Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

5*

On his first day of work in the ER, Jacob Maddox is dubbed “Doctor Death” by the nursing staff after he loses 7 patients. If that isn’t bad enough, his severe social anxiety leads to some faux pas that give everyone, especially Dr. Briana Ortiz, the impression that he’s rude as well. In Briana’s eyes, his bad reputation is cemented when she’s told by her superior that her presumed promotion to Head of Emergency Medicine isn’t a guarantee since the new guy is now in the running. So, imagine her confusion when more than one friend tells her she’s misjudged him and that he’s one of the good ones. Who would have thought Jacob’s letter of apology would be the start of a beautiful friendship?

In less talented and superficial hands, this might have been just another simple enemies-to-lovers workplace romance. However, Jimenez gives us LAYERS. Although Jacob struggles to be understood and to navigate social situations, he is one of the most empathetic and altruistic characters ever written, and it’s this care and concern for others that leads him to donate a kidney to Briana’s younger brother. In return, she offers to be his fake girlfriend through the minefield created when his ex-girlfriend and younger brother decide to marry, his family withholding their acceptance of the new relationship until they’re sure Jacob is past his heartbreak. As the weeks pass leading up to the wedding and the transplant surgery, feelings between them begin to grow, but the inevitable misunderstanding gets in the way. Briana doesn’t trust men or her own judgment after being abandoned by her father as a child and her ex-husband in the worst possible way, so is there any chance that they’ll ever have a future together?

In one of the most poignant scenes in this touching romance, Briana says of Jacob, “He let me look into his soul.” Jimenez, with her gift for crafting complex characters navigating some of life’s hardest challenges, has given her readers that same glimpse into the souls of both main characters. In so doing, she has left us with an indelible impression of the power of selfless, harmless, enduring love. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Forever Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Would You Rather by Allison Ashley

5*

Beautiful friends-to-lovers romance between childhood friends who first fell in love in college, though tragic circumstances kept them in the friend zone for almost 10 years.

At age 21, just as they’re about to admit their feelings for each other, Mia falls ill while Noah is on a mountain climbing trip with his brother. The events of that tragic weekend led to both of them lying to themselves and each other, saying they want to remain just friends. It isn’t until Mia wins a scholarship to return to school at age 30 (which she is ready to turn down because she needs health insurance through her job) that Noah proposes they get married so she can quit and fulfill her dream of becoming a dietician. It’s inevitable that what starts as a marriage of convenience with a side of insurance fraud will lead to more, especially since they’re sharing a home. The question is, will Mia allow Noah to sacrifice his own dreams to take care of her as her kidney disease worsens and will Noah be able to give up his fear of losing her if it means he can start living life fully again?

The love between Mia and Noah is intense and oh so beautiful. There’s definitely sexual tension, but the love scenes are all fade to black. The emotional baggage these two share is totally understandable, but the willing, albeit misguided, sacrifices they both make are frustrating to read, which is a tribute to author Ashley. There’s a true villain who gets his comeuppance, enviable friendships, role models in their parents’ long marriages, and some insight into what it means to live with a chronic disease. There are definitely tear-jerker moments, but this beautiful love story is worth the tissues. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from MIRA through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.