Making Up

Shacking Up #4

by Helena Hunting, Jacob Morgan (Narrator), Muffy Newtown (Narrator)

Listening length: 7 hours, 10 minutes

A new standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting.

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Humor, Adult, New Adult

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 16, 2019

About the author

Helena 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.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars



Making Up is the fourth book in Helena Hunting’s Shacking Up series. I’ve loved reading about this group of characters and Cosy and Griffin were no exception. Though this was my least favorite of the series, I still loved the writing and characters, I just had a bit of an issue with some of the drama in the book.

Cosy and Griffin have an interesting meeting… I loved the unusual way they met. Griffin is intrigued by Cosy and wants to go out with her, but she’s hesitant. There is a bit of an age gap (Cosy is early 20’s and Griffin is early 30’s) and it makes her resistant at first. But these two have so much chemistry, it’s hard to deny their attraction.

I loved these two together. Their pull to each other was magnetic and they balanced each other perfectly. I loved watching them fall in love. They were the sweetest couple.

“This is perfect.”
“You’re perfect.”
I snort. “Oh my God. You need to drop all the lines today. The surprise and the latte are enough.”
“It’s not a line, Cosy. If I had a checklist with boxes to tick off, you would be the person who appeared at the end of the quiz as my perfect match.”


I understand every book has to have some drama and angst, but this book had a little too much for my taste. It’s like, as soon as one obstacle would be faced, something else would pop up. And one of the things I really don’t love reading about. It had nothing to do with the main characters actions just the directions the story took. Thankfully, by the end, I was a happy reader again. I’m very much looking forward to reading Lincoln’s book which will be next in the series!

Helena Hunting never fails to make me laugh, smile, and swoon. Making Up was an entertaining and easy to read book from a series I love.

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Publisher}


Maybe his heart is too bruised and battered to go another round, which is why I’m here. Safe. Available for only a short period of time. I’m not a risk to his heart, and he’s not a risk to mine.








I’m so in love with this series! I don’t think I can pick which Mills brother I love more. They are each so incredibly charismatic. This book was perfect from beginning to end. The meet cute between Griffin and Cosy is highly unusual and unexpected, but their romance gave my heart all the feels and butterflies! I love when the main characters seem complete opposites but end up being two halves of a whole! They were perfect for each other and Griffin’s sweetness and determination to make Cosy his, had my heart melting. Now, this is what I consider exceptional writing. I was completely engrossed in this story. It never once lost my interest and I honestly didn’t want it to end. A true FIVE STAR read!!



Here are my overall ratings:

Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5



”MAKING UP” releases on July 16th!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GEt63s

AppleBooks:https://apple.co/2Xay1UJ

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MakingUp

Nook: http://bit.ly/2IPLTvV

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZIrFcH

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GFTD0b

[Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog•• · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series, oh this damn series. I am in love with these crazy, fun, sexy, loving characters.

Lately, Ive been glued to sticking with authors I know, not for any reason in particular, besides that I know what I am getting when I start reading. So with saying that, YES my goal is to venture on to find some new authors, BUT mainly, keep reading these authors, BECAUSE, the do not disappoint me!!

I love Griffin's story. Add Cosy to it, it's even better ❤️

This is a steal your heart kind of read, easy to fall in love with the characters and this amazing couple. I of course, can not wait to get my hands on the next installment in this awesome series!! You don't just swoon, you laugh, and you adore😍

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press & Social Butterfly PR)



Cosy Felton is a 22 yr. old college student who works part time at an adult store in Las Vegas. She’s a free spirit who is about new experiences and finding her next adventure. Then a gorgeous suit walks in her store looking for gag gifts for a friend’s bachelor party. He’s hands down the hottest guy she’s ever laid eyes on. On top of that he’s adorably awkward and uncomfortable. She has some fun at his expense, but can’t deny their instant attraction and the flutter she feels when he looks at her.

Griffin Mills lives in New York, and his family is in the hotel industry. He recently went through a break up, and is now single. He’s just arrived in Las Vegas for business, and he has an encounter with a strikingly beautiful woman he can’t quit thinking about.



Cosy is nothing like any woman he’s ever been with, which is exactly why he wants to get to know her better. She’s carefree, and a refreshing surprise he didn’t expect. They are complete opposites in every way. He usually does relationships & commitments, and she doesn’t like to be tied down. Neither is looking for anything serious right now, and their lives are taking different directions soon. He’s only in Vegas for a few months, so they have an expiration date and are temporary. With no possible future together they plan to keep it casual and fun. Just living in the moment and enjoying each other, but soon neither is ready for things to end, and Griffin suddenly realizes she’s everything he didn’t know he wanted or needed. They are in over their heads with feelings, and wish it could be more. As Cosy figures out she’s falling for Griffin will she actually get the full on fairytale, or will what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas?



-“I want you exactly as you are.”



Making Up is book four in the Shacking Up world. It’s a fantastic new standalone romantic comedy by Helena Hunting. It’s a laugh out loud, fun, sexy story packed with drama, humor, love, and explosive chemistry. I adore this series and these yummy Mills men! One is as hot and swoony as the next, but Griffin is my new favorite. Loved this book from start to finish. It reminds me why I love reading! 💙



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2XQxyTf

[Helena Hunting]

Chapter One

Sexy Suit

Cosy

Working in an adult toy store is the opposite of glamorous. Sure, I get a fifty-percent discount, which is a real perk, but it doesn’t offset some of the weirdness I have to deal with. Such as Eugene, one of the locals who frequents the shop on a regular basis. He came in this morning and handled all the display toys. He’s mostly harmless, but the silicone fondling is pretty high on the creepy factor. Eventually I told him I had to close up for a few minutes so I could grab lunch. The deli across the street has the best daily specials.

While I wait for my chicken shawarma, I make a mental list of all the things I need to do this afternoon: check the magazines to make sure the pages aren’t stuck together, restock the flavored lube, and wipe down everything Eugene molested with toy cleaner. Once I’ve tackled those less-than-fun chores, I can work on my assignment for my hospitality class, provided I don’t have real customers.

I glance out the window, checking to make sure Eugene isn’t loitering around in front of the store, waiting to be let back in. Sometimes he’ll stop by more than once during my shift. He’s not there—thank God—but there’s a black sports car parked in the lot. It looks nice and possibly expensive, which might mean an actual customer who will spend money.

Loki, the cashier at the deli, hands me my drinks and shawarma.

“Thanks! Have a great day!”

“You too,” Loki says to my chest.

As I leave the store, I see a man in a suit reading the sign I taped to the door. I don’t want to miss a potential customer, so I take a deep breath and mentally shift gears, putting on my best sales-person mask. I have to pretend to be a completely different person when I deal with customers, so I can get through what would otherwise be a fairly embarrassing event. Discussing the ins and outs of sex toys with strangers is not something I particularly enjoy, but it’s a paycheck, so I’ve learned to roll with it.

My root beer foams and drips down the straw while my coffee sloshes onto my hand—the lids never fit right—and my chicken shawarma dangles perilously between my pinkie and ring finger as I cross the street.

The suit doesn’t look creepy like Eugene, but then, suits can be deceiving. Half the time they think they can proposition me like a sex worker. Or they pretend the weird stuff they’re buying is a gift and not for them. Pfft. I know better.

Suit turns and heads for his car, so I call out, “Hey! You in the suit, hold on!”

His shoulders hunch, as if he’s trying to be smaller, which is physically impossible. Based on the size of him, he probably played college football. Or he has Marvel comic hero blood relatives. Either way, he’s a big dude.

He stops walking, though, which is good. I could use some sales today. The commission boost is always a plus to the shitty minimum wage. Rent is due next week, and judging by his car, he has money to burn.

My heels are skyscrapers, and everything I’m wearing is either too short or too tight to facilitate running—the Sex Toy Warehouse uniform is supposed to be sexy, aka revealing—so I awkwardly jog the rest of the way while trying to get the key to the shop out of my pocket and not drop my shawarma. The manager gave me my own set since I frequently open the store.

“Sorry to keep you waiting; plastic dicks don’t quite cut it for lunch.” Inwardly I cringe, because seriously, why did I say that?

“I would imagine they’re not all that satisfying,” he replies in a deep voice that would probably sound good whispering naughty things in my ear.

I’m not sure if he meant that suggestively or not. Regardless, I walked right into that one.

I finally look up. Dear sweet Jesus on a cloud of marshmallows, this is my lucky day. The suit is gorgeous. Like the kind of hotness that sucks the breath right out of your lungs and sends all the blood in your body rushing between your legs. It’s a good thing clits don’t react like penises, otherwise mine would be hanging out of the bottom of my shorts with excitement. I’m thankful my physical reaction is limited to damp underwear and tingles.

His dark hair is straight and cut short, parted at the side and neatly styled. He’s a cross between a mobster, and a fifties movie star. Capone and Ward Cleaver rolled together and dipped in lust. His nose is straight, lips are full, and he’s got a chin that looks like it could cut glass. His features are strong, but he somehow manages to be boyish even though everything about him screams pure, undiluted masculinity.

His tongue drags across his pillowy bottom lip and his throat bobs. I lift my gaze and meet his eyes. They’re a strange color. Not brown, not green, but some kind of honey-lemon color, ringed in emerald. Like a cat maybe. His lashes are thick and dark, like a girl’s.

I still can’t seem to get my keys out of my pocket, and my ability to think is compromised by his excessive hotness, so I tuck my shawarma down the front of my shirt, between my boobs and thrust the drink tray at him. “Can you hold this?”

He blinks a bunch of times, gaze darting to where I’ve stored my shawarma and snapping back up to my face. “Sure.”

When he takes the tray, I notice his nails are nicer than mine. Not long, but short and neatly filed. Often the men who come in here have those chewed-off nail stumps. Or there’s dirt under them. Not this guy, though.

The ching ching ching of the cash register ringing up items is a sound track in my head as I finally manage to get the keys out of my pocket. I dangle them from a finger. “Found ’em.”

“Great.” He gives me one of those half smiles—it’s pretty, like the rest of his face—and looks around nervously. It’s obvious he doesn’t want to be seen here. Unfortunately, my hands are all sweaty, so I have some trouble getting the key into the lock, prolonging his discomfort.

The air-conditioning hits me as soon as I push the door open, sending a wave of goose bumps rushing over my skin. It’s hotter out than Satan’s ball sack in a pair of too-tight briefs, which is unusual this time of year in Vegas. The contrast between the temperature outside and the excessive air-conditioning is amplified. I have a cardigan behind the cash register, but I only wear it when there aren’t customers in the store.

I take the tray back and motion for him to go ahead. As I follow him inside I remove my lunch from its safe place between my boobs. I’m starving and would like to scarf down my delicious shawarma, but I’m aware it’s phallic-looking, so I’ll have to wait until the suit is gone to avoid inviting potential penis-eating commentary, or staring.

He stands just inside the door, wide eyes darting around. He runs his hand over his chest and down his black tie, then slips it in his pocket. I hope he’s not one of those guys who plays with himself while he browses. It’s happened before. Many times. Eugene is a frequent fondler.

“I’m Cosy.” I tap my nametag. “Let me know if you need help finding anything.”

His eyes swing my way and snag on the tag pinned to my shirt over my left breast, before quickly shifting to my face. Possibly because I’m wearing a purple bra with pink hearts under my white Sex Toy Warehouse tank, and the design is visible. I was in a rush this morning, and it was my only clean bra. Also, this look tends to help with sales. Degrading? Maybe. But I can’t pay rent with pride.

He blinks a few times and rubs the back of his neck. “Okay. Thanks . . . Cosy.”

He says my name the way most people do—slowly and with uncertainty. Like he’s unsure if it’s a porn store joke. It’s not. At least he doesn’t make a pervy comment.

Suit wanders through the store, still kneading the back of his neck. He’s so uncomfortable. It’s actually rather fascinating to watch his face turn red as he rushes past the magazine rack of naked people only to stop in front of the Wall of Peen. The embarrassment blushing used to be a problem when I first started here, but once I learned how to put on my “sales mask,” it got easier. People like to stick weird things in their holes.

Suit produces a piece of paper from his pocket. He scans it, shakes his head, and mutters something under his breath. My stomach growls. I ate a granola bar at nine and it’s after two. The longer this guy takes, the colder my shawarma will get. It’ll still taste good, but it’s best right off the panini press. On the other hand, the longer he stays, the more likely he is to impulse buy.

I decide to offer my assistance, even though he hasn’t asked for it. Also, he’s hot, and his awkwardness is both cute and amusing. I check my appearance in the tiny mirror I keep by the cash register—my lipstick is perfect and my mascara isn’t smeared under my eyes, which happens on occasion when one lives in a place hotter than hell. Mission Commission commence.

I strut over to where he’s standing; it’s something I’ve had to practice so I don’t roll an ankle. “Need some help?”

Suit jumps like he’s been tasered and shoves the paper back in his pocket. “I didn’t hear you come up behind me.”

“Sorry about that.” I give him my brightest smile. “You look a little lost, so I thought I’d offer my professional assistance. Can I help you find the right dildo for your particular needs?” It comes out without being pitchy, which is fantastic.

“Uh.” He glances at the selection in front of him and then back at me. “My buddy’s getting married, and we’re having a bachelor party. I drew the short straw and now I’m here, buying a bunch of”—he flails a hand toward the shelf—“stuff.”

“Right. Okay. It’s for a bachelor party.” The world’s most common excuse, ladies and gentlemen. “Let’s get you set up with a basket, so you’re not walking around with a handful of floppy peen.”

I spin on my heel and saunter over to the baskets, internally chastising myself for the floppy part. A lot of men who come here have erectile issues and calling them out on that is bad for sales. I focus on my catwalk skills and purposely bend at the waist when I reach for one of our hot-pink shopping baskets with the phrase sin bin written in pretty cursive letters on the side. My shorts are ridiculously short, as per the recommended uniform stipulation. It’s not in writing, but it’s implied. Flashing ass cheek is just as helpful as bra visibility, according to my sales record and wardrobe correspondence study. Don’t judge.

Like a provocatively dressed, hoodless Little Red Riding Hood, I strut back to the suit, ready to have some fun. I thread my arm through his, which seems to shock the hell out of him. He’s not wearing a wedding band, so I’m not above using the flirty angle for sales on this one. The fabric of his suit jacket is extra-soft. I bet it’s expensive. I also notice how firm and defined his bicep is under all those layers of fabric. I think the cold shawarma will be worth it.

I sweep a hand out, motioning to the Wall of Peen. “I noticed you were checking out the double-headed dildos, and as you can see, we have several options available.”

“Whatever one you think I should get is fine,” Suit mumbles.

His discomfort puts me more at ease. I can totally do this. I can sell him a double-header no problem. I release his arm and set the basket on the floor, bending at the waist again for maximum impact. “Well, there really is a big difference between models, so it’s best if you can give me an idea of what you’re going to need it for.”

His eyes go wide again, and he clears his throat. “I’m pretty sure most of the stuff I’m getting should be considered gag gifts, so I don’t think it matters what it’s used for.”

“Hmm. Okay. Well, I still think we should test the models out before you decide, in case your friend does have a plan to use it.” I hold up a finger. “Gimme a sec!”

“But—”

I do another one of my graceful spins—those stupid twerk-offs my sister and I have when we’ve been drinking seem to be paying off—and strut back to the cash register. I grab the toy cleaner and a couple of moist wipes and return to the suit whose face looks like it’s about to burst into flames.

In the few seconds it takes me to grab the toy cleaner, he’s already dropped one of the peens into his basket.

“Mmm.” I give it a slightly disapproving look and reach for the display model on the shelf. We always have a few of our most popular sellers available, so we can help our purchasers compare models.

I spray down the hot-pink monstrosity and use one of the wipes to stroke up and down the length.

“What’re you doing?” Suit sounds like his balls are caught in a vise.

“Cleaning it for you. Eugene was in here earlier, and he likes to touch all the display items.”

“Who’s Eugene?”

“Just someone who shops here.”

“And you know him on a first-name basis?”

“He’s in here a lot.”

“I bet he is.”

I wipe off both heads a second time for good measure before I thrust it at him. “Can you hold this, please?”

Judging by his facial expression, holding it is the last thing he wants to do. I let it slide through my fingers anyway, and like a good suit, he catches it before it can hit the floor.

“Nice reflexes.” I wink and pick up the sister model, giving it the same treatment. I’m aware that my actions look very much like I’m giving a hand job , which is kind of the point.

Is it the most ethical way to get sales? Probably not, but uncomfortable guys who are also turned on tend to spend a lot more money.

“Okay! Comparison time!” I use the toy as a pointer and motion to the one the suit is holding. “That one is eighteen inches versus mine, which is fourteen, now go and give it a shake!”

He gives me a look, but does as I ask.

“Great! Now see how stiff that one is compared to this one?” I shake the one I’m holding and remind myself that this is going to help me get sales. At least it has in the past.

“I guess.”

“There’s no guessing. Here.” I grab the one he’s holding—he lets it go without a fight—and shake them both again. “See, mine has way more flexibility.”

“Is that a good or a bad thing?”

Based on the number of these we sell in a week, I’m guessing a lot of people think it’s a good thing. “With the right lubricant, it can be a pleasurable experience for your girlfriend.” I have no idea if this is true or not, but that’s what the lubricants advertise. Also, I’m fishing for information.

“I don’t have a girlfriend. And even if you’re right, if I did have a girlfriend, I’d prefer to insert my own . . . body parts rather than one of these.” He motions to my hands, which are both full. “Not that my relationship status is relevant since this is all for a bachelor party. Not me.”

I give him a conspiratorial wink. “Of course it’s not.”

“Seriously.” He roots around in his pocket and produces the list. “I really did draw the short straw, and now I’m here buying all the weird shit—”

I snatch the list out of his hand and spin out of reach when he tries to grab it back. It’s fairly extensive, so either he’s not lying about the short straw, or he is lying about the girlfriend. Neither would be a first.

“Okay, well, we’ve crossed one item off your list. I’ll have you stocked up for this party in no time.” I grab the basket and one of the packaged double-headers and sashay over to the Pocket Rockets, the next item on the list.

When we get to the flavored lube, he seems at a loss. There are twenty different flavors, so instead of choosing, he grabs one of each. My commission on this sale is going to be amazing.

“Have you worked here long?” he asks after I hook him up with a top-of-the-line personal pleasure device, cleaner, and special lube.

“A couple months,” I say.

He nods, as if my answer is riveting. “Is this your full-time job?”

He finally seems to be finding some chill, which is great, so I entertain the idle chitchat. “No, it’s a part-time gig.”

“What do you do when you’re not working here?”

Oh my God. Is this suit hitting on me? I mean, he’s hot, but he’s buying a lot of weird stuff, and while he might be telling the truth about the party, he also might be lying. Still, this is fun, so I play along. “I’m a toy tester on my off days.”

“I’m sorry, what?” he sputters.

I throw back my head and laugh. He really is adorable. “Kidding! Oh my God, your face. You need to relax, Suit, you’re too buttoned up.” I tug on his tie. “I mean, I get a sweet discount on everything in the store, but who wants to test this?” I tap the black rubber fist next to the butt plugs, since we’ve made it to the end of the list.

He says something under his breath that I don’t catch.

“Anyway, I’m taking some college courses, furthering myself and my career and so forth, so I don’t have to sell this stuff to people for the rest of my life.”

“You’re in college?” It sounds like he’s choking again.

“Mm-hmm. It’s taken me a little longer to finish since I like to travel. I’ll be working for at least four more decades, so I’m thinking I should enjoy my freedom while I have it, you know? So many people say they’re going to travel when they retire. They save up all this money, and then two months into retirement they have a heart attack and die. Or they’re too old and rickety to do any of the fun stuff.”

“That’s an interesting outlook.”

“Probably not super popular either, but you only live once, right?” I point to the plug that’s roughly the same size as my head. “That’s the biggest one.”

Suit makes a face. “Please tell me people don’t actually buy these.”

I shrug. “I usually sell one every few weeks or so.”

“As a gag gift?”

“I don’t ever ask.”

He shakes his head and motions to the one beside it, which is about half the size, but still enormous. “If nothing else, it’ll function as an interesting door stop.”

After we’ve checked everything off his list, we head back to the register. He sets his wallet on the counter and flips it open, withdrawing a credit card as I scan his many purchases and bag them.

“Your total is $657.69.”

He blows out a breath and passes over his card. “He sure as hell better use some of this stuff.”

I glance at the name on the card. Griffin. Kind of different, like my name, but not as weird.

The bell over the door tinkles as a new customer enters the store. It’s another suit, but this one looks cheap and slimy. Like a pawn shop sales man or something. Ugh. Here’s hoping this one is quick so I can finally eat my shawarma, which is probably cold and soggy by now, although that’s my fault for being so thorough with Griffin. And it totally paid off.

Griffin glances at the new customer and hunches his shoulders. As if that’s going to make him any less noticeable. The receipt seems to take forever to print. I hand it over, and his long, thick, well-manicured fingers graze mine.

Goose bumps flash over my skin. The thermostat is probably set too low because the vent above suddenly blasts me with cold air, and I shiver.

He tucks the receipt in his wallet and grabs the bags. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Looks like you’re pretty stocked on the sex toys, but you know where to find me if you run out of lube.” I wink, and then internally chastise myself because I have no idea what this guy is really like, and now I’ve given him the equivalent of a green light to come back and visit. Not that I’m opposed to seeing his gorgeous face, but he could be one of the crazies. Then again, maybe he’s not.

He chuckles and taps on the glass top counter. “Have a good day, Cosy. Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge with me.” He flashes me a grin, and holy hell, I think that alone might have given me a mini orgasm.

Okay, no it didn’t. But his smile is damn pretty.

Preorder: http://helenahunting.com/books/making...

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 1 out of 5]

TITLE: MAKING UP
AUTHOR: Helena Hunting
SERIES: Shacking Up
RELEASE DATE: July 16 2019
GENRE: (supposedly) RomCom, Contemporary Romance
RATING: 1.5 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No

READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG



 

Holy drama, batman! I don't even know where to start...I loved the blurb of MAKING UP but this turned out to be so much different than I thought.

Cosy is a twenty two year old college student and I loved that she had an unconventional job - it sounded like she would be sassy and funny. I wish I could confirm that but I found her judgmental and rude in the beginning when she met thirty-three year old Griffin. I did warm up to her a little until she showed me what a drama queen she was. Damn that girl was all over the place and always thought the worst of Griffin. She jumped to conclusions and left in a huff. I hated how she treated Griffin and couldn't get over herself. I also deeply disliked how she was mad at him for supposedly sleeping with her sister months before they even met. But she wasn't as mad at her sister, no sir.

Then there is Griffin. I actually loved the guy, how smitten he was, how he tried to win Cosy over. He was sweet, a little awkward even. Until he had a personality transplant. All of a sudden he was cocky and snarky. Something that didn't feel consistent with the way he had been portrayed before. And when the whole ex-fiancee drama started, what was already a steep descent turned into a nosedive. I was done. It was just too much for me.

I love rom-coms and some authors have me in stitches with their brand of humor but I just didn't find this one as funny as I expect from the genre. This felt more like straight contemporary romance. This book wasn't what I wanted it to be - an entertaining, laugh-out-loud, quirky story. Ah well. I am hopeful though that Helena Hunting's August release will be more my jam!

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another win from Helena! Griffin is just one sexy character and I want to be Cosy so badly so I can have his love...



ARC galley kindly provided by SMP, in exchange for an honest review coming closer to release date...

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[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy Romance!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧
Romance: 🖤💜🤎💚💛
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌍
Character development: 😍😕🙃☺️

The heroine: Cosy Felton - works at a sex toy superstore. She is also a student at the local university and lives the life of a wanderer. She loves to travel and likes to pick up and go whenever she wants.

The Hero(es): Griffin Mills - works for his family’s hotel business and is in Las Vegas for months looking at local hotels to see if his family should invest in the city.

The story: Griffin meets Cosy at her work at a sex toy store while shopping for gag gifts for a friend’s bachelor party. Griffin can’t get Cosy off his mind and returns to ask her out.

For some reason I just couldn’t get in to this book. The same narrators were used in this book as in Hooking Up which I just finished before this one and totally loved. However, the female voice in this one grated on my nerves for some reason. She seemed to use an over energetic fast talking voice for Cosy which I just didn’t like.

Other than that the writing was good, the romance was good, the story was good. The male narration was great. I just didn’t connect. Though I still am going to read the rest of the series.

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[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Cosy and Griffin. He’s an older guy whose family owns hotels. She’s a college girl, paying her way through school while working at a sex toy warehouse in Vegas. So yeah... that’s where they meet. It’s pretty awkward, but also where you can see some buds of attraction start to bloom. This is one of those “let’s have some fun with a set end date, but it turns into more” love stories. More than that happens. A few bumps happen along the way. Some making up happens, but that’s the gist of Making Up.

All in all this is a pretty good read. There is a bit of angst between the couple. Some ex drama. Some couch surfing sibling drama. More family drama. Cosy & Griffin have a curvy ride, but a good one!

[Kendall Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED both Cosy and Griffin! This story was ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***

5 Adventurous CROWNS

AHH!! Returning to a favorite world with your favorite characters always feels a bit like coming home, and Making Up with its uniquely hilarious heroine and utterly charming Mills hero was the best homecoming I could have asked for.

From page one, I was enamoured with Cosy. Her laid-back, go-with-the-flow attitude is charming, and I loved that while she was young she was very self aware. Her desire to be free and treat life as an adventure, not in a immature, irresponsible way but in a I want to live all moments of my life way, made me want to be a bit like her. I also enjoyed watching her to shake up the oldest Mills brother, and get him to act a bit more irrationally.

Griffin Mills (let's be honest, any of the Mills brothers) owns my heart. Seriously, there is not one of these men that doesn't own my heart, and Griffin is just the newest one to claim it. I can honestly say that I didn't really expect him to as fractured as he was. His desire for love, a real love like his parents and his brothers, eluded him, and he seizes the opportunity with Cosy, because like the readers he is rejuvenated by her energy. What also makes him charming is his complete lack of game. He isn't all suave, and sometimes he says the wrong thing, and that made him real and made me swoon more than the average hero.

Like most Helena Hunting rom-coms, readers get a mix of hilarious, sweet, and steamy, and Making Up delivers in all aspects. Their romance is a whirlwind, an adventure, and it is one readers will gladly be swept up in. The conflicts aren't heavy but substantial, and the impact on the characters are real and read as authentic. The fallout hurts because readers love these two as individuals and as couple, but the resolution is everything a swoony HEA should be. It had me grinning ear to ear.

This Shacking Up world (ALL STANDALONES) is one of my very favorite Helena Hunting series. It is fun and entertaining and filled with couples with electric chemistry and hilarious banter. I don't know that I will ever tire of this family, these couples, the romance of it all. It is ROMCOM PERFECTION.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too YA for me. Mixed feelings on this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are a couple of genres that tend to frustrate me more than getting reading pleasure from the book. Young adult is one of those categories.

I guess I never got the impression that this author wrote in this particular genre. And maybe I’m wrong, but this particular book the age difference completely stood out and made a difference in my overall impression.

The beginning of the book started out great. I love the beginning and the way the Griffin and Cosy characters met. The further into the story Hunting went, and the further she developed the female lead, the more I dislike the girl. (Her sister rubbed me wrong most of the time too. Ugh).

While I think the author was trying for humor in some instances, what came off to me was immaturity and that annoyed me. I guess I’m just not into virgin stories anymore. Don't get me wrong, parts were definitely awesome and humorous, especially the opening.

Overall, the story had a great appeal. I loved Griffin as the main lead and the way he truly cared for her. The ending was great and we get the happily ever after we want. I just wish I liked Cosy more so the middle would have captured me.

(copy received for review consideration)

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Lots of Making Up Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Helena Hunting has been front and center on my desired reads, lately. The Shaking Up series has been a fun and heartful experience. This new entry has many of the winning elements I have enjoyed.

We are given Griffin, the more established and sort of nonflashy Mills Brother. He is in charge of running the numbers for the Mills Hotel Group, looking to find new locations and seeing if a hotel open for purchase makes sense. We find him truely uncomfortable standing in front of an adult sex toy store. He drew the small straw and is tasked to get a list of stuff for the bachelor party of the wedding he is part of...

Cosy Felton is working her plan, a concept she feels will give her life experiences while she is young enough to enjoy them. Instead of following the usual of going to school, get the degree, marry and save to finally after most of your life has been lived, travel; Cosy has learned to take the adventures now. She has done her college time with interruptions of traveling and working when she can. Right now she is back in Las Vegas working at the adult sex toy store while finishing up her hotel management degree. Her next big adventure will be an upcoming internship somewhere with a hospitality venue.

But until the end of the term, Cosy is doing her time at the sex toy store. As she returns from picking up her much-needed lunch, she spies the suited man waiting in front of the store. She sees how uncomfortable he is and puts on her game face. Cosy has learned how to work this situation and settles him down.

Griffin is taken by Cosy; she is someone he has never experienced before. She is stunning and seems like she sparkles. Her humor relaxes him but also causes him to flirt back with her. She is like no one he has ever met and wants more. This attraction is flashing between them and causes Griffin to be caught up by this meeting.

Griffin was not alone in feeling like this meeting was more than what it first seemed. Cosy keeps thinking about him and when Griffin comes back to the store just to see Cosy, Cosy decides to carefully go to dinner with him. This starts a dating dance between the two of them.

The first hiccup for Cosy is the idea Griffin is much older than any other guy she has dated. The gap is something she needs to get used to...It isn't seriously huge...but more than she usually would date. She is still in finishing college and he is a very established man...But the draw and level of interest are too much for both of them to ignore.

This story has a lot of situations that Griffin and Cosy have to handle. The way they are handled does highlight the age differences between them, I think. Communication and being willing to hear what someone has to say is the life lesson both need to learn.

There is much to love about this couple, though. Griffin is all in with Cosy and she is someone who can be admired for her strength in knowing how she wants to live her life.

The HEA is there, the sexy times Hunt is known for, the brothers make appearances, and another entry to this series is on its way soon.


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 ~~~~~
Griffin Mills cannot believe he got roped into doing this...
Only for his friend’s bachelor party...
Would he allow this out of body experience...
When trying to figure out the list of "Gag Gifts" without gagging...
Griffin finds the most unlikely source of support...

Cosy Felton has seen it all...
While working at an adult toy store in Las Vegas...
She has had to deal with Know-It-Alls and Everything Inbetween...

When she sees how out of his element Griffin is...
She steps in to lend a hand...
It doesn't hurt he is Hot and Cutely Overwhelmed...

Both of these people are Skeptical...
Both don't know if this is a Vegas Thing or Not...
But this Attraction is something they are not...

Making Up (Shacking Up #4)- July 16th, 2019

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making Up is not entirely a fantastic book. I am somewhere in between. I like the banter and the chemistry. But the plot is flat. The connection between the characters is not entirely explosive.

Miss Hunting usually done a twist and out of the box story. Sadly Making Up is short of my expectation.

3 stars

[Leila]

DNF @ 59%

I can't do it anymore! Not even enough to make it to a round number. I have no desire to watch these two make it together as a couple. Usually in an age-gap romance the younger of the two is a bit mature for their age, in this case it felt like the complete opposite! Cosy is a 22-year old college student who acts like a 13-year old girl. I don't know how Griffin believed that she was everything he was ever looking for in a "woman".

Life's too short.

I've read some of the other reviews and really couldn't care less about all the drama that was about to hit this couple. At this point I'm going to take a break from this series. It's too bad because I usually love HH books.

[Kiki]

Sibling double dipping? 🤔
Slept with both sisters 🤦🏾‍♀️, may be?

Also, boring AF, and virgin h, still a no go.

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve struggled with this series after book one and Making Up was no different. While this story had some steamy moments, it had too much drama and was highly forgettable.

The only Helena Hunting book that I haven’t struggled with was Shacking Up. I can’t honestly say why I keep giving this series more chances, but I always do. Maybe because the synopsis really intrigued me. However, it didn’t win me over. Basically, it comes down to Cosy being flighty and the relationship between her and Griffin.

I really had a hard time believing that there could be a relationship between these two. Let’s be honest here, they don’t have anything in common besides working/wanting to work in hotels. They weren’t on the same level and I honestly don’t think that it was more than sex and attraction. Cosy was flighty and immature at times. I seriously don’t know what Griffin saw in her.

Also, this book was filled with drama. Every time I thought we were passed one thing, something else happened. It was exhausting and kind of furthered my point that they didn’t belong together.

While this wasn’t for me, the sex was hot and if you’re a fan on Hunting’s previous books then you might enjoy this.

✨I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

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[Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Well, color me disappointed. I have loved, loved, LOVED the Shacking Up series. The books have charmed me, entertained me, and made me double over with laughter. While Making Up is entertaining, when compared to the other books, it doesn’t quite measure up.

You’ve got an 11-year age gap between Griffin, a billionaire hotel magnate, and Cosy, a college student who works in a sex toy store. Let that sink in for a minute. I’m all for age gaps, but wouldn’t Griffin’s friends and family question Cosy’s motives in dating him? Maybe it’s just me. Nonetheless, I enjoyed their flirty chemistry and the fun times they share, even though I didn’t always believe in the strength of their connection.

I really didn’t have a strong attachment to anyone. Hilariously zany females have been a huge appeal of the series for me, but we aren’t introduced to any standout characters here. Cosy’s sister is superficial, thoughtless, and just plain annoying. I liked Cosy. There’s just nothing remarkable about her other than the fact that she is really young, wears inappropriate clothing, and is a sweet carefree girl that happens to sell dildos for a living. Griffin comes across as bumbling and clueless, albeit very charming.

A romantic comedy should make the reader laugh and swoon, so I guess I expected the writing to be funnier. There is some predictable drama, but the story is cute and honestly not that bad. It’s simply not great. I have a feeling I might have liked Making Up more if I hadn’t read the other books in the series.

Recommended for fans of:
Billionaire romances
Age gaps
Sex toys
Burgers with onions

*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to put his painful breakup behind him, hotel mogul Griffin Mills decided to take an extended business trip to Vegas. While there he was tasked with buying gag gifts for a friend’s bachelor party, but the embarrassment he felt when he first stepped foot in the adult toy store was minimized and replaced with attraction towards the sales woman who helped him.

Cozy Felton is a fun carefree twenty two year old college student with an interesting job who wants to enjoy life at its fullest. She never dates customers but she will certainly help out the hottest man that’s ever walked into the store, until his persistence pushes her to break her rule. Besides, she doesn’t want to get tied down, he’s only in town for a couple of months and what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Usually.

Helena Hunting consistently and expertly produces delightfully irresistible stories. Her books are always so much fun to read. In Making Up, we meet Cozy who works in an adult toy store and has learned how to deal with the discomfort that comes with the job. Add in an easy going and carefree spirit and she has Griffin’s full attention.

Despite their eleven year age gap, Griffin finds Cozy refreshing, fun and easy to be with. Neither one is looking to jump into a relationship and are taking things slow and despite the curve balls life throws at them, they unhurriedly build something that’s worth fighting and Making Up for.

Cozy and Griffin are a wonderful couple you can’t help but fall for. Their story has the right balance between fun, sexiness, angst and heart. The back and forth is deliciously witty and Griffin’s thoughtful, romantic nature is absolutely swoon worthy.

Making Up is a standalone contemporary romance by Helena Hunting from the Shacking Up world. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2Xzmr0G

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

33 year old Griffin is in Vegas for his family's hotel business.

23 year old Cosy lives there. Goes to college there ... and jobs in a sex toy store there.

That's where our two darlings meet.

Insta attraction on both sides, but there's just too much in the way of a happy future together ... right?

Age, money ...

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH COSY & GRIFFIM?
WILL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺

══════════════════





ADORABLE!

Another cute and funny and sparky and sexy romance in this amazing series!

I adored Cosy and Griff. They just belong together. But he's so much older - both don't really want anything serious - plus he's so effing rich and she's the total opppsite. Too much trouble or woth it? We sure hope so.

I really loved reading it.... but I was a tiny bit dissppointed too. I expected something so much funnier! And I didn't love the thing that happens ... but of course we have a happy end .. so all's good.

Maybe it's just that I'm not the biggest age-gap fan.
But it was still a really cute romance!!!

MAKING UP was an adorable age gap romace!!!! Funny, sweet, sexy! I LOVED it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Griffin - this one is MINE!!!!


♡ ♡

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fourth in a series, but the others aren't a huge role in this one. You can skip to this if you like, or read it as a standalone. It's a decent series, though, so read 'em all.

So I enjoyed this way more than I expected. It helps that Hunting confronts all the problematical or weird elements right up front, whether it's Cosy's weird name, or their rather large age difference, people react just as you'd expect adult-type people to react—by bringing it up as a thing and then discussing it. Which made it really easy to shelve any qualms I might have had in order to see how it played out. And it played out excellently!

I really liked Cosy and Griffin and I liked them even more together. Cosy knows what she wants and is taking the steps, and sacrifices, to get it. I liked that she had plans (even when the plan was not to have a plan) and I liked that she recognized and accepted the consequences (like how getting a degree would take longer). I particularly liked that she could take charge with as much verve as she could relinquish control to her partner and without losing herself or her goals in the process.

And I liked Griff, too. I liked how responsible he is and how he doesn't let surface expectations get in his way. The story hands him a number of dreadful setbacks, which was a pain, but I liked how he dug in and found ways around. I liked that he was careful of Cosy's autonomy, even in his determination to overcome obstacles and concerns. It was a very good mix of that endearing possessiveness coupled with care and nurturing that makes the best alphas.

The only qualm I have is the number of external disruptions the story took on. They came mainly from a single source and they were huge and intrusive and just shy of manipulatively emotionally destructive. I liked how well it illustrated their weaknesses as a couple as well as how their strengths were used to overcome them. Still, the ex with a baby and the discovery that nope, not his baby was rather a lot of coincidental extravagance that was both unusual and designed to tank their relationship right as important progress was being made.

Anyway, I liked them so much that I'm going to call it 4½ stars, mainly for the all the extravagant coincidences. But I'm definitely rounding up. Yeah, I liked the relationship and how well they fit. But I loved how they work things out and overcame obstacles together. And Cosy meeting his family was just awesome.

A note about Steamy: There's only one explicit sex scene (though it's one of those that extends after a brief break), putting this on the light side of my steam tolerance, though only barely. Not only was it long, but the references to the rest of all of their sex-having was both frequent and often went right up against being explicit without quite going over. I think it was a good call by the author, though, because it let me know where they were with intimacy and how they were handling various upsets and diversions. And the details would have been gratuitous at that point, frankly.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing guaranteed with Helena's books- they're 💯 pure entertainment. There's a perfectly spiced pot of hot hunky goulash, lots of smiles and laughter, a dash of sensitivity and a perfect HEA.
All this is proportionate spiced, cooked to mouthwatering perfection and served sizzling hot.
I can pick up ANY of her books and I'm assured of. A good time
This one is no different.



Cosy Felton works in a STW- Sex Toy Warehouse, yet manages to cling to her innocence. Note that she's not naïve, just unadulterated and unjaded. In walks Sex-on-legs, Griffin Mills of the Mills Hotel chain, whose family has like Eleventy Billion dollars!!
"Dear sweet Jesus on a cloud of marshmallows,It’s a good thing clits don’t react like penises, otherwise mine would be hanging out of the bottom of my shorts with excitement."
So yeah...she gets a lady-boner. He turns out to be older, funnier, cuter and a whole lot...*read that* Too Lot of dick-possessing sexier.



“So I take your age and divide it by two—”
“—and add seven,”
The story is full of fun and laughs. Thoroughly enjoyable, wise Ass cracks, smart Ass comments and somewhere in there are feelings that kind of latch into your heart.
I need to mention something, Helena writes perfectly. The stories are neither slow nor fast, not too many sads or over the top laughs, no darkness or frivolous lightness...it's just right.
A runaway hit from a super it series.
Pick up for a good time!
5 stars for Big Smelly Huge Goat Balls
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[Ari]

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

*DNF @ 60%*

I'm throwing in the towel!



I'm not sure if it's me or if it's this series but the books have just been hit or miss with me—ACTUALLY SCRATCH THAT, it's been more like miss, didn't even attempt to read and semi-decent read. Since I didn't totally end up hating the third book in this series, I thought I would give Making Up a try to see if maybe this book would be the one to win me over.

I SPOKE TOO SOON!

You know, I was enjoying this story when I started and I actually liked Cosy and Griffin as a couple. What I couldn't stand was all the unnecessary drama that arose that was meant to keep this couple apart. Like Griffin sleeping with Cosy's sister, what type of plot twist is that?! And then Cosy was getting upset because Griffin never told her how rich he actually was. Like why is this something to be mad about? Once the drama started to happen, Cosy also started getting on my nerves because she was just nitpicking at every little thing and I couldn't deal with it anymore.

Anyways, I have the next book in this series sitting on my Kindle and I'm crossing my fingers that maybe fifth times a charm because yo gurl can't deal with anymore unnecessary drama or annoying characters.

[Tracy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one siting. Cosy and Griffin were awesome. They shouldn't have fit together and yet were somehow perfect. As per usual with Helena Hunting book, the humor was excellent and the angst was believable but didn't want to make you scream. I haven't read all three before this, but I was definitely not lost. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy works at an adult store in Las Vegas. She is also a college student, nearly at the end of her degree but in her spare time she hangs out with a variety of different lubes, vibrators and everything else you can imagine buying from a store like this :-) A bit of harmless flirting and tight fitting clothes increases the chances of making sales so she is friendly to everyone who enters the store. This is how she meets Griffin.

Griffin has been tasked with picking up supplies for his friends bachelor party and he is a reluctant customer. He is embarrassed to be there, has no idea where to find everything he needs and a bit flustered about the pretty girl working there. Cosy is happy to help this guy out with his list, good sales commission for her and he is really hot so bonus experience all round!

‘The suit is gorgeous. Like the kind of hotness that sucks the breath right out of your lungs and sends all the blood in your body rushing between your legs. It’s a good thing clits don’t react like penises, otherwise mine would be hanging out the bottom of my shorts with excitement.’

When Griffin shows back up a couple of weeks later, wanting to know if he can take Cosy out on a date she is secretly delighted and surprised that he is interested in her. There is definitely an age gap between them and as a rule she doesn’t go out with her customers. Some guy’s assume that she is into all kinds of kink because of her job but they couldn’t be more wrong.

Despite the self imposed rule, Cosy does end up on a date with Griffin. They get on so well and there is definitely something there worth exploring. Griffin finds her so refreshing to be with, she is confident, isn’t impressed by money or social status and has this infectious love of life. So different to his past experiences with women.

Cosy knows that Griffin is only in town for a short period of time so having a time limit makes her feel better about relaxing her rules and just going with what is happening between them. I think they are both realising that the pull is not something either of them want to ignore. However, Cosy definitely makes Griffin work hard prove himself to her, she knows her own worth.

When their time together is coming towards the end, both of them are rethinking the casual aspect and maybe exploring something more long term. Everything feels good, they are the happiest they have ever been and then a couple of plot twists come along to mess things up - popping the happy bubble completely. I guess the book title hinted that this would happen huh?

This was another fun, light hearted and sexy read from Helena. Plenty of laugh out loud moments and a bit of angst to mess with your heart too.

[Wendy ⏃: ✦The Life of A Book Nerd✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS!



I started off the Shacking Up series backwards with I Flipping Love You, so in preparation for Making Up and Handle With Care I decided to binge read the series. With that being said, Helena Hunting has proven why she's a favorite author and a queen of RomCom. Her stories have witty, sassy, fun, strong and independent women with equally strong men as their counterparts. So, to say I was excited to begin Making Up is a massive understatement!

I really enjoyed Griffin's story but it wasn't my favorite of the bunch. One thing I did love was seeing how different Griffin is from his two brothers. He might be the oldest Mills but he's the most reserved and sensitive one. He's jaded and he's been hurt.

Meeting Cosy is unexpected and a breathe of fresh air but Griffin is quickly drawn to this fearless and brazen girl. Their encounter is one of those meet-cute moments you tell your grandchildren about! There's an age gape between them, Cosy being 22 and Griffin 33. Though I was a bit peeved with Cosy at times with how she acted in some moments, it was something that could be overlooked.

These two were the perfect balance and they made a cute couple. I loved it. It was push and pull. Their relationship took time to grow and blossom. At first they're hestiate but they give it a go anyway. Their chemistry is off the charts and together they're fun and adventurous.

Overall, this book was so much fun and entertaining. You get small snippets of Lincoln and the Mills brothers. What I found unnecessary and even Cosy agreed, was the drama. It was just too much at times... But everything worked itself out and I loved how things turned out in the end for Griffin and Cosy.

Helena Hunting will captivate you with her writing and have you laughing and falling in love with these characters. Making Up was filled with equally fun and sweet moments. This is definitely a series you don't want to miss out on. Now, I'm so ready for Lincoln's book! 💃🏼


I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

A sex toy shop is not the place you'd expect to have a Meet Cute, but as you may already know, this author has a flare for the unexpected. Mix in some humor, some sexy times, and a bit of drama, and you have the basis of the latest installment in the Shacking Up series.

Despite her job and overall sexed up appearance, Cosy Felton (yes, that's really her first name) is just a simple girl, making some extra money while finishing her college degree. But her life becomes more interesting when a reluctant customer, Griffin Mills, steps into her store. The attraction is immediate, but Cosy is hesitant to "date" a customer. With time, Griffin's powers of persuasion wear her down.

"This is mine to give, Griffin, and I want you to take it."

Although Griffin views Cosy as a walking hard-on, I liked how patient he is with her. He doesn't assume she's an easy lay because of how she dresses. And even better, he doesn't push her to take things further until she's ready. With that patience, he comes to learn that this younger girl (more than 10 years his junior) is unlike any girl he's been with before.

Is she just a rebound, after the disaster of his previous engagement?
Is she just a fling while he spends time in Vegas for work?
Time will tell.

And suddenly I realize that this is what real attraction is. This level of need. When wanting shreds civility, and the urge to strip naked in a public place seems totally reasonable.

Even though Griffin appears to be a guy who prefers monogamy over one-night stand drama, this story has a series of revelations about his past, that threaten to ruin his budding relationship with Cosy, before things really take off. Thankfully, the author settles this drama in a way that will please most romance readers - yes, she'll thrown in some angst, but not make you suffer too long.

This was a sweet and sexy story, with a hero that everything in his power to win over the girl who has stolen his heart. Whether you've read the other books in this series or not (they are not required), this is an entertaining Rom Com worth checking out.

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

For more reviews, visit

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cosy and Griffin Stars

The Shacking Up Series continues with this story about the oldest Mills brother, Griffin.
He and Cosy meet under ...unusual circumstances and despite an initial attraction, it takes a little while for these two to get together. Griffin is wary of being over ten years older and Cosy is just wary of getting involved. She's not planning on hanging around long because she wants to explore the world. She really is a free spirit.

This was probably my least favourite of the series -I did still enjoy it very much but there was a plot twist that I hated (purely personal choice) and I felt there was maybe a bit too much drama. The twist that I disliked was resolved & wasn't as bad as I first thought but my opinions had been formed around it already.


HEA? Yes, very sweet & perfect for them.
Cheating? No

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of laughter and heart…

Cosy and Griffin’s story hit me right in the feels! From the opening pages, this author had me laughing with their flirty banter and their sexy shenanigans.

Cosy was practical, down to earth and not afraid to put an obviously wealthy Griffin through his paces. Not that she was torturing him needlessly. A woman has to protect her heart, especially when she has goals and a wandering spirit. Her inner monologue was a sweetly wry, never bitter, observation on dealing with life that had me chuckling throughout…

Griffin was delightfully caught up by her beauty and her irresistible charm, deliciously awkward in his attempts to storm her defenses. Together they were so much fun, whether it was laid back diner meals or over the top surprises, meant to spoil her as well as dazzle her (just a little)…

“I promise I won’t be someone you’ll think back on and regret.”

There were rocky patches, drama boosts and through it all, a love story with heart and soul. Get ready to fall in love with these characters just like I did! ~Diane, 5 More than Supply Closet Stars

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Mills men have put a spell on me! I fell in love with Bane first, and then Lex, and I was so excited when Helena Hunting announced that enigmatic Griffin would be getting a book as well. Making Up was such a sexy and sweet age gap romcom. This is book 4 in the Shacking Up series, but it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone.

Bane has always been my favorite, but Griffin might have *just* eclipsed him. Griffin has been dealt a pretty terrible hand and his confidence and ego have taken a bruising, but I loved his vulnerable side as much as his alpha possessiveness. He was the perfect amount of sweet and sexy and his chemistry with Cosy was off the charts! Even though they both initially have reservations about the more than a decade age difference, Griffin needed someone just like vibrant Cosy to heal his jaded heart. She's the soft curves to his sharp edges. Yes, sometimes her youthfulness showed, but in some ways she was also much more mature than her 22 years. The build up between them was so delectable and the foreplay alone almost set my kindle on fire!

Making Up was filled with Helena Hunting's signature humor and wit. Those laugh out loud "is she really going to go there?" moments are what make me love her romcoms so much! I also enjoyed catching glimpses of several of my Shacking Up series favorites (*swoon* Bane) and getting to know Lincoln better. The story flowed well, but was a little cliche and predictable with some of the drama, especially regarding Griffin's ex, Imogen. I appreciated that it was resolved just as quickly as it appeared though and the little twist at the end was a great way to pull the series together. The epilogue left me with a dopey grin on my face and I'm excited for Lincoln's story next in Handle With Care!

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*