Although the chemistry is still felt in this book, that is not what this story is about. My favorite parts of this book are Maura's story. I felt the author dealt with her grief and stress in a wonderful way. She didn't skip over it or try to make us, the readers, think Maura needed to move on. She helped us see Maura's problems with not only moving on, but also with having to accept the sympathy from others in the community.

I was delighted to get to know Sage as more than a periphery character. As much as her part of the story was pretty predictable, I still loved how it wove into Maura's climb out of her grief and despair. I don't do spoilers, but I'm a bit concerned about the very ending and the decisions Sage made. But I liked the stipulations and common sense thoughts her parents put before her. It's a fictional book, so I'm sure it will all work out.

So, as I said, the chemistry is there. It's just not the focus and that's okay. It's not meant to be. I looked at this addition to the series as less of a romance book and more of a book about moving on.