Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific story of two people who find it hard to trust. Ivy has been on the move her entire life. Raised by a flaky mother, and with a troublemaker brother, Ivy set out on her own when she was sixteen. After years of moving from place to place, she's ready to put down some roots. She has made some friends, owns a successful taco truck, and is saving up for a place of her own. I loved her determination to succeed, her independence, and her kind heart. I ached for her and the vulnerability that made her reluctant to open herself up completely. She's been burned multiple times and trusting people is hard to do.
Kel is a sheriff in Sunshine Idaho (Animal Magnetism series). He is in San Francisco visiting his cousin Caleb (Playing for Keeps) and helping Caleb with his business. Kel was recently injured in the line of duty at the same time he was betrayed by someone close to him. Added to family issues, Kel also has trouble trusting. Keeping his emotions closed off protects him from being hurt.
Ivy and Kel meet through mutual friends when they come to Ivy's Taco Truck. I loved their initial meeting and the banter that they exchanged. Ivy was still on his mind that night when he found her at her vandalized taco truck. I loved their back-and-forth as he insisted on helping her, her "prickly as a porcupine" attitude drawing him in rather than turning him off. I loved Kel's determination to get closer to Ivy, and the charm and patience he used to do so. I loved watching Kel chip away at Ivy's walls, not realizing that she did the same to his. Both Kel and Ivy resisted the idea that there was more than chemistry between them, even though everyone around them could see it. They had just started admitting that there might be something special growing between them when Ivy's brother made an unwelcome appearance. I ached for Ivy, who could see her beautiful new life disintegrating in front of her. I wanted to smack Kel for his boneheaded actions and words. Though I hurt for Ivy and the pain he caused her, I loved how she stood up to him. I enjoyed the way that Ivy's friends rallied around her and the effect it had on Ivy's entire outlook. A lecture from Caleb made Kel realize that he had to face his past before he could pursue the future. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was a nice touch. I loved seeing the changes in their lives and the surprise that Kel had for Ivy.
I love how earlier characters wander in and out of the story. As Kel's cousin, Caleb has a significant role, but he's also a good friend to Ivy. I loved the morning kickboxing classes and the comradeship it built. Tina made me laugh with her "inspirational" statements and her ability to motivate her students. I loved the closeness of the friendships and how they are there for each other when needed.
Kel is a sheriff in Sunshine Idaho (Animal Magnetism series). He is in San Francisco visiting his cousin Caleb (Playing for Keeps) and helping Caleb with his business. Kel was recently injured in the line of duty at the same time he was betrayed by someone close to him. Added to family issues, Kel also has trouble trusting. Keeping his emotions closed off protects him from being hurt.
Ivy and Kel meet through mutual friends when they come to Ivy's Taco Truck. I loved their initial meeting and the banter that they exchanged. Ivy was still on his mind that night when he found her at her vandalized taco truck. I loved their back-and-forth as he insisted on helping her, her "prickly as a porcupine" attitude drawing him in rather than turning him off. I loved Kel's determination to get closer to Ivy, and the charm and patience he used to do so. I loved watching Kel chip away at Ivy's walls, not realizing that she did the same to his. Both Kel and Ivy resisted the idea that there was more than chemistry between them, even though everyone around them could see it. They had just started admitting that there might be something special growing between them when Ivy's brother made an unwelcome appearance. I ached for Ivy, who could see her beautiful new life disintegrating in front of her. I wanted to smack Kel for his boneheaded actions and words. Though I hurt for Ivy and the pain he caused her, I loved how she stood up to him. I enjoyed the way that Ivy's friends rallied around her and the effect it had on Ivy's entire outlook. A lecture from Caleb made Kel realize that he had to face his past before he could pursue the future. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was a nice touch. I loved seeing the changes in their lives and the surprise that Kel had for Ivy.
I love how earlier characters wander in and out of the story. As Kel's cousin, Caleb has a significant role, but he's also a good friend to Ivy. I loved the morning kickboxing classes and the comradeship it built. Tina made me laugh with her "inspirational" statements and her ability to motivate her students. I loved the closeness of the friendships and how they are there for each other when needed.
