Hooked by Brenda Rothert

Miranda: Even though I'm broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I'm trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey's hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I'm not flirting back . . . at least, I'm trying not to. Did I mention that he's hockey's hottest bad boy?
 
Jake: I've met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it's like to feel again. But I'm being forced to date my team owner's daughter to keep my job, so I can't be caught with Miranda. Still, we're getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that's not the only secret I've been keeping. But Miranda's the one I want . . . even if she doesn't believe me.

When I first started reading this, I immediately got "Maid in Manhattan" vibes! You have a maid who falls for the occupant of one of her rooms, only Jake is a hockey player, Miranda isn't looking for a promotion nor is she a single mother from the Bronx. Ok, maybe it's not exactly like Maid in Manhattan but it's still a very good read. Miranda isn't impressed by Jake; in fact, she calls him an asshole the first time they meet for not calling the stripper he slept with back to explain that he wasn't going to be calling her. Jake is intrigued by this woman who doesn't want to sleep with him and thinks he's an asshole. He likes her and wants to be with her but there is the small matter of him being forced into a 'relationship' with the owner’s daughter Hailey. He can either risk his career to be with the one he wants, or he can be a good sport and fake it with the bratty Hailey who might be a little insane. 

Each character was well developed and relatable, Miranda being the girl working multiple jobs while going to school, put off by men because of an ex. She is me in a book haha. Then you have hockey player Jake, used to not hearing the word no from women, superstitious (I know of athletes with crazy superstitions including not shaving during win streaks). The fact that Miranda wasn't impressed, albeit physically, was a breath of fresh air. It was realistic, although jumping in bed with a famous, rich, and sexy athlete isn't far from realistic but cliché. 

Finally, it also was a quick read that I found myself wanting to continue, just one more chapter, even though I had to be up in 4 hours for work. I liked it enough to want to see the characters again, sequel perhaps???

         

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