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 … 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.
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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.
After being a nomad of sorts for so long, Ivy Snow is finally ready to embrace a little permanency… and San Francisco seems like the perfect place to do that. She has a little nest egg built up and just needs a little more before she can purchase her own condo, and finally be on solid ground, and say goodbye to temporary living. She isn’t going to let anything get in the way of her finally making her dream a reality… which becomes easier said then done, when a sexy stranger named Kel O’Donnell comes wandering into her world!
He is everything she could want in a partner, but as much as she wants him, she knows she shouldn’t get too attached because he has temporary written all over him!
Wrapped Up in You brings you into the lives of two wounded souls who have serious hang-ups about love and relationships. Ivy craves normalcy and a steady relationship with a good man, and Kel isn’t so sure he can be that man for her, his past hurts keep him from wanting to let her in, and give her what she craves. Secrets and old wounds cause these two to go through lots of ups and downs, but once things level out for them and they finally get to the good stuff it’s easy to see that they were meant to be together. It’s the “getting to that point” that really tugs on the heartstrings and keeps you in anticipation wondering if they’ll find their forever kind of love.
Once again Ms. Shalvis has left me dazzled by her words, and lovable characters! She has penned a story here that comes with her trademark humor, but it also comes with a bit of angst and heart squeezing emotion too… and of course the sexy toe-curling goodness too. I loved meeting this pairing, their story kept me captivated and swooning the whole way through! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
When I pick up a Jill Shalvis book I know I am in for a wild and amazing ride! She definately delivered in Wrapped Up In You!
Kel is a small town sheriff “visiting” his cousin and family after a near death experience on the job in Idaho. Last thing he expected when visiting was the sassy and sexy Taco Truck owner!
Ivy is sassy and guarded taco truck owner who has never really had a place to call “home”. When Kel shows up she finds she is wanting not only a home but a forever. Will they be able to heal eachother from their damaged pasts?
I absolutely loved this story. I found I could not put the book down. There were times where this was so suspenseful my heart was pounding out of my chest. This was a perfect mix of sexy and suspenseful!
I was given an ARC and this is my honest opinion
I was wrapped up in this story! So good!! So yummy!! So awesome…I mean tacos!!
You would think that if I am reading Book 8 of a series – I would be lost not having read any of the others. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I didn’t feel lost or not understand connections which to me is an indication of a talented writer to explain those connections without it feeling forced.
Ivy is a fiercely independent, sassy, take no prisoners owner of her very own Taco Truck. That alone makes her awesome. Add in her troubled past that she’s overcome; a brother who may be more trouble than he’s worth, but he’s still family, and the friendships that evolve and you have one heck of a woman. Then there’s Kel – although I didn’t know about his past – it was explained so seamlessly that it never missed a beat. Kel is scrumptious, yummy, alpha and all cop. A particular profession that Ivy tries to avoid like the plague.
I loved their banter and their slow development as friends and then lovers. One of my favorite scenes – “When you’re sure…You’ll say when.” I loved that part.
Of course they hit some bumps along the way and trust is a BIG issue for both and one of them doesn’t have it when they should. But hoping they will overcome all that and have their true love story.
I voluntarily requested and read an uncorrected advance reader copy.
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 probably say this with each subsequent Jill Shalvis book that I read, but I’m going to say it again. This one is absolutely my favorite of the series. And it is, so far. WRAPPED UP IN YOU was just such an enjoyable read, filled with characters and situations that had me smiling a LOT, and laughing out loud more than once. Figure in the camaraderie, the affection between family, and friends that feel like family, and two main characters that are perfect for each other, and I was absolutely in romance heaven.
Kel and Ivy had me smiling from their first fiery meeting, and, even though they might not have known it, it was clear that there was no turning back for either one of them. Sure, each of them put on an ‘I’m just fine by myself, and I don’t need anyone’ front, but, come on, it’s Jill Shalvis, and it’s Heartbreaker Bay. Nobody escapes the magic of that danged Cow Hollow fountain. These two were goners before they even realized it.
I’ve found that the books in this series always have a little bit of everything. There’s emotion, attraction, angst, and a touch of suspense, and WRAPPED UP IN YOU has its share of each. Rather than end up in a weird mishmash, each piece fits together perfectly, making for one heck of a satisfying read. This book is not only another great addition to the Heartbreaker Bay collection, but to my growing list of holiday reads. The epilogue alone is a gift that will stay with me, and the perfect ending to this heartwarming read. If you’re looking for a feel-good read with a storyline that will reel you in, characters that will steal your heart, and smiles and sexiness galore, this is the book for you. Read it (and the rest of the series!) and enjoy.
I really liked that story about two guarded souls who had been hurt in the past and collided so beautifully, with a strong hint of sass and sexiness.
Ivy and Kel have learned the hard way to protect themselves and not trusting people easily. When these two met, you could definitely feel the sparks. It had this little something in the air that made me fall heals all over them.
I was attracted by this powerful connection and how they seemed to be so much different on the outside but much the same on the inside.
Kel was relying on facts and his didn’t let him trust people otherwise. I adored his straightforwardness when it came to Ivy but was the complete opposite with his friends. Close guarded and being back to his lonely life, with a demanding work. Never wanted to settle down and it took one trip to help his cousin to see what he came for, even if he didn’t realize it firsthand.
Ivy has always been closed off, not relying on her feelings but depended on self-preservation. When this hot cowboy/sheriff came into her town, she knew that he would need all the willpower to push him away, trouble with a capital T.
Even being surrounded by her friends, she didn’t trust easily and being alone was enough. She didn’t need someone to shook her world like Kel.
From the first moment they met until the end, I’ve been drawn to his battle of war they were having with their hearts, a slow burn filled with that thick tension, when these two realized that when they found that person, someone you can trust and share your burdens, life was less difficult. It was a strength not a weakness.
Their banter made me smile so much and I was rooting for them from the beginning. It has some emotional parts for sure and they had to overcome all their issues to make it work but when they finally let it go, it was just heartwarming, so swoony and just all the feels.
I adore this series and I am looking forward to reading more stories.
Have you ever read a book that resonates with you? It seems to touch you in the heart profoundly and unexpectedly? Well, this one did that to me. It is achingly beautiful and powerful in its delivery of how family, friends, love and trust affect everyone, differently and yet the same.
I am huge fan of Jill Shalvis and this series in particular and she does not disappoint with the amazing story. All the characters of Heartbreaker Bay are special but, Ivy and Kel stand out for me. They are two people with some serious trust issues and don’t believe in love so, watching them dance around their attraction is entertaining. Their individual stories are sad and they do what they can to keep moving forward but, some habits are hard to break and when Ivy needs Kel’s trust the most, he wavers and an impossible situation is born unless a fountain wish and a Christmas miracle is answered.
I absolutely recommend this book. It’s a true romantic’s treasure!
I have been waiting and waiting AND WAITING for Ivy to get her story from Jill Shalvis, and boy oh boy was she worth the wait! Ivy is a take no bullsh*t, extremely strong and independent woman. She’s never had stability in her life, and never really had a place to call her own. Now she’s in San Francisco, and is the proud owner of an extremely successful taco truck.
Kel is in town temporarily, and not by choice really. He’s back in San Fran healing after a job gone wrong on the force. He has no plans of staying longer than he has to, that is until he stops by Ivy’s taco truck and she literally turns up the heat on him.
The two of these together were explosive. Ivy needs stability and knows that Kel is a bad bet, but when things start to go wrong in her newly stable life, Kel inserts himself into her business and wants to help her in any way he can. The two of them really do work better together, and compliment one another in many ways. But, are they going to be able to get the HEA they both truly deserve?
I couldn’t put this book down! But that’s truly a given with any book that Jill Shalvis releases. These two were a great fit and I am so so happy that Ivy finally got her story. Even with a tough background and history, we all deserve happiness and stability in our lives. And most of all, we deserve LOVE.
Kel and Ivy both have to overcome difficult childhood histories to learn to trust again. Family and friends encourage them to follow their hearts. This story has great characters that grow with the story. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good love story.
Jill Shalvis always delivers a well-written and easy to read story that has emotion, heart, and humor. Although Wrapped Up In You delivered all that and was an enjoyable read, it just didn’t give me that little something extra that I usually get when I read a Jill Shalvis book. It was good, but I just didn’t fall in love with the characters like I usually do.
Ivy and Kel were both great characters – most of the time. I loved that Ivy has created a life for herself after a very rough childhood. She certainly has trust issues, but somehow Kel works his way into her life. Kel has his own issues from his childhood and from the current day. He may trust, but not his heart, since history has shown that when you trust your heart with someone it will get broken. What I didn’t like so much was Ivy’s penchant for lying, which granted had to so with some of her trust issues, but there were times when I just didn’t get it. Kel got me a bit annoyed towards the end when he made assumptions about Ivy and didn’t think things through – something a skilled cop would do. He was downright awful to Ivy, and I felt it went a bit too far for my liking. They did have some great banter and I did enjoy the lead-up to them getting involved. Kel was patient with Ivy and was just there for her…which was very sweet and definitely helped him win her over.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and the feeling of family that exists between all the friends. With the group expanding it’s sometimes hard to keep track of everyone and I did miss some interactions with some of the core group of characters from the first books. There is a bit of predictability in the plot and it was easy to see what issue was going to have to be dealt with in this one. Although there was some nice heat between the characters, that special spark between them just wasn’t there for me.
I received an advance reader copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Jill is my favorite writer, and her latest novel centered on the Pacific Pier Building in San Francisco falls right in with the fun, the sex and the drama of her previous HB books. Ivy and Kel are easy to root for and fall in love with. You will enjoy it, get out there and buy it!
Once again, I enjoyed returning to Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay series. This time Ivy gets her story with Kel.
These two were wonderful together. Both are guarded individuals who find themselves able to open up with each other. They had chemistry, banter and genuine connection.
We also get to reminisce with couples and friends from previous books.
The only way this could have been better was if I was reading it around Christmas curled up under a blanket by the tree.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the author.***
Liza’s Review:
Wrapped Up In You is the 8th book in the Heartbreaker Bay series of books from Jill Shalvis. Kel O’Donnell, Caleb’s cousin, and Ivy Snow, taco truck owner, are both pretty guarded individuals thanks to things for each of their pasts. Kel is a by the rules cop in Idaho, while Ivy is finally ending her nomadic lifestyle in San Francisco.
I enjoyed Ivy and Kel’s story. While they were pretty opposite in certain things, there was enough alike about them and chemistry between them, for me to keep wanting them to spend more and more time together. They did seem to dance around their attraction way longer than I expected, but it also seemed to work for them as a couple. As with any book by Jill Shalvis, there are moments where I’m laughing out loud one minute, and crying a bit at others. I had wanted Kel’s book since forever, and while I still love him, he mad me mad on more than one occasion in Wrapped Up In You. I think because I’ve always seen him as such a great guy, when he acted what I felt like was out of character, it took a bit for me to get past it.
Honestly while I enjoyed the romance in Wrapped Up In You, the friendships Ivy finally realized she had with all the women in the series gave me all the happy feels. They each had each others backs always and the friendships with the women were every bit as important to Ivy moving forward with a romance as it was to her everyday life. I love how the friendships that develop in a Jill Shalvis book end up being every bit as important to the main characters as the romance.
Wrapped Up In You was a great addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series of books. I love with each new book, we get to spend time with favorite characters from the series and I know I’m going to have an emotional romance that will keep me reading way past my bedtime.
Rating: 4 Stars (B)
Review copy provided by publisher
Can a woman who has been unable to settle down in one spot for very long manage to settle down and find love?
Ivy Snow has never managed to stay in one place very long all her life. Constantly changing schools, cities, having to make new friends but never letting them get too close. Always trying to stay one step ahead.
Kel O’Donnell is a sheriff on a medically required leave back in San Francisco where he grew up before moving to Idaho. Kel isn’t just a sheriff but he is also a ranch owner. He is grounded and not one used to moving around.
Ivy has decided to try and settle down and has bought a food truck and is running the best taco truck in Cow Hollow. She is saving up to buy a condo even. But she is needing to stay ahead of her past as well which is proving to be tricky.
Kel is introduced to Ivy and her fantastic tacos by Caleb and the other denizens of Cow Hollow. And he falls promptly in love with her tacos. And slowly, Kev falls in love with Ivy too.
Ivy discovers she like Kev but is hesitant to allow herself to fall in love with Kev since well, he is a cop.
Can these two unlikely wonderful characters manage to get it together and allow each other to love the other and do it in the time that Kel has given himself to be in San Francisco? Well, it is a Jill Shalvis book so we know the answer is yes. But it is the chaotic bumpy ride that makes this book worth devoting a weekend to sit down and enjoy. The weather is still perfect in early fall to be able to sit outside in many places and enjoy the beauty of fall and devour this book.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the publisher prior to publication in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Favorite Quotes:
Mentally sifting through a long list of fantasies, Ivy told her landlord all about Brandon the artist, who was living in Paris at the moment, becoming famous for his incredible oil landscapes. She left off the fact that he peddled stolen art instead of creating it, and it hadn’t been Paris, France, but Paris, Texas.
And trust me, women are tougher than us. They can handle our shit. And if you don’t think so, think about this—they take showers with the water temperature set to the exploding sun, by choice.
Her chest felt tight. Way too tight. “It’s hot in here,” she whispered. “Is it hot in here?” she asked all the people standing way too close. “Honey, that’s called a hot flash,” an elderly woman waiting in line said. “Are you going through the change?” “Edna, she’s like twelve,” the woman next to the first one said. “She’s not going through the change. And how much longer before you refill the mashed potatoes? I can’t stand on my feet too long, I get the veins.”
My Review:
I don’t think I will ever tire of Jill Shalvis’s clever wit or her entertaining and amusing tales. To use one of her own words, she is divinely, “Crackalicious.” One of the main characters of this book was Ivy Snow, and although ivy doesn’t typically have thorns, this Ivy was a prickly one who was always on guard, and for good reason. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy her but Ivy’s backstory was a heart squeezer and my appreciation of her rose steadily as her layers were slowly peeled back. I grew to adore this couple as much as the other Heartbreakers that I’ve read.
This was soo lovely.
Here we have Ivy and Kel; we’ve heard from Ivy in past books, she’s the taco truck lady; and he’s Caleb’s cousin.
Anyway, I loved these two, they were both very strong people, but with a fragility they were always hiding, talk about exhausting! Which is why I loved they found a haven in each other.
I so wanted to hug the hell out of Ivy, everything she went through made her the tough cookie she is now, but come on, that brother. Grrr. I felt so helpless for her, how the people we love can hurt us the deepest. 🙁 Which also made it so hard for her to trust in the people close to her that really did love her.
Kel was a cool guy. But so hurt by his past. I’m not sure I wouldn’t have acted like he did, but you could see the toll it was taking on him was too great. I felt bad for him because he was hiding a great guy underneath, but oh boy, did he find his match in Ivy.
I loved them together and how little by little they were able to heal each other, but at the same time lift each other up. They truly deserved their own HEA.
It was also fun to see the rest of the gang and their part in Ivy and Kel’s journey.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*
3.5 stars
Wrapped Up in You is book number 8 in the Heartbreaker Bay series and my first go at it. It’s clear that some characters have already had their own stories, but I don’t feel like I was missing out on too much. This book can definitely be read as a standalone. It does make me want to go read the previous books though, because I am curious about a few characters.
In Wrapped Up in You we meet Ivy Snow. She owns her own taco truck and is very happy with how far she has gotten. We don’t learn everything right away, but it’s clear Ivy has had a hard life and really trying to settle down in one place is something new. I really enjoyed Ivy. She works really hard to get what she’s dreaming of. Her passion for her own food truck is really sweet. Ivy isn’t really sure how to let people in, but I loved how she slowly came out of her shell in this one.
Kel is a sheriff from Idaho and is visiting for a couple of weeks. He seems like he’s married to his job (this is said to him quite a few times, haha). A lot has happened to him in the past and even just recently, so trusting isn’t something that comes easy to him. Kel always says that his job makes it hard to keep a relationship going, but it’s clear he is holding back as well. Kel is definitely one for the book boyfriend list. Even though I wanted to smack him at times, he has such a big heart! His urge to protect someone he cares for is clear and I loved that about him. He slowly opens up in this book and Kel definitely has some thinking to do about his future.
Kel and Ivy have chemistry and it’s a lot of fun. They both don’t think they’re relationship material, but they both can’t deny there is something going on between them. There are so many sweet moments, but also some steamy ones. I have to say I enjoyed that they didn’t just jump in bed together. It had some story leading up to everything. Kel and Ivy also had some laugh out loud moments, but also times I wanted to smack them both. Even though I enjoyed their romance, speaking of love after two weeks felt a little rushed to me here. It didn’t feel that way reading, but that’s just my personal opinion.
Wrapped Up in You was kind of pitched as a holiday romance, but I can’t say I noticed much of the holiday elements. Besides decorations being described and them mentioning Christmas Eve was near, I wouldn’t have been able to say that there was any holiday cheer. Coming in hoping for some holiday romance, I have to say I was a little disappointed.
This book is a fast and fun read with a romance that will definitely make you swoon. The side characters were a lot of fun! I actually wished we got to see more interaction between Ivy and her friends. That was also an important part of the book, but kind of lacked a bit. I get the romance is between Kel and Ivy, but Ivy’s story played a big part. Which means these friends did as well.
All in all, a book I’d definitely recommend. Just don’t go in expecting a holiday romance!
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.*
I loved Kel and Ivy. Their match worked because their pasts were so similar. Trust issues are hard to get past and these two were no different. I think that made this story really click. Watching these two together kept me glued to this book. Of course, JS writes some of the best witty dialogue in the romance genre. Even though this is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone BUT really??? why not read it all! JS writes a great book and her witty dialogue never fails to make me laugh.