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Shacking Up #5
Handle With Care
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.
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.
313 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
755 people are currently reading
10882 people want to read
About the author
Helena Hunting
79 books26.4k followersHelena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,141 reviews
July 15, 2019
When professionalism is present, two individuals with morals must learn how to identify if their relationship is real, or it's just simply a professional matter...
Let me start this off by saying that I have been waiting for Lincoln's book since BOOK ONE of this series. Bane will forever be my daddy, my favorite out of all of them but I have always been curious about who Lincoln truly is and the mystery behind him. Now that we have his story, we can see the real Lincoln and how drool and swoon worthy he is. The way he is described made me so excited for his book. For the past couple of years, he has been out of the real world that revolves around his family and the family business. But after finding out about the death of his father, Lincoln is needed back in the big city to help run the business more than ever. Once he gets to NYC, you meet the one person that he came as a surprise, Wren.
A PR consultant, Wren knows how to control those who have a terrible image. In this case it has to be the one and only Armstrong, Lincoln's younger brother. Remember him? Yup! He is still here, and he has not changed one tiny bit. That's why Wren was hired, to control him and his image for the sake of his family and most importantly the business. Especially after the whole incident that happened in the previous novels with Amalie, Armstrong's ex-fiance whom he cheated on. When Wren meets Lincoln for the first time, the chemistry and connection between these two is what draws you instantly. And once you learn what Wren's job is, it becomes harder for Lincoln to accept the boundaries of professionalism and having true feelings towards the one person he should not be having said feelings;
Overall this was one hell of a ride, and let me tell you why: Wren and Lincoln have this controlled adult life that makes you want to read more and more of their romance story. They have to go through their ups and downs as a couple whom have to keep their relationship in the down low. Thankfully Helena has a way with words that will have you captivated!
ARC galley kindly provided by SMP in exchange for an honest review...
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Let me start this off by saying that I have been waiting for Lincoln's book since BOOK ONE of this series. Bane will forever be my daddy, my favorite out of all of them but I have always been curious about who Lincoln truly is and the mystery behind him. Now that we have his story, we can see the real Lincoln and how drool and swoon worthy he is. The way he is described made me so excited for his book. For the past couple of years, he has been out of the real world that revolves around his family and the family business. But after finding out about the death of his father, Lincoln is needed back in the big city to help run the business more than ever. Once he gets to NYC, you meet the one person that he came as a surprise, Wren.
A PR consultant, Wren knows how to control those who have a terrible image. In this case it has to be the one and only Armstrong, Lincoln's younger brother. Remember him? Yup! He is still here, and he has not changed one tiny bit. That's why Wren was hired, to control him and his image for the sake of his family and most importantly the business. Especially after the whole incident that happened in the previous novels with Amalie, Armstrong's ex-fiance whom he cheated on. When Wren meets Lincoln for the first time, the chemistry and connection between these two is what draws you instantly. And once you learn what Wren's job is, it becomes harder for Lincoln to accept the boundaries of professionalism and having true feelings towards the one person he should not be having said feelings;
"And I fall more in love with the woman who fits so perfectly into my life, like she's always been part of it, like she's somehow been sewn into the fabric of who I am, without either of us realizing until now..."
Overall this was one hell of a ride, and let me tell you why: Wren and Lincoln have this controlled adult life that makes you want to read more and more of their romance story. They have to go through their ups and downs as a couple whom have to keep their relationship in the down low. Thankfully Helena has a way with words that will have you captivated!
ARC galley kindly provided by SMP in exchange for an honest review...
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July 23, 2019
4.25 stars
Handle with Care is the fifth and final book of Helena Hunting's 'Shaking Up' series and it was so good! I was intrigued by Lincoln throughout the series and his story didn't disappoint. He was great, and so was Wren. This was the perfect work place romance/enemies to lovers tale and so much fun to read.
The last thing Lincoln Moorhead ever wanted to do was come home and take over as CEO of his families business. He's never been close with most of the family, between his parents dysfunctional relationship and his awful brother Armstrong, who could blame him? But with his father's untimely passing, he doesn't have much of a choice. Wren has been 'handling' Lincoln's brother, Armstrong, and what a job that is... Armstrong is nothing but trouble. When their mother also hires her to acclimate Lincoln, she doesn't know what to expect.
Wren and Lincoln butt-heads so much at first. Lincoln doesn't need a handler. He can dress himself, make sure he's at his appointments and do his work all on his own. At first, Wren infuriates him. With time, he realizes how much easier she makes his life. Wren and Lincoln have a lot of back and forth banter. They definitely don't get along well at first, but with time they get closer and their chemistry is sizzling.
This couple was perfect together. Once they were together, it was so steamy and sweet. But on top of all that, there are some secrets in Lincoln's family they're trying to figure out. I liked that aspect of the book. I'm kind of sad this book series is over because there was a new character introduced I would love to read more about.
If you're looking for book that's sweet, swoony, and highly entertaining, pick this one up!!
Handle with Care is the fifth and final book of Helena Hunting's 'Shaking Up' series and it was so good! I was intrigued by Lincoln throughout the series and his story didn't disappoint. He was great, and so was Wren. This was the perfect work place romance/enemies to lovers tale and so much fun to read.
The last thing Lincoln Moorhead ever wanted to do was come home and take over as CEO of his families business. He's never been close with most of the family, between his parents dysfunctional relationship and his awful brother Armstrong, who could blame him? But with his father's untimely passing, he doesn't have much of a choice. Wren has been 'handling' Lincoln's brother, Armstrong, and what a job that is... Armstrong is nothing but trouble. When their mother also hires her to acclimate Lincoln, she doesn't know what to expect.
"Better get used to me, Lincoln. I'm going to be like your shadow for the next several months."
Wren and Lincoln butt-heads so much at first. Lincoln doesn't need a handler. He can dress himself, make sure he's at his appointments and do his work all on his own. At first, Wren infuriates him. With time, he realizes how much easier she makes his life. Wren and Lincoln have a lot of back and forth banter. They definitely don't get along well at first, but with time they get closer and their chemistry is sizzling.
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.
This couple was perfect together. Once they were together, it was so steamy and sweet. But on top of all that, there are some secrets in Lincoln's family they're trying to figure out. I liked that aspect of the book. I'm kind of sad this book series is over because there was a new character introduced I would love to read more about.
If you're looking for book that's sweet, swoony, and highly entertaining, pick this one up!!
"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."
August 16, 2019
A lot of my friends have Helena Hunting listed as an auto-buy author, and I really wanted to read one of her novels, even though this is book number 5 in the Shacking Up series. I can safely say it can be read as a standalone.
Let me start with the characters. Wren Starling is a genius of PR. She has been hired by Moorehead Media to handle and smoothe out the inevitable repercussions of scandals associated with Armstrong Moorehead, selfish, spoilt, sex-addicted younger son of Fredrick, the CEO of the company. When Fredrick passes away, his older son Lincoln comes back to New York city for his father's funeral and is promptly enlisted to help with the company for a few months. Lincoln has been working on building sustainable community projects in China and Guatemala, and isn't particularly interested in living in the city beyond the six months his grandmother asked him to. Now Wren's contract is amended to include 'handling' of both of the brothers. What is she hoping to get out of this job? a letter of recommendation and help to find a good position on one of the charities Moorehead family runs, and reconciliation with her own mother, a close friend of Mrs Moorehead. Wren is professional, organised, independent, sassy, decisive and loyal to her family and her best friend Dani.
Lincoln Moorehead first resembles a bit of a bear, but then thanks to Wren's appointments (which he moans about but stoically endures), he cleans up to reveal a sweet and gorgeous young man. I loved his relationship with G-mom, his grandmother, although his constant fighting with Armstrong was quite childish on both sides. Most importantly, you can tell his heart is in the right place and he has a good moral compass.
Although a large part of the novel is dedicated to these two characters, others are also very important. Armstrong will make you wonder about how exactly his parents managed to bring up such different sons. Gwendolyn Moorhead, Lincoln and Armstrong's mother, isn't an endearing person, either. Actually, it is she and her life story that provides the drama element in this book. Let's say, I really needed to step aside and try to think about the events from her point of view to make sure I'm not getting a skewed picture.
The plot. What I expected was something like the old trope of a poor and hard-working secretary who wins the heart of her workaholic boss. Hmmm I don't think this will come as a spoiler, if I say that Wren does win Lincoln's heart. However, remember I already said, she is not poor, and not particularly sweet and obliging. She knows how to stand up for herself (years of self-defence classes do pay off), and is both sensible and independent, which, of course, appeals even more to Lincoln. Since these two are basically on the same page, there wouldn't be much conflict, necessary to keep the reader's attention, but thanks to Lincoln's mother, even level-headed Wren gets her share of tears and frustrations. If you are reading it and wondering where all the action is, wait until the second half of the book.
The writing. The book is fast-paced and very easy to read. It is a contemporary romance, and the contemporary life is fully reflected in the story. I didn't particularly care for the coffee spill/whirlwind moment as well as the telephone call in the epilogue, but perhaps I am too traditional and will be in minority. There's definitely enough good chemistry, understanding and sexual tension between the protagonists to satisfy a romantic comedy fan.
Overall The fans of the series will be delighted, as the story of Lincoln and Wren is a fun-filled sexy summer read with a happy ever after ending. And if seeing a chin dimple makes you swoon, this is definitely your kind of book.
Thank you to Edelweiss and St.Martin's paperbacks for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Let me start with the characters. Wren Starling is a genius of PR. She has been hired by Moorehead Media to handle and smoothe out the inevitable repercussions of scandals associated with Armstrong Moorehead, selfish, spoilt, sex-addicted younger son of Fredrick, the CEO of the company. When Fredrick passes away, his older son Lincoln comes back to New York city for his father's funeral and is promptly enlisted to help with the company for a few months. Lincoln has been working on building sustainable community projects in China and Guatemala, and isn't particularly interested in living in the city beyond the six months his grandmother asked him to. Now Wren's contract is amended to include 'handling' of both of the brothers. What is she hoping to get out of this job? a letter of recommendation and help to find a good position on one of the charities Moorehead family runs, and reconciliation with her own mother, a close friend of Mrs Moorehead. Wren is professional, organised, independent, sassy, decisive and loyal to her family and her best friend Dani.
Lincoln Moorehead first resembles a bit of a bear, but then thanks to Wren's appointments (which he moans about but stoically endures), he cleans up to reveal a sweet and gorgeous young man. I loved his relationship with G-mom, his grandmother, although his constant fighting with Armstrong was quite childish on both sides. Most importantly, you can tell his heart is in the right place and he has a good moral compass.
Although a large part of the novel is dedicated to these two characters, others are also very important. Armstrong will make you wonder about how exactly his parents managed to bring up such different sons. Gwendolyn Moorhead, Lincoln and Armstrong's mother, isn't an endearing person, either. Actually, it is she and her life story that provides the drama element in this book. Let's say, I really needed to step aside and try to think about the events from her point of view to make sure I'm not getting a skewed picture.
The plot. What I expected was something like the old trope of a poor and hard-working secretary who wins the heart of her workaholic boss. Hmmm I don't think this will come as a spoiler, if I say that Wren does win Lincoln's heart. However, remember I already said, she is not poor, and not particularly sweet and obliging. She knows how to stand up for herself (years of self-defence classes do pay off), and is both sensible and independent, which, of course, appeals even more to Lincoln. Since these two are basically on the same page, there wouldn't be much conflict, necessary to keep the reader's attention, but thanks to Lincoln's mother, even level-headed Wren gets her share of tears and frustrations. If you are reading it and wondering where all the action is, wait until the second half of the book.
The writing. The book is fast-paced and very easy to read. It is a contemporary romance, and the contemporary life is fully reflected in the story. I didn't particularly care for the coffee spill/whirlwind moment as well as the telephone call in the epilogue, but perhaps I am too traditional and will be in minority. There's definitely enough good chemistry, understanding and sexual tension between the protagonists to satisfy a romantic comedy fan.
Overall The fans of the series will be delighted, as the story of Lincoln and Wren is a fun-filled sexy summer read with a happy ever after ending. And if seeing a chin dimple makes you swoon, this is definitely your kind of book.
Thank you to Edelweiss and St.Martin's paperbacks for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Read
January 18, 2019The next standalone romantic comedy set in The Shacking Up world!
Coming August 27th!
iBooks → http://bit.ly/HandleWC
NOOK → http://bit.ly/NookHWC
Kobo → http://bit.ly/KoboHWC
Google Play → http://bit.ly/HandleWCgp
US → https://amzn.to/2CgGp87
CA → https://amzn.to/2Av1f3k
UK → https://amzn.to/2CTeblc
AU → TBA
NOTE: This is an unedited excerpt and is subject to change.
I’m startled out of my thoughts when my brother jumps up and shouts a bunch of profane nonsense, hands flailing like he’s trying to swim on land or approximate the chicken dance while on an LSD trip.
“You can’t do this! It’s absolute bullshit!” Armstrong yells.
I look around the table, trying to piece together what I missed.
“I’m sorry, Armstrong. I know this is a shock, but we feel it’s in the company’s best interest to put Lincoln at the helm during this transitional stage,” G-mom says firmly.
At the helm? I look to G-mom who’s busy not looking at me.
Armstrong jabs a finger at himself. “But I’m the one who’s put in all the time here! I deserve to run the company! Lincoln doesn’t know the first thing about Moorehead. All he knows how to do is dig wells and forage for food in the wilderness. How are those valuable assets here?” He turns his attention to our mother. “Did you know about this? How can you let this happen? Look at him. How can that be the face of our company? He looks like he crawled out of a gutter and mugged a twenty-year-old college kid on a bender. How is this better for our bottom line?”
My mother clasps her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry, Armstrong, but this decision wasn’t mine to make. I know this is hard for you, but your grandmother and fath—”
Armstrong stomps his foot, exactly as a toddler would. “The company is mine! Lincoln can’t have it!”
I raise a hand, half to quiet my brother and also to find out what the freaking deal is. “Whoa, let’s back this bus up. Can someone explain what’s going on?”
“You’ve been appointed as the CEO of Moorehead Media, according to the will,” Christophe—no R, because that would make it far too pedestrian a name—my father’s lawyer says.
I’m working on trying to remain calm as I address my grandmother. “You didn’t say anything about me being CEO. You said you needed my help.”
“Running the company, yes,” she says through a practised, stiff smile.
It’s her warning face, but seriously, when she said she needed my help for a few months I figured it meant I’d be keeping Armstrong in line while she sorted out who was going to take over the company, which I realize now was a stupid assumption.
“I didn’t think that meant CEO. How am I going to run a company with this dickhead on staff?” I motion to my brother.
“The name calling is unnecessary,” G-mom replies.
“Lincoln’s not even part of this family! He hasn’t attended one event in the past five years except for Dad’s funeral. He didn’t bother coming to my wedding and now he’s going to run the company? How is that fair?”
I snort. “Your wedding was an expensive joke.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “I was set up. Amalie had cold feet and made me out to look like the bad guy.”
The woman beside him shoots him a disgusted look.
Armstrong clears his throat and tugs at his collar. “My wedding is not the real issue. The point is that you’ve never involved yourself in any part of this family and now you think you can come in and take over. I will not stand by and let this happen!” He keeps jabbing his finger at me as if he’s engaged in a finger sword fight.
I lean back in my chair and lace my fingers behind my neck. Armstrong has always been reactive. And self-absorbed. For a while, it seemed like he finally had it together—back when he was engaged. But ever since that fiasco of a wedding he seems to have come completely unglued. Again. But worse this time. “Someone needs a timeout.”
Coming August 27th!
iBooks → http://bit.ly/HandleWC
NOOK → http://bit.ly/NookHWC
Kobo → http://bit.ly/KoboHWC
Google Play → http://bit.ly/HandleWCgp
US → https://amzn.to/2CgGp87
CA → https://amzn.to/2Av1f3k
UK → https://amzn.to/2CTeblc
AU → TBA
NOTE: This is an unedited excerpt and is subject to change.
I’m startled out of my thoughts when my brother jumps up and shouts a bunch of profane nonsense, hands flailing like he’s trying to swim on land or approximate the chicken dance while on an LSD trip.
“You can’t do this! It’s absolute bullshit!” Armstrong yells.
I look around the table, trying to piece together what I missed.
“I’m sorry, Armstrong. I know this is a shock, but we feel it’s in the company’s best interest to put Lincoln at the helm during this transitional stage,” G-mom says firmly.
At the helm? I look to G-mom who’s busy not looking at me.
Armstrong jabs a finger at himself. “But I’m the one who’s put in all the time here! I deserve to run the company! Lincoln doesn’t know the first thing about Moorehead. All he knows how to do is dig wells and forage for food in the wilderness. How are those valuable assets here?” He turns his attention to our mother. “Did you know about this? How can you let this happen? Look at him. How can that be the face of our company? He looks like he crawled out of a gutter and mugged a twenty-year-old college kid on a bender. How is this better for our bottom line?”
My mother clasps her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry, Armstrong, but this decision wasn’t mine to make. I know this is hard for you, but your grandmother and fath—”
Armstrong stomps his foot, exactly as a toddler would. “The company is mine! Lincoln can’t have it!”
I raise a hand, half to quiet my brother and also to find out what the freaking deal is. “Whoa, let’s back this bus up. Can someone explain what’s going on?”
“You’ve been appointed as the CEO of Moorehead Media, according to the will,” Christophe—no R, because that would make it far too pedestrian a name—my father’s lawyer says.
I’m working on trying to remain calm as I address my grandmother. “You didn’t say anything about me being CEO. You said you needed my help.”
“Running the company, yes,” she says through a practised, stiff smile.
It’s her warning face, but seriously, when she said she needed my help for a few months I figured it meant I’d be keeping Armstrong in line while she sorted out who was going to take over the company, which I realize now was a stupid assumption.
“I didn’t think that meant CEO. How am I going to run a company with this dickhead on staff?” I motion to my brother.
“The name calling is unnecessary,” G-mom replies.
“Lincoln’s not even part of this family! He hasn’t attended one event in the past five years except for Dad’s funeral. He didn’t bother coming to my wedding and now he’s going to run the company? How is that fair?”
I snort. “Your wedding was an expensive joke.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “I was set up. Amalie had cold feet and made me out to look like the bad guy.”
The woman beside him shoots him a disgusted look.
Armstrong clears his throat and tugs at his collar. “My wedding is not the real issue. The point is that you’ve never involved yourself in any part of this family and now you think you can come in and take over. I will not stand by and let this happen!” He keeps jabbing his finger at me as if he’s engaged in a finger sword fight.
I lean back in my chair and lace my fingers behind my neck. Armstrong has always been reactive. And self-absorbed. For a while, it seemed like he finally had it together—back when he was engaged. But ever since that fiasco of a wedding he seems to have come completely unglued. Again. But worse this time. “Someone needs a timeout.”
August 30, 2019
This series, its awesome!!! I don't know what I was expecting with this read, but it surprised me. I loved it, I figured I would, but this one just was a little bit more for me, still looking at how to exactly say it in words....
I swooned big time, I laughed, it was such a smooth read to me, so carefree. It just hit the spot for me.
If you want sweet, and low drama, definitely pick this one up!!!
I swooned big time, I laughed, it was such a smooth read to me, so carefree. It just hit the spot for me.
If you want sweet, and low drama, definitely pick this one up!!!
June 30, 2019
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”It’s always been real, Wren. This is you and me choosing to acknowledge it and own it. Now we see where it goes from here.”
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 when it comes to chart-topping hits. The Shacking Up series instantly became one of my favorites by this amazing author. 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. I’m not a fan of the “slow burn”. While there wasn’t a lot of drama being created between Linc and Wren, there’s a mystery that comes to the surface which will keep readers guessing.
We meet a new character which I’m hoping means that we’ll get at least one more book because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this series yet.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”HANDLE WITH CARE” releases on August 27th!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2X9TpVq
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”It’s always been real, Wren. This is you and me choosing to acknowledge it and own it. Now we see where it goes from here.”
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 when it comes to chart-topping hits. The Shacking Up series instantly became one of my favorites by this amazing author. 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. I’m not a fan of the “slow burn”. While there wasn’t a lot of drama being created between Linc and Wren, there’s a mystery that comes to the surface which will keep readers guessing.
We meet a new character which I’m hoping means that we’ll get at least one more book because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this series yet.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”HANDLE WITH CARE” releases on August 27th!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2X9TpVq
August 25, 2019
TITLE: HANDLE WITH CARE
AUTHOR: Helena Hunting
SERIES: Shacking Up #5
RELEASE DATE: August 27 2019
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
THEMES & TROPES: Office Romance - kinda
RATING: 2 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
After reading MAKING UP, I was really hoping to like HANDLE WITH CARE more. And while there wasn't as much drama in this one it still wasn't the success I was hoping for. The characters bordered on juvenile and the humor mostly cringeworthy.
I didn't care much for Lincoln - while I understand that his brother was a major douchebag he was a little too punch-happy for my taste. His thoughts circled around what kind of physical harm he could do to Armstrong. He was grouchy, snapping at people, and especially Wren, for no apparent reason. And who the hell calls his grandmother G-mom? I can't say that I cared for this heroine more. She was supposed to be strong but I didn't really feel that.
And don't get me started on the side cast. The characters of the villains were drawn in such an exaggerated manner, it was a little bizarre.
I have given this author two chances to wow me. I think this is the point where I have to admit defeat. Helena Hunting and I just don't mesh. That's fine. We'll both live.
September 4, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Do not sass me, Lincoln Alexander Moorehead. And do not call me G-mom in front of the goddamn staff. How am I going to keep my battle-ax reputation with you shouting nicknames that make me sound like a second-rate rap star?
I don’t know what kind of karmic bomb your parents managed to set off when they created your brother.
I’m startled out of my thoughts when my brother jumps up and shouts a bunch of profane nonsense, hands flailing like he’s trying to swim on land, or approximate the chicken dance while on an LSD trip… He keeps jabbing his finger at me, as if he’s engaged in a finger sword fight.
Gwendolyn’s expression is slightly pinched— which is saying something because most of her face usually doesn’t move.
Dear sweet baby Jesus riding a unicorn.
He wasn’t faithful to my mother, and maybe I can understand that, since she has the warmth of a corpse…
My Review:
I am stunned and truthfully mortified to report that this was my first Helena Hunting experience… where have I been? The woman is a prolific and clever wordsmith and has a backlist a mile long - I am so ashamed of myself ~ hangs head… But now that I am in the know I plan to make amends for my slothful and inattentive ways and greedily latch on to as many of her skillful arrangements of words as possible. I am totally enamored with her wit, observantly descriptive writing style, and irreverent humor.
Handle With Care was written in my favorite dual POV with sparkling levity, titillating family scandals, smoldering sensual scenes, vile yet quirky villains that I loved to despise, and a plethora of enticing and intriguing primary and secondary characters. I adored every well-placed word and smirked my way through this absorbing and refreshingly entertaining tale. Sigh, I enjoyed these characters so much I am more than a bit reluctant to let them go, but at least I now have a new favorite author to fangirl.
Do not sass me, Lincoln Alexander Moorehead. And do not call me G-mom in front of the goddamn staff. How am I going to keep my battle-ax reputation with you shouting nicknames that make me sound like a second-rate rap star?
I don’t know what kind of karmic bomb your parents managed to set off when they created your brother.
I’m startled out of my thoughts when my brother jumps up and shouts a bunch of profane nonsense, hands flailing like he’s trying to swim on land, or approximate the chicken dance while on an LSD trip… He keeps jabbing his finger at me, as if he’s engaged in a finger sword fight.
Gwendolyn’s expression is slightly pinched— which is saying something because most of her face usually doesn’t move.
Dear sweet baby Jesus riding a unicorn.
He wasn’t faithful to my mother, and maybe I can understand that, since she has the warmth of a corpse…
My Review:
I am stunned and truthfully mortified to report that this was my first Helena Hunting experience… where have I been? The woman is a prolific and clever wordsmith and has a backlist a mile long - I am so ashamed of myself ~ hangs head… But now that I am in the know I plan to make amends for my slothful and inattentive ways and greedily latch on to as many of her skillful arrangements of words as possible. I am totally enamored with her wit, observantly descriptive writing style, and irreverent humor.
Handle With Care was written in my favorite dual POV with sparkling levity, titillating family scandals, smoldering sensual scenes, vile yet quirky villains that I loved to despise, and a plethora of enticing and intriguing primary and secondary characters. I adored every well-placed word and smirked my way through this absorbing and refreshingly entertaining tale. Sigh, I enjoyed these characters so much I am more than a bit reluctant to let them go, but at least I now have a new favorite author to fangirl.
August 29, 2019
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press & Social Butterfly PR)
Lincoln Moorehead is the reclusive eldest son and the heir to the Moorehead Media fortune, but he could care less about status or wealth. He has nothing in common with his entitled family, and has tried over the years to put as much distance between them as possible. He would rather be off helping others in developing countries, but is forced to return home to New York after the death of his father. He plans to hop back on the next plane out as soon as possible, because being in the city makes him miserable, but soon gets sucked into the family drama when he's appointed CEO of Moorehead Media. He has no interest in the company, but his family's legacy can't be left in his brother's hands. They ask him to do the one thing he desperately doesn't want to do, which is stay and help manage things. He just needs to try to survive his new reality while temporarily running the company. Then things get interesting when he meets his new "handler". The woman in charge of helping him transition into his new role at Moorehead Media.
Wren Starling is an independent PR consultant who began working for the Moorehead's about eight months ago when they needed someone to clean up their younger son's messes. She is the best at reshaping reputations, and cleaning up scandals. Now that the older Moorehead son has returned, she's been asked to stay on and work to overhaul his public image. As the new face of Moorehead he has to dress and act the part. She will be his shadow for the next several months while she cleans up his appearance and gets him ready for interviews. When they meet she quickly learns he's his brother's opposite in every way. He looks like a rugged, bearded mountain man, but is generous and kind. He also can be quite difficult and challenging in his own way. Then he has a make over, and she can hardly contain her desire for Lincoln Moorehead clean shaved and in a suit. He's absolutely gorgeous! Doing her job becomes more difficult as the sexual tension builds. Soon they both have trouble fighting their attraction and the growing feelings between them.
-She's utterly captivating.
-This attraction is becoming difficult to ignore, especially when she's this close to me.
-"I've had weeks to create an elaborate fantasy, and I can't wait to make every dirty thought I've had a reality."
Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5) by Helena Hunting was fabulous! I love this entire series, and have been looking forward to Lincoln's book. The man is sexy, genuine, and swoony to the extreme! I couldn't put this book down, and loved it from start to finish. It's a fun, flirty, slightly forbidden office romance full of fantastic banter, emotion and love. Everything I love about a Helena Hunting story!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/30zS8t8
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press & Social Butterfly PR)
Lincoln Moorehead is the reclusive eldest son and the heir to the Moorehead Media fortune, but he could care less about status or wealth. He has nothing in common with his entitled family, and has tried over the years to put as much distance between them as possible. He would rather be off helping others in developing countries, but is forced to return home to New York after the death of his father. He plans to hop back on the next plane out as soon as possible, because being in the city makes him miserable, but soon gets sucked into the family drama when he's appointed CEO of Moorehead Media. He has no interest in the company, but his family's legacy can't be left in his brother's hands. They ask him to do the one thing he desperately doesn't want to do, which is stay and help manage things. He just needs to try to survive his new reality while temporarily running the company. Then things get interesting when he meets his new "handler". The woman in charge of helping him transition into his new role at Moorehead Media.
Wren Starling is an independent PR consultant who began working for the Moorehead's about eight months ago when they needed someone to clean up their younger son's messes. She is the best at reshaping reputations, and cleaning up scandals. Now that the older Moorehead son has returned, she's been asked to stay on and work to overhaul his public image. As the new face of Moorehead he has to dress and act the part. She will be his shadow for the next several months while she cleans up his appearance and gets him ready for interviews. When they meet she quickly learns he's his brother's opposite in every way. He looks like a rugged, bearded mountain man, but is generous and kind. He also can be quite difficult and challenging in his own way. Then he has a make over, and she can hardly contain her desire for Lincoln Moorehead clean shaved and in a suit. He's absolutely gorgeous! Doing her job becomes more difficult as the sexual tension builds. Soon they both have trouble fighting their attraction and the growing feelings between them.
-She's utterly captivating.
-This attraction is becoming difficult to ignore, especially when she's this close to me.
-"I've had weeks to create an elaborate fantasy, and I can't wait to make every dirty thought I've had a reality."
Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5) by Helena Hunting was fabulous! I love this entire series, and have been looking forward to Lincoln's book. The man is sexy, genuine, and swoony to the extreme! I couldn't put this book down, and loved it from start to finish. It's a fun, flirty, slightly forbidden office romance full of fantastic banter, emotion and love. Everything I love about a Helena Hunting story!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/30zS8t8
December 28, 2021
Terrific and original!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️
The heroine: Wren Sterling - a PR expert hired by Lincoln’s father before his death to handle the negative media image that stems from Armstrong Moorehead, who is a company executive who has behaved badly. Armstrong was not only caught by everyone including his bride at his wedding reception while getting serviced by a bridesmaid, but he is often caught sexually harassing nearly every female he meets, including the staff at Moorehead Media.
The Hero(es): Lincoln Moorehead - His father just died and he has to come home to New York City from Guatemala where he has been overseeing a project building houses for the needy. Lincoln is is big, burly and bearded and he has to take over the running of Moorehead Media and help to change the image of the company which has taken some hits from his brother Armstrong’s latest debacles.
The Story: Wren was in charge of changing the image of the company which means when Lincoln returns to town with not much but t-shirts and jeans and looking like he fights bears in the wild for a living. She is in charge of getting him in suits and ties, getting groomed and tailored in order to be presented as the face of the company and Wren is surprised to find out what a nice face he has under all that hair and beard.
This book had all the snark and wit as so many of the other Helena Hunting books I have read. Armstrong, who I hated in Hooking Up, was super funny in this book. From his temper tantrums which rivaled any two year old’s to the way he thinks about nothing but sex 24/7 like a randy teenager, and has no concept of right and wrong and consequences.
The fact that Lincoln always devolved to acting like a teenager around Armstrong was also pretty funny, though not in the same way as Armstrong. Lincoln couldn’t help but react to Armstrong by name calling and fighting. This was another enjoyable Helena Hunting romance.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️
The heroine: Wren Sterling - a PR expert hired by Lincoln’s father before his death to handle the negative media image that stems from Armstrong Moorehead, who is a company executive who has behaved badly. Armstrong was not only caught by everyone including his bride at his wedding reception while getting serviced by a bridesmaid, but he is often caught sexually harassing nearly every female he meets, including the staff at Moorehead Media.
The Hero(es): Lincoln Moorehead - His father just died and he has to come home to New York City from Guatemala where he has been overseeing a project building houses for the needy. Lincoln is is big, burly and bearded and he has to take over the running of Moorehead Media and help to change the image of the company which has taken some hits from his brother Armstrong’s latest debacles.
The Story: Wren was in charge of changing the image of the company which means when Lincoln returns to town with not much but t-shirts and jeans and looking like he fights bears in the wild for a living. She is in charge of getting him in suits and ties, getting groomed and tailored in order to be presented as the face of the company and Wren is surprised to find out what a nice face he has under all that hair and beard.
This book had all the snark and wit as so many of the other Helena Hunting books I have read. Armstrong, who I hated in Hooking Up, was super funny in this book. From his temper tantrums which rivaled any two year old’s to the way he thinks about nothing but sex 24/7 like a randy teenager, and has no concept of right and wrong and consequences.
The fact that Lincoln always devolved to acting like a teenager around Armstrong was also pretty funny, though not in the same way as Armstrong. Lincoln couldn’t help but react to Armstrong by name calling and fighting. This was another enjoyable Helena Hunting romance.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
July 21, 2020
4.5 Ethics and Kisses Stars
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free
Blood Families aren't chosen, they just are...And if Lincoln Moorehead had his way, the only family he would keep would be his grandmother G-Mom. You see Lincoln walked away from the corporate dog eat dog world years ago and devoted himself to helping others. But now G-Mom has asked him to come back from where ever he was and step into the seat of CEO. She claims it will be for just a little while to make sure things transition smoothly but Lincoln has a gut feeling this may not be all she has up her sleeve.
Wren Sterling has her own backbone and ideas about the corporate world as well. She comes from a family that is welled versed in all the ins and outs of presenting just the right image. As the daughter of a senator, she knows exactly how important branding and publicity is. But this PR thing she has been doing is not her heart. Nonprofit is and Gwendolyn Moorehead had promised Wren her "handling and cleaning up the scandalous messes" younger son Armstrong was making would put her front and center with any charity organization she wished. Wren sucked it up and did her job, making sure Armstrong knew she would literally whack him if he so much as touched her.
Now Gwendolyn has promised more to Wren...If she assists in "Grooming, Outfitting and Handling Lincoln" she will double her pay. Makes it difficult to turn down...so this is how Wren ends up in a bar meeting Lincoln for the first time. The funeral is over and Wren just needs to make sure Lincoln gets to his room all right. As drunk as he is...Wren does the job without Lincoln understanding who exactly she is...
When these two finally are officially introduced, both are on edge leading to a caustic reaction. Lincoln is annoyed he has to be there in the first place. Then his idiot brother has a hissy fit he was not named CEO and starts to act out...causing Wren to put Armstrong in his place, physically. After all that, Lincoln is asked/told by G-mom to have Wren make all the appointments for grooming, etc. Things Lincoln could care less about.
But Lincoln does care about all the people who work for Morehead and their families. He understands the importance of what needs to take place so he eventually softens to the idea of Wren and her arranging his life. It should only be for about 6 months or so...He sucks it up and starts to rely on Wren...
Well, he starts to do more than rely on her...He starts to look forward to the clip clip of her stilettos across his tile floor and wants to know what she is thinking behind those beautiful eyes. He and Wren start to see each other in a more favorable light and soon the chemistry is off the chain and they are acting on it...
This story has so much going for it. You have a couple who start out with misinterpretations and assumptions about each other. Then you have them become a team working towards common goals. And then they are confronted with something which will impact both of them and others. Watching how they handle all of this was insightful as to who they were and who they wanted to be.
Helena Hunting is known for delivering stories with many layers and with this last entry to the series, she did not disappoint.
Shacking Up (Shacking Up, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hooking Up (Shacking Up #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Flipping Love You (Shacking Up, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Making Up (Shacking Up #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Handle With Care (Shacking Up, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Thrilled to have the opportunity to read, Yum!!!
❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Family. Can't live with them...
But somehow, can't live without them either...
Lincoln Moorehead has tried his damnedest to do the Without...
But when G-mom asks for Lincoln's help with the family business...
Little did he realize CEO was the title...
Now he is embroiled with his obnoxious baby brother...
Who is kicking and screaming the position should be his...
With the decision made, the Big Guns bring in their Secret Weapon...
Wren Sterling has been saving Moorehead Media from itself for years...
Turning a Wilderness, Non-User-Friendly Man...
Into Suave, Lickable Business Tycoon, Piece of Cake...
Except when Sparks Fly...
And they are coming from both of them...
They realize this will be tricky...
They must be gentle and...
Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5)-August 27th, 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * *1/2 Spoiler Free
Blood Families aren't chosen, they just are...And if Lincoln Moorehead had his way, the only family he would keep would be his grandmother G-Mom. You see Lincoln walked away from the corporate dog eat dog world years ago and devoted himself to helping others. But now G-Mom has asked him to come back from where ever he was and step into the seat of CEO. She claims it will be for just a little while to make sure things transition smoothly but Lincoln has a gut feeling this may not be all she has up her sleeve.
Wren Sterling has her own backbone and ideas about the corporate world as well. She comes from a family that is welled versed in all the ins and outs of presenting just the right image. As the daughter of a senator, she knows exactly how important branding and publicity is. But this PR thing she has been doing is not her heart. Nonprofit is and Gwendolyn Moorehead had promised Wren her "handling and cleaning up the scandalous messes" younger son Armstrong was making would put her front and center with any charity organization she wished. Wren sucked it up and did her job, making sure Armstrong knew she would literally whack him if he so much as touched her.
Now Gwendolyn has promised more to Wren...If she assists in "Grooming, Outfitting and Handling Lincoln" she will double her pay. Makes it difficult to turn down...so this is how Wren ends up in a bar meeting Lincoln for the first time. The funeral is over and Wren just needs to make sure Lincoln gets to his room all right. As drunk as he is...Wren does the job without Lincoln understanding who exactly she is...
When these two finally are officially introduced, both are on edge leading to a caustic reaction. Lincoln is annoyed he has to be there in the first place. Then his idiot brother has a hissy fit he was not named CEO and starts to act out...causing Wren to put Armstrong in his place, physically. After all that, Lincoln is asked/told by G-mom to have Wren make all the appointments for grooming, etc. Things Lincoln could care less about.
But Lincoln does care about all the people who work for Morehead and their families. He understands the importance of what needs to take place so he eventually softens to the idea of Wren and her arranging his life. It should only be for about 6 months or so...He sucks it up and starts to rely on Wren...
Well, he starts to do more than rely on her...He starts to look forward to the clip clip of her stilettos across his tile floor and wants to know what she is thinking behind those beautiful eyes. He and Wren start to see each other in a more favorable light and soon the chemistry is off the chain and they are acting on it...
This story has so much going for it. You have a couple who start out with misinterpretations and assumptions about each other. Then you have them become a team working towards common goals. And then they are confronted with something which will impact both of them and others. Watching how they handle all of this was insightful as to who they were and who they wanted to be.
Helena Hunting is known for delivering stories with many layers and with this last entry to the series, she did not disappoint.
Shacking Up (Shacking Up, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hooking Up (Shacking Up #2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I Flipping Love You (Shacking Up, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Making Up (Shacking Up #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Handle With Care (Shacking Up, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Thrilled to have the opportunity to read, Yum!!!
❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Family. Can't live with them...
But somehow, can't live without them either...
Lincoln Moorehead has tried his damnedest to do the Without...
But when G-mom asks for Lincoln's help with the family business...
Little did he realize CEO was the title...
Now he is embroiled with his obnoxious baby brother...
Who is kicking and screaming the position should be his...
With the decision made, the Big Guns bring in their Secret Weapon...
Wren Sterling has been saving Moorehead Media from itself for years...
Turning a Wilderness, Non-User-Friendly Man...
Into Suave, Lickable Business Tycoon, Piece of Cake...
Except when Sparks Fly...
And they are coming from both of them...
They realize this will be tricky...
They must be gentle and...
Handle With Care (Shacking Up #5)-August 27th, 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 27, 2019
***AVAILABLE NOW***
5 Red Lipstain CROWNS
LORD. I swear I’m a junkie for Helena’s words, and the Shacking world is my drug of choice. Too much? Uhhhh, I don’t think so. I have loved all the characters, the plot lines, and, of course, Helena’s writing. It is always on point, and Handle with Care was just perfection.
Wren and Lincoln are who really sold me on this book. I couldn’t get enough of them. Lincoln is everything that I love about the heroes in this series - charming, altruistic, handsome, and delicious. We need more men like the Mills and the Mooreheads in the world and in romance. Wren is fiesty and fierce in the business world, and I loved how she handled both of the Moorehead brothers.
Together these two have incredible banter and chemistry, and their relationship progression seems authentic and real. I loved that they became a force, a power couple in the business world. They were just magical, pretty much like the previous standalone couples in the series.
The story didn’t really follow the plot line I was expecting, but I am alway for unexpected surprises and the rarely seen outside conflict. The story is fun and romantic, filled with laugh out loud moments, sweet and intimate scenes, and so much more. Surprisingly, I even loved the bits with Armstrong. Helena made him almost endearing, and dare I say, I would be interested to see a story where he changes his ways. What I think I loved most is that Helena shows that with these stories, couples can really have it all.
Although I know one day it will happen, I never want Helena to stop writing in this world, which is truly a testament to the characters and stories she has created. They are the quintessential romcoms, filled with fun and love, and I’ll never get enough.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
5 Red Lipstain CROWNS
LORD. I swear I’m a junkie for Helena’s words, and the Shacking world is my drug of choice. Too much? Uhhhh, I don’t think so. I have loved all the characters, the plot lines, and, of course, Helena’s writing. It is always on point, and Handle with Care was just perfection.
Wren and Lincoln are who really sold me on this book. I couldn’t get enough of them. Lincoln is everything that I love about the heroes in this series - charming, altruistic, handsome, and delicious. We need more men like the Mills and the Mooreheads in the world and in romance. Wren is fiesty and fierce in the business world, and I loved how she handled both of the Moorehead brothers.
Together these two have incredible banter and chemistry, and their relationship progression seems authentic and real. I loved that they became a force, a power couple in the business world. They were just magical, pretty much like the previous standalone couples in the series.
The story didn’t really follow the plot line I was expecting, but I am alway for unexpected surprises and the rarely seen outside conflict. The story is fun and romantic, filled with laugh out loud moments, sweet and intimate scenes, and so much more. Surprisingly, I even loved the bits with Armstrong. Helena made him almost endearing, and dare I say, I would be interested to see a story where he changes his ways. What I think I loved most is that Helena shows that with these stories, couples can really have it all.
Although I know one day it will happen, I never want Helena to stop writing in this world, which is truly a testament to the characters and stories she has created. They are the quintessential romcoms, filled with fun and love, and I’ll never get enough.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
August 27, 2019
Lincoln's father just died and his grandma wants him to take over the family business. Because his idiot of a brother Armstrong would run it into the ground within months.
Lincoln hates New York. He wants to build houses in Guatemala!
But he promised grandma he'll stay for six months.
Enter Wren. She's been hired by Lincoln's mom to keep idiot Armstrong out of the tabloids and away from law suits. And now that wilderness-lumberjack Lincoln is back in town - she's also been tasked with making him presentable.
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ...
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH WREN & LINCOLN?
WILL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
ADORABLE!
Another cute and funny and sparky and sexy and serious romance in this amazing series!
I just loved Lincoln and Wren. I loved how they just meet and argue and fall for each other and start seeing each other with no unnecessary drama and other stuff we usually get in books.
I just loved that. Then I hated the thing that happened at the 70% mark - I hated that it looked like they were going to do what all book people do and NOT talk to each other. But they did and I loved it.
The story was maybe not as funny and über-amazing as I wanted it to be... but I really loved the people in it and there were great moments.
I just love this series!
Can't wait for more!
HANDLE WITH CARE was an adorable & funny & sexy office romace! I LOVED it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Lincoln - this one is MINE!!
♡
♡
♡
November 20, 2022
Handle with Care is funny! I like Miss Hunting writing style. It has that perfect combination of comedy and romance. The characters, the banter, the conversation between the characters are hilarious. Miss Hunting is always putting the twist on her story.
The characters are warm and fun to follow. I do like a love able characters in my romance so the story is easy to digest. The twist and turn on the plot even it is predictable, Miss Hunting still make it fun to read.
Overall a good book to close my weekend.
4 stars
The characters are warm and fun to follow. I do like a love able characters in my romance so the story is easy to digest. The twist and turn on the plot even it is predictable, Miss Hunting still make it fun to read.
Overall a good book to close my weekend.
4 stars
August 26, 2019
Title: Handle with Care (Shaking Up #5)
Author: Helena Hunting
FINALLY!!!!
After Making Up, I was nervous to read this book. Having finished reading Handle With Care, I can say that all that fretting was for nothing. I should have had more faith in Helena Hunting.
If you haven't figured it out, Handle With Care is scrumptious!
I love an office romance! Add to that two strong characters and BOOM! You get one hot read!
But seriously, These two characters have their shit together. They wasn't a childish bone in their body and it made it weep for joy because after Making Up...this book was giving me life!
Wren is a badass! Such a strong, confident and proficient character! I loved her from the get-go. I feel like giving her a round of applause because she makes everything look easy. FYI she needs a standing ovation for how she handles Armstrong. She is one amazing character!
Lincoln... *sigh* if I could dream up my fantasy guy of the moment, it would be him.
I love an alpha male but Lincoln just takes it on a whole new level! He is understanding and respectful of a woman's independence. Gosh! Lincoln is ridiculously drool worthy.
Wren and Lincoln together are *fans face*
Handle With Care has it all. It has amazing characters, is filled with flirty banters, has steamy AF scenes, is high on passion, high on fun and humour, worthwhile secondary characters and a storyline that is fantastic.
You will devour this book....Handle With Care is a MUST READ!
For an excerpt, click link below:
https://sentrancedjem.wordpress.com/2...
July 8, 2019
Ever since Lincoln was mentioned in Hooking Up I have been very curious and excited to hopefully get his story and now it’s finally here.
The first chapter delivers an amazing introduction to Lincoln and Wren. Their first meeting and interaction with sparse communication left me pretty damn happy. A brooding Lincoln with a man bun and beard. Yes please! Wren is a fierce kickass woman who knows how to handle Lincoln’s irresponsible brother Armstrong. Putting him in a headlock. You go Wren.
Lincoln and Wren has to work together and it creates some very delicious unresolved sexual tension and hilarious bantering between them. As opposed his is to being in NY and helping his grandmother with his father’s company Lincoln also finds positive things about it too. His sexy and opinionated handler Wren. They’re fun and share amazing chemistry. When secrets threatens to be revealed I feared the good old omission plot but thankfully the author goes another route and made me enjoy and appreciate the characters and the story even more.
Handle With Care was a fabulous romantic comedy and great addition to the Shacking Up series. Lincoln Moorehead was so worth the wait.
4 Red Lipstick Stars
I received an ARC from St. Martins Press.
The first chapter delivers an amazing introduction to Lincoln and Wren. Their first meeting and interaction with sparse communication left me pretty damn happy. A brooding Lincoln with a man bun and beard. Yes please! Wren is a fierce kickass woman who knows how to handle Lincoln’s irresponsible brother Armstrong. Putting him in a headlock. You go Wren.
Lincoln and Wren has to work together and it creates some very delicious unresolved sexual tension and hilarious bantering between them. As opposed his is to being in NY and helping his grandmother with his father’s company Lincoln also finds positive things about it too. His sexy and opinionated handler Wren. They’re fun and share amazing chemistry. When secrets threatens to be revealed I feared the good old omission plot but thankfully the author goes another route and made me enjoy and appreciate the characters and the story even more.
Handle With Care was a fabulous romantic comedy and great addition to the Shacking Up series. Lincoln Moorehead was so worth the wait.
4 Red Lipstick Stars
I received an ARC from St. Martins Press.
July 1, 2020
Love love, double loved!
Here’s what I loved:
These characters are phenomenal. I adored both Lincoln and Wren. Wren is a boss babe who didn’t take meds from anymore! Not her employer or her douchey son, Armstrong. She’s talented, honest, and about her business. We could totally be best friends!
Lincoln was in such a tough situation, but he always did what was right and put others before himself. I loved him immensely.
Those two know how to steam up a boardroom! I love that this was an office romance with a hint of forbidden romance.
There was a bit of OTT family drama, but it worked well with the plot and overall execution of the novel!
This was a super fun listen! The narrators were awesome and really pulled me into the story. Overall a supremely enjoyable read! Recommended!
Here’s what I loved:
These characters are phenomenal. I adored both Lincoln and Wren. Wren is a boss babe who didn’t take meds from anymore! Not her employer or her douchey son, Armstrong. She’s talented, honest, and about her business. We could totally be best friends!
Lincoln was in such a tough situation, but he always did what was right and put others before himself. I loved him immensely.
Those two know how to steam up a boardroom! I love that this was an office romance with a hint of forbidden romance.
There was a bit of OTT family drama, but it worked well with the plot and overall execution of the novel!
This was a super fun listen! The narrators were awesome and really pulled me into the story. Overall a supremely enjoyable read! Recommended!
August 22, 2019
4.5 stars
"She's like sunshine cutting a bright line across my desk, melting the chocolate bar sitting on the corner."
Oh dear, this one was exactly what I needed after a book that broke me and a bully romance. Handle With Care is a romance that handles love with care. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I've read such a carefree, almost drama-free lovestory that will capture your heart immediately.
"I hope you are ready, Wren. I'm about to make it fell like and apocalypse is taking over your body."
With its beyond charismatic characters this book has everything a great romance needs. I love the pace, how the story unfolds without unnecessary drama, how the characters work together so flawlessly. This story might be simple, but to me this means so much. I love Wren, I love Lincoln and I love them together. And I guess Lincoln almost stole the throne from Bancroft as my favorite bookboyfriend within the Shacking Up series, but only almost. Nevertheless, Lincoln is beautiful and I wish I could meet one like him in real life.
"Are you ready for the ride of your life?"
Handle With Care is such a cute story, that will leave you doe-eyed with a lovey-dovey feeling and a big fat smile in your heart.
"She's like sunshine cutting a bright line across my desk, melting the chocolate bar sitting on the corner."
Oh dear, this one was exactly what I needed after a book that broke me and a bully romance. Handle With Care is a romance that handles love with care. Seriously, I can't remember the last time I've read such a carefree, almost drama-free lovestory that will capture your heart immediately.
"I hope you are ready, Wren. I'm about to make it fell like and apocalypse is taking over your body."
With its beyond charismatic characters this book has everything a great romance needs. I love the pace, how the story unfolds without unnecessary drama, how the characters work together so flawlessly. This story might be simple, but to me this means so much. I love Wren, I love Lincoln and I love them together. And I guess Lincoln almost stole the throne from Bancroft as my favorite bookboyfriend within the Shacking Up series, but only almost. Nevertheless, Lincoln is beautiful and I wish I could meet one like him in real life.
"Are you ready for the ride of your life?"
Handle With Care is such a cute story, that will leave you doe-eyed with a lovey-dovey feeling and a big fat smile in your heart.
July 14, 2019
Well, it's official! Lincoln Moorehead has dethroned my beloved Bane Mills as my favorite Helena Hunting hero.
I still love Bane dearly, but Lincoln was pretty much everything I love in a hero and more. He truly snuck up on me and I never expected the reclusive Moorehead sibling and beloved Mills cousin to be any competition for the #ChurchOfBaneCock. Boy, was I wrong! From the very beginning, I was pulled into the story and didn't want it to end. Handle With Care is book 5 in the Shacking Up series, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend the previous books however, because they're hilarious and characters from those books do appear in Handle With Care.
It's so rare for me to love the hero and heroine equally, but this was definitely the case with Lincoln and Wren. I loved them so much both as individuals and as a couple. They had such electric chemistry and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them go head to head in this enemies to lovers/taboo office romance. They were both intelligent, driven, loyal, and stubborn people. They challenged each other and were so evenly matched. Both knew how to push the others buttons and that passionate banter and back and forth translated so deliciously well in the bedroom. I loved that once they were in, they were all in, and that there were no silly misunderstandings or unnecessary drama between them. They were an amazing team and handled problems maturely by communicating, listening, and supporting the other. The epilogue was sexy and sweet and left me with a happy heart and huge smile.
There were plenty of laughs in Handle With Care, but there were also more emotional moments too. The overall tone of the story was less playful than some of the previous books in the series, but it worked well with our characters and made me love the book more. G-mom was absolutely amazing and Armstrong and Gwendolyn played their roles perfectly. Handle With Care is my new favorite in the Shacking Up series (sorry Bane!) and you definitely don't want to miss it!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
I still love Bane dearly, but Lincoln was pretty much everything I love in a hero and more. He truly snuck up on me and I never expected the reclusive Moorehead sibling and beloved Mills cousin to be any competition for the #ChurchOfBaneCock. Boy, was I wrong! From the very beginning, I was pulled into the story and didn't want it to end. Handle With Care is book 5 in the Shacking Up series, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend the previous books however, because they're hilarious and characters from those books do appear in Handle With Care.
It's so rare for me to love the hero and heroine equally, but this was definitely the case with Lincoln and Wren. I loved them so much both as individuals and as a couple. They had such electric chemistry and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them go head to head in this enemies to lovers/taboo office romance. They were both intelligent, driven, loyal, and stubborn people. They challenged each other and were so evenly matched. Both knew how to push the others buttons and that passionate banter and back and forth translated so deliciously well in the bedroom. I loved that once they were in, they were all in, and that there were no silly misunderstandings or unnecessary drama between them. They were an amazing team and handled problems maturely by communicating, listening, and supporting the other. The epilogue was sexy and sweet and left me with a happy heart and huge smile.
There were plenty of laughs in Handle With Care, but there were also more emotional moments too. The overall tone of the story was less playful than some of the previous books in the series, but it worked well with our characters and made me love the book more. G-mom was absolutely amazing and Armstrong and Gwendolyn played their roles perfectly. Handle With Care is my new favorite in the Shacking Up series (sorry Bane!) and you definitely don't want to miss it!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
July 18, 2019
Lincoln was a sexy man beast and I loved him!! His and Wren's dynamic was awesome. Oddly enough, I loved how he hated his family. The way their relationship progressed was great and I appreciated that when Wren was faced with an awful situation, she didn't internalize and do something stupid. She made an intelligent decision and things worked out, angst free with Lincoln. "Hoping" for one more in the series!
September 3, 2019
4.5 Lipstick Stars
“Handle With Care,” is the fifth book in the “Shaking Up” series. I would recommend reading this series in order, as the storylines intertwine, and somewhat build upon each other.
Helena Hunting, has become an author I trust to consistently entertain, and deliver an enjoyable story.
This one in particular had dynamics that I was shocked by, but also loved. I was super curious about Lincoln’s character from the previous books. He did not disappoint!! He could have been more opposite of his brother Armstrong, who was to put it mildly, a real crap-tastic piece of work!
Wren, was everything I look for in an admirable heroine. She was a class act, and she could put you in one heck of a self defense hold if necessary! She had a good heart, and complemented Linc’s altruistic, humanitarian lifestyle seemlessly!
This was such a good series! I’m beyond curious if any of the other characters will get books! If so, I’ll grab those up too, ASAP!
“Handle With Care,” is the fifth book in the “Shaking Up” series. I would recommend reading this series in order, as the storylines intertwine, and somewhat build upon each other.
Helena Hunting, has become an author I trust to consistently entertain, and deliver an enjoyable story.
This one in particular had dynamics that I was shocked by, but also loved. I was super curious about Lincoln’s character from the previous books. He did not disappoint!! He could have been more opposite of his brother Armstrong, who was to put it mildly, a real crap-tastic piece of work!
Wren, was everything I look for in an admirable heroine. She was a class act, and she could put you in one heck of a self defense hold if necessary! She had a good heart, and complemented Linc’s altruistic, humanitarian lifestyle seemlessly!
This was such a good series! I’m beyond curious if any of the other characters will get books! If so, I’ll grab those up too, ASAP!
August 13, 2019
Wren has become one of my most favorite heroines!
I kept picturing her as a modern Nanny MacPhee and instead of toddlers and children she had to handle two adult brothers.
This was so unusual, incredible and funny!
Wren had been contracted to handle Armstrong. Armstrong was...a total immature douchebag!
He ran after everything sporting a skirt, never owned his mistakes and put real tantrum (also known as ADF emergency as in Armstrong Douche Fuckery emergency).
That's really desperate when your damily has to contract someone to handle the adult you because you keep messing things so badly that it would cost the family company a lot of money!
But fear not Super Wren will have him in a headlock faster than you can say sorry. I kid you not. A real headlock at the office.
It seemed that doing or threatening Armstrong with bodily harm was the only way to keep him contained!
« In accordance with clause six-nine-six, appendix D of my contract, I’m invoking the right to use self-defense in the event of unwarranted physical contact.” (…)
“We’re in the middle of reading your deceased father’s will. Have some decorum and stop acting like toddlers fighting over a damn cookie.” She releases Armstrong from the headlock and points a finger at my face. “Sit down, both of you. This isn’t a playground, and you’re not challenging each other to a thumb war behind the slide.”
Impressive and efficient right? ;-)
The other brother Wren had to handle was Lincoln. He went from hot savage with a beard and man bun to spontaneous combusting panties unwilling CEO.
Wren had to threaten Lincoln with laser removal of facial hair for him to begrudgingly accept cutting his hair, beard and wearing a suit!
Lincoln is forced by his grand mother to step up in his deceased father's shoes for 6 Months the time to find a replacement.
Lincoln is not interested in working in that concrete jungle of New York. His jam is more of digging wells, building homes in poor countries.
But soon enough his verbal paring with Wren, riling her up every day become the best part of his days!
This was a fun and light read. Low on angst and starred by an excellent character cast:
-the hot but with backbone of iron babysitter herm...handler;
-the extremely handsome and devoted to charity projects male hero;
-the totally immature and jerk of a brother;
-the modern business woman yet kind G-mom or grand mother;
-the evil queen because, of course you need one!
You will have some secrets, rampant sexual chemistry and ... a lot of fun!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
I kept picturing her as a modern Nanny MacPhee and instead of toddlers and children she had to handle two adult brothers.
This was so unusual, incredible and funny!
Wren had been contracted to handle Armstrong. Armstrong was...a total immature douchebag!
He ran after everything sporting a skirt, never owned his mistakes and put real tantrum (also known as ADF emergency as in Armstrong Douche Fuckery emergency).
That's really desperate when your damily has to contract someone to handle the adult you because you keep messing things so badly that it would cost the family company a lot of money!
But fear not Super Wren will have him in a headlock faster than you can say sorry. I kid you not. A real headlock at the office.
It seemed that doing or threatening Armstrong with bodily harm was the only way to keep him contained!
« In accordance with clause six-nine-six, appendix D of my contract, I’m invoking the right to use self-defense in the event of unwarranted physical contact.” (…)
“We’re in the middle of reading your deceased father’s will. Have some decorum and stop acting like toddlers fighting over a damn cookie.” She releases Armstrong from the headlock and points a finger at my face. “Sit down, both of you. This isn’t a playground, and you’re not challenging each other to a thumb war behind the slide.”
Impressive and efficient right? ;-)
The other brother Wren had to handle was Lincoln. He went from hot savage with a beard and man bun to spontaneous combusting panties unwilling CEO.
Wren had to threaten Lincoln with laser removal of facial hair for him to begrudgingly accept cutting his hair, beard and wearing a suit!
Lincoln is forced by his grand mother to step up in his deceased father's shoes for 6 Months the time to find a replacement.
Lincoln is not interested in working in that concrete jungle of New York. His jam is more of digging wells, building homes in poor countries.
But soon enough his verbal paring with Wren, riling her up every day become the best part of his days!
This was a fun and light read. Low on angst and starred by an excellent character cast:
-the hot but with backbone of iron babysitter herm...handler;
-the extremely handsome and devoted to charity projects male hero;
-the totally immature and jerk of a brother;
-the modern business woman yet kind G-mom or grand mother;
-the evil queen because, of course you need one!
You will have some secrets, rampant sexual chemistry and ... a lot of fun!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
August 28, 2019
★★ 4.5 stars! ★★
The mysterious prodigal son returns to Moorehead Media in the fifth book of the Shacking Up series. Lincoln is the often referred to but never seen Moorehead brother/Mills cousin from the previous books and I have to say, he might just be my personal favorite of the whole series.
Lincoln hates his dysfunctional family (except for his grandmother) and he hasn’t been back to New York in years. If his father hadn’t passed away, he would still be in a remote village building shelters for the less fortunate. He’s humble, hardworking, magnanimous, and just an all-around good guy. Oh, and he’s a bit grumpy. See, what’s not to love?
Wren is the ‘PR fixer’ who wrangles (and sometimes strangles) Lincoln’s atrocious brother, Armstrong. She’s all business; buttoned-up and serious at all times. Wren is strong and uncompromising when dealing with the latest crisis at the office, but underneath her hard exterior, she has a heart of gold. One minute Wren is karate chopping Armstrong into shape and the next, she’s visiting children in the hospital.
Wren and Lincoln are perfect for one another, have amazing chemistry, fantastic flirty banter, and I absolutely adored them as a couple. The relationship they have with their respective families are trying and fragile, but both Lincoln and Wren have so much depth of character, it’s rewarding to see their growth as individuals and as a couple.
One of the things I love about Helena Hunting is the fact that she can always make me laugh. Handle with Care has plenty of humor, but there’s also swoony sweetness and somber situations in this storyline. All of which made me love this book and I hated to see it end—although, seeing Armstrong finally get his due was totally worth reading.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Purchase: Amazon US | Paperback | Kobo | Apple Books
▸ For more reviews, visit http://www.totallybex.com
The mysterious prodigal son returns to Moorehead Media in the fifth book of the Shacking Up series. Lincoln is the often referred to but never seen Moorehead brother/Mills cousin from the previous books and I have to say, he might just be my personal favorite of the whole series.
Lincoln hates his dysfunctional family (except for his grandmother) and he hasn’t been back to New York in years. If his father hadn’t passed away, he would still be in a remote village building shelters for the less fortunate. He’s humble, hardworking, magnanimous, and just an all-around good guy. Oh, and he’s a bit grumpy. See, what’s not to love?
Wren is the ‘PR fixer’ who wrangles (and sometimes strangles) Lincoln’s atrocious brother, Armstrong. She’s all business; buttoned-up and serious at all times. Wren is strong and uncompromising when dealing with the latest crisis at the office, but underneath her hard exterior, she has a heart of gold. One minute Wren is karate chopping Armstrong into shape and the next, she’s visiting children in the hospital.
Wren and Lincoln are perfect for one another, have amazing chemistry, fantastic flirty banter, and I absolutely adored them as a couple. The relationship they have with their respective families are trying and fragile, but both Lincoln and Wren have so much depth of character, it’s rewarding to see their growth as individuals and as a couple.
One of the things I love about Helena Hunting is the fact that she can always make me laugh. Handle with Care has plenty of humor, but there’s also swoony sweetness and somber situations in this storyline. All of which made me love this book and I hated to see it end—although, seeing Armstrong finally get his due was totally worth reading.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Purchase: Amazon US | Paperback | Kobo | Apple Books
▸ For more reviews, visit http://www.totallybex.com
August 22, 2019
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired
Wren Sterling is a fixer. She's given all of her time and energy to Moorehead Media to ensure their success and to hopefully secure her own future. An opportunity to spend less time with the difficult younger Moorehead brother has Wren signing up to bring the brooding Lincoln up to speed. His suits don't fit, he's less than patient in the board room, but something about him just tugs at her. Lincoln Moorehead would rather be helping impoverished communities, anything but sitting in a stuffy suit with his insufferable family. Wren makes his days a little better, but he still doesn't see this being his future. Sparks fly between the two, but when a new scandal comes to surface Wren must choose between her future and the brooding, handsome Lincoln.
Wren Sterling is your stereotypical go-getter. She is all business attire, driven, no-nonsense attitude with a coffee in hand and a glare on her face. Except, she's also human and I love how Helena Hunting brought her to life. She is every woman that's been accused of going after too much and yet she really has a heart of gold. She's willing to grin and bear it in order to reach her goal, to make her dream of helping others come true. It is impossible not to like this woman, which is of course something Lincoln sees in her beyond her beauty. Lincoln, on the other hand, besides his good looks and his desire to help others doesn't seem to have a nice bone in his body. He's the word gruff to a t. Yet, like Wren, we fall for him. I loved how his true personality, his thoughts he'd held onto for so long, came to light. These two, despite their initial meetings and their vastly different opinions of one another, really are quite the match. We may be in an office building fighting over money and business future, but what the two really share is the same kindhearted nature and love of life. I think Helena Hunting hit it out of the park, this relationship and story didn't feel like or read like all the other workplace romances out there and that made it a unique read for me.
You know those books that just give you that romantic butterfly feeling that seems to go missing once we all turn into jaded adults? Handle With Care gave me that feeling. It's romantic, it's sweet, it's laugh out loud funny. Lincoln and Wren don't fit like the two puzzle piece matches we're used to in most books, resulting in what felt like reading a truly natural dating story. They butt heads, they flirt, the lust between them is insane, and in the mix of all that they have work and a seriously challenging situation to deal with. While I loved the entire Shacking Up series, Handle With Care, the fifth and final book, just might be my personal favorite.
ARC provided.
Wren Sterling is a fixer. She's given all of her time and energy to Moorehead Media to ensure their success and to hopefully secure her own future. An opportunity to spend less time with the difficult younger Moorehead brother has Wren signing up to bring the brooding Lincoln up to speed. His suits don't fit, he's less than patient in the board room, but something about him just tugs at her. Lincoln Moorehead would rather be helping impoverished communities, anything but sitting in a stuffy suit with his insufferable family. Wren makes his days a little better, but he still doesn't see this being his future. Sparks fly between the two, but when a new scandal comes to surface Wren must choose between her future and the brooding, handsome Lincoln.
Wren Sterling is your stereotypical go-getter. She is all business attire, driven, no-nonsense attitude with a coffee in hand and a glare on her face. Except, she's also human and I love how Helena Hunting brought her to life. She is every woman that's been accused of going after too much and yet she really has a heart of gold. She's willing to grin and bear it in order to reach her goal, to make her dream of helping others come true. It is impossible not to like this woman, which is of course something Lincoln sees in her beyond her beauty. Lincoln, on the other hand, besides his good looks and his desire to help others doesn't seem to have a nice bone in his body. He's the word gruff to a t. Yet, like Wren, we fall for him. I loved how his true personality, his thoughts he'd held onto for so long, came to light. These two, despite their initial meetings and their vastly different opinions of one another, really are quite the match. We may be in an office building fighting over money and business future, but what the two really share is the same kindhearted nature and love of life. I think Helena Hunting hit it out of the park, this relationship and story didn't feel like or read like all the other workplace romances out there and that made it a unique read for me.
You know those books that just give you that romantic butterfly feeling that seems to go missing once we all turn into jaded adults? Handle With Care gave me that feeling. It's romantic, it's sweet, it's laugh out loud funny. Lincoln and Wren don't fit like the two puzzle piece matches we're used to in most books, resulting in what felt like reading a truly natural dating story. They butt heads, they flirt, the lust between them is insane, and in the mix of all that they have work and a seriously challenging situation to deal with. While I loved the entire Shacking Up series, Handle With Care, the fifth and final book, just might be my personal favorite.
ARC provided.
September 3, 2019
This is fifth in a series, though Hunting does a decent job making them fairly independent. This one has a little more interaction between family members, though, so I recommend reading in order.
I liked Lincoln okay, though his lifestyle is a little self-indulgent despite the work centering around helping poor communities. He's able to do it as his sole focus because of his familial wealth and he seems to expect acknowledgement for being "good" because he eschews his family's "dirty" media business. He doesn't say as much in so many words, but it's kind of the backdrop of his attitude and actions to start. He's not self-righteous or anything, but it took a bit for me to engage with his active disdain for his family and their core business.
Wren, on the other hand, was engaging from the start and I really liked her. Her job sucks, wrangling the idiot jerk Andrew, but she's the only one capable of doing it and I loved seeing her in action. She uses clarity and firm boundaries and has the ability to back up her arguments with action because she doesn't take nonsense and had the good sense to put the right things in her contract so that she can use all the tools she needs to make her dictates stick—and I really liked that she takes a lot of power by keeping those dictates limited and clear.
And I liked that they worked together to make their relationship come together and didn't get overly dramatic about nonsense (like the staple in workplace romance of "can't date coworkers because reasons"). They form a team relatively early and I liked how they worked out differences through actual communication.
I didn't like the plot much, though. It's all narcissistic idiots being narcissists and damaging everything around them for decades unchecked. It's not that it's unrealistic, per se. It's just on the extreme side of those human interactions and unpleasant people being unpleasant was, well, unpleasant.
So this comes in at a solid four stars because I loved Wren and Lincoln shaped up once he got over himself.
A note about Steamy: There's only one or two explicit sex scenes on screen, though they have lots of sex during the course of the story. It's enough to hit the middle of my steam tolerance, I think. I don't know because I let a couple weeks pass before finally writing the review and those details are gone.
I liked Lincoln okay, though his lifestyle is a little self-indulgent despite the work centering around helping poor communities. He's able to do it as his sole focus because of his familial wealth and he seems to expect acknowledgement for being "good" because he eschews his family's "dirty" media business. He doesn't say as much in so many words, but it's kind of the backdrop of his attitude and actions to start. He's not self-righteous or anything, but it took a bit for me to engage with his active disdain for his family and their core business.
Wren, on the other hand, was engaging from the start and I really liked her. Her job sucks, wrangling the idiot jerk Andrew, but she's the only one capable of doing it and I loved seeing her in action. She uses clarity and firm boundaries and has the ability to back up her arguments with action because she doesn't take nonsense and had the good sense to put the right things in her contract so that she can use all the tools she needs to make her dictates stick—and I really liked that she takes a lot of power by keeping those dictates limited and clear.
And I liked that they worked together to make their relationship come together and didn't get overly dramatic about nonsense (like the staple in workplace romance of "can't date coworkers because reasons"). They form a team relatively early and I liked how they worked out differences through actual communication.
I didn't like the plot much, though. It's all narcissistic idiots being narcissists and damaging everything around them for decades unchecked. It's not that it's unrealistic, per se. It's just on the extreme side of those human interactions and unpleasant people being unpleasant was, well, unpleasant.
So this comes in at a solid four stars because I loved Wren and Lincoln shaped up once he got over himself.
A note about Steamy: There's only one or two explicit sex scenes on screen, though they have lots of sex during the course of the story. It's enough to hit the middle of my steam tolerance, I think. I don't know because I let a couple weeks pass before finally writing the review and those details are gone.
August 27, 2019
3.5 “Dear sweet baby Jesus riding a unicorn.”
Sweet romcom. Lincoln doesn’t want to take over the family business, but he’s roped into it anyway, and on top of that he has a “baby sitter”. But his handler of sorts turns out to be way more than just a nag. Wren is essentially his perfect fit. She tells him like it is, and the heated tension between them is something they can’t deny, even though they probably should, because of they’re working relationship. All in all this is a sweet romcom read. The banter is good, the tension is steamy, there is a bit of angst, and true to this series Armstrong (Lincoln’s brother) is there to be horrible.
Sweet romcom. Lincoln doesn’t want to take over the family business, but he’s roped into it anyway, and on top of that he has a “baby sitter”. But his handler of sorts turns out to be way more than just a nag. Wren is essentially his perfect fit. She tells him like it is, and the heated tension between them is something they can’t deny, even though they probably should, because of they’re working relationship. All in all this is a sweet romcom read. The banter is good, the tension is steamy, there is a bit of angst, and true to this series Armstrong (Lincoln’s brother) is there to be horrible.
August 28, 2019
I really love Helena Hunting. She always manages the perfect mix of romance and comedy. And even though she seems to have my sense of humour I still find I end up with a few unexpected laugh out loud moments that took me completely by surprise.
When I read the last book I was expecting more laughs from the book given the sex toy selling main character and the stuck up CEO counterpart and I was a little disappointed by my own expectations. So I really went into this one not expecting anything but a good story and I can say Helena definitely delivered.
Luckily this book can be read as a standalone since my goldfish memory had forgotten most of the details until I was reminded. And that just made me love it even more. I had all these reminders of previous couples I had loved. And I got a whole mess of Armstrong drama to make me giggle and judge.
Lincoln and Wren were perfect. And I seriously enjoyed every minute of the tease as much as I loved them together. Lincoln had so much going on and he handled it all so well, with the help and guidance of Wren. They were the perfect compliment to each other and I seriously enjoyed the epilogue and can't wait to see where Helena will go with the series next.
When I read the last book I was expecting more laughs from the book given the sex toy selling main character and the stuck up CEO counterpart and I was a little disappointed by my own expectations. So I really went into this one not expecting anything but a good story and I can say Helena definitely delivered.
Luckily this book can be read as a standalone since my goldfish memory had forgotten most of the details until I was reminded. And that just made me love it even more. I had all these reminders of previous couples I had loved. And I got a whole mess of Armstrong drama to make me giggle and judge.
Lincoln and Wren were perfect. And I seriously enjoyed every minute of the tease as much as I loved them together. Lincoln had so much going on and he handled it all so well, with the help and guidance of Wren. They were the perfect compliment to each other and I seriously enjoyed the epilogue and can't wait to see where Helena will go with the series next.
February 26, 2021
4+ ⭐️
Ho preferito la prima parte alla seconda da cui forse mi aspettavo qualcosa di più o di diverso ma è comunque una lettura molto piacevole 😊
Ho preferito la prima parte alla seconda da cui forse mi aspettavo qualcosa di più o di diverso ma è comunque una lettura molto piacevole 😊
November 6, 2022
Awesome story, awesome series...I loved it.
August 27, 2019
Oh. My. Gosh. Helena Hunting always, ALWAYS makes me swoon with her characters, wow.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Wren is awesome and badass and won’t take s**t from anyone, she can bring a person down to their knees within seconds. She has her goals in life and works hard to reach it. She works for the rich but isn’t after what they have, she’s determined to start up her own, she’s so admirable, she’s a truly amazing heroine and I just love her a lot.
Lincoln, this guy has had so much stuff to deal with. Having lived the life he had it’s no wonder he is the way he is around family but even after everything he’s still amazing. He’s passionate about what he does and you can’t help but fall for him.
Watching these two go from sniping at each other to friends is so refreshing. I absolutely loved this book so much! Their chemistry is off the charts hot and their banter is so damn perfect you’ll just fall completely for them.
My love for these two is beyond everything I ever expected.
Helena is one of a few authors that has me instantly clicking her new releases. Her writing gets better with every new release and always blows my mind. She always delivers and never fails to impress with her writing and Handle With Care Just goes to show just how amazing her writing is.
I can’t wait to see if this series gets more books, I never want them to end.
Handle With Care is a slow burn office romance full of steamy encounters, cute interactions and heart melting moments.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Wren is awesome and badass and won’t take s**t from anyone, she can bring a person down to their knees within seconds. She has her goals in life and works hard to reach it. She works for the rich but isn’t after what they have, she’s determined to start up her own, she’s so admirable, she’s a truly amazing heroine and I just love her a lot.
Lincoln, this guy has had so much stuff to deal with. Having lived the life he had it’s no wonder he is the way he is around family but even after everything he’s still amazing. He’s passionate about what he does and you can’t help but fall for him.
Watching these two go from sniping at each other to friends is so refreshing. I absolutely loved this book so much! Their chemistry is off the charts hot and their banter is so damn perfect you’ll just fall completely for them.
My love for these two is beyond everything I ever expected.
Helena is one of a few authors that has me instantly clicking her new releases. Her writing gets better with every new release and always blows my mind. She always delivers and never fails to impress with her writing and Handle With Care Just goes to show just how amazing her writing is.
I can’t wait to see if this series gets more books, I never want them to end.
Handle With Care is a slow burn office romance full of steamy encounters, cute interactions and heart melting moments.
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