REVIEW: A Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle

In A Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle, as a single mother Lauren Wilson works hard to provide for her young son. But working alongside the new city doctor is tough, especially since she’s so attracted to him. Still, she has a job to do and it’s not as if he’ll be in town for long. Will Lauren take a chance on Paxton Samuels or will she walk away before she gets hurt?

She clasped her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry. This wasn’t the ideal way to start a new job. Not very hospitable of the weather.”
“Can’t control that. I’ve been through difficult times. Let’s just say that today was mild compared to some things I’ve dealt with.”

I’ve read a few medical romances by Ms. Carlisle and just like every one I’ve read this story was fantastic, well-written, fast-paced and drew me in from the very beginning because of the medical emergency the hero finds himself needing to deal with. What a way for him to start his new job, even though he hasn’t officially started. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really gets interesting, as it seems like the heroine treats him like he’s incompetent of doing what’s right for the patient. Will Paxton prove her wrong, especially since their patient isn’t fairing too well? Does she not realize that he’s a doctor and would do anything to save a life?

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining and intense due to the main characters back stories and the medical emergencies these two handle that had me worried for their patients. Will they be able to save everyone? Moreover, the hero is hard-working; confident in his skills as a doctor, which is proven by the people he helps; and I liked how determined he was to win over the heroine, even though it isn’t easy. Yet, I couldn’t help but sympathize with the hero when it comes to the decisions he has to make because the pressures his family put on him are unfair. Shouldn’t he be able to do what makes him happy? Will he go against everything they want for him in order to be happy?

”You’re an amazing dancer.”
“Thanks. Required lessons in my world. No Fs allowed.”
“That bad?”
“Only if you’d rather be outside, catching frogs in the pond.”
She giggled. A lovely sound that could only be hers. “I can see your point.”

While the heroine, she’s hard-working; a good mother and I loved the bond she shares with her son; has a great relationship with her family and I loved that she was willing to listen to the advice her mother gives her because Paxton is good for her and she shouldn’t be alone anymore not when she’s in love; and I loved that she took a chance on the hero, even though she knows he’s leaving once his contract is up. I also liked how the hero showed the heroine how to have fun; something she hasn’t had in a long time. Really, those moments were heart-warming and had me smiling since the dialogue between the main characters gets a little playful in those moments too.

Overall, Ms. Carlisle has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was heart-warming and had me loving these two together; the growing bond between the hero and the heroine’s son was adorable; and the ending had me loving that the hero and heroine found the courage to go after what they both want – a future together. Really, the hero’s words to the heroine right at the end were so sweet and bought happy tears to my eyes. I would recommend A Daddy Sent by Santa by Susan Carlisle, if you enjoy medical romances, the opposites attract trope, workplace romances or books by authors Charlotte Hawkes, Amalie Berlin, Sue Mackay and Annie O’Neil.

Book Info:

Publication: October 16th, 2018 | Harlequin Medical |

When a small-town mom…Falls for a big-city doc

Nurse Lauren Wilson is used to doctors coming and going in her Oklahoma town–and she doesn’t expect prestigious Boston doc Paxton Samuels to be any different. Until they’re snowed in together and their sensual tension reaches the boiling point! But knowing Paxton is due to leave after the festive season, can Lauren risk giving him her heart and her little boy a daddy for Christmas?