Sandy M’s review of The Hookup (Jordan Brothers, Book 1) by Erin McCarthy
Contemporary Romance published by Loveswept 8 May 18
I totally fell in love with Cain and Sophie in this first book of Ms. McCarthy’s new Jordan Brothers series. They are as different as night and day, never expect to see one another after their one night together. Opposites attract? Perfect chemistry? Karma? Whatever it is makes for a fun but very emotional read.
Sophie is one of those who takes everything in a literal sense. She loves numbers and science – neither one messes with you because they’re each straight forward and to the point. She’s worked hard for years to get where she is, so now it’s time to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to sex. To her way of thinking, a hookup will work just fine – get rid of the virginity and finally know what other women are always so excited about. So she and her sister Bella head to a bar on the Maine coast – where Bella is getting married soon – and Sophie is taken with the first man she spies.
I love a tortured hero, and Cain Jordan is definitely one. We know early on he’s been betrayed by those closest to him, so he drinks himself nearly into oblivion so he won’t have to think about his screwed-up existence and the rift with his twin brother, Christian. Booze and sex keep his mind occupied until it’s time for work, and then he does it all over again day after day. He’s first drawn to Bella, the beautiful sister, when the ladies walk into the bar. But he’s soon fascinated by Sophie and her no pussy-footing around, her awkwardness and complete honesty. They agree a night of no-strings sex is what they each need, so off they go.
These two are so endearing together. As different as they are, they also have common ground in their relationships with family. Sophie has forged her own path, even though Bella is the favorite. Cain has left the good man he is behind for alcohol and anger. Sophie sees that goodness in him, while Cain learns to live again through her charming naivete and innocence in looking at the world. His redemption is painful but necessary to come out on the other side to be the man Sophie needs.
We don’t get much when it comes to the why of the betrayal by Christian, but I know that will be addressed in The Breakup, which is out in August. I like the turnabout that brings Christian and Bella together in that book. But if you’re looking for some chuckles and pulled heartstrings in the meantime, I can recommend this book for both. Quite satisfying all the way to the last page.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Is there an equation for the perfect hookup? Turns out it’s a lot more complicated than one plus one. . . .
Sophie: Numbers are my comfort zone, which explains why my sex life is a big fat zero. Then again, if I’m smart enough to earn a PhD, why can’t I calculate a way to get a guy into bed, just to see what all the fuss is about? With my prima donna sister, Bella, getting married in Maine, I figure her wedding is the perfect opportunity for my little experiment. And Cain Jordan seems hot enough—he’s certainly drunkenough—to show me what I’ve been missing. Judging by the body of evidence, it’s a lot. . . .
Cain: Being stuck in the same town as my lying SOB twin brother, Christian—who may or may not be the father of the son I’m not allowed to see—is a hell of a reason to drink myself silly after the lobster boat docks each day. Any port in a storm . . . But Sophie’s different. She doesn’t play around. And she’s becoming a habit I don’t want to break. Because the smartest woman I’ve ever met is also the sexiest—and the only one who makes me want to change.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
