The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Helena Hunting's "Making Up (Shacking Up #4)."
Synopsis:
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.
Review: Jo
This was another Helena Hunting novel that left me with a huge smile on my face and a heart fit to burst. Cosy and Griffin’s story had so many things that I loved. From the first page to the last, I remained fully engrossed and adored everything that I read.
"If I had a checklist with boxes to tick off,
you would be the person who would appear at the end
of the quiz as my perfect match."
The thing that I enjoyed the most about this book were the two main characters. I loved Cosy, she was such a great heroine. Smart, feisty and not at all dazzled by Griffin's money or charm. I liked the way in which she made Griffin work for her attention and she didn’t just fall at his feet. Cosy didn’t care one bit that he was older or that he came from a wealthy family. Cosy just wasn’t impressed by that sort of thing. Of course, I also adored Griffin. He was so dreamy and lovely and was not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve when it came to Cosy. I love it when the guy does the chasing.
"Our lives are so different."
"And yet, you still manage to be the best part of the mine."
Griffin and Cosy’s romance was one that was steamy and passionate. It also had a fair few ups and downs resulting in a few heart racing moments. As the book title suggests, Griffin and Cosy had a little bit of making up to do as the story progressed. At times, I found it difficult to put my kindle down, especially for the latter part of the story. And when I reached the end, Helena finished the book perfectly with a beautiful epilogue that made my heart soar. I’m already looking forward to my next read from Helena.
"You're the only person I want to road trip through this life with."
“Making Up” gets 4.5 ❤️’s from me.
Excerpt:
We’re a couple of minutes away from my apartment, which also means we’re almost at the end of our date. End-of-date protocol often means a goodnight kiss. And I’ve eaten onions. Lots of them. What the hell was I thinking? I feel around in my shorts pocket, hoping I have a random stick of gum. I find a tiny square packet and pull it out, along with an old tissue. I shove that back in my pocket and sigh with relief as I carefully open the Listerine Pocketpak. There’s one strip left. I pop it in my mouth,
wishing I had water since my mouth is dry and I’m suddenly super nervous. Griffin pulls up in front of my apartment building. I swallow a bunch of times, trying to get the strip to dissolve on my tongue and glance out the tinted window, seeing it from his perspective. I don’t live in a bad part of town, but I sure as hell wouldn’t leave this car sitting out here for any length of time unless I wanted it keyed or stripped down. Griffin shifts into park and turns to me, one hand resting on the back of my seat
near the headrest.
“I had a great time, Cosy.”
“Me too, thanks for dinner.”
I tried to fork over my share, but he was quick on the credit card draw.
“It was my pleasure.”
He leans in the tiniest bit, a nonverbal cue that he’s going in for a kiss. I mirror the movement, giving him the go ahead. My stomach flutters in anticipation. I exhale slowly through my nose. Even though the Listerine strip should be doing its job to mask the onions, I don’t want to ruin the moment by breathing that in his
face.
His fingertips skim my jaw, and I close my eyes. And then his lips brush my cheek. I wait for them to move a couple of inches to the right, but after what feels like a lot of seconds—and is probably only a few—I crack a lid. Griffin is still close, a wry smile on his lips and a smolder in his eyes.
“Seriously, that’s it? A kiss on the cheek?”
His smile widens, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. He’s nothing like the guys I usually end up on dates with. College boys don’t take things slow. If I were out with one of the guys from school, I’d be sitting in a beat-up Civic with some stupid music playing, and he’d be all over me with his tongue halfway down my throat, copping a feel.
“I thought all the onions you ate were the equivalent to garlic for vampires.”
Griffin fingers my hair near my shoulder. I’d really like him to finger something else. Wait. I mean I’d like to feel his hands on me. Not in my pants. Okay, maybe I’d like them in my pants, but not after date number one.
“I wasn’t thinking, and I really like onions. A lot. In hindsight, it’s not a great date food. I feel kinda dumb. And I guess at first I wasn’t so sure about you. How was I supposed to know you’d actually be kind of normalish?”
“Normalish?”
“Well, you drink club soda on purpose, so you can’t be all there.” I tap his temple. Griffin circles my wrist with his fingers and drops his head, lips brushing over my knuckle. “We can’t all be perfect, now, can we?”
“I suppose not, and perfect is boring.”
“That it is.” He hums against my skin, and I feel it through my entire body. “I would like to try that kiss again, if you’re still interested.”
About Helena Hunting:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
