Sunday, May 23, 2021

Healing Her Emergency Doc - Caroline Anderson (HMED #1177 - June 2021)

Series: Yoxburgh Park Hospital (Book 13)

His runaway date is back……for good?
 
When Laura and Tom find themselves competing for a job in Yoxburgh Park Hospital's ER, it's, well, awkward! Last time they met, Laura ran…before they could become more than friends. But with just one job on offer, what's the harm in giving in to temptation? They'll hardly be working together. Right? Wrong! And when Tom gets a life-changing diagnosis, can Laura convince Tom that she's ready to be by his side—always?

 
Good book. Laura is a doctor who left the job she had when her grandfather had a stroke and needed her help. While caring for him, she did substitute work with the local hospital. When her grandfather died, Laura stayed on, living in the house she inherited and taking care of Millie, his guide dog. When a permanent position opened up, she applied and believed she had an excellent chance of getting it. Then a late applicant came in, and the sure thing wasn't so sure anymore. What's worse, the applicant is Tom, an old friend from medical school.
 
Tom had an excellent job as an ER doctor in London until circumstances made it necessary for him to leave. The position at Yoxburgh seemed heaven-sent until he arrived for his interview and discovered Laura was his competition. Now he feels a bit guilty about stealing the job out from under her.
 
I loved the first meeting between Laura and Tom. The awkwardness of the situation makes things a little uncomfortable, but they handle it like adults. Having dinner together gave them a chance to catch up on each other's lives. While Laura remembers Tom as something of a ladies' man who seemed determined to add her to his collection, she's stunned to find out that he really cared about her. She had resisted because it would have been far too easy to fall in love with him. Because only one of them will get the job and therefore won't work together, Tom and Laura give in to the sparks that still flare between them. Neither of them expects Laura to be asked to fill in for a doctor going on maternity leave, making them coworkers after all.
 
I loved that Tom and Laura are mature professionals who put their differences aside. Their methods complement each other, which makes an excellent work environment. It isn't long before they slip back into their old friendship, but with the added complication of irresistible attraction. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other again and the closeness that resulted from it.
 
But fate doesn't make things easy for them. Tom notices some health issues that, once diagnosed, become potentially career-ending. I ached for Tom, who could only focus on the negative aspects. His growing feelings for Laura contribute to his despair as he contemplates a future without her. Tom tries pushing her away, believing she deserves someone who can give her everything she wants. Laura is much stronger than Tom realizes and refuses to be sidelined. Her empathy and support are fantastic. She also provides the kick in the pants he needs after she gives him unexpected news. I loved seeing Laura fight for him and the emotional exchange as she finally gets through to him. I loved the ending and their determination to face their future together. 

No comments:

Post a Comment