REVIEW: A Fling to Steal Her Heart by Sue MacKay

In A Fling to Steal Her Heart (London Hospital Midwives #4) by Sue MacKay, Midwife Isabella Nicholson started off her career in London making three close friends: fellow midwives Esther, Carly, and Chloe. All of whom have recently found their soul mates. Izzy is the odd one out, having gone through a divorce that left her shaken and untrusting of men. Except for obstetrician Raphael Dubois. He’s been her best friend since they were quite young and Izzy knows Rafe would never hurt her. But when she returns to London, staying with him while she gets used to her new job there, she’s shocked that their feelings have evolved into more of a romantic nature. Rafe has also noticed the shift and intends to do something about it. But first they’ll both have to come clean about what’s holding them back from going all in when it comes to love.

‘At the moment everything felt right. Especially being with Raphael, knowing he’d never hurt her, no matter how far either of them pushed the boundaries of their friendship.’

A Fling to Steal Her Heart was a best friends to lovers romance where the hero and heroine were both hiding secrets from each other–which ultimately affected their growing feelings. Author Sue MacKay capitalized on the awkwardness between Raphael and Izzy, giving readers a realistic view of how recent problems in their pasts as well as their newfound attraction messed with a long-term friendship that had seen them through countless challenges over the years.

‘Afterwards he didn’t remember moving, couldn’t recall anything but his mouth on hers at last. Soft. Sweet. Isabella. Strong, tough Izzy. Returning his kiss!’

I do so enjoy a good friends to lovers trope. There’s that lovely foundation of trust to build a romantic relationship on, meaning the couple typically has a better chance of success. That was the case with Izzy and Raphael. I liked them both and thought they were caring individuals who would fight to do what was right for their patients–and for each other. The only tiny issue I had was with their conversations and inner thoughts. It felt…disjointed, for lack of a better term. It might just be me, but Rafe and Izzy’s dialogue lost me a few times and didn’t get as emotionally in depth as it felt like best friends would do. Other than that, everything else worked: their chemistry was strong, the plot was interesting, and their romantic scenes were sweet but still hot, hot, hot.

The final book in the London Hospital Midwives quartet ended on a tender note that will make fans happy. We got caught up to date on the previous three couples (and their big news!), although you can read A Fling to Steal Her Heart as a standalone. But I think once you “meet” the strong women and equally stand up guys they fall for in this series, you’ll be hooked.

Book Info:

Publication: February 18th 2020 | Harlequin Medical | London Hospital Midwives #4

Can they afford to risk their friendship…

…by giving in to their desire?

Following her painful divorce, nomadic midwife Isabella Nicholson is determined to put down roots, and where better than in London with best friend obstetrician Raphael Dubois? However, temporarily living together leads to an unexpected yet powerful attraction… And when Izzy discovers Rafe has been hiding his own attraction, the temptation suddenly becomes hard to resist!

A London Hospital Midwives novel

London Hospital Midwives quartet

Book 1 — Cinderella and the Surgeon by Scarlet Wilson
Book 2 — Miracle Baby for the Midwife by Tina Beckett
Book 3 — Reunited by Their Secret Daughter by Emily Forbes
Book 4 — A Fling to Steal Her Heart

“Overall, Ms. Mackay has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me loving how these two come together….”
—Harlequin Junkie on The Italian Surgeon’s Secret Baby

“What an interesting and entertaining read Ms. Mackay has delivered in this medical romance where the main characters have had tough pasts that make them the wonderful characters they are….”
—Harlequin Junkie on ER Doc’s Forever Gift