I've been a fan of Shannon Stacey's Kowalski series and so reading and reviewing this tenth book in the series was a no-brainer for me. There something about the Kowalski clan that just makes me feel good, and What It Takes follows that tradition for me. 
 The romance in this installment is between Ben, the quad-driving paramedic who is the go-to guy for medical events happening on the quad trails of the Northern Star Lodge. He's a bit seasoned after having spent his younger years working in the city where he was too busy to find himself a wife and start a family. Now that he's back in Whitford where things are a little slower, he's reminded of what is missing in his life. When he runs into Laney who is helping Rosie with the chores ta the Lodge, he's attracted to her, even though he knows she's in a much different place. 
 Laney is happy working at the lodge and staying in a camper for the summer as she finds her old self after a stifling marriage. I really got where she was coming from. When she finds herself attracted to Ben she's faced with the dilemma of letting her heart go again, or resisting the pull she feels for him because she needs to be able to stand on her own two feet after her divorce. 
 Neither Laney or Ben can ignore the attraction they feel toward each other, and eventually give into it. Laney tries to keep her emotions under control, not wanting to jump into another relationship so soon, and Ben is very patient with her. But he's not willing to wait forever, and the moment it becomes clear to Laney and Ben they cannot reconcile their different viewpoints is heartbreaking. 
 What It Takes is really more about the relationships in Whitford than it is about the Kowalski's although the family is front and center when there's a 4th of July family reunion at the Lodge. There's a very sweet story revolving around Emma and Sean that warmed my heart and it was great catching up on both sides of the Kowalski family. I'd forgotten about some of the early books and it was great to be reminded of the characters and just how much this entire series has wormed it's way into my heart. 
 If you are a fan of the series, this is a "must read". If you haven't read the series, I think What It Takes would standalone as a contemporary romance. Either way, you will get Shannon Stacey's wonderful voice as she tells the tale of another couple in the town of Whitford. It's all about the love of friends and family and I love that about this series. 
 ARC provided for review.