Fast and smexy read –totally hawt! – that has great characters. Ruby Scott is the heroine and Bancroft (Bane) Mills is the hero. Both are a bit…flawed however they really do fit together. Of course they each have very big issues to work through on their own but it’s only when they figure out that they are better together does the story write its’ HEA. There are some funny parts that will make you laugh out loud and parts that will make you sniffle. Bane’s friends and the reactions to Ruby’s new friends will crack you up. Good read. I received an ARC through NetGalley and have freely given an honest opinion and review. #SMPRomance

I loved this book. It's chock-full of Helena Hunting's brand of witty humor and sizzling sexy times and amazing characters.

Ruby is hilarious and I loved her sense of humor and sarcasm. She's strong-willed and independent. Her determination to succeed on her own merit is inspiring. I love that she's following her dreams, despite constant protests and lack of support from her family. After a surprise toe-curling kiss from a stranger, Ruby is riddled with bad luck, in both her career and her personal life.

When she finds out who the mysterious kissing connoisseur is, Bancroft Mills, she lets him know that he's to blame for all her current woes. So, Bane offers her a temporary solution to all her problems.

Bane is... all the things. God, he made me laugh and swoon and laugh and swoon and... *dreamy sigh* He's gorgeous and big and muscular and sweet and funny and sexy and has pretty body parts and he's not always a gentleman. He's definitely top book boyfriend material.

The relationship between Bane and Ruby is epic. It starts as a friendship and slowly morphs into a bit of a flirtation and then comes the sexual innuendo and the sexual tension. It's glorious! I love a good slow burn. But, holy guacamole, once that fire catches... *fans self*

The story as a whole is just fantastic. Great secondary characters (just wait until you meet Francesca and Tiny), unique plot line, lots of laughs and sexy times, with a wee bit of angst thrown in. It wouldn't be a Helena Hunting book without a touch of heartache.

Another must read from the uber-talented Helena Hunting.

When I see a new book from Helena Hunting I know 3 things-I'm going to want to read it, that it will have hot sex and that I'll laugh. This book definitely held true on those accounts. The first chapter pulled me in and I didn't stop reading until I'd finished.

I will say the way our hero and heroine meet is unique...and fun. I shook my head at first and chuckled to myself. Of course, I immediately felt for Ruby after. This was not ideal for her in any way, and she was already having a rough night BUT, given the circumstances? I would have responded the same way.

I liked these characters. I'm always fascinated with characters in the Arts so that was a nice bonus here. I thought the author did a great job with misconceptions with that lifestyle and what it takes to constantly put yourself out there for rejection.

Ruby and Bancroft definitely have chemistry. It's right there from the start, and even though there are circumstances that prevent them from acting on it physically, you feel it. There's plenty of flirty banter between these two-something I think this author does incredibly well in general. I will say I wish we had a bit more time of them actually together, but that's just me.

This book had some sexy times in it-and I expect that from this author. I LOVED these two together and how they acted together. Bancroft has a way with words that I just couldn't get enough of.

I liked the supporting characters in this book-and I'm interested to see if we'll ever get the story behind Ruby's best friend. This book had me laughing and the sexy times were scorching as I've come to expect. I would recommend this book and look forward to the author's next story.

This was so freaking entertaining and had the best sexual innuendos, I can't tell you how many times I laughed. It was just so fun and had a fantastic build. I loved it!

I loved Bancroft and Ruby and how they met. It was so priceless! Then how everything unfolds after with Ruby, it was like a series of unfortunate events. Them meeting again was great and I loved how sweet and genuine Bancroft was in wanting to help her. I thought this had the best build. I loved them really getting to know each other in this very interesting situation. They had great chemistry and I loved their banter. So fun and flirty and hello sexual innuendos (I highlighted the heck out of my Kindle because there were some awesome one-liners throughout the story). That good natured ribbing and sparing between the two was fantastic.They just has this amazing connection that had me smiling big time.

The writing was so great. The storyline was awesome. I loved the characters and adored the fact that this is told from dual POV’s. I really loved Ruby and her determination to do things on her own. I just liked how strong she was, a total spitfire. I also loved that she was just herself, putting it all out there, with no filter some times. It made her really endearing to me. She was just spunky and fun and full of life. And Bancroft. Oh my. So sweet. So sexy. And what a mouth (in a dirty talking way that made me melt). And the build - I know I said it already - was perfect. The story was like foreplay leading up to that combustible moment when they connect. And it was aaawsooome! There was a bit of drama mixed in and at just the right time, loved the bit of awkward tension that was in there too. It just had so many great elements mixed in and I loved it all.

So this gets five big ol’ stars from me because it was everything I wanted and more. It was just so high on the scale in entertainment value. I was definitely cracking up for Shacking Up. A must read for sure!

I enjoyed this book a lot. Reading Helena's books is always a pleasure, and this time wasn't an exception. Definitely, sexy romantic comedies are her thing.

First we had an aspiring actress who's friend with a girl who's engaged to a trust fund baby.They are throwing a party to celebrate their engagement and our girl, Ruby, is revealing little by little all her quirks. With a hilarious first person narration, Helena drawed us Ruby's personality, her humor and her problems. And then,we met Bane.

Think about this: You're in a party, about to leave 'cause you HAVE to wake up early for an audition, and the hottest guy in the room kiss you. And it's not just a peck... we're talking about tongue kissing. This guy were to the war and didn't take prisoners with that kiss. Well, that's what happened to Ruby. And it was ok, just for a little detail. The guy had the flu, and spit in the face of our girl after the kiss. Eugh!

After that encounter, Ruby get sick, lost her voice and her life turns into hell. But Bane has a part in the storytelling too, and he has a lot to say.

Alternating points of views, the author built a hilarious story about two persons who weren't suposed to met each other, or like each other for that matter. The little coincidences, the particular personalities of each one, and the light, fun and romantic storyline turned this book in a wonderful experience to me. I really really enjoyed reading this book. Once I started I coudn't stop reading.

By FAR my favorite Helena Hunting book to date! I loved every bit of the slow burn between Ruby and Bane. Loved that they connected and learned so much about each other before diving in between the sheets. Loved how fiercely they stood up to and for each other. Just loved it! Loved it so much I cannot articulate it further. Just read it and enjoy.

This was such a great read from start to finish I couldn't help but laugh. Not your average rom com but a rom com on steroids. The characters had such big personalities and it was great how they interacted with one another. I loved the plot of the book and it really drew quite a picture. I knew from the first paragraph I needed to read this book. I love the writing style you can’t help but look forward to reading a book from Helena. Her stories draw you in and keep you entertained through the entire journey. I really enjoyed that there wasn't an instant connection for Ruby and Bane you get to see their romance unfold at the perfect pace. This is defiantly a must read.

Unpredictable…that’s what I’ve always loved about Helena Hunting’s characters and the situations she places them in…there’s just something about Hunting’s off-kilter humor and her ability to revel in the untoward that makes her stories unbelievably entertaining and a pleasure to read, and with the way that her newest release, Shacking Up, begins, readers won’t be able to read fast enough in order to see what happens after the hero and heroine’s not so stellar first encounter!

Readers will definitely be able to relate to Ruby Scott’s unlucky streak and her need to do things on her own, regardless of her family’s money and social standing. I think that’s what endeared me to Ruby from the start of the story – she didn’t want to be the “pampered rich bitch”…she wouldn’t sacrifice her creativity or her dignity regardless of how much easier it would be to go back home to her father’s company and resolve to live in the world she was raised in – a world she can no longer stand. Her Broadway dreams are her guiding light, which means there’s no place in her life for the snobbery of her upper class family because they see her endeavors as futile and unbecoming of a woman in her societal position.

After 7 years of playing professional rugby, Bancroft Mills aka “Awesome Kisser” is forced to take his rightful place in his father’s company, and even if it’s a position he reluctantly agrees to, he has no other choice. But like Ruby, Bancroft doesn’t act like the world owes him anything just because of the family he was born into, and while it might be because he worked his ass off to accomplish his goals as a professional athlete, he knows the kind of dedication and hard work required to be successful, which is exactly what he plans to be in his new role…as much as his father will let him.

Ruby and Bancroft’s “relationship” evolves quickly after their first interaction, and while it’s definitely an unconventional situation they find themselves in…what they’ve worked out allows them to feel settled and to get to know one another on a level they never would have had the opportunity to experience if they wouldn’t have agreed to their “business” transaction.

Shacking Up is definitely a slow burn romance due to a number of factors, but Helena Hunting’s build up clearly illustrates that the chemistry between Ruby and Bancroft as well as their developing feelings for one another are headed in the right direction, so when they finally have a chance to experience each other, the foundation they built leading up to anything sexual makes it that much more amazing and worthwhile.

I definitely enjoyed Ruby and Bancroft’s story and I loved Ruby’s rating scale for Bancroft and how he gained/lost points based on his comments and actions…I did find some of Ruby’s internal monologues a bit excessive, but I also understood why there were so many of them due to the nature of her relationship with Bancroft for 5 weeks. I guess I’m just used to Helena Hunting’s writing as an indie author, and because Shacking Up is traditionally published, some of the feel of the book didn’t quite resonate with me because I was looking for more of Hunting’s colorful dialogue and off the cuff situations. Regardless of a few issues, though, I loved Hunting’s characterization of both Ruby and Bancroft and their aversion to high society and all of its fakery, and I am looking forward to more characters from this world.

3.5/4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

I was hooked immediately by this hilarious, sexy, sweet and tender contemporary romance and couldn't put the book down until I read the last word. I loved the instant attraction, sizzling chemistry and repartee between sassy, unemployed Ruby Scott and retired professional rugby player Bancroft Mills. This well-crafted novel includes all the elements of a great romance and will leave a smile on your face. Shacking Up is the first book I have read by Helena Hunting and I look forward to reading more by this talented author. I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review.

A new hero to adore!!!

Shacking Up is Helena Hunting’s newest romcom venture outside of her beloved and much adored Pucked universe. (Beloved and adored by me, at any rate!) If you’re a fan of that series like I am, you’ll be happy to know that this book will not disappoint, not even a little bit. Filled with her trademark humor, wit, and banter, and of course sexiness, Shacking Up is the hilarious and touching story of Ruby and Bancroft. And when I say there’s a new hero to love, I am not kidding. Bancroft, or Bane as he’s come to be known, will knock you off your feet. And I dare say you’ll fall in love with Ruby as well, before you flip to the last page.

After a steamy, but slightly awkward, first encounter, Bane and Ruby find themselves relying on each other for help. While they are both part of the “upper crust”, Ruby’s hit a bit of a rough patch in her life and is struggling. After losing out on a job, and losing her apartment, Ruby’s in a bit of a pickle. Unwilling to crawl back to her father, like he expects, she’s determined to make it on her own. With a little help from her best friend, all her troubles seem to disappear, at least for awhile, in the form of guilt-ridden Bane. With a job offer and a place to live, Bane seems to be the answer to all her prayers.

This is the point where I’m just going to start gushing over how much I adored this book! Ruby and Bane are so fun, so sweet, so filled with sexual tension that I thought I might combust from it. Bane is that perfect combination of understated alpha and adorable sweetheart...he’s just an all around good guy. He’s so caring and darling, with a touch of dominance that will seriously have you swooning.

"Hasn’t anyone told you it’s not polite to ogle?” His gaze lifts to mine and he leans in close, voice dropping to a whisper as if he’s about to tell me a secret. "I’m not always polite.”

Ruby is strong and feisty, with a quirkiness that keeps Bane on his toes. Even though these two, on paper, would seem to be cut from the same cloth- monied upbringings, part of the same social class, they are so completely different you wouldn’t expect them to work...but they fit together like the 2 most perfect puzzle pieces.

I loved that Bane and Ruby developed a friendship at first, after that one unexpected kiss, as it led to some serious chemistry building between the two that was really quite delicious- the anticipation was palpable and I could not wait for the payoff! Every word, every page of Shacking Up was so delightful to read. Ruby and Bane are totally charming and absolutely endearing- they've moved up to the top spot of my favorite Hunting couple, right up there with Randy and his luscious Lily.

"If I was a thug, I would steal you."

Accidental lip locks don't generally end in HEA...but in HH's world that's just what you're gunna get.

In typical "I inconvenienced you so here's how I'll make it up to you" trope fashion: Bane has to make this right and hire Rub to stay with him and take care of his.....exotic pets (and that is not a euphemism). Bane and Ruby are two peas in a pod. There's an easy chemistry between the two of them shows form their first..ahem...interaction.

Ruby is a bit of a spitfire and has the well-known Hunting Heroine sass that matches Bane's sarcasm and makes for some entertaining scenes. Not to mention these two seem to find themselves in sexually tense situation more often than not.

Of course they've got to blur the line between business and pleasure to find out if that tension is worth cutting. Bane doesn't want to overstep Ruby's bounds but he can't resist. Ruby knew that the stranger that kissed her and started this whole debacle would be memorable but she didn't plan on life-altering.

So excited to be back in the Hunting world and am so hoping for more in this steamy new series. Plus...rugby players...i mean they're just the European version of sexy hockey players right?!

Bancroft and Ruby meet at an engagement party, where he coughs on her (and more), which gets her sick. That makes her fail her audition. Followed by her losing her apartment. Bad luck! Well he makes it up to her by having her house sit his pets while he's out of town.

These two have insane chemistry, very drawn to each other. So Ruby and Bancroft are very flirty while he's away on business- I feel like the fact that they only could communicate over the phone for weeks helped them to build a more solid connection. This was a good, slow burn.

And this book is so funny, it had me cracking up! It flowed so well, that it was hard to put down. I popped my Helena Hunting cherry with this book and I was 40% in before I even took a break from reading it all in one sitting. And this is no tiny, short story so that's saying something. I will definitely read more by this author in the future.
I received an arc of this

BIANCA

Oy!!! This book was sooo adorable!
And sexy and funny! Jeeeeez - I loved it!
Ruby reminds us a lot of our favorite Pucked-lady with all her talk about female parts!!! LOL!
And Bancroft! Grrrrr - former rugby pro!

You start reading this book and you immediately feel good. It's like you're relaxing in a bathtub with a glass of wine or some ice cream and you watch this amazingly funny and sexy romantic comedy happening!
I laughed so much - might have fallen off the couch a few times!
But it's not all funny and ridiculous. We have some very serious moments - both Ruby and Bane have lots of family pressure and problems. And of course we also have those adorable moments with Bane and the pets and how he's so sweet with Ruby. And of course that sweetness is not all he has for Ruby!!! Those two are mega attracted to each other. PHEW!!!

The only tiiiiny little thing I didn't love about the book was one of Bane's pets! I'm sure she's a nice 'person' but I don't want her anywhere near me!!!! But we don't get to see her all that often ☺☺☺
Also, I expected a tiny little bit more sex! There's some sexy mega flirting and video-chatting going on, but the first actual sexy time doesn't happen until towards the end of the book :/ BUT - I still loved the story soo much!

SHACKING UP was the most adorable Romantic Comedy!!!! Hilarious, sweet, sexy! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Bancroft - this one is MINE!!!!

JANEANE

ARC received for an honest review

Ms Hunting, you had me at rugby player!

I enjoyed every adorable minute of this book, there is just something about Ms Hunting's writing that gets me every single time.

I want to be Ruby Scott's BFF. She struggles, she is self sufficient, and she has a mouth on her that would make sailors blush - and me upping the ante in conversations!

Bancroft is a sexy ex professional rugby player, and part of the "last name as first names" crowd. Yet he is everything they are not.

And from their first clash I was all in. I needed them to be together. It just has to happen.

I am freaking in love with Bancroft's pets - well, one of them at least. Never wanted to be a pet sitter sleeping in a hot guy's bed so much in my life!

This is a slow burn of a romance - there's lots of flirtatious phone calls and teasing texting to heat things up. Everything I adore in my rom-coms

Shacking Up is sweet, sexy and downright adorable. Bancroft is kinda swoonworthy and makes me want one of my own.

Shacking Up is the sexy and hilarious story of Ruby and Bancroft <3

Ruby’s dream is to be on Broadway and she pursued her dream no matter whether her father supported her or not. Despite her talent, she’s had a rough time in her career and now she’s about to be homeless, but her best friend came to the rescue by getting her a pet-sitting job with her fiancé’s cousin, who happened to be the sexy stranger who gave her the most sensual kiss in the world the night before.

Bancroft is a former rugby player—drooling all over my kindle while reading, gimme now—who is now working in his family business. It was supposed to be a simple kinda job, which wouldn’t include to travel...much. But now he’s forced to leave his exotic pets in hands of a stranger to take care of them for a long month. But…. she wasn’t a stranger, not completely. They met the night before when he kissed her by mistake. But Oh. Boy. What a mistake!

I loved everything in this book. The pets, firstly. LOVE LOVE LOVE Francesca! I want a ferret!! OMG Super cute!!! I also loved how their relationship transformed from an employer-employee one to a friendship and then to something more, I loved how supportive they went to each other about their jobs… well kinda… there was a little drama about this subject, but it was great too, and of course I loved the ending. It was amazing.

Helena Hunting always writes the best books!! :) She can create the best stories, best characters, best hilarious scenarios ever and I can’t get enough of it. <3

Shacking Up is a 100% recommended read for all the romantic comedy readers.

4.25-4.5 stars! Loved this book! Move over Pucked, I have a new Helena Hunting favorite!

This is Ruby and Bane's story. Ruby is a Broadway hopeful living in NYC. At Ruby's best friend's engagement party, she runs into Bane, literally, and he kisses her, mistaking her for his date. This mistake leads to her getting sick, losing her voice, puking during an audition, and losing her apartment because she can't pay the rent. She stays with her best friend, Amie, and meets her fiance's cousin, who turns out to be Bane. They hit it off right away, as friends. With Bane taking over a big role in his father's company and traveling a lot for work, he offers to let Ruby stay at his apartment to pet-sit his pet ferret, Francesca, and his pet tarantula, Tiny. Over the course of Ruby staying with him, they become close friends and fall in love.

I loved all of the characters in this book. I loved Ruby, especially. She was so funny, independent and sweet. Bane was great too. He was enamored by Ruby's vivacious personality right away. They became friends first and both were attracted to each other. While Bane was away for work, they talked all the time and video chatted. They pretty much dated (without either knowing it) that way and fell in love before anything physical happened between them. They had great chemistry and banter, and once they got their hands on each other, totally hot! They were really great together! I loved the pet aspects. All of the hilarious things they got into were so fun. I enjoyed Ruby's quest for a job on Broadway and her burlesque work, as well as the NY setting.

Overall, this is just a funny, sexy, sweet, low-angst book and I loved it! I hope this turns into a series!

Bancroft and Ruby are two of my favorite characters. They meet for the first time in a lil-lock. This kiss sets everything in motion. Unfortunately, Bancroft is sicker than sick and has so much medicine in him that he believes he is missing his date, at first. Ruby is taken by surprise when Bancroft kisses her, but quickly starts kissing him back. Once they realize that they shouldn't be kissing, they both quickly leave the party they are at.
Bancroft is leaving town for a while and needs someone to watch his pets. Ruby is newly homeless but doesn't want to admit it to anyone. Ruby's friend was going to watch his pets, but comes up with the idea that Ruby takes her place. Because Ruby for sick when Bancroft kissed her and lost a job, he gives her the job.
This is when the story becomes really good. Over the course of the time that Bancroft is away, they talk and get to know each other. He starts feeling jealous and she starts feeling like his house is here. They both like the other, but don't realize it. When a misunderstanding occurs, so they know each other well enough to talk honestly about it or will they go their separate ways?
This book was awesome. It has friendship. It has romance. It had fighting. It has steam. It had everything. It even has a couple that didn't rush a relationship, due to their situation, and for to know one another in a deep basis.
I received an ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

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.