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Griffith Parker – an ex-marine, attends the police academy during the day and works as a security guard at the hospital on the graveyard shift – the same shift to which Sonnet is assigned. There is no doubt he is an imposing figure but Sonnet’s first impression is that he is a self-absorbed, bed ’em and leave ’em type, and anyway – what does she care, she has no time for dating.

First impressions, however, can be deceiving and after Griff rescues Sonnet from a terrifying attack, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. To cover increasing costs, Sonnet has been looking for a housemate and, although had previously declined Griff’s offer – unwilling to share a house with a man – the assault left her feeling vulnerable and there is no doubt Griff would scare away anyone with malicious intent. Against her better judgement, she still cannot afford any distractions, Sonnet agrees to him moving in. Griff is clearly attracted to Sonnet and while her head continues to insist this is madness, her body has other ideas and soon she can no longer fight what is patently obvious.

Unfortunately, even as their connection deepens into something far more enduring, the niggle at the back of Sonnet’s head refuses to shut up and, she is plagued by the belief she might have to choose between Griff and her medical career, fearing her dream might slip through her fingers. That, and the fact Griff’s line of work places him at high risk, might prove one step too far.

Howard’s characters are wonderfully portrayed. Sonnet is spirited, driven and disciplined; Griff is focused, strong and protective – they are the prefect foil for each other. Their friends, and the occasional enemy, are just as well drawn – genuine people with their own idiosyncrasies, but who (the friends at least) want the best for each other. This story flows effortlessly without being rushed, cleverly balanced between Sonnet and Griff’s relatively quiet home life and the chaos of the ER. There is just the right amount of romance and heat, and by the time I was a couple of chapters in, I had everything crossed for Sonnet to accept her dream might not end in quite the way she anticipated, but she would be the happier for it. Nope no spoilers, you’ll just have to read it – it’s so worth it!

An easy 5 stars!

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this novel and this review is my honest opinion.