4.75

I would like to thank Netgalley and Swerve for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved, loved, loved this book…. I know no one says that anymore but I felt this deserved it. Ruby and Bane are pretty much cut from the same cloth. Both coming from rich families but wanting a life outside the family business. While it seems to back fire for Ruby and she’s cut off from her father, Bane ends up going to work for his father after his rugby days are over.

I like the fact that there wasn’t an instant love in this book. Instant attraction yes, but I liked that they took the time to get to know each other over the weeks that Ruby was house/pet sitting for Bane. The phone conversations were the best and you could totally see both Ruby and Bane being their true selves. Once they were face to face things were pretty awkward but over the phone you could see their wit, sarcasm and playfulness come out.

I’m hoping the next book that Amie dumps Armstrong and finds someone worthy of her. He is such a moron.

I have read the Pucked series by Helena Hunting so I was glad to see the humor that I have come to love in that series played out in this one.

Great read! Amazing characters with amazing chemistry! I’m definitely doing a reread!!

I will be suggesting this for the public library that I currently work for. We are trying to increase our Romance/Erotica section.

*** 3 stars ***

Shacking Up was a humorous read that was low on angst and high on sexual chemistry. There were some laugh out loud moments and lots of snarky banter, however the plot was very predictable and the amount of page time given to the ferret was a tad too much at times. I also felt like the characters were too generic and one dimensional, which kept me from becoming emotionally invested in them. This book was fun and entertaining, but will be easily forgotten.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I was lucky enough to be offered to read this ARC through Netgalley. I have actually never heard of this author before but the title, cover and blurb really drew me in. I hit the trifecta in the book world!

And now I find myself looking up all the other books by this author cause she writes my kind of romance. It was witty. It was clumsy and full of humor. It was a slow, simmering romance that also had some kinky sex scenes in it. You see what I mean?

I really liked Rubys’ character. She had a stubbornness that I could identify with. I totally get not wanting to rely on anyone to support myself. But there is a difference in making it on your own with support and being fully supported. And I think she was having a hard time figuring out which side she landed on at times. She had a great sense of humor rounding out her character. Along with a fierce sense of independence and penchant for looking for the silver lining of life. When life gives you lemons, you buy some fucking vodka to go with it, amIright?

And Bancroft! Oh dear lord, this man is the epitome of sexy. His alpha, millionaire manliness is physically attractive. But this man has layers, not just sexiness. His sensitivity shines through with his care for his pets. And his family values are clear as day with his willingness to compromise for them.

You know what? I think I’m gonna have to read this one again very soon. Highly recommend to anyone who reads contemporary romantic comedy.

This was my first read by Helena, definitely will not be my last. I love the writing style, witty humor, and the two main characters. I'm hoping he story comes out about her best friend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my honest review. I love Hunting's books. You always know that you are either going to get a good angsty, sexy read or a good funny, sexy read. This book fell into the latter category. I loved both Bane and Ruby. Their story is mostly told from Ruby's POV but a little of Bane was thrown in to give you some of his opinions and background. I had to suspend a little disbelief on the situation that threw them together long term-the actual shacking up lol but that was okay. I really liked some of the side characters-I'm curious about the Amie/Armstrong relationship and also what was going on with Lexington. Great, entertaining read, especially following kind of a downer of a book.

This was a fantastic, quick read. I really enjoyed the alternating viewpoints and watching these characters dancing their way towards and away from each other was a lot of fun.

Ruby Scott is absolutely out of luck. Sure the man that kissed her last night was gorgeous and lit her body up like a Christmas tree, but he also coughed on her face and gave her the worst flu ever. Sick as a dog, she gave the "exorcist" performance of a lifetime, during an audition for a number that should have been anything but scary. Now unemployed and nearly homeless, Ruby must figure out how to manage her bills and living situation or else go back home and work for her dad's latest wife. Bancroft Mills feels guilty about the part he played on Ruby's dilemma. Truth be told, he hasn’t stopped thinking about her since the kiss they shared, abate unintentional as it was. Seeing the opportunity to help her and secure a sitter for his pets, Bane is quick to offer her his place to stay while he travels on business. Shaking Up is a hilarious tale of unlikely roommates who are perfect for each other in everyway. Their situation forces them to get to know each other before their relationship moves forward. Their secrets and schedules however, will play a part at keeping them apart. A typical laugh out loud, sexy as all get out Helena Hunting romantic novel. I enjoyed it to bits and can't wait for the next one. Hopefully, about one of Bane's brothers or maybe of Amie…

4 Stars! These two get an inauspicious start with a germy kiss and a promising grope in a dark hallway. I couldn't help rooting for the heroine throughout the book and the hero is nearly too delicious for words. A hot, great guy. The pacing was a little slow for me, and descriptions of mundane stuff went on a bit too long, but I still kept picking it up to see what would happen with these two. No dumb misunderstanding ever went on too long, and the ending was just as it should be. I can't wait to read the next one!

Helena does it again with her wit and humor that I've come to love. Shacking Up was quite entertaining yet endearing as well. I couldn't stop cracking up and fanning myself over the characters and their banter and antics in this book -- though a bit toned down from her hockey series (which I loved).

5 Stars to Shacking Up by author Helena Hunting.
Cover: 5
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Read: April 9, 2017
POV: First-person dual
Standalone
Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy

I absolutely LOVED this book! Truth is, there isn't a Helena Hunting book that I didn't love. But of all of the ones I read, Shacking Up is my favorite.

Ruby and Bane.......

Both Ruby and Bane were great characters with great personalities and strong morals. When they became roommates, their chemistry flared hot. However, they kept their relationship platonic.

Until they couldn't.

Ruby is an out of work actress, but not for lack of trying. Also, Ruby has recently found herself nearly out of money and evicted from her apartment. She has nowhere to go. But that is by her choice because her other option is to go home and face her father as a failure. Ruby's father is wealthy. He does not support her choice of career and wants her back home where she will be forced to work for her his company.

When an opportunity arises for a live-in pet sitter, Ruby doesn't hesitate.

Well actually there is a tiny bit of apprehension. You see the mysterious man who drunk kisses her at a party days before is the same man in need of a pet sitter.

Bane is a former professional rugby player but now works for his father, a billionaire hotel magnate. Sometimes it's necessary for him to travel and be away from home for weeks at a time. This is why he needs someone to care for his 'precious' pets. Ok...I'm just going to say this now...I loved how Bane was with his pets. Total swoon worthy moment.

Even though Ruby and Bane are attracted to each other, they don't act on it. Not at first.
Ruby needs this job and a place to live until she can find her own apartment and a new job. Bane needs Ruby to take care of his pets. Neither one wants to cause problems and lose their opportunities.

Of course they eventually give in to their attraction. But that doesn't happen right away. In fact there is a lot of sexual tension between. But as the story continues, you'll understand why they had no choice but to wait. I really enjoyed how their story unfolded. This book is hilarious. But there is also some angst in the form of another woman.

There are secrets.

There is some jealousy.

There are false assumptions.

Sexual tension is high.

Helena Hunting does an amazing job of mixing funny and sexy with a side of angst. I loved this book so much and I recommend you add this to your TBRs!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are honest and unbiased.*

Very different twist on the boy-meets-girl, etc. theme. The premise was good but the delivery was pretty average. Find it difficult to believe a man and woman could have a relationship like theirs.

A sweet and sexy read from the hilarious Helena Hunting. My favorite book since Pucked. I was in a bit of a reading slump and Shacking Up was exactly what I needed. Can't wait to see what Helena writes next!

Really funny and sexy! true to the author's style and it will not disappoint you at all!

I really liked this book. It was funny, but still hot and steamy. It made me laugh, which makes me really like a book. I was sad to see that I had finished it (in less than 24 hours no less). I look forward to reading more by this author.

Jenny Hale
37 ratings (4.89 avg)
34 reviews
more photos (0)
Jenny Hale (edit profile)
Details
Age 36, Female, Gainesville, FL (0 mi)

Birthday
June 26, 1980

Activity
Joined in November 2013, last active this month





remove
Jenny’s favorite books
My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair My Wild Highlander by Vonda Sinclair My Brave Highlander by Vonda Sinclair My Daring Highlander by Vonda Sinclair My Notorious Highlander by Vonda Sinclair Heart River Inn by Jocie McKade My Rebel Highlander by Vonda Sinclair Kissing the Highlander by Victoria Roberts Kissing the Highlander by Victoria Roberts Her Protector by Mary Moriarty Possessing the Witch by Elle James
Create a 'favorites' shelf | More…
Jenny’s Bookshelves
read‎ (22)
currently-reading‎ (0)
to-read‎ (983)


Stats | More…

rss
Jenny’s Recent Updates
Jenny Hale wants to read
A Brit Unexpected by Brenda St. John Brown
A Brit Unexpected (Castle Calder #2)
by Brenda St. John Brown (Goodreads Author)

Want to Read
Rate this book
1 of 5 stars
2 of 5 stars
3 of 5 stars
4 of 5 stars
5 of 5 stars
Delete
Apr 17, 2017 06:17AM · like · comment
Jenny Hale and 240 other people liked Expresso 's review of Ghostface Killer:
Ghostface Killer by M. Never
"A talented writer can prevail in any genre. I've been following M Never since her "cupcake" days so imagine my surprise as I devoured the critically acclaimed, Ghost Face Killer.

First allow me to introduce the sexy, man-bun wearing, Baz! I swear..."
Read more of this review »
Delete
Apr 11, 2017 07:11AM · see review
Jenny Hale rated a book it was amazing
Shacking Up by Helena Hunting
Shacking Up
by Helena Hunting (Goodreads Author)

Read
My rating:
1 of 5 stars
2 of 5 stars
3 of 5 stars
4 of 5 stars
[ 5 of 5 stars ]
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'm a first time reader of Helena Hunting and I loved this book......ruby and Bancroft made the perfect couple........even his pet spider didn't scare her......Much!!! I couldn't put it down once I started it and I will be looking for more of Helena's books.

I've never read a Helena Hunting book before. Since reading this I've checked out a number of others. I think patrons would like them as they are great fodder for a neat summer beach book. Full of drama, occasionally humorous, nice romance, and the occasional good sex scenes. While they do tend to sometimes feel a bit overwrought on the emotional scenes, her character developments do feel realistic and likable. For the genre a good pick. I'll be recommending these to readers of modern romance.

**ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

You always know when you pick up a Helena Hunting book that you will get hysterical situations, lots of witty banter and plenty of sexual tension. In Shacking Up, she did not disappoint! All three were definitely on point and this was a book I did not want to put down.

Ruby Scott just wants to make it on her own. While her father doesn't agree with her chosen field and tells her as such in many ways, she trudges on and is bound and determined to make her acting career work out even without her Dad's monetary help. On the morning of her biggest audition yet, she wakes up sick as a dog after an unexpected encounter with a man recovering from the flu the night before. With the audition bombed and back rent piling up, Ruby has to do something and fast.

When Ruby's best friend suggests that she animal sit for a friend of her fiance's while he is out of the country for several weeks, Ruby thinks it could be a great short term solution if nothing else. When she meets Bancroft Mills, Ruby can't believe her eyes - Bane is the man that made her sick!

There is no doubt that sparks are flying between the ingenue and the former professional rugby player turned hotel heir, but nothing romantic happens before Bane departs for Europe. Will Ruby be able to not only get back on her feet financially and with a job, but also start a relationship with the man that caught her so off guard the first night they met? Or will well meaning people and white lies derail them before they truly get started?

I really enjoyed this book and I always find myself grinning when I am reading a Helena Hunting book. They always put me in a good mood and you know you're going to get great stories, great characters and a lot of entertainment!