MY RATING: 4.5/5 STARS

I was provided an arc in exchange for an honest review. 

Wrapped up in you must be one of my favourite holiday reads so far this year. Given the fact that I didn't actually read that many holiday romances so far, this still tops the list. And I'll explain why. 

First, the writing was really fun and easy to slip into. You start off with getting to know the loveable cop, Justin, who just wants a break from all the buzz about how cops need to be seen more friendly. In order to make them appear more public friendly, cops are forced to wear Santa outfits and interact with the newscaster of a big local television news channel. 

Turns out the news anchor just so happens to be Justin's life long crush, Lilly. Lilly is a beautiful, curvaceous woman who made a big mistake when she was younger and wanted to be popular. She ended up hurting the one friend she truly cared about and that just so happens to be Justin. 

When we first get into the story, we can feel the sexual tension off the pages. It was too intense. Justin tries to pretend that he can't stand Lilly but his body always betrays him. And Lilly is just as flirty as ever! She's strong and independent and doesn't care what other people think of her. But deep down, she does. And the mistake that happened really impacted her life in the dating scene as well as causing her trouble elsewhere. My heart goes out to these two lovebirds. 

The reason why this book is not 100% is because the ending. I really didn't think it was up to Justin to apologize and win back Lilly. In fact, it was all Lilly's fault that they didn't end up together faster so she should own up to her own mistakes and just freaking apologize and chase after Justin!

MY RECOMMENDATION 

Definitely read it!!!

Based on the cover I kind of expected something quite different. Justin is a cop and basically forced to play Santa for a week. And even worse: his elf is no other than his younger sister's best friend, Lilly. She is a reporter and will ride with him a week. He is not thrilled and we soon find out why, in one of the first chapters.

Spoiler: he had a major teenage crush on her and when he was 17 and she 15 she lead him on while on the couch, then left and she had filmed it all and it went viral at school, leaving him totally humilated because he was shown... well... you know.

I totally understood why Justin could not trust her. And if she was my best friend and she did that to my brother... Let's say I did not understand why his sister just let it slide. Later we find his mother also knew. Well, nice family.

There was more drama but after this reveal I never really got into the story. I felt for Justin and thought Lilly was annoying.

I received and ARC via Netgalley, for which I am grateful. I wish I could have written a better review, but this book is just not for me. This is only my opinion and I have read books by this author I really enjoyed.

Justin Weaver is a police officer that has gotten roped into playing Santa this year for the Ho-Ho-Patrol. Justin holiday cheer has been seriously lacking and it certainly doesn’t help when donning his Santa suit he finds out that his elf helper is none other than his little sister’s gorgeous best friend Lilly Maddox. Justin and Lilly have quite the history so working together is the last thing he wants to get him in the mood for Santa duty.

Lilly is no longer the girl that Justin remembers now having become a reporter looking to make her mark and forward her career. She’s been assigned to cover the holiday activities and document Justin’s time as Santa. In order for the two to make this work and do what both of their jobs are requiring they must put the past behind them and make his holiday one to remember.

Wrapped Up in You by Cyn D. Blackburn is one of those books that again teaches me to not judge a book by it’s cover. Picking this one up I was rather expecting a clean perhaps funny holiday read with even the synopsis giving that sort of vibe so I was a bit surprised with the language and sexual references starting right away in the book. Of course I read a wide range so while those didn’t bother me I just wanted to mention it so hopefully other readers aren’t surprised by what they find.

Now as for my rating on this one I found it to be an alright little romance read but a little heavy on the drama and angst for my taste personally. While I do enjoy when characters have a history this one was a little surprising that they would want to be with each other so the drama now probably fit but I’d just prefer less of it. Also… a side note to authors in general, don’t name characters something close to famous people, every time I’m reading Justin Weaver I kept thinking Beiber… ugh but that’s again my own complaint and hopefully I don’t give future readers that image. In the end this one was just OK for me but others may enjoy it a bit more.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This book was not for me. The premise seemed like it was going to be great, until I found out WHY there is an issue between Justin and Lily. That was a total turn off and a quick search of key words told me that this book is not at all for me. The topic of sex with a minor is serious and the act itself can ruin lives - it should not be fodder for rom-com novels.

Wrapped Up in You by Cyn D. Blackburn is a delightful read that will add the right amount of spice to your holiday season! Blackburn did a bang-up job of incorporating an original storyline, engaging characters and a fair amount of misunderstanding to add some drama to the mix.

An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.