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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!

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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!

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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).

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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.

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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!

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

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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.

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Jenny Hale
37 ratings (4.89 avg)
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Age 36, Female, Gainesville, FL (0 mi)

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Shacking Up by Helena Hunting
Shacking Up
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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.

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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.

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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.

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**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!

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Sign me up for a Bane please! I loved Shacking Up and cannot wait for the next book in this series. I want more!! And can we talk about how adorable Bane is with his pets?! Swoon!!

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Helena Hunting's contemporary romance comedy "Shacking Up" was a quick fun read about a couple who needed to work on their communication with each other on their way to their HEA.
Ruby was leaving the restroom at her best friend's engagement party when she is mistaken for another woman by a really hot guy who grabbed her, kissed her and then coughs in her face.
Her luck seems to have run out on her as she gets violently sick the next day during an audition that she really wanted, finds out her father cut the funds that paid for her apartment that she losses and then owes three months back rent on, and then there is no other jobs around that would pay enough to keep her from living in an alley in a cardboard box. Which she would rather do than go back home in defeat and work in her father's company having her stepmother as her boss, said stepmother is only a few years older than she is.
When all seems lost Ruby's best friend introduces her to a guy who is leaving on business for five weeks and needs someone to house sit and take care of his beloved pets. As Ruby's luck would have it the guy is the same person who kissed her and coughed on her at the party.
Bancroft really feels bad about his causing some of Ruby's misfortunes and offers her a place to stay to take care of his pets so she could get back on her feet.
Between shower mishaps, short shorts, pets that play under the blankets, nightly video chats, messages from old dates, mixed signals, you'll chuckle and enjoy a good read as the couple find out how perfect they are for each other.

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This was my first time to read a book written by Helena Hunting. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by her.

Ruby was a believable character. She was independent and strong which I are characteristics that I like to see in a heroine. No one ever wants to admit defeat and return home. She wanted to continue acting and reach her dreams. She didn't care that she was having to put appetizers in her purse or limit her food intake to achieve it. Too bad "Awesome Kisser" took her down with his cooties.

Bancroft was also a great character. He had missed out on a lot in his family while living his dream as a professional rugby player. He is ready to move into his position in the family business. The traveling isn't something that he wants to do. He accidentally kissed the wrong girl while sick and that is when the fun began for him.

I think she did a great job with witty banter between the characters and building their relationship. I wanted to see what was going to happen next.

I received this copy from Netgalley.

I fel

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DNF at 28%. I thought I knew what I was getting in for, but it was worse than expected (too much talk about dicks and ferrets for me!)

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ARC provided through NetGalley for review.

4-5 Stars- The first part of this book was 4 starts for me while I found the flow and content in the second half to be 5 star material-it was hard to put down. The story had an uncommon introduction between Ruby and Bane which you read about in the synopsis. This was refreshing and gave us a connection between the two main characters and it even looks like their lives won’t meet up again. I liked that that the author didn’t immediately hook these two up and we got some background for Ruby to start the main story.

Ruby was a strong female and a funny one too. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments in this one. Ms. Hunting has some great detail in describing how Ruby’s at the end of her rope. She has no job and is about to lose her apartment. I don’t want to tell too much but the author then manages another unique meetup between Ruby and Bane. This part of the story was a little far-fetched for me but worked for the sake of this book.

With that said, you’ll find the story is told in dual POV’s and just when I’m wondering what Bane’s thoughts might be, we get a chapter in his POV. I personally love dual POV’s and while most of the book is told from Ruby’s perspective, we do find out Bane’s thoughts too. His caring and compassion nature are shown in how he feels about his family who he’s started to work for plus there are his pets. I’m not going to share what his pets are because I wasn’t expecting them but I will say that they gave the story some humor with their antics. I also think a person’s personality is reflected in how they treat their pets.

The romance in this book moved at such a great pace in my opinion. As I said above, after the first meeting these two could’ve never met again. So their relationship develops over the course of the book and they make connections while also making some mistakes. With the dual POV’s, I was able to keep pace with both characters and what they were feeling. Bane and Ruby definitely had some hot tension going on and that kept me turning pages in the second half of the book quickly.

I’ll be looking for this book when it’s released and if recommend it for a romantic and FUN read.

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