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Doctors MacDowell #3
The Bachelor Doctor's Bride
2015 RITA Award finalist
2015 National Readers Choice Award finalist
Cardiologist Quinn MacDowell has no time for affairs of the heart—especially those not related to his job. So when bubbly Diana Connor gets underneath his white coat like no woman has before, Quinn is determined to keep his hands, and his heart, to himself. She's just too… well, peppy …for a man as serious as him. Or so he keeps telling himself…
2015 National Readers Choice Award finalist
Cardiologist Quinn MacDowell has no time for affairs of the heart—especially those not related to his job. So when bubbly Diana Connor gets underneath his white coat like no woman has before, Quinn is determined to keep his hands, and his heart, to himself. She's just too… well, peppy …for a man as serious as him. Or so he keeps telling himself…
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Caro Carson
113 books498 followersDespite a no-nonsense background as a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, Caro Carson has always treasured the happily-ever-after of a good romance novel. After her military service, she worked in the healthcare industry with a Fortune 100 company, talking science with doctors who were rarely handsome bachelor Texans like the doctors in her books. Now a RITA™-award-winning and USA Today bestselling author, Caro is delighted to be living her own happily-ever-after with her husband (who is a handsome Texan) and their two children. They live in Florida, a location which has saved the coaster-loving theme park fanatics a fortune on plane tickets.
https://linktr.ee/CaroCarson
https://linktr.ee/CaroCarson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 5, 2014
I have a weakness for brooding heroes who are awakened by the light of the heroine. There's something about combining that darkness and light that is always so appealing. They can be dangerous or mysterious but the hero who broods, never saying much and who eventually can't help but smile at the light personality of the heroine, always makes me smile. Probably because I'm such a goofball myself that I get a kick out of awkward situations and people who aren't afraid of being themselves.
Cardiologist Quinn MacDowell is the quintessential brooding hero as a man who saves lives. He easily attracts Diana Conner's attention at a gala event with his serious demeanor, challenging her to "fix" his life with the right woman, using her matchmaking skills. That's what Diana does, makes people happy by matching them up with the right person, the right house or the right dog. She is quirky and over-the-top bubbly and sweet. She's also the complete opposite of the strong, self-serving women Quinn usually dates and not someone that Diana, or anyone else playing matchmaker, would choose for him. But Quinn wants Diana instead of the various women she chooses for him—will he be willing to change to win her heart?
Quinn's personality is sometimes off-putting just due to his puffed up ego, well-earned as a very caring, successful doctor. What makes him such a good hero is that he recognizes his faults, or senses that he's done something stupid, and tries to figure it out in order to win the woman he loves. That he doesn't always get it makes him all the more charming. His imperfections are well matched to his strengths.
There are some hilarious moments as well as some teary-eyed ones when these two opposites collide, which is often as they try to figure out their relationship. Diana is a real estate agent and a do-gooder who can't help but try to make everyone's life better, even if it means deep inside she doesn't get the happiness she deserves. I sometimes wanted to shake her into understanding that she was worth more than what she felt, but Quinn eventually breaks through Diana's defenses and she grows into the woman she is meant to be.
I don't usually read doctor or medical themed stories but I'm really glad I tried this one. I received it for free from the publisher to participate in a reader survey which often opens my eyes to authors or styles I might not necessarily choose on my own. I think I'll be more open to medical themed stories because of this one.
I love an "opposites attract" type of story and these two people couldn't be more different. They don't travel in the same social circles so there is ample opportunity for things to become uncomfortable, so much so that I wasn't sure they'd be able to work it out. It's a brave combination and I appreciated that significance more and more throughout the story. I found author Caro Carson's talent engaging—she definitely hooked my attention from page one and I look forward to more of her books.
If you're in the mood for a short, feel-good story, these 218 pages are well worth your time.
Cardiologist Quinn MacDowell is the quintessential brooding hero as a man who saves lives. He easily attracts Diana Conner's attention at a gala event with his serious demeanor, challenging her to "fix" his life with the right woman, using her matchmaking skills. That's what Diana does, makes people happy by matching them up with the right person, the right house or the right dog. She is quirky and over-the-top bubbly and sweet. She's also the complete opposite of the strong, self-serving women Quinn usually dates and not someone that Diana, or anyone else playing matchmaker, would choose for him. But Quinn wants Diana instead of the various women she chooses for him—will he be willing to change to win her heart?
Quinn's personality is sometimes off-putting just due to his puffed up ego, well-earned as a very caring, successful doctor. What makes him such a good hero is that he recognizes his faults, or senses that he's done something stupid, and tries to figure it out in order to win the woman he loves. That he doesn't always get it makes him all the more charming. His imperfections are well matched to his strengths.
There are some hilarious moments as well as some teary-eyed ones when these two opposites collide, which is often as they try to figure out their relationship. Diana is a real estate agent and a do-gooder who can't help but try to make everyone's life better, even if it means deep inside she doesn't get the happiness she deserves. I sometimes wanted to shake her into understanding that she was worth more than what she felt, but Quinn eventually breaks through Diana's defenses and she grows into the woman she is meant to be.
I don't usually read doctor or medical themed stories but I'm really glad I tried this one. I received it for free from the publisher to participate in a reader survey which often opens my eyes to authors or styles I might not necessarily choose on my own. I think I'll be more open to medical themed stories because of this one.
I love an "opposites attract" type of story and these two people couldn't be more different. They don't travel in the same social circles so there is ample opportunity for things to become uncomfortable, so much so that I wasn't sure they'd be able to work it out. It's a brave combination and I appreciated that significance more and more throughout the story. I found author Caro Carson's talent engaging—she definitely hooked my attention from page one and I look forward to more of her books.
If you're in the mood for a short, feel-good story, these 218 pages are well worth your time.
October 6, 2021
3.5 stars. I read this as apart of the bind up with Yours and Mine by Debbie Macomber and I really liked it! It has the same trope of powerful man and insecure woman, but for some reason it didn't' bother me. This one is about Quinn and Diana. Quinn is a brooding doctor and Diana is a real estate agent. However, she's not super great at it and her real passion lies in her volunteer work with dogs. She is a hardcore Enneagram 2. She meets Quinn at a doctor's convention and starts to break into his tough exterior. She's super goofy and they have a one night stand that turns into more. This was a super fun and sweet exploration of them trying to figure out their relationship. Very similar to the other story in this bind up, I thought it was very realistic and the pacing of the relationship was good. There's just something about a doctor.... Recommend!
July 8, 2015
This review first appeared on Tales to Tide You Over.
I received this book as part of the Tell Harlequin group for reader feedback, something I’ve been a part of for more years than I can remember. I’ve been reading Harlequin since my early teens, so trust me when I say every criticism leveled against Harlequin novels has an example or two to support it. The reason I keep reading them is that there are as many examples to dismiss the notions as well.
The Bachelor Doctor’s Bride is one of these.
Diana is a small time realtor when she’s not volunteering at the shelter. Her boss sent her to this event to make contacts because he didn’t want to go, but she feels out of place in this gathering of upper society. Diana’s determined to enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity of a fairytale ball despite her dress seeming shabby compared to the understated elegance around her.
Sounds like a standard rich and poor romance on the surface, but from that starting point comes a delightful story about a very unique woman.
Diana is a sensitive, intuitive soul who makes it her life’s work to help others find happiness. Sure, her talents are usually engaged with matching homeless dogs to those who would make a good fit, but she’s not the type to let a simple fact like that stand in her way when she decides to find a perfect match for the one sour face at the fancy charity gala, and things spiral out of control from there.
She’s the type who leans over to make a suggestion to a frazzled woman in a flower shop and ends up with a friend for life despite the differences in their circumstances. She’s quick to act on the problems she sees and is determined to make the world a better place for everyone.
What makes the story deeper is both how she goes about identifying and resolving the problems, and how you quickly learn that while she’s out saving the world, inside she’s afraid to live for herself.
Enter Quinn, the oldest brother of an ambitious family who has singlehandedly been keeping the family business, a medical practice, running and doing well. One of his brothers just returned to share the burden, but he doesn’t know what to do with himself when not working.
Diana’s determined to find him the person best suited to his position in life, his drive, and sheer awesomeness. The only trouble is he doesn’t need a perfect match to who he was. He needs to learn who he wants to become.
The characters are well-written, the challenges between the person who gives so much they leave nothing for themselves and the workaholic, as well as the culture clashes between their stations are well written and enjoyable. But Diana is the masterpiece here. Her ability to diagnose a situation and come up with a treatment plan mirrors a doctor’s work, only she boosts confidence, helps resolve conflicts, and even finds love for those in need. Rather than treating the body, she treats the soul, and it’s a delight to watch.
You might have guessed I enjoyed this book. The combination of a bright, optimistic mood and a more complicated psychology behind it drew me in and made me not want the story to stop.
I received this book as part of the Tell Harlequin group for reader feedback, something I’ve been a part of for more years than I can remember. I’ve been reading Harlequin since my early teens, so trust me when I say every criticism leveled against Harlequin novels has an example or two to support it. The reason I keep reading them is that there are as many examples to dismiss the notions as well.
The Bachelor Doctor’s Bride is one of these.
Diana is a small time realtor when she’s not volunteering at the shelter. Her boss sent her to this event to make contacts because he didn’t want to go, but she feels out of place in this gathering of upper society. Diana’s determined to enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity of a fairytale ball despite her dress seeming shabby compared to the understated elegance around her.
Sounds like a standard rich and poor romance on the surface, but from that starting point comes a delightful story about a very unique woman.
Diana is a sensitive, intuitive soul who makes it her life’s work to help others find happiness. Sure, her talents are usually engaged with matching homeless dogs to those who would make a good fit, but she’s not the type to let a simple fact like that stand in her way when she decides to find a perfect match for the one sour face at the fancy charity gala, and things spiral out of control from there.
She’s the type who leans over to make a suggestion to a frazzled woman in a flower shop and ends up with a friend for life despite the differences in their circumstances. She’s quick to act on the problems she sees and is determined to make the world a better place for everyone.
What makes the story deeper is both how she goes about identifying and resolving the problems, and how you quickly learn that while she’s out saving the world, inside she’s afraid to live for herself.
Enter Quinn, the oldest brother of an ambitious family who has singlehandedly been keeping the family business, a medical practice, running and doing well. One of his brothers just returned to share the burden, but he doesn’t know what to do with himself when not working.
Diana’s determined to find him the person best suited to his position in life, his drive, and sheer awesomeness. The only trouble is he doesn’t need a perfect match to who he was. He needs to learn who he wants to become.
The characters are well-written, the challenges between the person who gives so much they leave nothing for themselves and the workaholic, as well as the culture clashes between their stations are well written and enjoyable. But Diana is the masterpiece here. Her ability to diagnose a situation and come up with a treatment plan mirrors a doctor’s work, only she boosts confidence, helps resolve conflicts, and even finds love for those in need. Rather than treating the body, she treats the soul, and it’s a delight to watch.
You might have guessed I enjoyed this book. The combination of a bright, optimistic mood and a more complicated psychology behind it drew me in and made me not want the story to stop.
June 28, 2014
I really liked this book! I was well written, the story flowed along smoothly and it was chockfull of emotion. It made me laugh and cry and even get angry a time or two. I disagree with another reviewer who stated that the lifestyles of the two main characters were way too different to make this believable. Opposites really do attract and anyone who would forgo true love to be with someone else just because the former didn't fit into their lifestyle would be shallow and selfish. These two characters are neither of those things. Yes, the heroine has self-esteem issues, but with her background, who wouldn't? I would recommend this book and I will definitely be looking for others by this author.
May 19, 2014
What a wonderfully written story with great character development. I loved that the heroine had such a unique personality and the reason why. My heart broke for the child she was! Great Special Edition book!!!
May 12, 2014
Good book with two people who seemed to be total opposites. Quinn is a serious guy. As a heart doctor he deals with science, not emotion. As a member of the family that founded the hospital, he has spent the last couple years trying to keep it going, leaving little time for any kind of relationship. He's also not a fan of these required functions, so this charity ball is something to just be endured. Then he is accosted by the perky Diana, who is determined to see him have a good time. Diana hates seeing people unhappy and has a talent for matching them up with just what they need. She notices him right away and is compelled to change his evening.
I thought the ball scene was a lot of fun. Quinn has realized that there is something missing in his life after watching his brother dance with his wife. Perhaps it is time to look for a wife of his own. It shouldn't be a problem to find someone suitable. But with Diana finding women for him to dance with, he's more interested in her than anyone else, which baffles him. She's nothing like anyone he's ever been interested in before. I loved the way he relaxed with her and just enjoyed himself. That enjoyment turned more intense by the end of the evening.
I loved seeing Diana's joy in helping people have a good time. It was fun seeing her get Quinn dancing. I also enjoyed seeing her reactions to him and how much she liked him. It wasn't so much fun seeing how sure she was that she was all wrong for him herself. She always seemed so surprised when he would do or say something nice to her. She also had a wonderful sensitivity to other people's distress. She could tell that something was bothering Quinn and when she found out what it was she was determined to be there for him. I loved seeing their attraction heat up.
Quinn was very confused at how much he wanted to keep Diana in his life. She was so different, but she made him feel so good. He also had trouble treating her the same way he had previous relationships. Those he had always kept separate from his professional life, but Diana refused to be kept apart. She wanted to hear about his day, and she had no trouble sharing him with his job. I loved seeing her stand up to him when he tried to keep her separate. He also started to get to know her and tried to understand her.
Diana lost her mother when she was born, and only had a single letter she had written to remember her by. Her mom talked about making other people happy and not being selfish. So Diana keeps trying to give Quinn up for someone she thinks would be better for him, but Quinn refuses to go. He sees that they could be happy together, but he has to convince her. There are a couple great moments where he stands up for her against some really snotty people, and I have high hopes that she will start to see that she deserves to be happy too. But there is one more hurdle she has to overcome, and I loved seeing that it was Quinn who gave her the ability to do it. The ending was sweet.
I thought the ball scene was a lot of fun. Quinn has realized that there is something missing in his life after watching his brother dance with his wife. Perhaps it is time to look for a wife of his own. It shouldn't be a problem to find someone suitable. But with Diana finding women for him to dance with, he's more interested in her than anyone else, which baffles him. She's nothing like anyone he's ever been interested in before. I loved the way he relaxed with her and just enjoyed himself. That enjoyment turned more intense by the end of the evening.
I loved seeing Diana's joy in helping people have a good time. It was fun seeing her get Quinn dancing. I also enjoyed seeing her reactions to him and how much she liked him. It wasn't so much fun seeing how sure she was that she was all wrong for him herself. She always seemed so surprised when he would do or say something nice to her. She also had a wonderful sensitivity to other people's distress. She could tell that something was bothering Quinn and when she found out what it was she was determined to be there for him. I loved seeing their attraction heat up.
Quinn was very confused at how much he wanted to keep Diana in his life. She was so different, but she made him feel so good. He also had trouble treating her the same way he had previous relationships. Those he had always kept separate from his professional life, but Diana refused to be kept apart. She wanted to hear about his day, and she had no trouble sharing him with his job. I loved seeing her stand up to him when he tried to keep her separate. He also started to get to know her and tried to understand her.
Diana lost her mother when she was born, and only had a single letter she had written to remember her by. Her mom talked about making other people happy and not being selfish. So Diana keeps trying to give Quinn up for someone she thinks would be better for him, but Quinn refuses to go. He sees that they could be happy together, but he has to convince her. There are a couple great moments where he stands up for her against some really snotty people, and I have high hopes that she will start to see that she deserves to be happy too. But there is one more hurdle she has to overcome, and I loved seeing that it was Quinn who gave her the ability to do it. The ending was sweet.
July 2, 2014
Contemporary, Romance
Quinn MacDowell is a cardiologist that has no time for affairs of the heart except those related to his job. When Quinn meets bubbly Diana Connor he is determined to keep his hands and his heart to himself even if she is the one woman that has managed to get underneath his white coat. He is too serious for someone that peppy. At least that is what he tells himself.
Diana Connor just can’t seem to get past Quinn’s icy façade no matter how hard she tries. Hunky Quinn must want someone that doesn’t come with all the baggage that Diana comes with. Though they seem to be polar opposites it doesn’t seem to matter as they work side by side and are both hit by Cupid’s arrow. There is no cure then.
This is a fun story about opposites attracting each other and how they work through their differences. Watching Quinn and Diana work through the obstacles that are in their way to happiness is fun and pull the reader into the story. This is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone though it is sure to have readers wanting to read the other books. The characters are believable and seeing how they overcome the things in their pasts make for a very good read. It also proves to be a fast read and has a very satisfying end.
Quinn MacDowell is a cardiologist that has no time for affairs of the heart except those related to his job. When Quinn meets bubbly Diana Connor he is determined to keep his hands and his heart to himself even if she is the one woman that has managed to get underneath his white coat. He is too serious for someone that peppy. At least that is what he tells himself.
Diana Connor just can’t seem to get past Quinn’s icy façade no matter how hard she tries. Hunky Quinn must want someone that doesn’t come with all the baggage that Diana comes with. Though they seem to be polar opposites it doesn’t seem to matter as they work side by side and are both hit by Cupid’s arrow. There is no cure then.
This is a fun story about opposites attracting each other and how they work through their differences. Watching Quinn and Diana work through the obstacles that are in their way to happiness is fun and pull the reader into the story. This is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone though it is sure to have readers wanting to read the other books. The characters are believable and seeing how they overcome the things in their pasts make for a very good read. It also proves to be a fast read and has a very satisfying end.
July 12, 2014
Diana Connor grabbed a free $1000 charity ball ticket from her boss that no one else wanted. As soon as she arrived, she spotted Quinn MacDowell sitting alone at a table along the edge of the room. Diana has never met a person she couldn't talk to and goes over, sits down next to Quinn and strikes up a conversation. A taciturn person, Quinn couldn't figure out where Diana was coming from until Diana "helps" him to find a woman to dance with! Little does he know that underneath her bubbling exterior lies a deep-seated feeling of unworthiness. Little does she know who exactly he is until someone calls him Dr. MacDowell! One thing leads to another and Diana leaves the ball but Quinn, intrigued by her, follows her and then, one thing leads to another and another and another. Soon they are involved but can two people from such different backgrounds have a future together?
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It kept my interest throughout although I did get tired of her putting herself down. This book was given to me to review by HQ.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It kept my interest throughout although I did get tired of her putting herself down. This book was given to me to review by HQ.
July 21, 2014
Quinn comes from a well-known family and is an in-demand cardiologist. Diana is a tenderhearted real estate agent who loves to match people...to houses, pets, and romantic partners. Diana and Quinn are a classic example of opposites attracting. I found their differences to be complimentary and made them stronger as a couple. I loved how Quinn was willing to revise his opinions and snap judgments. I loved how he continued to pursue Diana and want more from her. Diana is incredibly giving, but at times I didn't understand how she could so rigidly hold to the lessons she learned from her mom in terms of behavior (the justification for these rigid beliefs did fit the story). I found her frustrating at times with how she held herself back and valued herself so little. I liked the overall story and Quinn's family as secondary characters. You can read this as a standalone even though it's part of a series.
August 10, 2016
Another beautiful story in The Doctors MacDowell series. Once again she presents a complete new story of two people trying to find their way to each other. His talent is saving lives as a cardiologist. Her talent is making people happy as a real estate agent, animal shelter volunteer and ordinary person. In fact that is what brings them together...she sees an unhappy person and feels compelled to bring someone into his life. She quickly decides she is that someone, but that isn't how she works. Her roll is to make everyone else happy, not her. Someone often has to give up something and she is used to being that someone.
Can this diverse couple give enough to get everything? That is the question that haunts them both.
Can this diverse couple give enough to get everything? That is the question that haunts them both.
July 12, 2014
Diana Connor is a person that wants everyone around her to be happy. She has a knack for finding good matches for humans and animals due to her volunteer work at an animal rescue operation. She also tries her hand at people matchmaking too. She is also a woman that has tried to live her mother’s ideals. She uses what she knows of them as her mantra. She is a breath of fresh air in Dr. Quinn MacDowell’s serious life. Quinn and Diana meet at a hospital fund raiser and neither of their lives are ever the same again.
I loved this re-telling of the standard romance story of girl-meets-boy, etc. It was very fresh and believable. Bravo to Ms. Carson.
I loved this re-telling of the standard romance story of girl-meets-boy, etc. It was very fresh and believable. Bravo to Ms. Carson.
June 27, 2014
The Bachelor Doctor's Bride by Caro Carson
This romance book is about a heart specialist who attends the gala with a real estate agent, Dianna. They come from different worlds and he finally finds out about her life,
how she was born, the heartache and her attachment to dogs. She learns of his passion with caring for others, the ones he can do something about so they don't die.
There is another woman, more suited to the doctor's needs and Dianna tells him and he can't figure out why she's telling him when he's only got eyes for her.
I received this book from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.
This romance book is about a heart specialist who attends the gala with a real estate agent, Dianna. They come from different worlds and he finally finds out about her life,
how she was born, the heartache and her attachment to dogs. She learns of his passion with caring for others, the ones he can do something about so they don't die.
There is another woman, more suited to the doctor's needs and Dianna tells him and he can't figure out why she's telling him when he's only got eyes for her.
I received this book from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2014
What a great story about two people who are trying to find their way to each other. Quinn a very rich cardiologist, who just did not have the time for romance and Diana a real estate agent, animal shelter volunteer & a matchmaker. She was all around ordinary person who thought she was not the right person for Quinn. SO she kept trying to find him a girlfriend. But Quinn was not having it. He wanted Diana in his life. I love this story alot.
July 4, 2014
Diana never thought she was the right type for Quinn. She tried to play matchmaker, but Quinn resisted her efforts. Diana is so unselfish she always helps others and wants to make them happy, but puts her own desires last. She tries to convince Quinn that she is not right for him, however, he does not agree. Find out how it all turns out and what lessons both of them must learn. This is a good read.
August 19, 2014
Free eBook from Tell Harlequin. I really enjoyed this story! I felt the characters were described very well. I could picture Diana and all of her shimmery clothing :) Quinn is your typical Harlequin cowboy Doctor male. I actually cried twice reading this story...rare for a Harlequin read for me.
August 20, 2015
When I started this lovely book, I wasn't sure I would like it because it seemed so clichéd and standard. But then Carson brought in deeper issues, and deeper, and revealing telling little secrets and I even got all sniffly in the sweet spaces. This is a fabulous story and everyone who likes romance should read it.
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January 12, 2016received TOP PICK! 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Doctors MacDowell
Miniseries: The Doctors MacDowell
March 28, 2015
A very sweet and touching romance. I found myself getting emotional near the end.
June 19, 2014
So sweet! Loved the back and forth between Diana and Quinn. Always love a story that involves dogs!
August 15, 2014
The heroine was lovable and it was easy to relate to her.
June 5, 2015
The combination of a bright, happy-go-lucky heroine with an inner sadness and a cold-seeming hero with a hidden sensitive side made this a good read for me.
July 11, 2019
This book literally made me cry. Carson’s heroes are kind of generic honestly but her heroines are always incredibly well-drawn.
July 24, 2020
Sweet story.
July 25, 2023
I never thought that I would find an author that wrote stories like DM does. This author, this story just happened to be in the same book with "yours and mine" by DM. I decided to read it just because and I must say that I wasn't disappointed at all. I did find a few parts hard to comprehend. I will say the words don't exactly flow like poetry off the page as DM's work typically does for me. This story seemed more like a fairy tale reading than a realistic one.
January 7, 2018
This a pretty good romance novel. The main characters in the story are Diana and Quinn. Diana has a really bubbly, friendly personality. Almost annoyingly friendly and not believable. There's also something about her that's simple or naive. Can't quite put my finger on it. Anyway getting past that it's a cute girl meets boy romance.
August 28, 2017
Just an ordinary romance book. If you are looking for a story that will not tax you.....this is it. Dr. McDowell meets a special lady at a black tie affair. She is special but he has to decide if he has room in his life for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 12, 2025kind of slow reading from the start but got better. not my favorite book but it was ok.
October 27, 2022
Really liked this one. Very sweet and fast. Didn’t have much plot or depth but I didn’t really mind because the fluff was nice. Character were bland but still fine.
December 29, 2024
Aggressively Sunshine-y Enneagram Type 2 heroine shakes up hero’s life. It’s a timeworn pairing, but Caro Carson infuses her stories with so much emotional intelligence, there’s nothing trite or predictable here.
The author works some magic here in generating a real sense of stakes and angst from the internal conflict; Diana and Quinn seem so incompatible, and I was so invested in them, there were moments I was holding my breath hoping that Quinn wouldn’t let her down.
I rated this 4 stars for the quality of the writing and character work, but this isn’t a favourite Caro Carson for me. Diana’s sense of self worth - and maybe her entire identity - is based on the principle of bringing happiness to others. It’s a doctrine she received in a letter from her mother, and the foundation for her entire life philosophy. Her near-martyrdom drove me bananas, especially because her naive adherence to this “unselfishness” ideology seemed out of step with her
keen relational intelligence. Quinn didn’t quite gel for me as a hero. I loved the way he recognizes Diana’s gift of social acumen. He’s always the one who pursues when she runs off (love a hero in pursuit!), even though he’s not quite sure why he feels compelled to go after her. He’s also pretty self-centered and focused on what the heroine brings to his life; he grows in self-awareness, but I wasn’t entirely won over by him. Maybe that’s down to the romantic development, which was a little lacking. They have great physical chemistry, he can’t keep his hands off of her, but I didn’t quite see the love development.
I see that the heinous witch in this book, Patricia, gets her own story in the Texas Rescue series. I know that if any author has the skill to redeem a mean girl, it’s Caro Carson.
The author works some magic here in generating a real sense of stakes and angst from the internal conflict; Diana and Quinn seem so incompatible, and I was so invested in them, there were moments I was holding my breath hoping that Quinn wouldn’t let her down.
I rated this 4 stars for the quality of the writing and character work, but this isn’t a favourite Caro Carson for me. Diana’s sense of self worth - and maybe her entire identity - is based on the principle of bringing happiness to others. It’s a doctrine she received in a letter from her mother, and the foundation for her entire life philosophy. Her near-martyrdom drove me bananas, especially because her naive adherence to this “unselfishness” ideology seemed out of step with her
keen relational intelligence. Quinn didn’t quite gel for me as a hero. I loved the way he recognizes Diana’s gift of social acumen. He’s always the one who pursues when she runs off (love a hero in pursuit!), even though he’s not quite sure why he feels compelled to go after her. He’s also pretty self-centered and focused on what the heroine brings to his life; he grows in self-awareness, but I wasn’t entirely won over by him. Maybe that’s down to the romantic development, which was a little lacking. They have great physical chemistry, he can’t keep his hands off of her, but I didn’t quite see the love development.
I see that the heinous witch in this book, Patricia, gets her own story in the Texas Rescue series. I know that if any author has the skill to redeem a mean girl, it’s Caro Carson.
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