4.5 stars
Wade Abbott knew after one weekend that he wanted Mia Simpson, but she was already in a relationship, one he suspected was abusive. Not knowing her well, he tried to build a friendship with her, to offer support in the only way he knew how. But after a year of silence from her end, he finds her battered and beaten on his doorstep asking for a huge favor.
Wade is the quiet one of the bunch. He has always marched to the beat of his own drummer. While he loves working closely with his family, he also loves his quiet time alone. He is vegan and practices yoga, which led him to meet Mia, a woman who captivated him immediately but was off limits.
Mia was somewhat of a mystery in the beginning. She has been hinted at, though only Wade, Hannah and Homer knew of her existence. I will admit to being just as sceptical of her as the rest of the Abbott family. But as her time with Wade increased, I grew to love her and the balance she offered him. Finally, there was someone to pull the quiet Abbott out of his shell. Despite the drama she brought with her to Butler, she is smart, kind, and a wonderful addition to this crew.
These two had a lot to sort out in a very short time. The request Mia delivers shortly after her arrival means there are some massive changes in Wade’s life, massive changes that leave his family scratching their heads in confusion -- Wade is not usually the impulsive type. There were moments where even though they had known each other for two years, things felt like they were moving fast, even for the situation. But I loved the way they worked through their personal issues in order to present a united front for both his family and her demons.
I loved watching the wonder Mia felt as she met more and more of Wade’s family. Not having a large family herself, the entire clan was a lot to take in. It was great checking in with the entirety of the Abbott and Coleman extended family. There are wonderful updates with Ella and Gavin, Hannah and Nolan, and Megan and Hunter. But all of the siblings and cousins are nearby to support the new couple (and rib Wade for his secrecy). There are also some great teasers about the drama building with Lucas and Landon, and it sounds like those twins may be raising a ruckus as usual in the next Butler, Vermont novel!
This newest installment in the Butler, Vermont series is both sweet and sexy, dangerous and comforting. I loved the addition of a bit of suspense with Mia’s background and the tension that came with the danger she was facing.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.