4.5 stars

This series started with Anna Albertini and her misadventures. Along the way, I have fallen in love with all of Anna’s family and the people of the remote area in which she lives, as I’m sure most other readers have. I’m so glad the author has started giving us their stories. As much as I enjoy Anna’s exploits, I’ve been itching for Tessa and Nick to finally give in to their chemistry. This story didn’t disappoint.

I don’t know if I should feel more sorry for the Albertini sisters or the people around them; if there’s trouble to be had they will find it. Not that it’s their fault. It just falls in their laps! I’ve always loved Tessa. It’s been obvious from things she’s said in previous books that she feels people don’t see her. She’s the middle child with sisters on either side of her that are highly successful. She’s never had the desire to go to college but is an extremely hard worker. The fact that she’s a waitress means she’s often underestimated. Turns out a lot of people see that ambition and drive and Tessa has assumed people didn’t hold her to the same regard as her sisters. Everyone seems to love and respect her. Including Nick.

Nick is a bit of a surprise. I knew he was a good guy and also a total alpha, I didn’t realize how long he’d been holding a torch for Tessa. Now that Tessa’s life is possibly in danger and it looks like she’s being framed for murder, his protective instincts kick in. Tess and Nick being in constant close proximity also means Nick is done waiting for Tessa to realize how great they are together. No matter how different their lives seem on the outside, he knows they fit together perfectly and both want the same things in life. He’s persistent while also giving her some breathing room making him the perfect mix of spicy and sweet.

As always, the senior citizens bring laughter and light-heartedness when things are getting grim. I can only hope to be so revered and feared as I age.