Book Review: The Hooker and the Hermit – L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid

The Hooker and the Hermit is one intriguing title with a superb story to boot! Annie Catrel’s job is to clean the public image of celebrities and she’s the best in the business. She’s also the face behind “Socialmedialite” – one of the most famous blogger in the net which allows her to be herself and not be the timid, recluse girl in real life. Ronan Fitzpatrick is an Irish rugby star dubbed as the bad boy of said sport is very much in need of a public image cleanup which led him to hire Annie Catrel to do the job while taking a break in New York. One thing led to another where Annie and Ronan find themselves in a “fake” relationship. But how can someone fake something so real? And when secrets gets in the way, how will one of them handle the truth?

This first reason I got this book was because of its title and secondly, the very good rating. I didn’t read a single review prior because somewhere in there – a spoiler is bound to appear. And what do you know? It was actually a pretty sweet surprise! This was my first book from both authors and I really am impressed. The story’s cute and very endearing. I loved both characters. With Annie, there’s just that authentic vulnerability in her character. Being a blogger myself – though not anonymously and obviously not famous at all, I could somehow relate with the confidence that it gives you when you’re writing stuff down and not having to say it face to face. Somehow it’s easier to say what you want to say when you feel protected in your own nook (behind your computer ^_^) and you get to say more when you’re writing it down. Ronan on the other hand is just charming to the bones. I loved his grumpy side, his bravado and his playfulness. I also loved that he’s crazy about his family. And I loved how he truly just wants to play his sport more than anything else.

There’s something very Gossip Girl about the concept of Socialmedialite but it’s only because of the blogger’s anonymity and that ends there. It’s mainly Annie’s issue that was dealt in the story more than Ronan’s. There is abandonment issue in here that is plaguing dear Annie which became the reason why she’s so alone and does not want anybody’s help at all. Ronan’s life’s an open book but there are also some things which are only known within his circle. I loved how from the very start everyone was just open about everything saved for Annie hiding her alter-ego from Ronan and Ronan’s sexual fetish. The tinge of BDSM is the main reason why I’m giving it a rating one star less. I can’t really reconcile it with Ronan’s characterization. It was all so weird and just out of character in my opinion. Other than that, I thought the story flows smoothly all throughout.

I highly recommend this book for those who are into boys in sports and their lovey-dovey being all so meek but witty! It’s a fun read and definitely worth every penny!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published February 2nd 2015 by Smashwords

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