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Shacking Up #1
Shacking Up
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.
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.
480 pages, Audiobook
First published May 30, 2017
About the author
Helena Hunting
68 books25.2k followersHelena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,174 reviews
May 24, 2017
ARC received for an honest review
Ms Hunting, you had me at rugby player!
I enjoyed every adorable minute of this book, there is just something about Ms Hunting's writing that gets me every single time.
I want to be Ruby Scott's BFF. She struggles, she is self sufficient, and she has a mouth on her that would make sailors blush - and me upping the ante in conversations!
Bancroft is a sexy ex professional rugby player, and part of the "last name as first names" crowd. Yet he is everything they are not.
And from their first clash I was all in. I needed them to be together. It just has to happen.
I am freaking in love with Bancroft's pets - well, one of them at least. Never wanted to be a pet sitter sleeping in a hot guy's bed so much in my life!
This is a slow burn of a romance - there's lots of flirtatious phone calls and teasing texting to heat things up. Everything I adore in my rom-coms
Shacking Up is sweet, sexy and downright adorable. Bancroft is kinda swoonworthy and makes me want one of my own.
Ms Hunting, you had me at rugby player!
I enjoyed every adorable minute of this book, there is just something about Ms Hunting's writing that gets me every single time.
I want to be Ruby Scott's BFF. She struggles, she is self sufficient, and she has a mouth on her that would make sailors blush - and me upping the ante in conversations!
Bancroft is a sexy ex professional rugby player, and part of the "last name as first names" crowd. Yet he is everything they are not.
And from their first clash I was all in. I needed them to be together. It just has to happen.
I am freaking in love with Bancroft's pets - well, one of them at least. Never wanted to be a pet sitter sleeping in a hot guy's bed so much in my life!
This is a slow burn of a romance - there's lots of flirtatious phone calls and teasing texting to heat things up. Everything I adore in my rom-coms
Shacking Up is sweet, sexy and downright adorable. Bancroft is kinda swoonworthy and makes me want one of my own.
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October 15, 2021READ ON for an EXCERPT from SHACKING UP coming May 30th!
She taps the arm of her chair and regards me for a few seconds. “So . . . that woman you were with at the engagement party, I’m guessing she’s not your girlfriend or anything? I don’t need to worry about her freaking out because another woman is living in your condo?”
“You mean Brittany? Uh, no. She’s definitely not my girlfriend.”
“Good to know.”
“With all the travel a girlfriend hasn’t been all that practical.”
She cocks her head. “What do you mean?”
“When I played professional rugby I was on the road a lot. And now it seems like I’ll be on the road more than I anticipated. At least for a while. It makes it difficult to get involved.”
“Ah. I understand. Theater is challenging like that, too. The hours are odd since performances are typically in the evenings and on the weekends. Unless you’re dating another actor it’s not very practical.” She dips her spoon in her dessert again. “So that Brittany chick was just meant to be a hookup then?”
I’m sure Brittany would’ve been good with the hookup part, but I don’t mention that to Ruby. “I went out with her as a favor.”
She grimaces. “Wow, that’s some favor.”
“She’s not that bad.” I’m not sure why I’m defending Brittany, other than it seems to irritate Ruby.
“She called me a slut!”
“Well, you were kissing me, so . . .” I have to bite back the smile at her incredulity.
She points her spoon at me, her annoyance clear. “You kissed me.”
I shift an arm behind my head. “You didn’t put up much of a fight.”
Her mouth drops open and snaps shut just as quickly. It’s the same reaction I got out of her the other day when I brought the same thing up at the restaurant. Her eyes narrow into slits. I bet she’s a real firecracker when she’s angry. I sort of want to push her buttons just to see what happens when she goes off. I bet angry fucking with her would be incredible. I wonder if she’s a hair puller, or a biter, or a scratcher. Wow. That got dirty fast.
She narrows her eyes. “We are not talking about this.”
“About you kissing me back? I wasn’t going to bring it up, but now that we’re on the subject—”
“Consider it un-brought-up.” Her cheeks flush.
I can’t help myself. I keep pushing. “No way. You as much as admitted that you kissed me back, right there. You opened the door. I’m walking through it. Why would you kiss a complete stranger?”
“I said I wasn’t talking about this.” The pink in her cheeks rises to the tips of her ears.
This is way too much fun. She’s got one hell of an angry glare going on. “I’m leaving you in my house for more than a month, alone. I need to be certain you have sound judgment.”
“I’ll have you know my judgment is usually very sound. However, when an incredibly attractive man surprises me with his tongue in my mouth, the most logical response is to kiss back.”
“You think I’m incredibly attractive?”
She rolls her eyes. “Of course that’s the part you choose to focus on. You see yourself in the mirror every day. You can’t tell me you don’t know you’re nice to look at. I’m just stating a fact.”
My ego inflates a little at this. I know I’m not unattractive, but my nose has been broken a couple of times, and there’s a bump I can’t ever get rid of without plastic surgery. I’ve had knee surgery and I’m not great under anesthetic, so I’d prefer to avoid that scenario. I also have a few small facial scars from playing rugby all those years, which, in the environment I grew up in, takes me down a few points on the desirability scale. Not that I give a fuck. It’s my mother who seems to be worried about it, as she does about every line and gray hair. It’s a blessing I don’t have any sisters.
"I see. So you’re telling me if any incredibly attractive man did what I did, you’d respond the exact same way.”
“Now you’re generalizing. It’s circumstantial.”
“What do you mean by circumstantial?”
“Well, I guess I assumed you had to be a guest at the engagement party.”
“So that made it okay to kiss a stranger? Because we were attending the same event?”
She pauses with her spoon at her lips. “That’s not what I said.”
“It sounds like that’s what you’re implying.” That spoons slips into her mouth and she licks it clean before she responds. The entire time I’m thinking increasingly dirty thoughts about that tongue of hers.
She flounders a little. “It’s not like I was at some seedy bar with seedy douches. It was an engagement party.”
“So that makes me better somehow?”
“Are you always this antagonistic?”
She throws up her hands. “You kissed me. You smelled good and you’re good with your tongue so I went with it. Stop judging me.”
“I’m not judging, I’m just asking. So on top of being incredibly attractive and smelling good I’m also an excellent kisser.”
“I never said excellent, you added your own adjective. And if you keep talking about how attractive you are you’ll go from a ten to a nine pretty fast.”
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She taps the arm of her chair and regards me for a few seconds. “So . . . that woman you were with at the engagement party, I’m guessing she’s not your girlfriend or anything? I don’t need to worry about her freaking out because another woman is living in your condo?”
“You mean Brittany? Uh, no. She’s definitely not my girlfriend.”
“Good to know.”
“With all the travel a girlfriend hasn’t been all that practical.”
She cocks her head. “What do you mean?”
“When I played professional rugby I was on the road a lot. And now it seems like I’ll be on the road more than I anticipated. At least for a while. It makes it difficult to get involved.”
“Ah. I understand. Theater is challenging like that, too. The hours are odd since performances are typically in the evenings and on the weekends. Unless you’re dating another actor it’s not very practical.” She dips her spoon in her dessert again. “So that Brittany chick was just meant to be a hookup then?”
I’m sure Brittany would’ve been good with the hookup part, but I don’t mention that to Ruby. “I went out with her as a favor.”
She grimaces. “Wow, that’s some favor.”
“She’s not that bad.” I’m not sure why I’m defending Brittany, other than it seems to irritate Ruby.
“She called me a slut!”
“Well, you were kissing me, so . . .” I have to bite back the smile at her incredulity.
She points her spoon at me, her annoyance clear. “You kissed me.”
I shift an arm behind my head. “You didn’t put up much of a fight.”
Her mouth drops open and snaps shut just as quickly. It’s the same reaction I got out of her the other day when I brought the same thing up at the restaurant. Her eyes narrow into slits. I bet she’s a real firecracker when she’s angry. I sort of want to push her buttons just to see what happens when she goes off. I bet angry fucking with her would be incredible. I wonder if she’s a hair puller, or a biter, or a scratcher. Wow. That got dirty fast.
She narrows her eyes. “We are not talking about this.”
“About you kissing me back? I wasn’t going to bring it up, but now that we’re on the subject—”
“Consider it un-brought-up.” Her cheeks flush.
I can’t help myself. I keep pushing. “No way. You as much as admitted that you kissed me back, right there. You opened the door. I’m walking through it. Why would you kiss a complete stranger?”
“I said I wasn’t talking about this.” The pink in her cheeks rises to the tips of her ears.
This is way too much fun. She’s got one hell of an angry glare going on. “I’m leaving you in my house for more than a month, alone. I need to be certain you have sound judgment.”
“I’ll have you know my judgment is usually very sound. However, when an incredibly attractive man surprises me with his tongue in my mouth, the most logical response is to kiss back.”
“You think I’m incredibly attractive?”
She rolls her eyes. “Of course that’s the part you choose to focus on. You see yourself in the mirror every day. You can’t tell me you don’t know you’re nice to look at. I’m just stating a fact.”
My ego inflates a little at this. I know I’m not unattractive, but my nose has been broken a couple of times, and there’s a bump I can’t ever get rid of without plastic surgery. I’ve had knee surgery and I’m not great under anesthetic, so I’d prefer to avoid that scenario. I also have a few small facial scars from playing rugby all those years, which, in the environment I grew up in, takes me down a few points on the desirability scale. Not that I give a fuck. It’s my mother who seems to be worried about it, as she does about every line and gray hair. It’s a blessing I don’t have any sisters.
"I see. So you’re telling me if any incredibly attractive man did what I did, you’d respond the exact same way.”
“Now you’re generalizing. It’s circumstantial.”
“What do you mean by circumstantial?”
“Well, I guess I assumed you had to be a guest at the engagement party.”
“So that made it okay to kiss a stranger? Because we were attending the same event?”
She pauses with her spoon at her lips. “That’s not what I said.”
“It sounds like that’s what you’re implying.” That spoons slips into her mouth and she licks it clean before she responds. The entire time I’m thinking increasingly dirty thoughts about that tongue of hers.
She flounders a little. “It’s not like I was at some seedy bar with seedy douches. It was an engagement party.”
“So that makes me better somehow?”
“Are you always this antagonistic?”
She throws up her hands. “You kissed me. You smelled good and you’re good with your tongue so I went with it. Stop judging me.”
“I’m not judging, I’m just asking. So on top of being incredibly attractive and smelling good I’m also an excellent kisser.”
“I never said excellent, you added your own adjective. And if you keep talking about how attractive you are you’ll go from a ten to a nine pretty fast.”
Preorder this sexy:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2i7RiBV
PRINT: http://amzn.to/2jt15zN
Nook: http://bit.ly/2j60eqA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2j0Yug3
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ifH11F
May 22, 2017
I am a complete die-hard Hunting fan. This book was so genuinely unique and fun; her characters were fresh, genuine, and likable. I loved so much how this story had the signature fun aspects Hunting's writing (a little snark, a lot comedy, and even more HOT), but was a completely new line of imagination for her.
And let's talk about names - Bancroft (Bane), Lexington, and Griffen. Drool...seriously, drool. I love how she names her men, how she makes them a perfect blend of sweet, perv, and assertive. And Bancroft with his love of animals, socks, and sleeping naked? Yeah, I love him. A lot.
Ruby was a wonderful character. She was a little reckless, truly driven to achieve her dreams, and just a plain awesome girl. Come on, her decision of where to sleep showed she has lady balls.
I devoured this book in under 12 hours because I just couldn't put it down. It's an EXTREME hit in my book and I hope she writes about Bane's brothers because I know I would inhale them, too!
And let's talk about names - Bancroft (Bane), Lexington, and Griffen. Drool...seriously, drool. I love how she names her men, how she makes them a perfect blend of sweet, perv, and assertive. And Bancroft with his love of animals, socks, and sleeping naked? Yeah, I love him. A lot.
Ruby was a wonderful character. She was a little reckless, truly driven to achieve her dreams, and just a plain awesome girl. Come on, her decision of where to sleep showed she has lady balls.
I devoured this book in under 12 hours because I just couldn't put it down. It's an EXTREME hit in my book and I hope she writes about Bane's brothers because I know I would inhale them, too!
March 30, 2020
Helena's done it again. Loved this book so much! Ruby and her personality were hilarious. She quickly became my second favorite female character. I haven't laughed this much since Violet from Pucked (who happens to actually be my favorite female character). And Bane, sizzling hotness that he is, has become one of my top five of my book boyfriends. Oh umm, I mean my favorite male characters.. ahem, anyway. The story flowed so well and was so well written that I didn't want to put it down at all! One of my favorite books this year. Actually no, one of my favorite books ever. I can't wait to see what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 31, 2017
All the stars!
My blurb-sense, blurb-dar, whatever you want to call it, told me this book was going to be amazing. And then I read the book, and basically ate it up. I started it thinking I'd read a chapter before going to bed at 12:30 AM, and then the next thing I knew it was 3:45 in the morning and the book was over. But I was still swooning over Bancroft Mills and Ruby Scott. Even now when I think about this book, I feel like the heart-eye emoji.
Helena Hunting is well known for her writing. She can do funny, angsty, and passion separately, or all together. She never fails to connect me to her characters and that means I fall into the story. It's like I'm there. And her dialogue is on point. I mean it's witty and funny and so evocative. It has the capability to make you laugh. I mean it was the middle of the night and everything was quiet and I was laughing out loud so hard I had tears in my eyes. Even thinking about the particular scene that gave me belly laughs has me grinning ear to ear.
Ruby and Bancroft are so endearing! I can totally relate to Ruby and her germaphobia and the fact she wants to succeed on her own. She, like I, can rough it when absolutely necessary. And Bancroft he's got a heart of gold. I mean yes he's a former rugby player and out of this world hot and wealthy,but the man behind all his physical attributes is beyond admirable. I loved his personality.
Put the two of them together in a room, or even on the phone, and sparks are flying everywhere. It's a miracle neither I nor my kindle combusted while reading, because they were so freakin' hot! I mean intense chemistry is an understatement! And I thought I was going to come out of my skin when they finally did something. This is a truly one of the hottest slow burn books I've ever read. I mean I am so glad I was wearing a pantyliner because I swear if I hadn't, I would've left a wet spot on my bed. That's how freaking hot this book is.
And I was a hot mess the next day. I could barely function I was so tired and coffee didn't help much. But I got through my day and looking back, it was worth it. I am, and always will be a huge fan of Helena Hunting. Her talent and writing blows my mind. I sincerely hope this stand alone becomes a series. As much as I love Ruby and Bancroft, I am hoping her best friend Amie gets her own HEA, because her fiance Armstrong is an ass. Plus I'd love to get more Ruby and Bancroft. I'll take them any way I can get them. And one last thing. If this book doesn't hit the best sellers lists, something is seriously wrong. This book has it all. Read it and find out for yourself!
My blurb-sense, blurb-dar, whatever you want to call it, told me this book was going to be amazing. And then I read the book, and basically ate it up. I started it thinking I'd read a chapter before going to bed at 12:30 AM, and then the next thing I knew it was 3:45 in the morning and the book was over. But I was still swooning over Bancroft Mills and Ruby Scott. Even now when I think about this book, I feel like the heart-eye emoji.
Helena Hunting is well known for her writing. She can do funny, angsty, and passion separately, or all together. She never fails to connect me to her characters and that means I fall into the story. It's like I'm there. And her dialogue is on point. I mean it's witty and funny and so evocative. It has the capability to make you laugh. I mean it was the middle of the night and everything was quiet and I was laughing out loud so hard I had tears in my eyes. Even thinking about the particular scene that gave me belly laughs has me grinning ear to ear.
Ruby and Bancroft are so endearing! I can totally relate to Ruby and her germaphobia and the fact she wants to succeed on her own. She, like I, can rough it when absolutely necessary. And Bancroft he's got a heart of gold. I mean yes he's a former rugby player and out of this world hot and wealthy,but the man behind all his physical attributes is beyond admirable. I loved his personality.
Put the two of them together in a room, or even on the phone, and sparks are flying everywhere. It's a miracle neither I nor my kindle combusted while reading, because they were so freakin' hot! I mean intense chemistry is an understatement! And I thought I was going to come out of my skin when they finally did something. This is a truly one of the hottest slow burn books I've ever read. I mean I am so glad I was wearing a pantyliner because I swear if I hadn't, I would've left a wet spot on my bed. That's how freaking hot this book is.
And I was a hot mess the next day. I could barely function I was so tired and coffee didn't help much. But I got through my day and looking back, it was worth it. I am, and always will be a huge fan of Helena Hunting. Her talent and writing blows my mind. I sincerely hope this stand alone becomes a series. As much as I love Ruby and Bancroft, I am hoping her best friend Amie gets her own HEA, because her fiance Armstrong is an ass. Plus I'd love to get more Ruby and Bancroft. I'll take them any way I can get them. And one last thing. If this book doesn't hit the best sellers lists, something is seriously wrong. This book has it all. Read it and find out for yourself!
April 11, 2017
I've got "the feels".... you know, the feels you get when you finish reading a book that had you laughing, feeling the tension and heat of the characters, a book that really just gets under your skin in the best of ways. That was this book by Helena Hunting. I admit that she is a one-click author for me. If she writes it, I will buy it! She's written comedy, she's done angst, and this book shows that she's more than just Pucked and Clipped Wings.
I loved Ruby and Bancroft! These are very memorable characters and they will stay with me for some time. In fact, they rank up there with my favorite couples. I could really identify with Ruby on many levels. In spite of her bad luck, she's still pretty optimistic and wants to hold her own in the world. She's very determined to stand on her own two feet, and despite her setbacks she does what she needs to do in order to stand on those feet. Bancroft is a seriously sexy piece of man. He's confident, a little cocky, and has swagger for days. A man that loves animals to boot, swoon! My kind of leading man!
I don't want to reveal too much, but I can say that this author knows how to build sexual tension. When Ruby and Bancroft finally gave in to their passion, I could literally feel the fireworks, volcanoes exploded, the ocean crested over. Man oh man!
For fans that have read her previous books, this book is more like Pucked - in the sense that it's a romantic comedy with little angst. If you like your heroines a bit sassy with a side of neurotic, and your men hot with scorching swagger, this book is for you. There were lots of laugh out loud moments. I give Shacking Up 5 stars out of 5 stars.
I loved Ruby and Bancroft! These are very memorable characters and they will stay with me for some time. In fact, they rank up there with my favorite couples. I could really identify with Ruby on many levels. In spite of her bad luck, she's still pretty optimistic and wants to hold her own in the world. She's very determined to stand on her own two feet, and despite her setbacks she does what she needs to do in order to stand on those feet. Bancroft is a seriously sexy piece of man. He's confident, a little cocky, and has swagger for days. A man that loves animals to boot, swoon! My kind of leading man!
I don't want to reveal too much, but I can say that this author knows how to build sexual tension. When Ruby and Bancroft finally gave in to their passion, I could literally feel the fireworks, volcanoes exploded, the ocean crested over. Man oh man!
For fans that have read her previous books, this book is more like Pucked - in the sense that it's a romantic comedy with little angst. If you like your heroines a bit sassy with a side of neurotic, and your men hot with scorching swagger, this book is for you. There were lots of laugh out loud moments. I give Shacking Up 5 stars out of 5 stars.
June 1, 2017
Shacking Up is the sexy and hilarious story of Ruby and Bancroft <3
Ruby’s dream is to be on Broadway and she pursued her dream no matter whether her father supported her or not. Despite her talent, she’s had a rough time in her career and now she’s about to be homeless, but her best friend came to the rescue by getting her a pet-sitting job with her fiancé’s cousin, who happened to be the sexy stranger who gave her the most sensual kiss in the world the night before.
Bancroft is a former rugby player—drooling all over my kindle while reading, gimme now—who is now working in his family business. It was supposed to be a simple kinda job, which wouldn’t include to travel...much. But now he’s forced to leave his exotic pets in hands of a stranger to take care of them for a long month. But…. she wasn’t a stranger, not completely. They met the night before when he kissed her by mistake. But Oh. Boy. What a mistake!
I loved everything in this book. The pets, firstly. LOVE LOVE LOVE Francesca! I want a ferret!! OMG Super cute!!! I also loved how their relationship transformed from an employer-employee one to a friendship and then to something more, I loved how supportive they were to each other about their jobs… well kinda… there was a little drama about this subject, but it was great too, and of course I loved the ending. It was amazing.
Helena Hunting always writes the best books!! :) She can create the best stories, best characters, best hilarious scenarios ever and I can’t get enough of it. <3
Shacking Up is a 100% recommended read for all the romantic comedy readers.
June 5, 2017
4 stars!!!
Shacking Up was a heck of a lot of fun to read! Helena Hunting always makes me laugh, and this book was no exception. A great slow burn romance that was funny, swoony, and sexy!
Ruby is an actress. She comes from a family with money, but unless she works at the family business (which she has no interest in doing) she’s basically cut off financially. She’s in a bit of a pickle right now, not knowing when her next job will come and being behind on her bills… her friend may have an opportunity for her. A pet/house sitting gig that could give her time to find a job and a place to live.
Bane is out of the country for five weeks, but trusts Ruby to take care of his most precious pets. They have five weeks of fun and flirting over the phone and video chat. Five weeks that make you fall in love with this couple! Ruby was such a fun heroine. I loved how determined she was to make it on her own. And Bancroft. Oh Bane… he was pretty darn perfect.
I loved how this story came together at the end, I only wish we got more time with the couple as an actual couple. Overall, Shacking Up is a seriously entertaining, light-hearted romance I devoured. I definitely recommend for anyone looking for a fresh and fun read!
Shacking Up was a heck of a lot of fun to read! Helena Hunting always makes me laugh, and this book was no exception. A great slow burn romance that was funny, swoony, and sexy!
Ruby is an actress. She comes from a family with money, but unless she works at the family business (which she has no interest in doing) she’s basically cut off financially. She’s in a bit of a pickle right now, not knowing when her next job will come and being behind on her bills… her friend may have an opportunity for her. A pet/house sitting gig that could give her time to find a job and a place to live.
“Did you kiss him back?”The way Ruby and Bancroft meet was nothing short of hilarious. When she officially ‘meets’ Bane, and realizes he is the guy from the party who kissed her (and got her sick) things become interesting.
I shrug.
“You didn’t even know who he was!”
“I was caught off guard. He’s a good kisser. And have you seen him? That man could revive a corpse with his hotness.”
“Sometimes you’re very creepy, you know that?”
Bane is out of the country for five weeks, but trusts Ruby to take care of his most precious pets. They have five weeks of fun and flirting over the phone and video chat. Five weeks that make you fall in love with this couple! Ruby was such a fun heroine. I loved how determined she was to make it on her own. And Bancroft. Oh Bane… he was pretty darn perfect.
I loved how this story came together at the end, I only wish we got more time with the couple as an actual couple. Overall, Shacking Up is a seriously entertaining, light-hearted romance I devoured. I definitely recommend for anyone looking for a fresh and fun read!
May 24, 2017
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I scan his naked body, wishing like hell for a photographic memory, because his body is a gift from the heavens. And that erection is magnificent.
SHACKING UP, the latest romantic comedy by Helena Hunting is guaranteed to be her next huge hit! It’s packed with Hunting’s signature brand of humor and is delectably schmexy! There’s a reason why she is one of my top favorite authors. I never doubt that when I pick up one of her books that I am going to be taken on a wildly fun and insanely comical journey. I not only have another book to add to my favorites shelf, but I also have another book boyfriend who took a piece of my heart. I’m pretty sure Bancroft Mills will be melting plenty of hearts and panties once this book is released!
Ruby Scott is an aspiring actress who has been living in New York City since graduating from college. She’s struggling to make ends meet but determined to get a role in a Broadway or Off-Broadway show because the alternative would be a living nightmare. Her father is a Billionaire who owns a highly successful pharmaceutical company whose wonder drug helps men with erectile dysfunction. He has frowned upon Ruby’s career choice and has asked her time and again to come back home to Rhode Island where he will set her up with a job in the family business. This is not an option for Ruby as she wants to make it on her own, doing something that she loves more than life.
Ruby comes from money but she finds it hard to relate to people who run in those high society social circles. She’s vivacious and tends to say what’s on her mind at any given moment. She literally has no filter. Her luck has recently taken a turn for the worse when she ends up in a passionate kiss with one seriously gorgeous stranger at an engagement party. It was a case of mistaken identity due to poor lighting outside the bathroom and the guy was high on cold medicine because he was battling a nasty case of the flu. She ends up getting violently ill the next morning and utterly bombs during her audition for an off-off Broadway play. Not only does this make her financial situation even more dire, but she’s also served an eviction notice for being delinquent on her rent for the past three months. Ruby is about to lose all hope when her Bestie tells her about her Fiance’s cousin who is going to be out of the country for five months and needs someone to babysit his pets. She thinks that he would be willing to let Ruby house sit for him as well. When Ruby gets invited to dinner with her Bestie who is meeting her Fiance and his cousin, she couldn’t be more surprised to see the handsome stranger who gave her the most amazing kiss of her life as well as the nastiest case of the flu.
Bancroft Mills is an ex-professional rugby player and heir to a huge hotel chain. He hasn’t lived in New York for several years and now he’s looking to learn the family business and keep permanent residence in NYC. He is pleasantly surprised when he crosses paths with the beautiful girl he shared that unforgettable kiss with. He’s also beyond remorseful when he learns of her predicament due to the fact that he gave her the flu. Bane asks Ruby to house sit and care for his furry friends while he’s away in London. He helps her move in the next day and the two become roommates for a few days before his trip. It becomes apparent rather quickly that Ruby and Bane are wildly attracted to each other and keeping things platonic is one of the biggest challenges they’ve ever had to face. Somehow they manage to keep their libidos in check but over the next five months their sexy flirting over texts and facetime ends up building a close relationship between them and the possibility of things turning serious is thrilling and a bit scary as well. Ruby wants to be with Bane but not while she’s living in his condo and is receiving a salary from him for taking care of his fur babies. She’s very independent and refuses to let any man take care of her.
Will these two be able to work out their housing and employment issues or will an unfortunate misunderstanding between Ruby and Bane end up tearing the couple apart?
This was honestly such an incredibly enjoyable read for me. I love it when a book can transport me to another world and during that short period, the stress and monotony of everyday life are forgotten. Helena Hunting’s books always take me to my happy place.
SHACKING UP releases on May 30th! Mark your calendars and make sure you one-click!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2i7RiBV
PRINT: http://amzn.to/2jt15zN
Nook: http://bit.ly/2j60eqA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2j0Yug3
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ifH11F
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I scan his naked body, wishing like hell for a photographic memory, because his body is a gift from the heavens. And that erection is magnificent.
SHACKING UP, the latest romantic comedy by Helena Hunting is guaranteed to be her next huge hit! It’s packed with Hunting’s signature brand of humor and is delectably schmexy! There’s a reason why she is one of my top favorite authors. I never doubt that when I pick up one of her books that I am going to be taken on a wildly fun and insanely comical journey. I not only have another book to add to my favorites shelf, but I also have another book boyfriend who took a piece of my heart. I’m pretty sure Bancroft Mills will be melting plenty of hearts and panties once this book is released!
Ruby Scott is an aspiring actress who has been living in New York City since graduating from college. She’s struggling to make ends meet but determined to get a role in a Broadway or Off-Broadway show because the alternative would be a living nightmare. Her father is a Billionaire who owns a highly successful pharmaceutical company whose wonder drug helps men with erectile dysfunction. He has frowned upon Ruby’s career choice and has asked her time and again to come back home to Rhode Island where he will set her up with a job in the family business. This is not an option for Ruby as she wants to make it on her own, doing something that she loves more than life.
Ruby comes from money but she finds it hard to relate to people who run in those high society social circles. She’s vivacious and tends to say what’s on her mind at any given moment. She literally has no filter. Her luck has recently taken a turn for the worse when she ends up in a passionate kiss with one seriously gorgeous stranger at an engagement party. It was a case of mistaken identity due to poor lighting outside the bathroom and the guy was high on cold medicine because he was battling a nasty case of the flu. She ends up getting violently ill the next morning and utterly bombs during her audition for an off-off Broadway play. Not only does this make her financial situation even more dire, but she’s also served an eviction notice for being delinquent on her rent for the past three months. Ruby is about to lose all hope when her Bestie tells her about her Fiance’s cousin who is going to be out of the country for five months and needs someone to babysit his pets. She thinks that he would be willing to let Ruby house sit for him as well. When Ruby gets invited to dinner with her Bestie who is meeting her Fiance and his cousin, she couldn’t be more surprised to see the handsome stranger who gave her the most amazing kiss of her life as well as the nastiest case of the flu.
Bancroft Mills is an ex-professional rugby player and heir to a huge hotel chain. He hasn’t lived in New York for several years and now he’s looking to learn the family business and keep permanent residence in NYC. He is pleasantly surprised when he crosses paths with the beautiful girl he shared that unforgettable kiss with. He’s also beyond remorseful when he learns of her predicament due to the fact that he gave her the flu. Bane asks Ruby to house sit and care for his furry friends while he’s away in London. He helps her move in the next day and the two become roommates for a few days before his trip. It becomes apparent rather quickly that Ruby and Bane are wildly attracted to each other and keeping things platonic is one of the biggest challenges they’ve ever had to face. Somehow they manage to keep their libidos in check but over the next five months their sexy flirting over texts and facetime ends up building a close relationship between them and the possibility of things turning serious is thrilling and a bit scary as well. Ruby wants to be with Bane but not while she’s living in his condo and is receiving a salary from him for taking care of his fur babies. She’s very independent and refuses to let any man take care of her.
Will these two be able to work out their housing and employment issues or will an unfortunate misunderstanding between Ruby and Bane end up tearing the couple apart?
This was honestly such an incredibly enjoyable read for me. I love it when a book can transport me to another world and during that short period, the stress and monotony of everyday life are forgotten. Helena Hunting’s books always take me to my happy place.
SHACKING UP releases on May 30th! Mark your calendars and make sure you one-click!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2i7RiBV
PRINT: http://amzn.to/2jt15zN
Nook: http://bit.ly/2j60eqA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2j0Yug3
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ifH11F
May 25, 2017
4 STARS
Girl, you tell NO lie. Bancroft "Bane" Mills was a whole different level of hotness and I'd lick the hell out of him....erm...LIKE. LIKE. I mean like the hell out of him. OK. No. I didn't. But whatever. Moving on.
Every time I pick up a book with a ridiculously hot cover, I'm always extra nervous. Is the story going to live up to the cover? Is it going to overwhelmed by too much sex with a hot half nekkid dude on the cover. Yes, I just asked that. Quit giving me the stink eye. Even us perverts have standards. For the most part. Anyway. Moving on again.
I'm happy to report that the story was even better than the cover, and that cover is pretty freaking spectacular. It's full of zingers, hilarious banter, slow burn romance, adorable pets, and awesome chemistry.
Ruby is determined to make her dream of starring on broadway happen. But being a triple threat and the daughter to the man running a pharmaceutical empire hasn't given her a boost. She walked away from everything to chase her dreams, even her father's financial support. Everything is riding on her making the audition the next day...until a sexy, drunken and sick stranger proceeds to kiss her and sneeze on her, effectively infecting her with the flu from hell.
When Ruby realizes that the sexy stranger is none other than her best friend's finance's cousin, uber rich, ex Rugby superstar Bancroft Mills, she's not exactly thrilled. But she's also now homeless with no roles in prospect and no job, and Bane happens to have her solution in his very sexy hands; move into his apartment to take care of his pets while he's away on a business trip. Sounds simple, right? Until their shacking up leads into an unlikely friendship with a heavy underlying of sexual chemistry that's so thick, it's practically suffocating. Add into the mix Tiny the tarantula and an adorable ferret, an it's a recipe for a laugh out loud romance.
I love a good slow burn and the one here was perfection. Ruby and Bane's relationship goes from texts to FaceTime to something much, much more...
With just the perfect amount of steam, Shacking Up was a laugh out loud, feel good romance sure to put a goofy smile on your face and a swoon in your heart. Helena Hunting effortlessly mixes humor with undeniable chemistry and endearing characters to create one delicious story that enjoyed from cover to cover.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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This man is like a nuclear bomb of sexy, just waiting to go off. I’m honestly surprised women aren’t super-gluing themselves to his body like in one of those men’s spray deodorant commercials. He may actually need women repellent.
Girl, you tell NO lie. Bancroft "Bane" Mills was a whole different level of hotness and I'd lick the hell out of him....erm...LIKE. LIKE. I mean like the hell out of him. OK. No. I didn't. But whatever. Moving on.
Every time I pick up a book with a ridiculously hot cover, I'm always extra nervous. Is the story going to live up to the cover? Is it going to overwhelmed by too much sex with a hot half nekkid dude on the cover. Yes, I just asked that. Quit giving me the stink eye. Even us perverts have standards. For the most part. Anyway. Moving on again.
I'm happy to report that the story was even better than the cover, and that cover is pretty freaking spectacular. It's full of zingers, hilarious banter, slow burn romance, adorable pets, and awesome chemistry.
I shrug.
“You didn’t even know who he was!”
“I was caught off guard. He’s a good kisser. And have you seen him? That man could revive a corpse with his hotness.”
“Sometimes you’re very creepy, you know that?”
Ruby is determined to make her dream of starring on broadway happen. But being a triple threat and the daughter to the man running a pharmaceutical empire hasn't given her a boost. She walked away from everything to chase her dreams, even her father's financial support. Everything is riding on her making the audition the next day...until a sexy, drunken and sick stranger proceeds to kiss her and sneeze on her, effectively infecting her with the flu from hell.
When Ruby realizes that the sexy stranger is none other than her best friend's finance's cousin, uber rich, ex Rugby superstar Bancroft Mills, she's not exactly thrilled. But she's also now homeless with no roles in prospect and no job, and Bane happens to have her solution in his very sexy hands; move into his apartment to take care of his pets while he's away on a business trip. Sounds simple, right? Until their shacking up leads into an unlikely friendship with a heavy underlying of sexual chemistry that's so thick, it's practically suffocating. Add into the mix Tiny the tarantula and an adorable ferret, an it's a recipe for a laugh out loud romance.
I love a good slow burn and the one here was perfection. Ruby and Bane's relationship goes from texts to FaceTime to something much, much more...
With just the perfect amount of steam, Shacking Up was a laugh out loud, feel good romance sure to put a goofy smile on your face and a swoon in your heart. Helena Hunting effortlessly mixes humor with undeniable chemistry and endearing characters to create one delicious story that enjoyed from cover to cover.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
May 19, 2017
This is one of those times that I look around at all these glowing 4 & 5 Star reviews and wonder to myself...
This book was SO slow (one accidental kiss at the beginning then NOTHING until 80% into the book) and SO boring I am pretty sure watching paint dry would have excited me more. The first 50% of this book covers TWO days...that's right people only TWO days. Then the hero has to leave the country for five weeks and isn't back until 75% into the book. Which wouldn't have been bad if I felt even a flicker of sexual tension between these characters. Alas "I" did not. We get A LOT of inner dialogue about how hot and sexy they think each other is. We get A LOT of talk about his damn pets. Ugh..ya..I am going to stop because I am clearly in the minority with my feelings so keep that in mind when making your decision on this one.
April 10, 2017
Ruby goes to her best friends sorta engagement party. She goes to the restroom and when she comes out she is kissed by Mr. Hot himself. She finds herself sorta kissing him back. Quit judging the girl. She had some alcohol. His date at the time..Whoreface is all ticked off because she was sure she was going to be hooking up with him. The thing is..he was sick and all doped up on some flu meds.
Ruby gets sick from kissing Mr. Awesome Kisser and ends up upchucking all over the director at her audition. So now she is faced with a few choices. She is losing her apartment so she can be homeless, go running back to her rich daddy, or try and snab a job at her besties fiance's buddy's house, house-sitting his pets.
You know who that is don't you? Yep, and he is a former Rugby playing rich kid too. BUT I will give these few characters something. They are pretty likeable. Ruby doesn't want to go to Daddy and will almost starve herself to keep from doing so and the hottie himself. (His name is Bancroft) is a pretty decent guy too. I likey.
Now I will admit..some of these characters, including the guy that her bestie is marrying are total douche heads.
I wanted to punch his face.
But I digress. Ruby gets the job of taking care of Bane's animals. Now I have the major wants of a new pet..thanks Ms. Author. My husband hates you now.
Ruby and Bane don't get the insta-love because he is leaving the country for five weeks and they do some video chatting that kinda had me wanting to mash their body parts together.
But noooo this sucker is a slow burn. They don't make the sexy time for a long time. BUT when it finally does happen...
So..I'm starring this one a four. That's pretty good in sexy time book. It had some funny parts (always a win) and two characters that I actually really liked.
I may actually start a new religion. The Church of Bane Cock.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
Ruby gets sick from kissing Mr. Awesome Kisser and ends up upchucking all over the director at her audition. So now she is faced with a few choices. She is losing her apartment so she can be homeless, go running back to her rich daddy, or try and snab a job at her besties fiance's buddy's house, house-sitting his pets.
You know who that is don't you? Yep, and he is a former Rugby playing rich kid too. BUT I will give these few characters something. They are pretty likeable. Ruby doesn't want to go to Daddy and will almost starve herself to keep from doing so and the hottie himself. (His name is Bancroft) is a pretty decent guy too. I likey.
Now I will admit..some of these characters, including the guy that her bestie is marrying are total douche heads.
I wanted to punch his face.
But I digress. Ruby gets the job of taking care of Bane's animals. Now I have the major wants of a new pet..thanks Ms. Author. My husband hates you now.
Ruby and Bane don't get the insta-love because he is leaving the country for five weeks and they do some video chatting that kinda had me wanting to mash their body parts together.
But noooo this sucker is a slow burn. They don't make the sexy time for a long time. BUT when it finally does happen...
So..I'm starring this one a four. That's pretty good in sexy time book. It had some funny parts (always a win) and two characters that I actually really liked.
I may actually start a new religion. The Church of Bane Cock.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
June 2, 2017
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::
WHAT A FUN BOOK!! I read this sexy, light-hearted romance in one sitting and it kept me laughing, swooning, and chuckling the whole way through! The writing was witty and addictive, the characters were compelling and endearing, the romance was hot, and the whole book was a joy to read!
So the whole story started when an unexpected - but memorably hot kiss - with a complete stranger at an overly stuffy engagement party led to the flu from hell, the worst audition of Ruby's life, and thusly no way to pay her rent. At that point, with her options closing, she was sure things couldn't possibly go more wrong...
But when a second encounter with said same sexy stranger led to a further unexpected offer to babysit his exotic pets while he was away on business for five week, it took her life down a path she couldn't have expected... including the undeniable sexual tension between her and the no-longer-stranger who, despite his flu-related transgressions, was quickly becoming her uncouth white knight.
Both Ruby and Bancroft came from wealthy families, but while she was trying to distance herself from that world and family by making her own way without their help or involvement, he was still involved in his family's company after retiring from a career of professional rugby. Usually someone within her family's world wouldn't appeal to her, but his down to earth attitude towards life drew her in. And the same could be said for how he saw her. She was a breath of fresh air in his life -- unprimped, uninterested in money, and not out to impress anyone, all she cared about was standing on her own two feet. His whole life had been filled with women throwing themselves at him but despite his sports star status and being such an eligible bachelor, in his own words, he "didn't leave a trail of fucked fans across the globe" so I really appreciated that he had every opportunity to be a manwhore, and yet he wasn't.
Despite being oceans apart for the first part of the book, I was pleasantly surprised that Ruby and Bancroft still shared sizzling chemistry, which of course led to the next big question. What would happen when he got home? Would they take their flirtations to the next level? Or part ways for good? HA! This is a romance so of course they take things to the next level... but reading their story was just such a fun experience and I just kept laughing and chuckling to myself over their banter and antics.
If you're a fan of romantic comedies, then this is definitely a book you'll want to read! It's well written, fun, sexy, swoony, and has a hero and heroine I couldn't help but fall in love with! This is definitely a new favorite :)
Rating: 4 - 4.5 stars! Contemporary Adult Romance. Can standalone
Buy SHACKING UP (Kindle)
Buy SHACKING UP (Paperback)
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“I feel like I should know your name already.”
… “Well you’ve had your tongue in my mouth.” Not really the best words, or the most appropriate ones, unfortunately.
“Do you know each other?” …
I wave a hand in his direction. “That’s Awesome Kisser… This is the guy who kissed me and then coughed in my face.”
WHAT A FUN BOOK!! I read this sexy, light-hearted romance in one sitting and it kept me laughing, swooning, and chuckling the whole way through! The writing was witty and addictive, the characters were compelling and endearing, the romance was hot, and the whole book was a joy to read!
So the whole story started when an unexpected - but memorably hot kiss - with a complete stranger at an overly stuffy engagement party led to the flu from hell, the worst audition of Ruby's life, and thusly no way to pay her rent. At that point, with her options closing, she was sure things couldn't possibly go more wrong...
But when a second encounter with said same sexy stranger led to a further unexpected offer to babysit his exotic pets while he was away on business for five week, it took her life down a path she couldn't have expected... including the undeniable sexual tension between her and the no-longer-stranger who, despite his flu-related transgressions, was quickly becoming her uncouth white knight.
“Do not laugh at me.”
He holds up his hands in mock surrender, his cheek ticking. “I guess it’s a good thing you didn’t wait until tomorrow to shower or you would’ve been stuck in there until the hot water ran out.”
“It was like being blasted by a volcano.”
“It’s not that hot. There’s a sensor that won’t let the temperature get too high. I’m not sure why you didn’t just run past the jets and save yourself, but I’ll take white knight status.”
“I have sensitive skin and I panicked.” I reply.
“Too bad you didn’t panic after you were naked. I didn’t even get to see anything good.”
My mouth drops. “So much for being a white knight.”
His grin widens. “I still saved you from my molten lava shower.”
“Only because you thought you were going to see me naked, apparently.”
His eyes drop again… “I can be a white knight with a dirty mind, can’t I?”
Both Ruby and Bancroft came from wealthy families, but while she was trying to distance herself from that world and family by making her own way without their help or involvement, he was still involved in his family's company after retiring from a career of professional rugby. Usually someone within her family's world wouldn't appeal to her, but his down to earth attitude towards life drew her in. And the same could be said for how he saw her. She was a breath of fresh air in his life -- unprimped, uninterested in money, and not out to impress anyone, all she cared about was standing on her own two feet. His whole life had been filled with women throwing themselves at him but despite his sports star status and being such an eligible bachelor, in his own words, he "didn't leave a trail of fucked fans across the globe" so I really appreciated that he had every opportunity to be a manwhore, and yet he wasn't.
Despite being oceans apart for the first part of the book, I was pleasantly surprised that Ruby and Bancroft still shared sizzling chemistry, which of course led to the next big question. What would happen when he got home? Would they take their flirtations to the next level? Or part ways for good? HA! This is a romance so of course they take things to the next level... but reading their story was just such a fun experience and I just kept laughing and chuckling to myself over their banter and antics.
“Are you always this antagonistic?” She throws up her hands. “You kissed me. You smelled good and you’re good with your tongue so I went with it. Stop judging me.”
“I’m not judging. I’m just asking. So on top of being incredibly attractive and smelling good, I’m also an excellent kisser.”
“I never said excellent, you added your own adjective. And if you keep talking about how attractive you are you’ll go from a ten to a nine pretty fast.”
“Oh? So I’m a ten?”
“You were an eleven before you started pushing this angle. That last question puts you at an eight-point-five.”
“I guess I should change the subject before I’m in the negative.”
“You just earned back half a point.”
“Maybe I should stop while I’m ahead, or less behind, anyways.”
“Good plan.”
If you're a fan of romantic comedies, then this is definitely a book you'll want to read! It's well written, fun, sexy, swoony, and has a hero and heroine I couldn't help but fall in love with! This is definitely a new favorite :)
Rating: 4 - 4.5 stars! Contemporary Adult Romance. Can standalone
Buy SHACKING UP (Kindle)
Buy SHACKING UP (Paperback)
__________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
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✦ Subscribe by email
November 28, 2017
➦Late to the party, can't read them all and all that... So, in preparation for Hooking Up I have grabbed this book on audio and got this month's healthy dose of Zach Webber. I can't help it, I love his voice.
➦No lengthy review here, just will say that it was a quick, sexy and funny read with a roommates trope. I loooove roommates trope and it will never get old. It was also rather slow burn - another thing I enjoy if done right. And it was, it really was.
➦Oh, and ferrets. Gotta be a fan of them. And if you're not you very well might be by the time you finish this book.
May 31, 2017
4 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Aspiring actress Ruby Scott attends her best friend’s engagement party without knowing she’ll end up making out with a hot stranger, but make out she did. It was one of the hottest kisses she’s ever had—and with one of the hottest men she’s ever made out with—but she couldn’t fantasize about it further because the hot stranger ends up contaminating her the very next day. The same day she has an audition and f*cks it up most epically.
So now, she’s broke and homeless. Knowing her wealthy father would force her to go back to their hometown, she doesn’t ask for help. It’s a good thing her best friend, Amalie has a gig for her—pet-sitting for her fiancé’s cousin.
Said cousin is none other than Bancroft Mills, a former rugby player turned hotelier. He's also the man who made out with Ruby and got her sick. He feels bad for somehow causing her misfortune so he offers her the house and pet-sitting job while he goes away for a few weeks. It's obvious they have a mutual attraction, but since Bane is in London, they couldn't do anything about it. But they form a good friendship/relationship as they get to know each other through the nightly calls and frequent text messages.
Bane and Ruby are two likable characters who are trying to do their best to achieve something in their lives. Bane wants to be a good businessman, and Ruby wants to become a successful actress. Both characters have face road blocks and criticism from people important to them, but it hasn't stopped them from doing what they want. I really liked that.
There's great banter (although a little juvenile at times), and wonderfully written UST. Ruby and Bane's sexual chemistry is palpable, even when they're apart. Plus, I loved seeing their friendship. I couldn't stop smiling at their text messages, video calls, and conversations.
I love books that feature pets, so to have two unconventional (or more unconventional than the usual dog, cat, hamster, fish, you know the usual pets) babies was quite the treat. Francesca was adorable!
Shacking Up is a standalone novel told in alternating POVs. Funny, raunchy, and a little bit of slow burn, this book is perfect for readers looking for a light, angst-free read.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Aspiring actress Ruby Scott attends her best friend’s engagement party without knowing she’ll end up making out with a hot stranger, but make out she did. It was one of the hottest kisses she’s ever had—and with one of the hottest men she’s ever made out with—but she couldn’t fantasize about it further because the hot stranger ends up contaminating her the very next day. The same day she has an audition and f*cks it up most epically.
So now, she’s broke and homeless. Knowing her wealthy father would force her to go back to their hometown, she doesn’t ask for help. It’s a good thing her best friend, Amalie has a gig for her—pet-sitting for her fiancé’s cousin.
Said cousin is none other than Bancroft Mills, a former rugby player turned hotelier. He's also the man who made out with Ruby and got her sick. He feels bad for somehow causing her misfortune so he offers her the house and pet-sitting job while he goes away for a few weeks. It's obvious they have a mutual attraction, but since Bane is in London, they couldn't do anything about it. But they form a good friendship/relationship as they get to know each other through the nightly calls and frequent text messages.
Bane and Ruby are two likable characters who are trying to do their best to achieve something in their lives. Bane wants to be a good businessman, and Ruby wants to become a successful actress. Both characters have face road blocks and criticism from people important to them, but it hasn't stopped them from doing what they want. I really liked that.
There's great banter (although a little juvenile at times), and wonderfully written UST. Ruby and Bane's sexual chemistry is palpable, even when they're apart. Plus, I loved seeing their friendship. I couldn't stop smiling at their text messages, video calls, and conversations.
I love books that feature pets, so to have two unconventional (or more unconventional than the usual dog, cat, hamster, fish, you know the usual pets) babies was quite the treat. Francesca was adorable!
Shacking Up is a standalone novel told in alternating POVs. Funny, raunchy, and a little bit of slow burn, this book is perfect for readers looking for a light, angst-free read.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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May 31, 2017
I'm rating this book 4.25 stars. So overall I had an enjoyable time reading this. I really liked the story and the journey the characters went on together and by themselves. I first want to say I didn't know what to expect in this read. Some people loved it and others hated it. Fortunately, I am one of the people who really really liked it. Based on the cover this diffidently wasn't the book I thought it was going to be. One of the things I loved about this book was the broke/poor to back on your feet aspect. It was real and made me like this book that much more. Two other aspects I loved about this book was the Broadway and burlesque aspects. The exotic pets were diffidently an added bonus also. The romantic and overall pace in this book was perfect. And i'm glad the characters had a slow build up to the "I love you's". The thing that really sold me on this book wasn't the characters it was the overall romance and life story of them. I do think this book is a little long for a contemporary romance. And I want to add that is the book was diffidently not a comedy or humorous. One of the things I want to add was that the book felt unfinished where Aime was concerned. And, I think that the coming soon standalone book "Hooking Up" is her story which I am very interested into reading. I would recommend this book for contemporary romance lovers and I will diffidently read more books by this author. <3
P.S. I got really into this book and ended up reading it all in one sitting. #LateNightReading
P.S. I got really into this book and ended up reading it all in one sitting. #LateNightReading
August 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
Shacking Up was cute, sexy, light, and hilarious. There was certainly an apparent chemistry between the characters but there were times when I just needed a moment to find a connection with the story.
The story started when Ruby Scott met a hot stranger named Bancroft Mills at her best friend Amalie's engagement party. He mistook her for someone and accidentally kissed her. Then he coughed at her face. Ruby didn't know that the kiss would lead her to a series of misfortune the next few days because she ended up with a cough that she got from him. Worse, she was even declined when she auditioned for a role because she couldn't even give her shot due to her condition. What's even worst was that she's already homeless and her dad was pressuring her to go back to their home and work for his business. Just when she wasn't looking forward to meeting the Bancroft again, Amalie suggested that she should take care of his pet in exchange for a temporary stay at his place while he's gone for a business trip.
When I first read the blurb, I was really into it. It sounds really funny and crazy. It didn't disappoint most of the time. However, there's just something that's missing here. I needed a stronger connection with the story. At times I was kind of bored with the over-descriptive narratives that were trying to stretch out the story in the hopes of bringing out a slow burn romance. There was also a lot of inner dialogues from Ruby that was getting repetitive and it was kind of annoying.
The thing that I loved about this book though was Bancroft's perfection and well, the sexy times. I also loved the relationship development between him and Ruby as well as Ruby's character development. Ruby was tough in her decisions to be independent of her dad and follow the career path of her choice and she really proved that she can make it in the end.
All in all, it was an okay and decent romance read. There was lacking, sure. But I believe fans of rom-coms will enjoy this book. Not Helena Hunting's best work so far but I'm looking forward to reading her other works.
Shacking Up was cute, sexy, light, and hilarious. There was certainly an apparent chemistry between the characters but there were times when I just needed a moment to find a connection with the story.
The story started when Ruby Scott met a hot stranger named Bancroft Mills at her best friend Amalie's engagement party. He mistook her for someone and accidentally kissed her. Then he coughed at her face. Ruby didn't know that the kiss would lead her to a series of misfortune the next few days because she ended up with a cough that she got from him. Worse, she was even declined when she auditioned for a role because she couldn't even give her shot due to her condition. What's even worst was that she's already homeless and her dad was pressuring her to go back to their home and work for his business. Just when she wasn't looking forward to meeting the Bancroft again, Amalie suggested that she should take care of his pet in exchange for a temporary stay at his place while he's gone for a business trip.
When I first read the blurb, I was really into it. It sounds really funny and crazy. It didn't disappoint most of the time. However, there's just something that's missing here. I needed a stronger connection with the story. At times I was kind of bored with the over-descriptive narratives that were trying to stretch out the story in the hopes of bringing out a slow burn romance. There was also a lot of inner dialogues from Ruby that was getting repetitive and it was kind of annoying.
The thing that I loved about this book though was Bancroft's perfection and well, the sexy times. I also loved the relationship development between him and Ruby as well as Ruby's character development. Ruby was tough in her decisions to be independent of her dad and follow the career path of her choice and she really proved that she can make it in the end.
All in all, it was an okay and decent romance read. There was lacking, sure. But I believe fans of rom-coms will enjoy this book. Not Helena Hunting's best work so far but I'm looking forward to reading her other works.
May 30, 2017
⭐⭐⭐3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
I LOVE Helena Hunting and her writing is always on point. Her ability to make you laugh while tugging on your emotional strings at the same time is what makes her unique and one of my favorites. But I really struggled with this one and no matter how hard I tried, these characters were the doing it for me.
Picture attending your best friend’s engagement party and on your way out from using the rest room, you’re being kissed by the hottest guy you’ve ever laid eyes on. But even though he’s hot, he does something that’s going to mess you up for the next week. That something is coughing on you and getting you ultimately sick which then makes you bomb your acting audition and then if that wasn’t bad enough, you learn you’re five days away from being homeless. Yea….. that’s bad luck all around.
After her best friend suggests that she house sits for her fiancés cousin, Ruby decides there’s no harm in that especially since the said cousin turned out to be the hot kisser who gave her a cold. Looking after two pets while trying to figure out your next job perspectives should be easy, but developing feelings for the pet owner? That’s more complicated.
As much as I loved the premise of this story, I just had a hard time connecting with everything. This was more of a slow burn and at times it got really boring and I just wanted a little more action. I think if you love low angst reads with a slow burn, this will be the perfect read for you.
I LOVE Helena Hunting and her writing is always on point. Her ability to make you laugh while tugging on your emotional strings at the same time is what makes her unique and one of my favorites. But I really struggled with this one and no matter how hard I tried, these characters were the doing it for me.
Picture attending your best friend’s engagement party and on your way out from using the rest room, you’re being kissed by the hottest guy you’ve ever laid eyes on. But even though he’s hot, he does something that’s going to mess you up for the next week. That something is coughing on you and getting you ultimately sick which then makes you bomb your acting audition and then if that wasn’t bad enough, you learn you’re five days away from being homeless. Yea….. that’s bad luck all around.
After her best friend suggests that she house sits for her fiancés cousin, Ruby decides there’s no harm in that especially since the said cousin turned out to be the hot kisser who gave her a cold. Looking after two pets while trying to figure out your next job perspectives should be easy, but developing feelings for the pet owner? That’s more complicated.
As much as I loved the premise of this story, I just had a hard time connecting with everything. This was more of a slow burn and at times it got really boring and I just wanted a little more action. I think if you love low angst reads with a slow burn, this will be the perfect read for you.
Want to read
June 17, 2017
Live-in PET-SITTER?! Oh, I bet Bane has a big cock that needs petting… and sitting on! [le sigh]
Stand-alone.
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.
June 7, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
I'm showing my age...AGAIN!
Recently, I saw a post on Facebook where an author was questioning why readers hate the heroines so much. For me, there are a few reasons. First off, they're not me and I'm so bloody awesome there's no way the heroine would be as smart, beautiful or witty as me (fluttering my lashes coyly). Secondly, I'm old (42) and I've been there done that. A lot of the heroines I read in my books are just babies. They're still at the learning from their mistakes stage. There is usually some sort of alcohol involved, which results in bad decisions -or- a lack of money which leaves the heroine in dire straits and a touch of desperation.
I WANT TO SHAKE THEM!!
Well, Shacking Up wasn't bad but there were more than a few times that I was gritting my teeth and shaking my head. The heroine is stubborn, spoilt and silly. We have the old...I'm going to hit Broadway and be a superstar...storyline. Lucky for this little chickadee, she seems to just magically have all her problems fixed and everything fall into place. I mean, one minute she's homeless and destitute and the next she's living in a penthouse with an envelope full of money. But, who am I to complain? Obviously, I'm just plain old JEALOUS!! Why wasn't I that lucky when I was poor, young and silly?
Anyways...holy shamoly, I liked the hero...like, really like the hero. Hot, smart and successful. He was sweet and very swoon worthy. Look, if I was to find any fault with him, I'd probably say it was his blind obedience towards his family. I know there was a lot of guilt involved, but geez, there is no way I would obey just to keep the peace. I also thought his Dad was a bit of a jerk...and maybe even his brother too...and Mum too for that matter. People with money seem very self-absorbed and I can't say I liked them.
Oh well, I liked Shacking Up but there were times that I was feeling my age and VERY glad that I'm way past the stresses of career choices, budgets and balances and learning to be independent. While the sexy times were towards the end of the story, there was definitely a buzz of sexual tension flowing from the beginning to the end.
While not my favourite story by Helena Hunting it still made me laugh, blush and squirm so not a complete loss.
I'm showing my age...AGAIN!
Recently, I saw a post on Facebook where an author was questioning why readers hate the heroines so much. For me, there are a few reasons. First off, they're not me and I'm so bloody awesome there's no way the heroine would be as smart, beautiful or witty as me (fluttering my lashes coyly). Secondly, I'm old (42) and I've been there done that. A lot of the heroines I read in my books are just babies. They're still at the learning from their mistakes stage. There is usually some sort of alcohol involved, which results in bad decisions -or- a lack of money which leaves the heroine in dire straits and a touch of desperation.
I WANT TO SHAKE THEM!!
Well, Shacking Up wasn't bad but there were more than a few times that I was gritting my teeth and shaking my head. The heroine is stubborn, spoilt and silly. We have the old...I'm going to hit Broadway and be a superstar...storyline. Lucky for this little chickadee, she seems to just magically have all her problems fixed and everything fall into place. I mean, one minute she's homeless and destitute and the next she's living in a penthouse with an envelope full of money. But, who am I to complain? Obviously, I'm just plain old JEALOUS!! Why wasn't I that lucky when I was poor, young and silly?
Anyways...holy shamoly, I liked the hero...like, really like the hero. Hot, smart and successful. He was sweet and very swoon worthy. Look, if I was to find any fault with him, I'd probably say it was his blind obedience towards his family. I know there was a lot of guilt involved, but geez, there is no way I would obey just to keep the peace. I also thought his Dad was a bit of a jerk...and maybe even his brother too...and Mum too for that matter. People with money seem very self-absorbed and I can't say I liked them.
Oh well, I liked Shacking Up but there were times that I was feeling my age and VERY glad that I'm way past the stresses of career choices, budgets and balances and learning to be independent. While the sexy times were towards the end of the story, there was definitely a buzz of sexual tension flowing from the beginning to the end.
While not my favourite story by Helena Hunting it still made me laugh, blush and squirm so not a complete loss.
May 30, 2022
I found Helena Hunting’s voice completely hilarious. Ruby’s wealthy father wants her to give it up with the dream of the arts and come work for him and wife number who-knows-how-many at his pharmaceuticals firm. She’s in desperate need of a place to stay. She meets hunky guy Bancroft at a friend’s wedding dinner who happens to be high on a lot of cold medicine… and has a super-yucky sneeze in her face… tiny warning… this book is SUPER HILARIOUS and so cute, but not for the easily grossed out. But they have great chemistry, are super funny together, and he offers her a place to crash for a few weeks in exchange for some pet-sitting. If you are an animal lover, you will adore the ferret scenes. And the natural chemistry is fun to read.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
September 13, 2021
Fantastic!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 🖤💜🤎❤️💛
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📔📘
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌎
Character development: 👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏼🦰🧑🏼👩🏼🦱
The heroine: Ruby - comes from a wealthy family but is bucking the system of children of wealthy families going into their parents business after college. Ruby went to college and studied drama and is a triple threat. She can sing, dance and act. She is trying to make a career in New York though her father thinks she should stop the play acting and start to work for his company.
The Hero(es): Bancroft - also from a wealthy family, he played professional rugby for years until he had a knee injury and now works for his father’s lucrative Hotel business. He is different than a lot of his peers in that he doesn’t care about status. He drives a truck and has scars on his hands and knees from a life of playing ball.
The Story: Ruby wants nothing less than a wealthy guy like the ones she grew up with. Men of that world, like her father, think it is ok to get married and either cheat on the wife, or trade her in for a newer model once something better comes along, or both.
However, when Ruby is at her best friend’s engagement party after getting a bit tipsy, she is kissed thoroughly by a very hot but also very drunk guest whom she refer’s to as awesome kisser. Though after Bancroft kisses her he accidentally cough’s in her face as he has been sick for the past week and had to come to the party since he is a cousin to the groom and will be in the wedding.
Ruby who is out of work and behind on most of her bills is not happy to find out she will soon be kicked out of her apartment and gets deathly ill after awesome kisser coughed on her and then ran after his date whom he had thought he was kissing when he kissed Ruby.
This was another terrific example of Helena Hunting’s work. She has a great sense of humor and her books have a ton of steamy goodness as well. I have read a lot of her books this year and want to read (or listen to) everything she has written and all her new work as well.
Rose Dioro and Jacob Morgan do a terrific job with the narration. Jacob has the perfect voice for a romantic Hero and Rose is just awesome all around. She does great with the dirty thoughts that go through Ruby’s mind and just has a voice that is nice to listen to. I loved the abundance of dirty thoughts and dirty talk this couple have. This was an all around terrific experience and I wish more audiobooks would have as good narration as this one.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 🖤💜🤎❤️💛
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📔📘
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌎
Character development: 👱🏻♀️🧔🏻👩🏼🦰🧑🏼👩🏼🦱
The heroine: Ruby - comes from a wealthy family but is bucking the system of children of wealthy families going into their parents business after college. Ruby went to college and studied drama and is a triple threat. She can sing, dance and act. She is trying to make a career in New York though her father thinks she should stop the play acting and start to work for his company.
The Hero(es): Bancroft - also from a wealthy family, he played professional rugby for years until he had a knee injury and now works for his father’s lucrative Hotel business. He is different than a lot of his peers in that he doesn’t care about status. He drives a truck and has scars on his hands and knees from a life of playing ball.
The Story: Ruby wants nothing less than a wealthy guy like the ones she grew up with. Men of that world, like her father, think it is ok to get married and either cheat on the wife, or trade her in for a newer model once something better comes along, or both.
However, when Ruby is at her best friend’s engagement party after getting a bit tipsy, she is kissed thoroughly by a very hot but also very drunk guest whom she refer’s to as awesome kisser. Though after Bancroft kisses her he accidentally cough’s in her face as he has been sick for the past week and had to come to the party since he is a cousin to the groom and will be in the wedding.
Ruby who is out of work and behind on most of her bills is not happy to find out she will soon be kicked out of her apartment and gets deathly ill after awesome kisser coughed on her and then ran after his date whom he had thought he was kissing when he kissed Ruby.
This was another terrific example of Helena Hunting’s work. She has a great sense of humor and her books have a ton of steamy goodness as well. I have read a lot of her books this year and want to read (or listen to) everything she has written and all her new work as well.
Rose Dioro and Jacob Morgan do a terrific job with the narration. Jacob has the perfect voice for a romantic Hero and Rose is just awesome all around. She does great with the dirty thoughts that go through Ruby’s mind and just has a voice that is nice to listen to. I loved the abundance of dirty thoughts and dirty talk this couple have. This was an all around terrific experience and I wish more audiobooks would have as good narration as this one.
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June 7, 2021
Boring, next.
December 29, 2017
**2 STARS**
Very...very...very...slow.
480 pages of words that should have only been 280 pages.
...the...characters...acted...like...children.
Very...very...very...slow.
480 pages of words that should have only been 280 pages.
...the...characters...acted...like...children.
November 3, 2017
I requested Hooking Up not realising it was part of a series and while it can be read as a standalone I noticed a friend had started it then broken off and gone back and read this one first.
She felt this made Hooking Up more enjoyable and who am I to ignore good advice?
So thank you Wendy.
Ruby may come from money but she personally doesn’t have any and she’s struggling. Her father doesn’t approve of her choice of career and any financial help comes with huge strings.
Bancroft Mills is also from money but he’s done his own thing, he played rugby for years but now he’s back and getting himself established in the family business.
So Ruby has one drink Bancroft is up to the eyes on cold medication and so maybe that scotch wasn’t a good idea, they collide and kiss. A case of mistaken identity turns into wow that was some kiss.
Bancroft kisses and then coughs on her and then but a few hours later Ruby is struck down with flu.
I wasn’t sure about this early on, I mean that is some fast acting germs they have there.
But I figured since I was committed to the next book I may as well stick with this one and it turned out my friend was right we get a much better picture of Amie and Armstrong going in to their book but I’m curious as to why the lovely and genuine Amie is with someone like Armstrong hopefully all will be revealed.
Anyway back to Ruby and Bancroft, these two fall into an easy routine while he’s away and she’s looking after his pets but will everything be as easy when they’re face to face?
This turned out to a light enjoyable romantic read and now it’s straight onto Hooking Up for me now.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 30, 2017DNF
Another desperate girl, another "player".
I guess it was romantic that he thought she was OW as he kissed her.
Yeah, totally sexy.
He even chased this OW afterwards, coz he promised his mother he would at least try to date her.
I mean, this OW sent him a pic her sucking lollipop, so he wanted to get his well earned bj. Blah, blah, blah...
There was no bj. But she flashed him 😞.
Yeah, plus sl*t-shaming! Cool! 😬
But, and the main reason I stopped, he had a flu and she woke up next morning sick.
Sooooo, he kissed her and a couple hours later she was sick?
Anyone heard of incubation period for the flu virus? 😷
Another desperate girl, another "player".
I guess it was romantic that he thought she was OW as he kissed her.
Yeah, totally sexy.
He even chased this OW afterwards, coz he promised his mother he would at least try to date her.
I mean, this OW sent him a pic her sucking lollipop, so he wanted to get his well earned bj. Blah, blah, blah...
There was no bj. But she flashed him 😞.
Yeah, plus sl*t-shaming! Cool! 😬
But, and the main reason I stopped, he had a flu and she woke up next morning sick.
Sooooo, he kissed her and a couple hours later she was sick?
Anyone heard of incubation period for the flu virus? 😷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2018
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
What better time than Romance Week on Goodreads to finally post reviews for books I read months ago! Depending on time and if my cold meds kick in this might end up as a two-fer since I read both of the books in this series. I ended up reading them in reverse order too, because, ya know . . . .
The Usual Suspect is the person who turned me on to these when the second was up on NetGalley. She don’t read the pornies too good just like me so when she likes one I know I should probably snatch a copy as quickly as possible.
The story here is our h and H have their meet/cute at an engagement party. She’s trying to use the toilet, he’s a little doped up on cold meds, mistakes her for his date and decides to play some tonsil hockey before realizing his error. Fast-forward to her audition for a role that will keep her from losing her butt, where I bet you can guess what happens . . . .
Fast-forward version 2.0 where the engaged couple mentioned above has a potential opportunity for the h – petsitting for a friend while he’s out of the country. Which leads us to meet/cute version 2.0 because, you guessed it, the friend in question is none other than the H.
Okay okay, enough with the h and H mumbo jumbo. I’m not cut out for that. The leading male this time around is named . . . .
And who gives a fuck about the chick’s name, because I’m just here for the weiner! Nah, just kidding. Her name is Ruby. Ruby, man I love that song . . . .
If you’re looking for a lotta salami hiding, this might not be the selection for you, because you are DEFINITELY going to be asking . . . .
While you wait until the 75% mark. And I will say I was more than a little concerned with how my splooshfactory would react when what started out with . . . .
“His smirk is infuriating. I want to suck it right off his gorgeous face . . .”
Which had me like . . . .
Was followed by . . . .
“, with my lips, either set . . . .”
Which had me all . . . .
But luckily there ended up being nothing to worry about and the end result was . . . .
What better time than Romance Week on Goodreads to finally post reviews for books I read months ago! Depending on time and if my cold meds kick in this might end up as a two-fer since I read both of the books in this series. I ended up reading them in reverse order too, because, ya know . . . .
The Usual Suspect is the person who turned me on to these when the second was up on NetGalley. She don’t read the pornies too good just like me so when she likes one I know I should probably snatch a copy as quickly as possible.
The story here is our h and H have their meet/cute at an engagement party. She’s trying to use the toilet, he’s a little doped up on cold meds, mistakes her for his date and decides to play some tonsil hockey before realizing his error. Fast-forward to her audition for a role that will keep her from losing her butt, where I bet you can guess what happens . . . .
Fast-forward version 2.0 where the engaged couple mentioned above has a potential opportunity for the h – petsitting for a friend while he’s out of the country. Which leads us to meet/cute version 2.0 because, you guessed it, the friend in question is none other than the H.
Okay okay, enough with the h and H mumbo jumbo. I’m not cut out for that. The leading male this time around is named . . . .
And who gives a fuck about the chick’s name, because I’m just here for the weiner! Nah, just kidding. Her name is Ruby. Ruby, man I love that song . . . .
If you’re looking for a lotta salami hiding, this might not be the selection for you, because you are DEFINITELY going to be asking . . . .
While you wait until the 75% mark. And I will say I was more than a little concerned with how my splooshfactory would react when what started out with . . . .
“His smirk is infuriating. I want to suck it right off his gorgeous face . . .”
Which had me like . . . .
Was followed by . . . .
“, with my lips, either set . . . .”
Which had me all . . . .
But luckily there ended up being nothing to worry about and the end result was . . . .
May 30, 2017
Ruby grew up rich. But she's not rich anymore. Her family still is, but she's trying to make it on her own. She needs to get the theater job she's auditioning for in the morning, or she might just starve to death!
That's also why she's now stealing crab cakes at her best friend's engagement party.
And being at that party is also the reason she'll screw up tomorrow's audition.
She doesn't know it yet, but she'll be sick as a dog come morning.
And only because a high-on-scotch-and-cold-medicine Bancroft kissed the hell out of her - thinking - in the dark hallway - that she's his supermodel date! And if that wasn't enough to transfer all of his germs over to her - he then goes ahead and coughs into her face!!! LOL!
But Bane is a good guy and when he finds out that he's kinda responsible for Ruby being job and homeless, he's offering her a live-in pet-sitter position while he's on a business trip for five weeks!
Thus begins a 5-week-long courtship via videochat!
Those pets, btw., are not two little cats or dogs .... not even a hamster or a bowl of goldfish. ☺☺☺
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH RUBY & BANE?
WILL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
════════════════════════
Oy!!! This book was sooo adorable!
And sexy and funny! Jeeeeez - I loved it!
Ruby reminds us a lot of our favorite Pucked-lady with all her talk about female parts!!! LOL!
And Bancroft! Grrrrr - former rugby pro!
You start reading this book and you immediately feel good. It's like you're relaxing in a bathtub with a glass of wine or some ice cream and you watch this amazingly funny and sexy romantic comedy happening!
I laughed so much - might have fallen off the couch a few times!
But it's not all funny and ridiculous. We have some very serious moments - both Ruby and Bane have lots of family pressure and problems. And of course we also have those adorable moments with Bane and the pets and how he's so sweet with Ruby. And of course that sweetness is not all he has for Ruby!!! Those two are mega attracted to each other. PHEW!!!
The only tiiiiny little thing I didn't love about the book was one of Bane's pets! I'm sure she's a nice 'person' but I don't want her anywhere near me!!!! But we don't get to see her all that often ☺☺☺
Also, I expected a tiny little bit more sex! There's some sexy mega flirting and video-chatting going on, but the first actual sexy time doesn't happen until towards the end of the book :/ BUT - I still loved the story soo much!
SHACKING UP was the most adorable Romantic Comedy!!!! Hilarious, sweet, sexy! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Bancroft - this one is MINE!!!!
♡
♡
♡
♡
June 4, 2017
Wonderfully awkward, laugh out loud and slow burning romance. You can certainly spend a nice time with a smile on your face while reading this book.
About the plot: Ruby Scott is a mess and has trouble dealing with financial independence. As an aspiring dancer and actress on Broadway it's not easy to find a job for her. She also wants to prove to her father that she is able to make it in her own way. Her 'be or not to be' is another audition. But a night earlier at the friend's engagement party, she falls into hands of a handsome stranger who surprises her with a passionate kiss, which ends with ... the flu. Thus collapses audition.
Her friend comes to her rescue with a perfect solution. She have to take care of some guy's animals during his trips. Fate wanted the owner of the pets, Bancroft Mills, is the same guy who infected her. To compensate for her difficulties he offers her a place to live and work.
Fortunately or not, they both feel chemistry, but new work and housing problems can efficiently complicate the development of this attraction.
My thoughts: This is a really hilarious story. The heroine is AMAZING. Wonderfully awkward, her inner monologues, and what comes out of her mouth makes you laugh out loud. And her banter with Bane, just another kind of fun.
Better can only be that the hero is damn hot. He was the athlete who now develops his interest in the family business.I have moments of weakness for scenes with animals. And not just any animals. He has a tarantula and a ferret! Yes, a ferret! How awesome is that? His love for her softened my heart, SO CUTE.
Helena Hunting with this combination of hot and charming ruined me for the hero in the best way possibile. In general the characters are a very strong part of this story. They have a distinctive, individual personalities and burning hot chemistry with each other. It's dirty and so deliciously good.
So why four stars? The thing is that because of the situation in which they found themselves - a long distance - it a bit too slow developed. Although I may not be crazy about it, I still enjoy it a lot. It’s a very well built and awesome reading.
This is for you if you like: funny heroines, ex rugby players, laugh out loud moments, slow burn story, roommates situation, steamy scenes.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
About the plot: Ruby Scott is a mess and has trouble dealing with financial independence. As an aspiring dancer and actress on Broadway it's not easy to find a job for her. She also wants to prove to her father that she is able to make it in her own way. Her 'be or not to be' is another audition. But a night earlier at the friend's engagement party, she falls into hands of a handsome stranger who surprises her with a passionate kiss, which ends with ... the flu. Thus collapses audition.
“I’m crossing everything that it goes well tomorrow. I’d even cross my vagina lips if they hung low enough.”
Her friend comes to her rescue with a perfect solution. She have to take care of some guy's animals during his trips. Fate wanted the owner of the pets, Bancroft Mills, is the same guy who infected her. To compensate for her difficulties he offers her a place to live and work.
Fortunately or not, they both feel chemistry, but new work and housing problems can efficiently complicate the development of this attraction.
“This man is like a nuclear bomb of sexy, just waiting to go off. I’m honestly surprised women aren’t super-gluing themselves to his body like in one of those men’s spray deodorant commercials.”
My thoughts: This is a really hilarious story. The heroine is AMAZING. Wonderfully awkward, her inner monologues, and what comes out of her mouth makes you laugh out loud. And her banter with Bane, just another kind of fun.
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s not polite to ogle?”
His gaze lifts to mine and he leans in close, voice dropping to a whisper as if he’s about to tell me a secret. “I’m not always polite.”
Better can only be that the hero is damn hot. He was the athlete who now develops his interest in the family business.I have moments of weakness for scenes with animals. And not just any animals. He has a tarantula and a ferret! Yes, a ferret! How awesome is that? His love for her softened my heart, SO CUTE.
Helena Hunting with this combination of hot and charming ruined me for the hero in the best way possibile. In general the characters are a very strong part of this story. They have a distinctive, individual personalities and burning hot chemistry with each other. It's dirty and so deliciously good.
“See something you like?”
“I like the entire package, but the one inside those shorts wins all the awards.”
So why four stars? The thing is that because of the situation in which they found themselves - a long distance - it a bit too slow developed. Although I may not be crazy about it, I still enjoy it a lot. It’s a very well built and awesome reading.
This is for you if you like: funny heroines, ex rugby players, laugh out loud moments, slow burn story, roommates situation, steamy scenes.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
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