~**~ ARC Review: Shacking Up by Helena Hunting ~**~

ARC Review: Shacking Up by Helena Hunting

***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!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~

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.

Book Summary

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published By: St Martins Press/Swerve

Release Date: May 30th, 2017

Pages: 480

ASIN B01N0Z4VSD