should know better than to accept the surface as all there is to know about someone.  Jake has gone through some rough times in his life and that wall around his emotions is thick and strong.  Yet Miranda will be able to chip away at it until it lays crumbled at their feet.  They’re going to have some stumbling blocks put in their path, some issues that need to be dealt with.  But in the end, the attraction and the emotional connection they have can get past all the “stuff” to the fact that they love and need each other – and no one is going to keep them apart for long, not even each other.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

Available for the Kindle