Marion Lennox

Good book. Jenny left Sydney after a disastrous relationship and moved to a small town. On her first day as a paramedic, she is involved in a rescue that puts all of her skills to the test. After the rescue, she takes custody of one of the man's dogs, an adorable corgi named Stumpy. When her landlady pitches a fit over the dog, local doctor Rob offers Jenny a room in the hospital-owned "doctor's house" he occupies with his son Jacob.

Rob is a single dad raising his son Jacob. His life is in limbo thanks to a devastating event when Jacob was born. He also deals with overbearing in-laws who believe Jacob belongs with them.

The sparks between Rob and Jenny are evident from the moment they meet. They try to ignore them, as Jenny isn't ready for a relationship after her ex's betrayal, and Rob isn't truly free to pursue them. There are some sweet scenes between them as they work together and others involving young Jacob. I also liked their professional teamwork, especially the baby delivery during the flood. But when they give in to their attraction, and Jenny later learns the truth of Rob's situation, she can't help feeling that history is repeating itself. It takes time apart and self-examination for each of them to put aside the past and look to the future.

Rob's situation is complex, and his in-laws don't help things. I understood their grief, but their actions regarding their daughter verged on the cruel. I also disliked their hold over Rob and Jacob. Their intrusiveness was over-the-top, and Rob should have stopped it long before. The scene with Jenny and the father-in-law was highly creepy. I was happy to see the changes that occurred at the end of the book.

The medical portions of the story were interesting. I always learn something new when I read a book from this line.

#netgalley… (meer)