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 read everything Ms. Shalvis writes, sometimes twice. I also love to listen to her books on audio. Wrapped Up In You is the next in her Heartbreaker Bay Series, and it’s a winner.
Ivy Snow is a tough no nonsense entrepreneur, who drives a food truck called The Taco Truck. Her childhood was spent temporarily living everywhere. Different schools, different friends, no roots. At sixteen she left looking for herself and those roots. She settled in San Francisco, bought a tiny apartment and opened her business. She is saving every penny to buy a condo in a new building, and life will be good. Unfortunately she has a brother Brandon who is always wheeling and dealing and in trouble. He seems to bring that trouble to her.
Kel O’Donnell is Caleb’s cousin who is a sheriff ranch owner in Idaho. He is on forced leave of absence from the sheriff’s department after an on the job injury, and consulting with his cousin about security. He is immediately attracted to Ivy. He feels she is keeping secrets and wants to help her. She wants no attachments, but when some worrying incidents start happening to her, he is right by her side. They both feel a relationship is not possible, his job in Idaho comes first, she wants to be in charge of her life, and a man in it is not for her. But hints and people change and the excitement, suspense and romance had me reading to the end! If you haven’t read this series, what are you waiting for? Each can be read as a stand alone, but your missing great stories with laughs, romance and wonderI ful people.
Wrapped Up in You is a continuation of the fantastic Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis. Though part of a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone (but I truly feel series are meant to be read in order, so you are able know the other characters and most of their backstories thanks to the previous books in the series. This is the story of Ivy and Kel. Ivy owns a Taco Truck and lives in building in a small apartment after finally putting down some “roots” and staying put in one place after moving around so much earlier in her life. Kel is a sheriff in Idaho who is visiting his cousin Caleb in San Francisco and helping him with security on a new building (while also recovering from an injury received on the job in Idaho). They both have pasts that keep them very guarded that only show a version of themselves to the outside world. They both have “walls” up to protect them from any more hurt and heartache similar to what they suffered earlier in their lives.
Upon their first meeting – sparks immediately fly and they are both instantly drawn to each other. They both keep their distance but as Ivy starts dealing with some unexpected trouble, Kel, with this law enforcement background, is the first person who wants to help.
As they begin to spend more time together – you will fall in love with both of these characters and as their stories unfold, you will marvel in their strength of character as they face head-on their ghosts from the past and try to move forward from them. All the while getting closer and closer to each other. Once you start this story – you will not want to put it down! It draws you in, grabs a hold of you and does not let go until you read “The End”. If you’ve read (and enjoyed) any of the previous Heartbreaker Bay books – you will not be disappointed!!
Ivy Snow and Kal O’Donnel wow is all I can say. Opposites attract. Learning how to trust. Both have pasts that taught them to not trust. Both needed to learn how to forgive. Both had huge issues to put to bed instead of each other and let’s hope they learn how. Jill seriously knows how to put words on paper my heart is still racing. Love this book!!!
I have yet to read a Jill Shalvis book that doesn’t pull me in, keep me reading all night, and ends with me wishing it wasn’t quite over yet because of the characters, the dialogue and the story. This was a great Christmas read about Kel and Ivy, two very believable and real characters with great stories. Loved seeing the other characters from Heartbreaker Bay that made an appearance as well. I can’t wait for the next one.
A little break away from the original core group of characters that are the focus of the first books of the series. If you have read the other books you will recognize the Taco Truck and it’s amazing food. This time we get the whole background on Ivy’s life and the adversity she has overcome. Caleb (from book 7 in the series) has a cousin come to visit for a few weeks, Kel. Ivy and Kel’s relationship sparks hot right away. It’s touch and go as to weather or not they will be able to work through all their personal stuff. A grand gesture is always great to see as well. Heartbreaker bay is my favorite Jill Shalvis series to date. I really want to visit San Francisco and Sonoma now too.
I have been reading Jill Shalvis books for over a decade so its easy to say that I love her writing or I wouldn’t still be reading her books! What I love about the Heartbreaker Bay series is the characters are so real. Their personalities encompass characteristics of people that I know and love. Ivy Snow and Kel O’Donnell are a great addition to the series. Ivy is one of the Pacific Pier girls but a recent and reserved addition. She puts out a strong personality but keeps her private life to herself. Kel is in town on vacation (or so he tells his cousin) for two weeks and the first day out when he is out running with the guys he meets Ivy at her taco truck and is immediately smitten. Ivy and Kel both seem to have very different life plans. Ivy is finally putting down roots and the last thing that she wants or needs is to get involved with a guy that is only around town for two weeks. Also Kel has secrets and Ivy knows because Ivy has a boatload of her own that she doesn’t plan on sharing. What I loved about Wrapped Up in You is that everyone around Kel and Ivy could see how great they were together even as hard as they tried to fight it. Honestly, the heart wants what the heart wants! Like all of Ms. Shalvis’ books it is told from dual POV and it is full of laughter, a bit of angst and ultimately love. What a wonderful addition to the series.
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.
What a delicious book. Mel and Ivy were one hot couple.
Like any other book that Jill Shalvis writes it was perfect.
The steam was perfect. The romance was perfect. The angst was perfect. The characters will make you melt!!
You’ll fall in love with them from page one.
True that this book is marked as the 8th book in the series but you really don’t have to read the others to understand wats going on in this one. You get the feeling you should know the other people but she describes them so well it’s like you’ve read the other books. And you should read them. They are all standalones.
Ivy finally gets her head in the game of life. Things are going well for her. She has an awesome job working for herself as the owner and chef of a food truck. She’s putting money away to be able to afford a new condo. The perfect man also comes into her life. But she is always a little wary of something going wrong. Namely her bad brother who seems to always eff things up for her.
Trust me you’ll love this book!!Jill Shalvis
Wrapped Up in You is part of the Heartbreaker Bay series. Ivy’s life is finally where she wants it to be, as long as the past stays in the past. Kel just might be the one thing she is missing. But when her past makes an appearance in her present, will Kel still be there? Their story had me hooked from the get-go. I definitely recommend it.
Returning to Heartbreaker Bay is always something I look forward to. Shalvis has once again created characters that are SO relatable. Whether this is your first Shalvis book or you’ve read them all, you will be pulled right into this book. All the books in the series are stand alone. Ivy is one of the strongest women I’ve come across. She thinks she’s protecting herself by building up walls, but it’s not until she finally lets the walls come down that she truly feels safe. Kale was a hot mess. He had issues he didn’t even want to think about them. It was perfect how bringing together two people who had so many issues, was the only way they could work out their issues. I’m a sucker for a happily ever after, and Shalvis delivers that once again.
Kel was the perfect hero and I really liked Ivy, but it was frustrating that she continually let her criminal brother derail her plans and jeopardize her relationship. Even so, I enjoyed their story, and I always love revisiting the close-knit group of friends in the Heartbreaker Bay series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
Wrapped Up in You is another entertaining romance with heart and humor. Kel is a sexy and charming sheriff visiting family in San Francisco and Ivy is the sassy owner of the famed taco truck. Ivy is only starting to learn how to have friends and open up to others when she meets Kel. Both have baggage and neither are looking for a relationship, but they’re drawn together. With banter, push and pull, and persistence, they work their way past each other’s defenses. They challenge each other and try to help and support each other. Jill Shalvis continued to build on an already wonderful cast of characters with Ivy, Kel, and their families in the latest installment in the Heartbreaker Bay series.
Jill Shalvis’ latest offering in the Heartbreaker Bay series was fresh, unique and entertaining. I truly could not put down this story about Ivy and Kel. Ivy has had a very challenging upbringing and a past that continues to disrupt her future. Kel has his own set of issues regarding his mom. Neither of them are looking for a relationship and have built up walls. They seem to surviving life and not living it. This book will keep you riveted through the twists and turns that are part of Wrapped Up in You!
This book is about Ivy and Kel. This story is romantic, sweet and has a little bit of suspense. I like the story behind this characters and how strong they are. l don’t like spoilers so all I’m saying is that it is a great story. I love reading this book and enjoy every minute of it. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
I loved this story.
Kel comes back to his roots due to issues at his job. Ivy has a hard time opening up to people but seems to finally have found a place.
Such a great story of two people connected to the group but yet feeling like outsiders.
Loved the end! Can’t wait to see what comes next for the Heartbreaker Bay people!
I love this series
I always look forward to Christmas rolling around because I know author Shalvis will provide us readers with another fun book in her Heartbreaker Bay holiday series. This is the eighth in the series and I’ve loved each and every previous book, just like this one.
Ivy Snow, untrusting, hard-shelled, has moved to San Francisco looking for permanence in her life, which she’s never had before. She owns a popular taco truck and is saving money for a deposit on her very own condo.
Kel O’Donnell has come to San Francisco recovering from almost being killed on the job as a sheriff in Idaho, where he’s also a ranch owner. He has his own trust issues and plans on heading back to Idaho shortly. Then he has one of Ivy’s tacos.
Romance, laughter, angst, friendship, screwed up families – all are contained within the pages of this newest addition to a wonderful series.
I recommend it highly.
I received this book from Avon Books through Edelweiss in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
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.
This was a nice romance. The guy married to his job, the girl whose upbringing was hard, a group of really great friends, and some drama to round out the story. I liked the story, it was a sweet romance with flawed characters who find redemption and happiness with one another.
There is a sweet ease to this story. Ivy and Kel meet each other and there is sassy banter between them. Each are guarded but there is a comfort as well. Kel is a sheriff in Idaho who is back in San Fransisco for awhile. He has some family issues that need to be addressed. Ivy is a loner who is trying to put down roots with a taco truck business. She is trying to feel comfortable with friends but it’s hard to trust. Her past is no bed of roses and sometimes leaving is the only option. When these two meet through friends, breaking down each other’s walls proves to be what each other need. But sometimes the past has a way of resurrecting those walls and all that happiness you thought you found comes crumbling down.
I will say that I definitely enjoy the author’s writing. Her storytelling has a sweet enjoyment. Besides the HEA, there is also the friends and family component that pulls the story full circle. I loved the epilogue. While this is my first read of the series, I didn’t feel lost in the secondary characters. It did made me want to go and read more books in the series.
Ivy has walls she keeps up because that is all she ever knew but Kel catches on to her self protection and slowly starts to break down those walls. Soon both are learning to trust and love.
I can hardly believe it’s been over four years since the Heartbreaker Bay series started. It’s been consistently one of my favorites, as has Jill Shalvis. No one writes contemporary romance quite as she does. Every story is perfectly paced, with the right balance of sweet, funny and sexy. Add in an element of suspense and you most certainly need the help of a hot lawman. Well, Ms. Shalvis never disappoints and this time there’s a bonus in bringing in a man who is both hot cop and hot cowboy. Can you say Thank You! (That’s not really a question hence the exclamation)
In Wrapped Up In You we spend time with resident Food Truck owner Ivy Snow and visiting said hot cop/cowboy Kel O’Donnell. Ivy is known for her Taco’s and Kel is anxious to find out why. They are quickly introduced and the immediate mutual attraction is hard to ignore. But Ivy’s had to her share of disappointments and really Kel is not in San Francisco for long, so both expect nothing permanent between them. But suddenly Ivy is facing a menacing foe with intentions that can’t easily be understood, and being the good man he is, you know a cowboy and all, Kel finds himself feeling protective of her. Time together equals time to fall in love.
Ivy is the type of character that I so appreciate. Her mantra, “Be smart. Be Brave. Be Vulnerable.” says so much about her. It’s her way of reminding herself to let people in. Smart and brave are easy for her, it’s being vulnerable that a challenge. Yet, she has so much compassion for people, even after being let down by family. The same family that challenges her sanity and break her heart. But it’s not compassion that pushes her to take a chance with Kel. No, that is straight-up passion. At least at first.
Kel is a stubborn man, very stuck in his ways. He too faces family issues that drive his behavior. But I could see why he feels the way he does. But maybe he doesn’t know the whole story, but he’ll never find out if he doesn’t give it a chance. But he is really charming and his faults all in all are minimal. Plus he’s a sweet talker and just gets Ivy, see’s through her shield.
“Guard me. I’ve been watching my own back for a long time now. I’m good at it.”
He looked over at her, but her eyes were still closed. “I’ve got no doubt of that,” he said. And that was true. She was clearly capable, smart, wily . . . It was all sexy as hell. “Sometimes in life you meet someone,” he said. “And suddenly you don’t have to be alone all the time. You can share the burden. Relax your guard.”
This is story about learning to trust your heart, even if your instinct is to put up a fence. There’s forgiveness to be shared and families ties to mend, all wrapped up in this delightful read! 5 stars and my recommendation!
Favorite Quotes
“If you never change, you’ll never change”.
“It’s okay,” hе said. “I get it. For you, it’s all about trust, which takes timе. Thеre’s plenty of that. I’m not going to rush you. I’m just asking if you’rе interested in mе staying.”
Are you afraid of heights?” “No, just intimacy, relationships, and true love.”
“…he slowly pulled back and ran a thumb along her jawline. “I knew you were going to be trouble the very first moment I laid eyes on you.”
“Hello, I’ve been trying to tell you that very thing!”