by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #8
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
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-terms 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 the eighth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I love this group of friends and the neighborhood they call home. In Wrapped Up in You, taco chef, Ivy Snow and Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner spice things up just just in time for the holidays.
Aside from some mentions of holly, Christmas Eve and food banks this didn’t really feel like a holiday romance, but I loved it all the same. It’s the story of two souls leary of trusting their hearts or setting down roots.
Both Ivy and Kel have baggage stemming from childhood trust issues. When the story opens Ivy is finally setting down roots and is in a much better place. It’s her setbacks during the story that allow Kel to face his own. I love how it unfolded blending suspense, trust, family, and romance.
The romance was a combination of combustible attraction, awkward banter, humor and whispered confessions. It felt genuine and something about them together clicked. Shalvis did a great job of sharing their backstories and bringing those issues into the present story. Shalvis wraps things up with an epilogue that left me grinning and wiping a tear. Yeah, I am a sap.
As always I loved the secondary characters from previous stories and while it’s not entirely necessary to read them as each book has its own romance and story, I think you are doing yourself a terrible disservice. It’s one of my favorite places to visit.
Grab a cup of pumpkin spice latte and snuggle up with Wrapped Up in You.
Celebrate fall with #NewRelease Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis #HeartbreakerBay #Taco #Swoons #Romance Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
Maybe not the most holiday themed romance of all the holiday romances, but I am glad it was still a good and fun romance nonetheless 🙂
Irena BookDustMagic
Ohh, I really want to read this one! I know it’ll be a perfect romance to tis the season!
Lizzy @ Bent Bookworm
I still need to start this series! It sounds so cute.
Random question: where did you get the subject icons (the family, friends, etc) you use on your reviews? Did you design them yourself? I’ve been wanting to add some content/trigger warnings in that style to my posts but I can’t find any graphics I’m 100% happy with, and I’m not very good at the whole graphic design thing myself. Lol.
Debbie S Haupt
Wow 8 books already. I’m ready for some cooler weather and some holiday romance! Thanks Kim
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love Jill Shalvis! This sounds like another check in the win column with the romance, banter, humor, and characters from previous books in the series! Lovely Review Kim 🙂
Sam@wlabb
Shalvis is my companion book queen. She creates such fabulous side chapters, which fuel these series. I do love that she did a crossover here. I was Kel fan before, and I love him even more now.
Sophia Rose
Glad they fought through their past issues and neat that she runs a taco truck.
Melliane
I always have a good time with the story of this author!
Angie Elle
Jill Shalvis has some of the best covers! I think the premise of a food truck owning heroine sounds interesting. I do love a good epilogue! 🙂
Great review.
Felicity Grace Terry
My goodness! A holiday read already.
Always on the look out for possible reads for the Christmas Spirit reading challenge, despite my loving the thought of a character called Ivy Snow I’m thinking that this is probably one of those seasonal reads that would leave me disappointed in that ‘Aside from some mentions of holly, Christmas Eve and food banks this didn’t really feel like a holiday romance …
Laurel-Rain Snow
This one is on my radar, even though I haven’t read the others in the series…yet. Thanks for sharing a great review.
sherry fundin
i’ve seen this one already today and it sounds like a winner. great time of year to share
Anne
I love this series and enjoyed this one too. Fantastic review!
Jen
I’ve often said in my reviews of this series that this group of friends is one I’d want to be part of. Such a great group. Thanks for the review.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Kimberly! I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Kel and thought that they made a great team. I agree that their romance felt really genuine. Love this series!