SHACKING UP

by Helena Hunting

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Blurb

Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick.

Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet. Filled with hilariously awkward encounters and enough sexual tension to heat a New York City block, Shacking Up, from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting, is sure to keep you laughing and swooning all night long.

Find Shacking Up on GOODREADS

 

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Review

4.5 stars!

This witty, sexy, sweet story was entertaining from the start. I found myself completely engrossed in it and could not put it down.

Ruby Scott is an aspiring Broadway performer who is currently unemployed and single. She is leaving her best friend’s engagement party early to get rest before an audition in the morning when out of nowhere she is pulled into the embrace of a guy. Though she is startled, it doesn’t stop her from enjoying what may be the best kiss of her entire life. After they pull apart, a sickly cough from the mystery man and an accusing glare from his date ruin the moment. Obviously in hot water, the guy runs off to fix the “accidental tongue invasion” screw-up leaving Ruby with nothing but the sweet memory of his lips and the awful illness he passed along.

Damn Awesome Kisser – ruining the already questionable state of my life.

So sick she can barely get out of bed, her audition ends up a train wreck. Her life tanks even further when, still jobless, she finds herself homeless as well. With the help of her bestie, Amie, Ruby finds a solution when Amie’s fiancée’s cousin, Bancroft “Bane” Mills, who happens to belong to the lips that left Ruby’s own lips tingling after the accidental kiss, offers her a deal she can’t pass up. In exchange for pet sitting, she can stay in his penthouse while he’s away doing business in London for five weeks. Ruby accepts the deal and she can’t deny that her life seems to be looking up. What follows are the hilarious, sweet, swoony, and sexually charged interactions she experiences while shacking up with Bancroft Mills.

This book is utterly delicious. The unique storyline was entertaining, engaging, and hysterical. I loved the meet cute and the likable characters pulled me into the story. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this carefree and lighthearted read.

Written in dual POVs, I loved getting into both Ruby and Bane’s heads. Ruby has such a great personality. She is quirky, funny, and sweet, and has a sassy side. She gives as good as she gets and keeps Bane on his toes. She is hardworking and though she comes from a wealthy family, she wants to make it on her own. I respected her for not taking the easy route and loved that she pursued her dream even when it was harder than the alternative.

I loved the things that popped into her head, and it’s easy to understand the naughty thoughts about Bane that occupy Ruby’s mind when she is with him. Her sexual innuendos and internal dialogue were entertaining.

I don’t mind that he wants to spend time with me. I certainly wouldn’t mind spending time with him, naked, in his bed, playing hide and seek with his penis in my vagina. Dammit. I really need to get a handle on where my brain keeps going.

Bane is super sweet, gorgeous, and a gentleman. “On a scale of one to smokin’, he’s on fire.” He is super wealthy yet still has a rugged side that is sexy as sin. I loved that he wasn’t a man-whore like the way a lot of other wealthy or athletic heroes are written. And his dirty, dirty mouth cranks up the heat and I loved it.  I have to also give him points for his sweet, animal loving side, especially since his pets are unusual.

Ruby and Bane are fantastic together.  There’s an obvious attraction yet they don’t act on it right away. I liked the slow-burn feeling and the fact that though there was insta-lust, it wasn’t insta-love. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other when Bane was gone. All of the phone calls put a smile on my face as they opened up to each other. The sizzling chemistry is palpable even when there is an ocean separating them. The sexual tension is well done and the flirty banter is entertaining and doesn’t feel forced. When it gets steamy, I loved the understanding they share, how they know exactly what the other wants, and that they are not afraid of commitment.

“I always love you, don’t I?” he whispers against my lips.
“You do. And I love it when you do it slow and soft or hard and dirty.”

There was some predictable drama mixed in with the humor, but thankfully, it was short lived and I finished this book with my smile firmly in place.

Every kiss is an echo of the first time. Accidental or not, some part of me recognized her as my future.

I am hoping Hooking Up, releasing in the Fall, will give us Amie’s book because she needs to find someone deserving of her. I am not a fan of Armstrong and know they are not meant to be! There’s too much that is unresolved in her life. I want more!

*ARC generously provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

 

Shacking Up World

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About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the PUCKED series, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

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