Member Reviews
Wrapped Up in You is the eighth book in Jill Shavis' Heartbreaker Bay series, but can be read as a stand alone. Kel and Ivy's story is one of my favorites in the series. Ivy is a loner and Kel is a workaholic. They have amazing chemistry, but can find a way to let each other in? With a little mystery and suspense added to this plot, it was hard to put down!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Terrific story of two people who find it hard to trust. Ivy has been on the move her entire life. Raised by a flaky mother, and with a troublemaker brother, Ivy set out on her own when she was sixteen. After years of moving from place to place, she's ready to put down some roots. She has made some friends, owns a successful taco truck, and is saving up for a place of her own. I loved her determination to succeed, her independence, and her kind heart. I ached for her and the vulnerability that made her reluctant to open herself up completely. She's been burned multiple times and trusting people is hard to do.
Kel is a sheriff in Sunshine Idaho (Animal Magnetism series). He is in San Francisco visiting his cousin Caleb (Playing for Keeps) and helping Caleb with his business. Kel was recently injured in the line of duty at the same time he was betrayed by someone close to him. Added to family issues, Kel also has trouble trusting. Keeping his emotions closed off protects him from being hurt.
Ivy and Kel meet through mutual friends when they come to Ivy's Taco Truck. I loved their initial meeting and the banter that they exchanged. Ivy was still on his mind that night when he found her at her vandalized taco truck. I loved their back-and-forth as he insisted on helping her, her "prickly as a porcupine" attitude drawing him in rather than turning him off. I loved Kel's determination to get closer to Ivy, and the charm and patience he used to do so. I loved watching Kel chip away at Ivy's walls, not realizing that she did the same to his. Both Kel and Ivy resisted the idea that there was more than chemistry between them, even though everyone around them could see it. They had just started admitting that there might be something special growing between them when Ivy's brother made an unwelcome appearance. I ached for Ivy, who could see her beautiful new life disintegrating in front of her. I wanted to smack Kel for his boneheaded actions and words. Though I hurt for Ivy and the pain he caused her, I loved how she stood up to him. I enjoyed the way that Ivy's friends rallied around her and the effect it had on Ivy's entire outlook. A lecture from Caleb made Kel realize that he had to face his past before he could pursue the future. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was a nice touch. I loved seeing the changes in their lives and the surprise that Kel had for Ivy.
I love how earlier characters wander in and out of the story. As Kel's cousin, Caleb has a significant role, but he's also a good friend to Ivy. I loved the morning kickboxing classes and the comradeship it built. Tina made me laugh with her "inspirational" statements and her ability to motivate her students. I loved the closeness of the friendships and how they are there for each other when needed.
***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review***
Jill Shalvis is one of the authors that I can always rely on. She never fails to deliver a sweet romance. I’ve read and loved all of the books in this series--and this book was no different.
Ivy and Kel are two jaded people when it comes to love. They both have trust issues. Kel can’t stand liars while Ivy is afraid of letting people know the real her. They’re both trying to distance themselves from anyone who wants to get close. I loved watching them finally lower their guards, and realize that it’s okay to trust and forgive others.
The pacing was great, not too slow but not too fast. Their chemistry was written perfectly! I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for the next book!
Wrapped Up in You is a continuation of Jill Shalvis’ Heartbreaker Bay series. This book could stand alone as an excellent book for those who have not read the entire series. Fans of the series will be happy with the next installment!
In this book Ivy, chef extraordinaire of the local taco truck, is someone who has been on her own or taking care of those who should be taking care of her all her life. She is finally putting down roots and making a place for herself. In walks Kel, an Idaho lawman recovering mentally and physically from betrayal and a gunshot wound. He also has been on his own for a long time.
Throughout the book they open up to each other, start to trust, and then are pulled apart. They reach the place they must heal themselves and make a decision to engage not just with each other but with those who love them.
The Heartbreaker Series takes makes you cheer for love and underdogs and this book is no different. Ms. Shalvis makes her characters do the hard work to earn the relationship prizes. And she focuses on all the relationships not just the romantic one between the leading man and lady.
I am thankful for the electronic copy of this book I received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an arc from Netgalley & the publisher for an honest review*. This is another amazing book from Jill Shalvis in the Heartbreaker Bay series featuring Kel O’Donnell from the Animal Magnetism series (another must read series), he’s also Caleb’s cousin & Ivy Snow. You will love their story & want to follow their journey to their HEA. They both work through their issues with the help of each other & their supportive friends. This book & series is a must read!! As always I’m looking forward to the next book!!
I love Jill Shalvis! This book is part of a series that I haven’t read before but I didn’t feel as though if I was missing out on anything by not reading them. I really enjoyed this story and the HEA ending. This was a fast and fun read!
Always a great story when Jill Shalvis throws her characters together! Kel and Ivy both had some baggage, but HEAs prevail. Trouble and the cowboy turn up the heat with the tacos and each other. The girl crew is always a riot, and I'm so glad that Kel finally got a wonderful HEA.
Book review Wrapped up in you
This is another winner by Jill Shalvis. I have enjoyed all of her books in the Heartbreaker series. This one is about Ivy and Kel. We’ve met I’ve been in the series before, but Cal is a visiting cousin to Caleb. They had instant chemistry, but both have trust issues that take most of the book to overcome. I did think the angst that Cal had with his mother was too drawn out. He was angry at her for over 10 years. I did however like the way that his resolution finally did came about with his mother. That was extremely well done. Solid love story and I really liked this couple. Highly recommend this book 5 stars!
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. Kel and Ivy were a great couple.
Part of the Heartbreaker Bay series, this great novel checks off all the boxes on my list plus it’s during Christmas. We’ve had a glimpse at Kel in another novel and these two find love unexpectedly. It moves along quickly, but it seems slower, they both have been hurt in the past so trust doesn’t come back easy. This is a 5 star read, very enjoyable.
I've been waiting anxiously for this book and Ivy and Kel did not disappoint! They make such a great couple and I could not put this down! Kel was everything I expected him to be and more! Ivy let me down just a tad, but maybe I had too high of an expectation. But all in all, worth the read!
Emotionally thrilling, sweetly sexy and heartwarming romantic journey with a fun holiday twist..... I really enjoyed this fun adventure filled with exciting charters, witty banter and undeniable passion. Excellent reading!
I received a copy to review from Netgalley for an honest review. What can I say? I always anticipate the next release from Jill Shalvis and this one did not disappoint. Ivy is starting over in San Francisco with her taco truck. She is settling down and calling this place home and leaving her past behind. She is guarded and doesn't give much of herself to her relationships. Some heartbreaks are harder to recover from than others. Kel is on vacation after something bad went down. Meeting Ivy and sparing with her at her taco truck puts a smile back in his heart. The more time he spends around her the more he questions his plans for the future. Both have been betrayed by people close to them. Can two broken hearts work together to become whole again? Great book. I couldn't put it down.
I love reading this authors books. She definitely knows how to draw the reader in and keep them rooting for the couple. Ivy and Kel both have baggage. Ivy is her upbringing and the fact that her brother doesnt know how to do an honest days work. He is on the run for some quick get rich scheme and drags his poor Sister into it everytime. Only this time it is much worse. Kel has his own childhood issues too. Can Kel see that Ivy has a true heart one that she has kept sheltered for fear of her past? Can Ivy see that while Kel is not without his faults has finally got her back? You will have to read and find out.
Loved this story and the characters. Sometimes growing up is just plain hard. Street smarts is often what sees us through. Family’s can be a pain. I’m so glad that Ivy found her new family. This group certainly helped the others in the group grow. Acceptance is often easier among friends than family. Our other leading character, Kel, didn’t have an easy childhood either. It was fun watching them spar with each other. I enjoyed getting to know these folks and who knows, maybe I’ll get to hang with them again. I think you will enjoy them too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
Oh how I love a Jill Shalvis romance. She has such a gift. She takes the most broken, street tough women that you can think of, pairs them up with gorgeous guys with some baggage of their own, and turns them into a couple that you really root hard for. Ivy and Kel are the couple in this story. I absolutely love this series; I cannot get enough! My other favorite character was Tina, the transwoman who not only makes great muffins, she kicks Ivy's (and some other women) ass in kickboxing class. Tina said two of my favorite lines. The first was "when the going gets tough, what would Tina do?". The second was "strong is what happens when we run out of weak". Words to live by! The author always adds humor (& great sex!) As long as Jill Shalvis is writing, I'll be reading. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
While my heart is truly in San Francisco with the Heartbreaker Bay series year-round, I adore the Christmas-y background feel while the romance is front and center in WRAPPED UP IN YOU. It’s always a treat, for me, when characters cross over from other series. If you’ve read Ms. Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series then you might recognize Kel. (If you haven’t read that series yet, no worries, but I’d highly recommend it to add to your TBR – amazing stories).
Ivy hasn’t had the easiest life, but she’s put down roots now, has her own “infamous” taco truck business and has gathered some precious friends around her. She may always have an eye out for trouble to come in and ruin everything, but she’s living a life she enjoys and feels safe, for now. Kel is visiting friends while recovering from an in the line of duty injury. Two weeks in beautiful San Fransisco should have him back in working shape in no time. Kel hadn’t expected Ivy to burst into his life, for her to mean so much so soon, or for the trouble that finally showed up on her doorstep once again. Now two people who have a strong connection need to battle the past and fight for a future that might not be exactly as they thought.
The ongoing, woven into each story, the legend of the fountain always brings a smile to my face. Because who knows? Maybe there’s a bit of magic in that fountain after all.
I had such a good time with WRAPPED UP IN YOU, revisiting old friends again and experiencing a love story that touches the heart, has lots of sizzle and a few surprises in store. I’d not hesitate to recommend this story or the entire series to any Romance reader who loves a really good romance, believable characters and a circle of good friends. I had a blast, and I believe you’ll fall in love in Heartbreaker Bay once again.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
This is the 8th installment in the Heartbreaker series. As with the previous 7, I adored this story and the characters. I recommend this sweet, sexy and fun series for all those who enjoy a good romance with a good story and lovable characters. Jill Shalvis delivers! ~~I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley to enjoy and review.
Description
It’s love. Trust me.
After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.
Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-term plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.
Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis Is a five star unputdownable read that will have your heart bursting with love.
Ivy Snow finally wants to plant some roots after moving to different place after place. Not one to attach herself to anyone or anything she feels like Cow Hollow San Francisco is it. Having her Taco Truck, a small tiny place to call home, she’s been able to put back money for herself. But she still holding people at arms length. Until the sexy sheriff, cowboy Kel O’Donell shows up with his cousin at her Taco Truck.
Kel is here while healing from an incident at work back in Idaho. Working with Caleb is helping him still feel like he’s working even though he’s healing. He seems to be a workaholic. He’s a protector through and through. And he is instantly protective of Ivy. He can see through the walls she’s built. And he plans to tear each one down.
We get every single thing we love in a romance. Great characters, absolutely addictive plot, emotional touches that honestly touch your soul. And a love that will win no matter what.
Highly recommended.
*i was given a free advanced copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are those of my own.*
A sweet, sexy, emotional, and heartfelt tale with a holiday twist, I thoroughly enjoyed Kel and Ivy's story. Exquisitely written with a lovable cast of characters, witty banter, and an engaging plot, Wrapped Up in You fills your heart with hope and love.