Ch1 of The Hookup Pact by fleuresmell

STOP If You Want To Read This Book. Spoilers Ahead.

For those new here, I strongly recommend reading About Frankly Speakin' before diving into my thoughts.

Great! Let's get started :)

The hype and the number of reads (2.6M and counting as of January 13th).

I did see this book when it had just been released, and the cover at that time was really good (much better than the current one). So that and the 2.6 million reads makes me want to find out what the big deal is behind last year's Wattpad mega-hit.

Note: I wouldn't have chosen this story with just the blurb. I prefer Whistleblower over this (it's a college enemies-to-lovers romance too - just not as steamy as this one).

Is something wrong with me? Why did I not feel anything while reading?

I do like certain hooks, even if they've been overused a gazillion times, because they make me feel something. That in turn, propels me to read/watch more. That's why tropes like enemies-to-lovers and love triangles etc etc exist. Because they make you feel good while and after reading.

But with this, I don't know man. It felt like the scenes were just stuck together for the purpose of fulfilling the trope's requirements. Like, there was no natural flow...nothing that pulled me to the story.

I think it was the first few paragraphs that threw me off. I didn't need to know Evelyn was a "nice person to everyone except arrogant Atlas" - I actually wanted to see it. Maybe if the car bump accident was shown first, it would've been a great opening.

Also, this thing of circumstances forcing two characters who despise each other to work together, feels off in this story. I have no problem with this act. Frankly, I like seeing those characters fight it out...it kind of makes their romance stronger. In "The Hookup Pact" though, even though it was just the statement and not yet working together, I just didn't seem to care.

Maybe it's the blurb, but everything feels predictable. I keep getting reminded of other similar stories while I read this one, thinking how good/hilarious/sweet those scenes were while I'm supposed to be paying attention here.

Nah.

I don't see anything propelling me to the next chapter. I also think I need to step aside for a while...because I'm not sure if it's just me, or if the first chapter is boring.

Maybe I might revisit it in the future? Maybe...

That's just my judgment, folks. I'm sure you'll find this story more interesting. Let me know your thoughts on The Hookup Pact by fleuresmell here.

Until next time,

Ruki