Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t 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 kissed–and then coughed on–her at a party the night before.Luckily, her best friend might have … have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s 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 Ruby’s 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.
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Shacking Up by Helena Hunting is a story about a young woman Ruby Scott trying to break into the live entertainment industry as a singer/dancer/actress. When her big break comes, she’s ill from having a handsome stranger kiss her and then cough in her face, giving her the flu. Ruby’s wealthy father expects her to return home to Rhoad Island with her tail between her legs, working for his pharmaceutical company making erectile dysfunction drugs. Mr. Scott may get his wish if Ruby cannot come up with another option.
Bancroft Mills, an ex-rugby player, starts over in his father’s hotel business after blowing out his knee. Bancroft’s mother played matchmaker and decided that Bancroft should date Brittany, their friends’ daughter. When Bancroft takes her to an engagement party when he mistakes another woman for Brittany and lands an unbelievable kiss, and then expectantly coughs in the woman’s face.
After much serendipity and coincidences, this story brings much entertainment and laughter. I adore Helena Hunting’s writing and trying to get caught up reading her work.
This book had me immediately with the sexy stranger’s drunken kiss and snarky date. It showed immediately that things were going to get a little weird and that weird is the last thing Ruby Scott needs right now, but that she’s one easygoing chick who’s going to roll with it. Even she has her breaking point though and Bancroft “Bane” Mills hit it when his surprise (and surprisingly hot) kiss gave her a nasty cold that cost her a big role. Shortly after bombing the audition, Ruby finds out she has five days to be out of her apartment since she’s been evicted so things just keep getting worse.
Luckily for Ruby, her BFF’s fiancé is Bane’s cousin and her closest pal, Amelie, has a plan to keep Ruby off the streets and under a roof, at least for the time being. Bane is going away on business for five weeks and needs a pet-sitter for his illegal ferret, so he can’t go the traditional route or he risks losing his beloved Francesca. Amelie has agreed to care for his pets while he’s gone, but suggests Ruby stay there to care for them. Bane agrees immediately because he feels terrible that he cost Ruby the role she had her heart set on. The two have wicked chemistry and immediately hit it off but he’s gone for over a month, so they don’t get to do much about it.
This is a slow-burn romance because they flirted and teased and danced around it, but the attraction was admitted on both sides yet there was an ocean between them. Ruby’s insecure because of the pressure to join her father’s company and his criticism of her career choice in theater. That makes a bit prickly when it comes to Bane’s generosity and lavish gifts. She won’t be bought or kept and pushes him away as a result. Bane’s just confused because he’s a genuinely considerate person who wants to make her life easier and would never want her to feel obligated to him in any way.
They have issues to deal with if they want to make this work, the biggest one being a serious lack of communication. They both make assumptions, leading to rash decisions that could be avoided if only they’d talk to one another first but it’s a great story. Ruby and Bane are both likeable characters and I was happy to see their HEA. She’s sassy and determined and fiercely independent. He’s loving and sweet and wants to take care of the people he loves. The supporting characters were interesting so I can’t wait to see how their stories unfold in the rest of the series. This book is lighthearted and funny, I’d definitely read it again.
I love this book the most! It’s been awhile since I’ve read it but from what I remember it was hilarious. I read it in one weekend. If you’re looking to laugh and a happily ever after this is it!
I wanted to love this one so much. I absolutely love Helena but this one just fell short for me. Forced proximity usually works but I just did not believe this one. Bancroft was just too much. But… as we all know, Helena writes steam really really well and she did so in this one too.
Love this book. Couldn’t put it down.
Love this book. Funny romantic comedy. Loved every second. Love Helena’s books. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I was a little concerned about the book, initially, because I didn’t really like Ruby. So many times, she mentions that she wants to do everything herself and yet, she’s relying on her rich father to pay for her apartment and put money in her account? It’s really ridiculous. She’s an actress but can’t get another job to try to pay for her expenses so she can “rely on herself”. Even though she laments her bad luck, her luck isn’t even that bad- she meets Bane, who actually kisses her accidentally, spreading his germs and making her sick. He is the cousin of her best friend’s fiance. He feels guilty about that because she wasn’t able to then audition for a role (Which she wasn’t guaranteed to get) and she was going to be evicted (because her father didn’t pay her rent for 3 months- so way before she even met Bane). So it is a pretty easy for her and my initial opinion of her wasn’t that great.
Bane, though, is a sweetheart and I adored him. And i know it sounds like i didn’t like the book but that’s not true. There was cute banter that I enjoyed, fun animals that made me laugh, and a sweetness to the story and the characters that made me really overall enjoy the story. At the end of the story, I found myself smiling quite a bit, especially after getting over my initial distaste of Ruby. I give this a 3.5 stars.
I listened to the audiobook (via the library) and it was really well done. I loved the narration by Rose Dioro and Jacob Morgan.
4.5 stars Ruby grew up in a privileged home, but she has decided to follow her dreams irregardless of what her father wants and what others in their circle may think (she doesn’t really care anyways). When she finds herself on the verge of being homeless, Bane agrees to let her house/pet sit while he is overseas. (It was partially his fault that she bombed her last audition) This was a cute, funny and sexy story- a classic Helena Hunting rom com. I loved how Ruby and Bane really got to know each other before they actually got together, but when they did it was on fire. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I love Ruby and Bane. I love everything about this book. Except for Armstrong. He’s the worst. So many laugh out loud moments. So many super steamy scenes. Great best friend and a ferret. What more could anyone need?
Shacking Up by Helena Hunting was funny, sexy, and so, so sweet! u2063
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Bancroft (Bane) and Ruby “meet” when he accidentally kisses her at her best friend’s engagement party. He also left her with the flu which causes her to bomb her audition the next day. They meet again when her best friend sets her up with a job pet sitting his animals while he’s overseas on business. u2063
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Things I loved:u2063
The banter – top-notch!u2063
Their chemistry! – when these two finally got into the same room, it was amazing!u2063
Francesca – so cute! How can you not love her illegal little self?u2063
Jacob Morgan’s voice – I listened to the audio and hot damn, he could read tax law to me and I’d pay attention. u2063
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Things I didn’t like:u2063
Bane’s socks – but that’s ok because Ruby didn’t like them either. u2063
Armstrong – I’m now reading Hooked Up and I like him even less!u2063
Helena Hunting does this again! What got me excited about this book was not only is is written by Helena Hunting but just look at that cover! Holy Hotness!! This book did not disappoint. I love the Pucked Series and the Shacking Up Series is just as good. This book had me from the very beginning. The characters are loveable and the story line keeps you excited for what comes next. This series is really good and i recommend you binge read it.
I loved this book! It was such a fun and steamy read! I could not get enough of Bane and Ruby, oh and don’t forget Bane’s adorable pet! Ruby and Bane meet at a party, where he kisses her but ends up giving her more than she bargained for. Ruby gets sick and misses out on a possible job, which now she is facing some tough life decisions. She finds Bane and he feels terrible, but ends up helping her out when he needs a pet sitter. Bane and Ruby take us on a fun, flirty, sexy adventure that will pull you from the moment they meet. Definitely read this book and see what happens between Bane and Ruby, you will be hooked!
Such a great story about two people who met by chance, who are meant to be together. That really is what I got from this book. The pages from beginning to end basically told the story as to why they are perfect for one another!!
Must read, perfect book, and great characters!!
If I had to pick one word HOT
I am a huge fan of Helena Hunting’s sense of humor. Her Pucked Series is hilarious, but yet super sweet and sexy. I was worried meeting a new set of characters, but I should have known Helena wouldn’t disappoint. Shacking Up made me laugh and swoon in equal parts. It is a downright sexy story! Bane and Ruby’s relationship was very unconventional in the beginning for sure. I LOVED their video chats and the flirty banter that went along with it. Bane is seriously one sexy beast. Ruby is so endearing you can’t help but cheer her on! They are perfect together!
I bought this book in paperback at Barnes & Noble on a whim. I’ve never read Helena Hunting but I’ve heard good things so I took a chance on it. I wasn’t disappointed! I really liked this story! The characters were great and she’s a really great writer! I recommend this book!
Full disclosure: I am reading this series out of order. I started with book 3, then 5, and now 1. One is my favorite so far.
Ruby’s life is on a downward slope and then she gets kissed by a stranger. And that downward slope continues. Eventually things begin to look up, but of course there are still struggles. I love the banter between Ruby and Bancroft. And there is so much sexual tension. My favorite character is Francesca. The relationship between Ruby and Bancroft moves quickly, but it doesn’t feel rushed or like insta-love. The ending is perfect.
My love for Helena Hunting’s sense of humour is growing more and more with each book of hers I read. I don’t think I’ve had an author make me giggle snort as often as she does.
This was such a fun book. It’s really the perfect summer read. Funny and sexy. Full of heart and angst. Loveable main characters and equally loveable side characters. Plus an adorable ferret. A perfect romcom.
This is my most favorite book of Helena’s! That might have to do with Bane. He is a hot, broody, caring, sweet, alpha male. I love Ruby’s down to earth personality. Their chemistry is explosive! Not only does Bane have a heart of gold when it comes to his adoring animals, but he opens his home to Ruby. Ruby is the best pet sitter and takes care of Bane’s loving ferret. She’s a great secret keeper considering Bane is not allowed to have this ferret. I love the bantering these two have. And it’s not always verbal. I love how they flaunt each other’s hotness around each other “accidentally”. This comically allows the temperature on the thermometer to hit maximum heat. I could go on for days about this book, but I recommend you read it for yourself and enjoy this hilarious love story.
If you’ve read any of Helena Huntings books in the Pucked series and loved Violet your going to love Ruby in Shaking Up. P.s. if you haven’t read The Pucked series yet you are truly missing out! Ruby is a funny witty character that is a bit down on her luck when she has a chance meeting with Bane whom is everything a girl could want in a book boyfriend! This was such a good storyline and I fell in love with the characters.