Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is book 4 in the Foxbrooke series but can be read as a stand-alone. This book centers on Sophia Hunter-Savage, sister of James Hunter-Savage who is the love interest of Lady Estelle Foxbrooke in the previous book, The Upper Crush. In this book, archeologist Sophia has just suffered a double whammy. Her long-time boyfriend cheated on her with two of his students, and then stole credit for an important historical find that Sophia actually made. Crushed, and suffering from extreme anxiety, she returns home to figure out her next steps.

Yoga teacher Isaac feels he’s achieved his life goals by helping others. To balance his life, he’s taken a vow of chastity and no relationships and so far, has had no problems keeping to this vow. Until Sophia joins his yoga classes seeking help with her anxiety. The duo have a life-changing connection after a one on one session together, and Isaac realizes he’s in over his head. He quickly leaves town to seek peace at an ashram with is Guru, only to have Sophia turn up at the same ashram looking for help for anxiety.

This book is a departure from the other books in the series. It’s mainly set at an ashram on a tropical island. Instead of being a beautiful, peaceful setting, the lodgings are dismal, the environment and instruction harsh, and the program grueling. It’s anything but peaceful. I really did not like this setting, although it did play a huge character in the book. I could understand Sophia’s anxiety because I felt anxious the whole time she was on the island. The only saving grace was Sophia’s new friend Jessica. She was hilarious, reminded me of Estelle, and added much needed levity and humor to the book. Her fierce loyalty and protection to Sophia was the epitome of “Girl Power”.

Isaac and Sophia initially don’t have much time to spend together, but slowly they are able to get brief moments alone and their bond begins to grow. Both are cautious and unsure of the other, but it’s clear there is a connection. Both have been hurt by past relationships and are scared to hurt anyone else or to make the same mistakes. This makes the book the most serious book in the series.

I confess that I miss having the other characters in the Foxbrooke series play a more predominant part in the book, as well as more witty, flirty, banter between the two main characters. This book is well-written and reads effortlessly, I guess I was just expecting it to be more light-hearted than it was. Not that that’s a bad thing. Just different. It makes sense, considering the two characters in the book are much more reserved and broken than characters in previous books. I just wasn’t expecting it.

That said, there are still a few spicy scenes in the book that you expect in an Evie book – so I’m glad some things stay the same! The book also has the usual happily ever after that you expect and I was all there for it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this awesome series.

I was provide a complimentary e-copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.