Kristan Higgins

Definitely a heavier book than I expected, but very well-written. Lark is an oncologist who feels too deeply and cries too much. She's fake-dating Lorenzo, who is her polar opposite: a cold and seemingly emotionless surgeon. Lark isn't looking for love and this is not a light-hearted rom-com, she's still grieving a past love and it's a jagged kind of grief. As she gets drawn closer to Lorenzo's family, especially to his brother Dante, she starts to wonder what it would mean if she opened herself up to love again. This starts out on a lighter note with the focus on the fake dating, then gets progressively much more serious as we learn more about Lark's past; have your tissues ready, friends. Meaty side plots with her parents' midlife crises, and with Lark's mother Ellie and landlady Joy. Main theme of lost love and how we come back from it, if we ever do. This was not my first book by this author, and I look forward to more. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!… (meer)

Harlow gets surprised by her grown son, the baby she gave up for adoption when she was 17. Now, thrilled that he sought her out, she wants to get to know him. His adopted family, though supportive at first despite his somewhat underhanded way of seeking his genetic roots, is devastated when he wants to remain with Harlow. It’s quite an involved and touching tale. The characters are real, even down to the snits and arguments that occur as they cope with situation. It’s a rough road for all, with some sacrifices and some gains, but it is a gripping plot.… (meer)