Reviews

Hooked by Karla Sorensen, Whitney Barbetti

cobaltbookshelf's review

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3.0

Xavier and Lucy were entertaining and cute I didn't care plot was unrealistic.

lifeinthebooklane's review

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4.0

4.5 out of 5 stars

I loved this book with it's perfect mix of chaos-filled adventure, romance, comedy and seriousness. I knew when I read the author's warning that the book is highly improbable, slightly campy and definitely illegal and should not be used as a guideline of how to live your life that I was about to read a very good book ...... and I wasn't wrong.

"Born on this earth? So the aliens among us are probably prancing about,
guilt-free." I uncrossed my arms. "F**kers."




Lucy is the klepto, compulsive lying, former drug dealer who stole my heart with her vulnerability and lack of self-worth. And boy, despite her special brand of crazy, did she make me shed a tear or two....

My apartment was littered with things that I'd purchased at thrift stores or dug through dumpsters for - things that looked antique, like some well-meaning grandmother had passed down her her tea cup collection. But no one knew I collected each of those damn tea cups myself, to give the appearance that I had someone who loved me enough to give me something they loved,

Xavier is the only son of a billionaire, neat freak, anxious wreck, occasionally paranoid hero who had no idea how to interact with the crazy that is Lucy but who was the perfect fit for her.

Something about her ... had wrapped around my insides in the same kind of messy knot. Even if it fit the definition of clinical insanity. I had absolutely no desire to untangle her.

The writing is excellent, the plot flowed well and the prose was really easy to read and follow. The characters, particularly the supporting ones, were slightly over the top and caricatured but this was deliberate (remember the authors' warning). Xavier and Lucy actually became more real and believable as the story progressed and I loved their battle with being attracted to each other.

I enjoyed the story from the first to the last line and was in that torn state of wanting to know how it ended without it ending! This is my first read by either of these authors but if their other books are anything like this it most assuredly will not be my last.

beckyrendon's review

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4.0

1. This cover is gorgeous.
2. The author's note made me smirk, giggle, and take out a note pad.
3. When you think of Hooked before you read it, you will smile a curious, intrigued smile. Upon completion it will be a self satisfied smirk fighting with a giant grin.
4. It is truly an unbelievable yet entirely captivating series of ridiculously entertaining events...say that 10 times fast.
5. I refuse to give anything away other than my emotional reactions. They are as follows:
-Whaaaa...
-Oh no she didn't
-What the actual f...
-What did the blurb say again...?
-Omg
-No...no...okay yes...
-cackles
-lol
-Whaaa....
There were probably some more, definitely some laughs, and few righteous Hell yeahs too.

To say that it's a break from the authors normal genre is mild but I'm so glad they did. I had a blast reading Hooked and I know you will too.

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

jcdreads's review

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5.0

This book was HILARIOUSLY PERFECT and a lot of fun! I haven't laughed this much while reading a book in a long time! Karla and Whitney work magically together, like peanut butter and chocolate.

thedudereads's review

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4.0

zombie guy

This was a quick and quirky read. A lot of fun with the way characters. I especially liked Claude. The zombie too.

bookwormbetty's review

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5.0

This book was awesome!! The two main characters are so flawed and so screwed up that this works wonderfully. Lucy...what a hot mess that girl is. Former drug user, dealer, klepto, and liar. She has to get her life together or its back to prison for her. X...anxiety ridden mess. While he is built and looks like your typical hero in a book, he is a anxiety riddled mess.
Together these two work, and it's a beautiful thing. Lucy pulls X out of his shell, and makes him realize things are not so bad, and X makes Lucy put back all the crap she tries to steal. Together they have to deal with former drug dealers, and worse...his mom, who is the worst type of helicopter parent. This story is a delight, and if you want to read a light, funny, with a few serious twists thrown in, then this is for you.

Logow stuff

ladycivic's review

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5.0

I LOVED this book!!! Lucy...omg that girl!! She was so completely real, just doing whatever it took to get by. She. Is. HILARIOUS!! And X...so quiet, so...there. The two completely balanced each other out. Loved them together!! This book had me laughing out loud so loudly!! But at the same time I was completely stressed out about what was going to happen next! I really, really, really hope this magical author duo have more in store for us!

sasha2599's review

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5.0

Oh my gosh- when I read the author's note at the end of the blurb, I knew this would be a fabulous book: "This book deals with subject matter that is highly improbable, sometimes campy, and definitely illegal. Please don't use it as a guideline for how to live your life, but enjoy nonetheless." I adored both Lucy and X- both flawed and imperfect, yet perfect together. This book was laugh out loud funny, swoony, and sweet. It was a super-fun read and I hope these author collaborate again because they certainly made magic with Hooked!

nessreads11's review

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5.0

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

5 "X marks the spot" Stars!!!

I am so giddy right now. I freaking loved everything about this story, especially the two main characters! This book was filled with with so many laugh-out-loud moments. My gosh there was never a dull moment.

Lucy was the type of character I love rooting for. She has her problems, but she's stronger because of them. She doesn't know what it's like to need someone because she's always been alone. So it's hard for her to trust anybody because of a past relationship. Even though she can take care of herself, it couldn't hurt to have one person on her side.

X was so perfectly flawed. His solitude is his happy place. He doesn't need nor want for anything. He is perfectly fine alone and wouldn't want it any other way. The thoughts that ran through his mind made me hurt for him. I so wanted him to come out victorious on the other side.

X and Lucy made quite the pair. More in common than either one of them could think possible. These two were a riot together. All the mischievous they encountered, I can't even. I loved this perfectly imperfect duo.

"And maybe that was what love was, or what falling into love was. The knowledge that you’d do anything to secure the other person’s happiness, even if it meant giving up everything, every part of your world, in exchange."

'Hooked' did just that, it hooked me. I couldn't get enough of X and Lucy!!! I honestly didn't want their story to end. Karla and Whitney did a phenomenal job. Seriously, such an enjoyable read. And OH MY GOSH, chapter twenty six gave me life!!!! I freaking swooned so hard, looooooved that chapter to pieces!!!! #GetHooked

cortneyf's review

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5.0

I loved this book! not only did the story line just flow it was one that was difficult to put down, i just wanted to finish the book and see where Lucy and X ended up.