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.
more
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I recently read my first book by Helena Hunting. It was the book prior to this one in the Shacking Up series. When I read that book I knew that I had stumbled onto something special. Helena Hunting is a remarkable storyteller. The way that she can capture emotions, lives, and moments is brilliant.
This book completely enlisted my attention from the start. I was very curious about Lincoln after reading Making Up. His story did not disappoint. I loved the enemies to lovers trope mixed with an office/work romance.
Wren is a strong female lead character. She is ambitious, she knows what she wants, and she goes after it. She isn’t a pushover either. She works hard and doesn’t rely on anyone else. I adored her. She is a character that is so easy to connect with and her confidence is inspiring. Lincoln was such a sweet and broody male lead character. He is called back to the city to run his family’s company when he would rather be doing samaritan work in other countries. He likes to stay away from his family’s drama. Even though he can butt heads with the best of them, underneath he is generous and kind.
Wren and Lincoln have some excellent banter. The chemistry was there from the start. Even when they weren’t getting along. Once the romance finally made an appearance it was the perfect mix of steamy and sweet. Their attraction was undeniable.
Overall, this was an excellent love story that was entertaining and heartfelt. I am sort of sad that this will be the last book in this series as I have come to love these characters. Helena Hunting will forever be an insta-read author for me from here on out. I am so jazzed to read more from her!
You can never go wrong with a Helena Hunting book. I was in a bit of a book funk coming off of a heavy emotional romance, and this RomCom was exactly what I needed! The characters are fresh, flirty and fun; the corporate setting and wealthy family drama are addictive; and the chemistry between Lincoln & Wren is HOT from the start!
I loved the transformation in Lincoln throughout this book. He started off as the bitter and broody son who wanted nothing to do with his family’s multi-million dollar business, and everything to do with service projects in third world countries. Although he was a complete A$$ in the beginning of this book, I fell for him. I felt his anger and annoyance with his family coming off of the pages. But there was also something else there – pain. This man was just plain hurting and Wren was the perfect girl to throw him off of his axis and turn his world right again.
Wren was amazing. I love a strong and smart heroine and Wren was this in spades. Not only was she brilliant, but she was sassy and took no S**T from either Lincoln or his horribly obnoxious brother, Armstrong. Wren has some tricks up her sleeve that will surprise you and I loved that she kept Lincoln on his toes and could literally put Armstrong in his place.
This book is witty, sexy and has some twists and turns to it. Lincoln & Wren’s relationship is swoon-worthy and you’ll fall in love with these characters and their story. Well done once again H. Hunting!!
Wren and Lincoln were funny and amazing. They met the most unconventional way and didn’t hit it off immediately. These two have more things in common than what they inspected. They go thru so icy together but are each other’s backbone. It wasn’t easy but they came out on top and as always supporting each other. Their banter was hilarious.
Ms Hunting is an author that I have heard about for a long time and probably even have some of her books on my TBR, but until Handle with Care, I had not read her work. If her other books are as witty and well written, then I will be thrilled to dive into them.
Handle with Care is definitely a character driven story. When and Lincoln are both so much fun. They are great characters on their own, but even better together. Ms Hunting even makes the despicable Armstrong an amusing character that you can’t help but love to hate.
Faced with a truly unique situation, I appreciated the way both Wren and Lincoln navigated rough waters and potential dilemmas. The emotional growth both experienced together and separately showed what a great team they could potentially be.
This was a book that once I started, I didn’t want to stop. Part of the secondary cast includes Lincoln’s cousins. From the Armstrong related drama mentioned, I have to wonder if they have books. If they do – I need to go find them. Ms Hunting is definitely an author I will be reading more of.
I’ve got to say, grumpy bear heroes are quickly becoming my favorites to read about. As far as favorites go in the Shacking Up series, Lincoln takes all the cake!
I loved that he didn’t exactly fit the mold of a swanky CEO with his dedication to humanitarian projects, you can’t help but just admire him almost instantly. And once he’s thrown into his new role that he wants nothing to do with, we’re quickly shown how loyal he is to his family. Well at least the ones that truly matter to him.
And then we throw Wren into the mix and she slowly hacks away Lincoln’s grumpy bear tendencies. She’s not his babysitter, therefore a handler is the proper term. These two have the banter down because well who wants to put up with a bad attitude 24/7. But the more they’re around each other, something starts to develop between them.
I loved that Wren can handle her own and literally take a man down when necessary. Lincoln can be a bit tough to come around to because he doesn’t hold back on anything. And he’s not afraid to say exactly what’s on his mind. When it comes to Wren he knows how to wear her down and just swoon her pants off. There’s no second guessing when it comes to Lincoln.
I’ve got to say, this series has been a little all over the place for me. So I’m happy that things picked up because I truly loved this one. I’m kind of hoping that the series ends here, but I’m not entirely sure that it will.
Handle With Care takes over this series and I definitely recommend it!
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM THE PUBLISHER THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
Helena Hunting
I can’t tell you how much I LOVE this series. Since book one I knew that there was no way that I could be disappointed in Helena. Each book took on a new life of it’s own. This is the only series to date that, with my knowledge that I have given five stars to each book. That is a great feat for an author but The Shacking Up Series did it!
So of course I am going to recommend this book and entire series.
Handle With Care is the newest edition. And I was so glad to get an ARC of this book! It surpassed what I expected. And Lincoln Morehead might just be King of the series. I knew from the first chapter of his POV that I would fall for him and I did! His attitude was exactly what I like in a hero. Especially regarding his own brother. Despite him being a recluse and a little rough around the edges, he has a good heart. He never wanted to return to help with his family business but at the behest of his G-mom ( who is amazing, I love her) he’s home.
We can’t say the same for his douche bag brother. Although, in a recent comment made by Helena, Armstrong might just get his own book. Well, her words were never say never. I also find it rare for me to love both, the heroine and hero equally, but I did.
Wren is not a woman you want to cross and she’s got the moves to back it up! I will just say that she scared Armstrong that he hid behind chairs! ( just a spoiler snippet) She doesn’t let anyone run over her for any reason. I love a tough, conservative heroine.
As far as Wren and Lincoln go together, at first they know exactly what buttons to push to annoy each other. I love a little enemies-to-lovers trope, it is after all, my favorite.
“God, she pisses me off and makes me hot at the same time. I’ve never encountered a woman who I simultaneously want to screw and tell to screw off.”
Both are driven as individuals and just as much as a couple, they challenged each other in ways they both needed. They are a perfect match, their chemistry in both outside and inside the bedroom is executed in spades. What these two didn’t have (thank go-er Helena) is drama, once they decided to be together, there wasn’t anything getting in their way, especially one extremely immature problem! They created an amazing team, handling issues by communicating without all bluster and dramatics.
This is might just take #1 spot in the series. I can’t decide honestly. This is a perfect read for anyone who loves a couple that is perfect combination to keep you glued to the pages until the very last one, I can’t recommend this book and series enough!
“You know, Wren, until you came along, I didn’t think love like this was possible.” I smile up at him. “You just needed someone who could handle how amazing you are.”
Handle With Care is book 5 in the Shacking Up series by Helena Hunting and is a great romantic comedy. This book is Lincoln and Wren’s story and is full of humor, passion and love that will capture your heart. I really loved this book and highly recommend it.
***4 Stars***
I wanted Lincoln and I got Lincoln ~ and dear lord was he all kinds of goodness
But…
I also got a whole lot more than I expected in Wren and I loved every moment of their journey!
I loved Lincoln and Wren. Lincoln is a lovable grump. He is the black sheep of the family, or at least his immediate family, and revels in it. He is comfortable in his own skin and has a genuinely good heart. Wren is a force to be reckoned with. She knows when to lay down the law and take crap from no one, but she also knows when to be gentle. That mix, combined with a quick wit and a good heart made her a lot of fun to get to know.
Wren and Lincoln’s journey definitely started off on an interesting foot and had it’s bumps in the road, but I loved watching them get to know each other and come to realize how much they truly liked who the other person was at their very core. Their bantering/snark/poking was a lot of fun and the smexy was HAWT and I loved where then found themselves in the end.
This was a fun read with a few twists and turns I definitely wasn’t expecting. I loved catching up with the Mills family and G-Mom was AMAZING! Armstrong…well, I definitely wanted to gut him with a spoon numerous times, but he definitely added some good ‘ole crazy to the story!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
I always love a good Helena Hunting’s book and really enjoyed this heartwarming story about a love that just comes unexpectedly!
Wren has been hired as a handler for Armstrong to try and keep him in line but more especially to keep his behaviour under wraps but it’s an not easy job. When his father dies, there are changes in the company and Lincoln comes into the picture. Although he doesn’t want to have much to do with the business, he can’t help but feel that he needs to help to get it back on track after all the things Armstrong has done. But Wren and Lincoln butt heads and although she’s been hired to handle Lincoln image as well, the chemistry between them keeps growing and the more they get to know each other, the harder it will get to keep their attraction under control. But sometimes you just can’t help for who you fall and they’ll have to make a choice whether or not to give their relationship a go… even with all the challenges ahead…
4.5
Helena Hunting knocks it out of the park with Handle With Care. It is Book 6 in the Shacking Up Series and features Lincoln and Wren. There were some funny moments which is perfect as the queen of rom-com knows when to lighten the mood but it was slightly different than the previous books. I suppose it is because of Wren and her mature, give no $hit attitude. I totally loved her! Lincoln was pure male and I loved how the two meshed so well together. The handler became the handled in the bedroom. Sexy and Hot! Their chemistry and connection were off the charts. Of course there is drama but true love prevails! You will be not be disappointed as this is a real page turner. The story is fantastic and the characters are great!
There is no denying why Helena Hunting is a New York Times best-selling author! She is one of the few writers that can consistently deliver and she does it again with this one! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Wren is a strong woman with a take no prisoners attitude, who is hired to handle Armstrong and his indiscretions and help Lincoln settle into the role of CEO or Moorehead Media. Lincoln is a good man and the brother who is nothing like his family. Taking over as CEO is the last thing he wants. When Wren and Lincoln meet, it’s not love at first sight, they butt heads until they can’t fight the attraction anymore.
The banter between Lincoln and Wren had me laughing out loud often and their chemistry was sizzling hot. I loved how they were very much equals and that Wren was a tough as nails Heroine. I found myself breezing through this one. There was never a lull during the progression of the plot, which I was grateful for.
This story is funny, engaging, has a few twists, and lots of sizzle. You will admire Wren and fall in love with Lincoln. The chemistry between the main characters had spark and sizzle. The side characters were fantastic. But what I loved the most was the slight mystery aspect. It made the story exciting and I loved the twist.
This is definitely a WIN for me this month!!
“So I nod and whisper, “I’m here for you, Lincoln, not because of a contract, but because I want to be.”
Lincoln is in good company. The bottle he’s so keen to empty is the highlight of his return to New York. Returning home to his father’s funeral, with whom he had no relationship at all, dealing with his self-centered and spoiled brother and facing his manipulative mother are more arduous tasks than he can handle. Who looks from afar and see the long-haired, bearded man wearing clothes smaller than his size, cannot imagine that he is the heir to a rich family. The lumberjack look doesn’t match the power of his last name.
Wren is facing her biggest challenge. In addition to having to take Lincoln back safe to his apartment, she is responsible for keeping the Moorehead family image intact in the media. Hard work, given the indiscretions of the youngest heir. But in the face of a drunken Lincoln, this mysterious firstborn will be a difficult and stubborn puzzle to solve.
Lincoln has no ties to his family. His grandmother is the only person he has a relationship with, and it is only for her that he agrees to stay in town and help run the business. Now the CEO, he will have to learn to take care of family business and to live in a world where image, connections and appearance are important. Everything he abhors. As Wren become his shadow, shaping him into a figure worthy of his position, the attraction between the two is something that cannot be denied, and she becomes the only good thing during Lincoln’s stay in this new reality.
But if he thought he knew the secrets his family was hiding, he was wrong. With new revelations emerging, and several unanswered questions, he embarks on a journey to find out who his father really was and what he was hiding. But the truth may be tougher than he expected.
Wren and Lincoln will face difficulties in their path. Intrigues, secrets, blackmail will be part of the narrative. The two together are explosive, stubborn, authoritarian and passionate. The book holds the reader’s attention, while the twists and mysteries give the narrative a fast tone. A different novel, with real, captivating, secretive protagonists, an unexpected antagonist and a jaw-dropping twist
This was exactly what I needed! It’s a story that was funny, sweet, compelling, and had a plot twist that left me speechless!
I really did love everything about this story! The characters characters were amazing. Linc had this rugged charm to him but he cleaned up really nice and (Heroine) was strong and confident and held her ground when she needed to. These were two characters you root for. I absolutely love their banter! If you can write fun and witty banter between characters I am a happy reader! This is a story I highly recommend!
I cannot get enough of this series! Helena Hunting never fails to deliver an amazing story full of characters that I can’t help but love.
Lincoln and Wren are absolutely perfect. Their story may be my favorite of the series so far. Lincoln is all kinds of sexy, sweet, caring, and did I mention HOT! Wren is the perfect match for him. She is smart, strong, and fiesty. I couldn’t get enough of these two!
While Handle With Care can be read as a stand alone and you will love it just the same, I do suggest you go back and read the others in the Shacking Up series as they are absolutely wonderful!
The storyline is beautifully well-written, fast-paced, and easy to read. The characters are absolutely amazing and very likeable. I freaking loved the chemistry between Wren and Lincoln, but mostly following their journey and learning about their past, and seen them overcome diffult moments was rewarding.
All in all, Handle With Care is passionate, fun, witty, sexy, and an excellent addition to the Shaking Up series that can be read as standalone. This was a very delightful, and enjoyable read!
Wren is not all that thrilled to find that the man she’s been tasked to babysit is drunk, and she’s the one who has to get him up to the penthouse and into his bed. Lincoln isn’t exactly what she had been expecting, but she’s more than up to the challenge of babysitting him and shaping him up as he transitions into the CEO of Moorehead Media.
Lincoln will have a hell of a time as he takes over the running of his family’s empire. He’s been away from the city (and his family) for a decade, doing REAL things, humanitarian things, and really does not want to take over running the empire. But, when his Grandma commands him, he jumps. She’s the only one he really loves, and he’d do anything for her. He has to say goodbye to his now deceased father, figure out how to get the empire up and running, then take off back to his life. But when Wren bulldozes her way into his life, he’s flummoxed. He wasn’t expecting her, but he sure as hell realizes how gorgeous she is (and how much easier she’s making his life, even though he doesn’t want to admit that at first). Can these two start something, maintain something, when he plans on leaving the city soon? She just may surprise him, just may turn out to be the rock he needs when long-held secrets concerning his family come to light.
“You know, Wren, until you came along, I didn’t think love like this was possible.”
“You just needed someone who could handle how amazing you are.”
I’ve been dying for Lincoln’s story forever, and I gotta say that Handle With Care more than lives up to my expectations. Like its most recent predecessor, Making Up, Handle With Care is fun and witty and sexy. I love how these seemingly opposite people fall for each other, even while not wanting to admit it at first. But most of all, I love that Lincoln is not the normal alphahole so prevalent in romance these days. Oh sure, he’s confident, but he’s not an ass, he’s not a manwhore, he’s sweet but strong, and unafraid to be vulnerable when he’s feeling in need of some comfort. He’s fabulous! And Wren is most definitely equally as fabulous – strong and tough with a huge heart. She’s perfect for Lincoln. I hope there’s more to come in the Shacking Up series, because it just keeps getting better with each couple.
ARC via Social Butterfly.
I received a review copy before release for an honest review.
I am a new fan to this author and I have read this entire series (except for the book featuring Lincoln’s brother’s ex wife) and I have really loved them. That said this book is the best one in the entire series, maybe even the best story the author has written that I have read. It is definitely a top pick of mine for 2019. And the reason is it is so much fun.
Lincoln is the cousin of Griffin from the last book and he has an evil brother and an evil mother as well. But he has a wonderful grandmother and a father who is now dead who he never really knew.. He comes home for his fathers funeral and he is appointed as CEO and while he has no desire to stay, his grandmother asks him to stay and so he agrees.
Wren is in publicity and her job is to make sure that Linc’s brother stays out of trouble plus she worked with Linc’s father. Her new task now is to help get Linc acclimated to the company and well she does an awesome job. To some degree these two are opposites who clash, think grumpy mountain man and big city girl and that’s the trope here plus romance in the workplace with a dash of fun annoying each other.
This book from top to bottom is so much fun. I laughed I cringed and I even bit my nails as I tried to figure out the mystery of just who Lincoln’s dad was and what he was hiding. Both characters, Wren and Linc were absolutely wonderful and so perfect for each other I loved how close they became and how they were always honest with each other. This book was simply wonderful and I plan to re-read it again, it was that great.
Helena Hunting is a genius and her characters always jump off the page and this was no different for Lincoln and Wren. I was hooked from the first page and read it straight through in one sitting. I was laughing hysterically and emotionally invested through the whole book. I Could Not Put It Down! Wren was such a strong Bad A$$ woman. She was so competent in her job and had so much confidence, she was feisty and refreshing. Lincoln, Lincoln Lincoln… he’s my new BBF, I love him so much. Every chapter I read I loved the two of them more and more. This story was perfection! I can’t say enough good things.
I received an ARC of this book and Voluntarily give my review.
Wren is a sassy, font take no crap kind of woman. Armstrong has been trying her patience for months. Now she’s hired to be Lincoln’s handler to help him adjust to his new role as CEO of Moorehead Media after his dads death.
This book will keep you reading and laughing along. I loved the banter between characters and the steamy chemistry they share. Some twists you don’t see coming and the awesome HEA. Lincoln needed love to thaw his heart and Wren was strong enough to put up with him. A must read book and series. Helena knows how to write great series.
I received a advanced copy for a voluntary honest review by Netgalley
Lincoln is one tall cup of manly man I would love to have of my own.
This book had me so angsty on the level of OMG on when will Lincoln & Wren!
I loved Wren. She is a kick ass no hold ing back kind of woman. She is soo professional that even with the temptation of Lincoln dangling infant of her, she manages to keep herself composed as long as she can and handle Lincoln with care.
This book has tons of gasp worthy mysteries solved on the Moorehead family.
Armstrong is still a major pain in the butt and then some in this book. Total opposite of his brother. How the two of them are related is beyond me.
Be ready to laugh, totally be taken by surprise multiple times with Author Helena Hunting’s signature style of sexy adventures in finding love when you least except it.
Go One Click it!
5 popped!