Alexa was left at the altar by her fiance six months ago, and she’s finally ready to move on. Her first step is to attend the Breakup Bash with her girlfriends – a huge public celebration at a dance club, complete with themed drinks, loud music, and strippers. She’s looking forward to a good time, but she wasn’t expecting one of the strippers to be the same stripper she lusted after at her engagement party several months ago.

For his part, Rafe isn’t planning on stripping at the Breakup Bash. He’s actually part owner of the club now, no longer a dancer, and he doesn’t want to go backward. But a horrible traffic jam delays the strippers he does have scheduled, so he doesn’t have a choice. He goes on stage and is shocked to see the same woman he danced for several months ago in the audience again. (We’ll move on from the coincidence of Alexa, who doesn’t frequent strip clubs, happening to see Rafe dance the only two times he dances in almost a year).

This was a quick, fun read. Alexa and Rafe were hot, and I appreciated that for the most part, they treated each other like equals. If there was a misunderstanding, a conversation cleared it up pretty quickly. Until they didn’t, which was really my only gripe with the book. They were pretty good at talking about everything, but when the man who left Alexa at the altar, Brad, reappears (because of course he does), Rafe instantly fell for Brad’s bullshit and just ghosted Alexa. It seemed a little out of character, even taking into account his baggage about his own ex.

But fortunately for Rafe and Alexa, Rafe’s best friend, Shannon, was there to verbally smack him upside the head and bring him around, though I was annoyed that he even needed that. He should have known better than to fall for Brad’s crap, especially when Alexa was right there telling him that he was wrong.

Overall, though, this was a fun, quick read. I haven’t read a lot by Nina Crespo, but what I have read has struck me similarly – fun, quick, but nothing revolutionary or new.

Alexa is shocked and heartbroken when her fiancé calls off their wedding right before it is supposed to happen. She decides to make some changes and goes to Club Escapade’s Breakup Bash. The Last time they were here, it was for her bachelorette party. That night, She met one of the dancers – Raphael. When they run into each other again at the breakup bash fireworks ensue.

Alexa is moving for work and wants to keep things casual. Will she and Ralph be able to keep it as just friends with benefits or will feelings become involved? This was a nice weekend read.

Fantastic characters along with a good solid plot. My first read by Nina Crespo and i totally enjoyed it. The plot was good along with solid writing helped move the story along quickly.

Alexa has been practicing for her wedding day since she was a child, everything is perfect until she finds her fiancé has run off with someone else. They are meant to be working together at her family business so she decides to move out of town to escape the pain. She allows her friends to drag her to Club Escapade’s Breakup Bash, the place where felt an instant attraction to Raphael before all the drama. Is it possible that he could be there again and will he remember her?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been trying to find some words to describe my feelings for this book and I can't find any. The book is a big Meh for me and I think that it's like a one-night stand. Fun at the time and both of us will go on our merry way after everything is done. It didn't have a wow factor, but it also wasn't bad, which made me feel stuck in the middle. The author is a hit or miss for me and this one was closer to the miss. The main characters have a lot of hang-ups, especially the hero. He could have gone to a specialist and talk about his problems in my opinion. His past relationship did a work on him and it showed many times in the story. Alexa was, for the most part, a good character. I liked that stood up for herself and didn't allow any man to pressure her. I couldn't exactly relate to her, but I liked that she stood up to people instead of hiding. The premise of the book was good and I was liking Alexa and Rafe together, but something never clicked for me. I will remain neutral on the book's recommendation.

Reviewed by Deborah from <a href="http://www.alphabookclub.org/">Alpha Book Club</a> <br><img src="https://alphabookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/Deborah.png" width="150" height="150" alt="description"/> <img src="http://alphabookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ABC_Pinterest.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="description"/>

A new author for me to read is like trying a new chocolate your either going to hate it, like it or love it. For me I want to read more of Nina’s books and this one knocked it out of the park for me. Alexa was set to get married and then she gets jilted at the altar by her fiancée. Fast forward six months later and she is moving to Seattle but not before going to a club for a breakup bash There she meets up with Rafe or Raphael the Dream Maker, whom she had the chance to meet months ago at her bachelorette party. Rafe is a retired stripper and owner of the club and was just filling in that night and once again must fill in for the bash when he sees Alexa. Both cannot seem to forget that one-night months ago and when they finally get the chance to be in a room together it is combustible. Alexa and Rafe both come with baggage, so they come up with a deal to just have fun until she leaves. As they take a journey into the unknown their past start to catch up and interfere in what they are building. Can they fight those in their way to find their second chances at love? You must read this book to find out and it will keep you hot the whole way through. Their chemistry will light you on fire and never extinguish. These two characters are broken and looking for a way through their pain. Rafe thinks he knows Alexa because she comes from money, but he does not know who she is as a person. He lets his past relationship cloud his judgement and that was the only quality I did not like about him. Alexa is a sweetheart, smart and full of sass when she wanted it to come out. These two were fated and I am glad I got to meet them.

4.5 stars-
Every Nina Crespo book is an easy and enjoyable read. This one is no exception. Alexa, our jilted bride in recovery, and Rafe, retired male dancer now business owner, have an insta lust connection. They hook-up for what they agree is to be sex without the relationship (the hook-up isn't once but...repeatedly over a few weeks). Sure, we all know it's going to end up complicated and you'd think the characters would have too. Not a novel plot, but that was my only gripe (we know what to expect when we read any on this Entangled line and this one is no exception). The former fiancé shows up trying to patch things up and, I'll bet you can guess where that goes and the conflict it creates between our main characters. This is overall a delightful, fast read with sexy characters who smolder on together on the page.

Book was provided by Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Alexa met Rafe when her bachelorette party was at the club. She almost forgot she was engaged. Now they meet again and all bets are off. A hook-up happens and things get wild from there. I enjoyed this well written book. A winner from this author.

Alexa was left at the alter and getting ready to start a new job in a new place. Her friends decide to take her out for a Breakup Bash and she bumps into Raphael, one of the dancers from her bachelorette party and sparks fly. Fast-paced, fun and steamy romance. I really liked the characters and their steamy chemistry; the read has plenty of drama and the story will keep you hooked from beginning to end. I liked it.

This book brings social cliches alive. Never judge a book by its cover. Never believe everything you hear.

Parts of the book reminded me of Magic Mike, while the other parts weren’t new but not overwhelming.

Lately I’ve been drawn to fun hearted books, those not being overly dramatic. Don’t get wrong parts of the book were given the content.

But it’s worth a read.

4 out 5

I received this ARC for a honest review. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

When I finished this book, I was smiling. I mean, a woman with kick-ass girlfriends moves on from her weak, sneaky ex and falls in love with a hard-working man - what's not to love about that?

With a Magic Mike-esque theme wrapped up in a story about fitting in with societal cliques, Nina Crespo delivers a sensual and romantic story that makes you scream hell, yes! while fanning yourself.

This first book in the Breakup Bash series was really good. I can't wait to read Cori & Nat's stories.

I highly recommend this book!

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of thus book, received via NetGalley & Entangled.

4 More Than What Others Think Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Oh, it is always so easy to classify people. And the joke is this practice of putting others in little classifications is exactly what we don't want others to do to us... Like We are the Exception...So of course, the life lesson goes back to the tried and true...

Do unto others as you wish to have done to you...
Should be easy...
But in reality, it can be so hard not to fall into the traps our past have given us and it takes us stepping back, figuring out what is real and what is assumed...

Nina Crespo takes all of these concepts and layers them deep into The First Rule of Hook-Ups (Breakup Bash Book 1). This book is like a Tootsie Roll...with all the smexy times front and center drawing you into the story and then once you have been enjoying all the yummy times, you start to get to the more meaningful center.

Ms. Crespo has a history of writing smokin' hot men and women who love them. This is no different. She is able to give as good as we need plus throws in some meaningful life lessons along the way. The main focus is to be true to yourself, love who you love and everything will fall into place.

Works for me.

A gifted copy was provided by Entangled Publishing LLC (Brazen) via NetGalley for an honest review.

My first read by this author, The First Rule of Hook-Ups is an engaging read with wonderful characters and sizzle that is sure to fog the glasses. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to exploring more by this author

4.5 stars - This one was a lot of fun. Sexy with authentic emotions, it’s a quick, easy read — perfect for the beach or on the couch under a warm blanket. I enjoyed it a lot!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Alexandra Cayne is jilted at the altar. The night before at her bachelorette party she shares a kiss with Raphael the Dream Maker at Club Escapade during a show. He has retired and is just filling in. He is actually Rafe Dumond, the club owner. She comes back six months after her botched wedding and sees him again. They both have issues and are gun shy. They agree to a temporary sleeping arrangement. But can they find their happily ever after? Or will their exes play a part in their breakup? This was a really fun, cute read. Loved the hero and the heroine. 5 stars

It's areally great read. I enjoyed the story, it's well-written, has well-developed characters and is quite fun to read. Alexa is moving away. After her fiance didn't show up at their wedding she has been having a rough time. So, it's time for a change. But before she leaves, her friends decide to have a girls night out. One thing leads to another and she ends hooking-up with a guy she has just met. Rafe owns the club and his business is all he is focused on right now. After a rough break up he doesn't need complications of a relationship in his life, especially, with some rich socialite who will end up breaking his heart. Good thing Alexa is on the same page but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Will they be able to keep things casual though? That's another question entirely.
Interesting, entertaining, and all in all a great story. It has the right amount of emotions, drama, romance, and fun. I'd definitely recommend it to romance fans.

when alexa is left at the altar after her groom ran off with his personal trainer, she's pretty much off men. it's not until she's back at the singles bar where she had her bachelorette where she comes across the one man who might be interesting enough to pursue. rafe was filling in with the male dance troupe the night of alexa's bachelorette, when the next time he sees her happens to coincide with another night he's filling in, things seem like kismet.

alexa has plans to move out of town and start over, and rafe is too busy making sure his night club succeeds, so they decide to exclusively be each other's booty calls until alexa is due to leave. the first rule of hook-ups is don't take things too seriously.

but that intense chemistry bleeds over into everything, rafe is everything alexa wants in a guy and she is pretty much it for him. they just have to get past some insecurities about their self-worth and that happily ever after is theirs to enjoy.

**the first rule of hook-ups will publish on november 12, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (brazen) in exchange for my honest review.

Alexa was recently left at the altar by her cheating fiancé and she is still trying to recover from the betrayal. Her friends convince her that going to Club Escapade’s Break-Up Bash, which was also where her Bachelorette party occurred, is exactly what she needs to move on.

Rafe is a former dancer and is now a part owner of the club. They originally met six months ago the night of her bachelorette party when he needed to fill in for one of the dancers and they had an instant connection. On the night of the Bash he is asked to fill in again and when he sees Alexa in the crowd, he is more than willing as he wants a second chance with the woman he hasn’t forgotten.

What starts out as a casual arrangement develops into much more but is it enough to overcome their different backgrounds?

Although they appear to be very different the way that they support and accept each other for who they are makes them perfect and the chemistry between them is hot! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Alexa’s fiance-Brad- had left her “at the altar” a half hour before they were to be married. Six months later- Cori and Nat were Alexa’s best friends. They were back at the Club Escapade -where they had had Alexa’s bachelorette party - were now there for The Break Up Bash. This was a party to help women get over one man and move on to the next. The party was in full swing who would have thought the three best friends would share the same back luck with relationships. Nat had gone through a nasty divorce and Cori no longer lived with her boyfriend. Brade had left Alexa for a woman named Karma. Rafe was in the lobby of Club Escapade. He then seen the dark haired woman in a purple mini dress walking in the direction of The Break Up Bash. Rafe never should have agreed to settle the bet he owed his partner/good friend Shannon by coming out of retirement and danced with the Hot Body Hunks seven months ago he hadn’t forgotten the bride-to- be he’d brought up on stage for a lap dance . Rafe and Shannon decided to invest all their savings as business partners into Club Escapade. Shannon told Rafe that there were only four dancers for the Break Up Bash the rest were being held up in traffic. One of the four at the club was too sick from nerves to perform. Rafe had no choice but to perform on stage. He also had Alexa bought back up on stage. After the routine Alexa went backstage to find Rafe. They went to his studio apartment in the back of the club and became lovers. Alexa stayed the night but couldn’t find one of her favorite pair of earrings. And gave Rafe her number to call when he finds her earring. Rafe called her and they agreed to be lovers with no strings. Alexa was to leave for Seattle in six weeks, she took a new job with a different company instead of staying with the company her dad and his partner- Brad’s father- had started. She didn’t want to see Brad and Karma when they came back from Brad’s extended vacation. Alexa and Rafe got together for sex whenever their schedules allowed.it for the past eight days. Their time together sated Rafe but left him hungry for more of her. Rafe couldn’t stop thinking about Alexa, she was becoming an obsession for him that he didn’t know if he’d be able to shake it off when their time ended. He had thought of calling things off with Alexa …...but not until he had his fill. Alexa had stopped worrying and obsessing over a lot of things since starting with Rafe But she was also a lot more distracted. Alexa hadn’t told anyone about her rendezvous with Rafe not even Cori or Nat. Although she had a love bite one day after being with Rafe and her assistant slipped her some concealer and gave her a thumbs up. Now Rafe had asked Alexa to spend the night with him and she was excited. Brad came back early and showed up at her going away party her staff had thrown for her and wanted to talk to Alexa but Rafe was there and took her back to his place. Her phone had been left at the office so Jen- her assistant- monitored it and sent the text messages were linked to her tablet and laptop. She had ignored the emails from her parents and Brad. Then Shannon came to Rafe place and told her that her mother was taken to the hospital.
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one setting. I loved Rafe and Alexa together even with their different backgrounds and luggage. I loved how Alexa didn’t care Rafe had been a stripper before he retired from dancing. Even though Alexa met Rafe while he was dancing. I loved how Rafe was there for Alexawhen she needed him and how they brainstormed about Club Escapade West together. I loved how protective Rafe was even to the young mom who worked at the club as a server. I happily could find nothing to criticize . I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

4.5 Hook-Up stars.

The First Rule Of Hook-Ups was the first book I’ve read by author Nina Crespo. It’s the first in the new ‘Break-Up Bash’ series. It’s told in 3rd POV, which isn’t my favorite but I managed to ignore it and enjoy the story.
Alexa first met Rafe during her bachelorette party at the club he co-owns with his friend Shannon. The former stripper had to step in at the last minute and dance that night. He and Alexa made a connection even though they only kissed.
Six months later, Alexa is back, but she’s not celebrating new wedded bliss. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Rafe is annoyed when he’s forced to cover for members of the male revue who are meant to be entertaining at ‘The Break-Up Bash’ a client is hosting at his club, but when he catches a glimpse of Alexa, he changes his mind. She’ll all he’s been able to think about since he first met her. Now, he wants another chance. Maybe this time he’ll get what he wants.
Alexa can’t believe the same guy is here, and she’s up onstage with him again. This time, she wants to take things a step further and is more than happy to follow Rafe to his room.
What started as a one night stand soon becomes more, but what happens when more isn’t enough?
Can the guy from the wrong side of the tracks be just what little Miss Rich girl needs?
This was a steamy little number and had a good story behind it.