(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss+ and Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.)

Don’t get it twisted: I’m determined to soak up every moment of this fall (even with the 90-degree temps--unbelievable!), but that doesn’t stop me from occasionally dipping my toes into the holiday season with my reading material. Jill Shalvis’s Wrapped Up in You is adorable and heart-warming and had me feeling those let’s-get-together-and-appreciate-what-we-have vibes that I love the most about the holidays.

Ivy Snow is prickly and sassy with a heart of gold; she’s also a hard worker who’s very practically built her food truck business up and a dreamer who envisions how she can use her hard-won success to buy her own condo and have a real home for once. She wants to embrace her new pretty life in San Francisco, and part of that is learning what it means to have friends and be a friend (which also, to her, means lying to said friends about what her childhood was like & what kind of person her good-natured but trouble-making brother actually is).

Cop Kel O’Donnell’s in town after a police-related betrayal and injury sidelines him, visiting his cousin Caleb. Ivy’s tacos and personality set him on fire, but he doesn’t like lies or liars, and as much as he likes Ivy, he can tell that she’s lying. Still, he can see her beautiful heart and the intention behind her lies, and despite the fact that he’s only visiting, he’s tempted by Ivy and the sexual tension blazing between them…

This book is an absolute delight. It’s funny, and in thoughtful ways, too, from the characters’s interactions to the chapter epigraphs. Shalvis peoples Wrapped in You with diverse representation, and in general, all of her characters—with their distinctive personalities—shine. It’s a world that’s really lovely to step into.

Lovely even if the “falling apart” of Ivy and Kel’s romance is so well done that I was kinda steamed at one of the leads in my first read-through…at least until I made it to the brava-worthy grovel and Epilogue. The bottom line is that both leads in this book have to learn to trust and that’s something that Shalvis lays out beautifully and skillfully in Wrapped Up in You.

My last bit of good news: the follow-up skim I did of this book indicates that it’s going to age really well. I loved it even more.

5 stars.

A return to San Francisco for Ivy and Kel's story. I must admit that I expected Kel's story to be in Idaho where he is the sheriff of Sunshine. The storyline played out well in San Francisco with Kel on leave and meeting Ivy. Ivy is a complex character. Her life has been one big mess after another. No one does flawed characters better than Jill Shalvis.

I enjoyed the tension between Kel and Ivy. I knew that he would eventually break through her self imposed bubble. Their conversations were real and believable. The relationship happened very quickly to fit into the two week timeframe Kel had to be in San Francisco.

Both of the characters have troubled pasts with dysfunctional families. It was good to see some resolutions there. The cast of characters seems to grow with each book. I'm not sure I have read them in order. I'll have to look back. Tina is one of my all time favorite characters. Her morning kickboxing classes along with the tag lines for each chapter made me smile.

This book lives up to what I expect from Jill Shalvis. It was a quick read that I fell into and didn't come up for air until I finished it. I look forward to reading more in the series.

What a delightful treat this story was! For me, revisiting Heartbreaker Bay is always exciting because it is as though I am "coming home" to a reunion of all my old friends. I get to interact and see them time and again through this series and they are consistently loving, supportive and happy, which seems to welcome me with open arms. I enjoyed Ivy and really identified with her feelings toward her past. This brought the emotional connection ability to this story in a beautiful manner. The danger that Kel contributes to this storyline is exciting and puts it a bit on edge. The inquisitive, caring, dangerous nature draws Ivy in with perhaps all that she had been missing. Overall, this is a consistently solid addition/ending to a series that you just cannot go wrong with. Whether you have you read the others (yet) or not, I highly recommend this story!

I am a sucker for romance novels. And this book did not disappoint. It kept me engaged till the end. Would really recommend this book. I read it in two days.

I missed reading Jill Shalvis!!! Her Heartbreaker Bay series is so heartwarming, rich with emotions, humor and some tantalizing romance!

Taco truck owner Ivy Snow meets Sheriff Kel O'Donnell, and sparks fly as hot as her tacos! This story brought so many chuckles and some sadness as Ivy deals with her brother and the situation that surrounds him. And her chemistry with Kel is so surreal that she wonders if it will disappear! And Kel is man enough to realize the mistakes he made, and grovel he does to get her back.

Jill Shalvis sure is a pro as she pens another captivating love story!

Oh how I loved this book. I have really enjoyed the Heartbreaker Bay series. Ivy and Kel were so fun to read about. Mrs. Shalvis has a way of having characters that are so relatable but all different than her supporting characters. Each book in this series is so different because each couple come from so many different back grounds. Ivy and Kel are no different. Ivy is use to being on her own and not trusting anyone. She has a con artist brother who she tells everyone he is a good guy but he really isn't Kel is a Sherrif from Idaho that is on leave helping his cousin do security on his new Condos.

Ivy and Kel have serious chemistry the first time they meet. They continually run into one another because Ivy's friends with Kel's cousin Caleb and his girlfriend Sadie. Every time they around each other Kel breaks down Ivy's guard. Ivy doesn't trust anyone but herself.

This is a great book with dual POV, sweet scenes and romance. As always great supporting characters from previous books. Once I started this book I was hooked and couldn't put it down.

I received and advanced copy for an honest review.

I love this series! The characters are a close, quirky group that they somehow keep on adding more members to--and even though they all constantly show up in everyone else's book, you really can start anywhere in the series and not be lost.

(Confession: I still haven't read book 1. I have 2 copies and no excuse! Soooooon...)

Ivy and Kel's story is just delightful, though I'm pretty sure they wouldn't agree with me on this until the very end, since OMG do the two of them have a lot to work through, individually and together. Family issues, trust issues, learning how to let others in (it's very telling that Ivy considers herself the newcomer in the same paragraph where she admits someone else is newer to the group)...yeah, there were times when things looked pretty bleak. Ms Shalvis does a great job of cutting the tension just when you need it with the right amount of levity--letting us and her characters smile, at least a little.

(She has yet to convince me to join a gym, though. Could she make those workout sessions seem a little less terrifying???)

The epilogue left me with all kinds of warm, gooey feels, though. And no matter which character(s) she wants to give us next, let me tell you I AM HERE FOR IT.

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Wonderful read. Jill Shalvis is an amazing writer and I look forward to each and every release. This book was another top notch story!!

Love sneaks up on you when you least expect it. At least that's what happens to Kel and Ivy in this addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series..

Both of them have had heavy stuff happen to them in their pasts but that still doesn't stop their feelings from developing. And once they decide to trust one another, the sky's the limit. That, plus the love fountain in the courtyard!Ivy has worked hard to get comfortable with her life, and seems to have overcome most of her past, except for her brother. Kel brings some tension to the story as he's a cop visiting his cousin Caleb while recouperating from an almost fatal attempt on his life by his crooked partner. Ivy knows that he could be a real problem because of her brother's criminal activities. They're both hiding things from each other -- him, his disconnect with his mother; her, hiding what her brother really is.

Eventually all of the other women that we've met in the previous stories gather around Ivy and convince her that she's ok, that she's not responsible for her brother, and that she's in love with Kel. And Caleb does similar for Kel.
Lots of love, laughter and friendship -- nice to have in this day and age.

After a life time of moving from one shady place to another, Ivy sets down roots in San Francisco Ca. She has her own business, a taco truck, great friends and will soon have her own condo. She thinks things are finally going her way. Little does she know that things are about to change.

Kel has had to be to rock for his family since he was little. He caught his mom in a comprised position and has carried this secret for years. His mom disappeared shortly after her affair was found out. Kel and his sister were forced to live with their grandparents ranch in Idaho after their father died. Kel returns to San Francisco after almost losing his life.

Both Kel and Ivy are reluctant to trust, afraid of being hurt. She feels Kel can see right through her lies. Kel feels that his trust is always broken. However they are drawn to each other like a month is drawn to light. Each will learn to trust the other and to learn to trust others to have their back.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next story.

This is a sweet, heartwarming story about two people finding true love. It does happen and the holiday theme made it extra special.
Many thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely love Christmas Romance’s! Ivy has made a life for herself despite running from a painful past. She’s very independent and doesn’t let anything get in the way of her dreams, not even love. Kel is a sheriff and owner of a ranch that has gone on vacation where he meets Ivy. He doesn’t trust easily but meeting Ivy makes him realize that true love can be worth fighting for. This book is full of Romance with some suspense thrown in.
*An ARC was received for my honest opinion. Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read and review this novel!

Jill Shalvis never disappoints, and although this may not be my favorite book of hers, I still thoroughly enjoyed the journey Ivy and Kel took to reach their happy ending.

I love this series of books set in San Francisco. The couple in this book are both very prickly for good reason as their backstory unfolds.
I enjoyed the bsnter between these two. I

Special thanks to Lisa Filipe & Avon Books for our gifted review copy.

I love a good love story. Wrapped Up In You by Jill Shalvis is part of the Heartbreaker Bay series. While I read this as a stand-alone, I’m excited to read the rest of the series. I was able to get just enough info about other characters that I’m intrigued to get more of their story.

How Much Steam?

This book delivers on the steam. It’s got just enough to satisfy steam lovers, but not so much to deter those new to the genre. Jill gives us hot & heavy and it works because she develops the relationships so well.

One thing I liked about this book is the detailed backstory of Ivy & Kel. These are real folks with real issues and it’s been a while since I’ve read a book that I felt had a bit of gritty drama matched with a sweet romance.

THE VERDICT

I am Really Into This book! This is a win for me & you bet your ass I’m reading much more Jill Shalvis this fall & winter. Check out my review for The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis.

Let’s connect over books! Check out all of our reviews on Goodreads.

This is a really weak entry in the otherwise delightful series. The relationship was full of many of the standard tropes, and neither main character was very strong or appealing. The whole romance was rushed, especially given how damaged each of them was. The constant kickboxing scenes, especially with the addition of Tina’s trite motivational sayings, got old really fast, and even moreso when they were used as chapter headings. A better title would have been Kickboxed to Christmas.” Forgettable and phoned in.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Helloooooooo hot and sexy sheriff. Feel free to go all alpha and use those handcuffs. *fans self*. I love the characters and the setting of this Jill Shalvis series. I want to move to Cow Hollow - just for a little bit. Wrapped up in You is Ivy and Kel’s story. Shalvis keeps it interesting by always giving us a unique glimpse into the lives of each couple, but catches us up on some of the previous characters. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I really love the world-building and enjoy reading things in order.
I love that Ivy rebuilt her life and was successful at it. That is a definite challenge that all of us could face one day. As we build empathy towards her, Kel is also working to break down the emotional walls she has put up around herself. The antagonist in this story is Ivy’s brother and the trouble he brings with him. While he does work towards redemption, he sure doesn’t make life easy for Ivy. As a reader, was mad at him!!! Ivy needed a clean break to get on with her life and to stoke the flames with Kel.
As always, I have not read a Shalvis book I didn’t like. I think I am quite biased, but her books are always at the top of my librarian recommendation list. I work on creating more die-hard fans. So, if you have not read a book from this series, it’s time to put it on your TBR pile.

Wrapped Up in You is the 8th book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. Jill Shalvis has the amazing ability to produce another book in this series that brings this reader right back into the series world with two engaging characters.

Kel is on vacation in San Francisco when he meets Ivy who owns the local food truck. They both have plenty in their individual pasts to have trust issues, and they are both surprised and scared about how they feel for each other. I loved Ivy's feisty attitude and her pride in taking care of herself. And Kel, he's just sweet. Even though he had a situation in Idaho to resolve, I thought they fit together like peas and carrots from the start. I really couldn't put this down.

An ARC was provided by review.

I found myself struggling to establish the connection I was hoping for while reading and decided to shelve at this time.

Wrapped Up in You is an entertaining and well written romance. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Ms Shalvis knows how to deliver a terrific book. Thanks to the publisher for my arc. This is my unbiased review.