365 books in 365 days Challenge ... Book #356

The Wedding Gift - Sandra Steffen
Mills & Boon Cherish
Harlequin Mills & Boon, 2011
ISBN: 9780263888799

My rating

From the back cover:

"A second-chance love...
A small miracle kept nurse Madeline from completely unravelling. When a tragic accident claimed her fiance, at least his heart could be used to save another life. Seeking closure, she went in search of the man who had received this gift. What she found - exasperating, irresistible architect Riley - opened a whole new world to her.
Not since the transplant had Riley felt as alive as when Madeline waltzed into town. Soon she had the bachelor wrapped around her finger. Had Riley been given his very special second chance to wed this once-in-a-lifetime woman?"


I have had this book on my Kindle for ages and honestly I forgot I even had it!

The heroine Madeline has tracked down the hero Riley, wanting to see if he is doing well. Riley is the man who received her late fiancé's heart donation after a tragic accident, something that Madeline has never quite gotten over. Although she had only planned to see from a distance that he OK, she ends up needing to meet him. Riley thinks that Madeline, as a nurse, was hired by his worried mother to check up on him, he ignores all of Madeline's denials and tells her leave. However, when they meet again Riley feels a strange connection to her and begins to think that a relationship, albeit a casual and temporary one, with her may be just what he needs to get him out of his recent funk. Madeline also finds herself drawn to Riley, and spending time with him makes her feel happy for the first time in a long time. But Riley still doesn't know the real reason she is there, and Madeline doesn't know how to tell him the truth.

This is a very sweet, simple, and easy to read romance. The relationship between the hero and heroine built gradually and felt very real. The characters were able to deal with their issues as their relationship progressed, and this is satisfying to read. I could see the conflict coming a mile off, and it played out a little too predictable for me. The flowery 'magical' elements included by the author are, in my opinion, frustrating as they make the book feel a little silly. And, the ending is very poor - it is way too cheesy as well as rushed.

But, this is a sweet and enjoyable story.

Xx