Worth the Risk by Anna J. Stewart: Althea Costas has no true sense of direction, so she is not surprised when gets lost while 
going back to park her food truck after a busy run. What is surprising is she gets two flats and has no cell reception. When she spots a ramshackle house she thinks perhaps there is an old landline available to call for help. She believes she can sneak away with no one the wiser, but an unexpected fall puts her in the arms of the current resident of said house.
That resident is Declan Cartwright, a well known race car driver. He is hiding out in this remote location outside of the town of Butterfly Harbor to recover from a near fatal accident. He doesn’t want the attention of the small town, but knows if Althea found him others will, too.
Althea helps him out with getting groceries and other things after their first meeting. She doesn’t want a close relationship. She lost a close friend in the recent past. She has thrown herself into her work as a cook for the food truck and a local restaurant. Althea likes things calm and steady and although, Declan is extremely handsome, she doesn’t need someone who is an “adrenaline junkie”.
Declan’s whole focus is getting well and back in shape where he can race again. He doesn’t want to be admonished about the risks he will be taking by resuming his dangerous career.
Althea and Declan are polar opposites in temperament, but they can’t deny the strong attraction pulling them together.
Althea is shown as a kind, caring person who has blamed herself for tragedy, but is trying to work through it and decide her future. Declan is laser focused on returning to racing and it takes a lot for him to consider other options. His older sisters were sweet, but a little humorous, too.
Although Worth the Risk is the eleventh is the Butterfly Harbor series, author Anna J. Stewart weaves in enough details so the reader doesn’t feel lost, if this novel is their first. I really connected with this book that is labeled as a Heartwarming Romance. Other secondary characters in this current story were major ones in previous tales in the series. They all play a part in enriching the close knit feel of a group of people who are connected in many ways. The town itself feels like a character and pulls you right in.
This was a great read and I plan to continue to follow Anna J. Stewart upcoming books.
Book Info:
Publication: December 28, 2021 | Harlequin Heartwarming | Butterfly Harbor #11
She’s playing it safe…
He’s anything but!
Famous race car driver Declan Cartwright is only in Butterfly Harbor to recuperate from a devastating crash. But when food truck operator Alethea Costas literally falls into his arms, he realizes the sleepy seaside town has more to offer than he imagined. Alethea is drawn to the charming daredevil despite her cautious nature. Can he show her that taking a chance on life—and love—is worth the risk?
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Butterfly Harbor Stories
Book 1: The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor
Book 2: Recipe for Redemption
Book 3: A Dad for Charlie
Book 4: Always the Hero
Book 5: Holiday Kisses
Book 6: Safe in His Arms
Book 7: The Firefighter’s Thanksgiving Wish
Book 8: A Match Made Perfect
Book 9: Bride on the Run
Book 10: Building a Surprise Family
Book 11: Worth the Risk
Book 12: The Mayor’s Baby Surprise
Kim
Oh. I need to read this book.