Member Reviews

I had hastily picked up this book after DNFing two in a row. I was thinking, if anyone would be able to fend off this book slump, it would be Jill Shalvis, and I was right!

I am ALWAYS excited to read a new Shalvis book, but when I saw that Kel from the Animal Magnetism books was joining the Heartbreaker Bay gang, I was bouncing up and down. Kel was a character we fans were clamoring about. We wanted the sexy sheriff to get his HEA, and not only did Shalvis deliver that, via a wonderful romance, she also gave him that "home" he had previously thought was gone forever.

I thought this was a rather brilliant pairing, too. Kel had been hesitant to form any real emotional ties. He had lost his father and grandparents, been abandoned by his mother, and was betrayed by someone he considered a very close friend.

Ivy was in a similar situation. She grew up with a neglectful mother and a brother who constantly put her in precarious situations. Both had let her down, time and again, and she grew to think she could only count on herself. Cow's Hollow was the first place she established roots, but she still kept everyone at arm's length.

It was rather wonderful watching these two chip away at each other's walls. They both had so much baggage and pain in their pasts, and I was eager for each of them to, in the immortal words of Lenny Kravitz, let love rule. They also seemed really well suited for each other. There was chemistry, connection, and something special, which just made me want them to ride off into the sunset together.

Besides their fantastic romance, we had all those stupendous elements of friendship, that I know will be present, when I pick up a Jill Shalvis book. Many members of the "gang" made an appearance, as they went on outings, worked out, and shared many heart-to-hearts. I always enjoy the ease these characters have with each other, as well as the heartfelt and humorous times they share together.

On top of all that, we had quite a bit of family involvement. Not only were Kel and Ivy opening their hearts to love, they were re-opening them to their families, and allowing themselves to heal their pasts. There's a lot of lovely moments and much forgiveness to go around, and I was a big fan of these elements.

Overall: A beautiful story of the power of love, friendship, and forgiveness and opening yourself up to possibilities. I hope there will be many more books in the Heartbreaker Bay series, because I am far from ready to leave this world.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very interesting romance novel.

It tells the story of Ivy Snow, a woman who grow up not having real roots, who has decided to finally settle down in town. Because she has moved around so much she has built up mile high walls around her. When Kel, a rancher, shows up things begin to get tricky for Ivy. Kel is almost as closed off as Ivy but they both begin to warm up and their walls begin to crumble as they fall for each other.

Ivy's past does cause a few problems but because this is a romance novel they do end up together and have their happy ever after. I won't spoil just how.

Over all this was a wonderful book. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters. It felt real and not like something just happening in a romance novel. I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Jill Shalvis delivers another heartwarming read in her newest novel, Wrapped Up in You. The eighth novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series had a lot to live up to and it did not disappoint. Readers delve into the beautiful story of Ivy and Kel that offers lessons in love, friendship, and forgiveness. You cannot go wrong with a Jill Shalvis novel.

Was this review helpful?

Another great entry in Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay series, featuring Kel (familiar to those who’ve read the Wilder series), who’s on a two week forced leave from Sunshine, Idaho and visiting family in our favorite Cow Hollow neighborhood, and Ivy, whom we’ve met briefly in previous titles, as the owner of the Taco Truck. Both of these two have issues in forming relationships due to events in their pasts and must overcome them in order to have a chance at love. There’s a slight mystery, some bad guys that have to be dealt with, and past relationships to mend. I love the way Shalvis deals with her character’s flaws, often relying on others to point out some home truths to our h/h. Because it is Shalvis, you know there’s going to be a HEA but it’s nice to catch a glimpse of that in the epilogue. In my experience, Shalvis never disappoints and this book just reaffirms that.

Was this review helpful?

A complicated romance. Ivy is a closed off loner, Kel is just as closed off. Both have family history that is bad. When they meet each other the chemistry is palpable. Their journey to happiness is
Twisted and dark. I enjoyed the story.

Was this review helpful?

another winner for Shalvis. This group of characters are so great its easy to see how far she can go with this. Ivy and Kel are just another example of wonderful. Both had issues but came to overcome them together with good friends.

Was this review helpful?

For the first time in her life Ivy Snow has found a place to put down roots. She owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment that she can call home. She is trying to put her past behind her and establish a stable life for herself. She is guarded and keeps her past to herself. Then she meets Kel O’Donnell who breaks through her guarded wall.

Kel is an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, who is on vacation after an on-the-job injury. But meeting Ivy has him rethinking his short-term plans. But when Ivy’s past resurfaces their perfect little romance is in jeopardy. Both Ivy and Kel have family issues that need resolution.

Was this review helpful?

I so enjoy Jill shalvis. She didn’t fail again this time. A great story of two broken people. Who try to trust and love

Was this review helpful?

In this Heartbreaker Bay novel we get to learn more about Ivy ( the owner of the food truck) and Caleb’s cousin Kel ( the police officer). Both Ivy and Kel have been hurt in the past, and are weary of new relationships. Any fan of this series will laugh out loud at the funny parts and maybe even cry at times. It’s like coming home again and you feel as though you too can toss a coin into the fountain. This story does not disappoint, I can hardly wait for the next one.

Was this review helpful?

Fun, steamy, magical - just a few adjectives to describe this latest in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Shalvis. Ivy and Kel appear to have very little in common, but the more time they spend together the more they want find. Ivy has always been on the fringes, and Kel has battled his own demons in life, together they might have a chance of finding something worth holding on to. As always there are great characters from previous books that pop in to give you updates, but the story moves at a great pace with plenty of the trademark humor and romance you expect. Overall, a great read that is hard to put down.

Was this review helpful?

Heartbreaker Bay novels are a perfect read for a rainy afternoon. A little romance, a little discord, and a happy ending. Jill Shalvis has made this series feel like family to the reader. I am always happy to read about what is happening in other relationships and Shalvis seamlessly weaves either stories into every new book.

In this story, we finally find out more about food trucker operator, Ivy. She has a mysterious past and keeps everything close to the vest. However, Caleb's cousin, Kel wants to know all her secrets. He's a sheriff in Idaho and plans to return there in a few weeks. Can the intriguing Ivy persuade Kel to move permanently? Read this book to find out.

Was this review helpful?

I had a hard time getting into this book. It didn't 'hold my attention and I almost gave up on it. It took me more than a week to get threw the 1st couple of chapters. But I didn't 't quit reading it and I am so glad I did not. Once it stated getting interesting I couldn't put it down. I was at a family event and I was reading it on my phone. I do recommend this book. If you are having a hard time with the 1st couple chapters keep reading you will not regret it.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper ollins for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this addition to the heartbreaker bay series! It was such a sweet story that is a perfect romance.

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful story of love found, trust earned, and family restored. Kel and Ivy are great characters that have been alone for a long time. They both think it's best to stay alone, so when attraction stikes it's hard for them to believe they could have something better. I loved the strength they show, the dedicated circle of friends, and how family, both good and bad, played into the story. The epilogue was great, showing a brief glimpse into the future assuring us all was well. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

It's no secret that I enjoy a series to become invested in. *Wrapped Up in You* is the 8th installment in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis and I have read them all! I really like catching up with my favorite characters as Shalvis gives us a new couple to root for. In this book we follow the romance of Ivy Snow, taco truck owner, and Kel O'Donnell, rancher/sheriff on vacation. While not necessary to read these books in order (because the story does stand on its own), I find that my favorite part of this book was the way the secondary characters that I have read about before play a part and enhance the reading experience. If this is your first time reading about Heartbreaker Bay, I would be very surprised if you didn't go back and catch up on what you've missed! It was a satisfying and enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jill Shalvis has become widely popular with her romance novels and we were waiting for a novel that is based on someone on the move going from place to place, job to job, wrong man to wrong man. For the case of Ivy Snow after a lifetime of moving, she finally found her place in San Francisco owning her own Taco Truck and meeting a mysterious man Kel O'Donnell of whom is worried that Ivy is hiding from her past and everything she has told him is a lie and their relationship is based on that lie. This book reveals a strong message that the truth will always set you free and if you are destined that he is the one for you, your past and your mistakes will not matter just as long as you are true to yourself. We can't wait to share this book with our patrons and community, they are sure to love it.

We will consider adding this title to our Romance collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Having grown up constantly on the move, Ivy Snow is content to finally be grounding herself in San Francisco with her successful taco truck. Then the sexy-as-sin Kel O'Donnell comes to town and Ivy Snow can hardly resist his charm and their natural attraction to one another. But Kel is only temporary and Ivy isn't even sure that she deserves the kind of long-lasting love that all of her friends have.

Jill Shalvis is an auto-buy/auto-read author for me. She is truly a master of fun, sexy small-town romances and her Heartbreaker Bay series is no exception. Though not my favorite installment, Wrapped Up In You offers plenty of swoony-worthy moments, a stubborn female protagonist, and a sexy male love interest who knows how to get past her walls. This installment is also just Christmassy enough without being too Christmassy, so if you don't celebrate the holiday, it'll still warm you up during the winter months.

The only issue that I have with small-town romances, including Jill Shalvis' books, is that characters from previous stories are so happy to have found their true loves that they're almost "out of character" in later installments. Sadie from book 7 is extremely dopey and gushy here, though she had some serious emotional issues to overcome in her own story. While I'm glad she's happy now that she's found her soulmate, I felt like she wasn't the same person I had just read about before.

Was this review helpful?

I could not stop reading this book! Kel and Ivy's story is filled with trustbuilding, angst, friendship, crazy family stuff and normal life to overcome before love strikes! Jill Shalvis is a wonderful storyteller who just gets better and better with each book.

Was this review helpful?

Another fun Heartbreaker Bay entry. I enjoy following the various friendships as much as I do the romance.

Was this review helpful?

Ivy Snow is used to moving around a lot, so setting down roots in San Francisco is a new experience. When Kel, a cop on leave from Idaho, meets Ivy, the two have instant chemistry but both are hard-wired to keep others at arm's length. Will their love survive when Ivy's complicated past comes knocking?

Jill Shalvis never fails to please. This is a perfect beach read!

Was this review helpful?