Some medical romances are more like romances that just happen to be set in a hospital, or can be so heavy on the medical jargon that the romance gets lost. This book, though, was a perfect reminder of just how good Carol Marinelli is at getting this balance exactly right. There’s enough medical stuff to not just bring the setting alive but also enhance the romance, and that’s what I want when I pick up any M&B Medical book.

It also neatly sets up the challenges facing the hospital and the reasons why people want it to stay open, while introducing some heart-breakingly young patients and taking us through their stories.

All of which provides an excellent backdrop to Victoria and Dominic’s tale of attraction and fear, family and trust issues, baby woes and love. If medical drama is your thing, then this is a great read.

I really liked both Victoria and Dominic. They have a lot in common, with neither of them being particularly demonstrative and always in control of their emotions. Victoria’s issues stem from her childhood, while Dominic’s betrayal was more recent, but they’re both pretty reserved anyway, yet somehow bring out the fire and passion in each other.

Admittedly, there were times when Victoria’s trust issues made her act a touch irrationally, but Dominic’s patience is an amazing thing, and when she finally gives in and joins his side, he could ask for no better support. I loved how they both changed throughout this book, mostly in small ways, and mostly in their trust of each other. They make a great team and I enjoyed reading about them.

All in all, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read, packed with emotion and passion and characters I could really root for. It kicks off the Paddington Children’s Hospital series in fine style and I can’t wait to read more about the place.

Victoria doesn't know how to do relationships, her mother abandoned her and her father is distant and self-absorbed. Dominic has suffered a crippling betrayal and is not in the market for a relationship and yet they have an intense attraction to each other that one evening gets out of hand and has consequences. An enjoyable story set in a medical environment, strong characterisation, cute kids, family dynamics, a campaign to save the hospital from closure and a HEA. Recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.