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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall Grade: A
Tropes/Characteristics: opposites attract; cinnamon roll MMC; city girl stuck in a small town FMC; found family
“I wasn’t trying to change who she was; I just wanted her to trust me with the parts she kept hidden.”
Karla Sorensen’s newest book, Head Over Heels, is a treasure. I’ve been marinating on it since I finished it because she did something special with this story. This book continues to follow the Wilder family. We’ve met the first of these siblings in her books, The Plan, The Crush, and One and Only. I have delighted in the emotionally wrought stories in these books. But something important is happening in Head Over Heels, and I believe this is one of Sorensen’s best books. Let me try to find the words to tell you why I loved it so much.
Her FMC, Ivy, is a complicated character. She is like a crab: she has a soft underbelly with a hard outer shell. This isn’t her doing; she was raised this way. Her journey involves recognizing that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s actually a way to connect with people who want to love you. Sorensen has drawn her in such a beautiful way that you can’t help but see her unraveling and reveling in it. Her journey into feeling her emotions and sharing them underscores an important part of this book: intimacy.
The manner in which Sorensen approaches the depiction of intimacy is impeccable. In reflecting on how romance authors create intimacy between two characters, it’s often charged and grounded in $ex. However, Sorensen builds Ivy and Cameron’s intimacy and, by extension, vulnerability with each other quietly. It’s nuanced, and it’s built with actions. As Ivy’s journey moves her further into acknowledging her feelings, had Cameron spoken directly of his feelings for her, it would have ground their burgeoning to a halt. Instead, Cameron builds a relationship with her through his quiet actions. When I think of Head Over Heels, these moments steal my breath. Her characters don’t need to speak their feelings; instead, they know them because the actions are present. I found it built a foundation in the book that made it easy for Ivy to eventually accept she loves Cameron. There’s a quietude in that realization, and it makes you feel as though you’re wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.
Head Over Heels doesn’t have a predictable happy ending. Instead, Sorensen leaves us with a happy-for-now ending. We can decide that, given some final choices by Ivy, they will have a happy ending, but they have peace in the now without needing the predictability of marriage and babies (although it’s hinted at in the story). I found I enjoyed this ending. It feels different from other romance books that want to wrap up the story in a red bow of a wedding ceremony and pregnancies. We don’t know the exact nature of Ivy and Cameron’s future; instead, Sorensen shows us that, at this moment, they are ridiculously happy.
Lastly, and one of my favorite parts of this story is Cameron’s ability to love Ivy just as she is. This is a common message in romancelandia, but Sorensen has written it so that it steals your breath. He truly accepts her self-protection and struggle with vulnerability. He simply lets her be and loves her through it. A cinnamon roll hero, he is.
Karla Sorensen continues to grace her readers with emotional, compelling stories. Head Over Heels gifts us with more entrance into the compelling Wilder family. You will need tissues for this story, but you will also end it with hope. I am so thankful for a writer such as Karla who grants me access to a world of small-town love and family.
Tropes/Characteristics: opposites attract; cinnamon roll MMC; city girl stuck in a small town FMC; found family
“I wasn’t trying to change who she was; I just wanted her to trust me with the parts she kept hidden.”
Karla Sorensen’s newest book, Head Over Heels, is a treasure. I’ve been marinating on it since I finished it because she did something special with this story. This book continues to follow the Wilder family. We’ve met the first of these siblings in her books, The Plan, The Crush, and One and Only. I have delighted in the emotionally wrought stories in these books. But something important is happening in Head Over Heels, and I believe this is one of Sorensen’s best books. Let me try to find the words to tell you why I loved it so much.
Her FMC, Ivy, is a complicated character. She is like a crab: she has a soft underbelly with a hard outer shell. This isn’t her doing; she was raised this way. Her journey involves recognizing that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s actually a way to connect with people who want to love you. Sorensen has drawn her in such a beautiful way that you can’t help but see her unraveling and reveling in it. Her journey into feeling her emotions and sharing them underscores an important part of this book: intimacy.
The manner in which Sorensen approaches the depiction of intimacy is impeccable. In reflecting on how romance authors create intimacy between two characters, it’s often charged and grounded in $ex. However, Sorensen builds Ivy and Cameron’s intimacy and, by extension, vulnerability with each other quietly. It’s nuanced, and it’s built with actions. As Ivy’s journey moves her further into acknowledging her feelings, had Cameron spoken directly of his feelings for her, it would have ground their burgeoning to a halt. Instead, Cameron builds a relationship with her through his quiet actions. When I think of Head Over Heels, these moments steal my breath. Her characters don’t need to speak their feelings; instead, they know them because the actions are present. I found it built a foundation in the book that made it easy for Ivy to eventually accept she loves Cameron. There’s a quietude in that realization, and it makes you feel as though you’re wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.
Head Over Heels doesn’t have a predictable happy ending. Instead, Sorensen leaves us with a happy-for-now ending. We can decide that, given some final choices by Ivy, they will have a happy ending, but they have peace in the now without needing the predictability of marriage and babies (although it’s hinted at in the story). I found I enjoyed this ending. It feels different from other romance books that want to wrap up the story in a red bow of a wedding ceremony and pregnancies. We don’t know the exact nature of Ivy and Cameron’s future; instead, Sorensen shows us that, at this moment, they are ridiculously happy.
Lastly, and one of my favorite parts of this story is Cameron’s ability to love Ivy just as she is. This is a common message in romancelandia, but Sorensen has written it so that it steals your breath. He truly accepts her self-protection and struggle with vulnerability. He simply lets her be and loves her through it. A cinnamon roll hero, he is.
Karla Sorensen continues to grace her readers with emotional, compelling stories. Head Over Heels gifts us with more entrance into the compelling Wilder family. You will need tissues for this story, but you will also end it with hope. I am so thankful for a writer such as Karla who grants me access to a world of small-town love and family.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall Grade: A
Tropes/Characteristics: opposites attract; cinnamon roll MMC; city girl stuck in a small town FMC; found family
“I wasn’t trying to change who she was; I just wanted her to trust me with the parts she kept hidden.”
Karla Sorensen’s newest book, Head Over Heels, is a treasure. I’ve been marinating on it since I finished it because she did something special with this story. This book continues to follow the Wilder family. We’ve met the first of these siblings in her books, The Plan, The Crush, and One and Only. I have delighted in the emotionally wrought stories in these books. But something important is happening in Head Over Heels, and I believe this is one of Sorensen’s best books. Let me try to find the words to tell you why I loved it so much.
Her FMC, Ivy, is a complicated character. She is like a crab: she has a soft underbelly with a hard outer shell. This isn’t her doing; she was raised this way. Her journey involves recognizing that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s actually a way to connect with people who want to love you. Sorensen has drawn her in such a beautiful way that you can’t help but see her unraveling and reveling in it. Her journey into feeling her emotions and sharing them underscores an important part of this book: intimacy.
The manner in which Sorensen approaches the depiction of intimacy is impeccable. In reflecting on how romance authors create intimacy between two characters, it’s often charged and grounded in $ex. However, Sorensen builds Ivy and Cameron’s intimacy and, by extension, vulnerability with each other quietly. It’s nuanced, and it’s built with actions. As Ivy’s journey moves her further into acknowledging her feelings, had Cameron spoken directly of his feelings for her, it would have ground their burgeoning to a halt. Instead, Cameron builds a relationship with her through his quiet actions. When I think of Head Over Heels, these moments steal my breath. Her characters don’t need to speak their feelings; instead, they know them because the actions are present. I found it built a foundation in the book that made it easy for Ivy to eventually accept she loves Cameron. There’s a quietude in that realization, and it makes you feel as though you’re wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.
Head Over Heels doesn’t have a predictable happy ending. Instead, Sorensen leaves us with a happy-for-now ending. We can decide that, given some final choices by Ivy, they will have a happy ending, but they have peace in the now without needing the predictability of marriage and babies (although it’s hinted at in the story). I found I enjoyed this ending. It feels different from other romance books that want to wrap up the story in a red bow of a wedding ceremony and pregnancies. We don’t know the exact nature of Ivy and Cameron’s future; instead, Sorensen shows us that, at this moment, they are ridiculously happy.
Lastly, and one of my favorite parts of this story is Cameron’s ability to love Ivy just as she is. This is a common message in romancelandia, but Sorensen has written it so that it steals your breath. He truly accepts her self-protection and struggle with vulnerability. He simply lets her be and loves her through it. A cinnamon roll hero, he is.
Karla Sorensen continues to grace her readers with emotional, compelling stories. Head Over Heels gifts us with more entrance into the compelling Wilder family. You will need tissues for this story, but you will also end it with hope. I am so thankful for a writer such as Karla who grants me access to a world of small-town love and family.
Tropes/Characteristics: opposites attract; cinnamon roll MMC; city girl stuck in a small town FMC; found family
“I wasn’t trying to change who she was; I just wanted her to trust me with the parts she kept hidden.”
Karla Sorensen’s newest book, Head Over Heels, is a treasure. I’ve been marinating on it since I finished it because she did something special with this story. This book continues to follow the Wilder family. We’ve met the first of these siblings in her books, The Plan, The Crush, and One and Only. I have delighted in the emotionally wrought stories in these books. But something important is happening in Head Over Heels, and I believe this is one of Sorensen’s best books. Let me try to find the words to tell you why I loved it so much.
Her FMC, Ivy, is a complicated character. She is like a crab: she has a soft underbelly with a hard outer shell. This isn’t her doing; she was raised this way. Her journey involves recognizing that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s actually a way to connect with people who want to love you. Sorensen has drawn her in such a beautiful way that you can’t help but see her unraveling and reveling in it. Her journey into feeling her emotions and sharing them underscores an important part of this book: intimacy.
The manner in which Sorensen approaches the depiction of intimacy is impeccable. In reflecting on how romance authors create intimacy between two characters, it’s often charged and grounded in $ex. However, Sorensen builds Ivy and Cameron’s intimacy and, by extension, vulnerability with each other quietly. It’s nuanced, and it’s built with actions. As Ivy’s journey moves her further into acknowledging her feelings, had Cameron spoken directly of his feelings for her, it would have ground their burgeoning to a halt. Instead, Cameron builds a relationship with her through his quiet actions. When I think of Head Over Heels, these moments steal my breath. Her characters don’t need to speak their feelings; instead, they know them because the actions are present. I found it built a foundation in the book that made it easy for Ivy to eventually accept she loves Cameron. There’s a quietude in that realization, and it makes you feel as though you’re wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.
Head Over Heels doesn’t have a predictable happy ending. Instead, Sorensen leaves us with a happy-for-now ending. We can decide that, given some final choices by Ivy, they will have a happy ending, but they have peace in the now without needing the predictability of marriage and babies (although it’s hinted at in the story). I found I enjoyed this ending. It feels different from other romance books that want to wrap up the story in a red bow of a wedding ceremony and pregnancies. We don’t know the exact nature of Ivy and Cameron’s future; instead, Sorensen shows us that, at this moment, they are ridiculously happy.
Lastly, and one of my favorite parts of this story is Cameron’s ability to love Ivy just as she is. This is a common message in romancelandia, but Sorensen has written it so that it steals your breath. He truly accepts her self-protection and struggle with vulnerability. He simply lets her be and loves her through it. A cinnamon roll hero, he is.
Karla Sorensen continues to grace her readers with emotional, compelling stories. Head Over Heels gifts us with more entrance into the compelling Wilder family. You will need tissues for this story, but you will also end it with hope. I am so thankful for a writer such as Karla who grants me access to a world of small-town love and family.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 Stars
3 Chili Peppers
Tropes
Opposites Attract
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Small Town
Forced Proximity
Dual POV
If there is one thing I don't often do, it's cry, especially while reading, but let me tell you, Karla Sorensen made me cry. Again. She got me in the first book of this series, but this one had me sobbing. I mean gasping for air, snot, the whole ten yards. Now that you all have that image, I'll get on with the review lol.
Cameron, Cameron, Cameron. Where have you been all my life? If you want a perfect book boyfriend, look no further. He was loyal, loved his family beyond words, and took care of all those around him. I loved his relationship with his sisters, especially Poppy.
"If he hurt you like that," I told her quietly. "I'd have to kill him, and I'd hate to kill my best friend. But I would because you're my sister."
I will admit though, I liked Ivy in the beginning, didn't like her at all in the middle, but liked her again at the end. I just didn't like her personality, I guess. The "take no crap, I say what I want to say" attitude. But she didn't know any better. The character growth was amazing with her, I must say.
"Lifes too short for bullshitters and fakes."
I absolutely adored Poppy. I loved Tim and Shelia and I am so happy we got to see Olive in this one. Oh and let's not forget Neville.
This is definitely worth the read, just make sure you have a box or two of tissues. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Thank you to Karla Sorensen and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for this ARC
3 Chili Peppers
Tropes
Opposites Attract
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Small Town
Forced Proximity
Dual POV
If there is one thing I don't often do, it's cry, especially while reading, but let me tell you, Karla Sorensen made me cry. Again. She got me in the first book of this series, but this one had me sobbing. I mean gasping for air, snot, the whole ten yards. Now that you all have that image, I'll get on with the review lol.
Cameron, Cameron, Cameron. Where have you been all my life? If you want a perfect book boyfriend, look no further. He was loyal, loved his family beyond words, and took care of all those around him. I loved his relationship with his sisters, especially Poppy.
"If he hurt you like that," I told her quietly. "I'd have to kill him, and I'd hate to kill my best friend. But I would because you're my sister."
I will admit though, I liked Ivy in the beginning, didn't like her at all in the middle, but liked her again at the end. I just didn't like her personality, I guess. The "take no crap, I say what I want to say" attitude. But she didn't know any better. The character growth was amazing with her, I must say.
"Lifes too short for bullshitters and fakes."
I absolutely adored Poppy. I loved Tim and Shelia and I am so happy we got to see Olive in this one. Oh and let's not forget Neville.
This is definitely worth the read, just make sure you have a box or two of tissues. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Thank you to Karla Sorensen and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for this ARC
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜; 𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚎𝚙𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗.
This book and Karla deserve all 5 stars!
Cameron + Ivy meet cute in the elevator at the start of the book was the perfect way to introduce their chemistry + banter. But like this story goes it just wasn’t their time.
Ivy is one of those heroines you are rooting for from the start. Having lost her mother early on leaving her to a father who only knows business and logistics.
Cameron is the pillar of his family. Having a terminally ill father and being a major part of the family construction business leaves him taking of so much and having no room for anything.
As they get their second chance Ivy is so stand of that watching Cameron’s patience with her was wonderful. Ivy had never had anyone just see her and let her be herself.
𝙻𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚐.
Add in the family dynamic with forgiveness and heartbreak mix together had me laughing and also crying.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cameron Wilder is officially my favorite Wilder sibling. From all the Washington Wolves books this has to be the most emotional. Before I get to Ivy and Cameron’s relationship I want to state that Tim (Cameron’s dad) stole the show. I cried, and cried, then cried some more. His loving personality, him coming to terms with the end of his life and making peace with each of his children was so heartbreaking. The reunion with his boys will haunt me for a long time.
Now as far as the couple, I could not stand Ivy the first half of the book. Which means the author did an amazing job writing a character with the emotional capacity of a goldfish. Ivy was bitch straight up. Condescending, rude af, and a snob. However, as the story develops we learn why Ivy is this way and her honesty with everyone, especially Cameron, as to why she’s like this and how she doesn’t know how to “people” makes you want to just hug her and give her all the love in the world. Now Cameron, I mean what can I say, he’s a good man Savannah! His patience with Ivy is what has put him on my pedestal. As hard as our heroine pushed, he was there and was exactly what Ivy needed to break that armor she hid behind.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
* I won an arc ebook though the author’s Facebook group giveaway
Now as far as the couple, I could not stand Ivy the first half of the book. Which means the author did an amazing job writing a character with the emotional capacity of a goldfish. Ivy was bitch straight up. Condescending, rude af, and a snob. However, as the story develops we learn why Ivy is this way and her honesty with everyone, especially Cameron, as to why she’s like this and how she doesn’t know how to “people” makes you want to just hug her and give her all the love in the world. Now Cameron, I mean what can I say, he’s a good man Savannah! His patience with Ivy is what has put him on my pedestal. As hard as our heroine pushed, he was there and was exactly what Ivy needed to break that armor she hid behind.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
* I won an arc ebook though the author’s Facebook group giveaway