Unlocking the Doctor’s Heart by Susanne Hampton: Beth is tired of playing second – or even third fiddle to her father’s ‘replacement’ family, so the temporary posting in Australia is just what the Doctor ordered. Some time away from London, basking in warmer weather, maybe even doing some things to make her father proud of her – perhaps that’ll be her ticket. She wasn’t prepared for the boss from hell. But when he turns into something completely different, that might 
even be something she’s even less prepared for.
Matthew has issues of his own. None of the staff knew why he was demanding and stern – but he has his reasons. Besides, he wants the best for his emergency center, and he gets it. What he doesn’t need is a temporary hire from London coming in and disrupting things. So why does he find himself apologizing to Dr. Beth Seymour after his behavior towards her on her first day?
While Beth is learning to stand on her own two feet and learn she doesn’t need accolades from her father, Matthew starts to see that there’s a heart beating in his chest even though he thought it ripped out long ago. But they decide that the friend route is definitely the way to go. Definitely. Until they don’t. And then just as quickly, things change, and Beth has to make a decision that has Matthew feeling old hurts return.
I really enjoyed this debut book from Susanne Hampton – with a caveat. When Beth has to make her decision, Matthew is very quick to anger. Too quick in my opinion. I know it was the turning point in the book, but it didn’t ring completely true to me. That was the *only* fault I found, but it’s kinda a big one, so I had to mark off for it.
Be aware also that this book is set in an Aussie ER, so terminology is very different if you live in the US. Usually that isn’t an issue for me, but this book used it more liberally, so I looked up a few words. Not a big deal though.
The rest of the book is great – I loved the characters. Beth and Matthew are really likable, and her family (and stepfamily) were completely frustrating. Hearing about the ER staff was amusing as well. Even with the flaw, it was worth reading. Nice debut book, and I look forward to more from Ms. Hampton!
Book Info:
Published March 1st 2014 by Harlequin Medical Romances
A reason to stay?
Hoping for a new start in Australia, Dr. Beth Seymour gets a shock when she meets her fearsome – and oh-so-handsome – boss, E.R. consultant Matthew Harrison. Once playful and charming, heartbroken Matt is now distrustful and demanding! But when feisty Beth stands up to him, a long-buried tenderness emerges from Matt. Is Beth the key to his locked-away heart?
