Wrapped Up In You

Mystic Island #1

by Stephanie Rowe

New York Times bestselling author, Stephanie Rowe, unveils her heartwarming new Mystic Island series, where love always finds a way in this enchanting coastal Maine community. In Wrapped Up In You, can a moonlight kiss from twelve years ago heal two hearts that no longer believe in love?

Haunted by his tragic past, Cole Charbonneau has returned to Mystic Island to sever the final ties to the place he once loved so dearly. His only goal is to walk away forever, until a woman from his past winds up on his doorstep, needing from him the one thing he can't give.

After a heartless betrayal by those she trusted dearly, Willow Morgan has escaped to Mystic Island, hoping the magic of an island Christmas will heal the emptiness in her heart. The last thing she wants is love, but Mystic Island has its own plans for her…and they include a kiss she'd almost forgotten and the devastatingly handsome business mogul who touched her heart so long ago. Can she afford to fall for him a second time?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Ebooks, Holiday

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

Hailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....

A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.

Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.

Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.

Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.

Reviews

[Joan]

DNF at the start of Chapter 3.
The writing is overblown, pretentious and ... euw.

This from Chapter 1:
Denial roared through him, a repudiation of her withdrawal. FFS, all she's done is not tell him her real name! They are on the deck of a ferry in a snowstorm and she'd made it clear she wanted to be alone so why can't he accept that?

And then I read this: (chapter 3) He could feel her breasts pressed against his chest, a wildly erotic sensation with the wind whipping round then and the ferry trying to toss them around. Its bloody freezing. The ferry is tossing around in the storm and all he can think of is the wildly erotic sensation of her breasts.... (oh, and of course his cock rises hard and fast)- rolls eyes here.

There isn't much point in reading on. He kisses her... they are already in lust .. sex will ensure - hopefully AFTER they get off the ferry and into somewhere warm and dry and it will be orgasmic earth-shattering sex as well and then... nah.

I dnf'd at page 23. They are welcome to each other.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole grew up in a close-knit coastal island community. His parents ran an inn. He had some things happen (that he blamed on his mom/the Inn) and left the community. Having done very well for himself, he comes back with the goal of selling the inn and leaving for good.
Willow spend some summers on the island. She remembers being happy. There was one summer when she was 15 that she spent a night just talking (and got her first kiss) with one of the island boys (Cole). After she had a Bad Thing happen, she decides to escape her life for a week and spend Christmas on the island.
What started as an insta-lust/love moment, Willow and Cole happen to be on the same ferry, turned into a nice story I enjoyed. That night, as teenagers, left a mark on both and each (eventually) remembers the other person. I didn't care for Cole when the story first started, but he grew on me. Willow got more comfortable in her own skin and realized she is just fine as she is.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with lots of emotions to make you laugh and cry. Cole and Willow met as kids and now fate has bought them back together when they both need a miracle. It is set at Christmas in a small community where every knows and cares about everyone else and it has a lovely feel to the story. Cole and Willow reconnect and help each other find the joy that is missing from their lives.

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!

This was the first book that I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I'm a sucker for Christmas books and the cover of this book hooked me in instantly. I love Cole and Willow from page one. Their stories were touching, and they were made for one another. It was a beautiful story and I'm glad it worked out for them.

P.S - I wish Mystic island was real, because it sounds perfect for Christmas. I'd book up repeatedly as well.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Miranda M. Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapped Up In You by Stephanie Rowe

Full of life's truth. Very down to earth and lots of lessons to be learned. Kept my interests throughout the whole story.

[Ewa ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay read.

Fluffy, with not very much substance. I don't particularly care for instant love and no one talks to each other like they did.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapped up In You by Stephanie Rowe
A fantastic romance with depth and emotions that made me smile, laugh and cry. I really liked the hero and his instant recognition and attraction although he is not sure why. This made me fall in love a bit myself.

Cole Charbonneau returns to Mystic Island, Maine to sell his family legacy. It's time to let it go and get on with life. On the weekly ferry he sees a woman go out on deck into the frigid cold weather. Admiring her ambition to get away from the crowds, he follows her. There is something familiar about her and he feels the need to protect her from the slippery boat deck and the cold.
Willow Morgan has a reservation to spend Christmas on Mystic Island but quickly finds out that there is a mixup and she has nowhere to stay for the week. Asking to stay at the Inn that Cole has closed and is selling is a gamble because she knows they have a history together.

This author is why I purchased this anthology "Mischief under the Mistletoe". I've followed her for years and love the writing style and emotions. This is the first in a new series. If you liked this story, I strongly recommend her contemporary Cowboy series started in 2015.

Excerpt:
“Her eyes widened, showcasing eyes that might be the richest shade of brown Cole could recall ever seeing. He was riveted by them, deep brown pools of emotion and vulnerability. Her gaze was so intense that he felt like he was falling into it…it felt like the only place he wanted to be. Her lashes were thick and long, framing her eyes like feather-soft whispers. She wore no makeup at all. It was simply her, natural, vulnerable, and sexy as hell. A sudden rush of desire crashed through him, hitting him so hard and so fast that he lost his breath for a split second.”
Excerpt From: Stephanie Rowe, “Wrapped Up In You.”

[Lucinda Tolmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please don't read my reviews if you don't like spoilers. It is how i remember what i have read because i read so many books. Thanks.

Willow and Cole were meant to be together. I loved that Willow went back to the Island where the meaning of Christmas meant something to her. I can relate to this. Fate stepped in and she was reunited with her island teenage boyfriend Cole. They believe they are only going to spend the week together before the next ferry comes. A week us all that it takes for these two to fall in love with each other. At the end of the week Willow leaves to pursuit her dream of being an actress and Cole leaves to go to Australia for his business adventure. This book shows us that love is more powerful than our dreams. Our dream job is not as good if we dont have somebody to share it with. They end up together back at the Island to fulfill their dreams together of running Coles family inn.

[Lisa Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapped Up In You by Stephanie Rowe is a must read modern romance! It is the perfect read for the holiday season. The story line is great. I love that they first met when they were in their teens, then life pulled them apart, and now to meet again as adults. The story made me laugh, and cry; it pulled me in and I felt as though I knew Cole and Willow. The story takes place during the Christmas season, which makes it feel a bit more magical. I highly recommend this story!

[Alys Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/7/2021
I did a reread of this book for the author for a holiday book gift set.
What a great story. I do love a holiday book. The romance of the holiday season bringing people together. This book was so good. I didn’t really remember most of it. Only a few pieces.
It’s worth reading. First love finding each other years later. Trouble pasts of pain getting healed by love and the holidays. Plus a few tears. Fantastic story that’s worth a read.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smooth writing and a good story, but not quite the intensity I guess you would call it that I've come to expect from Rowe's books. Some great lines, good plot line and moral. Good characters. The only question/complaint I have is no protection? You'll understand the question if you've read the book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! What a beautiful and classic romance story with a Christmas theme beautifully woven in. Two people who have been hurt by those closest to them and have constructed walls to keep people from getting close find each other, fall in love and help each other heel the hurt in their hearts. Oh how Stephanie Rowe can tell tell a tale...

[Nichola Kinsella · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a beautiful love story for this time of year. even made me the most cynical person where love is concerned think that love is just around the corner. my only fault was it was over too soon :( could have read on and on as is usual with Stephanie's stories

[Blanche E Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book Above Books

I enjoyed this book oh so very much! I was so humanly real!The story grabbed me and didn’t want to let me go! The pages were so alive that I couldn’t possibly put them down!!..

[Ndulgent Bloggers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on our site... http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs....

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland

Wrapped Up in You was a sweet Christmas read. Willow is returning to Mystic Island for the holidays in the hopes of finding the same feeling she got the last time she was there when she was younger. She always thinks of her short time there as this magical time when she could just be herself and she really needs that now. Her life is a bit crazy and she doesn't have anyone she is really close to and she could use some time to relax and recharge.

Cole is coming back to Mystic Island hopefully for the last time. He needs to fix up the old inn that is in his family. He had a lot of good times on the island, but a lot of not so good as well. He hasn't been back in a while, but he wants to get in and get everything squared away so he can sell the hotel and severe his ties to the island for good.

When Willow shows up on Cole's doorstep needing help things get more heated than either of them expected. Neither of them are looking for love, they both have to leave the island, but when they realize they shared a magical kiss twelve years ago they both start to wonder if they could get that same thing they had then now. Things were just easy and perfect between them, but how can they make things work now when they are in two different worlds?

Through the holidays these two spend more time together and grow closer. Can the island's holiday magic give them the happily ever after they didn't know they were looking for? It was a cute read. I would love to go somewhere like Mystic Island for Christmas. It sounds like so much fun.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a Christmas story, especially one that’s a kinda second chance at happiness!!

Willow and Cole were meant to be… they just didn’t realise it. Meeting again after over a decade that had doled out a lot of hurt and unhappiness, both were looking for something - one needed closure and the other needed a reminder of what it was to be happy and loved.

I really enjoyed their journey. Cole was so sure of what he needed to do and the reasons behind it that nothing and no one could convince him he was wrong, until Willow. For her part, Willow needed to find joy and happiness. Remembering how the island, and a certain someone, had helped her years before, now that life has dealt her another blow she’s looking to rediscover that feeling and belief in herself.

A feeling of joy, a little sadness, a healthy dose of the Christmas spirit, a community of people who accept you for who you are and a heap of attraction and connection that couldn’t be denied all added up to a real feel good read.

4*

[Jenner Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole is back to sever his last remaining tie to Mystic Island. His plan, to sell the family Inn and return to his life in New York, leaving the Island and the pain it carries behind for good.
Willow is back to experience a real Christmas for the first time. When she finds out she accidentally booked her hotel room for the following year, she's sent to the only place on the Island that might have a room available.
There's a Legend surrounding Mystic Island. It's said that the island will claim those in need of love, and not let them leave until they've found it.
With the magic of the island at work, will Willow and Cole forge a new connection? Can the spirit of Christmas bring two broken souls together?

15 years ago, a connection was made, forged by a kiss.
15 years later, a connection was made, forged by love.

I love a good Christmas romance and Stephanie Rowe knows how to deliver. Sweet with a bit of heat and a HEA!

[Terric853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cole was raised on Mystic Island off the coast of Maine and left over 10 years ago. Willow is the daughter of two of Hollywood's biggest stars and wants to spend a week out of the spotlight. Theyt met 12 years ago when Willow was vacationing on the island and spent a night (no sex) pouring out their hearts to each other.

When they met again on the ferry to the island, the chemistry is instanteous. Turns out that Willow booked her stay for the follow year, so the inn keeper sends her to Cole, who owns the inn his parents had owned. He reluctantly lets her stay. He is here to fix up and sell the inn. They spend a magical week together falling in love. Willow admits her feelings, but Cole thinks he's closed off to all emotion and refuses to admit he's fallen for her.

I liked nothe characters, but felt Willow was more "real" than Cole. Of course, there's a HEA.

[Loz · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

An okay freebie... Willow Morgan is returning to Mystic Island twelve years after she last visited. Wanting to experience Christmas for the first time in her life, she's made reservations on a Island renowned for their Christmas festivities.
Cole Charbonneau is returning to his family's inn with the sole purpose to sell it. After Willow (aka Kate Smith) and he run into each other on the ferry over, he can't help but feel a connection with the gorgeous woman he's sure he's met before.
Hiding her identity, she's the daughter of Hollywood stars famous for both their on and off-screen antics, Willow wants the magic of Mystic Island to renew her faith in life and love.

These two may have had a past, but their reunion was instant and the love declarations far too premature.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet second chance romance. Cole grew up on Mystic Island where his family ran an inn but left 10 years ago after two deaths caused enough pain for him to shut down emotionally. Willow grew up in a famous family and feels heart broken and unable to trust. When they were both 15 Cole and Willow shared a magical emotional (non-sexual) night together that neither one forgot. They meet again on the ferry to the island more than a decade later - Cole to get the inn ready to sell and Willow to find some Christmas magic and to feel like a normal person. The story was well written and the characters had depth and substance. Their individual pain and the healing from being together was palpable. This was a good start to the Mystic Island series.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapped Up In You is a fantastic Christmas story by Stephanie Rowe. Ms. Rowe has given us a well-written story and filled it with amazing characters. Cole is returning to the home of his childhood to get his family's inn ready for sale. Willow is escaping her famous lifestyle and returning to the one place that held happy memories. Their story will warm your heart. There's plenty of drama, humor and sizzle to keep readers engaged. I enjoyed reading Wrapped Up In You and look forward to reading more from Stephanie Rowe in the future. Wrapped Up In You is book 1 of the Mystic Island Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book for a couple of reasons, first it was a free download and second, it was a story which takes place at Christmas and I love reading stories that are in the current season and have a small town feel.

To be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to get through the first few chapters which is why it took me 3 days to get through all 116 pages. I had to push myself to keep reading and remind myself that it was a short story.

I love a good holiday love story and stories about old flames reconnecting. Unfortunately I could not get drawn in by Willow or Cole's relationship or how their storyline played out.

Although it wasn't for me, there are many readers loved it.

[kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The two main characters meet on the ferry on its way to Mystic Island ... in a storm no less! It is almost like a death wish, pitching into each other's arms while the rest of the passengers are safe in the cabin.
This was totally unbelievable! The rest of the story follows the same pattern. Four-lettered words could have been left out - they seem to have been haphazardly peppered into the story line.
I read the book because I love Christmas, but not this book!

[Dawn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story of love and forgiveness...Cole and Willow have experienced alot of hurt in the past, and Willow had never felt like she was accepted by others except for one moment from the past when she was a teenager. Fate had their paths cross again and showed them love and forgiveness can make them happy again. Mystic island performed it's magic on them and now they can live happily ever after. great story!!

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. The book started promising, but the characters ended up falling flat and the pacing was all off. I know this is a shorter romance, but it still could have been developed much better than it was. There was plot points set up and never followed through. The island seemed like a good backdrop for romance but the nature of the island and the people wasn't really explored. Meh. Lots of lost opportunity with this one. But luckily I didn't pay for it. Yay for free ebook romances!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay. Too much inner dialogue. People rarely speak as the H/h here do. Long, involved sex scenes--I've read way too many romances to find much of it interesting anymore. I skim or skip them now. For me, the point is the furtherance of the relationship and any related character growth. Bit very believable. I got to the point of skimming everything just to finish. I seriously doubt that I'll read another by this author.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This barely made it to 3 stars for me. The second half was able to pull it back from the brink though. The romance between Willow and Cole was okay for the most part, but I loved Coles growth and acceptance of his past, especially with Paul. Willow was meh for me. Her issues seemed pretty trite and trivial.

Either way, I'm glad I stuck it out with this book. I wasn't as disappointed as I thought I'd be. On to the next!

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so wrapped up in this, pure Christmas romantic escapism.

I loved the raw honest emotions between Cole and Willow. Life sometimes kicks you when you’re down and you don’t always know what to do, following that little inner instinct can lead you to where you’re meant to be.
I loved the over the top Christmas, it was perfect and it made me wish I was there living it, friends and neighbours who have your back no matter who you are how long you’ve been gone.
A perfect cosy read.