New York Times bestselling author of SHACKING UP and I FLIPPING LOVE YOU Helena Hunting mixes humor and heart in this scandal-filled romantic comedy.HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the … death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman
SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.
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I have heard a lot of good things about Helena Hunting’s writing and wanted to pick up one of her books for a while now, so I was pleased to be chosen to read and review an ARC of her latest, “Handle with Care.” Obviously, it might have been better to start with the first book in a series rather than the fifth, but fortunately this book is a complete standalone and I didn’t feel lost at all. There were some previous characters and situations mentioned over the course of the story, but I found them all to be very intriguing, and they made me want to go back and read the earlier books in this series ASAP.
The main characters of this book, Lincoln and Wren, were both incredibly likeable and well-developed. I found them to be delightfully snarky, which made their banter amusing and a lot of fun. Wren was also very confident and independent, and I loved the way she always stood up for herself and didn’t put up with nonsense from anyone, even Lincoln or his jerk of a brother, Armstrong.
I loved Lincoln too because he always tried so hard to do the right thing, and he genuinely seemed to want to help people through his charity endeavors in developing countries. I also appreciated that Lincoln was so different from the rich, jaded, womanizing “hero” that is so often featured in contemporary romance. Far from being a womanizer, Lincoln hadn’t done much dating in quite some time, but when he met Wren, he fell hard for her and wasn’t afraid to admit it.
The mysteries related to both Wren’s and Lincoln’s families were very engaging and kept me guessing right up until the truth was revealed. I had several thoughts on what the secrets might be, but none of them were exactly correct. I love when an author can keep me fooled for so long. It’s no fun when a story is completely predictable, and this one definitely was not!
Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it for both new and existing readers of Hunting’s work. I would not hesitate to read more books by this author in the future.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Handle With Care was a perfect summer weekend read that provided the right amount of romance and drama mixed with humor and interesting storyline. The main characters, Lincoln and Wren, were phenomenal and I enjoyed them immensely from beginning to end. They had an underlying ease to their chemistry that allowed them to interact and flirt with humor and the perfect amount of sexual innuendo. Of course, they also had to deal with the day-to-day reality of work and family drama outside their bubble which grounded the characters and brought another amazing element to this book.
From chapter one all the way through to the epilogue, their interactions always held my attention with intrigue, flirtatiousness, and witty banter. Watching their relationship flourish from strangers to co-workers to lovers was the absolute best part of this book. Linc’s charismatic nature and underlying teasing demeanor totally override his asshole qualities. He made my heart flutter and brought a smile to my face. Wren never had a chance! He was everything I look for in a book boyfriend.
When Linc reflects on his relationship with Wren and they realize they are ready to see where things go from there, I couldn’t help but swoon at Linc’s thoughts:
I end the conversation with a kiss that becomes more. We have soft, slow sex that feels like it’s weighted down with words that mean more than either of us are willing to say for fear of breaking the spell we’re under. And I fall more in love with the woman who fits so perfectly into my life, like she’s always been part of it, like she’s somehow been sewn into the fabric of who I am, without either of us realizing until now. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my feelings for her masked much longer. As I wrap her up in my arms and wait for sleep to come, I consider how deep I am with this woman. All the things I thought I wanted are changing, and it’s all because of her.
Wren plays a strong female lead. She hides her insecurities well and can stand up to the best of them. In the words of Linc, “She’s got bigger balls than most of the men on staff. She can hold her own,…” Even when faced with hard decisions, Wren doesn’t wither and fold to the situation. She uses her head and rises above the challenge. The two of them make a formidable team indeed.
Not only did I love Linc and Wren as a couple, but the side characters are also all interesting and play an important part in making the story captivating. Author Helena Hunting did a great job with this book. The secrets and twists that are revealed were shocking and not at all expected. I was totally engrossed in this one. I look forward to reading more from her and checking out her previous books in The Shacking Up series to see if any of the characters I loved in this book already have stories of their own. They certainly have a soap-opera quality to all the antics they get up to, so I anticipate they could be quite entertaining.
I absolutely loved this book. I have been curious about Lincoln’s book since this series started and now to see him fall the way he did was fantastic.
Wren has her hands full. She is an employee for Lincoln’s family and is in charge of keeping Armstrong out of trouble. If you have read the past books, you know that this isn’t an easy feat. That boy has issues a mile long and is a toddler on most days. She is one tough character who has walls so high and doesn’t get close to anyone. This is due to the struggles she has when it comes to her family. Their past has heartbreak that hasn’t been healed and it has changed them all.
Lincoln wants nothing to do with his family. His work is his passion. He is one that tries to always help others and is always looking toward his next big project. Even though his family is last on his list, he still proves he is selfless when he is tasked with an undertaking he doesn’t want.
These two together have a chemistry that builds and builds. I was basically holding my breath the entire time just wondering when one of them would combust!
The antics, mystery, lies, and overall plot had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Not only did I want them to finally get together, but I was wanting to figure out all the family secrets that had changed the way these two viewed their parents over the years. It’s definitely a book you don’t want to miss.
– A copy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
This is book #5, in the Shacking Up series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, and to more understand the series, I recommend reading these in order.
Wren has been working with someone awful. When she is approached to help the awful guy’s brother she hesitates. Then she figures her future plans are worth it. When she meets the man who she will be working with, she questions everything.
Lincoln absolutely hates being attracted to Wren at first. Then he realizes he cannot make it one day in this smothering city without her. He is used to fresh air, and now she is the air that keeps him alive. Can he keep her or will he lose her to the wind?
These characters are so vibrant and so real. I felt for them as I read each page. This series just seems to get better. The pace was good, the heat was HOT, and the book was just a great read.
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!!! What an highly 5 star entertaining and funny story this was. I devoured this book.
Lincoln doesn’t want to run his late father’s company. He’s used to the simple life of underdeveloped country’s. Wren is hired to keep him straight while he makes a go at being a CEO.
This was a very funny and entertaining story that had me laughing out loud quite a few times. The bantering between these 2 was fun. A great page turning experience. An amazing storyline that was full of surprises. Bottomline this is a must read.
Can be safely read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
This is book 5 in the Shacking Up series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is the second book in the series that I have read (#3 was the first, which can also be read as a standalone). I was expecting this book to be anticlimactic, but I was pleasantly surprised. I absolutely loved Lincoln. He was gruff, sweet, an a-hole, cocky, funny…I could go on. Wren is the perfect match for him. She doesn’t put up with any of his crap. The sexual tension is high. There are secrets to be discovered. The story played out well. This was a very satisfying read.
I have been anticipating Lincoln’s story and believe me, HH does not disappoint! I have been drooling over Lincoln for awhile in the Shacking Up series, and you will find in this book that he is seriously swoon worthy! Wren is a piece of work and I loved every second of it! These two are dynamite together and you will be waiting for when it all goes down.
Handle With Care with give you the goosies, blushes, and an excitement you weren’t expecting. Hands down Lincoln is my number one book boyfriend that Helena has written. I never want to leave the Shacking Up crew!
Well this one is a doozy. I don’t even know where to start to explain to you what a train wreck the Moorhead family is. When patriarch Frederick dies suddenly, his firstborn, Lincoln, steps in to take the helm of the Moorehead Media conglomerate. It’s not Linc’s choice, but he gets conned by his G-mom. His brother Armstrong, who already works for the company, is out of control and needs a handler to clean up his messes, so he’s certainly not a viable option.
Since Linc has been heading up construction projects in underdeveloped countries and hasn’t exactly been groomed for his position with the family business, he gets to share his brother’s handler, Wren Starling, for the time being. As Linc settles in, he finds some of his father’s files that were locked away and learns just how deep the secrets and manipulations of affluence and wealth go within his family, and he realizes how wrong some of his perceptions about his family are.
It may come as a shock, but this is my first book by Ms. Hunting, and she quickly won me over. These characters are lively, quirky and loveable (or despicable, as the case may be) and the storyline carried me along as I devoured these pages. With a style that is witty, clever and delightfully off-color, I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud, only to be followed with a direct hit to the heart, giving me the best kind of emotional whiplash throughout the book.
Linc and Wren are both amazing characters that will stay with me for a long time. Linc is swoon-worthy in so many ways – strong, sarcastic and caring with devastating hint of vulnerability. And Wren is amazing. She’s smart, strong and can take care of herself, and the way she reins in the spoiled, misbehaving Armstrong and puts him in his place is a thing of beauty that had me cheering for her. I adore these characters and every minute of their story and will definitely be reading more from this author. Whether you’ve read her work previously or you’re new, like me, I have no doubt that you’ll love this sassy, fun, heartfelt read!
*I read an early edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
This story captivated from the first line to the very last page and it was everything I expected and so much more. It’s a fun entertaining flirty read with just a hint of mystery and suspense and it will certainly appeal to all romance lovers. Helena Hunting always gives us characters to fall in love with and Handle With Care is no different, you will swoon, you will be intrigued, you will laugh and I’m sure that by the end of this story you will be left smiling like a Cheshire Cat. If you are looking for a fun, sweet yet sexy read look no further I’m sure you will love this book which also happens to be a great addition to The Shacking Up Series. Can’t wait to see where this very talented author takes us next. This is a must one click !!!!
Helena Hunting has gone and kicked it out of the park once again, throwing me into a plot of heat and humor, but there was more than that. This was different in a sense. I mean it is still a classic Helena Hunting book, and a perfect addition to the Shacking Up Series, but I felt it was a little deeper than her other books and that’s not bad at all. Sometimes I need light reads, sometimes I need deeper reads. This one was in the middle.
Lincoln wasn’t exactly close to his CEO father, but father passes away he is expected to take his fathers position and a position he never wanted in the first place but everyone is looking to him to lead the business on.
When Wren Sterling is put in charge of his PR work. She is the one that is meant to keep in out of trouble. But they never said anything about keeping out of each other’s beds. Sparks fly between the two and they find themselves tangled up together. Rolls were reversed and who was meant to be the handler is now being handled in the bedroom… And it was insanely hot. Damn this author can write heat.
So. Much. Heat
The chemistry between these two was on fire, the push, the pull, the way they tangled into each other. Both their personalities being the opposite you wouldn’t think would work, but they bounced off each other. It was addictive… AND HOT.. Have I mentioned this was hot as hell?
This was more than just heat and humor… This family holds secrets, ones that could course more drama than anyone would want. It kept my attention and I couldn’t put down until I found out more and more about this family, the drama and secrets and of course where Wren and Lincoln end up.
Highly addictive, extremely hot, and full of laugh-out-loud moments, Helena Hunting delivered an epic plot that had me invested from page one.
5 Stars
NO SPOILERS!
Bravo, Helena Hunting, bravo! Handle with Care has been my FAVORITE standalone in the Shacking Up series, and I absolutely adored Lincoln and Wren’s sexy, funny, angsty, drama-filled story!
Helena Hunting knocked it out of the park with Handle with Care, and I absolutely loved everything from beginning to end. The plot had so many unexpected twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, and I was highly entertained throughout. The storyline, characters, and writing style were all incredible, with the exception of a few secondary characters, and I was ecstatic with the conclusion.
The Shacking Up series has been AMAZING, and every single standalone, especially Handle with Care, is a MUST READ! I have become addicted to Helena’s books, and can’t wait to devour more from this incredibly talented author!
Forced to ‘babysit’ two grown men can be challenging, but can come with great rewards. 😉 She’s been hired as PR to make sure the two brothers don’t do anything to damage the family name… or rather to cover it up when they do. And boy, does she have her work cut out for her. In addition to the romance, there is a little bit of mystery involved. There is some angsty-ish involved as both she and the boys have issues with their pasts that they are still trying to over come. Of course there is plenty of laughs and sexiness. She is smart, strong, tough, sexy. He is un-materialistic in a materialistic family. He is also sexy and smart and quite the humanitarian. A fish out of water in the crazy city business world. The characters are well developed and the additional side characters will make you either laugh or scream. This is part of the Shaking Up series (can be read as a stand alone without troubles) so you may recognize some of the cameos. It’s a fun story with the exception of those few angsty moments. While the story isn’t all roses, there weren’t any overly emotional scenes that require Kleenex’s, so other than the risk of laughing out loud, it’s safe to read in public. 😉 It’s easy to read. Alternates between POVs. Well written, and hard to put down.
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
HANDLE WITH CARE is the fifth instalment in Helena Hunting’s contemporary, adult SHACKING UP erotic, romance series. This is heir apparent and new CEO of Moorehead Media Lincoln Moorehead, and fixer/handler Wren Starling’s story line. HANDLE WITH CARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lincoln and his brother Armstrong were first introduced in book four-Making Up.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Lincoln and Wren) HANDLE WITH CARE follows in the wake of Lincoln’s father Fredrick Moorehead’s death. Never wanting to follow in the family business, Lincoln has spent most of his life helping others but his return to Moorehead Media comes with a caveat-a handler in the guise of Wren Starling, a woman hired to create the new image of Lincoln Moorehead, and the woman with whom Lincoln will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Wren and Lincoln, and the potential fall –out as their office romance comes to the light.
Lincoln Moorehead wants nothing to do with Moorehead Media but his brother Armstrong’s reputation as a man-wh*re and his questionable business ethics find our hero at the helm of the company for the next six months. Having just returned from a project in Guatemala, Lincoln struggles with returning to New York, and the woman hired to handle our story line hero. Wren Starling’s job to keep Armstrong out of trouble has landed her in the position to reintegrate Lincoln back into civilized society. From new suits to business meetings, Wren, a feisty and capable heroine, takes control of Lincoln’s life including slowly falling in love with the man that calls to her heart.
The relationship between Lincoln and Wren begins as a business arrangement but soon turns into something more. When other members of the Moorehead family discover the romance between our leading couple, information will be used to push Wren out of Lincoln’s life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate; the sexual attraction is immediate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Lincoln’s troubled and spoiled younger brother Armstrong, his mother Gwendolyn, and their spunky grandmother Penelope Moorehead, as well as an assortment of Moorehead Media employees; Wren’s mother Abigail, and her father Senator Starling; Wren’s friend and PI Dani,; and the return of Lincoln’s cousin and business partner Griffin Mills (Making Up #4).
HANDLE WITH CARE is a story of family, betrayal, money and control, secrets and lies. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are strong, impassioned and colorful. HANDLE WITH CARE is an energetic, edgy and emotional story line.
Another kicking great story in this series. Lincoln doesn’t want to be in New York or have anything to do with his family. Wren is tasked with giving him a makeover and corralling him. This story gets intense as they cross swords in a witty war of words. The attraction between them is intense and eventually they they are burning up the sheets. I love the nickname he gave to his grandmother and their interactions. The characters and dialogue is superb and will make you laugh out loud. As they get closer together that have to fight the bad family dynamics and resolve all the secrets that could tear them apart.
I am so in love with Helena Hunting’s Shacking Up world! It’s sexy, funny and has all the hallmarks of her hilarious wit. Handle With Care fits in perfectly with the rest of the series. It reads as a complete standalone but it is connected to the others with recurring characters. Please note that you do not need to read prior books in this series to enjoy Handle With Care!
I absolutely adored Wren. She is such a badass chick! Her snarky attitude and her ability to manage even the most outrageous characters with just one look (paging Armstrong Moorehead!!) was my favorite thing about her. Lincoln was also amazing. His transformation from mountain man to commanding CEO was done to perfection. As Hunting peeled back his layers, there was so much depth to him. Together, these two were dynamite. I loved their chemistry but my favorite was their hilariously witty banter. Hunting, as always, nailed their humorous foreplay in spades.
With old favorite characters and new ones (oh, hey there G-Mom!), Hunting delivers the perfect rom-com that will keep you engrossed throughout. Dive in to Handle With Care and enjoy the fun!
5 stars
4.5 stars
“She’s like sunshine cutting a bright line across my desk, melting the chocolate bar sitting on the corner.”
Oh dear, this one was exactly what I needed after a book that broke me and a bully romance. Handle With Care is a romance that handles love with care. Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I’ve read such a carefree, almost drama-free lovestory that will capture your heart immediately.
“I hope you are ready, Wren. I’m about to make it fell like and apocalypse is taking over your body.”
With its beyond charismatic characters this book has everything a great romance needs. I love the pace, how the story unfolds without unnecessary drama, how the characters work together so flawlessly. This story might be simple, but to me this means so much. I love Wren, I love Lincoln and I love them together. And I guess Lincoln almost stole the throne from Bancroft as my favorite bookboyfriend within the Shacking Up series, but only almost. Nevertheless, Lincoln is beautiful and I wish I could meet one like him in real life.
“Are you ready for the ride of your life?”
Handle With Care is such a cute story, that will leave you doe-eyed with a lovey-dovey feeling and a big fat smile in your heart.
5 star Review Handle With Care (Shaking Up #5) by Helena Hunting
From start to finish Helena Hunting wove together a story that I simply could not put down, she had me totally engrossed and staying up way past my bedtime. This was an entertaining, at times frustrating story that seemed as though it was plucked from the minds of television executives, such was the drama, secrets and scandals.
Wren Sterling is tasked with recreating the image of Lincoln Moorehead who suddenly finds himself at the head of Moorehead Media after the death of his father. Linc has done his best to keep away from his family and the dramas that fill their lives but now he has been thrust smack bang into the middle of it with no choice but to step up.
The chemistry between Wren and Linc was intense, almost electrifying. I loved how they both tried to ignore the attraction growing between them until it became too hard to ignore. I was captivated by Linc from previous books but wow, Ms. Hunting has given us a story that made me fall head over heels for him. I love how feisty, sassy and put together Wren is, she was a fabulous match for Linc.
All is not as it seems as secrets from both sides are revealed. Will Linc and Wren be able to make a go of it or will they be pulled in different directions?
I love Ms. Hunting’s style of writing, she ensures that her characters are not “perfect”and I found it easy to relate to Linc and Wren. A thoroughly fantastic book which has jumped up to be one of my top 3 from Helena Hunting.
I received an ARC of this book through the publisher via Netgalley
4.5 Stars!
I was completely captivated by Lincoln and Wren’s story from the very first page. Wren is a fixer, and she is so good at her job. She is working for Lincoln’s father, trying to keep his younger brother in line, and wow, what a tool he is! She’s only doing this until she is able to create her own non-profit foundation, to give back. When the unexpected happens, Lincoln returns home from helping those in need in other countries, only to find out he must help save his family’s business. Lincoln doesn’t have a good relationship with his family, feeling hurt from the lack of love and miscommunication throughout his life. He doesn’t want to stay but can’t help the attraction he feels with the woman who controls his brother so easily. Wren and Lincoln clash at first when Wren’s job expands to handling Lincoln as well. His irritation and her snark turn into fiery foreplay. Their chemistry explodes as they begin a passionate and clandestine affair. But there are those that catch on and work to keep them apart. There is an intriguing family mystery as well. I loved the twists this story took, keeping me totally engaged throughout. Lincoln and Wren are so great together, having the same goals, and passions, and their chemistry was off the charts. This is a witty, emotional and sexy story with authentic and quirky characters that add even more fun, but also some turmoil. I love this entertaining, heartfelt and steamy romance and series!
In Helena’s newest book, Handle With Care, we meet Lincoln Moorehead, Armstrong’s brother and cousin to the Mill’s brothers. Helena does the Shacking Up world justice in this newest romance.
Linc and Wren have fantastic chemistry, while finagling the Moorehead Media world and dealing with the Moorehead family circus. Okay, they aren’t really a circus, but Armstrong is as close to an ape outside of a zoo that you might find.
When Lincoln’s father suddenly passes away, Lincoln is named CEO of Moorehead Media, even when he doesn’t want it, but with his MBA he is the most qualified to take over in his father’s absence. Wren Sterling has already been working at Moorehead Media as the PR handler over Armstrong’s many, many, many screwups and given Lincoln has been absent for the past decade, living in the jungles of third world countries, her contract is extended to make sure the face of Moorehead Media continues to look good.
There is an instant attraction between Wren and Lincoln, but unwilling to act on it, given how it appear to the public eye, they both try to avoid it, but it doesn’t take long for the strong chemistry to take over and they find themselves falling. However, a scandal that is neither of their doing, may end things before they really get going.
While you don’t need to read any of the other Shacked Up series, this reads as a complete standalone, I think you will enjoy Handle With Care more if you’ve read them. They do interconnect, pulling characters from each book, but Helena does a great job with backstories if they are referenced.
Handle With Care held a bit of a mystery in the plot, which was a fun twist, while combining all of the elements we have all come to love in a Helena Hunting book.
Hands down you will love this new romance and love this new addition to an already well beloved series.
I really loved this book! We have been introduced to many of the characters in this book throughout the Shacking Up Series. Lincoln Moorehead is the brother of Armstrong, who was the dastardly, cheating groom in Hooking Up. Lincoln has been off saving the world when his father dies. He is back for the funeral, when his grandmother talks him into taking over the family media corporation. Since the only immediate family member he respects is his G-mom, he acquiesces. Wren Sterling was initially hired as a PR fixer to cover up Armstrong Moorehead’s many indiscretions. She is now tasked with transforming Lincoln from a scruffy do-gooder to a Fortune 100 CEO. Of course, while they spar verbally, they are insanely attracted to each other. Wren and Lincoln are truly enjoyable characters and I loved their banter, I also loved that the odious Armstrong finally got his comeuppance. I am sad to se the end of this series. I was given an ARC of this book from the author and NetGalley for my honest opinion.