Making Up (Shacking Up #4)
By: Helena Hunting
Release Date: July 16, 2019
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review
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A new standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting.
Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.
Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.
As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.
Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.
Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.
As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.
My Thoughts:
Helena Hunting is such a fun author! It never fails, but every time I read her stories, she has me laughing, swooning, grinning, and enjoying my reading experience!
Making Up is part of the Shacking Up Series, but it can be read as a standalone. The main characters were extremely likeable. Cosy Fallon was such a delight. She was a free spirit, lacked pretense, was down to earth, lived life in the moment, and had an exuberance and enthusiasm for life that was refreshing! Griffin Mills was a hard worker, serious, sexy, honest, devoted, a planner, gave his all, and had been heartbroken after his four year relationship and engagement had ended.
When Griffin draws the short straw and has to buy the gag gifts for his friend's bachelor party he finds himself attracted to the beautiful, fun, and spirited salesgirl, Cosy. She is also attracted to the gorgeous and sexy Griffin, who decides to pursue her when he can't stop thinking about her, despite the eleven year age difference.
Griffin is in Las Vegas on business for a couple of months before he returns to where he lives in New York. Cozy is happy with having a fun fling, because she's not ready for a serious relationship. However, soon Cozy and Griffin find their feelings for one another growing stronger, and external problems begin to challenge their happiness as a couple...
Making Up was such a light-hearted story! I enjoyed the fact that Cosy and Griffin were opposites. They complimented one another perfectly. I continuously swooned and sighed from watching Griffin sweep Cosy off of her feet. I found myself wearing a dopey smile for most of the book, and could easily see how the charismatic Griffin charmed Cosy, because he charmed me too. Cosy was such a wonderful character as well. She was the type of woman, that woman are also drawn to. I would love to have a friend like Cosy. Her sense of adventure and excitement made being in her presence a real treat!
The chemistry between Cosy and Griffin was off the charts. These two sizzled, and their attraction was palpable. Being together was effortless in the way they just fit perfectly. Helena Hunting's signature bawdy sense of humor and use of innuendo and suggestive insinuation was a lot of fun as well! She had me cracking up repeatedly. In case you couldn't tell; I loved this story. If you like your romances sweet and spicy, this is one I'd highly recommend.
Q&A:
1. What inspired you to write Making Up?
I’d introduced Griffin in the previous Shacking Up Series novels, Shacking Up and Hooking
Up—he was a bit of a mystery for readers because he was talked about, but not really present. I
had a very clear picture in my mind of who he was, and the kind of woman who would end up
being the perfect fit for him, and it was not his fiancé from the previous books.
2. Introduce us to your main characters!
Griffin Mills is the oldest of the three Mills brothers. At thirty-three he’s had several very long
term relationships and was formerly engaged, but that relationship went up in flames. He’s
gorgeous, smart, loves the numbers side of the family business he’s part of—a chain of hotels
he’s set to inherit with his brothers. Also, he’s a little awkward, which I love, because there’s
nothing quite like a hot guy who doesn’t have all the lines and fumbles a bit when he’s dealing
with someone he’s attracted to. It makes for some hilarious banter with his love interest, Cosy
Felton. Our heroine is a twenty-two year old who has been a bit of a nomad for most of her life,
but is finally finishing school and happens to work at an Adult Toy Store part time. It’s definitely
not her favourite job, but it pays the bills. She’s sassy, not much of a planner and definitely more
than Griffin bargained for.
3. Lots of aspiring authors out there. Any advice for them?
Just keep writing. Every day put words on the page and surround yourself with positive
people who are there to support you. Ask questions, join book groups, be an avid reader
and an observer.
4. How is Making Up different from your other books?
Making Up has a trope I’ve never really explored or played around with before, so it was a lot of
fun to write. While I’ve written age gaps before, it hasn’t been a key part of the storyline, or had
a significant impact on how the characters perceive the relationship. Griffin and Cosy are from
two very different worlds and balancing their expectations and insecurities was one of my
favourite parts of writing their story. Making Up has my signature quirky, sassy heroines and I
love writing heroes that are sexy, yet a little awkward. While it’s a light read, there’s some
drama, and some heavy baggage, which I think grounds the story and balances out the hilarity.
5. I know asking someone’s all-time favorite book is a loaded question so what’s your
current favorite read?
I’ve been so lucky to read so many amazing books this year but I’m going to go with Broken
Knight by LJ Shen which releases this August. I love YA/NA romance and angst, and she knows
how to deliver both flawlessly.
6. Alright, the ultimate question: why should we read your book?
We all need a little escape from our own realities once in a while and Making Up is a fun, sexy
romance that’s perfect for the summer. Also, Griffin is hot, and not particularly suave at times. I
think we can all appreciate a guy who doesn’t have all the lines, especially if he looks like he
should.
7. A famous movie producer wants to make your books into movies and they want you to
cast your characters from Making Up. Which actors/actresses make the cut?
This is always a fun question and I’ll be 100% honest, I never actually look at actors prior to
writing a story because I generally have a picture of the character in my head. But, I went on a
Pinterest mission and Alex Morgan (she’s a soccer player, not an actress) would make a fabulous
Cosy if she suddenly switched career paths. Hailee Steinfeld (Bumblebee) is super sassy, and
could definitely play up the humor in this story, so she would be a legitimate actress choice.
Gabriel Macht has a great smolder and can rock a seriously sexy suit, so I think he’d be great as
Griffin.
8. Favorite quote or scene you wrote in Making Up?
Making Up is definitely a rom-com with some incredibly hilarious moments, but Griffin has
some heavy baggage, which means there are also serious moments, and this is one of my
favourites: “Talk to me. Fall apart on me. Show me your weakness so I can give you my
strength.”
9. What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always loved to write, but finding time was a challenge during university and then afterward
I was building a career and we renovated a house down to the studs—which takes up a lot of
time and doesn’t leave much of an opportunity for putting down words (but it was an amazing
experience). When I gave birth to my daughter she struggled to sleep—or rather stay
asleep—and that meant I spent a lot of time awake in the middle of the night. So I started writing
again during those late nights, and finally penned my first full novel.
10. What is a typical writing day like?
I usually start with a run and then copious amounts of coffee while I manage the administrative
side of things—ie emails, social media posts etc. But when I sit down to write I have a playlist I
put on repeat, more coffee, sparking water (so I can stay hydrated) and my cat Pumpkin
generally lies on top of my closed laptop and supervises me for the day.
11. Do you have any interesting writing quirks or habits?
I listen to the same playlist while I write a novel. So if it takes me two months, then I listen to the
same set of songs for two full months. I’ve destroyed A LOT of albums for my husband over the
past several years. I just need the background noise, and listening to the radio or unfamiliar songs
can be distracting.
12. What has been one of the most surprising things you’ve learned as a published author?
I’ve only been in the industry for five years and there has been so much change, learning to
adjust and adapt and just staying true to your personal goal is really the most important thing I’ve
learned. I think when you start out there are just so many unknowns, and taking risks can be
scary, but if you don’t take those risks, it’s hard to grow as an author.
13. Can you tell us about what’s coming up next after this for you writing wise?
I have one more book in The Shacking Up Series, HANDLE WITH CARE, which releases at the
end of August! Griffin’s cousin and best friend, Lincoln Moorehead, is the hero and if you didn’t
know, he is also Armstrong’s brother. Lincoln is the polar opposite of Armstrong so it was so fun
to write. I can’t wait for people to meet Griffin and Cosy and Lincoln and Wren.
14. How can readers connect with you online?
They can connect with me all over social media! (add links)
Website→ http://www.helenahunting.com/
Amazon → http://amzn.to/1y6OBB7
Twitter → http://bit.ly/HelenaHTwitter
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/helena.hunting69/
Pinterest → http://bit.ly/1oQYRVN
Instagram → http://instagram.com/helenahunting
Goodreads→ http://bit.ly/GoodReadsHH
NEWSLETTER → http://bit.ly/HelenaHnewsletter
Bookbub → http://bit.ly/BookBubHH
Facebook Reader Group → http://bit.ly/TheBeaverDenHH
Excerpt:
almost at the end of our date. End-of-date protocol often means a goodnight kiss.
And I’ve eaten onions. Lots of them. What the hell was I thinking? I feel around
in my shorts pocket, hoping I have a random stick of gum. I find a tiny square packet and
pull it out, along with an old tissue. I shove that back in my pocket and sigh with relief as
I carefully open the Listerine Pocketpak. There’s one strip left. I pop it in my mouth,
wishing I had water since my mouth is dry and I’m suddenly super nervous.
Griffin pulls up in front of my apartment building. I swallow a bunch of times,
trying to get the strip to dissolve on my tongue and glance out the tinted window, seeing
it from his perspective. I don’t live in a bad part of town, but I sure as hell wouldn’t leave
this car sitting out here for any length of time unless I wanted it keyed or stripped down.
Griffin shifts into park and turns to me, one hand resting on the back of my seat
near the headrest. “I had a great time, Cosy.”
“Me too, thanks for dinner.” I tried to fork over my share, but he was quick on the
credit card draw.
“It was my pleasure.” He leans in the tiniest bit, a nonverbal cue that he’s going in
for a kiss.
I mirror the movement, giving him the go ahead. My stomach flutters in
anticipation. I exhale slowly through my nose. Even though the Listerine strip should be
doing its job to mask the onions, I don’t want to ruin the moment by breathing that in his
face.
His fingertips skim my jaw, and I close my eyes. And then his lips brush my
cheek. I wait for them to move a couple of inches to the right, but after what feels like a
lot of seconds—and is probably only a few—I crack a lid.
Griffin is still close, a wry smile on his lips and a smolder in his eyes.
“Seriously, that’s it? A kiss on the cheek?”
His smile widens, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. He’s nothing like the
guys I usually end up on dates with. College boys don’t take things slow. If I were out
with one of the guys from school, I’d be sitting in a beat-up Civic with some stupid music
playing, and he’d be all over me with his tongue halfway down my throat, copping a feel.
“I thought all the onions you ate were the equivalent to garlic for vampires.”
Griffin fingers my hair near my shoulder. I’d really like him to finger something else.
Wait. I mean I’d like to feel his hands on me. Not in my pants. Okay, maybe I’d like
them in my pants, but not after date number one.
“I wasn’t thinking, and I really like onions. A lot. In hindsight, it’s not a great date
food. I feel kinda dumb. And I guess at first I wasn’t so sure about you. How was I
supposed to know you’d actually be kind of normalish?”
“Normalish?”
“Well, you drink club soda on purpose, so you can’t be all there.” I tap his temple.
Griffin circles my wrist with his fingers and drops his head, lips brushing over my
knuckle. “We can’t all be perfect, now, can we?”
“I suppose not, and perfect is boring.”
“That it is.” He hums against my skin, and I feel it through my entire body. “I
would like to try that kiss again, if you’re still interested.”
New York Times 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.
