Reunited in the Snow - Amalie Berlin (HMED #1060 - Oct 2019)

Series: Doctors Under the Stars (Book 2)

Left at the altar…

…reunited under the stars!

Lia Monterrosa arrives at the Antarctic science station as resident staff doctor…and comes face-to-face with her ex-fiancé! Working in close confines means brooding Dr. Weston MacIntyre can't hide the painful reason he left Lia at the altar much longer. Lia knows she must guard her heart -- especially since desire as bright as the southern lights still blazes between them!

Good second chance story. In the previous book in the series, His Surgeon Under the Stars, Lia's best friend Jordan called her with the unexpected news that Lia's missing fiancé was working as a doctor at the same Antarctic science station. Determined to find out why Wes disappeared without a word right before their wedding, Lia signs on for a stint as a station doctor. To say that Wes was shocked to see her would be an understatement, and he's not quite sure how to handle her presence.

I liked both Lia and Wes and hurt for them both. Wes fled from England, and Lia, wracked with guilt over the death of his younger brother. He blames himself and is sure that if he were to marry Lia, he would only hurt her too. Lia is determined to confront Wes over his desertion since she had believed they were deeply in love. Now she questions whether he loved her at all, a feeling exacerbated by issues with her family back in Portugal.

It's evident from the start that the sparks between Lia and Wes are as strong as they've ever been. Working closely together gives Lia a chance to chip away at the walls, Wes has put up around his heart. There are some terrific scenes of their teamwork, which emphasize how well they understand each other. There's also a sweet scene at the beginning as Wes's protectiveness finds him helping Lia adjust to the bone-chilling cold and perpetual night. As Lia works to help Wes overcome his guilt, Wes is determined to earn her forgiveness, even if he isn't sure he deserves it. Their road back to each other isn't a smooth one, and both make some mistakes along the way, but ultimately, love overcomes all obstacles. I loved the romantic wedding with the incredible backdrop of the southern lights.

His Surgeon Under the Stars - Robin Gianna (HMED #1059 - Oct 2019)

Series: Doctors Under the Stars (Book 1)

The lone-wolf doc…

…meets his match!

Only when exploring the Antarctic's freezing waters can marine biologist Dr. Zeke Edwards forget the heartache of losing his family. Until an unexpected, passionate kiss with new colleague Dr. Jordan Flynn starts to break through the barriers around his heart. Having both sworn off relationships, they agree to a temporary fling. Then danger strikes…and they're forced to realize their feelings are anything but temporary!

Good book. One of the great things about it was its unusual setting. There aren't that many romances that take place in Antarctica. From the opening pages, I was caught up in the author's vivid descriptions of life on an Antarctica science station. It started with a description of the difficult trip through the Drake Passage, which caused me to look up some YouTube videos of ships going through it. I'd say the author nailed it, making Jordan's experience very realistic. Likewise, the description of Jordan's first under-ice dive was amazing, sending me back to YouTube once again. The dangers that lurked were not minimized, and there was a truly frightening description of an encounter with a leopard seal that clearly illustrated one of those dangers. All of these served to enhance Jordan and Zeke's story.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jordan and Zeke. They met on the ship that took them to Antarctica. There are sparks between them from the moment they met, but both have reasons to avoid a relationship. Jordan grew up traveling the world with her doctor parents but longs for a settled life where she can put down roots. She feels the attraction to Zeke the moment she sees him but is determined to stick to her plan. The attraction flares hotter when he comes to her rescue in a scene that showcases her stubbornness and independence, though she eventually admits she needs his help. Zeke is also drawn to Jordan, but he is even more resistant to relationships. After tragically losing the grandparents who raised him, he blames himself and refuses to open himself up to caring for anyone again.

The science station is small, so Jordan and Zeke encounter each other often. They start by agreeing to be friends. They see each other frequently, and their connection deepens. The diving scene is fantastic as Zeke introduces Jordan to the underwater beauty. It's there than Zeke begins to realize that Jordan is a real danger to his heart. When Zeke goes along on a medical run, Jordan appreciates his support and help. Their attraction gets another boost as they witness the Southern Lights together in a sweet and romantic scene. But it's when Jordan observes Zeke's reaction to a news story about a hurricane, that the passion between them explodes. Though both insisted that what they had was a fling only, both soon realized that their feelings for each other had changed. But when something occurs that brings all of Zeke's fears back to the surface, he pushes Jordan away. It takes a near tragedy, and a lecture from his friend, for Zeke to take a hard look at himself. I loved the ending as both Zeke and Jordan realize they are ready to take risks if it means being together.

There was also an intriguing bit with Jordan and her best friend, Lia, whose fiancé has disappeared. A surprise discovery by Jordan looks like a lead-in to the next book in the series.