Since her best friend and roommate Jen will be spending her Holiday vacations in Tel Aviv, resident doctor Kalista “Kali” Michell was supposed to spend the Holidays alone. What a surprise she has when Jen’s brother Dr. Dylan Geller appears in her home to stay there! Dylan, a Pediatrician, has a delicated case that needed a heart surgery that will happen in the same hospital Kali works, so it’s logical that he stays in his sister’s room, right? The thing is, Kali and Dylan spend a night together years ago, and that flame still sparks between them. How will they deal with their attraction when they’re going to spend a lot of time together as they work in the hospital and live in the same apartment?
This couple has some past issues they need to overcome. After his longtime girlfriend left him him for his best friend, Dylan was so heartbroken that he only had casual flings and one night stands so nobody can reach him. Kali, for her part, has had an unstable childhood that was complicated by her autism spectrum disorder. Because she was diagnosed at age 27 (she’s 28 in the book), Kali’s still adjusting to her autism and what that means for her. By having an affair during the weeks he’s gonna be in Boston, both Kali and Dylan expect their attraction fades. Yet their bond gets stronger; falling in love inevitably in the process.
This is a slow-burn romance with lots of chemistry and spicy moments. Also, the way their relationship is developed is credible. It’s a beautiful, touching romance rarely seen in these days. I love how protective and caring Dylan is with Kali. What a gentleman, this guy! Kali is very genuine with a vulnerability you can feel, but what makes this heroine special is how strong she could be. Together, they hit it out of the park.
As secondary characters we have some from previous books. Also, we have Jen. Since the story focuses on the main characters, there aren’t enough interactions (or that’s how I felt it) between Kali, Dylan and the secondary characters. Although Amita as Dylan’s confidant was quite a character! So sad we didn’t have more of her…
Ms. Douglass did a great job with this book. Her sensitivity with the autism topic demonstrates she cares about it. You can see that too in the Jewish traditions: this aspect is added to the story in such a respectful, organic way. At the same time, the biggest asset this book has is the researching work the author made to write it. Talking about the technical elements of the book, I have to say the story has good transitions, but the ending goes a bit flat and kinda rushed. On the other hand, I found a few scenes that needed more context than others. Another thing that didn’t convince me was Dylan as this playboy because of a heartbreak. Yes, I understand him protecting his heart after what his girlfriend did; what I didn’t get is how can a man so sensitive to the needs of others be so frivolous in his relationships.
As my first book from Ms. Douglass, I had a pretty good impression of her work. Although its flaws, this is a book well written and developed by someone who really cares.
ARC given by Traci Douglass via Booksprout. Thanks for your trust.
About the Book
Release Date: November 28, 2023
ASIN: B0BYZRP9QZ
Published By: Harlequin Medical Romance
Series: Boston Christmas Miracles #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance
eBook, 185 pages
In this latest installment of the Boston Christmas Miracles quartet, a trainee doc’s plan to spend the holidays blissfully alone is shattered when an old flame unexpectedly comes knocking!
Shock guest in her stocking…
Between her busy job on the children’s ward and her recent autism diagnosis, Kalista is looking forward to being home alone for Christmas. But unexpectedly having her best friend’s brother—and old flame!—pediatrician Dylan, move in temporarily over Hanukkah throws her plans into disarray! Because, although Kali doesn’t want “forever” any more than the playboy, she still certainly wants him…
From Harlequin Medical: Life and love in the world of modern medicine.
Boston Christmas Miracles
Book 1: The Nurse’s Holiday Swap by Ann McIntosh
Book 2: A Puppy on the 34th Ward by Juliette Hyland
Book 3: Home Alone with the Children’s Doctor by Traci Douglass
Book 4: A Surgeon’s Christmas Baby by Deanne Anders
About the Author
HEARTFELT HEALING HAPPILY EVERYONE AFTERS
Traci is a USA Today Bestselling romance author with an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Her sometimes funny, always emotional stories feature strong, quirky, wounded characters overcoming adversity to find their forever person. She believes Love is Love and hopes to accomplish brave, beautiful things with her one wild and precious life.
Connect with her through her website: http://www.tracidouglassbooks.com
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