Hooked on You by Jenn MatthewsHooked on You by Jenn Matthews is a super sweet, British lesbian romance about finding love later in life, when you’re not really looking for it.

After a long career as a military teacher, Ollie’s enjoying her quiet life running a craft shop in London and teaching people how to crochet. If only her relationship with her kids were easier—especially her daughter, who’s still holding a grudge at the way Ollie’s marriage to their dad ended. Life gets a little more interesting when an attractive newbie shows up to crochet class, even if the other woman is straight.

Anna’s life is mostly work and little play, with a busy schedule as an English teacher, two teenagers at home, and a boyfriend with no imagination or romantic leanings. When her daughter encourages her to take up a hobby that has nothing to do with work or home life, Anna checks out a crochet class and finds herself hooked (pun intended).

The more time they spend together, the more they find themselves thinking of each other. And for the first time in her life, Anna realizes she’s falling for another woman. Now to figure out what to do with that…

The Characters

Some readers aren’t going to be a fan of Ollie because she cheats on her husband while figuring out she’s a lesbian (I know that sounds like a spoiler, but we learn it about it in the prologue). Even so, I liked Ollie because she’s really just trying to make the best of her life going forward and build it into something she can proud of.

Anna’s quite sweet and lovely, and she has a backbone when she needs to—like, say, with her boyfriend who’s a total dick. And, yes, I did cheer when he was kicked to the curb. I enjoyed seeing her figure out her sexuality because it’s a reminder that awakenings can happen at any age, even in your 50s.   

The Writing Style

Can we just pause to celebrate that both women are in their early 50s? As much as I enjoy reading about women in their 30s and 40s (as I rapidly approach 40 myself), it’s lovely to see romances with even older women.

I also loved that this book has zero angst. I read it in the middle of an incredibly busy week and it was a perfect escape from the stresses of the day.

The Pros

They fall in love over crochet classes. How freaking cute is that?

The Cons

Like I said above, cheating is a theme in this book, so keep that in mind when deciding whether it’s for you. In case you’re wondering, no, Anna doesn’t cheat on her stupid, crummy boyfriend.

The Conclusion

If you’re in the mood for a quirky, sweet romance, I recommend picking up Hooked on You. It’s Jenn Matthews’s debut novel and I’m looking forward to see more stories from her in the future.

Excerpt from Hooked on You by Jenn Matthews

Anna pulled her coat close around her middle as they left. “Where do you live?” she asked as they weaved around groups of people outside the nearby pub. Music thrummed from inside, the orange glow from the electric lights spilling out onto the street.

“I have a flat above the shop. You?”

“Parson Street. Liam dropped me off, so I’m getting a taxi home.”

“Ah.”

The shop was on the way to the taxi rank, and it was early enough that Anna didn’t think she’d have any trouble just flagging one down. Ollie stopped when they reached the side door.

Anna held her hand out to Ollie. She felt very aware of the cold breeze brushing her fingers. Ollie grasped Anna’s hand in her own.

“Same time next week?” Ollie asked.

“You don’t get rid of me that easily.”

A group of people passing behind them forced Anna to step up close enough to Ollie that the fronts of their coats brushed. Ollie reached for her waist as the group passed them. It made Anna warm all over, despite the early winter chill.

When the group of people were clear, Anna did not move away. The single inch difference in their heights seemed huge. She held her breath as Ollie gazed down at her. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she saw Ollie’s gaze flick down to her lips, then back up. Suddenly feeling shivery, she swallowed and stepped back.

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Bits and Bobs

If you enjoyed this book then you should also look at

A Wish Upon A Star by Jeannie Levig

 

 

 

 

 

 

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