JC Harroway

Good story about two hurting people who make a connection that has lasting consequences. Sadie recently split with her almost-fiancé, who dumped her after cheating on her and getting the other woman pregnant. Sadie is especially hurt because she has fertility issues that he claimed didn't bother him. At a hotel bar, she meets Roman, and after talking for a while, they spend an anonymous night together.

A year later, Sadie is back at work for the first time after maternity leave. She's unhappy about leaving Milly, her miracle baby, and can't wait to get home to her. Imagine her shock when she encounters Roman, a temporary surgeon working at the same hospital where she is a doctor. Now for her dilemma: does she or doesn't she tell Roman that he is a father?

Communication is the top priority once they recover from the shock of seeing each other. Roman hasn't been able to forget Sadie and would like to spend time with her. But it's all on a superficial basis. He is still grieving the loss of his wife and son in an accident. He refuses to risk his heart on loving someone else. Meanwhile, Sadie worries that Roman will either reject Milly altogether or want shared custody of the child that is her life. Their first conversation is awkward, with Roman wishing to get closer and Sadie panicking over possibilities. It takes some time for Sadie to overcome her panic and finally confess to Roman.

I ached for both as Roman struggled with his emotions over the news, and Sadie waited for him to decide what he would do. As they spend time together, the sparks of attraction they felt in Vienna continue to grow. I liked seeing Roman open his heart to Milly, but I also sensed his confusion over his developing feelings for Sadie. Sadie is falling hard for the loving father she is getting to know, but experience makes it difficult for her to trust herself or Roman. There are some sweet scenes of them together and with Milly, and it's easy to see how good they'd be if they allowed themselves to love again. The ending is deeply emotional as Roman is willing to take a chance, but Sadie pushes him away. It takes Sadie some intense self-examination and letting go of her fears to realize what she's throwing away. I thought her big moment at the end was awkward, but it had the desired effect.

#netgalley… (more)

Ash and Essie are a mass of kinetic energy. They share more than chemistry. The danger for them lies in allowing themselves to be vulnerable. He's running from the pain of a recent curveball in his life. She's running toward a better future for herself. It's the fear that keeps them moving, but the heart that holds them back. The contradictions are what make them a perfect match. She pushes him to look beyond the past and into the future. He challenges her to face the past without drowning in the heartache. Harroway tackles romance with a realism that is temptingly gritty, but never skips out on heart.… (more)