Ruby Scott needs a break. She has a promising audition that she never makes it to due to a mystery man’s kiss and cough. She blows her audition in a big way and soon finds herself looking for a new agent, new job, and new apartment.

Bancroft Mills didn’t intend to kiss a stranger outside of a bathroom, but a large amount of cough medicine clouds his judgement enough to fog his brain and lead to the aforementioned lip-lock.

They don’t know each other except through mutual friends. Ruby needs a job and a place to live, and Bane needs someone to watch his unique pets. Though the chemistry between them crackles, they keep things platonic during the short time they share the apartment before he leaves on an extended business trip. It was the phone calls and video chats during the trip that forged the bond between them, keeping the sexual tension brewing while also letting them get to know each other. But when Bane returns, things are bound to change.

These characters were great fun to read. Ruby has a fiery personality, borderline rebelling against the upper crust expectations of her family. Bane isn’t particularly interested in keeping the closed circles his mother would prefer.

I loved the things Ruby learned during her extended search for a job. She was determined to do things her way, without the help of a wealthy man. The tension she has with her job prospects keeps things moving even as the two main characters are continents apart.

This was an entertaining read with great humor throughout. I was hoping for an easy, funny story and that’s exactly what I got with Shacking Up. There are several side characters that make this a well rounded book, and will make for great future installments of the series.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute and steamy read. I absolutely adored Ruby and Bancroft and the way they meet is hilarious as well as a little gross. The connection between them was instant but the bond they create is a slow build. Ruby is all kinds of dysfunctional but she never gives up on her dreams and I loved that about her. Bancroft is so swoon-worthy and he does make some mistakes with Ruby, but he does his best to make it up to her.

I hope Ruby's best friend, Amie, gets her own book because I could NOT stand her fiancé at all.

You would think that being kissed by stranger would freak any one out. Repulse you. Scare the crap out of you. For Lucy, not only does she get kissed by this stranger that a god, but he sneezes on her and makes her flop her audition. Now no job and about to lose her home, the stranger with the kiss that set her body on fire, rescues her. Now as roomies, will they be able to keep it all platonic? Or will their passionate kiss over run their sensibilities.
This book is in true form a hit from Helena! Funny, dirty talking and sexy Bane and all! I love Bancroft and his need to keep Lucy safe and loved. Show her what it is to be proud of her and give her his heart.
A miscommunication and a ,money hungry Brittany threaten to take her Bane away from her.
I couldn't get enough of this amazing read.

Love this book. Funny romantic comedy. Loved every second. Love Helena's books. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

This may mark the first time I have ever had a secondary character crush on non-humans. As a lover of animals, flirty banter, and those blissful bubbly butterflies in your belly when you find yourself falling in love with a fantastic new book couple - Shacking Up delighted me on nearly every level.

That said, it was a bit of a slow start for me. I've been in a slump lately and I was a little afraid this book was going to be yet another victim of my apparently uber picky reader palate lately. However, around the 15% mark it completely hooked me and after that I was completely gone, I couldn't put it down. It was fun and adorable and hilarious - and I was all in.

As I mentioned, there are some pretty special secondary characters here that served as one of the brightest spots of the entire book. I mean, not to take away from how special Bane and Ruby are in their own right. Those two lit up my Kindle - both incredibly easy to like, down-to-earth and real in a way that allowed me to feel like I was relating to them as if they were my friends, while also indulging myself in the fantasy of their romance. But those secondary characters? Total scene stealers. Total snuggly, mischevious, adorable scene stealers making a fun story just that much more fun.

There's a bit of a slow burn going on here - and it was just perfectly executed. I mean, it's a sexy book - but not gratuitously so. I adored the shameless flirting and playful nature of Ruby and Bane's relationship for almost the entirety of this story. I also loved that the conflict was pretty simply resolved. I mean, maybe a smidge too swiftly? But not in a way that took away from my enjoyment of the book. I appreciated that they behaved like grown-ups (well, mostly) and communicated and listened to each other. I basically loved them. All of them. And am so beyond glad that I this book did not fall victim to my slump.

In all, I just really enjoyed the crap out of this book. I indulged in those bubbly butterflies and felt my heart get all melty for these two - over and over again. This was my first book by this author and I feel like I picked a peach. I'll most definitely be back for more. Actually - I'm hoping there may be more to come from this crew because I feel like there are more stories here and I am 100% on board for that!

Ruby and Bancroft were fun. And, this is no surprise as Helena Hunting is fun, and her books are always fun. Hot, flirty, sexy and fun.

This was no exception. I liked the meeting at the beginning, the case of mistaken identity that results in nothing less than the plague. You relate. Did she get sick a little fast? Maybe, I am not sure, I am not a doctor...but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. Bancroft is the "Bane" of her existence, a nice guy, and in the position to help Ruby out of the mess he is partially responsible for.

I liked the idea that they meet, have an attraction, and then are separated by his being out of the country on business. I liked that this became a roommate/pet sitter relationship but with a twist that made it feel different. It also made it fun, and made it feel like you were reading a book that was a little bit different than other similar titles.

Oddly, this is where it also made the pacing of their romantic, in person, relationship seem a little fast too me. And, I get it, there was flirting over the phone and Face Time, so there was a connection. But, their relationship seemed to move very quickly when they were together, which left the beginning of the book and the end of it feel like they moved differently.

This was the only issue I had with the book, and it was charming overall. I definitely recommend this title.

Hold the phone!! I have a new book boyfriend in my life and his name is Bancroft Mills. Holy moly, I freaking LOVED Shacking Up!

I thought the storyline was brilliant, the main characters were lovable, and Bane's pets were unique. How could you not fall for Francesca?!

But what I loved most was the slow build to Ruby and Bane's relationship. It was sweet and sexy and I couldn't help but get wrapped up in their sexual tension. And I just knew that once they got together it would be explosive. And it was.

Shacking Up is a fun, flirty, and fresh story from romcom queen Helena Hunting, and it's definitely on my favorites of 2017 list.

Shacking Up by Helena Hunting is another very fun read. In a serendipitous moment, Ruby ends up a party where she mistakenly kisses a man who may be super-hot but he’s also super sick. This causes such a backlash on her life that forces her to need to find a new job FAST. Being a pet-sitter sounds quick and easy until she realizes her new boss is also the reason for her recent string of bad luck. Bane and Ruby immediately have chemistry and their story is so endearing. There are plenty of hot moments mixed in with feel-good romance that tugs on your heartstrings.

I really enjoy Helena's other books. The humor she writes is fun to read and it helps balance out all of the other heavy stories I read. With Shacking Up though it was a bit of a struggle for me. I need a faster paced book then what this was. The angst level is really low and the chemistry between the characters wasn't really there for me. Over all I just think this book wasn't for me. I look forward to other books by Helena but this one is a nope for me.

Ruby has been cut off financially from her very rich father as she attempts to find her place in the New York theater world instead of going to work for dear old dad in the pharmaceutical business. She is determined to prove she doesn't need daddy's money. Even when she discovers she is being evicted and has no place to live. However, thanks to some unusual circumstances Ruby is going to temporarily live at Bancroft's home, a friend of her best friend, who needs her help taking care of his pets while he away on business. Hence the title "Shacking Up."

All in all this book is a fun, light read. I swooned. I grinned. At times the story was a little unrealistic but you kind of just roll with it. Helena Hunting is always good about creating funny, realistic characters that you fall in love with.

I was a little frustrated with her best friend Amie who is obviously in a bad relationship. The story was introduced but not completed. Which makes me think there is going to be another book focusing on Amie. Which makes this book not quite a stand alone like I was originally led to believe.

***Advanced copy obtained from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley***

What a delightful story! The characters are strong and determined, trying to prove themselves to their families. The story line holds you from the start and I found it hard to put this book down. Bane and Ruby make a remarkable couple, full of life and doubts. Don't miss reading this one!

I have heard nothing but amazing things about Helena Hunting books , however I have unfortunately not gotten the chance to read this any books as yet (until now ) ,so when I get the chance to read an Arc of Shacking Up I was so excited to dive in and Oh My Gosh was this book fantastic.Helena Hunting is Amazing !

In this book we Ruby and Bane and lets just say there relationship had a very interesting start ,however now that Ruby is basically out of place to live and has no steady job yet , her best friend has a solution for her , become house sitter & pet sitter and guess who the house & pets belongs to ? Bane ,this is really where the story takes off. I love the romance between these two from the very beginning you could see that these two were attracted to each other, but as we get deeper into the story you see these feeling intensifying . The moments where you see them together in a romantic way has to be some of my favorite moments , but honestly just seeing them have a regular conversation made me happy. if I had to describe there romance in 3 words they would be sexy , fun and swoony. Besides the fantastic romance there was so much other things happening in this story , I loved Ruby relationship with her best friend , bane's exotic pets , I could go on and on about things I love in this story . Shaking Up was a fantastic story , I was rapidly turning each page needing to know what would happen next . I felt like Ruby and Bane got a perfect story and I cannot wait to see what Helena Hunting will write next ( I am going through her back list for other books to read by her while as soon as I am finish with this review) . If you are looking for sexy romantic comedy that will make it hard for you to even think about pressing the off button on your reading device or closing the book then you should definitely get a copy of Shacking Up as soon as you can .

Fabulously fun and sexy romance. Ruby is determined to pursue her passion, acting, and not fall into the family business. She grew up with money and her father expects her to fail and come back to work for him. When she suddenly finds herself losing her apartment, she is afraid she will have to give up but then an opportunity to “pet sit” surfaces which gives her new live to keep fighting. Bancroft is moving into his role at his family’s business after spending several years playing professional Rugby. When his father decides to send him overseas for 5 weeks, he finds himself needing someone to do more than drop in and check on his pets. Ruby and Bancroft connect through his pets and the sexy banter starts with these amazing flirty video calls that provides this fun slow burn to their romance. Francesca and Tiny add to the mix being unusual pets for Bancroft to have. I loved every laugh out loud moment with this amazing couple. I voluntarily read an ARC provided by NetGalley of this book and this is my honest review.

Honestly, we're really late to the Helena Hunting party. Like really late. I don't exactly know why-- though the answer probably comes in the form of an algebra problem that involves things like timing + work + fear of the unknown..or something like that. So when we had an opportunity to try her latest, Shacking Up, we decided to go for it; I'm glad we did. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure at first--it was a lot of humor, some physical--kinda slapstick-is--and I didn't know if it was a ploy and something that would be more of the story than the actual story, if that makes sense? Don't get me wrong, I like a good comedy but I wanted there to be more depth and once I got past the initial introduction, there was. The humor was balanced out with character development and conflict and before I knew it I was over half way through the novel and really enjoying the dynamic between Bane and Ruby and by the time it was over, I was sad to see them go (is it too much to hope that we see them again soon?!). It was neat to see both Ruby and Bane's perspective about the lives of the elite and the pressures and privileges that come with that lifestyle. It was interesting to see how they worked through their individual conflicts and I liked that Hunting added an extra layer of conflict by having Ruby be an out of work theater actress. Now that I've broken the ice with this first Helena Hunting read, I know I'll start exploring her earlier works, all the while hoping that we see more of the characters we met in this one.

If all you know about Helena Hunting is her Pucked series following a Chicago NHL team, you may not realize that she writes other books. Shacking Up is the perfect introduction to Hunting's non-hockey related Hot Romance Novels.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Ruby and Bane so much. They meet cute, when they run into each other during an engagement party A few days later, they see each other again, and Bane invites Ruby - who is a bit down on her luck - to stay in his apartment for five weeks and take care of his two pets (a tarantula and a ferret). As Ruby is homeless and jobless, she jumps on this. She figures five weeks will give her time to find an acting job - or any kind of paying job, really - and a place to live.

Hunting incorporates a s-l-o-w burn in this book. Since they are apart for over a month, Bane and Ruby court each other through texts and video messages. This gives them the chance to get to know each other in an honest way, which becomes a bit ironic when Ruby lies to Bane about a job she lands. Granted, she feels as if she has no choice, but that does nothing to smooth things over with Bane.

As she develops the relationship between Bane and Ruby, Hunting uses Ruby's best friend Amie's engagement to show you that Bane is the right man for her heroine. He does not try to change Ruby; he embraces who she is and cherishes all of her quirks and charms. He defends her and cares for her, something Amie sorely lacks in her relationship. At the same time, Ruby is not blinded by Bane's good lucks and hefty bank account. She likes the person he is and sees all of his truths.

Now, this is a Helena Hunting book, which means you are in for some scorching hot sexy times. Hunting may build Bane and Ruby's romance with deliberate pacing, but that doesn't mean she will deprive you of the hotness. When these two hit the sheets, prepare yourselves, girls. Strap on those vibrators because Helena Hunting will leave you with quivering thighs.

I liked this book so much. I was sad when it ended because that meant my time with Bane and Ruby was over. I'm hoping, though, that Hunting gives us glimpses into them every now and then. Bane has two brothers, and there is the matter of Amie. Consider this a HUGE hint, Helena Hunting.

I'm sorry to say this as a fan of this author, but this book was just not for me. I ended up DNF the book as I just couldn't connect with the storyline or characters.

SHACKING UP by Helena Hunting is everything that I've come to expect from this author. It was fun, sexy and very entertaining. Ruby and Bancroft were perfect for each other but let's just say that had a few troubles along the way.

Ruby Scott troubles go from bad to work because of a mystery man who spread his flu germs to her when he kissed the hell out of her at her best friend's engagement party. She never got the name of the man who knocked her off her feet with his kiss and she's glad of that now since she may very well kill him if she sees him again. Ruby is already behind on her rent, about to lose her apartment, and thanks for her flu bug, just bombed her audition when she barfs all over the director...I kid you not.

Her best friend Amie comes through for her though when she informs her of a possible pet sitting job that Amie is supposed to do for her future cousin-n-law but would be way more suited for Ruby. Funny thing is, when Ruby meets with Amie's future family, it's none other than the germ spreader!

Understanding his role in all of Ruby's problems, Bancroft feels obligated to help her out. So, he offers not only the pet sitting gig but also to let her move into his apartment while he's away on business. Now, if only he can keep his mind, not mention his hands off her...

SHACKING UP was totally adorable. It's exactly what romantic comedy should be. I love that Ruby and Bancroft kept finding themselves in ridiculous situations but that they couldn't seem to keep away from each other either.

I wasn't exactly fond of the way that Ruby handled herself when she thought that Bancroft wasn't the guy she thought he was. I felt like the extra drama could have been spared with a phone call, but I guess that would have mad things too easy.

They worked it out in the end, so it's all good. And I was able to close my kindle with a smile on my face. Bancroft had a few brothers and I was hoping that there was a hint that we could see more of them in the future, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

For readers that like a little silly and lot of sexy, SHACKING UP will be right up your alley!

*Advanced Reader's Copy provided by NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse

I was really looking forward to this romantic comedy standalone novel; nonetheless, I was a bit taken aback to see a change in Hunting’s style. Her writing tactics took me a while to get used to, one being the inner-dialogue used. Understandably, the main characters’ narrative of their dilemmas, their backgrounds, ambitions for the future and what they thought of each other really helped put me in the picture. Saying that, the interior monologue is as such that I found it a little heavy going in some parts of the story and ended up skim reading. The banter seriously kicks in when Ruby Scott accepts an offer she can’t refuse from Bancroft Mills. Innuendos not only take precedence, but are also so well-construed that the dialogue kept my attention until the end of the book.

Although not new, I enjoyed the variation of the well-to-do parents who have certain expectations for their grown-up children. And of course, romance roommate novels have been around for a while, so coming up with a refreshing plot like this one couldn’t have been an easy feat for the author. Ruby and Bancroft’s dual point of view in present is my favourite storytelling technique too, so why then, after these words, did I give this book three stars? A couple of grey areas seemed to get the better of me. Firstly, Ruby’s relationship with her father. It just didn’t seem to ring true, I felt as if it needed more development and the lack of communication between them frustrated me. Then after considering the time span, I thought the pace could have been a tad faster and the stream of thoughts, shorter. Ruby’s bestie is engaged and her betrothed, hmm…giving me an insight into what he was like (an a-one jerk), and then leaving me hanging, well, I would have been much happier to see what had happened to these two. Especially seeing that I really connected to the bride to be.

Ruby’s full of life, ambitious, and never did she give me reason to doubt her. Her persona is refreshing in the respect that she’s not your pampered rich heroine who runs to mummy and daddy when the tough gets going. I liked her determination and why she wanted to prove herself in itself is interesting. In a pickle, her way of coping with her problems stands out and how she goes about solving them, quite normal under the circumstances. The guy she’s shacking up with who just happens to be MIA, has given her a chore or two! Ah, chores which I have to say were blinking fabulous and for me, the best part of the story underlined and highlighted.

I cannot argue that Hunting hasn't nailed Bancroft’s character perfectly because she has. Time and again I was shown how in control and together he was. He wants his demanding father's approval, a man who has the last word in anything to do with the family business. His reasons are very different to Ruby’s but make for a thought-provoking comparison. Bancroft is a totally gorgeous hunk of a man, (no exaggeration -- he's built like a tank), whose charm and humour won me over instantly. How could he not? Unpretentious and well-mannered, he's better-known in young women's circles for a couple of his...ahem, attributes! The way he and Ruby literally bumped into each other is embarrassingly sexy and the consequences change everything. From here on in, I had the pleasure of watching how they grew close, how they looked forward to their chats, text messages and video calls. I really appreciated the slow build-up to the climax of their story, climax being the operative word as the bedroom scenes are off the charts! Ooh, and it's a fact that I like nothing more than dirty talkers! The ending… it let me down a tinsy-winsy bit as I felt the two protagonists deserved a much bigger send-off. It's a great pity I had these few issues with Shacking Up because I really wanted to award it more stars.

This was a fun, laugh-out-loud book with delightful characters. Ruby Scott is a struggling actress who just needs a break but instead on the night before an audition she accosted by a stranger, or as she refers to him as "awesome kisser" and that kiss leaves her with the flu and her audition turns into "vomitron" but that is just one problem in her life that was leading to her becoming homeless. Bancroft Mills, AKA awesome kisser, was pleasantly surprised to meet Ruby again but felt so bad to find out he made her sick. Luckily he is in the position of helping her out and at the same time needing her help. He has to go out of the country for a few weeks and needs someone to take care of his pets and this gives Ruby a place to stay. What unfolds is a chemistry laden powder keg and thankfully they are separated and so they are forced to get to know each other over video chat and can take things slow. The chemistry is explosive when they are together and they are perfect for each other. I really enjoyed this story!

**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**