Book 1:
What do you get when you combine one struggling actress, one former rugby player, and too much cold medication? A seriously HOT meet-cute! Throw in some pet-sitting, a dash of long-distance mutual pining, and one ridiculously cute ferret (no, that's not a euphemism!) and you have yourself Shacking Up.
In Shacking Up, we meet the first of the Mills brothers, Bancroft. A retired professional rugby player, he's making the move into the family business. Ruby, also from a privileged background, is trying to make it on her own. She needs a place to live. Bancroft needs someone to look after his unusual pets. It's a match made in Manhattan.
Book 2:
In Hooking Up, we continue with Ruby's best friend's story. Amelie, who we first met in Shacking Up has just had the shock of her life. Angry and mortified, she finds herself repeatedly bumping into Lexington Mills, brother of Bancroft, and sparks fly.
I didn't think it would be possible to love Lexington more than Bancroft but wow! The middle Mills brother certainly delivers (as I'm sure Amelie will agree). There's a lot to love about Amelie, who is another feisty protagonist, rediscovering herself after a very public humiliation. I love how sexually free she is and the airport security scene had me crying laughing, while Bora Bora was sizzling hot (and not just because of the sun)!
Book 3:
In this final book we finally meet Griffin, eldest of the Mills brothers. Just like his younger brothers, Griffin is a lot of man, but unlike his brothers, it's clear being the eldest has taken a toll. He's intense and serious. There isn't much joy in his life right now.
When a chance encounter leads him to Cosy, there's instant chemistry. But there's a huge obstacle for them to overcome. My least favourite of the three, there's still an awful lot to love about this story. I genuinely don't understand why so many have rated it so low. While I'm not the biggest fan of unbalanced power dynamics, I feel that Cosy is a strong character who is more than a match for Griffin. My only gripe is the ostentatious clothing 'gifts' in the earlier chapters which don't *really* seem to serve any real purpose other than to set up a small conflict. But it's a minor thing and doesn't detract from the overall story.
I really would love to hear more about Cosy's sister, Nevah, and Griffin's cousin, Lincoln... (I'm already matchmaking in my head).