New York Times–Bestselling Author: He can’t wait to get away from his sleepy Maine hometown—but something keeps pulling him back . . .
Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort—better known as the Northern Star Lodge—while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own.
As the daughter of the lodge’s longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski kids. Though she’s always been “one of the guys”, her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it’s clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is.
Katie’s been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she’s afraid it’s too late. Giving her heart to a man who can’t wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave—could it be that everything he’s ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined?
Praise for the Kowalskis series
“I’m madly in love with the Kowalskis.” —Nalini Singh, author of the Guild Hunter series
“Sexy, sassy and immensely satisfying.” —Fresh Fiction
⭐️ Rating: 4 Stars
Book 6 in the Kowalski Family series, this one centers on Josh, the outdoorsy Kowalski brother, and his best friend Katie, who’s always been there… in the background.
Josh is ready to shake things up—he’s tired of the family business and small-town life. But when Katie finally confesses her long-held feelings, everything shifts.
Katie is quietly strong and totally relatable, while Josh’s restlessness makes him both frustrating and charming. Their dynamic has friends-to-lovers written all over it.
Family, small-town dynamics, and a healthy dose of slow burn make this one feel like a hug.
Moderate steam with emotional payoff—romantic and satisfying.
This story hit all the emotional notes I wanted from a friends-to-lovers romance. Shannon Stacey brings a realness to her characters that makes their struggles feel relatable, whether it’s Josh’s yearning for something “more” or Katie’s fear of losing their friendship. The slow build between them gives the romance weight, and I appreciated that their choices were grounded in personal growth rather than just romantic chemistry. It’s also full of heartwarming family moments and small-town charm. A satisfying and swoony 4-star entry in the Kowalski Family series—though it works well on its own, it might just inspire you to binge the rest.
Shannon Stacey is a New York Times bestselling author known for her heartfelt contemporary romances. Website
Comments will load here
Be the first to comment