REVIEW: From Heartache to Forever by Caroline Anderson

In From Heartache to Forever by Caroline Anderson, Ryan McKenna and Beth Costello had an intense fling, but after tragedy struck they went their separate ways. However, now they find themselves working at the same hospital and their attraction is as strong as ever. Yet, getting involved with each other again isn’t worth the heartbreak, especially after all they lost. Unfortunately though, their attraction to each other isn’t easy to ignore. Will Beth take a chance on Ryan or will they go their separate ways again?

”I’ve missed you,” she said, the admission wrung from her without her consent, and he smiled sadly.
“I’ve missed you, too. I didn’t realize how much, until I saw you again. All that airbrushing just didn’t work.”
Her eyes welled, and she blinked the tears away. “Ry, I’m not the person I was. I’ve changed.”
“I’m sure you have. So have I. Don’t worry, I don’t expect anything, Beth, but it is good to see you again and I’m so sorry I let you down. I wish I could undo it.”

What a delightful story that left me a little emotionally wrecked due to the main characters back stories, especially the history between them because no couple should have to suffer such heartbreak. Yet, unfortunately, it’s a scary reality that happens to the best of couples in the real world. However, in saying that, even the most horrible of situations have a way of bringing broken relationships back together again and I loved how Ms. Anderson did this with Ryan and Beth working together and the pair unable to fight their attraction.

As for the dialogue, it was extremely engaging right from the beginning and I enjoyed the way Beth and Ryan were introduced to each other again, especially since he’s excited to see her. Does Beth feel the same? Furthermore, I enjoyed the medical emergencies these two had to handle, as one especially brings them closer together and makes the pair realize that what they had in the past isn’t easy to ignore. Will Beth take a chance on Ryan, especially after everything they went through in the past? Did he leave her when she needed him the most or was his leaving all Beth’s doing? Certainly, it wasn’t easy for her to deal with what happened in the past and it’s definitely shaped her into the hard-working, not-sure-if-she’s-ready-for-another-relationship kind of woman she is. Yet, I liked how Ryan won her over with his kindness and his need to make things right with her.

”Are you OK? I was a bit rough, but I couldn’t think about anything but getting close to you, so close I could feel your heartbeat so I knew you were still alive.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a bit dramatic?” she said softly, but he shook his head.
“No. If you’d seen what I’ve seen…”
“Tell me.”
“No. There are things you don’t need to know, things I don’t need to remember.” He rested his head against hers. “I still can’t believe you went in there,” he said, his voice unsteady, and she hugged him hard, feeling the tension in his body.

With the main characters, Ryan was a wonderful hero and I couldn’t help sympathizing with him after all that he’s been through. He’s witnessed some pretty tough moments in his life and I could understand why it’s hard for him to open up about those moments, even with Beth. Since once spoken about, they’re not easy to forget like he’s been trying to do. While Beth, she’s resilient, courageous and I liked that she took a chance on Ryan, even though things could end just the way they did in the past if she isn’t careful. Then again, Ryan is very determined to win her over, so how could she possibly resist him?

Overall, Ms. Anderson has delivered an emotionally-animating and entertaining read in this book where the main characters have strong chemistry; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me glad that Beth decided to take a chance on Ryan; and the ending had me worried for this couple’s happy ever after because they’re both afraid that history might repeat itself. Yet, I’m glad that everything works out for the best because Ryan and Beth deserve every bit of happiness they’ve found. I would recommend From Heartache to Forever by Caroline Anderson, if you enjoy second chance romances, medical romances or books by authors Alison Roberts, Ann McIntosh, Traci Douglass and Amalie Berlin.

Book Info:

Publication: October 1st, 2019 | Harlequin Medical |

Passion, pregnancy, heartbreak…

Can they find their happy-ever-after?

Fresh out of broken relationships, trauma specialist Ryan McKenna and nurse Beth Costello’s passion-fueled fling was a welcome escape. But the shock of an unexpected pregnancy and the heartache of losing the baby they never knew they wanted was too much to bear. Now, working together again in Yoxburgh, where they first made love, can they finally get to know each other…and discover they’re meant to be together?