Book Review: Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5) by Helena Hunting

Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5)
By: Helena Hunting
Release Date: August 27, 21019
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review
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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 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.

My Thoughts:

I was thrilled to finally get Lincoln's story and is was such a fun and fabulous reading escape. We got a lot of his character in the previous book, Making Up, because it was his cousin/best friend Griffin's story, and the two of them are like brothers. 

Lincoln "Linc" Moorehead comes from a wealthy and powerful family.  However, he is not close to his parents or his younger brother, Armstrong.  Lincoln attended boarding school since he was ten years old, his father was a workaholic who never really participated with the family, his mother was cold and pretentious, and his younger bother was not a good person.  The only one that he could count on was his grandma "G Mom," and cousin Griffin.  

Lincoln had his MBA from Harvard, but spent all of his time going to impoverished countries and building homes, wells so the people could have fresh water, and doing all sorts of humanitarian work.  He was dedicated to his passion, and enjoyed the backbreaking hands-on hard work.  When Linc's father dies of a heart attack, he is called back to New York for the reading of his father's will.  He is shocked to discover that he has been named as CEO of Moorehead Media.  Linc's G Mom guilts him in to staying on as CEO of the company for six months, until they can find and train someone else to take his place.  

Enter the gorgeous and fearless "Wren Sterling." Wren was hired by Linc's mom, Penelope Moorehead, as a P.R. Handler to clean up indiscretions and bad press for Armstrong.  She took the position as a favor to her mother. Penelope asks Wren to stay on and handle Linc for the next six months, and she'll double her pay for working with both sons.  At the end of that time period, she'll give Wren a glowing reference so that she can get her dream job. While Wren would rather move on an d pursue her passion, she agree's because it is a good deal and she is trying to mend the fractured relationship that she has with her mom.  However, between suit and tux fittings, charity events, and press conferences, Wren and Linc never expect to fall in love.  How can these two navigate their sizzling chemistry, and growing feelings for one another, between business, and family pressures?

I love how strong Ms. Hunting's female characters are.  Wren is one of the strongest to date.  I enjoyed her confidence, assertiveness, strong moral compass, and her ability to not only verbally put people in place when they needed it, but utilize her strong verbal tongue lashings when needed, as well as her excellent self defense skills.  She could even bring Armstrong to his knees by putting him in a headlock when he stepped out of line! She was such a strong female role model and I couldn't have possibly loved her more!

Lincoln was gorgeous, brooding, loyal, (to those who deserved it,) down to earth, and had strong ethics.  He was a manly man, and I enjoyed his gruff, rugged nature!  It was so much fun watching Linc and Wren interact with one another.  The beginning of their story was hilarious!  I loved Wren's bossiness when she dug her heels in to do her job, and I loved the way that Linc pushed back and could expertly push her buttons.  Together these two were hilarious at times, combustible at other times, and adorable once they figured things out.

Handle With Care was another win for readers.  It balanced Hunting's usual humor and light heartedness, with a little bit of drama, and a whole lot of sizzle!  Romance readers, you are in for a delightful treat with this new addition to the Shaking Up Series, and don't worry if you haven't been following along, because each of these books can easily be read as a standalone.

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | IndieBound 

About the Author:

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.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram 

Blog Tour: Making Up by Helena Hunting

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. 

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:

We’re a couple of minutes away from my apartment, which also means we’re
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.”

Purchase At:

Nook | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo| eBooks

About the Author:

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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cover Reveal: Making Up by Helena Hunting

Making Up

By: Helena Hunting
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

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.

About the Author:

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.

Social Media Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Purchase Links:

Nook | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo | eBooks

Book Review: Wicked Saints (Something Dark and Holy #1) by Emily A. Duncan

Wicked Saints
Something Dark and Holy #1

By:
Emily A. Duncan

Published:
April 2, 2019

Publisher:
St. Martin's Press

Add to:
Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher for honest review

Book Synopsis:

A girl who can speak to gods must save her people without destroying herself. 

A prince in danger must decide who to trust. 

A boy with a monstrous secret waits in the wings. 

Together, they must assassinate the king and stop the war. 

In a centuries-long war where beauty and brutality meet, their three paths entwine in a shadowy world of spilled blood and mysterious saints, where a forbidden romance threatens to tip the scales between dark and light. Wicked Saints is the thrilling start to Emily A. Duncan’s devastatingly Gothic Something Dark and Holy trilogy..

My Thoughts:

I was attracted to Wicked Saints when I read the book synopsis.  It sounded magical, and I've been on a fantasy reading binge lately!  This made Wicked Saints the perfect choice for my next reading adventure!

A century of holy war has raged between Kalyazin and Tranavia.  Seventeen year old Nadezhda "Nadya" Lapteva resides in a secluded monastery in the mountains with her best friend Kostya, where she is to be protected at all costs.  Nadya can communicate with the gods and goddesses, and they give her their power, magic, and language to speak powerful spells into existence.  Marzenya, goddess of magic, sacrifice, and death, is Nadya's patron in the pantheon, and claimed her as an infant.  

The Tranavians use blood magic, a dark and powerful magic.  Their magic profanes the gods and is the antithesis of the Kalyazins form of magic.  There is none more powerful than the Tranavian High Prince, who is just a couple of years older than Nadya. If he were to take her, her blood and magic could be used to make him even more powerful. When the Tranavians overrun the monastery in search of Nadya, dear mentors and friends are forced to sacrifice themselves, so that she can escape.  The Kalyazins believe that she is powerful enough to win the war for them.

While on the run, Nadya and her friend Anna, an ordained priestess, meet and team up with Parijahan (a girl that wants Nadya to murder the Tranavian King), Rashid, and Malachiasz, a Tranavian Mage.  Thus, begins Nadya's perilous and magical journey... Simultaneously, Tranavian Prince Serefin Meleski, and his friends and fellow soldiers, Ostyia, and Kacper are in pursuit of Nadya. 

I enjoyed the opening scene of the story!  I thought it was an excellent beginning and had my undivided attention.  However, after that first scene, the story didn't continue to hold my interest.  I felt like the plot wasn't moving fast enough for me.  I was bored, and found myself falling asleep each time I would attempt to read more of the story.  

I liked that we got the dual viewpoints of Nadya and Serefin, the Tranavian High Prince.  I enjoyed the supporting characters, the elements of the different forms of magic, and learning about the opposing viewpoints on religion, politics, and magic.  I found the Vultures of Tranavia; twisted, violent, powerful and dark blood mages, that were no longer human, and instead had become monster-like; to be extremely fascinating.

Overall, this story had a lot of ups and downs for me.  There were moments of fascination and interest, as well as a majority of moments of boredom, where the plot fell flat, and  the story just wasn't moving fast enough.  This story just wasn't for me and didn't measure up to my high hopes.    

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Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

About Emily A. Duncan:

Emily A. Duncan was born and raised in Ohio and works as a youth services librarian. She received a Master’s degree in library science from Kent State University, which mostly taught her how to find obscure Slavic folklore texts through interlibrary loan systems. When not reading or writing, she enjoys playing copious amounts of video games and dungeons and dragons. She is represented by Thao Le of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

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