The Hooker and the Hermit: Rugby, Book 1

4 “éclair” KissesIt’s been a few months since I read a book in 24 hours but for some reason The Hooker and the Hermit was unputdownable for me. It was like reading my favorite sitcom and I was completely sucked in. It was funny and light at all the right moments, unexpectedly angsty, gave me all the feels I could dream of and just completely fit the book mood that I didn’t know I was in.Annie Catrel…oh my little hermit…what to do with Annie…she was like my awkward dream come true. I live for heroines like Annie because I related to her on so many levels…I loved her weirdness and the fact that she was awkward…I loved that she was a little on the anti-social side…I loved the crazy things that came out of her mouth when she cursed – she’s funny and very loveable. She also has a sad past…which is part of the reason why she is a little broken. I hurt for what happened to her but the result of her being so shut down and closed off made me want to shake her a little bit. Even when something good and worthwhile was staring her in the face, begging her to take a chance…she still had those walls built up and her refusal to take that risk drove me a little batty. It’s not unwarranted…I did understand her and her logic…and I loved her, flaws and all…but I loved even more seeing the transformation Ronan’s presence had on her.‘I felt his eyes move over me, and I wondered if he saw the acute disappointment I felt at the impersonal nature of the kiss, meant only for show. I hoped he didn’t. I did not want to be that girl, the one who sends mixed signals. Maybe it was already too late for that. Maybe I was that girl. But I couldn’t help it. I liked him. I liked him more than I should.’Ronan Fitzpatrick…oh my god this man just totally stole my heart. He’s everything and then some and then a little bit more of some other amazing things because…you. Just. Don’t. Even. Know. Ronan is sexy…and alpha…and sweet…and kind…and thoughtful…and patient…and kinky…and OMG I could seriously go on forever. I usually find myself more connected to the heroine…for obvious reasons…but I am 100% devoted to Ronan…this man could seriously do no wrong. Throughout the entire book I felt myself more drawn to him and what he was going through than Annie…and that really doesn’t happen very often. I don’t know why…I can’t explain it…but emotionally, I totally felt everything that he was experiencing. It was a completely unique experience that shocked me in the best ways possible. He’s not perfect…but he’s d@#$ close.“Now, you listen to me.” Ronan nipped my jaw, still holding me close, then whispered hotly against my ear, tickling me and making me shiver, “This is happening. You and I are happening, and this is real. I like you – and more than just in the biblical sense, whatever the hell that means. I love that you’re brilliant, and generous, and gorgeous, and real. I like you.”I totally, completely and thoroughly enjoyed just about every aspect of Ronan and Annie. From their first meeting to the way he pursued her…their flirtation…watching their feelings grow and develop…the entire process was amazing to me. The emotional journey that I go through with each couple is what I live for and Ronan and Annie’s was fantastic. I was on the angsty emotional rollercoaster and loving every second of it. The up’s and down’s…all the crucial moments that give me the feels…both good and bad…but it was all a part of what made me fall in love with them. The biggest thing I loved about Ronan and Annie…they’re a complete and total flip of what most romances are. It felt like all of the complaints and things that normally drive me crazy that the guy does…Annie was the one doing them. Ronan was being an angel…everything he was saying and doing was perfect for me and I was shaking my kindle in frustration at Annie’s behavior…it was an unexpected turn of events – but it worked. It fit who Annie and Ronan were…made me love them both more as characters (even when I wanted to ring Annie’s neck) and I loved what it brought to the story.“It’s better this way.” Her eyes cut to the table, and she shook her head, as though convincing herself. “At least if we go no further, then we’ll never know what we’re missing. We avoid the pain.”I flatten my mouth, my tone turning serious. “I know what I’m missing, Annie. You are singular to me, exceptional. You’re brilliant and adorable and so f^@%!#$ real. I care about you. And I wasn’t been able to get the taste of you, the feel of you, out of my head since we first kissed.”I cannot get over the way this story sucked me in so completely…the entire build of the characters, their relationship, how everything fit together, all the little twists…it was all orchestrated perfectly. Speaking of the twists, something I wasn’t expecting…Ronan’s kinky side. Oh my…it was hot! And I it was one more thing I loved about that sexy rugby player. Trust me…I wasn’t expecting an altar boy by any stretch of the imagination…but the whole Dom aspect was a welcomed surprised. But once again…strangely enough, it fit with who Ronan was. The character development with Ronan and Annie was insanely strong…and really played a crucial part in my adoring this book as much as I did. I liked that we were in both of their POV’s…it was necessary and it never got redundant, which I really appreciated and I felt like the POV’s were balanced really well, even though I loved Ronan’s more than Annie (I can’t help it, he’s my favorite!).‘I was in desperate like with a real person. I couldn’t remember ever liking someone as much as I did Ronan. I liked him so godd@#$ much; I thought about him all the freaking time. It was more than just how epically sexy he was. He was f^@%!$& charming as hell, and funny, and smart, and sweet, and brave, and determined, and honorable….’Alright…so I have a bit of a confession to make. I honestly wanted to review this book based on the title alone. :-) Don’t judge me…the title is awesome and caught my attention and if I’m being really honest, I can’t even promise I read the whole synopsis before wanting to read it – that’s how committed I was to this book. Clearly…my snap judgment paid off because since reading it, the title means so much more and I love a million times more than I already did. Another random thing that I love about this book…that it’s by two authors…some of my favorite books are co-authored…and while this may be the first time I’ve ready L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid…I highly doubt it will be my last. There was a lightness with this book…even with the substantial angst it had…it just always had this very fun and free vibe to it that I can only attribute to the authors and their tone. I love the blend of humor and angst and sex...it was very distinctive and I never felt one overshadowed the other. The humor was smart and witty...I did have some laugh out loud moments but there were quite a few times that I just had a smile on my face...I couldn't help myself. Granted the two main characters definitely helped with that too...Annie and Ronan aren’t deep and dark…they’re on the lighter/funner side of the spectrum and it’s impossible to read characters like that and not have a big grin on my face. They just made me happy…reason #958295 why I couldn’t put this book down.“I’m not going to change my mind. That’s not ever going to happen. After that stunt you pulled, you’re stuck with me.”“Good.” Her chin wobbled, and I saw her eyes were filling with tears. Her voice was watery as she added, “Because you’re stuck with me, too. I deserve you, Ronan Fitzpatrick.”I laughed. “God help you.”I’m always a clinger…I always want more…but I love that this is a standalone. Ronan and Annie’s story was a perfect rollercoaster of epic emotional proportions but…I couldn’t be happier with their story. The epilogue left me blissfully happy and I adored their story to bits and pieces from beginning to end. Bravo to L.H. and Penny for giving me a loveable hooker and endearing hermit that will live in my heart forever.

My understanding from the publicity leading up to the release date was that Reid and Cosway greatly enjoyed their collaboration. I wish that I had enjoyed reading it half as much as they did writing it. I also wish they had created a plot that didn't feel like a Harlequin facsimile: timid heroine, brutish hero who pushes heroine into a relationship, followed by heroine running away,...lather, rinse, repeat.....I haven't bashed any of the five star reviews although I find them mind-boggling, and hope for the same level of respect as I give my opinion. Cosway and Reid are both talented authors, which is why I find the issues with writing style, plot, and character development mystifying.All the characters are over the top. Annie is not provided with just a dysfunctional family, she is a foundling of sorts, who ironically is the WORLD's most famous celebrity blogger while living the life of a recluse. She is ASTONISHINGLY beautiful, disguised in baggy, beige clothing. Our heroine is barely able to make eye contact or string two sentences together. By her own admission she has TERRIBLE table manners. Within weeks, she morphs into the champagne drinking, stylish glamour girl socializing at soirées. "I am crazy. I have severe abandonment issues and daddy issues and mommy issues. I'm not just shy. I'm petrified." NOT FOR LONG!Ronan, is Ireland's BEST hooker (think ruby, not streetwalker), with a penchant for spandex and bondage. I feel like that is all I know about him. Frankly, his track record with women isn't that appealing. He starts out as the victim of a cheating girlfriend, but it is pretty clear that he wasn't the most emotionally connected boyfriend, either. The bondage angle felt like it was injected to cover up the lack of character development or story line. The love is of the "insta" variety. A first liaison involving seat belts wasn't particularly appealing. Neither is his crude approach. There is a huge difference between sexy dirty-talking and crude comments. What is so appealing about a man who says in a business meeting, "I say I need to take a piss." Also not so appealing is Ronan's revolving door behavior with statements of enduring love followed by cold comments and dirty looks. Sometimes there are less than a few hours between this Jekyll and Hyde behavior. Sorry, but when Ronan says he is not going to change his mind again, it brought to mind the whole 'doth protest too much' line. We are supposed to be grateful that Ronan morphs from Captain Bondage into a guy who will let his girlfriend touch him during sex. It felt like a case of being grateful for small mercies. Gotta say, if I never read the expression 'c--tingly wonderful' again, that I would be thrilled, happy, delighted and joyful (see below).Perhaps what is most disturbing for a current novel, is that Ronan (our bad-boy hero whose partner had sex outside their relationship) doesn't have a condom handy for their first sexual encounter. Annie has only a slight hesitation before saying she trusts him and then Ronan tells the reader that is exactly what he needed to hear. That was okay in the 1960's, but this isn't the Hippie and the Hermit. It's 2015 people. Whip out the condom!Even the minor characters are exaggerated to the point of ridicule. One of the clients at D&C Media, was a starlet who snatched the ball out of a child's hand at a Yankees game. As if this wasn't enough, the five year old boy was physically impaired and she mocked his handicap. Later in the story,she makes a comment about wearing seal fur because seals sexually assault penguins. REALLY??! What was the point of this inanity?The Brona story-line doesn't make any of the characters look good. The description of the bondage tapes are white-washed (collar, but a fashion collar; leash, but not choked; tie over mouth, but not gagged). It is almost as if the authors, having placed the bondage in the story line, wanted to 'Disneyfy' it.There are several instances when even the characters say things about their own ridiculous behavior (Annie's over-the-top clumsiness) and stereotypical situations. One of the characters even says, "That cliché is me." YUP! Couldn't agree more. The best example is when Annie says, "I'm the one that overreacted when I found out...when he told me about the thing with the thing." Her boss asks if she is having a seizure or suffering from APHASIA. I'd been wondering that myself.Ronan's mom has a Cruella Deville edge that seems unnecessary. Her comments to Annie and her behavior toward her daughter are horrid. Happily, she, like the other characters are able to make a quick 180.Awkward wording and repetition abound:"And, because I am meticulous about my security protocols, no one knows who I am... that I am she... that she is me. Never mind. You know what I mean.""If I'd been drinking my tea, I would have choked on it. As it was, I wasn't drinking my tea; therefore, I choked on my tongue, but the effect was the same. I was coughing and sputtering.""Why does anyone need a gold-plated floss holder? Why? Why? Why? I don't know. I don't get it." YES! WE GET IT! What was the point of this rant except to irritate the reader?"... because it showed cleavage. It showed my cleavage. My cleavage was showing." WHAT HAPPENED TO PENNY REID? TO PENNY WHAT HAPPENED? DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO HER?"... they were hot and... interested. Almost predatory. Actually, they were definitely predatory. Definitely.""I love that you're brilliant AND generous AND gorgeous AND real.""My issues had issues. My hurts had hurts." YEAH? My sore brain is sore from lines like this."I let my head loll to the side as I gazed into his big brown eyes. They were so big. And brown." Penny, wherefore art thou?"So yeah, I was drunk. Well, I was mostly drunk. Okay, I wasn't precisely drunk." GAK!HEY, I JUST GOT A THESAURUS FOR CHRISTMAS (AKA I THINK WE ARE GETTING PAID BY THE ADJECTIVE):"They were the kind of eyes that pull you in, ensnare you, bind you, hold you and your focus and your priorities hostage." Bondage eyes!"Just heated, intense, determined, pointed, carnal masculine interest.""... He was also intensely honorable, driven, and intelligent with a good, loyal, and generous heart.""He was... eager, excited, even. His excitement was palpable, contagious,...""She was sitting in profile and shared Ronan's attractive bone structure, but her features were exceedingly refined, elegant, and delicate. It was like his face but softer and feminine.""Yesterday I was comatose, heartbroken and depressed beyond measure." I was surprised not to have this followed up with an explanation that the character was upset.Perhaps, most gratingly of all, is the assumption that the reading audience must be slightly dim-witted. This is particularly baffling, since Reid's other books contain great word play that rely on the fact that the reader has read more than Archie comics. In this novel, comments like Ronan's less than sly double-entendre about wanting to eat Annie, are frequently explained to us. We are told that Annie's hair was wet, and her eyes were red, indicating that she'd been CRYING! OKAY, now I get it. She doesn't have conjunctivitis."I bet you wish you'd said yes to dinner now. I put extra emphasis on the word to convey that, by 'dinner', I did not mean DINNER." PHEW! I would have missed that one. Annie verbalizes why she has closed herself from others and then a paragraph later Ronan interprets her comments for us. "Annie kept herself closed off from people, from relationships, so they couldn't reject her." THANK YOU, SIGMUND FREUD.My favorite is when Lucy is described as having rainbow hair and then this is defined for us. "... meaning she'd dyed her hair in sections." We then get a lengthy description of which parts were each of the identified SEVEN colors. What??This novel was the source of too much aggravation for me to give it three stars. It felt like Cosway and Reid relied on only each other to edit and perhaps were too polite to say anything about what the other had written. It was as if they had a wordy, literary love child that no one wanted to say wasn't adorable.

Este livro me conquistou já na primeira página. A história é criativa e divertida, uma marca das autoras que são mestras no estilo. Adorei os personagens principais e o desenrolar da trama, sem drama desnecessário. Recomendo.

This is easily the worst romance novel I have ever read. The authors get nothing right. No way is a rugby star going to fall in love with such a hopeless female character. There isn't enough beauty to make her plausibly attractive to him given the scope of her problems. As neither character had any depth meant they had no real chemistry.....And he falls instantly in love while she plays hard to get. I was yawning with the story at 40% and skim reading it, but as I continued to read, the book just got worse! A rugby star into S&M? this was the worst possible mishmash of ideas from other novels. Don't waste your time or hard-earned money on this terrible book. I couldn't finish it, it was so bad. The sex in this novel made my stomach turn. The details about Ireland and Irish culture are also obviously borrowed by Americans writing from afar, it isn't genuine. No way any of these authors ever even watched a rugby match!

Ronan meets Annie when she is employed to clean up the very handsome rugby players act, he is not aware that she also trashed him on social media under another name. She's the shy one who hides from the limelight and he's a full on rugby player always in the press. She fascinates him and he wants her badly with Annie trying to handle him. Funny story and a nice romance. Didn't like all the snippets of the authors other stories at the end, there must have been at least 5!!

3.5/5I never fully understood the concept of abandonment issues until reading The Hooker and The Hermit, Annie's heartbreaking childhood provided painful insight into the emotional issue. In order to protect herself from further devastation, Annie has retreated from the world only allowing her wonderful personality to shine in her anonymous blog.That is until Ronan comes crashing into her life. Escaping the betrayal of his witch of an ex and the negative publicity due to events following the break-up and orchestrated by the scheming witch, Ronan finds himself seeking refuge in New York while rebuilding his image with the help of a social media genius - none other than - you guessed it Annie.Annie is easy to love even if she is unable to see it for herself. With her boss playing a brash fairy godmother, forcing Annie to ditch her wallflower clothing and embrace her natural beauty.The chemistry between Ronan and Annie is instantaneous and electric although the barriers they need to overcome are more than a little daunting on both sides. It's soon apparent the connection they feel is more than pure physical attraction, but how do you overcome years of emotional trauma only to risk getting hurt again.The Hooker and The Hermit is completely compelling, the characters equally emotionally raw and adorably endearing. I've added LH Cosway and Penny Reid to my list of authors to look out for :lol:

Two of my favourite authors in one! What more could I ask for?“He was so handsome, but more than that, there was an aura of feral sensuality about him, something powerful, magnetic.”Annie works as a social media image guru. She’s also ‘The Socialmedialite’, anonymous blogger extraordinaire with a huge following, who’s practically a hermit and is socially awkward in company. She’s highly intelligent, sweet and genuine, and hides her true physical beauty under baggy, drab clothes.“It sounds to me like, as much as I need lessons in social media, you need lessons on how to truly live.”Ronan SEES the real her as soon as he witnesses her enjoying an éclair. He’s completely taken with her. When an opportunity to spend more time with her presents itself, he grabs it with both hands. What he doesn’t know is that she’s the secret blogger who poked fun at his clothes recently.This story was so adorable! Annie was adorable. Ronan was incredibly swoonworthy. Annie is so scared of the real world, scared to trust, scared to believe in true love and forevers. Ronan was so patient but upfront with her with his dirty talk! Gah! Loved this book hard!! Such a witty manipulation of words, and a well-written book. Fabulous read!