My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge, #2)

by Jill Shalvis

[stacey_is_sassy]

Too busy for love

I started My Kind of Wonderful a little worried. I’m a huge fan of Jill Shalvis, loved the first book in this series and enjoyed the family dynamics of those crazy Kincaids. I was scared of getting emotionally attached to someone who “has a second lease on life” and “might look delicate”. Was the story going to be about someone sick? Were we going to have to see this couple just starting out, dealing with illness? These thoughts were running through my head in the beginning and every time she was asked, “are you okay?” I got it all wrong. This book wasn’t about dying or sickness it was about living and making the most of each day. I had to learn to stop looking at her past and get excited for her future.

Hudson Kincaid meets a bright eyed and beautiful Bailey when she got stuck on the top of the mountain. Bailey had her map the wrong way and instead of going to the beginners slope ends up at the top. She’s not silly enough to try and ski down, especially considering her ski binding is broken, so she waits patiently enjoying the view. Hud’s a bit of a cranky arse and with his unbelievably busy schedule, this job is just another thing to add to his list of responsibilities. Once they chat for a bit and he looks a little closer at her, he can see that she’s quite frail. He’s concerned for her, but Bailey is stubborn and wants to do things for herself. Both of them feel an attraction to each other but have no idea that their paths are going to be crossing again sooner rather than later.

We get to see Hud in work mode with rescues, explosions and fence mending, all in a days work when you’re on ski patrol. Add into the fact that he works regularly as a police officer in Cedar Ridge, it’s surprising he has time for anything else. Although work is important to him, his main priority is his family, especially his Mum who suffers from dementia. Seeing Hud with his Mum, Cassie, was one of my favourite parts of this story. His weekly visit to take her to her favourite pizza parlor for her birthday (she loves celebrating birthdays and having cake and presents) and her regular phone calls to remind him to be home for curfew showed what remarkable patience he has. Hudson’s busy schedule is his way of keeping relationships casual and avoiding too much time to think. He doesn’t want to remember the way he pushed his twin brother Jacob, away. Nearly a decade without knowing he’s alive or dead is killing him, but he doesn’t know how to fix it. Luckily his Kincaid brothers and sisters Gray, Penny, Aiden, Lily and Keegan are there to kick his butt and remind him to stop once in awhile.

Bailey has her own type of family issues. Her mother, who’s a nurse, can’t help but worry for her and struggles to accept her healthy status and positive mindset. Bailey’s ex Aaron also struggles to take the cotton wool protection down. Even though they’re not together anymore, he still feels like he needs to watch over her. I could see and understand where they both were coming from, but I could also see they were stifling her need to break from her cocoon and fly.

Obviously with Bailey’s health issues and Hud’s family issues these two come with baggage. Both of them start the relationship with a one time only hookup mindset…that turns into two….that turns into three… and next thing you know there’s desk and walls getting used for “banging”.

I really enjoyed My Kind of Wonderful and I was stoked it wasn’t all tears and sadness. Bailey is strong, determined and as bright as a butterfly. This couple did have their struggles and Hud had Kincaid foot in mouth syndrome, but they weren’t stupid. They knew they had something special and were willing to work at it. Jill Shalvis has again left me content and with a smile on my face. After reading the teaser, I can’t wait to see how Jacob finally sorts out his issues with Hud and the rest of the Kincaids.

I received a complimentary copy of this story via Netgalley for an honest review.

To buy My Kind Of Wonderful - http://amzn.to/1Zok7FU

I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -