There are rom-coms, and then there are Helena Hunting rom-coms--hers are in a league of their own, in my opinion. I love her Pucked series and all of her quirky-but-loveable characters, so I was a little worried about reading a new set of characters from her. I'm happy to report that my hesitation was completely unnecessary! Shacking Up is a fun and flirty, hilarious and heartfelt, sweet and slow-burning romance with fantastic characters and writing. I loved every minute of the ride!

Ruby Scott was born into a family with a pharmaceutical empire, but her heart belongs to Broadway. Determined to make it on her own, she heads to New York and works her tail off to make it happen. After a string of bad luck, Ruby is down to her last few pennies and eating Ramen noodles for every meal. She has great friends, but she's going to need a lot more than that to make ends meet.

Bancroft Mills (aka Bane) was also born into wealth but, like Ruby, he decided to pave his own path and played professional rugby for years. After being sidelined with a knee injury, he's back to working for his family and helping to improve properties within their hotel dynasty.

Ruby and Bane have a bit of an unconventional first meeting, but it sets the trajectory for the entire storyline. What starts out as a mutually beneficial arrangement becomes much more after weeks of video chats that are steeped in sexual tension and unresolved feelings. I thought that was the perfect touch since Bane is out of the country for weeks. I could feel the connection, rather than just read about it, and made me want to root for them.

Ruby is a fantastic heroine, and I loved all of her attributes. She's hardworking, independent, and sassy at every turn. She a bit of a rebel and I enjoyed that part of her character. Bane, on the other hand, is more buttoned-up and proper, but he's so sweet, understanding and supportive. Not to mention, he's got a bit of a dirty mouth (that's an understatement, actually), so once they finally get together, things get very interesting indeed.

This book had me grinning like a fool and swooning at all of the sweetness from beginning to end. Helena Hunting has created another cast of characters that I can't wait to get to know better while feeding my need for banter, awkwardness, heart, and humor. If those are things you are looking for, too, I can't recommend Shacking Up enough!

I'm so sad to be doing this because I was so excited to be reading my first HH book, but I'm tapping out. While I felt this one held a lot of promise for me based on the synopsis and other readers' recommendations, it didn't work for me at all. For something that was supposed to be comical, it came off clunky and immature. I rolled my eyes way too much and that's usually a good indication that I am not going to be able to read it with an open mind.

I like when a book takes liberties with it's storyline, enough to make us think and effectively making us get into the story more, but this one was just unbelievable and corny. The female character was vapid and I didn't feel any sort of connection with her at all. She just came off as extremely selfish and entitled to me and I just didn't enjoy her...and since we spent the majority of the time in her head, I needed to vacate the premises.

Sadly, I found it ridiculous and by 11% I was already pulled from the story with the lack of depth the characters and storyline had.
~ You don't get violently ill overnight from a kiss, but I understand that was for the story's sake to move on. Buuuut......the book was stagnant and didn't move and that made it hard to stay engaged in it.
~ Family drama that is over the top and completely irrational is so overdone and I am tired of it. I understand parents want to teach their kids lessons. I am all for that....but when the step-mother that is of the age she is, father should be well aware of what he's doing to his daughter in the company. I just lose interest when family is evil and ridiculous beyond reason.
~ The female character, while trying to be stubborn, was being a complete idiot and trying to be in the theater. Grow up. Stop being so immature. I don't know why she rubbed me the wrong way right off the bat. I just didn't feel endeared to her.
~ The internal dialogue and repetitive regurgitation about her dad cutting her off, about her not being able to find a job, about her wanting to do it on her own, blah blah blah....it just made me crinkle my nose.

It's been a long time since I've read anything remotely as playful and flirty as Shacking Up. I knew going in it was going to be a light read, but I didn't think I was going to have a hard time putting it down. Actually, that bit there is a lie. I never did put it down. Hello 4am!

So if you take a moment and read the blurb you will see our leading lady is Ruby. Things aren't going so well for her. Behind on rent and loses her apartment, gets sick and bombs her audition. Neither are her fault nor is the kiss by the mysterious, gorgeous guy. Actually, we can blame that lost audition and the kiss on that guy. The kiss would have totally redeemed him if he hadn't hacked in her face right after the kiss. Yuckies! Determined to not ask her father for help, Ruby needs to find a job and a new place to live.

She's commiserating with her best friend, Amalie who thinks she might have a temporary solution. Her fiance's cousin, Bancroft, is going out of town for five weeks and she was supposed to watch his exotic pets while he's gone. Maybe Ruby could do it. They come up with a plan to have them all get together for dinner and hopefully, he'll see maybe Rudy would be a better fit. Dinner time comes, everybody meets and SURPRISE! the cousin is none other than the mysterious kiss/cough guy. With a little bit of guilt tripping, Bancroft decides Ruby should take care of his pets. And now things get real interesting!

Ruby is just one of those spunky characters you just got to love. Bancroft, yeah let me lick him up one side and down the other! The two together are a bowl full of simmering fun. Once he leaves for his job, the text, phone calls, and video chats begin. Let the naughtiness, flirting and tension begin. And as a reader, I just gobbled it up because who doesn't just love a slow build-up. Of course, there does have to be a bumpy road of pride and misunderstandings. What would a comedy romance be without them? Some are quite comically others are a bit cliche but in the end, they get their HEA and I get a book I loved.

A few words about the secondaries: people and pets. People - I hope I'm not alone in these thoughts that there needs to be a follow-up book...for Amalie. She deserves someone better than Armstrong. As for Armstrong, something is off about him. Let me just call him a pig and end it there. Pets - I adore Francesca! What's a cute story without a cute pet! I get that she was somewhat of a prop for the storyline, but for me, she was a bit more. As for Tiny, I know plenty of readers who are going to scream and throw their readers once Tiny makes an appearance. I for one loved her!

As my very first read of Helena Hunting, it completely made my day. I want to read more by her and to my surprise, I already own several of her books. That stupid 1-click addiction of mine had me buying but not reading again, which I plan on rectifying very soon. Looking for a great summer read, then look no further than Shacking Up.

And don't mind Tiny *Insert evil grin*

reviewed by Jem Stone

An outlandish concept + an extra helping of sexual tension + several uncomfortably awkward encounters = the gist of Helena Hunting’s newest release, Shacking Up. I've read and loved several of the books in the author’s Pucked series so I had high expectations for Shacking Up. As much as I wanted to love this book, however, I found it to be underwhelming and even tame in comparison to her other books. The writing was lackluster compared to her usual style, as if she toned down her typical crazy, in-your-face persona several notches. Unfortunately, the brief glimpses of her signature humor weren't enough to breathe life into a story where so little is happening.

The set-up for the story is amusing, if a bit unbelievable, with our heroine, Ruby, managing to snag a gig as Bancroft’s pet-sitter at a time when she’s not only homeless, but unemployed. The two strike up a long-distance flirtation that gradually grows bolder as the weeks pass. My main issue is that the entire plot seems to be one, extended bout of foreplay leading to their inevitable hookup. I never thought I'd say this but it turns out there IS such a thing as too much sexual tension. In a romance, I'd like for there to be, well, more romance. The fact that Bancroft and Ruby are physically apart more than they're together throughout the narrative doesn't help with building a connection deeper than lust. Aside from Ruby’s and Bancroft’s job aspirations and their mutual dislike for their wealthy background (and all it entails), I felt as though I didn’t get to know them beyond superficialities.

Overall, everything about Shacking Up is okay. I enjoyed it. The protagonists had cute banter. And it was fairly steamy. But there wasn't much to the plot and the characters were ultimately one-dimensional. Everything was pretty straightforward and there wasn't anything that made me excited about picking up the book once I took a break (and I took several). While I realize we’ll probably see some familiar faces coming up in future books, I found I didn’t connect with them enough to want to read more.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

Rating: 2.5 Stars

A perfect balance of humor and spice. The book drew me in from the beginning and captivated me till the end

I’m a big fan of Helena Hunting’s Pucked series (the audiobooks are amaaazing) so I was excited when I heard she’d be releasing a standalone rom-com! Unfortunately, I didn’t love Shacking Up quite as much as I did her other series – it was a little too slow and too long for my taste. But for those of you who love Helena Hunting or are in the mood for something slow burn and hilarious, you might want to check this out!

Ruby Scott’s life has taken a turn for the worse – she’s wayyy behind on rent, can’t find a steady job, and acting/dance auditions are scarce. But the one time she gets an audition for a role she knows she’ll nail, she gets insanely sick and ruins her chances by throwing up on stage. How did she get sick? From her friend’s engagement party the night before, where she was kissed by a random, hot, but sick guy who thought she was someone else.

Her best friend feels bad that Ruby bombed her audition, because it was her party that she got sick at, so she devises a plan for Ruby to stay at a lavish apartment and take care of the owner’s animals. But of course, because Ruby has terrible luck, the owner happens to be the guy who kissed her and got her sick. Bane feels awful, so he agrees to the pet-sitting arrangement. It doesn’t hurt that Ruby is gorgeous and he hasn’t been able to get their kiss out of his mind…

Ruby and Bane feel a connection (and some intense lust for each other), but wth Bane leaving on a business trip for five weeks, that doesn’t leave much time for them to actually be together and explore what they feel. What ensues are banter-filled texts, sweet FaceTiming sessions, and the occasionally awkward encounter, and you have Bane and Ruby’s build-up of their romance.

I liked Shacking Up well enough, but it just wasn’t interesting enough for me to keep my attention. The main characters are apart for a large majority of the book – sure, they keep in constant contact with one another, but I would’ve liked them to be physically close too. The romance was too slow too – nothing REALLY happens between Ruby and Bane until Bane gets back from his trip, which is way later in the novel. So I didn’t love this book like I hoped to, but it was a classic Helena Hunting-laugh-out-loud read. Be prepared for some cringeworthy moments, because these characters are full of them!

“This is what I want. You. The way you’re looking at me right now. This feeling right here.”

This is what *I* want: MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS. From Helena Hunting, specifically. Because holy moly, she writes the hell out romantic-comedy, and I. Love. It.

You guys, Shacking Up was wonderful. Funny without being over-the-top, sexy without being too much, and smart in a witty, quirky way. Not to mention, completely unputdownable from start to finish. Also, ferrets. (<- Yes, I meant to write that.)

I could probably sit here and list all of the things I enjoyed about this book, but then you wouldn't get to experience it for yourself. So, instead, I'll just say this—there wasn't a thing about this book, about Ruby and Bane that I would change. Their banter, their connection, their story—all of it—was completely on-point.

And now, what I really, really want is the next book from Ms. Hunting. I have sincere hopes that Hooking Up will mayyyyyybe feature Ruby’s BFF and Bane’s brother (which would make me stupid happy), but if it doesn't, I'm still there for it, I still want it, and I still can't wait for it.

“I was caught off guard. He’s a good kisser. And have you seen him? That man could revive a corpse with his hotness.”

~ FIVE Franny STARS ~

Shaking Up by Helena Hunting is a funny, hot, sexy read. I love the chemistry and banter between Ruby and Bancroft. I really loved this book and highly recommend it!

I loved this book. Ruby was haveing some bad luck and Bancroft kind of comes out of nowhere and helps her out. It was cute as they started as strangers who felt an attraction but didn't do anything about it what they did was get to know each other thru phone calls while she house sat for him while he was out of town for 5 weeks, and in that time they grew closer. Then once he got back they started dating. It was a cute story that had some very funny moments.

Ruby is funny and snarky! She cracks me up in this book. Bane he isn't the egotistical man I thought he would be. I found myself smiling as I read this book. And few times I got annoyed with side characters because of the way they are in the book. Enjoyed this book immensely.

***4 ‘Team Bane’ Stars***

The hot as hell cover and the fact that the male leads name was Bane, even if it was a nickname, combined with having always wanted to read a Helena Hunting book had me taking the plunge with Shacking Up and I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet, smexy read filled with humor and heart.

Even though Bane grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth and appreciates all that it has given him, he doesn’t believe it makes him that much better than anyone else. He’s a hard worker and isn’t one to settle for handouts. I must admit that part of the reason I fell for Bane is because of the fact that he played rugby (I LOVE rugby even though I have no clue what’s going on half the time) but once I let the fangirling run it’s course, I just really liked him. He’s just that good of a guy. He’s all kinds of charismatic and flirty, has a good and generous heart and simply smexy as all get out.

Ruby also grew up with money and though she is grateful for the advantages it has given her, she’s seen a side of it that makes her want to stay as far away from it as possible. Ruby’s that character that I really liked even when I wanted to Gibbs smack her. I loved that she was following her dreams and not bowing down and doing what others thought she should and that while she could play along with the elite, it really wasn’t her gig. But there were times where her reactions and decisions had me shaking my head in frustration because they tended to be based on her own insecurities rather than actual fact.

The way Bane and Ruby first collide is definitely one for the books as is its immediate aftermath, but once the dust settled I really enjoyed how their relationship grew and evolved into more. I loved how they got to know each other, most of it in a very 21st century way, but also got to see who the other truly was by their actions. Their bantering was fun and the sexual tension between them was sizzling. But as with any budding relationship there are bumps along the way and for the most part they handle them well, but the big bump had me rolling my eyes and doing the heavy sigh thing, I couldn’t help it, but it was dealt with very well and I loved where they were in the end.

Having never read a Helena Hunting book before I didn’t have any real expectations going into Shacking Up, despite hearing all about her other books thanks to my various SM feeds, but as I said, I really enjoyed the book. The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and I really liked the dual 1st person POV. The secondary cast of characters were done well, but my favorite was definitely Francesca *BSEG* and while I know that this is a standalone, I do hope we get to see her again!

My 4 star review is up on Goodreads and will be posted on blog and social media on release and updated at that time below. UPDATED 5/30/17

4 stars

An accidental and unexpected kiss has some serious consequences and literally changes Ruby Scott's life. When a tipsy and spaced-out-on-cold-meds Bancroft Mills assaults Ruby with his mouth and tongue at a party, she catches his nasty germs and loses her chance at an audition, the salary, and chance to keep her apartment and eat.

When they are brought together again, Bane becomes the answer to her problem by offering her a place to stay while pet sitting him for him while he is on an extended business trip.

But their sexual tension is thick. And during phone calls and video chats they grow fonder and more attracted to each other. It's like building a relationship with no real physical contact. But they both have vivid imaginations.

But what happens when it is time for Bane to come home? It's a bit messy, complicated, tense, frustrating, and angsty. Bane wants what he wants, even if he fails to adequately communicate it. And Ruby has a fierce independent streak and does not like to feel kept. She also has a tendency towards awkwardness, impulsivity, and insecurity. Their daily schedules conflict. There are some secrets and misconceptions that seem easier to avoid. But they both need to figure out if they are just playing house, playing each other, or more.

Ruby is sassy, dramatic, and a bit goofy. Bane is rough around the edges, sexy, and sweet. They are hot and feisty together. They have dirty mouths and dirty dreams. These two are stubborn, opinionated, intense, jealous, but fit so well together. They have great banter and senses of humor. They both come from wealth, but do not like to follow the establishment or fit into the box their families want to put them in. They wanted to make their own way and follow their own dreams. But they also have to live in the real world.

This is a fast-paced, fresh and flirty, down and dirty, room mates-to-lovers romantic comedy told in dual points of view. The side characters added more interest and depth including her best friend Amie and her fiance, Armstrong, and his brothers, Lexington and Griffin. His unique pets Francesca and Tiny are also scene stealers.

I am looking forward to seeing who is in the next book, Hooking Up. I am hoping maybe one of his brothers and perhaps a woman we have already met.

J'ai lu tous les romans d'Helena Hunting et je suis toujours conquise par sa plume qui me fait passer de très bon moment. Shacking Up ne fait ni partie de sa saga Pucked ni de sa saga Clipped Wings. Il s'agit d'un roman complètement indépendant. J'ai dévoré ce roman en quelques heures dimanche après midi et je peux vous dire que j'ai adoré. J'avais été séduite par la superbe couverture mais l'histoire est une très jolie romance comme on les aime où le sexe ne prime pas sur le reste mais est tout simplement la crème chantilly sur un gâteau déjà bien alléchant.

Ruby Scott est la fille du président de Scott Pharmaceutiques et elle pourrait se la couler douce en acceptant de réaliser le rêve de son cher père ( notez ici l'ironie) en travaillant pour lui au sein de l'entreprise familiale. Mais Ruby a un rêve et elle y croit de toutes ses forces. Le chemin n'est pas facile vers la gloire et l'aboutissement de sa passion et les obstacles seront de taille . Pourtant malgré toutes les péripéties qui lui tombent sur le coin de la figure, elle ne cède pas et redouble d'effort. Il faut dire qu'elle n'a pas de chance car à la veille d'une importante audition, elle se fait embrasser par un homme ( certes sexy) qui lui refile ses microbes et qui va la rende malade au plus haut point. Son audition sera mémorable et j'en ris encore même si la situation ne s'y prête pas. J'ai vraiment accroché au personnage de Ruby car elle ne renonce pas et veut y croire. En dépit de ses déboires , elle pourra compter sur son amie de longue date Amalie qui est sur le point d'épouser Armstrong. Si son fiancé à un balai coincé dans les fesses, Amalie ne laissera jamais son amie dans la panade et j'ai adoré sa loyauté et son amitié sans failles. Grâce à cette dernière , Ruby va pouvoir sortir la tête de l'eau et tenter de se relever. Elle n'accepte pas l'aide financière de son amie car ce serait une solution de facilité et l'adversité ça la connaît.

Il se trouve que l'homme sexy mais malade qui embrasse comme un dieu est ami avec le hautain et pédant Armstrong. Ils sont donc de nouveau en contact ( mais pas aussi intime lol) et par remord ou par nécessité , elle va se trouver un job temporaire et un toit sur la tête jusqu'à ce que sa malchance la quitte définitivement. Quel job pourrait elle avoir me direz vous? Celui de pet sitter car l'homme sexy tient tout particulièrement à ses animaux de compagnie hors du commun : un furet qui n'a pas de "visa" pour rester à New York et une tarentule . On pourrait alors penser que Ruby va faire sa nunuche et refuser le job mais pas du tout. J'ai adoré les scènes où Francesca le furet entre en scène car elle apporte une touche d'humour et d'humanité incroyable. C'est simple, ce n'est pas qu'un animal mais quasiment un être vivant à qui il ne manque que la parole. Tiny ( nom ironique donné à la tarentule qui n'a rien de minuscule) fait aussi son apparition mais étrangement je me suis moins attachée à elle. Vous allez me dire que ça sent la romance à plein nez, que les héros vont succomber à leur désir dès le premier soir mais c'est là que vous faites fausse route car Bancroft Mills part 5 semaines pour son travail à Londres , donc autant dire au l'autre bout du pays. Et c'est cet aspect là qui m'a fait complètement succomber car c'est vraiment rafraîchissant de voir une romance où les deux héros ne se sautent pas dessus à la première seconde. L'intrigue se déroule à un rythme logique et soutenu et on fond au fil des pages.

On n'a que très rarement le point de vue de Bancroft et cela pourrait être frustrant mais ce n'est pas le cas car les rares chapitres où ils s'expriment permettent d'apporter des confirmations ou de redonner un coup de fouet à l'intrigue. De ce fait , on ne s'ennuie pas un seul instant et les 500 pages que compte le roman défilent à une vitesse grand V. L'autre force de ce roman est le fait qu'il soit addictif. On a envie de savoir comment va évoluer (à distance) la relation de Bane et Ruby. Ce dernier est plongé intensément dans le milieu du travail et il est évident dès les premières pages qu'il n'appartient pas au même monde que Ruby. Elle a fui ce monde futile où son père change de femme comme de chemise, où il préfère la jeunesse à l'amour véritable , où l'argent ne fait pas le bonheur et où tout n'est qu'apparence et luxe. Bien que Bane vive aisément , jamais on ne sent ce côté hautain ou dédaigneux. Il aime son métier qui n'est pas son choix premier mais son ancienne carrière lui a appris le sens des valeurs et de l'effort. Il est doté également d'une bonne dose d'humour et il a trouvé chaussure à son pied en la personne de Ruby. Si sa famille préférerait le voir au bras de la détestable Brittany, on sent que cet homme a bon goût et ne porte aucun jugement de valeur. Quel sera la nature de sa relation avec Rudy? Saura t-il trouver les bons mots pour la retenir?

Bref, je vous recommande vivement cette nouvelle romance d'Helena Hunting. On a le sourire aux lèvres, des étoiles plein les yeux , on rigole aussi des mésaventures de Ruby et on craque complètement pour Bane. Shacking Up est une romance comme j'adore car elle nous offre des personnages natures qui vont nous faire rêver.

This was such a fun quick read. I am a fan of Helena Hunting. When I read the blurb this I was so excited to get my hands on it. I mean look at that cover! I am glad to report the book was as good as the cover.

Ruby is determined to make her dream of acting come true and do it on her own terms. Walking away from her father’s finical help she’s got to land a role in her audition. She is leaving her friend’s engagement party early to get home and prepare for her audition the next day. Everything is riding on her getting cast.

Bane is Armstrong’s cousin and use to be a rugby player. He has the perfect solution for Ruby, move into his apartment to take care of his pets while he’s gone. It’s the perfect solution for them both, that is until their unlikely friendship starts to form into something else. There is so much sexual tension between these two.

I loved the slow build of these characters and their relationship. This was full of humor that had me laughing. If your looking for a light hearted, laugh out loud romance this is for you.

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.




Review:




Two of my weaknesses when reading books is sarcastic/witty dialogue and books that make me cry. When I find a book that has either, or if I hit the book holy grail, that has them book I am ecstatic. Well, this book has the witty dialogue down. I even got a little teary-eyed.




This is my first time reading this Author and if this book is a good indication of her work I will be picking up more to read by her.




Besides the fun writing, she wrote a story drew me in. I loved the characters, both were caring and stand-up people who made them more likable. The first meeting between Ruby and Bane has to be one of funniest and icky-est I have read in a long time and sets up the rest of the story perfectly. Not a big fan of spiders, but loved that Bane has two unusual pets and clearly loves them both...a man who loves animals is sexy. Poor Ruby, she kind of gets a lot thrown at her through the book, but tries hard to get past them and find a silver lining. Ruby and Bane together are just plain hot and I loved that they got to know one another through phone calls over a month rather than acting on their attraction and just jumping into bed the first night. The build-up was worth the wait.




Well, I tried to give a spoiler free review that kind of makes sense, or at least I hope it does. This is a fun, sexy romance that makes you happy once you are done reading it.




5Stars




*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

A truly hilarious but downright sexy story that has you wiping away tears one minute then fanning yourself with you kindle the next. I mean what a imaginative and kinda gross way to meet a hot new man who then brings about your downfall. Ok i may be being dramatic there but Bancroft Mills has a lot to answer for in this book. Sexual tension abounds and i love that in a book, it makes the physical connection when it happens so much more explosive it is like a long fuse that finally reaches its explosive end. Fans of Helena Hunting will truly enjoy this book, and for anyone who has not read her work yet i firmly recommend this book as a great place to start

review on goodreads under the profile name kimothy

Ruby's life is a mess. On the verge of being homeless, she refuses to ask her dad for any help. She wants to make it on her own, and doesn't want to have to move back home and work for her father. Good thing she has a big audition and hopes she gets the part and turn her luck around.

The night before her audition, she attends her best friends engagement party. At the party, a gorgeous stranger mistakes her for someone else and they share a kiss. After said kiss he then coughs on her. The next morning, the day of the audition Ruby wakes up sick. And well, the audition was a disaster. She doesn't know what to do about her situation. Good thing her friend has the answer to her problems. Her friend, Amie, knows someone that is going out of town and needs someone to watch his pets. To Ruby's surprise, the mystery man is none other than *drum roll* the guy that kissed her and the reason why she got sick and bombed her audition.

Bane feels terrible about the audition and feels responsible because he got Ruby sick. So, he employs Ruby to be his pet sitter while he's out of the country. They get to know each other through texts and FaceTime. I really wish there would've been more interaction with Ruby and Bane but, alas it is what it is. The times that they were together though, 👌.

'Shacking Up' had me cracking up. It was an easy and fast-paced read. Forget the drama, this book brought all the laughs. And the chemistry when together between Ruby and Bancroft was sizzling. I enjoyed it and will certainly read more books by Helena.

In her endearing style, Helena Hunting has delivered a cast of quirky characters and a fun and light plot in a feel good romance that I didn’t want to end. This book had me smiling, giggling and sighing! The heroine, Ruby, comes from money but she refuses to be a rich man’s arm candy. She wants to prove to herself and to her father that she can survive on her own, even if she is a struggling artist. Her father wants her to fail and threatens to cut her off. He has stopped paying the rent of her flat and she will be homeless soon.

To make matters worse, she is kissed by a germ infested stranger, who passes flu on to her. Her ensuing audition to perform in an Off-Broadway show is a disaster. Because of Bancroft, aka Bane, Mills, she is jobless in addition to being homeless. Bane and Ruby move in the same circles, they both come from old money. Bane has made a name for himself in professional rugby but an injury has ended his career. He has decided the time was right to immerse himself in his family’s hotel business. But that means travelling extensively, and he needs someone to house sit and take care of his pets, Francesca and Tiny, during his absence. They are the most unlikely animal companions, especially Tiny, but they bring a lot of sweetness to the story! I’m not saying more!

Baen needs a house and pet sitter and Ruby needs a place to stay. A perfect match! Bane is an endearing character, he is sweet and considerate. He finds Ruby refreshing, she isn’t a pampered and manicured socialite. Their long-distance phone flirting was delightful, they slowly forge an emotional connection. As a famous rugby player, Bane was always on the road and he wants to finally put down some roots. Ruby is independent and a future of kept woman is not what she wants out of life. Her career choice is not approved in her social sphere, but Bane always has her back. She is not immune to his charms, despite her best efforts!

Shacking Up is a charming, fun and feel good story, celebrating determination, friendship and love. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this irresistible romantic comedy and recommend it as a perfect summer read.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, via Netgalley.