Head Over Heels by Karla SorensenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Wildfire Marketing, all opinions are my own.
This is book 2 in The Wilder Family Series, however you can read it as a complete standalone. This follows Cameron, one of the many Wilder siblings in a battle of wills with Ivy as he tries to break through her very thick walls and soften her sharp edges. They were unexpectedly stuck in an elevator, and that chance meeting was one of the few times Ivy let someone see the real her. Ivy was running from a wedding dress fitting after having a panic attack about her upcoming marriage that her father arranged because it was good for his business. Cameron quickly calms her down with his down to earth, good natured charm which leads to a life changing kiss that Ivy wasn't expecting. Ivy has had her entire life scripted and carefully curated by her father. She has done everything he has asked to gain his approval and praise. When she refuses to marry a family friend because it is a good business partnership, her father sends her away to a small town to "work on a project" as punishment for disobeying him. She is naturally crushed, but when she arrives she is surprised that the builder on her project is none other than Cameron, the man who she made out with in the elevator.
Ivy doesn't know how to interact with the people of Sisters, Oregon. Everyone knows everyone, and they are genuinely friendly. She is all business and doesn't understand relationships that aren't business transactions. She certainly doesn't understand the Wilder family who joke and argue, but still love each other at the end of the day. They don't want anything from her but her company, especially Cameron who despite being her opposite can't deny his attraction to her. The more time they spend together the harder is it for Ivy to stay away from Cameron. It is also hard for her to stay away from his welcoming family, who despite having their own troubles welcome her with open arms and show her that love doesn't need to be earned with straight As and profitable business deals and professionalism.
This was an emotional rollercoaster. Keep some tissues handy. I'm going to be upfront and say that it took me a while to warm up to Ivy. She was a bit unlikable in the beginning, but as the story develops we get to know and understand her. She opens up about how she was raised and that she wasn't shown alot of love and affection growing up. She doesn't people very well, but the more time she spends with Cameron and the Wilders, she is willing to try. Cameron was a great balance to Ivy, he was patient and kind and went at her pace. He gave her the time and space to figure out what she wanted and needed, and I appreciate that she eventually stood up to her father. The character development in this was excellent! The side story with Sheila and Tim was heartbreaking. We've met the Wilder parents in previous books, and have known about Tim's situation, but I have to admit I was not ready for it (this is where you need the tissues). It was beautifully done, but still sad. I don't often cry in books, but the family reunion prior to the fall festival and just afterward had me balling.
Overall I loved this, and I love the series. I love Karla's books and can't wait for more in the future. If you are looking for an emotional romance with great characters, give this a read!
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