I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting
Shacking Up #3
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease
Goodreads
Synopsis
SHE'S GOT CURB APPEAL
Rian Sutter grew up with the finer things in life. Spending summers in The Hamptons was a normal occurrence for her until her parents lost everything years ago. Now Rian and her sister are getting their life, and finances, back on track through real estate. Not only do they buy and sell houses to the rich and famous, but they finally have the capital to flip their very own beachfront property. But when she inadvertently catches the attention of a sexy stranger who snaps up every house from under her, all bets are off...
HE'S A FIXER UPPER
Pierce Whitfield doesn't normally demo kitchens, install dry wall, or tear apart a beautiful woman's dreams. He's just a down-on-his-luck lawyer who needed a break from the city and agreed to help his brother work on a few homes in the Hamptons. When he first meets Rian, the attraction is undeniable. But when they start competing for the same pieces of prime real estate, the early sparks turn into full-blown fireworks. Can these passionate rivals turn up the heat on their budding romance - without burning down the house?
I FLIPPING LOVE YOU, set in the Shacking Up world, follows two people, both working in real estate, who find themselves vying for the same properties in the Hamptons, leading to a sometimes-not-so-friendly competition.
I flipping love this book! My only exposure to HHunting was her Clipped Wings series and I've been very curious how she'd do with the lighter side of romance. She impressed me with her deeper side and...she did with the lighter side as well!
Rian - like Ryan but with an "i" - has had a hard row to hoe. She and her sister have built a business and a reputation in real estate from the ruins they were left with at 18. Her sister, the free-spirit of the two, has been her only constant since the fall and Rian has always looked out for her, learning not to allow anyone else close lest they leave like everyone else.
Pierce knows what it's like to live on little and live with a lot. And while he is appreciative of all he now has, he's not living his passion until circumstances place him in the Hamptons working on home renovations with his brother.
Rian and Pierce meeting was pretty comical as was their subsequent encounters. Soon neither could deny their chemistry not the fact that something kept throwing them in each other's paths. Some home sales and renovations later and their on the precipice of something life-altering. But they have to trust that any skeletons escaping their closets are going to be overlooked.
The chemistry, sexual tension, and snarky banter was off-the-charts. It had me swooning and laughing alternately. But I appreciated how HHunting proved Rian and Pierce had more than mere chemistry - they worked both in and out of the bedroom splendidly. I enjoyed the blossoming romance as well as the specifics of the real estate market - open houses, sales, renovations, and flips. I also enjoyed the secondary cast of characters - siblings and neighbors. AND I loved how HHunting used both Rian's and Pierce's pasts to illustrate their character growth. I liked their dynamics between each other, the dynamics between them and their siblings, and I most enjoyed watching as they figured out how to make their dreams come true and then how to incorporate each other into those dreams.
I Flipping Love You was such a delight! I look forward to catching up on the other books in the Shacking Up series as well as the rest of HHunting's backlist as I'm confident I'm going to be delighted with anything she writes.
I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!
*~*Worlds/Settings*~*
- Cognito - I'm finishing up the year in Cognito. I've enjoyed spending time there with Silver and all her friends. And Dannika Dark does a fine job of creating the "look and feel" of snowy, cold weather.
- Denver, Colorado - the setting for Kristen Ashley's Chaos series and Dream Man series is brought to life in the stories...and I enjoyed spending time here, so near home, all over again.
- Denton, Texas - this is where the Thieves series is set and it's perfect! Having lived in North Texas for 4 years prior to moving to Colorado, Blake nails the feel.
- Chicago, Illinois - I've spent quite a bit of time in Chicago this year - mostly fictionally but also in real life. Helena Hunting's Clipped Wings series is set here and I liked how she brought to life the area around Northwestern to life. I also spent time in Chicago with Ella Frank's Temptation series and Jennifer Dawson's Undone series.
- West Texas (Amarillo, Dumas, Ernest) - Having spent about half my life, before getting married, in West Texas, I quite enjoyed spending time there with the characters of Kari Lynn Dell's Texas Rodeo series.
- New York City - I binged on Sylvia Day's Crossfire series in November and December, and she brought to life the hustle and bustle of the city through Eva's eyes. Having visited Manhattan before, it was fun reminiscing. Lara Adrian's For 100 Days and For 100 Nights is also set in NYC. She brought an entirely different scene to life in the trilogy.
- Rome - Rome is not a location I'd ever hoped to visit...until I read J.T. Geissinger's Edge of Oblivion. Her description of the city as well as the underground city, the historical buildings and ruins, the art, the food, the mythology...yeah, Rome went on my bucket list.
- Scotland - although I like to think I'd have liked to live during the time of Highlanders - and maybe I would - Gabaldon created a Scotland the felt very realistic in it's harsh beauty...very realistic.
I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!
*~*New-to-Me Authors*~*
- Sierra Simone - I blew through her New Camelot trilogy - in both audio and ebook. I'm a fan and am eager to read more from her!
- Juliette Cross - I'm so happy I agreed to review The White Lily as Cross made a new fan in me with her fairytale mixed with vampires tale.
- Kari Lynn Dell - I can't say enough about how much I love her writing as well as her ability to make life in West Texas as well as rodeo so vivid and authentic! (thanks, Anna!)
- Lexi Blake - meeting Zoey and company from Blake's Thieves series was a highlight for me in 2017! (thanks, Kristen!)
- Heather Demetrios - she delivered a YA so gripping and emotionally moving...a treat despite the difficult subject matter. (thanks, Tanya!)
- Kiersten White - OMG! I still can't believe I put off reading this one - a female incarnation of Vlad the Impaler...need I say more?!? If y'all haven't read And I Darken, make it so!
- Helena Hunting - I binged on her Clipped Wings series back in June for a challenge...the lady can write!
- Georgia Cates - another author I can't believe I put off reading for so long. I'll be finishing her Beauty series in 2017.
- T. Torrest - Remember When dazzled me with it's 90's nostalgia and characters I fell for...hard. I'm looking forward to the spinoff series coming in 2018.
- Diana Gabaldon - 'nuff said, am I right?
- Pierce Brown - I couldn't imagine how blown away I'd be by Red Rising despite how much my friends gushed about it. I have the next two books already laid out. *wink*
- Lenora Bell - I picked up How the Duke Was Won because the narrator is one I adore. However, I ended up a fan of Bell who delivered a tightly woven story with a feisty heroine and a hero to fall for.
Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge and it was fun! I'll participate again next year. :)
AND it turns out maybe I can't quite finish a series in a month. While I finished 3 novels and 3 novellas, I didn't make it to the cross-over book, Get Inked. I'm calling it a win though since Get Inked is a Pucked and Clipped Wings story and I haven't read the Pucked series yet. I will though. Hunting is going on my favorite author list! :D
***
Cracks in the Armor by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #2.5
Release Date: June 23, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads
Synopsis
Chris, a sexy tattoo artist, tries to win the heart of Sarah, a grad student with little interest in him, in this second e-short and follow-up to Helena Hunting's gripping love story, Clipped Wings -- "twisted, dark, incredibly erotic...a love story like no other" (USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton).
Part owner of the Chicago tattoo shop Inked Armor, Chris Zelter is a talented artist who decorates skin with gorgeous designs. He might look the part of the typical jacked-up, inked-up bad-boy, but underneath is a fiercely loyal, complicated man. Kicked out at sixteen, Chris has had to fend for himself for the last twelve years, making his Inked Armor crew as much family as they are business partners. For him, it's enough--until he meets Sarah Adamson.
A grad student waitressing at the local strip club, Sarah is used to propositions and crude comments. The job is a means to an end--finish her MBA, pay off the tuition loans, and get a good job. Then she won't have to rely on anyone to take care of her. So when brawny, tatted up Chris begins hanging out at the club, she rebuffs his advances. At first. But Chris isn't like her usual clientele: despite his hard exterior, he's almost...sweet.
Sometimes, the people with the roughest edges have the biggest hearts.
Cracks in the Armor was another little glimpse into Chris and Sarah's relationship - the perfect setup for Fractures in Ink, which focuses on them. Since it's dual POV (the entire series is) I got to see where they both stand. Seeing the insecurities and vulnerabilities was captivating. Getting updates on Hayden and Tenley, and Jamie and Lisa was an added treat!
Onto Fractures in Ink...
Fractures in Ink by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #3
Release Date: November 14, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads
Synopsis
Sometimes the things we shouldn't want become exactly what we need...
Waitressing at a seedy strip club isn't ideal, but it pays Sarah Adamson's tuition. Her goal is to finish her master's program and get a job that doesn't involve tight skirts and groping hands. She doesn't need distractions. Especially not the one that comes in the form of a hot-as-sin tattoo artist who works across the street from her apartment.
Kicked out at sixteen, and a high school dropout, Chris Zelter is familiar with wanting things he can't have. His fractured life has never been easy. As the product of someone else's bad decisions, he knows exactly what happens when the wrong person controls your marionette strings. Now an accomplished tattoo artist in a renowned studio in Chicago, Chris has it together.
Mostly.
Apart from his infatuation with Sarah. She's way out of his league, and Chris knows it. But he's willing to be her bad decision. At least for now.
Fractures in Ink was a nice way to wrap up the Clipped Wings series. It fit nicely with Hayden and Tenley's story since Chris and Sarah had pasts that hindered them in romantic relationships as well. Hunting's use of "clipped wings" was apropos.
We'd seen glimpses into Chris and Sarah's romance in the novellas so I was more than read to get better acquainted with these two. Chris had a rough childhood, first being the result of a teen pregnancy were is father was MIA and then enduring a step-father who was less than fatherly. He carried so much guilt over his perceived flaws and the mistakes he made - guilt that kept hi bound to a mother that preyed upon that guilt. No matter how successful he became, he didn't see a way out and it broke my heart that he saw himself as a choice Sarah would eventually regret.
Sarah had her own share of childhood woes having a serial mistress for a mother. She had high aspirations and worked hard to achieve them and along with them, her independence. Her choice in jobs to supplement her scholarship was questionable but also understandable too. That she made Chris work for the date that eventually led to their romance made me smile. She gave herself the time to look beyond what was on his outside to see the gem Chris was hiding on the inside.
There was a subplot involving Sarah's place of employment that added a layer of suspense and tied into Hayden and Tenley's story. There was also the subplot involving Chris' family which added depth to the story. One thread was left dangling though and although it didn't impact the story, I was disappointed it was left unresolved.
Overall, Fractures in Ink was an enjoyable read. It kept me engaged ad I was thrilled with where Chris and Sarah ended up. I also liked catching up with Hayden, Tenley, Jamie, and Lisa.
Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge last year and I really wanted to participate but just couldn't do it. THIS YEAR, I'm in! For all the details on the challenge, click the graphic above.
***
Between the Cracks by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #1.5
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
Tattooiest Chris Zelter doesn't always make the best decisions when it comes to the people he cares about, or the women he gets involved with. Things have changed recently, though. Chris has lost interest in casual flings as he finds himself wrapped up in Sarah Adamson, a waitress at the local strip club he frequents. It takes months of persistent attention before she finally agrees to date him, and he's determined not to mess it up.
Just as things are finally going his way, Chris receives a troubled phone call in the middle of the night from Hayden Stryker, his best friend and business partner. Unexpected revelations and the sudden departure of his girlfriend, Tenley, has nearly sent Hayden over the edge. Add in a speeding ticket and an impounded car and Hayden is balanced on the precipice of a total meltdown. Worried about his friend, Chris sets out on a rescue road trip, first to get Heyden, and then to bring back Tenley. The two men run into unforeseen roadblocks, proving even the best intentions don't guarantee results.
Chris and Hayden return to Chicago empty handed, and Chris is left feeling as if he's let down all the people who matter, especially Sarah. But Chris discovers that sometimes the best way to deal with failure is to find a way to forget about it. And losing himself in Sarah is the perfect way to do just that.
Between the Cracks is a little glimpse into Chris' world/head in the few days following the incident with Tenley and her subsequent return "home". It was a short, quick read, but I enjoyed seeing this part of Chris - his loyalty and love for Hayden - as well as his obvious deeper feelings for Sarah.
Onto Inked Armor...
Inked Armor by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #2
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I won a paperback copy in a giveaway hosted by the blog formerly known as The Bookish Babe
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.
Inked Armor picks up essentially where Clipped Wings ended. Things between Hayden and Tenley are even more tenuous and strained. It seems they aren't done battling their pasts - question is...do they do it together?
Clearly if things are to work out between these two, their pasts have to be dealt with. However, Hayden doesn't know how to deal with Tenley's and he's not so interested in sharing his past with her. These two can't stay apart though and it broke my heart watching them try to find the right path - the one leading them to each other.
I didn't find Inked Armor to be as emotionally gripped as Clipped Wings. There were things that were glossed over, predictable, or too cleanly resolved. But at its heart, this is a love story where love proves its strength and tenacity when it's the real deal.
The way Hunting used tattoos in Hayden and Tenley's healing process was fascinating. It's made me consider tattoos more carefully and wonder about the stories behind them. The character growth in both Hayden and Tenley demonstrated was admirable. They both figured out ways to deal with things on their own so they could be better in ways that made for a more solid foundation for their relationship. I also delighted in the stellar secondary cast members. They were a tight-knit group and gave Tenley and Hayden the family and stability they needed.
Inked Armor is the end of Hayden and Tenley's part of the story. The final novel is Chris and Sarah's story, and I'm eager for it.
Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge last year and I really wanted to participate but just couldn't do it. THIS YEAR, I'm in! For all the details on the challenge, click the graphic above.
***
The first book in the Clipped Wings series is a novella, Cupcakes and Ink. For my review, click here. I re-read it this month but didn't re-review it. ;) While it isn't absolutely necessary to read Cupcakes and Ink, it really does set the stage well for Hayden and Tenley's story.
Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #1
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Gallery Books via Netgalley. I also won a signed copy in a giveaway. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn't ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley's past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side...or run?
"Everyone has scars, Tenley. If we're lucky, they're only on the outside." -Hayden
After reading Cupcakes and Ink, I knew I was invested in Tenley and Hayden. I adored them, empathized with them each individually and I was so very anxious over what they were each dealing with - the scars they both carried on the outside and the inside. As they became better acquainted and I, therefore, got to know them better, my heart broke for them both.
"I hadn't considered the possibility that I might find someone who would understand what I had endured and want me anyway, even though I wasn't whole." -Tenley
I think these two are soul mates because it felt like their souls must have recognized in the other the mutual pain and guilt they each were burdened with. It bought them into each others' orbit and both were loathe to let the other go. But they were both hiding things from the other. Despite them both having reason for it, the secrets threatened their bond. They did bring out the best in each other though. It was juts difficult to decide whether they could risk their hearts again.
You know the saying about how you'll never have more heaped on your plate than you can handle? Well, these two have had quite the heaping but they've proven their strength by surviving. And it seems they have a bit more to deal with before they can have some happy.
I hate that I've let such an incredibly written and emotionally draining book languish on my shelf. I've already started book #1.5 though. I still *have* to know where Tenley and Hayden go from here.
Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #0.5
Release Date: February 3, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn't as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it's the gorgeous, dark-haird tattoo artist who captures her interest. There's something about his severe beauty that captivates her - and not just in her waking hours.
Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people's skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He's got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he's concerned, that's all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to now the girl under her skittish facade.
But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.
Novellas are always hit or miss but I'm happy to report Cupcakes and Ink was a hit. It's partly because it's well written and partly because this is a prelude of sorts - a little glimpse into the lives of the characters of this series. And I'm intrigued, y'all. Intrigued.
Hayden is this big guy - tall, wide, and built - who has a thing for tattoos - as in he's got quite a few - and metal. I mean piercings and he has quite a few of those as well. He's the owner of a tattoo shop as well as a tattoo artist and he gives a certain vibe. But he's also this kind and caring guy.
Tenley is on the run, from what we don't yet know. She's beginning work on her Masters and it seems tattoos might figure into her thesis. She's smart, attractive, and lonely. Oh, and she can't speak coherently to save her life when she's around Hayden.
These two have chemistry galore but they're both dealing with some apparently heavy things. Things we're left to speculate on for now.
As for the writing, Hunting provided just enough detail in this novella to hook me, make me anxious in my need to know more. She's obviously created characters that are complex and compelling and the story was dual POV - which I love.
Cupcakes and Ink hit the mark for me despite being a mere 60 pages. Lucky for me, I have Clipped Wings in my possession already. :)
