My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge)

Title: My Kind of Wonderful
Series: Cedar Ridge Series bk 2
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Romance

Blurb: UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE...

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she's determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn't realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn't want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn't the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she's not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family's resort, Hud thinks he's seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he's been missing far too long. Now he'll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

Thoughts: The person whose story I wanted to read the most has arrived. I was so excited to receive this on +NetGalley and thankfully, that excitement was maintained throughout the entire book.

Bailey Moore has a goal. A goal of doing all the things that would make her feel alive. Things such as skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina.

Bailey has gotten a chance that many people have lost the fight for and she is not about to waste it. Her first step was going to ski, but that did not go so well. Instead, she got more than she bargained for when she laid eyes on Hudson Kincaid.

Hudson Kincaid has a lot of things to handle on his plate. He has to patrol the resort, take care of his mother and try and help his siblings to find a way to get the resort out of the crater size hole of debt their father left it in.

Hudson does not need a high-spirited woman packed in a tiny, fragile body to make him lose sight of his goals. She makes him feel things that he has no business feeling. Her joy and happiness are too infectious and Hudson tries with all his might to resist, to no avail.

Can Hudson and Bailey find what they are both looking for together? Or would one of them mess it up and has the other mad at them? We all know what's going to happen, it's just fun figuring out how in the second installment of the Cedar Ridge Series, My Kind of Wonderful.

Have I ever mentioned to you guys how much I adore +Jill Shalvis? Well, here it comes again. I absolutely adore Jill Shalvis and all the adventures that come from her head and into a book. Her stories just seem to captivate me and have me begging for more.

Hudson and Bailey were perfect for each other. Hudson has a pessimistic view of the world and life in general when Bailey is the complete opposite. They both had a bad start in life, (Bailey more than Hudson) and they learned from their past and grew from it.

Okay, only one of them really grew from it, this being Bailey. Hudson made a gigantic guilt from his past bring him down for the rest of his life. That is until Bailey showed him the light.

Bailey had one s***ty childhood. Being diagnosed with cancer cannot be fun, especially when it took away your childhood. But Bailey did what did what most people with cancer hopes for, she survived.

I totally commend her for jumping in head first and getting a start on the list that stated everything that she wanted to do when she survived. Bailey takes everyday life with a smile on her face, just happy to be alive.

I love Hudson's mom. She might not be all there, but she's there when it's important. I hate that Hudson blames himself for his twin disappearing from his life with no contact. In my opinion, Hud's twin had his own demons to fight and I can't wait to read his story. Which, by the way, is the nest instalment in the series (SQUEALSSSSSS)

It was fun to see the Kincaid family again and I know it's going to come. I'm just waiting for when they are going to pull the Resort out of debt and their father is going to walk right back into their life, like nothing is wrong. I'm waiting for it, and I'm going to love it.

Thoughts: I can't wait for the next one

Grade: B+
Review by: Nathifa
[...]

Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

When I read the last word, my only thought was……WOW. My Kind of Wonderful is the second book in the new Cedar Ridge series written by Jill Shalvis. And what a book it is. From the opening paragraph to the last word, I was captivated. But, I should not be surprised by this as I have thoroughly enjoyed every book written by Jill Shalvis that I have read.

The story begins when Hudson (Hud) Kincaid gets news that someone is in trouble at the top of Devil’s Face. As head of ski patrol, he goes to investigate. Enter…Bailey Moore. She is sitting at the top of Devil’s Face, her skis stuck wildly in the snow by her side. Bailey is on the most challenging ski slope in probably the country – because she read the ski map wrong. In fact, Bailey was reading the map upside down. I love their introductory interactions – it made me really like both of these characters.

“I realize this is going to make me look bad, she said, but yes, yes, I’m here because I misread the map. If you must know the truth, I had it upside down.”

Hudson is a driven man, working as head of ski patrol at the family ski resort as well as a couple of shifts a week as a local cop. My first instinct when I learnt he was working so much….what is he running from? As it turns out, a big something. Hudson feels tremendous guilt over the fact that his identical twin Jacob left town and he did not go with him (as they planned all through high school). Hudson is the family fixer who will use any “family” related issue to keep himself from actually living his life fully. As we learn, the family is more than willing to help more, if only Hudson would let them.

Bailey is a sweet (and according to Hudson – hot) woman who has been dealt a tough blow in life with a diagnosis of cancer as a child. So her whole life has been spent fighting for her life. But beware; she is not fragile (though initially Hudson thinks so). With one clean follow-up behind her and the results of the second follow-up expected shortly, Bailey is attacking life, working through “her list”. But what Bailey will need to learn is that lists are evergreen, changing as life happens.

And what would be a love story without a jealous “ex”? Or a sickly, meddling mother? And of course, the hordes of other relatives that all live at the ski hill. I loved every one of them. They, in their own way, added SO much to the story. The interplay between the Kincaid siblings was engaging. And of course, their introduction will lead into their own stories. The courtship dance between Bailey and Hudson is cute, entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey they took me on. I chuckled each time Bailey increased the number of ‘play times’ she wanted with Hudson – while trying to keep their relationship as a purely physical one:

“I said one night?” she asked innocently, purposefully misunderstanding him “My mistake. I meant two.” She gave him a little push until his desk hit the backs of his thighs.

A wonderfully engaging contemporary romance, which will keep me on my path of reading each and every Jill Shalvis title….and of course, every title in this delightful series.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Second in the Cedar Ridge romance series and revolving around the combined Kincaid family. The couple focus is on Bailey Moore and Hudson Kincaid.

My Take
Shalvis keeps pounding it in about the big fight between Hud and Jacob, and it drove me crazy as she kept pulling out the details. It feels like it takes forever until we finally learn why Hud feels so guilty, but it's just under a third of the way in. And I do not get why Jacob doesn't understand that it is different now. Er, then.

There certainly are some interesting ski patrol stories, like the pantsless girl they have to rescue. That doesn't take into account the stupid tricks the people on his police beat get up to.

I do adore the interaction amongst the siblings…and that Penny…*shakes her head, laughing*. Those women have the boys all whipped. Then there's the bet between the boys, and some of those underwear choices are pretty, um, interesting.

I do like Hud, but he drives me nuts with his guilt. One I don't think he deserves. And why should it preclude him having any fun, a relationship? He does suffer, however, from foot-in-mouth disease. Another trope. As for Carrie, I don't know. She keeps slipping in and out of her dementia that it's hard to know when she's in it or only partially in.

Okay, okay, I know it's a trope — and a pretty clichéd one at that — but I do enjoy it when the shoe is on the other foot, and it's the guy who wants more than a one-night stand. Of course, Bailey does bug me with her want-to/don't-want-to attitude. Annnd, it is cute how it's always "just one more night". Of course, the rest of the Kincaids are all pulling for Bailey.

I do adore Bailey. She is so determined to live life as fully as possible. It's a celebration of having a life.

I absolutely adore the sound of that mural: 3D figures that move that reflect each member of the family in the perfect pose for that person.

The Story
Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she's determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn't realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn't want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn't the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she's not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family's resort, Hud thinks he's seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he's been missing far too long. Now he'll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet…something rare and all kinds of wonderful.

The Characters
Bailey Moore is making her list and checking it twice on that reverse-bucket list of hers. She's also a graphic designer about to paint her first gigantic mural. Her mother is a nurse who also works as the building super for an apartment building. Aaron is the friend, then boyfriend, now friend again, who stood by her through it all. Scott is a client and Aaron's brother.

Hudson Kincaid is head of ski patrol at Cedar Ridge; he also works ten shifts a month as a cop.

Cedar Ridge is…
…a family-run ski resort with a huge balloon payment coming due. Gray is the oldest and head of their board. He's married to Penny, and their sexual proclivities have the rest of the siblings groaning. Aidan is another son; Lily Danville is his fiancée ( Second Chance Summer , 1). Their mother is Char, the first wife. Marcus is the equipment manager and Char's boyfriend. Kenna had been a professional snowboarder who earned a LOT of money. She's a half-sister who wants to contribute, even though she mostly sits around playing Candy Crush since the incident. The missing Jacob is Hud's twin brother, and their mother is Carrie, a patient suffering from dementia who's in care; she also leads the other patients in wheelchair exercises. Richard is their two-, no, three-timing father who mortgaged the ski resort to the hilt and beyond.

Jenny is the nurse who works with Hud's mother. Terrance (who doesn't wear pants) is another of the patients.

Mitch is another ski patroller, a friend of the Kincaids, and a firefighter in the off-season. Sydney is the blonde at the checkout. Sean is an injured snowboarder. Emma is the overenergetic cutie pie who challenges Hud.

Max is an old friend of Hud's helping him keep tabs on Jacob. Maggie and Quinn, a chef at the resort, are old girlfriends who walked away from Hud. Donna is the girl with whom Aaron cheated. Stevie was a little boy in Hud and Jacob's childhood who had a lasting influence on Hud.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a snow scene with a lit-up cabin in the background, footsteps leading back to it against a backdrop of evergreen trees with a pale yellow sky. It's obvious that Hudson — wearing a gray micro shirt, sunglasses hanging from the crewneck, and carrying skis over his shoulder — just came from it, as evidenced by the tracks behind him.

The title is Hudson's idea of My Kind of Wonderful, and he's determined that Bailey will see it as well.

Jill Shalvis writes the kind of feel good romances that readers have come to rely on to lift their spirits, and that's certainly the case here with this heartwarming tale of a woman given a second chance at life and a man who finds her joy intoxicating. My Kind of Wonderful is the second in the Cedar Ridge series. It revolves around the Kincaid family who run a ski lodge. Hudson is the dependable one, the one his family relies on to keep things on the right track. When his memory challenged mother hires Bailey to paint a mural of the family on the side of the ski lodge, it's just one thing on Bailey's bucket list of dreams since being given a reprieve from cancer. Handsome ski patrolman Hudson is so far out of her perceived league that his flirtations with her come completely out of the blue - but are definitely welcome. A steamy affair ensues, though with a definite end in sight. Once the mural is finished, Bailey plans to continue on with her list. But will Hudson be so willing to let go of the woman who has captured his heart?

I love the way this author writes family dynamics. Each character is clearly defined and plays their role in making the reader feel their emotions, their joys and heartbreak. Hudson's job working ski patrol rescues defines his role in the family too. But when Bailey enters his life, he clearly sees that he's put aside his own wants and desires for what he believes his family needs. Bailey's obvious enjoyment in everything around her opens his heart to new possibilities. Bailey is a delightful character, a woman who has suffered and deserves the freedom she craves. The two of them together burn up the pages with their sweet and sexy scenes. Just as wonderful as the romance is Hudson's relationship with his family. Plenty of laughs ensue when the brothers are together. It's no surprise that this romance won the category of Favorite Funny Romance in AAR's Annual Reader Poll 2016. With a likeable cast of characters, a good dose of heat, some tender and teary moments and a satisfying happy ending, romance readers will thoroughly enjoy this story.

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 3

Second chances only really ever work if you are committed to the part 2 of your life, and in this title, Bailey certainly has grabbed for that option with gusto. Breaking away from the swathed in cotton wool life, this cancer survivor has decided that life is for living, and she wants to make up for lost time. On a ski trip in Colorado, she finds herself in need of some help with a broken binding and a wrong turn onto an advanced hill.

Hudson works for the family business, and is part of the ski patrol. Straight-laced and a bit uptight, this man is mired in the losses of the past and his fears for the future. But, something about the sassy and freewheeling Bailey draws him in, despite those fears.

These two have a clever interplay: both have experienced loss and tragedy, but while Bailey is doing her best to move forward in spite of her past, Hudson is more comfortable sticking to what he knows (and is desperately trying to keep in his grasp). With the addition of the Kincaid family and their wonderful relationship and interactions as well as their warm welcome for Bailey as they all see the connection between she and Hudson kept this couple feeling as if their alone moments were full of sharing and growth, and the family moments brought a sense of lightness and support.

Narration in this story is from Karen White, and she is one of my all-time favorites for her ability to present the subtle nuances that often are missed in audio performances. Each character was presented with a unique voice that had a particular delivery and pitch, fitting to the character description and story. Bailey’s near-manic ‘grab the gusto now for tomorrow is not promised’ attitude is clear, and there is a decided change in that emotional subtext as she starts to find and develop the connection with Hud and then his family. Hudson’s stoic and occasionally grumpy nature isn’t wholly ingrained, and we see a decided lightening in his approach and delivery as he is able to come to terms with his own fears and as he opens up to Bailey. Fast paced conversations flow neatly, as do the quiet and more reflective moments for these two: alone and together. White’s performance allows a listener to understand the characters and easily understand and follow the story, and provides a wonderful listen.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Jill Shalvis, the author of the Lucky Harbor series, is my go to author for quick humor and an adept emotional touch. My Kind of Wonderful, the second book in her Cedar Ridge series, definitely has both of those attributes. After reading Second Chance Summer (the first book in the series), I had been worried, because I felt she veered away from that humor that I really enjoyed. Maybe I only felt that way because it was a new series, and I was used to some of the recurring characters in Lucky Harbor. Hud and Baileys story was emotional, but both characters had a great sense of fun, and that showed in the light-hearted dialog. The other recurring characters were also more fleshed out than in the last book, and I was able to appreciate their family dynamic. I'm happy to say, My Kind of Wonderful, was, well, wonderful!

Bailey has just gotten the best news of her life, and she's dying to start living it. She's an artist who has been hired by Hud's mother, to paint a mural of Hud's family on the side of their ski lodge. Bailey gets drawn into a crazy family, and lends her zest for life to an always responsible Hud. The instant chemistry catches them both off guard, but Bailey, who has never felt that zing with any other man, convinces Hud, that she wants just one night. Hud takes his multitudes of responsibilities very seriously, and never lets anyone get too close. What makes them a great couple is that her vulnerability and joie de vivre balance his need to keep everything in order, and his family intact. They both have issues from their past that they have to work through, but surprise! They end up figuring out that they are better together, than apart.

I have enjoyed this book so much that I think I'll re-read Second Chance Summer. Was I too hard on the new series? Maybe, because My Kind of Wonderful had charm, humor and romance. A perfect weekend read.

"You kissed our cutie-pie muralist."
Hell. "She kissed me."
Gray grinned.
"She did."
"You know what that makes you?" Gray asked.
"What?"
"Slow."

MY KIND OF WONDERFUL by Jill Shalvis is a riveting, emotional romance set against a ski resort background - so you can safely expect there to be a lot of white stuff included. The two leads will steal your heart as will a colorful array of secondary characters. This is the story of Hudson "Hud" Edward Kincaid and Bailey Moore.

This is the second book in Jill's Cedar Ridge series; I have not read the first, but plan to soon! I've actually sprung for SECOND CHANCE SUMMER, the first book, in audio and can't wait to start it! You can safely infer that MY KIND OF WONDERFUL works well as a standalone. Jill Shalvis has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I know that when I pick up one of her books, I can count on a full dose of an immensely satisfying happy ever after.

I really liked both Hud and Bailey. Hud is the sexy, eye turning, very capable and conscientious head of ski patrol at his family's busy ski resort and he moonlights as a Cedar Ridge cop in his "spare" time. He's also one-half of a set of twin brothers and misses his twin terribly; They separated - not on the best of terms - and Hud feels responsible for their rift... just as he feels responsible for making his family's resort viable and for their mother's illness. Every minute of his day is planned in advance; Every second is orchestrated. Having such a full plate already, doesn't allow room for a relationship. Period. Then he meets Bailey...

Bailey is a cancer survivor. I applaud how the author addressed what could have been such a sensitive subject. Bailey's lived under the imminent threat of death for ten years. She never planned to do anything, but make it through each day; That was an accomplishment in and of itself. She never expected to have a future. Miraculously, she's now been declared cancer-free and, right away, she makes a list of to-dos. She's a graphic artist by trade and, when she receives a call from the ski resort about painting a mural there, she decides to check it out! If she gets the job, she can not only paint the mural, but work on her skiing.

I loved the family dynamics that played through-out this read and can't wait to read more of this family's HEA stories. The Kincaids' are a rough and tumble bunch. As they put it: “Go big or go home. That was the Kincaid way.” As far as the couple's relationship went, I enjoyed how one night at a time only whetted their appetites for more.

Make sure you have all night, because once you start reading, you won't want to stop! If I had one complaint about MY KIND OF WONDERFUL, it's that I didn't want the story to end. I wanted to read more about this couple and their extended family. The epilogue was positively delightful. NOBODY BUT YOU, the next book in this series is already on my to-read list. I highly recommend MY KIND OF WONDERFUL to anyone who enjoys sweet and hot contemporary romances.

4 1/2 Wine Glasses!

My Thoughts:

Are you looking for a slow-burning romance to warm up your bones this winter? Yes? Well, look no further! My Kind of Wonderful is the kind of story you want to get lost in, while curled up by the fire, sipping your hot cocoa or coffee. This was a book that I enjoyed every moment of reading! While I love Ms. Shalvis' small town romances, and know that I am guaranteed a good read with every book she writes; My Kind of Wonderful, blew away my expectations.

First off, the Cedar Ridge series, has extremely lovable, well-developed, fun, and humorous characters. I mean, each and every one of them has found a place in my heart after reading, Second Chance Summer. However, my love for the Kincaid Family has grown ten-fold after reading this sequel. Here is the type of family that is always full of love, laughter, crazy shenanigans, comfort, support, and yes, even a kick in the behind, when it's needed.

Hudson Kincaid is a workaholic. He loves his family deeply, but is the type of person that carries multiple burdens on his shoulders. While his family is willing to help him out, he is always looking out for everyone else, at the expense of himself. Hudson doesn't have a personal life. His heart is closed off from finding love, and he carries a lot of guilt for the long standing separation between himself, and his twin brother, Jacob. Hudson cares for his mother who is ailing from severe dementia, works crazy hours at his family's ski resort, and is a part time cop in Cedar Ridge.

Bailey Moore gets hired to paint a mural at the Cedar Ridge ski resort. She is recovering from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and has a list of activities that she wants to complete, now that she can finally live a full life. Bailey has only had one boyfriend, Aaron, and her relationship lacked passion. To top it off, everyone has always treated her like she is fragile. She wants the type of love that she's never had, and someone to treat her as an equal.

When she meets Hudson, there is an enticing spark between them. As Bailey continues to travel to Cedar Ridge every weekend to work on her mural, she gets swept away in a passionate love affair. However, Hudson is known for pushing people away that he cares about. Can she get him to open his heart, and realize that what they have is special?

My Kind of Wonderful was a beautiful story. It touched my heart, and made me feel good. It was low in angst, and the perfect story for the reader who is looking to get lost in a story that will make them feel happy, and good inside. I highly recommend this book, as well as Second Chance Summer, the first book in the series.

My Rating:

I give, My Kind of Wonderful, by Jill Shalvis, 4.5 Electrically Charged, Warm, Sweet, Passionate, Beautiful Love Story filled stars! I am in love with the Cedar Ridge Series, and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Nobody But You, which will be Jacob Kincaid's story!

Prepare for a swoon, ladies. Prepare for a swoon. Jill Shalvis has done it yet again! I swear. She hits the right spot every single time. My Kind of Wonderful was just that...completely wonderful. From beginning to end Hud and Bailey had me in one big ol' swoon and left me with a big grin on my face and a happy sigh in my heart.

The quick of it is that Hud and his siblings run a ski resort and his mama has hired a random woman to come in and paint a huge mural on their resort wall. And Hudson...not so pleased! The resort's struggling and they just don't have the funds for something like that. But dang if that cute little artist will be denied! This gig is important to Bailey and she's determined to do it even if it means working pro-bono (much to his dismay). And oh the sparks they fly between as these two are forced all close together.

So. Hudson and Bailey. Hud's a little growly, a control freak, he's a protector and has such a sweet underbelly he tries to keep a hidden. He's a cop and does ski patrol and all kinds of other alpha male things at the resort. Yum! And Bailey is all strength. She's a survivor, talented and has a lovely spirit about her. Their chemistry...total sparkly deliciousness. They butt heads, they growl, they get all lusty and sweet. It was one helluva good time watching these two fall for each other. I loved seeing them on their jobs too. Her working on the family mural and him on patrol. Totally sexy when he goes into rescue mode. Noms!

Now. My favorite thing about the book...this family. I freaking LOVE this family. Hud's brothers and sisters are something else. I love the way they are with each other. They give each other absolute hell, the guys torment each other, they snark and growl but they are solid and there for each other. It's a fun dynamic seeing them all together. I busted out laughing more than once and totally had moments of wishing I wasn't an only child. The heart and love of it all just gets to me. They definitely add a wonderful background element to the romance.

All in all, My Kind of Wonderful was just a fabulous read. Had me smiling and laughing and going all girly. No matter what series Shalvis tackles I instantly want to be a part of the world she creates. The settings, the people, the feeling of home and family and friendship. An amazing talent, that.

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In Second Chance Summer, we were introduced to the Kincaid family: Gray (and Penny), Aiden, Hudson, Jacob (mentioned), and McKenna Kincaid. These siblings are working to save the family ski resort that their loser father left to them in a MOUNTAIN of debt. Book 1 focuses on Aiden Kincaid and Lily Danville (for my full review on Second Chance Summer, click HERE). My Kind of Wonderful is the second novel in Jill Shalvis' Cider Ridge series and focuses on Hudson Kincaid and Bailey Moore.

Bailey Moore, for the first time in her life, is looking forward to the future. She never had the opportunity to make plans for herself or even dream about what she wanted out of life. Bailey wants to learn to live every day to the fullest and enjoy the moment. She's even made a List of things she wanted (and now could) do: Paint a mural, explore castles in Europe, travel the Greek isles... And that is why she is in Cedar Ridge. To gain control of her life and start on her List by painting a mural for the Kincaid family at their resort.

But Bailey doesn't expect to meet Hudson Kincaid.

All work and no play has made Hudson Kincaid a super-stressed boy. Between his work as head of the ski patrol for the family ski resort and town cop, trying to SAVE the family resort, taking care of his sick mom, and looking for his twin brother (Jacob), Hud has little to no time for anything else in his life. All he wants is a few minutes to himself before he's supposed to participate in some safety drills, but he gets a call about someone being "in trouble" at the top of Devil's Face. He finds Bailey (patiently) waiting for help and something shifts in him when he sees her wonder-filled gaze taking in the mountain views.

Hudson finds himself looking forward to the weekends when Bailey is in Cedar Ridge working on her mural. And soon "only one night" turns into more nights. But Hud doesn't have the time for a relationship and Bailey has had enough with temporary...

So once the mural is finished will Hudson be able to let her go?

While each book is a standalone (since it each story focuses a different sibling and their story of finding love) and doesn't have to be read in order, I would FULLY recommend reading them in order so you can get the full effect of the WONDERFUL Kincaid family. This is probably one of my FAVORITE book families I've EVER read. They are fiercely loyal to each other, yet they still tease and torture each other ENDLESSLY (with embarrassing underwear).

Rating: 5 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.**

Hudson Kincaid's life is full...multiple time consuming and stressful occupations, family drama, obligations, and side activities take up all of his time. His life revolves around work and then he fits in his family as second. He has no time for attachments.

Bailey Moore has led a sheltered existence and is just starting to really live again after getting a new lease on life. She has grand plans and a bucket list of things she wants to try and do. She's tired of being tied down and is not looking to have to answer to another man.

They are two people unexpectedly brought together, and weren't looking for love. But found someone as equally stubborn, sarcastic, and as magnetic as the other. And they find it hard to resist the pull.

Hudson has been closed off and emotionally unavailable. He loves and fiercely protects his family and is loyal and dependable. But he often worries and takes care of everyone else, but not his own needs or happiness. He is plagued by guilt and loss, stress, fear, and has abandonment issues. He is a master of pushing people away before he can get hurt and his issues run deep. But most people just see him as the charming, sexy, intense ski patrolman and cop.

Bailey is tired of being overprotected, pitied and told what to do. She wants to live and challenge herself. She is sweet, sassy, funny and strong willed. She may be tiny and appear a bit frail, but she is also tough and tenacious.

They challenge and push each other. He doesn't treat her as fragile And she does not let him push her away...much. They fall into a sexy, fun rhythm that excites them both. But neither think they can handle more. But can they or do they even want to?

These two are fun and feisty together, but also kind of clueless. Their histories, their difficulty with communication and opening up, their expiring time line, and their fears of the future complicate an already unstable situation. But I totally loved them together and was hoping for them to get their act together.

This brings back all of the quirky, funny sidekicks from the first book Second Chance Summer: Aiden and Lily, Gray and Penny, Kenna, and Mitch. They are a tight knit group and protect each other, but also love to torture one another. Their antics had me smiling.

This was sweet, sexy, humorous, and had just enough emotional issues and personal dramas to keep it interesting. But it still was an easy, heartwarming, engaging read with likable characters in the fun setting of a family owned ski resort. I am so intrigued by Hudson's twin Jacob after reading about him these last two books and am looking forward to his story Nobody But You. Wish I had it now!

Chemistry: it seems a given that any romance would feature protagonists that have that indefinable spark…that flare of undisguised interest that develops into a deeper, more emotional connection, yet that’s not always the case. Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors exactly because of her distinct ability to create an instant chemistry between not only her main characters, but her supporting characters as well. With the quick-witted and fun-spirited repartee between the Hudson siblings, and the fan-your-face-steamy romances between each new couple, her Cedar Ridge series is the perfect example of how chemistry transforms a good narrative into an amazing book. With her newest release, My Kind of Wonderful, Jill Shalvis has delivered a heartwarming, feel-good romance with characters whose chemistry is so riveting that I devoured the book in one sitting…mostly because I refused to put it down.

There’s a quote in My Kind of Wonderful I love that notes that Hudson brothers pursue the woman who captures their interest with a single-minded determination, which is the case with protagonists, Hudson Kincaid and Bailey Moore. What’s not to love about a hero who’s consumed with thoughts of a heroine? I enjoyed being swept up in Hudson and Bailey’s instant connection which, once established, allows us to delve deeper into their respective characters. The combination of the gruff and stoic ski patroller and the sassy and fun-loving artist may seem like a case of opposites attracting, yet they bring out each other’s playful and flirtatious side and push each other out of their comfort zones. The sexual tension that simmers between Hudson and Bailey, their propensity for challenging each other in various aspects of their lives, their push-and-pull interactions – all of these intricacies are what make their relationship so compelling to read about.

With the romance between Hudson and Bailey and the tight-knit comradery between the Hudson siblings, My Kind of Wonderful is the perfect blend of sweet and sexy, lighthearted and intense. My Kind of Wonderful is a character-driven narrative, and it’s characters happen to be larger-than-life and immensely entertaining. I laughed…I swooned…I wished the book wouldn’t end. As a newer fan of Jill Shalvis, I've been spoiled in terms of being able to binge-read several of her series without taking a breather and, while that may have been the case for the first two books in the Cedar Ridge series, the wait for Jacob’s story, Nobody but You, has never seemed so far away.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Hudson Kinkaid is scheduled to the max: between his crazy family, running ski patrol for the family ski resort, working as a cop in town, and trying to track down his missing brother, he doesn’t have a lot of free time but he especially doesn’t have time for a relationship. In My Kind of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis, despite not having any free time, Hudson finds himself drawn to the mysterious Bailey.

Bailey Moore has spent most of her life having to let others control what she did and when, but now that she is finally in control of her own life, she plans to do things her way and mark things off her list. Hired to create a mural for the Kinkaid family ski lodge, Bailey is determined to finish the project, jump starting the completion of her list.

I didn’t think it would be possible to like a Jill Shalvis series more than I like her Lucky Habor series but the Kincaid family of her Cedar Ridge series is rapidly becoming my favorite. The series stared out great with Second Chance Summer and continues with the fabulous My Kind of Wonderful. Hudson is responsible, loving, and loyal to his family, which is all endearing, but it is Bailey with her spunky attitude, her willingness to push herself, and her desire to live life to the fullest, achieving every thing on her list that makes My Kind of Wonderful such a great and inspiring read. I love the family dynamics of the Kincaids and eagerly look forward to the rest of the series.

My Kind of Wonderful is exactly that – my kind of funny, charming, heartwarming, wonderful romance. Bailey, Hud, and the entire Kincaid family will make you laugh one moment, then tug on your heartstrings the next.

Bailey Moore has spent a good portion of her life battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Against all odds she triumphed and now is determined to not play it safe and truly live. I loved Bailey; she has a determined mind and a caring heart. Her fight against cancer may have taken its toll on her body, but her spirit is undeniably bright and she simply charmed the heck out of me from the moment she appeared on the page. Falling in love isn’t on Bailey’s list of adventures, but when she lands in Cedar Ridge – and mistakenly in the path of Hudson Kincaid – she ends up making an unexpected detour. Hud is strong and sexy, but also a workaholic who takes too much on his shoulders and carries old wounds he doesn’t want to heal. I loved that Hud doesn’t see Bailey’s battle with cancer as defining her, as other (well-intentioned) people in her life do. He sees her for the talented, sexy woman she is. Bailey, in turn brings joy to Hud’s world, making him come alive in a way he hasn’t been in years.

Neither Hud nor Bailey think their initial flirtation will ever be anything more than some seasonal steamy fun, but it’s clear to readers (not to mention Hud’s family) that these two are meant to be. Their road to happily ever after isn’t all smooth sailing, as both at one point or another put up barriers. They have to face their fears and take a chance if they want things to last. But every bump in the road is worth it because these two have fantastic chemistry and make the pages of My Kind of Wonderful fly by in a flurry of funny, sizzling, and sometimes heartbreaking scenes.

It wouldn’t be a Jill Shalvis book if there weren’t some of the author’s trademark hilarity, and in My Kind of Wonderful the Kincaid family had me grinning more often than not. The Kincaid siblings’ hijinks add a lot of humor to the book, but what makes the family as a whole special is their clear love for one another. The comedic moments in My Kind of Wonderful draw you in, but it’s the book’s strong heart that makes the story stay with you. I absolutely adored Bailey and Hud and I cannot wait to read the next Cedar Ridge story, Nobody But You.

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin

Jill Shalvis writes some of the best alpha mountain men out there. We met the Kincaid clan in Second Chance Summer and I fell hard for this family of siblings and half siblings as they deal with their own unique secrets and heartbreak. Shifting seasons, Hudson Kincaid, the rescuer type if ever there was one, has his world shaken up by one sheltered and spunky artist, Bailey Moore.
What I learned about Jill Shalvis’s writing from reading book 1 in the series stands true. Her plots are strong and supported by amazing characters. They are always riddled with some emotional baggage that needs to be exorcised.

With Hudson Kincaid, his cold and off putting demeanor comes from a decade old family fight that he simply can’t quite get past. For all the good he does, he’s let one moment define him and he simply can’t forgive himself. Who better then to challenge this than a woman who has fought and recovered from a decade old and life threatening illness? Bailey is a reminder that living life tied to regrets doesn’t do much in furthering one's mental health. So, once Bailey is able to get Hudson past his initial resists, it’s a very sexy and sultry read.

All around Bailey is a wonderful character. She’s everything that Hudson needs and the circumstances and premise is really perfect in building the friendship between them. They share a common Hudson is just SO closed off and it was natural to feel sorry for his predicament. Shalvis is a master at dialogue writing and this is where her characters personalities really come through. Bailey’s sweet and sassy nature comes through in all her interactions with Hudson and simply put, they make me smile:

<i>“You expect me to believe you’re nervous?’ she asked, heavy on the disbelief. “Hello, have you seen you?”</i>

Hudson is not a man who knows how to use flowery words and unfortunately he utters a few statements that drive a wedge between them and gives us cause to gasp, shake our heads and steel ourselves against the inevitable angst.

I’ve discovered that reading anything by Jill Shalvis is a sure thing. I know I’m going to experience all the delectable feelings that come from great romance reads. With the first 2 books of the Cedar Ridge series developing the story of the Kincaid family, I’m anxious for the next and the next after that. 4 Stars and recommendation!

My Thoughts:

Are you looking for a slow-burning romance to warm up your bones this winter? Yes? Well, look no further! My Kind of Wonderful is the kind of story you want to get lost in, while curled up by the fire, sipping your hot cocoa or coffee. This was a book that I enjoyed every moment of reading! While I love Ms. Shalvis' small town romances, and know that I am guaranteed a good read with every book she writes; My Kind of Wonderful, blew away my expectations.

First off, the Cedar Ridge series, has extremely lovable, well-developed, fun, and humorous characters. I mean, each and every one of them has found a place in my heart after reading, Second Chance Summer. However, my love for the Kincaid Family has grown ten-fold after reading this sequel. Here is the type of family that is always full of love, laughter, crazy shenanigans, comfort, support, and yes, even a kick in the behind, when it's needed.

Hudson Kincaid is a workaholic. He loves his family deeply, but is the type of person that carries multiple burdens on his shoulders. While his family is willing to help him out, he is always looking out for everyone else, at the expense of himself. Hudson doesn't have a personal life. His heart is closed off from finding love, and he carries a lot of guilt for the long standing separation between himself, and his twin brother, Jacob. Hudson cares for his mother who is ailing from severe dementia, works crazy hours at his family's ski resort, and is a part time cop in Cedar Ridge.

Bailey Moore gets hired to paint a mural at the Cedar Ridge ski resort. She is recovering from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and has a list of activities that she wants to complete, now that she can finally live a full life. Bailey has only had one boyfriend, Aaron, and her relationship lacked passion. To top it off, everyone has always treated her like she is fragile. She wants the type of love that she's never had, and someone to treat her as an equal.

When she meets Hudson, there is an enticing spark between them. As Bailey continues to travel to Cedar Ridge every weekend to work on her mural, she gets swept away in a passionate love affair. However, Hudson is known for pushing people away that he cares about. Can she get him to open his heart, and realize that what they have is special?

My Kind of Wonderful was a beautiful story. It touched my heart, and made me feel good. It was low in angst, and the perfect story for the reader who is looking to get lost in a story that will make them feel happy, and good inside. I highly recommend this book, as well as Second Chance Summer, the first book in the series.

My Rating:

I give, My Kind of Wonderful, by Jill Shalvis, 4.5 Electrically Charged, Warm, Sweet, Passionate, Beautiful Love Story filled stars! I am in love with the Cedar Ridge Series, and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Nobody But You, which will be Jacob Kincaid's story!

Prepare for a swoon, ladies. Prepare for a swoon. Jill Shalvis has done it yet again! I swear. She hits the right spot every single time. My Kind of Wonderful was just that...completely wonderful. From beginning to end Hud and Bailey had me in one big ol' swoon and left me with a big grin on my face and a happy sigh in my heart.

The quick of it is that Hud and his siblings run a ski resort and his mama has hired a random woman to come in and paint a huge mural on their resort wall. And Hudson...not so pleased! The resort's struggling and they just don't have the funds for something like that. But dang if that cute little artist will be denied! This gig is important to Bailey and she's determined to do it even if it means working pro-bono (much to his dismay). And oh the sparks they fly between as these two are forced all close together.

So. Hudson and Bailey. Hud's a little growly, a control freak, he's a protector and has such a sweet underbelly he tries to keep a hidden. He's a cop and does ski patrol and all kinds of other alpha male things at the resort. Yum! And Bailey is all strength. She's a survivor, talented and has a lovely spirit about her. Their chemistry...total sparkly deliciousness. They butt heads, they growl, they get all lusty and sweet. It was one helluva good time watching these two fall for each other. I loved seeing them on their jobs too. Her working on the family mural and him on patrol. Totally sexy when he goes into rescue mode. Noms!

Now. My favorite thing about the book...this family. I freaking LOVE this family. Hud's brothers and sisters are something else. I love the way they are with each other. They give each other absolute hell, the guys torment each other, they snark and growl but they are solid and there for each other. It's a fun dynamic seeing them all together. I busted out laughing more than once and totally had moments of wishing I wasn't an only child. The heart and love of it all just gets to me. They definitely add a wonderful background element to the romance.

All in all, My Kind of Wonderful was just a fabulous read. Had me smiling and laughing and going all girly. No matter what series Shalvis tackles I instantly want to be a part of the world she creates. The settings, the people, the feeling of home and family and friendship. An amazing talent, that.

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In Second Chance Summer, we were introduced to the Kincaid family: Gray (and Penny), Aiden, Hudson, Jacob (mentioned), and McKenna Kincaid. These siblings are working to save the family ski resort that their loser father left to them in a MOUNTAIN of debt. Book 1 focuses on Aiden Kincaid and Lily Danville (for my full review on Second Chance Summer, click HERE). My Kind of Wonderful is the second novel in Jill Shalvis' Cider Ridge series and focuses on Hudson Kincaid and Bailey Moore.

Bailey Moore, for the first time in her life, is looking forward to the future. She never had the opportunity to make plans for herself or even dream about what she wanted out of life. Bailey wants to learn to live every day to the fullest and enjoy the moment. She's even made a List of things she wanted (and now could) do: Paint a mural, explore castles in Europe, travel the Greek isles... And that is why she is in Cedar Ridge. To gain control of her life and start on her List by painting a mural for the Kincaid family at their resort.

But Bailey doesn't expect to meet Hudson Kincaid.

All work and no play has made Hudson Kincaid a super-stressed boy. Between his work as head of the ski patrol for the family ski resort and town cop, trying to SAVE the family resort, taking care of his sick mom, and looking for his twin brother (Jacob), Hud has little to no time for anything else in his life. All he wants is a few minutes to himself before he's supposed to participate in some safety drills, but he gets a call about someone being "in trouble" at the top of Devil's Face. He finds Bailey (patiently) waiting for help and something shifts in him when he sees her wonder-filled gaze taking in the mountain views.

Hudson finds himself looking forward to the weekends when Bailey is in Cedar Ridge working on her mural. And soon "only one night" turns into more nights. But Hud doesn't have the time for a relationship and Bailey has had enough with temporary...

So once the mural is finished will Hudson be able to let her go?

While each book is a standalone (since it each story focuses a different sibling and their story of finding love) and doesn't have to be read in order, I would FULLY recommend reading them in order so you can get the full effect of the WONDERFUL Kincaid family. This is probably one of my FAVORITE book families I've EVER read. They are fiercely loyal to each other, yet they still tease and torture each other ENDLESSLY (with embarrassing underwear).

Rating: 5 out of 5

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.**

Hudson Kincaid's life is full...multiple time consuming and stressful occupations, family drama, obligations, and side activities take up all of his time. His life revolves around work and then he fits in his family as second. He has no time for attachments.

Bailey Moore has led a sheltered existence and is just starting to really live again after getting a new lease on life. She has grand plans and a bucket list of things she wants to try and do. She's tired of being tied down and is not looking to have to answer to another man.

They are two people unexpectedly brought together, and weren't looking for love. But found someone as equally stubborn, sarcastic, and as magnetic as the other. And they find it hard to resist the pull.

Hudson has been closed off and emotionally unavailable. He loves and fiercely protects his family and is loyal and dependable. But he often worries and takes care of everyone else, but not his own needs or happiness. He is plagued by guilt and loss, stress, fear, and has abandonment issues. He is a master of pushing people away before he can get hurt and his issues run deep. But most people just see him as the charming, sexy, intense ski patrolman and cop.

Bailey is tired of being overprotected, pitied and told what to do. She wants to live and challenge herself. She is sweet, sassy, funny and strong willed. She may be tiny and appear a bit frail, but she is also tough and tenacious.

They challenge and push each other. He doesn't treat her as fragile And she does not let him push her away...much. They fall into a sexy, fun rhythm that excites them both. But neither think they can handle more. But can they or do they even want to?

These two are fun and feisty together, but also kind of clueless. Their histories, their difficulty with communication and opening up, their expiring time line, and their fears of the future complicate an already unstable situation. But I totally loved them together and was hoping for them to get their act together.

This brings back all of the quirky, funny sidekicks from the first book Second Chance Summer: Aiden and Lily, Gray and Penny, Kenna, and Mitch. They are a tight knit group and protect each other, but also love to torture one another. Their antics had me smiling.

This was sweet, sexy, humorous, and had just enough emotional issues and personal dramas to keep it interesting. But it still was an easy, heartwarming, engaging read with likable characters in the fun setting of a family owned ski resort. I am so intrigued by Hudson's twin Jacob after reading about him these last two books and am looking forward to his story Nobody But You. Wish I had it now!

Chemistry: it seems a given that any romance would feature protagonists that have that indefinable spark…that flare of undisguised interest that develops into a deeper, more emotional connection, yet that’s not always the case. Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors exactly because of her distinct ability to create an instant chemistry between not only her main characters, but her supporting characters as well. With the quick-witted and fun-spirited repartee between the Hudson siblings, and the fan-your-face-steamy romances between each new couple, her Cedar Ridge series is the perfect example of how chemistry transforms a good narrative into an amazing book. With her newest release, My Kind of Wonderful, Jill Shalvis has delivered a heartwarming, feel-good romance with characters whose chemistry is so riveting that I devoured the book in one sitting…mostly because I refused to put it down.

There’s a quote in My Kind of Wonderful I love that notes that Hudson brothers pursue the woman who captures their interest with a single-minded determination, which is the case with protagonists, Hudson Kincaid and Bailey Moore. What’s not to love about a hero who’s consumed with thoughts of a heroine? I enjoyed being swept up in Hudson and Bailey’s instant connection which, once established, allows us to delve deeper into their respective characters. The combination of the gruff and stoic ski patroller and the sassy and fun-loving artist may seem like a case of opposites attracting, yet they bring out each other’s playful and flirtatious side and push each other out of their comfort zones. The sexual tension that simmers between Hudson and Bailey, their propensity for challenging each other in various aspects of their lives, their push-and-pull interactions – all of these intricacies are what make their relationship so compelling to read about.

With the romance between Hudson and Bailey and the tight-knit comradery between the Hudson siblings, My Kind of Wonderful is the perfect blend of sweet and sexy, lighthearted and intense. My Kind of Wonderful is a character-driven narrative, and it’s characters happen to be larger-than-life and immensely entertaining. I laughed…I swooned…I wished the book wouldn’t end. As a newer fan of Jill Shalvis, I've been spoiled in terms of being able to binge-read several of her series without taking a breather and, while that may have been the case for the first two books in the Cedar Ridge series, the wait for Jacob’s story, Nobody but You, has never seemed so far away.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Hudson Kinkaid is scheduled to the max: between his crazy family, running ski patrol for the family ski resort, working as a cop in town, and trying to track down his missing brother, he doesn’t have a lot of free time but he especially doesn’t have time for a relationship. In My Kind of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis, despite not having any free time, Hudson finds himself drawn to the mysterious Bailey.

Bailey Moore has spent most of her life having to let others control what she did and when, but now that she is finally in control of her own life, she plans to do things her way and mark things off her list. Hired to create a mural for the Kinkaid family ski lodge, Bailey is determined to finish the project, jump starting the completion of her list.

I didn’t think it would be possible to like a Jill Shalvis series more than I like her Lucky Habor series but the Kincaid family of her Cedar Ridge series is rapidly becoming my favorite. The series stared out great with Second Chance Summer and continues with the fabulous My Kind of Wonderful. Hudson is responsible, loving, and loyal to his family, which is all endearing, but it is Bailey with her spunky attitude, her willingness to push herself, and her desire to live life to the fullest, achieving every thing on her list that makes My Kind of Wonderful such a great and inspiring read. I love the family dynamics of the Kincaids and eagerly look forward to the rest of the series.

My Kind of Wonderful is exactly that – my kind of funny, charming, heartwarming, wonderful romance. Bailey, Hud, and the entire Kincaid family will make you laugh one moment, then tug on your heartstrings the next.

Bailey Moore has spent a good portion of her life battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Against all odds she triumphed and now is determined to not play it safe and truly live. I loved Bailey; she has a determined mind and a caring heart. Her fight against cancer may have taken its toll on her body, but her spirit is undeniably bright and she simply charmed the heck out of me from the moment she appeared on the page. Falling in love isn’t on Bailey’s list of adventures, but when she lands in Cedar Ridge – and mistakenly in the path of Hudson Kincaid – she ends up making an unexpected detour. Hud is strong and sexy, but also a workaholic who takes too much on his shoulders and carries old wounds he doesn’t want to heal. I loved that Hud doesn’t see Bailey’s battle with cancer as defining her, as other (well-intentioned) people in her life do. He sees her for the talented, sexy woman she is. Bailey, in turn brings joy to Hud’s world, making him come alive in a way he hasn’t been in years.

Neither Hud nor Bailey think their initial flirtation will ever be anything more than some seasonal steamy fun, but it’s clear to readers (not to mention Hud’s family) that these two are meant to be. Their road to happily ever after isn’t all smooth sailing, as both at one point or another put up barriers. They have to face their fears and take a chance if they want things to last. But every bump in the road is worth it because these two have fantastic chemistry and make the pages of My Kind of Wonderful fly by in a flurry of funny, sizzling, and sometimes heartbreaking scenes.

It wouldn’t be a Jill Shalvis book if there weren’t some of the author’s trademark hilarity, and in My Kind of Wonderful the Kincaid family had me grinning more often than not. The Kincaid siblings’ hijinks add a lot of humor to the book, but what makes the family as a whole special is their clear love for one another. The comedic moments in My Kind of Wonderful draw you in, but it’s the book’s strong heart that makes the story stay with you. I absolutely adored Bailey and Hud and I cannot wait to read the next Cedar Ridge story, Nobody But You.

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin

Jill Shalvis writes some of the best alpha mountain men out there. We met the Kincaid clan in Second Chance Summer and I fell hard for this family of siblings and half siblings as they deal with their own unique secrets and heartbreak. Shifting seasons, Hudson Kincaid, the rescuer type if ever there was one, has his world shaken up by one sheltered and spunky artist, Bailey Moore.
What I learned about Jill Shalvis’s writing from reading book 1 in the series stands true. Her plots are strong and supported by amazing characters. They are always riddled with some emotional baggage that needs to be exorcised.

With Hudson Kincaid, his cold and off putting demeanor comes from a decade old family fight that he simply can’t quite get past. For all the good he does, he’s let one moment define him and he simply can’t forgive himself. Who better then to challenge this than a woman who has fought and recovered from a decade old and life threatening illness? Bailey is a reminder that living life tied to regrets doesn’t do much in furthering one's mental health. So, once Bailey is able to get Hudson past his initial resists, it’s a very sexy and sultry read.

All around Bailey is a wonderful character. She’s everything that Hudson needs and the circumstances and premise is really perfect in building the friendship between them. They share a common Hudson is just SO closed off and it was natural to feel sorry for his predicament. Shalvis is a master at dialogue writing and this is where her characters personalities really come through. Bailey’s sweet and sassy nature comes through in all her interactions with Hudson and simply put, they make me smile:

<i>“You expect me to believe you’re nervous?’ she asked, heavy on the disbelief. “Hello, have you seen you?”</i>

Hudson is not a man who knows how to use flowery words and unfortunately he utters a few statements that drive a wedge between them and gives us cause to gasp, shake our heads and steel ourselves against the inevitable angst.

I’ve discovered that reading anything by Jill Shalvis is a sure thing. I know I’m going to experience all the delectable feelings that come from great romance reads. With the first 2 books of the Cedar Ridge series developing the story of the Kincaid family, I’m anxious for the next and the next after that. 4 Stars and recommendation!

I can almost always guarantee a couple of things whenever I read a book by Jill Shalvis. The first thing is that I'll read it within one day. It's not that it's short or a novella, because it's not, it just defies gravity and I CANNOT put it down. The second thing is that her books always leave me with a smile on my face. The third thing is that they always, always, give me a "Book Hangover". No matter what series, what fictional people, and what mythical town - I want to be in it, be their friend, and live there. They are a Delightful sort of Horror - I had a fantastic time while I was there but now my reality is crap. "My Kind Of Wonderful" has almost all of my weaknesses: series - check, big, nosy, raucous family - check, "awkward in a relationship" Hero - check, and a Heroine who is strong and secure in everything except her feelings (and a little bit of herself). Jill Shalvis can bring on the Funny and with cheeky "can't get away from them" siblings with their wives and girlfriends ... it's funny, a lot. But there are always the moments of nostalgia and pain, and this author can manipulate heart strings like it's macramé.
"My Kind Of Wonderful" brings out tears of laughter and tears of sadness. You revel at the times Hudson's family tells him that he's screwed up, and is an idiot, and how they do it is better than you ever could. Hudson and Bailey's separate flashbacks are heartrending. And Jill Shalvis has the "Meet Cute", meddling family, and verbal flirty foreplay down to a science. Her characters are these Magical and Highly Addictive Cookies for which you must return.
To read the entire review please visit: [...]
This novel was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After spending the last ten years of her life battling her illness Bailey Moore is finally ready to live her life, and is more than ready to tap into her adventurous side, and cross a few items off of her bucket list. Starting with getting in tune with her artistic side, and paint a beautiful mural for the owners of a local ski resort. The idea of throwing herself into this project is a little overwhelming, but also very exciting for her, she has never done anything in this large of a scale, and she may have to dig deep to accomplish it, but she is totally up for the challenge. Especially after she meets the handsome ski patrol officer, who just so happens to co-own the resort...the idea of catching of working for him is more than a little inspiring!

Being surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains everyday and working at the Cedar Ridge Ski Resort is the perfect way to live life according to Hudson Kincaid. He lives and breaths his work, and thoroughly enjoys what he does everyday, even if it leaves very little time for a personal life. He thrives on keeping busy because it keeps his demons at bay, and helps keep the guilt he carries buried deep inside. Hudson normally doesn't let anyone get to close for fear of history repeating itself and leaving him hurt and disappointed, so being somewhat secluded in the mountains helps him maintain the distance he feels he needs, and also helps keep the women away... that is until a beautiful, quirky artist shows up at the lodge, and has him reconsidering his monk like ways..

Once again Ms. Shalvis has created two amazingly unique characters that were destined to find their way to one another, and I am so happy I had the pleasure of watching their little journey unfold. I have to say that this story was nothing short of exceptional, and that Ms. Shalvis totally reaffirmed my belief that she is a truly gifted storyteller, she never ceases to amaze me with her beautifully executed literary creations!!

If you have not had the chance to read one of her books yet, I must first tell you that you are missing out on some exceptional reading and also that you are missing out on the opportunity to meet some amazingly crafted characters that are destined to steal your heart!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

What another great story from Jill Shalvis! She has become one of the few go-to authors when I want a heartwarming romance. I know without a doubt each book will be sweet and fulfilling and leaving me waiting for her next.

With her combination of feistiness and adorability, Bailey may be one of my favorite heroines from Shalvis. She’s intrinsically innocent and a bit naïve having lived a sheltered life after being seriously ill for a large portion of it. Even with her past difficulties she is still full of life and spirit. To top it off Bailey is brave and open to love.

Like his brothers, Hudson has some emotional damage which makes him run from love and serious relationships, which is completely understandable too given the whole cheating father who abandoned all of them. Fortunately he has this attractive alpha male thing down! Who doesn’t want a hero, especially one so attractive?

I love everything about this. The instant chemistry between the two but also with each other’s families. It is fantastic how I was ardently invested in them and the story without there being any real outside cause of conflict; their problems are all intrinsic to their own emotional state. It’s intriguing to watch them grow, even when they try to fight it. Throughout the tensest time (and with a few tears) I still was entirely entranced even when I knew there would be a happy ending.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

To see more reviews like this, go to <a href="http://www.smutandbonbons.com">Smut and Bonbons.</a>

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for honest review.~

My Kind of Wonderful is another stellar novel by Jill Shalvis, the second entry in the Cedar Ridge series. Bailey Moore is warm and open, living her life to the fullest as she works her way down a bucket list that includes painting a mural at Cedar Ridge Resort. But Bailey wonders if her bucket list could be tweaked to include a certain Mountain Hottie, and if her live-in-the-moment approach to life would benefit from some roots in Cedar Ridge. Hudson Kincaid is closed off and tied to the mountains, weighed down with the duties and responsibilities that come with his position with the ski patrol at the resort run by his family, as well as his place within the family. He knows that his family and friends have his back, but he has a hard time stepping back to let them shoulder some of the responsibility and his workaholic way of life is not what Bailey is looking for. The two are opposites but are instantly attracted to one another. It was fun watching these two come together, and I liked that each made small adjustments to their plans and attitudes to meet somewhere in the middle.

Shalvis writes fun, hot, believable romances but it’s her families, friendships, and bromances that steal the show for me, and the Kincaids were no exception. They are siblings and half siblings but they’ve come together as a family in a way that works for them. They interact in realistic ways (like the underwear challenge) and each character has their distinct place within the family. That foundation is what drew me (and Bailey!) in and kept me interested.

My Kind of Wonderful is part of a series but works as a stand-alone too. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which was easy because I honestly loved it! Highly recommended!

Hudson Kincaid is a self admitted workaholic. His phone and radio are constantly alerting him to emergencies and needs of the ski resort and his family. As the head of ski patrol and a town cop, he is constantly available to those in need to the detriment of his own social life. He is also carrying around a load of guilt over the absence of his twin, Jacob.

Bailey Moore is living again. With a list she is determined to work her way through, painting a mural is the first she is tackling. She is sweet and determined, though she has only been on her own for a short time. She is determined to not let her past dictate what she can do.
I love these two. Neither is clear about what they want and so the miscommunication leads to hurt feelings. But they are also not honest with themselves, and watching them discover what they are really feeling is fantastic.

This is the second foray into the world of Cedar Ridge and the Kincaid family. As the family is close knit, Gray, Penny, Aiden, Lily, and Makenna do what they can to poke and prod at Hudson, especially as they begin to see something developing between their younger brother and the pretty muralist. I love this family -- from their history and patched together relationships to their closeness and loyalty, the Kincaid family (and it’s extensions) are a great team.

This was sweet, flirty, and fun, and as entertaining as it was easy. This series has established itself in these first two books as one that is great to turn to when I need a light, smooth read. There is drama enough to keep things moving, but the drama is relatable and perfectly fit to the characters involved.

This is the second book in the Cedar Ridge series and tells the story of one of the Kincaid brothers that was introduced in the first book. I think Jill does a great job of really developing the characters and giving you a back story on them so you can understand them better. In addition, I find that she really picks the backdrop and setting of the books very well that it almost seems like not fiction but real life.

One of my favorite aspects of Jill's books are the humor that she throws in as well as the deep feelings. Below are two of my favorite quotes:

"So when you're holed up with her in your suite or your office, you're what, just checking each other for ticks. Because the couple who fights off Lyme disease stays together? Is that it?"

"The thought of you leaving and staying away made me want to drop to my knees," he said. "Hows that for someone who doesn't care? Its been three days, twelve hours and six minutes without you." She blinked. "You kept track of the minutes?" "No, I made that part up," he said. "I was trying the to load the evidence in my favor." Aidan snickered. "Rookie." "Shh," Lily said. "He's being romantic."

If you love humor, romance and drama, then Jill Shalvis is the right author for you. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Best part is she has more series to read as well!

My Kind of Wonderful is another hit for Jill Shalvis. Bailey Moore had fought Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for over a decade. She never thought she would survive and always pictured herself with an expiration date. But she has beaten it and has had a clear test after three months and things are looking up. Now that she is alive and can finally live her life she has made a list of things she wants to do, sort of like a bucket list. One of the things at the top of her list is to paint a mural.

She is hired by Carrie Kincaid, the mother of Hudson Kincaid. As Bailey arrives to finalize the details for the mural she finds it is at the Cedar Ridge Resort. Before starting to paint she decides to explore the grounds and heads off to go skiing. Unbeknownst to her she picks Devil's Point (that is for the best skiers) to begin her exploration. After a slight mishap this is where she meets Hudson.

There is an instant attraction when they meet....sparks fly. These two dance around each other so much. First she does want a fling with him then just a one-night stand....or maybe make it two nights. And it goes on like this. Neither lets the other know how they feel. Hudson has walls so high around his heart they seem to be insurmountable.

As only Jill Shalvis can do you are drawn in right from the start and she takes you on quite a ride with her usual tidbits of humor interspersed throughout. I have said all that is necessary now you have to read this book. Definitely five plus stars.