Even though this is my first time reading this series, I’ve been wanting to give it a try for a years. This book doesn’t actually feature a Kowalski HEA but instead one of their lifelong friends. I don’t have much of a frame of reference in terms of comparing this to previous books, but I did enjoy the small town, relaxed vibe of the book.

Ben is a sexy paramedic. He grew up with the Kowalskis and had left town to live in the city until, recently, he came back. He sees all his friends settled down and having kids and is ready to be in that same place himself. Laney just got out of a bad marriage. She’s trying to find herself again and her independence by working at the Northern Star. The last thing she wants is a relationship, a man, or anything more than a fling.

I thought the romance between Ben and Laney definitely had sparks, but I didn’t think when they finally got together those sparks lived up to the expectation I had for them. He spends so much time trying not to take over and let her set the pace, and she spends so much time wanting to prove to herself she can be independent that I felt like at times they were both getting in the way of the romance a bit too much.

Fans of the series will be happy to get glimpses of a lot of the previous couples. The fact that this plot centers around an annual family camping trip will give everyone a taste of old characters and for a new reader of the series like myself it sparked my interest in some of the other members of the family. The group scenes were so much fun to read about and felt natural and real. Definitely my favorite part of this story because it gave the book a true feeling of family comfort. That coupled with the cute small town with all the expected gossipy people and it had a lot of those elements I love in this type of story. I will be checking out the previous books for sure.

Another great book by a great author. Overall I liked this book, although I never quite got the idea of what Laney was looking for. I get that she didn't want to be controlled, but what did she want instead? I liked her and Ben together, and overall enjoyed the book. It was just her issue that I felt wasn't explained well, that cost a star. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book and series. I have read a couple of this author's series now, and enjoy her work. I think you will too.

I really enjoyed this book. It was great seeing all the Kowalskis again and I really enjoyed Ben and Laney’s part of the story. I loved Ben, he was a great character, strong and brace and smart and loving with a strong family and surrounded by support. Laney on the other hand had plenty of baggage between her family and her ex. I struggled with her character at times since although I could see her point, I could see the other side and see that she was denying something that was making her happy out of fear and that was hurting Ben and I loved Ben! You do not have to have read the other Kowalski novels to read this story but some familiarity with the family does make it more enjoyable. I received an arc of this book from the publisher through net galley in exchange for an honest review.

What It Takes by Shannon Stacey......This was an amazing story that I could not put down. Another Entertaining book in the Kowalski Family reunion. I loved Laney and Ben and the romance they shared it was fun to watch. Shannon Stacey is one of my favorites authors always a must read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley.

This was a fun quick read about a family ( the Kowalski's) written about in many previous books by Shannon Stacey. I have read all the books and so really enjoyed this one. Although there were new characters as the main H/h, Ms. Stacey did a very good job incorporating them into the regular Kowalski family. If you haven't read any of the previous books, this is still a fun standalone and it may get you into the mood to read the others. I have always enjoyed Ms.Stacey's writing and her obvious love for this family makes this a good small town contemporary romance! Thanks as always to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

I was so excited when I found out that there was going to be a new book in the Kowalskis!

It's been a while since I last read this series (and I just realized I never did finish Max's book...). I enjoyed reading how Ben and Laney fell in love, and it's such a great feeling to be reunited with this big family again.

As someone who has read all previous “nine” books of this series by Shannon Stacey, it goes without saying I’m obviously a Kowalski family fan. With publishing dates ranging from 2010 - 2014, I read and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one shortly after their initial release date. However, likely because too much time and too many books have passed through my hands since then, I felt as overwhelmed as Laney did when they all converged together for a family reunion/camping trip at the Kowalski owned/operated lodge. I vaguely recognized names but my memory was foggy on most of these stand-alone romantic tale characters. That’s likely why I didn’t find myself particularly engaged when individual monologues took the reins of the story in several subsequent chapters for quite some time.

Unless you are the author or are a “trekkie” type fan of this series, I think what it takes to enjoy Book 10 is to have recently just read the entire series back to back, or at the very least reread each book synopsis to reacquaint yourself with what will be a long list of sub-characters in this book. You see, though the story line started off with a “not looking for love” recently divorced heroine, Laney, and Ben, a pushing 40 good guy paramedic hero who’s decided he’s been alone long enough, their romance seemed to be pushed aside for a large portion of the book. Admittedly, Laney was so reluctant to get involved with Ben, because she needed her world to revolve only around herself to the point I felt sorry for Ben who was pining for her, it likely didn’t matter overly much. Btw, the reason she divorced her husband of ten years wasn’t cheating or physical abuse.

When the Kowalski clan finally cleared out, it was like a switch was flipped, and the main couple got back to not being a couple. At least that is what Laney kept telling herself. Ben was such a sweet guy and fell for Laney pretty quickly, and it took her a long time to even consider the possibility of them dating.

How was the writing? Maybe it was just me but parts of it felt overly long and had too many details. Whether it be the never ending list of Kowalski relatives, family, and friends...and who owned what...who knew who...who was best friends with who...or the townspeople details...or more info than I wanted or needed about rock climbing, riding an ATV, etc. Goodness, at one point the hero explained why he enjoyed using a Koozie, to keep the condensation from running down the can into his cup holder. I openly admit I have a one track mind. I pretty much zero in on the main couple and get overly impatient when my romantic read has taken a turn away from romance. I did enjoy Ben and Laney when they actually were scripted scenes together.

What was the passion meter? At 34% they had their first kiss but had actually spent very little time together. Overall, in general, it took a long time to tell this romantic tale due to the constant sub-content interruptions. Even after some very steamy, smexy time together, Laney still wasn’t letting go of her “not ready to date yet” stance. Slowly but surely they were becoming a couple. She just didn’t want to recognize it was happening. When she finally did, you had better not blink, because it came across very rushed.

Here’s to hoping others really enjoy this one. For me, I would have preferred the individual monologues to have been left out, and the characters just worked in. Ben was by far my favorite aspect of this book. It has been a long time since I’ve come across such a sweet book boyfriend. Laney almost let him get away, folks. Lucky for her he was really into her.

I do recommend reading each individual book, if you like sweet, romantic reads with some steaminess. But just like most family gatherings, sometimes it is just overwhelming to have everyone under the same roof at the same time. I felt this story line got overly crowded, as well.

Title: What It Takes, Series: Kowalski Family (Book 10), Author: Shannon Stacey, Pages: 352, stand-alone but part of a series, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, reluctant to love divorced heroine, pining for her hero trying not to let it show, lots of monologues by sub-characters, rushed/sweet ending, a few VERY steamy scenes.

(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes & Noble.)

Shannon Stacey. A winner every time. Love this! Be sure to pick it up!

When the annual Kowalski family camping trip is moved to the Northern Star, both Ben and Laney are surrounded by the kind of happiness they've always wanted but never had. It just might be theirs—if they can put aside the past and reach for it together. Laney can't decide what she wants out of life. After coming out of a divorce Laney finds herself working for the Kowalski's. Her family isn't very supportive of her divorce or her choices now. Ben Rivers was a paramedic in the city where everything moves fast. Now he's back home working as a EMT still but with a twist as he's needed on the trails of Josh Kowalski's lodge. This gives him plenty of opportunity to come in contact with Laney. Sparks fly but Ben wants more than Laney. He has to convince her without pushing to hard that he's the one for her. Love these two new characters. Watching them connect was exciting but more, seeing my old favorite characters come back and see what's going on with them as well was awesome. So much good stuff in one book. If you're a fan of the series don't miss this one!

I would have liked to have read more about the Kowalksis. I spent a pleasant afternoon curled up reading this story. Good characters, nice plot. Nothing really exciting but on a rainy afternoon it was a good read.

A great new story from Shannon Stacey! The type of small town story we've come to expect from Ms. Stacey. Laney and Ben were awesome, and a wonderful addition to the Kowalski family. As for the reunion aspect of the story, if you haven't read the previous 9 books in the series, I probably wouldn't start the series with this one! The author does a good job of summarizing the previous couples and their backgrounds, but there are so many characters, you might be confused. And you would be missing out on some amazing books. If I could change one thing it would be that we could get more POVs from the other characters instead of just Sean & Emma, although they were one of my favorites!

As always, Stacey writes family dynamics like few others, and you want to book your next trip to the Northern Star resort. While it's lovely to check in with the whole Kowalski clan, it's equally lovely to have a new story to discover, and Laney and Ben are the perfect couple to fall for this time. I thought that Laney's hesitations were completely logical, and that Ben's return and desire to move on with his life - especially after seeing his friends and their lives - was a neat twist on the usual trope. Overall, it's the characters that you love in a Shannon Stacey book, because they remind you of who you know, so they feel like family.
Such a lovely note to end on - while I do hope that there are more Kowalski novels or even novellas in the future, this wraps up the clan on just the right note.

If you haven’t read any of Shannon Stacey’s Kowalski Family series, stop right now and go pick up the first book, Exclusively Yours, pronto. Any format will suffice, but just grab it and start it soon! I recommend the Kowalski Family series to first-time and veteran romance readers more than any other series, and for good reasons - it is a wonderfully written, joyful, small-town romance series that gives all the feels. So with that said, if you haven’t read the series, I really don’t recommend starting with What it Takes for a couple of reasons. First, this is a “reunion” book, bringing back all of the couples and characters from the previous nine titles. Their stories will be lost on someone who’s not read the series. Second, I feel this story is the weakest of the ten books, and therefore, not a great example of how wonderful this series truly is.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, on to my review… What it Takes is a combination between the love story of Laney Caswell and Ben Rivers and reunion tour of the Kowalski family and friends from the first nine books in the series. Unfortunately, the book tries too hard to cover both storylines, leaving me not quite satisfied with both. I did enjoy my time back in Whitford, ME; however, I felt I had to work too hard to follow along all the going-ons, and frankly, I would have preferred a stronger romantic storyline instead of the reunion.

The book opens and closes strong, following the budding romance between Ben and Laney. Ben grew up in Whitford, and is friends with the gang. Now that Northern Star Lodge has become so popular with the 4-wheelers, Josh got the town to offer his friend a job as a paramedic helping on the trails when riders get injured. Laney recently finalized a drawn-out divorce. Now she's starting over in a camper at the Northern Star Lodge where she’s spending the summer helping out the growing business. Once the pair meets, there are sparks flying right from the start. I adore the couple’s awkwardness, especially their initial meeting when Laney takes care of Ben's cuts. The humor is spot on and exactly what I have come to expect from Ms. Stacey. 

Just as the couple show signs of a romance, the Northern Star Lodge is overrun by the annual Kowalski Family Camping Trip (of doom), and the reader is treated to a rundown on every thing and everyone Kowalski. Additionally, there is a side story involving Emma and Sean (from Yours to Keep, one of my all-time favorite books!). While I loved seeing my favorite fictional family, I felt there was too much history from other books shared. The author spent a lot of time retelling the connections between the various characters and telling readers what everyone has been up to. As a fan of the series, having read each book (some more than once), it was redundant, and took away time that could have been spent on Ben and Laney’s romance.

Back to the romance, Ben and Laney make a great pair, once we get to see them spend some quality time alone. Laney is a strong woman, but she lacks the self-confidence needed to get on with her life after her divorce. She is so worried that she'll make life decisions based on pleasing others that she forgets to look into her own heart and discover what makes her happy. Her fears are understandable so it doesn't bother me when she pushes Ben away time and time again. However because there is so much scene time spent reacquainting readers with the Kowalskis, I felt it took away from any positive progress the couple made. And it’s just too bad because these two lonely people deserved a solid story. 

With all that, I truly enjoyed my return to Whitford, ME, and catching up with the Kowalskis. The series is one of my favorites, mixing small town romance and humor; dishing out life lessons and love. While What It Takes has all the hallmark notes that makes the series so fabulous, I felt at times it was weighed down by the reunion aspect of the novel. Ben and Laney's romance often to a side or back seat to catching up with the families. It wasn't until the last 15% of the book that I finally felt a connection to the couple. 

B-

Laney and Ben's story is woven into the annual Kowalski Family Vacation. While the series was great and we are happy to catch up with some of our favorite characters, their story is a little flat. A stand alone story would have been a better idea for them. Even though the story was a little uneven, it is always good to find out what happens after the HEA.

When I found out there was a Kowalski Family reunion book coming out I was doing cartwheels (well in my head anyway)!! I'm happy to say that Shannon Stacey did not disappoint! This is truly one of my favorite fictional families and catching up with all the characters I love was incredible. Add to that a fantastic romance between town newcomer Laney Caswell and returning local boy Ben Rivers and I was one happy reader with this one. If you haven't read the Kowalski series yet do yourself a favor and do it! If you have, you'll enjoy this one as much as I did. I definitely recommend this one either way.

This is another great book about the Kowalski family. I have read all of the books in the series and found them all to be entertaining. This book is about a friend of the Kowalski family who has recently moved back into town, Ben, and someone the Kowalski's have hired to help with their family business, Laney. Both characters were interesting and the chemistry between them was great. The best part of the book though is the coming together of the entire family again and catching up with the couples from the previous books. I especially loved the parts about Emma and Sean, they were from my favorite book. The book is filled with lots of love and laughter and is a great story. I would recommend reading the series from the beginning though so you can appreciate it all the more.

Whew! Those Kowalskis are exuberant, aren't they? Especially when ALL of them show up for their annual camping trip. Which isn't to say they aren't fun. Because they are. They're just loud and rowdy and full of life.

Which is exactly what Laney needs, in my opinion. She bottled herself up during her marriage and now she's ready to see who Laney Caswell is. The Kowalskis are just the family to help break her out of her shell. Well, the Kowalskis and Ben.

Because even when you try your hardest to deny it, those sparks make themselves known. Let's face it, Laney and Ben have sparks. Good ones. Who doesn't like a good sparking every once in a while.

Revisting the extended Kowalski family was fun. Ben and Laney's slow burn romance (which sometimes burned a little on the faster side) made me smile. The trials and tribulations of big families in a small place was everything I was looking for. *thumbs up*

I love the Kowalski series and was so happy to find out that there was going to be a Kowalski reunion and catch up with all of my favorites. Along with the Kowalski's you meet a family friend, Ben Rivers and a new Northern Star employee, Laney Caswell.
Ben Rivers moves back to Whitford, Maine after Josh Kowalski offers him a paramedic job. He's been wanting to move out of the busy city and find a wife and settle down, so this is the perfect opportunity. Laney Caswell had a less than happy marriage that she is finally out of. Laney took a job at the Northern Star to try to find her old self and figure out what makes her happy. Ben and Laney are drawn to each other from the very first time the meet. Laney doesn't want to start a relationship, she wants to work on herself and find her happiness. Ben is willing to give her the space and time but Laney figures out that Ben is her happiness, she wants him. I loved following up with all of the Kowalski's and enjoyed Ben and Laney's story as well. The instant attraction and chemistry that Ben and Laney have was wonderful and it kept you wanting more. I absolutely loved this story and hope that there is more Kowalski stories in the future!

love the Kowalski's, this couple was an ok read

Remind me never to go ATVing.

I so could never live in a camper. Better than a tent, though.

Her ex-husband sounds like a class-A douche.

I forgot everybody. It's been too long.

Oh, good. At least she has family here.

Ah, Mary's wooden spoon.

Hi, Emma! Hi, Sean! These two are hilarious. Bonfire, indeed.

There will be a crapload of s'mores, Ben. You'll end up wearing some.

Does she really think he's the type to drink and drive?

Did we know Kevin and Beth had another baby? Did I miss something?

First "of doom" of the book. And it's by a cute three-year-old. Love it.

Ew, Keri. What scent of candle did you use?

I've never been camping, but I'm pretty sure I've had a s'more.

Haha, attaboy, Ben! Get a free meal out of your parents' squabbling.

I'd have divorced him just to have grilled cheese.

Whoo-hoo, it's a Terry-ism, ladies and gentlemen.

Haha, I could never play Dirty Scrabble with my mother.

Snort. Now these crazy Kowalskis have got her adding "of doom" to her thoughts!

I guess paramedics have to draw a line. They're not doctors.

Shoot. Tough life, Sam.

Aw, he has all of Joe;s books? That's a good friend, right there.

Danny's in college? Where did the time go?

Emma's still getting sticky notes from Sean! Awww!

That is definitely a crying movie. Saying good-bye to Bruce Willis has never been sadder.

Yeah, that scene...Poor Mae Whitman.

She thinks too much. It's annoying.

Uh-oh. He's practically named their kids and she's planning on when to get the hell out of Dodge.

Haha, poor Katie! I'm glad Sean never had a pirate ship at his disposal when he was a kid.

She can take care of him a little bit without becoming submissive.