Member Reviews
Riley is a “starving” artist trying to make her way in New York and has been for 9 years. Her roommate is Melody. The beginning of this story has Riley’s grandma, Erma, calling to request her come home to Maple Falls to help her while she recovers from an injury. Maple Falls is the last place she wants to be, but she heads there due to her love for her grandma. Hayden is back in Maple Falls and plans to stay. He feels bad about Erma’s injury and agrees to pick up Riley from the airport. Both knew each other in high school. Riley has always been elusive and stand offish due to her mother. Hayden has a close family she’s always envied, but he also has some things to work on. Both main young characters are fun to get to know, along with Erma and her BB’s, Peg Madge, Bea, Viola, Myrtle and Gwen, along with acquaintances her own age, Harper, Anita, Olivia and Tanner primarily. This story is easy to get in to, and hard to put down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This book reads like a Hallmark movie which will resonate with many of my customers which is why we will buy copies for the library. For me personally, it fell a little flat and was a bit too predictable for me. .
Really enjoyed this story about Riley and Hayden. Riley leaves New York to help her grandmother at her yarn store after she ends up in a wheel chair. Riley has some obstacles to get over concerning her mother. Does she do.it? Does she go back to New York or decide to stay in Maple Falls?. This is the first time I have read this author and will read her again. A GOOD READ.
While Hooked on You had a lot of potential, it fell a little flat for me. I did really enjoy the city girl returns to her small southern hometown vibe, but couldn't really connect with Riley's character at all. It seemed like Riley and Hayden's relationship trope was supposed to be enemies-to-lovers in the way she was acting so cold to him at first, but there was really no backstory on why she was acting so distant. I did like Mimi's character and the secondary characters that were Mimi's and Riley's friends, but felt that there could've been more substance to the plot to make it a bit more exciting. I wouldn't say I disliked this one, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to friends.
I have read other books by Kathleen Fuller. All were Amish genre, so this was new for me. I really appreciated her well crafted characters. My favorite was Mimi or the feisty grandma who brakes her leg sliding into third base. I loved the small town atmosphere and the BB's (older generation grandmas) who know everything about everyone. My heart really went out to Riley, Mimi's granddaughter who has left New York to come home to take care of her while she heals from her broken leg. Riley has not had an easy life and returning home was not something she wanted to do. The relationship between Riley and a high school crush does not get off to a good start. But all ends well in love and war.
I thank Thomas Nelson Publishers for allowing me, through NetGalley, to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I took a chance here because I normally do not read romance, but I am glad I did on this one. I love a good big town moves back to small hometown and falls in love unexpectedly story. Readers will love this one. Out May 11.
Hooked on You is a light-hearted, small-town romance that suffers from being a bit too shallow. I haven't read any of Fuller's other books, so I don't know if this book is a one-off from her usual fair in terms of limited character development, but I quickly found myself irritated with characters who had too much unfulfilled potential.
Riley and Hayden both have interesting backstories, but these histories are shared in bits and pieces and never really feel quite real. Riley in particular has a fairly tragic past, and I would've liked to have read some flashbacks that really showed how terrible her young life had been and how that influenced her present-day character. Instead, we just get the same platitudes over and over, and even when the 'villain' of the tale shows up, she feels like more of a stand-in for all things evil than a true character with a problem and bad relationships.
I also didn't feel like Riley had enough character growth. Hooked on You is over 300 pages, and the heroine feels stagnant for a good three-fourths of the novel; this made the story feel as if it was dragging on and on. Hadyen, the hero, had more growth, but I still could've used a few flashbacks from his POV to see how he'd really changed. I also felt like Riley and Hayden's relationship moved too quickly. Both characters are working through some personal issues, and while I can believe the slow beginning of things, the ending felt entirely too rushed, like Fuller simply wanted to cram in a grand happy ending when a pleasantly-happy ending would've sufficed and felt more realistic. As this looks like the first book in the series, we could've easily gotten snippets of Riley and Hayden's growing relationships in subsequent books, which would've lent to the feel of a small town where everybody knows everybody's business and allowed Riley and Hayden to naturally grow closer together before taking any big steps.
All those downsides aside, I always like stories set in small towns, and Maple Falls is the sort of small town to which I can really relate. What was once a thriving place is suffering from the loss of business and general aging, and Riley and Hayden make it part of their mission to spruce things up. I can see this being a running theme throughout the following books, and I think that will be a fun angle to play up. I also really liked spending time in Knots and Tangles, and although I have no interest in knitting, crocheting, or yarn in general, it was a unique hobby that I haven't seen included in many books.
Unfortunately, the things I liked weren't anywhere near enough to overcome the shallow characters, the meandering plot, and the underdeveloped backstories. Hooked on You may appeal to regular readers of Fuller, but most readers of contemporary Christian romances will be looking for a deeper story to keep their interest.
I loved everything about 'Hooked on You'! The characters had real-life issues and problems that made them relatable, yet they were entirely likeable. Riley McAllister leaves New York City to go home to Maple Falls to care for her beloved grandmother who broke her leg playing softball. Her high school crush, Hayden Price is also back in Maple Falls and their journey together is delightful and uplifting. I can't wait for more in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
What a cute small town romance!
This book is the ultimate slow burn romance you're looking for! It has the small town vibes, the one who got away, the love of family, and a cute ex-baseball player!
Riley moves to New York from her home town Maple Falls but after 9 years of staying away, her grandmother calls her and asks her to return. When she does, she comes face to face with her high school crush Hayden. Riley now has to face her past in order to have a happy future surrounded by the people she loves.
This book is all about family and the importance of being there for your loved ones and to not run away from your past rather than fight against it in hopes of a better future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the earc in return for an honest review.
It was the title and cover that made me request this book to read but the story kept me reading till early hours of the morning.
The characters held me bound with their love, wit, challenges, struggles, wins and victories. They were so real and relatable. Their stories jumped at me off the pages of the book.
I love happy endings and this had one sweet one filled with second chances, reconciliation, hope and restoration.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
I absolutely adored this lighthearted read by Kathleen Fuller. Witty, romantic, fast paced, and nostaligic, the book encompasses all I love about small towns. That meddlesome but endearing group of grandmas, those friends who can't keep themselves out of everyone's business, and that small town feel of unity all filled the pages of this book.
Sweet, quirky, emotional, and genuine are all words that describe Hooked on You. I was immediately captivated as the plot pulled me to a place where I could feel the hearts of the characters. And while Fuller typically writes for the Amish genre, her contemporary storytelling ability is spot on. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this Maple Falls Romance series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
#HookedOnYou #Netgalley
Riley McAllister hasn't had an easy life, her mother was a single mom, who never stayed in one place very long. If it wasn't for her grandmother taking her in during her teenage years, she wouldn't have had any stability. When her Mimi breaks her leg, Riley moves back to Arkansas to take care of her and her Mimi 's yarn store. This was a quick read with topics such as, dysfunctional families, friendship, learning to trust.
Hooked on You is a sweet small town romance. As someone who lives near, and loves, a small town, I enjoyed getting to "meet" Maple Falls and all the characters who call it home.
Riley is a typical struggling artist, far from the closest places she's ever thought of as home. Former baseball star, Hayden has been forced to return home after the injury that ended his career. When Mimi, Riley's grandma, pulls a stunt that finally brings her home, Riley is confronted by the past she's tried to run from for so long. Can Hayden break through the walls Riley hides behind and show her that trust--and love--is worth everything? Will they be able to save their struggling town, or will Maple Falls fade from existence?
I loved every moment of this book, and can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series. Mimi was definitely one of my favourite characters. She's quirky, but sweet, and although her actions tend to be a little on the sneaky side, she genuinely loves her family and friends, and wants the best for them. Hayden and Riley's love story is a bit of a roller coaster, but Hayden is the perfect hero, and I enjoyed seeing Riley's character grow and learn to trust again.
Contemporary romance fans: don't miss this one!
*I received a copy of Hooked on You through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
Riley McAllister dreams of becoming a famous artist, and following that dream means moving from Maple Falls, Arkansas, to big city New York. While she is able to make the rent, it's not her art that pays the bills. When she gets the call that the grandmother who raised her from her teen years on broke her leg sliding into third at a church softball game, her goal is to care for her grandmother, convince her to sell her shop, and convince her to move in with a friend. Then, Riley can flee back to New York with a clear conscience. However, she doesn't count on her Mimi's stubbornness, or on re-connecting with Hayden Price, her high school crush.
Hayden Price's life hasn't turned out like he planned it either. He was supposed to play MLB and have a nice long career pitching for the Tigers. Instead, he blew out his shoulder on his first pitch and in rushing his rehab, damaged it badly enough to end his career dream. Back home in Maple Falls, he is helping his dad run the family hardware store and coaching the church's softball team on the side. Riley's appearance is a pleasant distraction.
Can Riley overcome her past hurts to see that Maple Falls and Hayden just might be her future?
So, I spent most of this book frustrated with Riley and how closed off she is to nearly everyone. I was equally frustrated with her grandmother for pushing her own agenda so hard that she pushed Riley away. The supporting characters were mostly fun, with the exception of Riley's mother, Tracey.
I believe this is the first contemporary romance I've read from Kathleen Fuller. I know her more for her Amish fiction/romance novels. I'm kind of hoping she'll tell Harper's story next.
Readers who enjoy contemporary romance will enjoy Riley and Hayden's story. I know I did!
I received this free from the publisher, but every opinion here is MINE!
Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is my first Kathleen Fuller book, and certainly, it won't be the last one. 'Hooked on You' is a clean Christian romance; I love Riley's relationship and her granma, Erma. Their relationship reminded me of my relationship with my nonna, without the secrets (I miss my grandma so much.)
Sometimes things happen for us to learn to appreciate people and what's right in front of us. Just like Hayden and Riley had to learn. And yes, even Erma. I loved the BBs. They cracked me up.
4.5 stars.
I had a really hard time with Riley in the beginning. She comes across as selfish, self-centered, and standoffish. She is totally focused on staying in New York no matter what. But when Mimi calls and needs her help, she caves and goes back to Maple Falls, a place she swore she'd never return to. What Riley finds there is more than she bargained for in the best way.
Things about this book I loved:
•how sincere Harper is.
•Adorable store names. Love the small town life of Maple Falls.
•Hayden. HAYDEN.
•getting into why Riley is so closed off is heartbreaking
•Mimi's unconditional love is sweet and wonderful; she's your pretty standard meddling older woman with a bunch of friends who are the same.
•the climax is so emotional! And so satisfying!
•Hayden's convo with his dad is exactly what Hayden needs to get his head on straight. Life doesn't always come easy.
•I really hope we get stories for Riley's friends: Harper, Anita, and Olivia. They're the perfect support characters in this book along with the BB's.
•The ending felt a little bit out of character for Riley but not impossible based on the growth she's made over the book and the time in between the end and the epilogue.
•Swoony kisses!
I love a good HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Riley McAllister is living in New York, trying to make a career out of her artwork. After receiving a call from her grandmother Erma asking her to return home after she injuries herself, Riley has to face returning to her hometown, Maple Falls, far sooner than she had ever anticipated.
Hayden Price has also found his way back to Maple Falls earlier than he anticipated too. He becomes the softball coach and ends up becoming partially responsible for Erma's injury by being too competitive.
Riley and Hayden know each other from school... Reunited by softball, will they start to get to know each other again?
This was a cute read! I liked the plot and the concept of the story, although I wasn't a fan of Riley. Her personality was all over the place, she ran hot and cold with Hayden, and she just wasn't overly likeable. Hayden on the other hand, was a fantastic character.
Complications with Riley's mother made for a good storyline, and I did find myself beginning to pity Riley and empathise with her (despite several slightly over-dramatic scenes!).
Overall a good book and I would happily read the second.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
"Hooked on You" is a sweet, innocent romance that takes in place in a small town. Riley goes back to her hometown to help her Mimi and strikes up a friendship with Hayden, a boy she knew in high school. Their friendship turns to romance, despite the wall Riley has built up around her.
Although this novel is predictable from the first chapter, it is an engaging quick read. I felt, at times, there were a lot of unnecessary details with how a character looked or what he/she wore. I wish there would've been more details about Riley's childhood and the friction between her and her mother. Overall, I would recommend "Hooked on You".
I received an arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like that this book was in three points of view, having someone outside of the love story was very interesting. Their love story was a very cute slow burn but I do wish it was explained a bit more. I would of liked to see more of them in the three weeks that the book just skipped past. I also think that the epilogue would have been better if it was their wedding or just after it instead of the proposal.
The ending was very surprising and unexpected but I loved it. It was so cute of her to just suggest marriage and then for her to get a little ring out of yarn.
The grandmas relationship with riley was fantastic and I really liked the reveal at end but I wish that we got more hints at it throughout the book. I know that the author hinted at it once or twice but I would have liked a bit more.
Honestly I though hayden’s character was kind of boring but I still liked him. He was a really nice guy who had problems but he was mainly there to be the love interest and I’m fine with that.
Give me a book and I am there. This book was all that and more. Enjoyed this from page one and on. Really liked all this was.