I wasn't sure how this story would be. Thorne and Kate are in previous books and their relationship is described almost like an enemies feel (from what I remember anyway, it's been forever since I read the earlier books). He is a commander for the militia. He doesn't give her a second glance except to imply her music lessons with her pupils are painful for him. Cold, with no personality, he is a man most avoid, though he's been a constant figure in Spindle Cove. I really enjoyed Thorne. I love those men that seem hard as stone with no emotions. Until that heroine cracks that facade. The passion simmering underneath in this man is wonderful. And it's all for Kate.

Kate is an orphan that truly just wants to belong. She knows she has a past out there just waiting to be remembered. I liked Kate, yet she annoyed me. She wasn't unpleasant exactly, but she acted rather...young?

This was one story where I actually really enjoyed the secondary characters instead of being irritated at their existence. The Gramercy family was wonderful. I'd like a whole series about each of them. From Lark's debut, to Harry's partial cross dressing, Evan's seething, right up to Aunt Marmoset having her own spice drop filled novella.

Overall I found this book really pleasant. I have heard it was not a favorite of many for the series so I think my expectations for it were lower. Also I've been reading quite a few 3 star reads for me. That has all helped this book shine all the more to me. I found myself reading this with a smile on my face for most of it. It didn't quite have the laugh out loud humor of some of her other stories but it was still light, funny, and fun. I wasn't 100% in love with this story, yet there was nothing specifically 'wrong' with it. I think it just didn't inspire quite the level of feels, angst, and tension I adore in a 5 star book. But still I liked it more than the first book in the series.

I give 4.5 rounded to 5.