“I don’t want to get hurt again.”
“I don’t want to hurt you, Amie, I want to love you. Won’t you let me try?”

Let me start with this: I won’t say the name of the hero—it’s not in the blurb, so it’s not in the review. However, that “hot-blooded male” is 100% Grade-A Book Boyfriend material, and every swoony moment, word, thought—along with every dirty word, kinky act, loving aside—made me fall deeper in love.

Do I love him more than Bane, from the hilarious and sexy Shacking Up? Hmm, not sure. After all, there are some choice Bane moments in Hooking Up, so it’s hard to decide. Hard. So, so HARD.

What’s not hard, however, is simply loving this book. Hooking Up is what I’ve come to expect from Helena Hunting—a laugh-out-loud funny read coupled with a seriousness that makes the old knees weak. Here, Amalie’s heartache, her confusion, her turmoil is the source of said seriousness and it was impossible for me not to a) feel for her, and b) root for her to accept her hot-blooded male as genuine.

There’s the expected conflict—after all, just because the wedding reception was . . . *ahem* blown all to hell, doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing for our couple. But that conflict was low-key, taking a rightful backseat to the chemistry and romance of Amie and her man, and that’s just one more thing to love about Hooking Up.

It’s a smart, sassy romance, it has hurt and pain, naughtiness and niceties, and kickass female friendships (seriously, Ruby and Amie are #FriendshipGoals), and it’s only made all the sweeter by Amie’s hot-blooded male—and the impossible-to-ignore way he makes a girl fall in love.

She still belongs to someone else on a technicality and there’s no goddamn way she’s ready for what I want from her. Which is everything. All of her. The parts that I can’t have. The heart that’s still broken.

~ FIVE Hot-Blooded STARS ~

Omg really love this story. I've been wanting to read it since Shacking Up and Eye candy. It didn't disapoint. Love Helena's writing and storyline. Didn't want it to end. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Helena Hunting is one of those authors that I put up high on a pedestal. She’s an automatic must read for me. I have absolutely loved this series from the start. Although you could probably read each book as a standalone, I would highly recommend that you read them all. We met Amalie and Lexington in Shacking Up and could tell there was something there between them even though Amalie was engaged to Lex’s cousin, Armstrong. But it’s in ”Getting Down” that we find out a secret regarding Lex and Amalie’s past. To say that I have been beyond anxious to finally get their story is quite the understatement. I was dying for the real Amie to resurface and for her to get the chance at true love that she so rightly deserved!




The beginning of the story has Amie facing one of the most humiliating circumstances of her life. After only having been married for a few short hours, her husband has literally been caught with his pants down with another woman at their wedding reception. Feeling lost and betrayed and desperate to numb the pain, she attacks Lex when she fortuitously discovers him hiding out in her bridal suite. Ever the gentleman, Lex resists Amie’s advances, even though it’s the very last thing he wants to do. Lex has had a thing for Amie since they met at a party when they were both single at the time. He set his sights first on her but then Armstrong swooped in and stole her from him. The cousins have a very long history of rivalry that has caused quite a lot of tension for the family.




A couple weeks later, Ruby convinces Amie to go on her honeymoon trip to Bora Bora that is fully paid for, in order to get away from the drama in New York City. Her cheating husband is being less than cooperative with her request for an annulment. The last person she expected to see at the airport was Lex. It seems that fate is finally stepping in and trying to right the mistakes of the past. While Lex and Amie wind up being alone together in one of the most beautiful and romantic settings imaginable, they’ll find it impossible to fight the primal attraction that has always existed between them.




The two decide to enjoy each other for as long as they can while away from the pressures and painful realities that await them back in New York, agreeing that once they leave the beautiful island, their romantic affair will come to an end. This will prove to be a difficult challenge for the two as they’ll each come to realize that it was never really all about the sex and that true feelings have emerged.



Can Lex and Amie defeat all of the seemingly insurmountable odds against them? Is Amie ready to give love another try or could she be making yet another bad decision with Lex, and is Lex truly in love with Amie or is it a case of besting his cousin?


Here are my overall ratings on the book:

Heroes: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5

After meeting Amelie in Shacking Up, we knew her story was next. It was awesome to see her take back some of the control of her life, especially after being subdued for so long by her jerk fiance.
Lex was amazing, and watching as the two of them become more comfortable with each other beyond the bedroom and really develop their relationship was delicious. Such a great read - will definitely recommend.

After totally falling in love with Shacking Up earlier this year, I so badly wanted Amie to get a book of her own. She deserved SO MUCH MORE than her POS fiancé Armstrong. Little did I know, it was going to get worse before it got better and I didn't have any idea how truly scummy Armstrong really was. But, I wasn't wrong about her being deserving of more. She was a great heroine and I really enjoyed her book — and her pairing with the sexy mystery man whose name I can't reveal. (At the publisher's request, sorry!) 

It's probably for the best that I'm super vague in this review, so I'm going to keep things pretty short. I loved Amie and thoroughly enjoyed watching her truly come into her own during this book. Armstrong is far more disgusting than I could've ever imagined. The mystery man is AMAZING and I loved him with Amie. I laughed out loud countless times during this book — and cringed so hard during a couple of the scenes where I was basically dying of embarrassment on Amie's behalf. There are a TON of super hot sexy times in Hooking Up, which you probably could've guessed from the title. *fans self* There were also a few feels I honestly wasn't expecting. 

Hooking Up was a great follow-up to Shacking Up. If you enjoyed the first book and, like me, wanted more of Amie, you don't want to pass this book by. Plus, you get some great Ruby and Bancroft scenes... a couple of which are truly special. You don't want to miss those. 

FAVORITE QUOTES

"No was the very last thing I wanted to say to you."

I crush my mouth to Amalie's, swallowing her scream, because she's coming, too. It's not a very coordinated kiss. It's messy and teeth-clashing. It's want and need. It's possession. Hers and mine."

"You're my favorite appetizer. I'd have you before every meal if I could."

I usually like Helena Huntings stories but this one just did not do it for me. The whole cheating thing in the beginning was a bit ridiculous and the sex scenes were just too over the top. Not my cup of tea.

This was one deliciously sexy book and I loved every freaking minute! It was laugh out loud hilarious, but also packed an emotional punch when necessary. I couldn't get enough of Amie and her Hottie hook-up! Though this book can be read as a stand alone, it would be best enjoyed after reading Shacking Up and the novella Getting Down, since that is where all the characters are initially introduced.

The book starts off with a bang (or I guess more accurately a blow!) and you can't help but get wrapped up in all of the fall out from Amie's disastrous wedding. I know that I wanted to throttle her arrogant and unfaithful groom more than once for the offenses he committed. It was heartbreaking to see Amie's world crumble to pieces and to see her confidence so shaken. Readers will cheer her on though, as she rediscovers herself and her sexuality. When fate intervenes and brings her and a familiar piece of man candy together in paradise, the sparks really fly! Their chemistry was scorching hot and I loved the two of them together! It was especially fun and steamy when they got into the carry on that Amie so hilariously had to explain to airport security ;)

Hottie hook-up was everything Amie needed and was so patient and supportive. Watching their relationship evolve and change was amazing. Sure, there were some missteps and speed bumps along the way, but in the end their connection was undeniable and that epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face.

Another thing I loved about the book was being able to catch up with Bane and Ruby! Getting an update on their relationship and future was so wonderful! I am still a devout member of the Church of Banecock, though I will say that Hottie hook-up gave him a run for his money! I hope that Helena Hunting will continue to write many more books in the world of these characters! You definitely don't want to miss this sexy romantic comedy!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Hooking Up
By: Helena Hunting
4.5 Stars

I’ve gone and done it…
I’ve Popped my Helena Hunting cherry with Hooking Up. Now I’m Hooked on her writing.

Lexington and Armstrong= cousins who have grown up as brothers. One event turned their friendship into a game of who is the best in everything they do. From sports, to their jobs, to their girlfriends. It’s a battle of who will win. At times, it gets down right cut throat!!!

Amalie has picked the wrong guy every time! The little voice in her head was telling her that this one wasn’t the right one either…. but did she listen? Heck no, she wanted to go for the opposite of what she normally picked and listen to what her mother told her. Not every marriage is perfect.

Well what an eye opener it was!!! Starting with her wedding day…

What a great funny, loving, story this was!!

The cover of this book should give you a clue as to how hot it is and trust me it is hot hot HOT!!! Hunting's narrative is so descriptive that you can picture every scene, gesture and look almost as if you were there to witness it. From the cold high rises of New York City to the sandy tropical beaches of Bora Bora, this story will captivate you!

Amalie Whitfield thought that she was marrying the perfect man. She hasn't always made the best choices where men are concerned. However, she never expected her perfect husband to cheat on her at their wedding, while everyone, and that includes everyone who is anyone in New York high society, listened on. She is humiliated and angry beyond words. So she decides to jump on the first man that crosses her path. A man that she has always had a weakness for. When he regrettably declines, she decides to leave all the gossip and everything behind and go off on her honeymoon by herself. Call it luck or maybe fate, she finds the man that rejected her sitting right next to her on the plane going to Bora Bora for work. It seems that he has also changed his mind and the sparks start flying!

This romance will have you blushing and leave you hot and bothered. Best read in the privacy of your own room ;)

I loved this book so much that I bought the previous book of the series, "Shacking Up" and will be reading it as soon as possible. This book can be read as a standalone so you don't have to read Shacking Up, however, I really want to find out how Ruby and Bane met!

A hot and sweet romance! Loved every second of it!

***4.5 ‘Anarchy Amie, Oh God and Tickle Trunk’ Stars***

I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!

Sorry. I had to get that out and now that I have, let me explain.

Upon first meeting Amalie and Armstrong in Shacking Up I had that gut feeling that something hinky, and just wrong, was going on because there could be no way ‘that’ Amalie was Ruby’s bestie. NO. FUCKING. WAY. and did hope that they’d break up before the book ended, I know horrible, horrible romance reader, but seriously.... When it didn’t happen I resigned myself to the fact that they’d be in fictional matrimonial hell forever because there was no indication at that time Shacking Up would be a part of a series. So imagine my elation when Hooking Up was announced and the blurb came out???

Yes. I squeed and did a happy dance.

And let me tell you. Amie and Lex are addicting! There journey brought out all the feels. The swoons and heart twitterpations were real, the smexy was panty incinerating, the need to grab a spoon and gut a few people oh so tempting and the humor kept things on an even keel as I devoured this book in no time flat.

Lex can be summed up quite easily. He’s a real bad boy and a real good man. He’s all kinds of mischievous, charming alpha male, and when he decides to take control? Hello, Smexy! And while that is a huge draw, what truly hooks you is his heart. He doesn’t let everyone see what he has hidden by that sexy exterior, but once you get a glimpse you realize he is the total package and can’t help but want more.

Amalie aka Amie aka Anarchy Amie. She’s all kinds of feisty and sassy when she really gets going and lets loose and is comfortable in her own skin, even if others aren’t. She does have a bit of a wild streak, hence the nickname, that brings about some interesting situations, but despite that streak, she has a golden heart that shines through the crazy.

Lex and Amalie’s journey to their HEA is all kinds of bumpy for so many reasons and yet when you get rid of all the chaos surrounding them you find that they are perfect for each other. They simply have that thing where their energies just flow well together. The smexy they get up to is all kinds of HAWT! But it’s when they are together, just being, that proves that if they do get the chance, they can have it all. But of course there are some big roadblocks in their journey that need to be worked through and they were all kinds of frustrating on so many levels, but they get handled and I loved how everything worked out in the end.

I totally enjoyed Hooking Up. I was hooked from the start and had a difficult time putting it down (aka I kept reading on my phone app when I was supposed to be working...shhhh). While there will be some that may have issues with the entire situation, I’m not one of them. Life happens and sometimes it’s messy. There were a couple of things I wish had been played out a little more, but nothing huge. I loved hanging out with Bane and Ruby and Lex’s family is simply awesome. Armstrong...well...he’s a twatwaffle. Hooking Up can be read as a standalone, and I suppose it technically is since there is no series it falls under, but it is connected to Shacking Up and I think you’ll have more fun if you do read it first. Think of them as interconnected standalone’s (?) And it looks like we’ll be diving into this world in the future and it’ll revolve around one of the characters I really to know more about so YAY! Can’t wait to get my hands on that one!

I requested this book not realising it was part of a series and while it does work as a standalone I noticed a friend had started it then broken off and gone back and read the previous book Shacking Up first and I enjoyed this more for reading that first.

It’s a complete mystery what the beautiful and natural Amalie was doing with Armstrong, the fact that she married him is beyond comprehension but marry him she did and then just as it’s time for the speeches the groom can be heard getting a blow job and it’s not from her.
Amie is beyond mortified but luckily Ruby steps up and gets her out of there.
With her life in tatters Amie decides to go on her honeymoon alone, to get away until the chaos dies down but it turns out her honeymoon is way hotter than it would have been with Armstrong.

This is an entertaining cute romance my review is short because we were asked not to reveal the identity of the hottie hookup so I don’t want to say more and risk inadvertently giving anything away.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

While it took me a while to get into this story, I eventually really liked it. I didn't read the other book that has related characters to this one, so it just took me a while to figure out what was going on and I think that was why I had a slow start with this book. However, Amie and Lex were so cute during their time together throughout the book. Lex is so sweet and caring and Amie is just a hoot. I liked them separately but I loved them together.

The guy in this book is amazing, and needs to be cloned! He's sweet and considerate, in addition to being sexy and dirty. A perfect combination, and I loved Amalie too. She made some mistakes, but when she gave herself the permission to be happy, I was happy right along with her!

This is the story I have been dying to read ever since Shaking Up came out. I mean how could Anarchy Amie settle down with Armstrong, HOW!? Well now we FINALLY get her story and oh man, it does not disappoint!

During her wedding reception, the whole party hears Amie's husband getting some action, and it ISN'T from the bride!

Amie just needs some time away to get over the shock and away from the gossip mill, so she goes on her honeymoon trip solo to take a much needed break.

While on the Island paradise she decides the best way to get over a man, is get under another one, hoping that this will help her find herself again, since she is finding she doesn't recognize the person she has become while with Armstrong.

Things don't go quite as she planned when the Hero finds her plan to be something he can't live with, since he wants to be her man.
When Armstrong shows up on the island to win her back and tells her some damaging things about our Hero, can Amie trust her new feelings for our Hero and her self or will she she fall into the same old pattern of choosing the wrong guy and finding herself in a bad situation.

Helena really weaves an unforgettable story! I was hooked on this story when it was just a sub-plot of Shacking Up and the looming future of a novella in Eye Candy and Hooking Up was everything you can possibly want for Amie and more, cause her Hero is just so much more then you ever though he could be.

I love the cover!

In Hooking Up we got to dig more into Amalie's and Lexington, seeing that Lexington had a deeper side. A lot of laughs, a little drama, and a whole lotta sexy! You can never go wrong with Helena Hunting.

4.5☆
The novella from Eye Candy from this series had me dying to get my hand on this book! I enjoyed Shacking Up a lot, but I think I enjoyed Hooking Up even more!
Amie has to deal all the awfulness that is Armstrong and she deserves to find someone who will be so much better for her. I adored the hero! He understands what Amie wants, almost more than her at times. He treats her exactly how she should be treated. I enjoyed his perspectives on her situatuon and hiw much he cares for her.
They have very potent chemistry and sizzle! They are super hot and sexy together along with having a good friendship to their budding relationship too. I loved the flow of their relationship and the storyline was great. Such a good book!

4 - 4.5 Stars!

I’ve been looking forward to this story since reading Shacking Up. Then I read the author’s story Getting Down, which is part of the Eye Candy anthology, and it got me even more excited to read this story. That being said, this book can be read as a standalone. What you learn from Shacking Up is that Amalie is engaged to a douche canoe named Armstrong, and her friend Ruby is dating Armstrong’s cousin, Bancroft. In Eye Candy you get a glimpse of who Amalie’s new love interest may be. Again, it’s not necessary to have read either of those stories first, but Hooking Up does make some references to a Halloween Party, which is the story found in Eye Candy.

This story was full of fun and sexy times. Amalie was a bit of a wild child growing up, and after getting into trouble too many times, she thought it was time to settle down with a nice guy. Except it turned out Armstrong wasn’t a nice guy. After her fiasco of a wedding, she decides she needs to get away for a while, and goes on her honeymoon. At the airport she sees the man that she threw herself at at her wedding, and it turns out they are heading to the same place.

The stories that Amalie heard about this man made him seem like the bad boy type from her old days that she was trying to shed, but he really turned out to be sweet and loving, and embraced her more rebellious side, rather than trying to stifle it. I think they are a good match for one another and I hope we get to see more of them in future books.

ARC kindly received from the publisher via NetGalley.

Oh my God! Helena has done it again. I wasn't sure if she could top, Ruby and Bancroft, but my heart melted for Lex and broke for Amie.
Lex has been in love with Amie since he saw her, but his a## if a cousin interfered. When his cousin messes up and cheats on Amie at their wedding reception, she is heartbroken and decides to go on the honeymoon alone. Little does she know, Lex is going to the same place. There are rumors that he was involved in a set up
Her 'husband' proves to be even worse than I thought he could be (some of the things he says, does, and believes are appalling). Lex is there for her and they start hanging out. He is sweet, generous and let's her know that she deserves better. Even knowing that they shouldn't be together in any way, they can't stay away.
What happens when they go home? Can they find a way to be together? Will her snake of a husband ever grant her the annulment she wants and deserves? When some of his secrets cine out, will she believe him our other people?
There is a lot of laughter, some tears (at least four me), but overall a great book that I couldn't stop reading.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest,voluntary review.

Amalie should be experiencing the happiest day of her life as the wedding reception is getting started. However, it all comes crashing down around her as the groom gets release from someone other that hey and it's broadcast to the entire room.
As she tries to put the pieces back together she decides to take the honeymoon she'd planned. A little revenge spending spree can go a long way to heal the hurt and humiliation. An island fling can make it even more fulfilling. And the last person she should be hooking up with is the only one she wants.
How can fate be such a twisted little witch? Lex has a thing for Amalie. Having to say no to her at the lowest point in her life almost did him in. When the end up in the same flight, Lex takes it as a sign for a do over. The complications can be dealt with.... eventually.

4 Stars for Hooking Up! This is a story filled with a little sweet and a lot of sexy and it kept me engaged from beginning to end filled with characters you will love...Lex and Amie and a character that you will want to squash like a bug...Armstrong. Find out what happens when a lifelong competition between two ‘friends’ gets out of control and an innocent women turns out to be the prize.