Shacking Up
Helena Hunting     
December 2021 Releases

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Genre: Contemporary Romance
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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 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.

Ruby Scott is not a stranger to the rich lifestyle. She grew up in a wealthy family but she tossed it away to pursue her dreams of the theatre.  Her dreams are not going as planned.  Her bank account is low and she is sneaking food from her best friend’s engagement party. Life couldn’t possibly get any worst but she finds herself tangled with a guy who is hands down one of the best kissers but he is drunk and on cold medicine.

Bane knows that he messed up the night of his cousin’s party but he never imagined that he would see the girl who his tongued mauled in a hallway again. He feels bad knowing that she caught the flu from him and blew her audition. To make matters worse, she is currently without a place to stay. He offers his place to her in exchange for her to watch his pets.

Ruby is quick to jump on this idea and I had to take a pause because it is an odd storyline. It works but it is a side-eye moment. Bane’s pets are very peculiar but of course Ruby volunteered with an animal shelter so she is all too equipped to know how to handle them.

The reason this couldn’t get a 5 star rating from me is the same reason I liked the book. The characters are separated for a good chunk of the book. The author does a good job of building the connection through video chat, text and phone calls. However, when Bane returns their schedules are at conflict and there is minor tension before they can connect face to face. 

The sex is very explosive. How could it not when Ruby basically worships at The Church of Bane Cock. She literally says that after seeing his very very large cock.  The rest of the story is full of humorous encounters and steamy sex scenes while Bane and Ruby try to navigate a relationship.

Overall, this is a fun and light read for fans of contemporary romance.

~ Samantha