This book really threw me in the deep end (literally and emotionally) right from the beginning. My heart ached for Emma and the utter hopelessness, longing, and loneliness that she started this book with. I wanted to give her the biggest hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. It was such a pleasure watching as that became true. 

I read this book in a day because every time I went to put it down to do something else, I wouldn't stop thinking about it until I picked it back up. I was so engrossed in their story, I didn't even realize that so much of the day had passed by, until I finished and saw that it was 10pm! 

Things I Loved:
-The group texts were so funny. I could read an entire novella of them.
-When the guys found Emma in her car, I was screeching. Especially when Zane showed up in his...outfit. 
-Not Gunnar running into the house and into that scene!!! I gasped.
-Getting a deep look into each of the alphas individually was amazing and so necessary. Ari Wright does a fantastic job rounding out all of her characters and making them come alive. I feel like I could run into any of these pack members in real life. 
-The constant reassurance the guys gave Emma was honestly healing. To be so loved and adored and cherished??? We can only hope to receive such open and true love.

Things I would have loved to see:
-Theo apologizing to Emma. I know their relationship isn't the focus of this book, but since Theo is a character we fell in love with during another book, a bit of groveling from him (and his pack, honestly) would have been appreciated.
-I wanted to see the baby!! I kept waiting for the baby to be mentioned at the end, but alas. It just felt like such a big deal at the beginning that Meg was pregnant and then there wasn't any closure.
-There were a few loose emotional ends with the guys. Some of their emotional journey was implied, especially at the end, and I don't know, it just felt like a scene was missing?

Overall, I give this book 5 stars because I literally couldn't put it down. The characters, the emotions, and the story progression were so enthralling, I just had to keep reading. Watching 4 strangers come together because of their need to care for and love one woman was truly special to watch unfold. 

FMC
Emma - teacher, full of light and energy, incredibly optimistic, a bit of a klutz, caring and open hearted

MMCs
Knox - loner Mountain Man, wants someone to love but doesn't believe he's worth it, cuts wood for the fireplace by hand with his shirt open
Gunnar - hockey player on the same team as Emma's brother, dates around, grieving his mother, scared to let anyone in
Micah - firefighter in a small mountain town, strong physically & emotionally, supportive, caring, selfless
Zane - suggestive TikTok chef, easygoing, confident, wants to be a part of something bigger than himself

High spice rating, going through a heat, MMFMM group, some MM

Quotes:
-For once, I want someone to need me so much they can’t fathom not having me.
-Kissing Emma is ten-thousand volts, electrifying my blood. It’s remembering what it’s like to want. And wish. And maybe, for a second, believe.
-But with Emma? She smiles, and my soul snaps to attention. She laughs, and my lungs stop working.
-“I am rapidly devolving into an absolute simp.”
-“You feel so good, Em. I think I’ve been missing you since before I even met you.”
-I belong wherever she needs me.