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Healing Luke
She Can't Escape Her Past...
Occupational therapist Abby Stanford is on vacation alone, haunted by sharp memories of her fiances betrayal, her self-confidence shattered. Romance is the last thing on Abby's mind - until she meets the brooding and enigmatic Luke...
He Won't Face His Future...
Scarred by a horrific accident, former heartthrob Luke Morgan is certain his best days are behind him. Spunky and attractive, Abby knows how to help him recover, but Luke is sure his powerful attraction to her will only serve as a harsh reminder to him of the man he used to be.
Abby is Luke's first glimmer of hope since the accident, but can she heal his heart before Luke breaks hers?
Occupational therapist Abby Stanford is on vacation alone, haunted by sharp memories of her fiances betrayal, her self-confidence shattered. Romance is the last thing on Abby's mind - until she meets the brooding and enigmatic Luke...
He Won't Face His Future...
Scarred by a horrific accident, former heartthrob Luke Morgan is certain his best days are behind him. Spunky and attractive, Abby knows how to help him recover, but Luke is sure his powerful attraction to her will only serve as a harsh reminder to him of the man he used to be.
Abby is Luke's first glimmer of hope since the accident, but can she heal his heart before Luke breaks hers?
314 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Beth Cornelison
185 books59 followersBeth Cornelison started writing stories as a child when she penned a tale about the adventures of her cat, Ajax. She received her bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of Georgia and after working in public relations for a little more than a year, she moved with her husband from Tennessee to Louisiana, where she decided to pursue her love of writing fiction.
Since that time, she has written many more stories of adventure and romantic suspense and has won numerous honors for her work including the coveted Golden Heart prize for unpublished authors awarded by Romance Writers of America.
Beth is active on the board of directors for the North Louisiana Storytellers and Authors of Romance (NOLA STARS) in Shreveport, LA and stays involved with her sons Boy Scout pack and her church. For fun, she loves reading, traveling, playing Pokeno once a month with friends and spending down-time with her family.
She writes from her home in Louisiana, where she lives with her husband, one son, and three cats who think they are people. Beth loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 52505, Shreveport, LA 71135-2505 or visit her website at www.bethcornelison.com"
Since that time, she has written many more stories of adventure and romantic suspense and has won numerous honors for her work including the coveted Golden Heart prize for unpublished authors awarded by Romance Writers of America.
Beth is active on the board of directors for the North Louisiana Storytellers and Authors of Romance (NOLA STARS) in Shreveport, LA and stays involved with her sons Boy Scout pack and her church. For fun, she loves reading, traveling, playing Pokeno once a month with friends and spending down-time with her family.
She writes from her home in Louisiana, where she lives with her husband, one son, and three cats who think they are people. Beth loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 52505, Shreveport, LA 71135-2505 or visit her website at www.bethcornelison.com"
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 17, 2009
I love a story about a tortured hero--physically, emotionally--you name it, I want to read it. And if it's a 2-fer, that's even better. There's just something about a tortured hero...when he finds the right woman to heal his soul, there's nothing more satisfying. And this book by talented storyteller Beth Cornelison just hit the mark for me. I loved the hero and heroine in this book, and even the hero's extended family. And while there were a few moments in the book when I got frustrated with both the H/H, it was largely a very enjoyable read and even brought some tears to the eyes a time or two.
Luke Morgan is in a bad way when spunky Abby Stanford comes into his life. Luke is suffering the aftereffects of a nasty accident that left him scarred physically and emotionally. Formerly a carefree, handsome bachelor with no problems attracting the ladies, Luke worries that with his 'physical deformities' that his chances of attracting a women are all but over, even though he was tired of the life of meaningless hook-ups that he was leading. Luke was ready to settle down and start looking for 'the one', instead of trying to compete with his notorious ladies' man older brother Aaron. Now that's all out the window, and Luke retreats into a nasty, sarcastic shell. But then he meets petite, brunette Abby...
Occupational therapist Abby Stanford is on vacation in Destin, Florida, trying to get over the breakup with her cheating fiancee. Abby's dreams of a wedding and family may have gone up in smoke, and her self-confidence took a huge hit, but she's determined to get her life back on track. And what better place to start than her honeymoon destination, even if she is arriving husbandless? But after a brief conversation with the tall, brooding hunk hanging out at Gulfside Snorkeling Excursions, she wonders if she made the right decision...
Luke's dad Bart and his charming brother Aaron convince Abby to work with Luke to rehabilitate his injured hand, even though Luke wants no part of it. But with her feisty attitude and determination, she soon wears Luke down, and it's not long before Luke is craving the special attention that only Abby can give him. But even though the sexual sparks are definitely there, Abby is afraid of a rebound romance, and she won't settle for a fling. Luke is very protective of his heart also, and never got over the abandonment by the one woman who ever meant anything to him. Is Abby the one woman who can heal Luke's battered heart, and could Luke ever risk rejection again and put his heart on the line for a woman he's grown to love?
I really enjoyed this fast paced read. There were some really thoughtful moments regarding Luke and his family, and what it's like when it feels like someone you love has abandoned you. I think Luke and his family would have benefitted from seeing a therapist, because clearly they had some issues that needed to be worked out. But Abby became like a therapist for the whole family, helping to unite father and sons with just her naturally caring personality. I was rooting for her all the way, and was hoping she would find her HEA with Luke. And yes, Luke and Abby sometimes frustrated me because they were both too afraid to open up with their feelings--both were afraid of rejection. Both were guilty of thinking that they knew what the other was thinking, when it wasn't that way at all. So yeah, that got a little frustrating at times, and I found myself thinking "Just tell her!" or "Just tell him!" Of course this failure to adequately communicate led to the inevitable breakup, with both parties miserable without the other, which left me guessing who was the least stubborn that would make the first move?
There were also some really nice, romantic moments between Luke and Abby too, with my favorite being Abby's birthday gift to Luke. No spoilers here, but Luke's reaction to it brought the tears to my eyes. Really sweet, and a nice demonstration of Abby's love for Luke.
In case you're wondering about the love scenes, they were few and mostly PG-13 rated--nothing too explicit at all, with a bit of racey dialogue throughout the book but plenty of sexual tension too. But this worked for the most part, although as I was nearing the end of the book I was wondering if they were ever going to do it!
So, a nice little read if you like your heroes on the tortured side, and like to see them fall like a ton of bricks, even though they don't realize it's love. The title of the book could easily have been "Healing Luke, Healing Abby", because that's exactly as it turned out. I'll definitely look for more by this author. 4 stars
Luke Morgan is in a bad way when spunky Abby Stanford comes into his life. Luke is suffering the aftereffects of a nasty accident that left him scarred physically and emotionally. Formerly a carefree, handsome bachelor with no problems attracting the ladies, Luke worries that with his 'physical deformities' that his chances of attracting a women are all but over, even though he was tired of the life of meaningless hook-ups that he was leading. Luke was ready to settle down and start looking for 'the one', instead of trying to compete with his notorious ladies' man older brother Aaron. Now that's all out the window, and Luke retreats into a nasty, sarcastic shell. But then he meets petite, brunette Abby...
Occupational therapist Abby Stanford is on vacation in Destin, Florida, trying to get over the breakup with her cheating fiancee. Abby's dreams of a wedding and family may have gone up in smoke, and her self-confidence took a huge hit, but she's determined to get her life back on track. And what better place to start than her honeymoon destination, even if she is arriving husbandless? But after a brief conversation with the tall, brooding hunk hanging out at Gulfside Snorkeling Excursions, she wonders if she made the right decision...
Luke's dad Bart and his charming brother Aaron convince Abby to work with Luke to rehabilitate his injured hand, even though Luke wants no part of it. But with her feisty attitude and determination, she soon wears Luke down, and it's not long before Luke is craving the special attention that only Abby can give him. But even though the sexual sparks are definitely there, Abby is afraid of a rebound romance, and she won't settle for a fling. Luke is very protective of his heart also, and never got over the abandonment by the one woman who ever meant anything to him. Is Abby the one woman who can heal Luke's battered heart, and could Luke ever risk rejection again and put his heart on the line for a woman he's grown to love?
I really enjoyed this fast paced read. There were some really thoughtful moments regarding Luke and his family, and what it's like when it feels like someone you love has abandoned you. I think Luke and his family would have benefitted from seeing a therapist, because clearly they had some issues that needed to be worked out. But Abby became like a therapist for the whole family, helping to unite father and sons with just her naturally caring personality. I was rooting for her all the way, and was hoping she would find her HEA with Luke. And yes, Luke and Abby sometimes frustrated me because they were both too afraid to open up with their feelings--both were afraid of rejection. Both were guilty of thinking that they knew what the other was thinking, when it wasn't that way at all. So yeah, that got a little frustrating at times, and I found myself thinking "Just tell her!" or "Just tell him!" Of course this failure to adequately communicate led to the inevitable breakup, with both parties miserable without the other, which left me guessing who was the least stubborn that would make the first move?
There were also some really nice, romantic moments between Luke and Abby too, with my favorite being Abby's birthday gift to Luke. No spoilers here, but Luke's reaction to it brought the tears to my eyes. Really sweet, and a nice demonstration of Abby's love for Luke.
In case you're wondering about the love scenes, they were few and mostly PG-13 rated--nothing too explicit at all, with a bit of racey dialogue throughout the book but plenty of sexual tension too. But this worked for the most part, although as I was nearing the end of the book I was wondering if they were ever going to do it!
So, a nice little read if you like your heroes on the tortured side, and like to see them fall like a ton of bricks, even though they don't realize it's love. The title of the book could easily have been "Healing Luke, Healing Abby", because that's exactly as it turned out. I'll definitely look for more by this author. 4 stars
April 18, 2011
I enjoyed Healing Luke immensely. It was a completely believable and realistic tortured hero story. No scarred vampires, imprisoned werewolves, or MIA super hero Navy SEALS in this one. Just a regular guy who is dealing with the aftermath of his life when he is the victim of a horrible accident.
Luke Morgan is a former ladies man who was disfigured and scarred in a boat accident. He is bitter and angry to the point he has completely shut out his brother and father who were once as close to him as family could be. Luke receives an eye opening experience when Abby, an Occupational Therapist shows up to his family's scuba store looking to go on the scuba tour she originally had planned to attend with her husband to be. Abby enters the Morgan men's lives with scars of her own, though her's are emotional and on her heart they are no less debilitating than Luke's.
After some coercing Abby agrees to take Luke on as a therapy patient. He has lost one eye and the thumb on his right hand and he has to relearn how to do normal things that most people do on a daily basis without even thinking twice about it. This makes Luke angry and stubborn and full of self pity. He feels life is unfair and has a hard time adjusting.
Luke and Abby fight their attraction to one another from the beginning, both of them suffering from their own form of an inferiority complex. The feelings both of them have directed inward at themselves and at each other I felt were realistic and heart warming. I admired Abby so much as a heroine she was so sweet and understanding but never did she take any of Luke's crap when he was full of self pity and lashed out at her.
The only negative feeling I had towards Healing Luke was I felt there was a bit too much hemming and hawing in the sexual tension. Do I, Don't I???? should I shouldn't I??? I agree with the reviewer who said I wanted to shake them both and scream "JUST TELL HIM/HER ALREADY!!!" This was the only thing that brought the book down from a 5 star for me. I will definitely read Beth Cornelison again.
Luke Morgan is a former ladies man who was disfigured and scarred in a boat accident. He is bitter and angry to the point he has completely shut out his brother and father who were once as close to him as family could be. Luke receives an eye opening experience when Abby, an Occupational Therapist shows up to his family's scuba store looking to go on the scuba tour she originally had planned to attend with her husband to be. Abby enters the Morgan men's lives with scars of her own, though her's are emotional and on her heart they are no less debilitating than Luke's.
After some coercing Abby agrees to take Luke on as a therapy patient. He has lost one eye and the thumb on his right hand and he has to relearn how to do normal things that most people do on a daily basis without even thinking twice about it. This makes Luke angry and stubborn and full of self pity. He feels life is unfair and has a hard time adjusting.
Luke and Abby fight their attraction to one another from the beginning, both of them suffering from their own form of an inferiority complex. The feelings both of them have directed inward at themselves and at each other I felt were realistic and heart warming. I admired Abby so much as a heroine she was so sweet and understanding but never did she take any of Luke's crap when he was full of self pity and lashed out at her.
The only negative feeling I had towards Healing Luke was I felt there was a bit too much hemming and hawing in the sexual tension. Do I, Don't I???? should I shouldn't I??? I agree with the reviewer who said I wanted to shake them both and scream "JUST TELL HIM/HER ALREADY!!!" This was the only thing that brought the book down from a 5 star for me. I will definitely read Beth Cornelison again.
July 1, 2011
The title of this book caught my interest recently, so I pulled it from the bookshelf to keep it handy just in case. I’ve read a number of historicals and paranormals over the last several weeks and I needed a contemporary for a break. So I picked up Healing Luke, and I’m very glad I did.
Luke and his brother, Aaron, are ladies’ men and never have one iota of trouble when it comes to getting the woman they want and are sometimes quite competitive in that area. They’re close due to their mother’s abandonment when they were young. They run a fishing business with their father and life is good until an explosion on one of their boats leaves Luke severely injured, then angry and moody that his life has changed so drastically. Ms. Cornelison does a terrific job with the circle of emotions in Luke that people go through when something like this happens. He loses an eye, a thumb, and is scarred from the burns he suffers. His family is beside themselves with worry ever since Luke quit his therapy to sit around the house drinking while moping. They don’t know what to do for him now. Luke only wants to be left alone to wallow in misery, especially now that women will never look at and respond to him as before.
Trying to move on and get on with her life after her fiance left her at the alter, Abby, who’s an occupational therapist, goes on her honeymoon by herself. She walks into Luke’s life for a day of snorkeling but ends up working with Luke to help him move on too. Of course, he’s having none of it, wanting to do things in his own time and in his own way. He slowly responds to Abby, only to take two steps back when his brother also seems to be interested in the lady. But Abby knows how to deal with such contrary patients and she never lets up when it comes to Luke. She makes a mistake or two along the way, but that’s because her feelings are so involved more and more - not only for Luke but for his entire family. Abby has her own issues, but it’s her outgoing and forward-looking attitude that makes her strong and independent.
Everything in this story is so real. From family life with tragic issues and handsome competing brothers to anger over the unfairness of life to the building of trust and love, Ms. Cornelison has written a wonderful book full of emotion and romance. I sure hope Aaron gets his own book. I have checked the author’s website but found no clues if that’s a possibility. I think he’ll make a great hero all on his own too.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Luke and his brother, Aaron, are ladies’ men and never have one iota of trouble when it comes to getting the woman they want and are sometimes quite competitive in that area. They’re close due to their mother’s abandonment when they were young. They run a fishing business with their father and life is good until an explosion on one of their boats leaves Luke severely injured, then angry and moody that his life has changed so drastically. Ms. Cornelison does a terrific job with the circle of emotions in Luke that people go through when something like this happens. He loses an eye, a thumb, and is scarred from the burns he suffers. His family is beside themselves with worry ever since Luke quit his therapy to sit around the house drinking while moping. They don’t know what to do for him now. Luke only wants to be left alone to wallow in misery, especially now that women will never look at and respond to him as before.
Trying to move on and get on with her life after her fiance left her at the alter, Abby, who’s an occupational therapist, goes on her honeymoon by herself. She walks into Luke’s life for a day of snorkeling but ends up working with Luke to help him move on too. Of course, he’s having none of it, wanting to do things in his own time and in his own way. He slowly responds to Abby, only to take two steps back when his brother also seems to be interested in the lady. But Abby knows how to deal with such contrary patients and she never lets up when it comes to Luke. She makes a mistake or two along the way, but that’s because her feelings are so involved more and more - not only for Luke but for his entire family. Abby has her own issues, but it’s her outgoing and forward-looking attitude that makes her strong and independent.
Everything in this story is so real. From family life with tragic issues and handsome competing brothers to anger over the unfairness of life to the building of trust and love, Ms. Cornelison has written a wonderful book full of emotion and romance. I sure hope Aaron gets his own book. I have checked the author’s website but found no clues if that’s a possibility. I think he’ll make a great hero all on his own too.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
October 19, 2018
This was a fantastic read. Luke was severely injured when the engine of the boat he was on exploded. He was once a ladies man, but now with his disfigurement, scarring and missing eye and thumb, he has become a mean recluse. His brother and father have tried to get him involved in the business again, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Along comes Abbey who has suffered an internal heartbreak and feels tormented. Luke and Abby find the power to heal each other.
September 20, 2009
Luke Morgan runs a snorkeling and fishing business with his brother Aaron and father Bart that caters to tourists. Both the Morgan brothers are ladies men and can have any woman who comes their way. But when Luke loses an eye and a thumb, and gets scars all over his body from a boating accident, he becomes a bitter recluse. His days of competing with his brother for women are over.
Abby Stanford comes to Florida on what was to be her honeymoon, until she catches her fiance in bed with another woman. She feels hurt and betrayed and decides after cancelling her wedding she will still go off to Florida to get away from it all. Perhaps a few days in the sun and relaxing on the beach will clear her head and keep her from wondering why she was so lacking in her former fiance’s eye that he would turn to another woman for sex.
Abby is not the type to sit around and brood, so she will enjoy herself and take up some snorkeling. When she meets Luke, he is rude and cold to her. And when she meets Aaron, she finds him very attractive, much to Luke’s dismay. Luke thinks that Abby will eventually succumb to Aaron’s charms even though he finds her attractive. She will surely never even look at him twice.
Aaron and Bart think Abby is wonderful and ask her to help Luke with his injuries and therapy since Abby is an occupational therapist. She will stay on because she wants to help Luke even though he is very surly around her. Abby is used to working with patients who act like Luke, but she has never been attracted to them like she is to him. Luke continues to wallow in his self-pity even though he allows Abby to help him. Soon, he is falling for the beautiful young woman and wants more from her than just her professional hands on techniques.
Beth Cornelison’s Healing Luke is about forgiving ones self and finding the ways to go on in life, especially after a horrible accident. This is one book that showcases the importance of family devotion and how important it is not to turn your back on those who have your best interests at heart. Cornelison’s portrayal of Luke is very real to life. His reactions and actions are everything I would expect from a man who feels he has lost everything. His whole life has been destroyed and he doesn’t know how to deal with the aftermath, even when Abby walks into his life. The way he treats her may annoy some readers, but this is a man who has gone though a great trauma.
Abby is a nice heroine, even though she almost ventures into the wholesome and innocent territory. When Abby is first introduced, you feel her emotional pain because of the betrayal of her fiance and her lack of self-esteem. It doesn’t help matters that Aaron at first seems to want to seduce her but then decides against it because he finds Abby to be a great person. Then you have Luke who continually pushes her away, until he can’t deny his attraction to her. There is a lot of pushing and pulling between Abby and Luke and you may get to the point where you have decided that enough is enough.
Luke and Aaron's father, Bart is the voice of reason and I really loved the family dynamics of the Morgan clan. These men are essentially good people when it comes down to it. There is also an interesting reaction from Aaron in regards to Abby’s friend Brooke who comes to visit that may lead to a sequel of sorts.
Healing Luke is a nice tender romance that has a great setting and characters you wouldn’t mind sitting down and having coffee with if they were real.
Abby Stanford comes to Florida on what was to be her honeymoon, until she catches her fiance in bed with another woman. She feels hurt and betrayed and decides after cancelling her wedding she will still go off to Florida to get away from it all. Perhaps a few days in the sun and relaxing on the beach will clear her head and keep her from wondering why she was so lacking in her former fiance’s eye that he would turn to another woman for sex.
Abby is not the type to sit around and brood, so she will enjoy herself and take up some snorkeling. When she meets Luke, he is rude and cold to her. And when she meets Aaron, she finds him very attractive, much to Luke’s dismay. Luke thinks that Abby will eventually succumb to Aaron’s charms even though he finds her attractive. She will surely never even look at him twice.
Aaron and Bart think Abby is wonderful and ask her to help Luke with his injuries and therapy since Abby is an occupational therapist. She will stay on because she wants to help Luke even though he is very surly around her. Abby is used to working with patients who act like Luke, but she has never been attracted to them like she is to him. Luke continues to wallow in his self-pity even though he allows Abby to help him. Soon, he is falling for the beautiful young woman and wants more from her than just her professional hands on techniques.
Beth Cornelison’s Healing Luke is about forgiving ones self and finding the ways to go on in life, especially after a horrible accident. This is one book that showcases the importance of family devotion and how important it is not to turn your back on those who have your best interests at heart. Cornelison’s portrayal of Luke is very real to life. His reactions and actions are everything I would expect from a man who feels he has lost everything. His whole life has been destroyed and he doesn’t know how to deal with the aftermath, even when Abby walks into his life. The way he treats her may annoy some readers, but this is a man who has gone though a great trauma.
Abby is a nice heroine, even though she almost ventures into the wholesome and innocent territory. When Abby is first introduced, you feel her emotional pain because of the betrayal of her fiance and her lack of self-esteem. It doesn’t help matters that Aaron at first seems to want to seduce her but then decides against it because he finds Abby to be a great person. Then you have Luke who continually pushes her away, until he can’t deny his attraction to her. There is a lot of pushing and pulling between Abby and Luke and you may get to the point where you have decided that enough is enough.
Luke and Aaron's father, Bart is the voice of reason and I really loved the family dynamics of the Morgan clan. These men are essentially good people when it comes down to it. There is also an interesting reaction from Aaron in regards to Abby’s friend Brooke who comes to visit that may lead to a sequel of sorts.
Healing Luke is a nice tender romance that has a great setting and characters you wouldn’t mind sitting down and having coffee with if they were real.
March 10, 2011
Luke Morgan is badly injured in an accident, upending his whole life. Abby Stanford is in Florida on the honeymoon-that-isn't after her groom went off with another woman, upending her whole life. Conveniently, she's an occupational therapist who Luke's father and brother hire to aid Luke in his recovery, but there's more to their relationship than recovery...
My true rating would be 2-1/2 stars, but I gave it 3 for some bonus things I liked.
The characters were "good." I felt Luke's struggles and pain, and I liked that the author took the time with his injuries and emotional struggles. Abby, however, was glossed over. I didn't feel I knew her as much - or liked her as much as a result. Disappointingly, her feelings for Steve, the ex-boyfriend, turn out to be tepid, taking away from the idea that she was that injured in the first place. Didn't like that. It was convenient and made her seem rather selfish and shallow in comparison to Luke's troubles.
The plot was "okay." Injured male/healer female is oft-used, and there wasn't anything here to really make this story different. While she was an occupational therapist, she wasn't the type to really work with his type of injuries. That worked as it would've been too convenient if she had been, but her work with Luke, even though frequently mentioned, felt glossed over. There was a real sense of his attracting and feelings for her, yet her feelings weren't as clear. The ending was predictable and a bit weak. And I'm sure there will be a sequal where Brooke's husband is knocked off or runs off, so Aaron and Brooke can get together.
Also, the premise of the guy sleeping with everyone beforehand and the gal sleeping with only one guy beforehand (and the one she was to marry) was too much. Another problem was info dumping: there were several sections where this was too obvious, such as the lengthy conversation with Bart and Brooke's visit.
I would read this author again, but I'll hope for more in character and an interesting twist on the plot next time.
Bonus points: Luke's injuries were real: he loses an eye and a thumb. Many romances feature lesser injuries or ones that heal all together. Here his injuries were honest and grim. It was important for his character and added grittiness to the story.
My true rating would be 2-1/2 stars, but I gave it 3 for some bonus things I liked.
The characters were "good." I felt Luke's struggles and pain, and I liked that the author took the time with his injuries and emotional struggles. Abby, however, was glossed over. I didn't feel I knew her as much - or liked her as much as a result. Disappointingly, her feelings for Steve, the ex-boyfriend, turn out to be tepid, taking away from the idea that she was that injured in the first place. Didn't like that. It was convenient and made her seem rather selfish and shallow in comparison to Luke's troubles.
The plot was "okay." Injured male/healer female is oft-used, and there wasn't anything here to really make this story different. While she was an occupational therapist, she wasn't the type to really work with his type of injuries. That worked as it would've been too convenient if she had been, but her work with Luke, even though frequently mentioned, felt glossed over. There was a real sense of his attracting and feelings for her, yet her feelings weren't as clear. The ending was predictable and a bit weak. And I'm sure there will be a sequal where Brooke's husband is knocked off or runs off, so Aaron and Brooke can get together.
Also, the premise of the guy sleeping with everyone beforehand and the gal sleeping with only one guy beforehand (and the one she was to marry) was too much. Another problem was info dumping: there were several sections where this was too obvious, such as the lengthy conversation with Bart and Brooke's visit.
I would read this author again, but I'll hope for more in character and an interesting twist on the plot next time.
Bonus points: Luke's injuries were real: he loses an eye and a thumb. Many romances feature lesser injuries or ones that heal all together. Here his injuries were honest and grim. It was important for his character and added grittiness to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2010
I usually really enjoy this type of storyline, where the injured, bitter hero meets the woman who turns his life around. Unfortunatly, I found this one to be kind of a lackluster "wounded hero" book. Mostly I just found the heroine, Abby the occupational therapist, to be boring...or maybe bland is a better description of her. Nor did I care much for how the relationship development between Abby and Lucas played out, it just didn't feel right to me (maybe it was because Abby was kissing and hugging on the good-looking unscarred brother first, until he went off with some other chick). Basically, I've read much better romances. Anyone interested in this type of storyline, where the heroine helps an injured hero through recovery would probably enjoy Adam's Fall by Sandra Brown or Forever by Theresa Weir much better.
February 12, 2023
Our story starts with Luke in a horrible boat explosion, causing him to lose one eye, his thumb, a lot of skin due to burns, as well as costing him his confidence and any sense of hope. Abby is an occupational therapist trying to enjoy her honeymoon after her fiancee cheated on her and meets Luke at his family's snorkeling business where the two butt heads a bit, but Abby is somehow able to reach through to Luke and get a reaction out of him. When his brother Aaron and dad Bart realize this they "hire" Abby to push and help Luke get back to his therapy so he can heal both physically and psychologically. Needless to say the two continue to clash and sparks fly.
I was actually enjoying the story, was gonna give it a solid 3 stars, until the end....yeah it, or I should say Abby, completely ruined the book for me with her stupidity and selfishness. Luke, because of past trauma with his mother, cannot speak his feelings at all which is Obvious to all, including Abby. While we the readers know about his mom and Abby doesn't, I still find it inexcusable of her to demand that he tell her his feelings first, which again is nearly impossible for him to do, hurting him tremendously in the process AFTER all the crap he's already been through with his injuries and fears of rejection, when she knew she loved him and refused to tell him citing that she needed him to make the first move. Really???? You're a grown woman who can't put yourself out there for a man who absolutely fears and hates being rejected, which you saw firsthand multiple times?! That makes you a selfish coward and I don't know about ya'll but I can't stand cowardly selfish protagonists.
1 Disappointed star rating
On to the next book!
I was actually enjoying the story, was gonna give it a solid 3 stars, until the end....yeah it, or I should say Abby, completely ruined the book for me with her stupidity and selfishness. Luke, because of past trauma with his mother, cannot speak his feelings at all which is Obvious to all, including Abby. While we the readers know about his mom and Abby doesn't, I still find it inexcusable of her to demand that he tell her his feelings first, which again is nearly impossible for him to do, hurting him tremendously in the process AFTER all the crap he's already been through with his injuries and fears of rejection, when she knew she loved him and refused to tell him citing that she needed him to make the first move. Really???? You're a grown woman who can't put yourself out there for a man who absolutely fears and hates being rejected, which you saw firsthand multiple times?! That makes you a selfish coward and I don't know about ya'll but I can't stand cowardly selfish protagonists.
1 Disappointed star rating
On to the next book!
August 23, 2009
Abby is an occupational therapist. She was about to get married when she found her fiancé with another woman. Abby needed to get away for a little while. She decided to go on her honeymoon alone. Hey, why not when she isn’t going to get a refund.
Luke and his brother Aaron used to compete for women. They were a pair of players, only thinking about one night stands. That was than and this is now. Luke was in an accident that left him without the sight of his right eye and scars. Luke is a changed man both physically and emotionally.
Luke’s father, Bart and Aaron can’t stand to see Luke mope around. When they learn Abby is an occupational therapist, they convince her to stay for a while and help Luke. Luke isn’t the only one that needs healing. Can Luke and Abby help each other?
Healing Luke is just what the doctor ordered. Luke was a grumpy guy and someone I wouldn’t want to hang around with but due to his situation, I could understand why and forgive him. Of course though it didn’t hurt that Luke is good looking. Abby has the patience of a saint. The words Abby and Luke didn’t speak were way hotter than the ones they did speak. Just a look or a touch can be sexy. I like that Luke started out liking the typical blond model type girls and by the end of middle of the book, he saw Abby for who she was…a smart, pretty, loving woman. Abby really grew into a butterfly.
Luke and his brother Aaron used to compete for women. They were a pair of players, only thinking about one night stands. That was than and this is now. Luke was in an accident that left him without the sight of his right eye and scars. Luke is a changed man both physically and emotionally.
Luke’s father, Bart and Aaron can’t stand to see Luke mope around. When they learn Abby is an occupational therapist, they convince her to stay for a while and help Luke. Luke isn’t the only one that needs healing. Can Luke and Abby help each other?
Healing Luke is just what the doctor ordered. Luke was a grumpy guy and someone I wouldn’t want to hang around with but due to his situation, I could understand why and forgive him. Of course though it didn’t hurt that Luke is good looking. Abby has the patience of a saint. The words Abby and Luke didn’t speak were way hotter than the ones they did speak. Just a look or a touch can be sexy. I like that Luke started out liking the typical blond model type girls and by the end of middle of the book, he saw Abby for who she was…a smart, pretty, loving woman. Abby really grew into a butterfly.
March 28, 2011
I love stories where the hero is scarred or injured in some way, so this story was right up my alley! There wasn't anything terribly original or outstanding about it, just a nice love story. Abby had just found her fiancee in bed with another woman and went to Florida on their honeymoon by herself. She got entangled with the Morgan family by accident, but soon came to love them all. Working to help heal Luke, she fell in love with him, but couldn't let herself trust him because of her past. Luke spent the majority of the book in bad temper because of his injuries...why do men always resort to this way of thinking? It would be refreshing just once to read a romance where the hero is injured but doesn't fall into a deep depression and think he's worthless. Abby drove me nuts toward the end, pushing him away over and over even though it was pretty obvious to everyone he was in love with her. Hasn't he been through enough, woman? Having said that, the end was nice, and left Luke's brother Aaron's story a little open-ended. I don't know how it could possibly work with him being in love with a married woman, but you never know!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2009
Good book! Great story line and an easy read. I liked it enough that I read this book in one sitting, cover to cover. It was easy to fall for both Aaron and Luke, and to hope that things worked out for Abby.
I loved Abby's character. She was determined, stubborn but still witty and funny. I'd actually like to see a follow-up to this book. I'd love to know more about how Luke deals with his injuries, and see if Aaron decides to find a woman and settle down. I almost always fall in love with characters and like to know how things work out for them. I guess that's why I like series books so much!
My only complaint, as far as the story, is Abby's insistence on the word "love." In my opinion, the word can get tossed around with little meaning, but actions speak louder than words. Abby is very insistent on hearing Luke say it, but I thought his actions spoke louder. But overall, the book was fun and a very enjoyable read.
I loved Abby's character. She was determined, stubborn but still witty and funny. I'd actually like to see a follow-up to this book. I'd love to know more about how Luke deals with his injuries, and see if Aaron decides to find a woman and settle down. I almost always fall in love with characters and like to know how things work out for them. I guess that's why I like series books so much!
My only complaint, as far as the story, is Abby's insistence on the word "love." In my opinion, the word can get tossed around with little meaning, but actions speak louder than words. Abby is very insistent on hearing Luke say it, but I thought his actions spoke louder. But overall, the book was fun and a very enjoyable read.
November 23, 2014
"Some scars are visible, some are not" - and some are so barely there - physically and mentally - for the purposes of keeping the hero "hot" that they might as well not even exist. Luke Morgan is a tortured burn victim. (We know because Cornelison tells us so.) Abby Stanford is an emotionally gun-shy occupational therapist reluctant to get involved. (We know because Cornelison tells us.) Brought together by Fate, they spark (or so Cornelison tells us, but I saw no proof of it here). It's hard to ruin a good old-fashioned Wounded Hero Here Let Me Get You Out Of Those Wet Bandages routine, but Cornelison manages it, giving us a plodding narrative riddled with more tells than an amateur poker night. Yawn.
August 20, 2010
This was a surface book, light with not much too it. I think it tried to be deep, but wasn't. The only character that felt at all real was Luke. Aaron was an annoying character. Abby was all right, but she felt fake, as did her whole dramatic "break up" with her fiance. What I did like was that BC didn't "prettify" the characters. She told it like it was. I liked that Luke was missing an eye...imperfect heroes are the best.
I found it rather annoying that Abby fell for Aaron first, because he was the one without scars, and it took her too long to get over him. The romance felt pretty fake, but BC really tried. I could feel that much. Overall, a fun book, nothing special.
I found it rather annoying that Abby fell for Aaron first, because he was the one without scars, and it took her too long to get over him. The romance felt pretty fake, but BC really tried. I could feel that much. Overall, a fun book, nothing special.
June 8, 2010
This was good book but I didn't care for the does he/she or doesn't he/she tussle between the main characters. While they did have chemistry, I kept thinking that they should just get over themselves and get on with it. The climax of the book could have been a bit better too. This is another good book to keep in your bag for waits at doctor appts or in traffic jams.
February 12, 2010
First book by this author that I've read. A really good book. Luke was hurt and scarred when a boat engine blew up. Abby is in Florida on a "single" honeymoon after finding her fiance in bed with another woman. She is an Occupational Therapist and is hired by Luke's family to help him overcome his depression and learn to deal with his physical limitations.
September 2, 2012
I loved this story, from the first chapter I was hooked by the action. The relationship between the brothers and their father is great. The heroine walks into the scene and instantly the chemistry between her and Luke is on! Definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading another book by Beth Cornelison.
September 25, 2009
HEALING LUKE is a wonderful read! Even though the hero, Luke, is dealing with a disfiguring accident, he is still very much a sexy male! The dialogue will make you laugh and cry by turn. The book is extremely well-paced, and you will not put it down until the end. Highly recommended!
February 20, 2010
Engaging story with fully textured characters. The research possibly had a little too much effect on the structure, but I doubt that's going to take away from the book for most readers. I gulped it down in one day regardless!
November 28, 2010
Luke Morgan is a tortured hero. An accident left him scarred, physically and emotionally. His family hires Abby Stanford to help him with his rehabilitation. Both have their own issues to overcome. Contemporary romance with likable characters. Moved at a good pace.
July 2, 2011
It had me crying. Contains one sex scene and lots of inuendos. Once I started it, I read it thru to the end and missed on some sleep time.
June 29, 2011
I really enjoyed this one. Good characters & romantic tension with enough sex to satisfy but not over kill. Awaiting the other Morgan boy's story
June 14, 2013
I don't know how true some parts of the story were, but damn I loved it!
June 17, 2016
More like 3.5 but I rounded.
January 19, 2013
3.5 stars
January 2, 2014
Emotional journey of overcoming a devastating injury, learning to live with it, and learning to love despite it. Totally fell in love with Luke and Abby. Hope we will get a book for Aaron.
February 21, 2014
I would read this author again.
February 28, 2011
this book was so great i wish i knew wht happend to lucke brother and the bestfriend of the girl
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