Shacking Up by Helena Hunting Published by Swerve Publication Date: May 30th 2017
Pages: 480
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Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and canβt 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 kissedβand then coughed onβher 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 heβs 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 Rubyβs 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.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
Helena Hunting is one of my favorite authors and in her newest book, SHACKING UP we get her signature carefree writing style. It is a witty, fun contemporary romance with believable characters and lots of banter. Β I loved this enthralling book from start to finish.
Bancroft and Ruby are thrown together when Ruby takes a job watching Bancroftβs exotic pets while he is out of town on business. Β From the moment they meet, sparks fly and there is tons of chemistry between these two warm hearted, fun characters. Β Bancroft and Ruby both come from wealthy families and they are often frustrated with all expectations that come with being born into a rich family.
Ruby is a struggling actress. Β She can sing, dance and act, but she hasn’t been able to find a job and she is finding it impossible to pay her bills. Β She is too proud to ask her father for money because he does not support her acting career and thinks Ruby should be working in the family business. Β Ruby is refreshing and her inner dialogue is hilarious.
Bancroft is a former professional rugby player and is now working for his family’s prestigious hotel chain. Β He is sexy and a nice, down to earth guy, who is rough on outside but sweet inside. He is a big guy with battle scars from years of playing rugby. Β Β Once Bancroft meets Ruby, she is all he wants and he has no interest in any one else.
I fell in love with both of these characters. Even though Ruby and Bancroft are brought up rich and entitled, they aren’t stuffy or elitist. Β They are practical and can’t stand rich, pompous people. Β Neither of them follow the rules. Β Ruby is irreverent and funny. Β I loved everything about this breezy, light, funny story. Β There is a slow build up with lots of sexy banter and sarcastic remarks. Β There are also fun secondary characters and I hope to see more of them in future books. Β Rubyβs best friend is a wonderful addition to the story and I am hoping she will get her own story in the future. Β This story is told from both POVβs so we know what Bancroft and Ruby are thinking and feeling.
About Helena Hunting
NYT and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
