Member Reviews

I was talking to my mom the other day about how awed I am that authors, such as Helena can find new and unique ways to tell a story—giving characters distinct personalities, quirks and storylines, that keep you wanting to come back for more. (I think this plays a huge role in determining what authors I plan to read and get excited about before a blurb is even revealed.)

Making Up is exactly that and more. Helena has created two characters, Griffin and Cosy, that immediately have chemistry. The dialogue is fun, sexy and deep. The storyline will make it hard for you to go slow in reading the book. In fact, I devoured it within a day!

This book is a stand-alone, however the shacking Up world has been so much fun to read, that I recommend that you read from the beginning to truly understand what I mean when I say Helena does a fabulous job making each book special.

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Another stellar story by the amazing Helena Hunting. 

Set in the amazing Shaking Up world this is Griffin's story.  I have been so looking forward to his!! I am a sucker for the strong, silent type and he fits the bill fabulously!

Griffin and Cosy are a magnetic couple, even with the bit of unorthodox mixed in for fun. A bit of the prince and the pauper and a bit of an age gap but nothing creepy or "squicky". 

I was amazed and humored by Cosy.  Her age was not a hinderance at all.  She was mature beyond her years and she was feisty and fun as she should be at her age.  It was the perfect blend.

Oh Griffin, Ms. Hunting never fails to make me swoon with her hero's.  Just when I think she can't beat her last hero, she gives more and makes a man even more imperfectly perfect than before.

Griffin and Cosy's story is going to keep you turning the pages until the end and then wish it wasn't over.  Their story isn't all hearts and flowers...it's real and bumpy and oh so just wowza!

Get your hands on this fantastic story! You will thank me later!

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I am confident that Helena Hunting has caused some serious chemical reactions in my brain. Because I lost my orientation to time and place while reading Making Up, the new sexy contemporary romantic comedy by her. Otherwise I wouldn't lose track of time or give some rather inappropriate and hilarious reactions in public place. It was perfect in every way. Imagine an intense and epic love story wrapped by cover of sarcasm and wit to its best. And Making Up will still be better than anything.

Two things those make this story so amazing. The characters and the storyline. Both the leading characters are unforgettable. Cosy is a gorgeous, bright, optimistic , independent and a totally different kind of woman. She takes life like an adventure and lives every moment to the fullest. She doesn't want to make things complicated.I totally loved the way she handles the situations in her own way with sass, strength and certain moral standards. And Griffin is exact opposite of her. He is older and has an even older soul. He is the polished and sophisticated billionaire businessman outside but he is actually very thoughtful, charming and understanding. He respects Cosy and her decisions but he isn't afraid of taking control when needed. He is the most intriguing combination of sweet and dominating! And seriously he was melting my heart and panties all the way. He has this vulnerable side locked tight inside that came from betrayal and bitter experience from his past relationships. But I was swooning so hard over how he let Cosy in!

Let's talk about the storyline. It was a genius one. I had a blast while reading it. The author shifted gears effortlessly and smoothly all the time. The initial encounter and story progression was hundred percent funny and laughing-my-guts-out kind. And then she introduced the layers of drama in small, effective and surprising doses. So the story shifted to a sombre emotional side and my heart was breaking for the couple. The misunderstandings and heartache were put in the story very cleverly so that the flow never became boring or one dimensional. Again the subtle witty and sarcastic streaks kept it from becoming too heavy. I was hooked and invested in the story heavily. I laughed with happy and silly moments. I got angry and upset with the heartbreaking turns. I became the expert cheerleader and supporter! The relationship between a penniless college student aka part time sex toy store salesman with heart of gold and a uber rich businessman with wounded soul starts from a chance encounter and the heat is built up painfully slowly till they have a bone deep, soul numbing and all consuming connection. They face some real life obstacles. They have their fair share of mildly angsty and emotional pain. And the journey was phenomenal because of the elegant, engaging, bewitching and exquisite writing of Helena Hunting book.


Making Up by Helena Hunting is a complete luxurious package for a romance reader. It was entertaining, light hearted and rib-tickling goodness. It was also heartwarming, swoonworthy and poignant brilliance. It was a story that claimed my heart and marked it forever with the genius storytelling.

Received ARC for Honest Review

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Making Up had everything in the story that kept my attention, witty banter, sizzling chemistry and characters that were a lot of fun to read about.
I loved Cosy, she has a unique name as well as what she does for a living. She's different, young and quirky but also a really caring person. Enter Griffin, he's a bit secretive but a whole lot of charming in a rather hot package. When these two meet, the chemistry is off the charts and despite a difference they get along famously, with her snark and his brawn, they are quite the match.
There is of curse a lot of drama, so many laughs to be had and some moments where you think to yourself, oh no what will happen??? I really really enjoyed reading it so much so I finished it on a day. The author definitely has a knack for writing entertaining but also heartfelt stories. Loved it!!

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I'm on a horrible streak of books that I've been unable to connect with and unfortunately this book didn't break me out of my funk. I never connected with the story and ended up mostly skimming. The banter was cute at first but eventually a story that was just too over the top for my taste evolved and I just check out. Just not my cup of tea.

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Helena Hunting is a one click author for me! I have been anxiously waiting for last Mills brother to arrive and Helena did not disappoint!! He is sweet, slightly shy, yet commanding, he is absolute perfection and the wait was worth it!

Griffin Mills is the eldest Mills brother, yet very different from his two younger outspoken and don't mind living in the spotlight brothers. Griffin is a numbers man, the traveler, and planner. He has helped build the Mills Hotel chain by being calculated, meeting Cosy Felton while he was shopping for gag gifts in a sex toy shop was not his usual style, but something told him she was worth the risk. She may be a little younger than he is, but he's willing to take a chance, at least see what their connection is while he's working in Vegas. If it doesn't work out then no harm, he's only in town for a couple months and they can end things when he leaves. Seems easy enough, that is until things get complicated.

Cosy was finishing her degree and working part-time in a sex shop when a gorgeous man in a suit came walking in. Sure lots of people came in everyday, but there was something different about this particular suit. Griffin was shy, downright awkward about being in the store and Cosy couldn't help but be drawn to him. Even against her better judgement and her self appointed rule about dating customers, she gives in...hello he's gorgeous. What she doesn't find out until weeks later is Griffin is more than just a suit, he's a hotel mogul billionaire suit. What is he doing with her?

Griffin is a serial monogamist, a billionaire, and a decade older with just a bit more baggage than Cosy, can he really offer her what she needs as she's just getting started with her life, which includes diner milkshakes, no long term commitments, and barely affording rent?

Cosy has yet to see the world, she never makes plans, when she wants to go somewhere she just hops in her car and heads in a direction. Can she really offer Griffin a life of perfection when he is used to having everything at his fingertips and she's a hot mess?

Cosy and Griffin are so imperfectly perfectly matched, that once they get over their own imperfections they wake up and realize just how perfect they are for each other. This is just one of the reasons I adore Helena's writing! Make sure you add this one to your TBR now!

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Another freaking awesome book by Helena Hunting!!!

Cosy is working in an adult toy store and meets Griffin, who shops for a bachelor party. Interesting sparks fly. A few weeks later he asks her out, where they realize they have almost a decade of age difference. Can they keep up this casual fling they have? Is the age gap too big?

This book is so hilarious, and the scenes are extremely funny. I love spunky and sassy Cosy! Griffin is totally adorable, and not necessarily a stuck up suit, even tho he’s a billionaire and what he wants he gets.

This book it home so much, as my hubs is 13 years older, and I was 20, when I met him. So I can totally relate to some age gap struggles... but over 22 happy years later, I can say we managed them all :)

I kindly received an arc for an honest review

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Welcome back to the Mills brothers!!!! We finally get a glimpse into the psyche of Griffin Mills the oldest of the trio. This is one steamy and yet tender loving romance that will melt your heart. Griffin the numbers man that is always traveling shows us his depth and heart. He is more than what his name and looks convey. Self conscious and careful, he never knew that one chance meeting in the most embarrassing of shopping spree's would find him his soulmate.
Cosy, yes and unusual name for a unique personality. Free spirited, she vowed to not be tied down by the tourist or suits, as she calls them, that come through Vegas. Plans change as they often do when you meet the one.
Making up is another masterpiece by Helena Hunting, giving me more than I bargained for, forcing me to stay up reading it until the last word on the page is read. Griffin and Cosy are now my favorite Mills brother couple!

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i absolutely loved this series. Helena Hunting can do no wrong in my book.

This book can be read as a standalone. I loved the meet cute between Griffin and Cosy. They meet in sex toy store. It was so cute. I loved how the relationship progress with a bit of slow burn. It was so good.

I binged read this book along with Handle with Care. I am hoping that there are more books in this series.

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I'm loving that Cosy doesn't have a filter. Also that Griffin doesn't have time for games. He is honest and puts all the cards on the table when it comes to telling Cosy his feelings. Even if it panics her. It's fun to read how Griffin is a master debater and manages to get on her nerves by making decisions and conveniently telling her the minimum. It makes it very entertaining. Because she is a trooper and she teaches him that not everything will go his way when he wants. And she will be the exception to all those people that serve his every need. Their journey feels very realistic in the way they talk and act. More than anything in the way they handle all their bumps in the road. This story is just full of live.

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A sex toy shop is not the place you'd expect to have a Meet Cute, but as you may already know, this author has a flare for the unexpected. Mix in some humor, some sexy times, and a bit of drama, and you have the basis of the latest installment in the Shacking Up series.

Despite her job and overall sexed up appearance, Cosy Felton (yes, that's really her first name) is just a simple girl, making some extra money will finishing her college degree. But her life becomes more interesting when a reluctant customer, Griffin Mills, steps into her store. The attraction is immediate, but Cosy is hesitant to "date" a customer. With time, Griffin's powers of persuasion wear her down.

"This is mine to give, Griffin, and I want you to take it."

Although Griffin views Cosy as a walking hard-on, I liked how patient he is with her. He doesn't assume she's an easy lay because of how she dresses. And even better, he doesn't push her to take things further until she's ready. With that patience, he comes to learn that this younger girl (more than 10 years his junior) is unlike any girl he's been with before.

Is she just a rebound, after the disaster of his previous engagement?
Is she just a fling while he spends time in Vegas for work?
Time will tell.

Even though Griffin appears to be a guy who prefers monogamy over one-night stand drama, this story has a series of revelations about his past, that threaten to ruin his budding relationship with Cosy, before things really take off. Thankfully, the author settles this drama in a way that will please most romance readers - yes, she'll thrown in some angst, but not make you suffer too long.

This was a sweet and sexy story, with a hero that everything in his power to win over the girl who has stolen his heart. Whether you've read the other books in this series or not (they are not required), this is an entertaining Rom Com worth checking out.

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Making Up is an adorable, sexy and sweet romance.

I really enjoyed the story but most of all, I loved Cosy and Griffin. And their meet cute is one for the books.

Cosy is this refreshingly candid personality. Young in age, vibrant, and exuberant, she is exactly what Griffin needs. Someone that isn't cynical and jaded yet, and still believes in HEA without analyzing everything to death. Furthermore she reminds me a bit of Violet and Sunny, nothing too closely resembling, just a vibe that I got from her. Hence her openness, not giving a hoot what people think, and her all in all uncomplicated and confident personality makes her my kind of heroine.

Cosy and Griffin have so many fantastic scenes together. Scenes that still play out in my mind, days after I finished the book. Unsurprisingly the book is sexy, sweet, funny. With lots of signature banter, an entertaining story and a couple that just clicked - it worked on more than one level for me.

Griffin is a hero I won't forget anytime soon. His personality is an interesting mix of  possessiveness and vulnerability. I really enjoyed both sides of him. It makes for a well balanced personality, not many heroes can pull that off. Additionally, Griffin really deserves his HEA.

And of course Cosy and Griffin have chemistry to boot - the attraction sizzles throughout the book!!! But most of all I loved how they adored to make out. It's seldom that a couple in romance novels takes the time to make out, they usually go right away to SEX. But Cosy and Griffin really knew how to enjoy themselves without immediately jumping into bed. I adored that.

The only complaint I have, is that on two separate occasions, the book almost slipped into predictability by using two overly used plot arcs. Fortunately the author averted the looming cliche by skillfully putting her own stamp on it. But in all honesty, it would have been a higher rating for me without these instances.

This book is an easy recommendation for anyone that loves lighthearted, sweet, sexy and sassy.

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BIANCA

ADORABLE!

Another cute and funny and sparky and sexy romance in this amazing series!

I adored Cosy and Griff. They just belong together. But he's so much older - both don't really want anything serious plus he's so effing rich and she's the total opppsite. Too much trouble or woth it? We sure hope so.

I really loved reading it.... but I was a tiny bit dissppointed too. I expected something so much more funny! And I didn't love the thing that happens ..but of course we have a happy end ..so all's good.

Maybe it's just that I'm not the biggest age-gap fan.

But it was still a really cute romance!!!

JANEANE
Welcome back to the world of the Mills men!

Griffin Mills is the last of the Mills brothers, and watching him fall was all kinds of lovely.

There is not only an age difference with gorgeous Cosy Felton, they could not be any more from different sides of the track if they tried.

And I don't know, maybe having both tropes was a little OTT and we could have done without one of them, but that could just be me.

I love that Cosy doesn't GAF what people think, that she is not looking for a sugar daddy, and is working her butt off to make a future for herself. She is sweet, sassy and snarky - I kind of love her more than Mills if I am being honest.

There is something that happens the ugh, why does they make that thing happen? It played out the way I thought it would in the end - so again, maybe not have been needed as Griffin and Cosy had enough to deal with - and again, this is probably just me

We didn't see much of the other Mill's bros and their gals, which I would have liked, but that wasn't a big deal really, as I wanted to know more of Griffin and Cosy.

There were some great secondary characters that I want to be friends with, and other not so great ones that i wanted to visually throat punch hahah.

I did enjoy Making Up, and I look forward to seeing what Ms Hunting brings us next.

MAKING UP was an adorable age gap romace!!!! Funny, sweet, sexy! I LOVED it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Griffin - this one is MINE!!!!

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Oh my gosh! Griffin is my favorite male POV from this series. He's just this spicy cinnamon roll of character in this book. Don't even get me started on Cosy. I feel like if mixed Violet and Charlene together from her Pucked series they would make Cosy. Really liked her dynamic with her sister and her also not taking any bs that came her way. But also, this girl was living for that age gap that was happening.

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After reading all of the previous books in the Shacking Up series I was more than ready to read Making Up. Throughout the previous books Griffin is mentioned briefly, but he’s usually with his fiancee Imogen. Griffin is obviously no longer with Imogen in this book and Helena Hunting does a great job tying in all of the different relationships that happened or are happening currently in this storyline.

I feel like this book still had the usual fun/sarcastic banter that we’ve come to know from Hunting, but it was also more serious in some regards. The age difference between Cosy and Griffin could have been a potential barrier, but I love the way their personalities are discussed more instead of their age. I really liked Cosy and how spunky she was. Her first interaction with Griffin at the sex toy shop was hilarious! But she’s not just a spunky, young girlfriend. She is so caring and her big heart make you always root to be on her side.

Even in the first two books, Griffin always seemed a bit more reserved than his brothers. You definitely sense the same reservation in this book, but he’s also more vulnerable. He is so sweet and kind to Cosy and I love how their relationship plays out.

I loved revisiting favorite characters like Lex and Bane. And also meeting Lincoln, who we get to meet in the next book in the series! Thank you HH, for writing another wonderful book that I devoured too fast.

**ARC provided by St Martin Press in exchange for my honest review**

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Read it in one siting. Cosy and Griffin were awesome. They shouldn't have fit together and yet were somehow perfect. As per usual with Helena Hunting book, the humor was excellent and the angst was believable but didn't want to make you scream. I haven't read all three before this, but I was definitely not lost. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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Helena Hunting has been one of my top 10 authors to read since the first book I read of hers. She never disappoints. I am now adding Making Up to one of my top of hers.

I can’t pick which of the books in the series is my favorite, the Mills brothers are all special and HOT in their own way. But I have to say that the way Cosy and Griffin met and their story was something I was not expecting and that is what I love about Helena and her imagination. I finished this book in one day! Insane, I haven’t done that in a long time. I could not put it down.

Cosy is a free spirit. She is in school trying to complete her degree and working while she does it. She loves to travel so it has taken her a little longer to finish her school but she would not change anything. She works paycheck to pay check and is looking to finally finish school so she can get her dream job of working for a hotel chain and travel from one place to the other. Cosy is 22 years old but more mature than anyone her age. When she first met Griffin she thought he was the hottest guy she’s ever met.

Griffin on the other has always been the stay in his lane kind of guy. Works for his father that is a hotel mogul. He travel the world because that is his job. He looks into buying and renovating hotels. When he first met Cosy he was in Vegas for a bachelor party. He instantly knew she was different and could not get her out of his head. Two weeks later he went back to Vegas for a hotel they were looking to buy and had to go back to her work to find her. I don’t want to say he is awkward but he’s not like the normal suave, knows he’s hot shit type of guys. He just knew he had to ask her out. He is older than her but to them both its just a number.

Their story has ups and downs and they go through some intense stuff together and through their relationship. Can they move past it, can’t they get the happy ever after, the true love story, the bone deep kind of love they both want with each other.

I highly recommend this book and this whole series can be read as a stand-alone. Need the next one ASAP hahaha

Received this ARC for my honest opinion and review.

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➳ Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars

It's so great to get back into a fav series and revisit a world you love, meeting new characters and getting to catch up to some old ones. I love the Shacking Up world and Helena has just proven that the Mills men know just how to win a girl's heart (I'm taking about me here).

I did not expect to love Griffin has much as I did, because I just literally hadn't been expecting Griffin Mills. But he completely won me over with his weak pick up lines, non-game but most of all his sincerity and his desire to find a love like his parents had.

Cosy was such a unique character but what else do you expect coming from Helena Hunting?! She writes the most unique and funny characters and Cosy was right there at the top. I really loved her spirit and how she knew what she wanted and got it at her own pace and not according to society's standards. She provided most of the laugh out loud moments and the awkward cringe-worthy ones that have you dying alongside the character. It was the freaking hilarious I have gotten used to with a Helena Hunting book and I loved that she never ever disappoints on that front.

Cosy and Griffin will steal your heart as they are stealing each others, it's fast, swoon-worthy and such a fun ride. Griffin despite not having any 'apparent' game, he had it where it counts - in his actions. That man is a romantic at heart, willing to pull out all the stops to win over the girl and it was epic. He gave me Grey vibes sometimes and although he wasn't as kinky, he sure knew what he was doing.

Making Up is a laugh out loud, swoon-worthy new standalone in the Shacking Up series that I'm sure readers, old and new, will love. Griffin and Cosy are sweet couple that will have you so invested, you'll hurt when they hurt and you'll grin when they are happy. Helena Hunting never fails to deliver an amazing story, filled with laughter, steam and just the righ amount of angst.

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I enjoyed Making Up as much I enjoyed the rest of the books in this series! Griffin and Cosy's story was a great read that had some ups and downs. Their story was a fun read and the couple had chemistry from the start. They had some humerus moments as well as a few twists in their story along the way but nothing said that love was easy. I enjoyed this book from the start as it was a fast moving book that worked well for both Griffin and Cosy. I definitely recommend this book as well as all of the other books in this series to others and I look forward to more to come.

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Cosy is a shop owner but not a typical shop. She owns a sex toy shop and she loves her job. The awkward customers the ones who don't know what they are looking for. She turns on her typical charm and sales skills when Garrett walks in completely out of his element to put together gag gifts for his friends bachelor party. He is nervous and just trying to distract himself from his life home that is falling around him.

Will they be able to come together and find love?

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