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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Ivy owned the neighbors Taco truck.
Kel is Caleb’s cop cousin, who is visiting for a few weeks. Both Ivy and Kel have their secrets along with family issues. I felt so sorry for everything Ivy’s brother put her through.
The ending surprised me but also made me very happy. Jill wrote another amazing book. Definitely a must read. You will not be disappointed.
There’s a HEA with no cliffhangers.
*I reviewed this book voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind for this review.
WRAPPED UP IN YOU is book eight in the delightful Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis and centers around a rancher cop and a food truck owner in a bit of an opposites attract spin.
It’s always a joy to open a Heartbreaker Bay story because it’s like visiting old friends. There is such a tight group that we meet time and again in these books as they always show up to love and support the next couple finding their way towards a happily ever after. Ivy was easy to sympathize with and like. She has a lot of conflicted feelings towards her past and really brings that emotional connection to her story.
Kel brings a sense of danger to the storyline because she knows a cop can bring her life crumbling down, yet she can’t resist the temptation of him. He’s inquisitive and caring and brings a dimension to her life she’s been missing.
I recommend this solid addition to the series to anyone enjoying a close knit group of friends behind the scenes and a love story always front and center. You simply can’t go wrong with any book in the series as they are always filled with love, laughter and friendship.
If I’m down or needing a pick me up, I always reach for a book by Ms. Shalvis. Her writing gives the perfect emotional connection to her characters. Each book has a mix of love, friendship, wit & familiarity that just welcomes you in. Each character could be the friend down the road going through their relationship.
In this book, a supporting character, Kel – the cop from a previous story, is getting his romance. While on vacation, Kel did the one thing he never thought he would, met the love of his life. Ivy runs a food truck, has her group of friends & felt her life was complete until Kel entered her life. As Ivy’s past came to call & put her in jeopardy, Kel felt the need to protect her & more. Can an Idaho ranch owner & cop find a future with a San Francisco food truck owner?
4 Stars!
Ivy Snow is a feisty, resilient,stubborn, independent woman who is known for having the most delicious tacos in the Bay Area. Tired of moving around, she wanted to make changes. To have her own place, friends, and a sense of permanence. She moves to San Francisco and buys a food truck, and is working to make her dreams a reality. She’d been in the city for a year, and has come so far. After a lifetime of running and feeling invisible, she was trying to put down roots. She’s guarded, private, and used to hiding behind her walls to protect herself from her past. She was the queen of temporary and being a chameleon, but she wanted to keep this new life she’d created. She’s always so careful and controlled, and then she meets a man named Kel O’Donnell who breaks her out of her shell.
Kel O’Donnell is a sheriff and ranch owner in Idaho who is in San Francisco taking a little time off. While he’s back in his hometown for a couple weeks he’s going to work for his cousin Caleb managing security on several large projects. His vacation becomes interesting when he meets the fearless Ivy Snow with her authority issues and fabulous tacos. She’s the most infuriating and fascinating woman he’s ever met, not to mention devastatingly beautiful. They have instant chemistry, but both have trust issues that get in the way. With Kel leaving town soon, Ivy had to keep reminding herself he wasn’t for her, but the heart wants what the heart wants. When the past comes knocking at their door, will they fight for love?
Wrapped Up In You by Jill Shalvis is book eight in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I really love this series with small town friendships and couples that are like family. This story was a steamy, romance full of laughs, emotion, drama, intense attraction, and even a bit of mystery. I really enjoyed this book, and adore this author’s writing!
I always love returning to Heartbreaker Bay, a great group of friends. Ivy has been a drifter and never had a real home, she is now ready to settle down. She is owner of the popular taco truck and doing well. Kel is here is vacation helping his cousin. There is an instant chemistry but they both have trust issues that they need to work out.
Loved this story, both strong characters with trust issues that thye need to work out. Ivy is a very strong woman and does not give up easily. Kel is very protective and will do anything to protect his new love interest. Once again a keeper for me, that I had a hard time putting down.
Jill Shalvis never disappoints me. Reading one of her stories never fails to bring a smile to my face and Wrapped Up in You did just that.
Ivy Snow has only lived in Cow Hollow for about a year. After wondering around for years, she finally wants to settle down somewhere. She wants all the things she has never had. So she opens her Taco truck and starts making a life for herself.
Kel O’Donnell is visiting his cousin Caleb after being injured on his job. He trust the wrong person and it almost got him killed. So he decides to visit his cousin, see his sister and his new niece before he goes back to his life in Idaho. Until he meets Ivy that is.
When Ivy and Kel meet for the first time, it was lust at first sight. The chemistry between these two was off the charts.
Things get crazy for them when there’s a couple break-ins, family troubles and both of them realizing Kel wouldn’t be staying and their time together would be short.
In my opinion, Ivy and Kel were a perfect fit. I felt they balanced each other out quite nicely. Though their childhoods were completely different, they both had pretty crappy ones and both have huge trust issues.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was excellent, the characters were fantastic and there was plenty of humor, romance and heat.
I can’t wait for the next story in the Heartbreaker Bay series.
* ARC provided by NetGallety for an honest review *
Taco-bout a great book!
Ivy had to grow up fast and now she’s finally ready to set down some roots. Kel had to grow up fast and just wants things to stay the same…until he meets Ivy.
I love the friendships and relationships that Jill Shalvis creates and they are front and center in Wrapped Up In You. The chemistry between Ivy and Kel is perfect and the girl gang is just the best!
I can’t wait for more of the Cow Hallow crew!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Add another smash hit to Jill Shalvis’ long list of stories she’s written. “Wrapped Up in You” is the latest in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would gladly pay full price for it.
The story line is marginally similar to Caleb and Sadie from a previous book in the series… but it is still just as fantastic as any of the others. These characters are so engaging and well written that you can’t help but wait with baited breath until the next one comes out.
If you are a fan of contemporary romance – this is a no brainer for you to add this to your collection. The whole series is worth a read and if you haven’t already- add this author to your collection.
Happy Reading…enjoy!
Wrapped Up In You by Jill Shalvis combines characters from two of her popular series, Heartbreak Bay and Animal Magnitism. This is Book Eight in the Heartbreak Bay series. The main male character is Kel O’Donnell, the sheriff from the Animal Magnestism series. I was anxious to read Wrapped Up in You. The Animal Magnetism series set in Sunshine, Idaho is one of my favorite Shalvis series. Shalvis doesn’t disappoint us. Kel is a cousin of Caleb from Playing For Keeps. The storyline including the two series was a good one. It grabbed my interest. Ivy Snow is the owner of The Taco Truck, a San Francisco food truck. The tacos and food Ivy produced tempted me to visit our local food truck. I was amused with the Author Note about Kel’s mother. It’s great when an author has to correct herself to make the plot feasible. I did find it hard to like Ivy’s brother Brandon. Hard to believe that he would reform. The romantic scenes with Kel and Ivy were moving and fun. “Sometimes in life you meet someone and suddenly you don’t have to be alone all the time. You can share the burdens. Relax your guard.” If that isn’t what relationships are all about, I don’t know what is. “Love was about showing up.” Perhaps, my favorite line because of sons, brothers and a dear hubby was “He likes to adjust facts to suit him. But you knew that already.” Another solid good read from Jill Shalvis.
Hard knocks. Soft heart. Sweet romance. Wrapped Up In You knocks on the door of the heart with all the impact of a steam roller. Shalvis dreams up the perfect heroine. Ivy is a master at make believe. Her heart has been broken constantly by people she thought she could trust. Her fresh start is built on half truths and heartache. She doesn’t trust easily. With a little luck happiness could be on the horizon. If her secrets don’t come back to ruin her. Kel and Ivy are sugar and spice. Hot around the edges with a candy coated center that can melt any heart.
Jill does it again with this book. Both Kel and Ivy are trying to get over their past or to forget them. I loved seeing Kel again. If you haven’t read the Animal Magnetism series you really should and you will meet Kel in that series. Kel and Ivy are perfect for each other. I laughed, cried and had to fan myself while reading this book. You can never go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book!
*I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Wow! I haven’t read a Jill Shalvis book in a very long time and boy have I been missing out. Wrapped Up In You was a great one to start anew with. (Obviously since I read it in less than a day!)
The love story between Kel & Ivy is one of overcoming hurt, loneliness, deep-seated trust issues and so much more.
A recurring passage in the book of words of wisdom from Ivy’s Aunt is something we should all live by:
Be smart.
Be brave.
Be vulnerable.
This book has it all, great characters, old friends (cameos from past Heartbraker Bay couples), humor, feels and family! Both Ivy and Kel have a lot of hang up, neither are the relationship type-heck Ivy barely stays in once place, a rolling stone- But there’s something about Cow Hollow that makes people stay and form “family”. Entertaining with a great story line and wonderful caring characters this is a great read! Can Ivy open to her new friends? Does Kel have a reason to move from the ranch to town? Can they find a way to trust each other?
Love…love…love this book. Ivy and Kel are so easy to read about. There is so much depth there. Both of these characters have been through so much in their young lives. Though they both come to terms with the hand they were dealt they both did it on their own time and in their own way. Their love seems so seamless though still has bumps like real life. I love the epilogue to this story (don’t want to give anything away).
The good kind of trouble…
How embarrassing is it when you walk up to a stranger and ask them *Do I know you* and they look back at you with a blank and slightly horrified look, before scurrying away. Well, I’ve done that to myself numerous times. What makes it even worse is I later work out that he’s the guy who gets on the same train carriage as me, or I walked past him while doing the grocery shopping. Well, meeting Kel felt a little like that. I know that I know him, but for the life of me, I can’t remember the details of our meeting. At least, this time I know I’ve legitimately met him, because, Jill told me so.
Wrapped Up in You was a little treat to me. Actually, it was a little treat from Jill Shalvis but I’d kept it sitting on my Kindle for a rainy day, knowing that one day I may need a pick-me-up. Well, that day has come…and gone…and Wrapped Up in You did the trick. There’s something about Ms Shalvis’ writing that always hits the spot for me. It’s that wonderful mix of humour, romance and sexy times that always leaves me completely satisfied.
As I mentioned above, I had previously met Kel when he popped up in the Animal Magnetism series. Of course, I loved him then… Well, I think I loved him??? I must have because I can’t remember ever disliking a Jill Shalvis hero/character/good guy. Well, he must have been a good guy or this would have been a redeeming story, wouldn’t it??? He was all muscley, hot and good guy goodness so I’m guessing this leopard didn’t change his spots???
Oh My Lordy…I am making such a mess of this review…SORRY!!!
Anyways…I really liked Wrapped Up in You and found the characters to be lovable, sweet, funny and sexy. They’re also flawed which makes them very real. We don’t just get the hearts fluttering; you rock my world in this story. You get the *YOU BLOODY NUMBSKULL!!!* feelings too.
Ivy was a tough character with a determination that I really admired. With nothing but hard work and a fierce commitment to making something of herself, she is determined to succeed. Ivy’s had to put up barriers to protect herself. Between unreliable family, and “friends” from her past, it was easier to keep to herself. New friendships that she’s formed are starting to feel like a family and are testing those impenetrable barriers she put up. When her brother comes back into her life and messes with her happiness, it’s Kel and her friends that have her back.
While I loved this story, I did find the love a little bit quick. It was weird though because two weeks felt like months with these two. When the declarations happened, I was sighing and getting choked up with emotions… and then a little squinty-eyed when I realised the timeframe. I get instant attractions and connections, but I find the big gestures like moving cities for the love of your life… AFTER TWO WEEKS… not so much.
I really love the Heartbreaker Bay series and Jill Shalvis can do no wrong when it comes to writing entertaining contemporary romance. This is a story about two people finding love when they were least expecting it. Both Ivy and Kel have dealt with some pretty heavy stuff in their pasts, but while they are wary of risking their hearts, neither can deny the feelings developing. Trust is the big hurdle for these two and while it takes a few run-ups to conquer, they do get there in the end. I guess they just had to trust and believe in love before their wish on the love fountain would work.
If you’re looking for a good series to sink into and you haven’t tried a Jill Shalvis yet…DO IT!! You won’t regret it.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Wow, what an amazing story about a woman, who’s been dealt not the best life, but fighting her way to make it better! 5 stars for this one!
Meet Ivy, shes been battling to get ahead her whole life, and just when she thinks she has, her brother Brandon come back in her life and screws it all up. She’s finally so close to getting something good for herself, when she meets Kel, here in town to help out his cousin Caleb. Sparks fly when he meets her at her food truck, but can she dare to put her heart on the line at this point in her life?
Kel is dealing with his own demons, but there is something about Ivy that has him hooked. He wants her, wants to be there for her but can he get past his demons and go forward?
Read along as these two try to heal their minds with each other, but is it enough when push comes to shove? Grab this one asap and enjoy!
Jill Shalvis brings us all of the feels you’d ever want with Wrapped Up In You and Kel finally meets his match with Ivy, in never being able to openly trust another or finding that one you can love, who always has your back….but man, oh man….do they want to!! Loved it!!!
I was certainly wrapped up in this book and it’s characters. I like when it’s not all smooth sailing and they have to work at finding what love is. They both came with baggage and mistrust, such a wonderful journey they had finding forgiveness and being able to move on.
The cheeky fountain in this town is never wrong, such a magical place.
Another wonderful book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. In Wrapped Up in You, we get Ivy and Kel’s story and once again it was full of emotional scenes with an awesome happily ever after. After years of moving around alone, Ivy Snow finally settled down in Cow Hollow and found her forever home. She had endured so much heartbreak in her past that it really warmed my heart to see her surrounded by people who care about her. This group of friends includes Kel O’Connell, who is currently visiting his cousin from Idaho. Kel too, has a heartbreaking past, he is recovering from a betrayal that made him so wary of trusting people. Ivy and Kel are kindred spirits, both having so much trouble forming relationships due to their past, but still feeling the pull towards each other.
I loved watching these two learn to trust again. There were still some past issues that caused a few bumps along the way, but the connection was so strong and the chemistry was sizzling that their HEA was inevitable. This was such a great read!
I want to be best friends with Ivy. She was snarky and a survivor, distrustful of love and doesn’t like cops.
Kel is a Sheriff from Idaho on vacation helping his cousin Caleb. Kel’s heart doesn’t trust love but, will Ivy change his mind? Ivy and Kel were so much fun to read, my heart melted for these two and was rooting for them to find their HEA. Another great read from Jill.
I want Ivy’s tacos!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.