Can a shock baby…
…redeem this damaged doctor?
In this SOS Docs story, the last person pediatrician
Ethan Reid expects to see on board the rescue boat during his latest
humanitarian mission is nurse Claire Durand. The woman he shared an
electrifying, anonymous encounter with is now his newest colleague! Life's
taught Ethan to keep everyone at arm's length, but Claire's bombshell changes
everything. Because Ethan's no longer alone -- Claire's pregnant with his baby!
Good book. The story opened as seventeen-year-old Ethan
experienced a life-changing event that left him with a deep well of survivor's
guilt. After becoming a pediatric doctor, he spends his life going from one humanitarian
mission to another, mainly in Africa. When he gets a call from the teammate who
saved his life all those years ago asking him to participate in a mission
rescuing refugees his guilt-driven need to give back forces him to accept. The
night before the mission leaves, Ethan comes to the rescue of a young woman who
is dealing with a drunk Lothario. While escorting her to her room, the power to
the elevator went out, and the attraction that had been sparking between them
burst into flame. When the elevator restarts, they go their separate ways.
Claire is a nurse with a large and loving family who
sometimes feels smothered by them. After ending a long-standing relationship, Claire
is ready to spread her wings and experience a bit of adventure. She signed on
to help on a medical mercy ship and is looking forward to it. The last thing
she expected was a steamy encounter in an elevator with a total stranger. They
purposely didn't exchange any personal information, and she never expected to
see him again.
The next day they were shocked to discover that they
would be working together. Neither was in a place where they wanted a
relationship, so they agreed to forget what had happened between them.
Unfortunately for their plan, there was also a deeper connection that would not
be denied. I loved seeing them spend time together, slowly building a
friendship that filled a hole in both of them. I liked how easily they were
able to talk to each other about anything. I liked Ethan's support of Claire
and her desire to step out of her comfort zone and how Claire encouraged Ethan
to open up about his past and the effect it had on him. The more time they
spent together, the stronger the attraction was, and the harder they both
fought it. I especially hurt for Ethan, who believed that he was not worthy of
having a happy future. Both were stunned when Claire discovered she was pregnant.
I hurt for Claire, who saw it as an end to her dreams, but already loved the baby-to-be.
Ethan had a harder time dealing with the news. I ached for him and his fear of
allowing himself to care. His protectiveness toward Claire was pretty fierce,
especially when he turned it on her need to do what was right for the baby. The
ending was terrific, as an unexpected conversation with Chase opened Ethan's
eyes about his actions and motivations. His big moment with Claire was sweet
and romantic, with just the right hint of vulnerability on his part.
I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of this book. The look
at the plight of the refugees who fled such terror, preferring to face the
dangers of the unknown, was heart-wrenching. I loved seeing how hard the staff
on the ship worked to help those they rescued. I was moved right along with Claire
and Ethan as they worked to save the pregnant woman and her baby.
Ethan's relationship with Chase was a big part of the book.
The past haunts both. Ethan because he survived when so many didn't, and Chase
because he lost his best friend. Interactions between Ethan and Chase are awkward
at best, as they bring back memories both would prefer to forget. I liked that
Claire's influence helped Ethan talk to Chase about that time in their lives. Though
painful, it was necessary, and I liked the effect it had on Ethan. I'm looking
forward to reading Chase's story, as he is just as broken as Ethan was.
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