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The Doctor's Runaway Bride
Tia knows she can't marry Dr.Luca Zattoni. She's pregnant as a result of their whirlwind romance, but she's made a shocking discovery about Luca. So she leaves Venice -- and the man she loves.
Luca is determined to find Tia, and soon he's living and working alongside her again! This passionate Italian fully intends to claim his bride, and their unborn child, but first he must prove his feelings for Tia go deeper than intense physical desire....
Luca is determined to find Tia, and soon he's living and working alongside her again! This passionate Italian fully intends to claim his bride, and their unborn child, but first he must prove his feelings for Tia go deeper than intense physical desire....
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
36 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
695 books7,366 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's next novel coming in May - Brave New Summer (UK title)/ Five Star Summer (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's next novel coming in May - Brave New Summer (UK title)/ Five Star Summer (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 1, 2011
This was a "strange" read to me: there were too many scenes dedicated to Luca's and Tia's day-to-day activies at work - I've learned more than I've ever wanted to know about what can go wrong through pregnancy and giving birth, ugh - and not enough romance. The whole conflict was based on Tia's stubbornness to openly approach the subject that had made her leave Luca at the altar in the 1st place, and she drove me batsh!t crazy. On the other hand, Luca was almost perfect - his only "fault" being the fact that he didn't shake some sense into Tia sooner. Not that we would ever do that, considering she was pregnant and all, but still... Yeah, I didn't like Tia!
All things considered, this wasn't a bad read. Luca was one of the few beta heroes in HPLand and for that alone, it was worth checking it out.
All things considered, this wasn't a bad read. Luca was one of the few beta heroes in HPLand and for that alone, it was worth checking it out.
August 15, 2016
I think Sarah Morgan wrote this for the medical line and it accidentally got dropped in the Presents line. There was just as much page time devoted to the H/h's pregnant and laboring patients as there was to the romance. I didn't mind it, but I don't think any of it added to the romance.
The hero, an Italian obstetrician, is a sweetie and the heroine, an English mid-wife is a tad neurotic, but for all of that they seemed to get along just fine. What little conflict there was, was contrived, since it was the heroine overhearing something on her wedding day and then never mentioning it to the hero for nine months. The angst was minimal - not what I'd expect in an HP.
I did enjoy the story, though. Sarah Morgan is a good writer and she obviously likes medical people and their challenges.
The hero, an Italian obstetrician, is a sweetie and the heroine, an English mid-wife is a tad neurotic, but for all of that they seemed to get along just fine. What little conflict there was, was contrived, since it was the heroine overhearing something on her wedding day and then never mentioning it to the hero for nine months. The angst was minimal - not what I'd expect in an HP.
I did enjoy the story, though. Sarah Morgan is a good writer and she obviously likes medical people and their challenges.
September 23, 2022
It is no secret that I'm a fan of Sarah Morgan's writing. Some of her works are some of my favorite HP books. However, with this book, I felt kind of let down. Well, it's not that bad, but it wasn't great either. Why? Because the heroine ruined this book for me. She had this habit of jumping to conclusions that got on my nerves. Instead of talking things out, she automatically assumed things and left on their wedding day, no less. And I'm not too fond of the fact that it became repetitive when she wanted Luca to tell her about his supposed affair with another woman without her having to ask first. It grates on my nerves! Definitely not the kind of heroine you want to root for. I get damaged characters, and I get it. They make for great reading. But there is a fine line between damaged and unlikable ones. And Tia was just unlikable.
Another thing I probably don't like about his book was the medical aspect of it. As a nurse, I appreciate that Ms. Morgan has gone to great lengths to discuss all the issues related to pregnancy, labor, and delivery and make this book more realistic. But it seems that the author forgot that this book was supposed to be a romance book.
The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars was Luca. Yes, just Luca! I have to say that his character was almost too perfect. I mean, do guys this hot and sweet really exist? He was just an all-around great guy. No... perfect guy!
March 13, 2017
Wow Sarah Morgan sure loves her cold unfeeling heroines. This heroine had very negative thoughts about her pregnancy. Am I supposed to like a woman who doesn't love her own baby?
March 28, 2020
More medical fiction than romance. A lot of the action centered around the hero and heroine's detailed care of their patients. I believe this was the author's first offering in the Harlequin Presents imprint (transitioning from the Medical Romance line), and it showed. I missed the sensual romance found in her later books.
Another issue I had was the characterization of the heroine, Tia. She was incredibly insecure despite being an accomplished nurse, and was regarded as "stunningly beautiful" by the handsome and brilliant hero, Luca, who diligently pursued her. I usually like vulnerable heroines, but Tia's constant doubts over Luca's feelings for her became annoying as heck! I could have tolerated Tia's low self-esteem if she had actually tried confronting Luca with his motives for wanting to marry her, but she chose instead to engage in passive aggression.
Another issue I had was the characterization of the heroine, Tia. She was incredibly insecure despite being an accomplished nurse, and was regarded as "stunningly beautiful" by the handsome and brilliant hero, Luca, who diligently pursued her. I usually like vulnerable heroines, but Tia's constant doubts over Luca's feelings for her became annoying as heck! I could have tolerated Tia's low self-esteem if she had actually tried confronting Luca with his motives for wanting to marry her, but she chose instead to engage in passive aggression.
December 24, 2025
He totally loved her
I just loved this book not because it was extraordinary but because I felt the love from the hero. Even after.she stood.him up at their wedding. He still adored her but.there was a wannabe other woman and she hear.her future MIL say that she was meant to be and the ow said he told me he would love me forever. I was so upset. But then a few weeks later he showed up at the h's house and is wonderful. I.really think all women should have a Luca. I hated that she wouldn't tell him what she overheard that made her runaway but he finds her. He.loves her and I felt that. Glad they found their way together. Loved the book.
I just loved this book not because it was extraordinary but because I felt the love from the hero. Even after.she stood.him up at their wedding. He still adored her but.there was a wannabe other woman and she hear.her future MIL say that she was meant to be and the ow said he told me he would love me forever. I was so upset. But then a few weeks later he showed up at the h's house and is wonderful. I.really think all women should have a Luca. I hated that she wouldn't tell him what she overheard that made her runaway but he finds her. He.loves her and I felt that. Glad they found their way together. Loved the book.
January 2, 2013
3.5 stars
This is an emotional read, featuring a heroine with lots of insecurities, a hero in pursuit and a very silly misunderstanding that can be cleared with one damn conversation. Talk about lake of communication.
It's always great to see a hero so determined to win back the woman he loves. And it's great to see Luca and Tia work on their relationship and really start to know each other after their whirlwind romance. It's obvious that Luca is deeply in love with Tia. An insight on his thoughts and feelings would have added more richness to the story especially that he is a great hero. that is why the absence of his point of view is - in my opinion - a big loss.
This is an emotional read, featuring a heroine with lots of insecurities, a hero in pursuit and a very silly misunderstanding that can be cleared with one damn conversation. Talk about lake of communication.
It's always great to see a hero so determined to win back the woman he loves. And it's great to see Luca and Tia work on their relationship and really start to know each other after their whirlwind romance. It's obvious that Luca is deeply in love with Tia. An insight on his thoughts and feelings would have added more richness to the story especially that he is a great hero. that is why the absence of his point of view is - in my opinion - a big loss.
March 12, 2012
I very much liked this book...it was a fun fast read. The characters were very strong. A heroine when faced with challenge that actually stands up for herself and is not coaxed back into bed. A Hero, that you know right from the very start, has great character and is absolutely in love with the heroine. The author takes you on a journey where you know he is working very hard to earn her love. This book really deviates from the traditional elements of an HP.
June 18, 2020
The story starts on our main characters wedding day. The bride overheard something, didn’t think about having an adult conversation with her beloved groom and ran away. Hence a “big misunderstanding”, that is resolved in the end in 5 minutes of conversation, is the centerpiece of this book’s plot.
The hero is awesome. I want more heroes like Luca in my Harlequins - adequate, intelligent, not mean, not boorish, but determined males. The heroine, who’s name I already forgot, even though I finished the book two days ago, is a bit bland and forgettable. Her reasons make sense considering the backstory presented, but her stubbornness and blandness were killing me. She is kind of redeemed by her love for her work and the desire to be independent, but still. Yawn. There is good chemistry between them, though, which helps the story a lot. I gave it one extra star just for Luca and the chemistry between them.
The heroine is a midwife, the hero is an o ob/gyn, a lot of the books takes place at their hospital. The medical side of the story is very overdone - the side characters are very schematic, created to serve the plot and praise the hero’s medical talents. The patients, which we also get to meet in exceeding numbers, are forgettable and do not serve de plot or the character development. The medical info dumping in this book is horrendous and it’s NOT well done. Also, it kind of does a disservice to the heroine’s character. She’s supposed to be this talented midwife, right? Passionate about her job etc etc. well, I don’t know how midwifes operate in the UK, but generally they are able to assist uncomplicated births, provide care in a lot of cases. Instead, we see her doing a lot of work usually reserved for nurses or med assistants/techs, such as measuring the temperature. She doesn’t seek medical help, even though she is a medical professional and should know the warning signs of complications. While in early labor, she regrets not getting to have the birth she read about in glossy magazines. Like, wtf? Midwifes know better than to dream about births like that! Right? Right?!! So, a lot of small details are missed, even though a lot of medical information is dumped on us. Could have been soooo much better if a good editor would have taken care of this.
The hero is awesome. I want more heroes like Luca in my Harlequins - adequate, intelligent, not mean, not boorish, but determined males. The heroine, who’s name I already forgot, even though I finished the book two days ago, is a bit bland and forgettable. Her reasons make sense considering the backstory presented, but her stubbornness and blandness were killing me. She is kind of redeemed by her love for her work and the desire to be independent, but still. Yawn. There is good chemistry between them, though, which helps the story a lot. I gave it one extra star just for Luca and the chemistry between them.
The heroine is a midwife, the hero is an o ob/gyn, a lot of the books takes place at their hospital. The medical side of the story is very overdone - the side characters are very schematic, created to serve the plot and praise the hero’s medical talents. The patients, which we also get to meet in exceeding numbers, are forgettable and do not serve de plot or the character development. The medical info dumping in this book is horrendous and it’s NOT well done. Also, it kind of does a disservice to the heroine’s character. She’s supposed to be this talented midwife, right? Passionate about her job etc etc. well, I don’t know how midwifes operate in the UK, but generally they are able to assist uncomplicated births, provide care in a lot of cases. Instead, we see her doing a lot of work usually reserved for nurses or med assistants/techs, such as measuring the temperature. She doesn’t seek medical help, even though she is a medical professional and should know the warning signs of complications. While in early labor, she regrets not getting to have the birth she read about in glossy magazines. Like, wtf? Midwifes know better than to dream about births like that! Right? Right?!! So, a lot of small details are missed, even though a lot of medical information is dumped on us. Could have been soooo much better if a good editor would have taken care of this.
June 16, 2023
Sweet Romance
This is a sweet romance. Both main characters were likeable, all drama of rage emotional variety once again came from inadequate communication. But I guess if the couples didn't start out with poor communication skills and learn to effectively communicate, there would be no book.
I really liked the main male character: Luca, it was obvious of his feelings even if Tia was blind to it.
This is a second read for me and I enjoyed this book more the second time around.
This is a sweet romance. Both main characters were likeable, all drama of rage emotional variety once again came from inadequate communication. But I guess if the couples didn't start out with poor communication skills and learn to effectively communicate, there would be no book.
I really liked the main male character: Luca, it was obvious of his feelings even if Tia was blind to it.
This is a second read for me and I enjoyed this book more the second time around.
September 16, 2015
A good romance. H and h had great chemistry. The H was obviously so in love w the h. Bit of angst fr a misunderstanding - all the usual formula. My only beef was - did we really need the constant rundown of how a maternity hospital was run? Really!
Caesarean section - check
Pre-eclampsia- check
Hematoma of the vulva!!! - check
and so on and so forth
But if you can get over that, or skim through it then it's a cute story.
Caesarean section - check
Pre-eclampsia- check
Hematoma of the vulva!!! - check
and so on and so forth
But if you can get over that, or skim through it then it's a cute story.
November 1, 2008
He is one of the few beta heroes I have seen in this line of books.
April 9, 2022
The Doctor's Runaway Bride was about Portia "Tia" Franklin, a midwife, and Dr. Luca Zattoni, a rich Italian obstetrician.
Tia had been backpacking across Europe when she arrived late one night in Venice, Italy, only to be accosted by a group of ruffians. A car pulled up and a handsome stranger stepped out and rescued her. Ten weeks later, Tia and Luca, the handsome stranger, were getting married because she was pregnant with his baby. However, after overhearing a conversation regarding Luca on their wedding day, a devastated Tia decided she could no longer marry a man who did not love her...and ran away.
Two weeks after returning to England, Tia arrived home from work to find Luca in her kitchen. Though Luca did not mention getting married, he did inform Tia that they should be together for the sake of the baby. There was no mention of love and she did not tell him why she had changed her mind about marrying him, even though he had asked her repeatedly to give him a logical reason.
Tia, though a mature woman, was also extremely insecure because of the relationship between her parents. Knowing that her father was always unfaithful to her mother, and the woman had been hysterical in return because of the infidelity, made Tia unable to trust Luca, especially as he was such a handsome, wealthy man and most women flocked to him, whether he showed them attention or not.
For a romance story, this book paid way too much attention to the medical side of things. The medical terminology, the medical procedures, the medicinal dosages...everything medical regarding childbirth was brought out, to the point of being a bit invasive and overdone. Sure, both of the main characters were in the medical profession, but that was not what the reader was wanting to know about when they picked up this book. If they had wanted to read about prenatal, postnatal, medical terms and procedures, they would have picked up a book solely written about such things. There were more words written about that than anything romantic, and it got b.o.r.i.n.g. way too fast because of it.
Other than all the medical jargon that filled the pages of this book, it was pretty decent. Luca was a spectacular Hero...any woman would love to have a man like that at her side. Tia was a bit neurotic, but that's to be expected of someone who had the upbringing she did. I would still have liked to have been able to read more about their romance than medicine though. It took too much away from the romance and made it into a bland story, not quite worthy of a five-star rating.
The relationship, while full of banked heat, could have been better if the two main characters had been more open with each other and less closed off. The emotions that filled the book ran the gamut, but if it had a touch of humor added in it would have been even better. It's a bit disappointing when an author tries their hands at one genre and mixes it with another because it spoils the whole thing.
Tia had been backpacking across Europe when she arrived late one night in Venice, Italy, only to be accosted by a group of ruffians. A car pulled up and a handsome stranger stepped out and rescued her. Ten weeks later, Tia and Luca, the handsome stranger, were getting married because she was pregnant with his baby. However, after overhearing a conversation regarding Luca on their wedding day, a devastated Tia decided she could no longer marry a man who did not love her...and ran away.
Two weeks after returning to England, Tia arrived home from work to find Luca in her kitchen. Though Luca did not mention getting married, he did inform Tia that they should be together for the sake of the baby. There was no mention of love and she did not tell him why she had changed her mind about marrying him, even though he had asked her repeatedly to give him a logical reason.
Tia, though a mature woman, was also extremely insecure because of the relationship between her parents. Knowing that her father was always unfaithful to her mother, and the woman had been hysterical in return because of the infidelity, made Tia unable to trust Luca, especially as he was such a handsome, wealthy man and most women flocked to him, whether he showed them attention or not.
For a romance story, this book paid way too much attention to the medical side of things. The medical terminology, the medical procedures, the medicinal dosages...everything medical regarding childbirth was brought out, to the point of being a bit invasive and overdone. Sure, both of the main characters were in the medical profession, but that was not what the reader was wanting to know about when they picked up this book. If they had wanted to read about prenatal, postnatal, medical terms and procedures, they would have picked up a book solely written about such things. There were more words written about that than anything romantic, and it got b.o.r.i.n.g. way too fast because of it.
Other than all the medical jargon that filled the pages of this book, it was pretty decent. Luca was a spectacular Hero...any woman would love to have a man like that at her side. Tia was a bit neurotic, but that's to be expected of someone who had the upbringing she did. I would still have liked to have been able to read more about their romance than medicine though. It took too much away from the romance and made it into a bland story, not quite worthy of a five-star rating.
The relationship, while full of banked heat, could have been better if the two main characters had been more open with each other and less closed off. The emotions that filled the book ran the gamut, but if it had a touch of humor added in it would have been even better. It's a bit disappointing when an author tries their hands at one genre and mixes it with another because it spoils the whole thing.
February 1, 2026
very technical accidental pregnancy
I really enjoyed this one! It’s got a nice mix of relationship in crisis, mild OW drama, hurt/comfort, coworkers, and baby stuff too. It is very technical on the hospital stuff but I liked it. And there’s some nice angst with her pregnancy when things start to go wrong.
Wish the MMC family situation and OW drama had been a little better resolved (that forehead kiss and arm around her didn’t make much sense in light of his explanation) but otherwise enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this one! It’s got a nice mix of relationship in crisis, mild OW drama, hurt/comfort, coworkers, and baby stuff too. It is very technical on the hospital stuff but I liked it. And there’s some nice angst with her pregnancy when things start to go wrong.
Wish the MMC family situation and OW drama had been a little better resolved (that forehead kiss and arm around her didn’t make much sense in light of his explanation) but otherwise enjoyed.
August 21, 2025
nice story
July 22, 2016
3 1/2 Stars! ~ Dr. Luca Zattoni follows his pregnant runaway bride to England, only to find that Tia doesn't want to see or speak to him again. He surprises her when he takes a job as obstetrician at the hospital where she is a nurse/midwife. Luca knows that their whirlwind affair in Italy and her unexpected pregnancy, has really scared Tia. But he can't understand her reluctance to continue their relationship; she refuses to tell him what shook her up so much that she left him waiting at the altar. Tia's been in love with Luca from the moment she met him, but she knows that Luca really doesn't want to marry her and only proposed because of the baby. And on her wedding day, she overheard Luca's mother in conversation with a beautiful woman. And what she heard made her positive that Luca would be happier without her and her baby.
This was a charming story. I love the way Luca moves in on Tia's world, but still respects her wishes to step back and give them both room to get to know each other. Ms. Morgan created a lovely love story and I'm glad Tia and Luca found their HEA. I enjoyed this one very much.
This was a charming story. I love the way Luca moves in on Tia's world, but still respects her wishes to step back and give them both room to get to know each other. Ms. Morgan created a lovely love story and I'm glad Tia and Luca found their HEA. I enjoyed this one very much.
April 27, 2010
This is a kind of book that makes you want to say "AWW". Though it is not sappy, there is clearly a bond between the main characters. What I like too, was the ending was not as predictable as expected. It is definitely a captivating story and I had no trouble keeping my attention as I read. In general, it was incredibly sweet, and it was a very pleasant story to read.
Read
February 14, 20164 Stars.
This was a decent read. The characters weren't perfect, and their motives didn't always make sense, but I mostly believed them and bought their reactions. It did contain a theme that often annoys me, though, which is the Big Misunderstanding that a simple conversation would have fixed. Why do people never talk to one another in romances?!
This was a decent read. The characters weren't perfect, and their motives didn't always make sense, but I mostly believed them and bought their reactions. It did contain a theme that often annoys me, though, which is the Big Misunderstanding that a simple conversation would have fixed. Why do people never talk to one another in romances?!
March 27, 2018
The Doctor's Runaway Bride
This book is not meant to be read by any newly pregnant women. It is a collection of what can go wrong in pregnancy's. But if course let's add a little more drama and add a pregnant midwife who is afraid of commitment and children. All in all it was a fun read for an old woman. The angst was well written.
This book is not meant to be read by any newly pregnant women. It is a collection of what can go wrong in pregnancy's. But if course let's add a little more drama and add a pregnant midwife who is afraid of commitment and children. All in all it was a fun read for an old woman. The angst was well written.
June 2, 2014
A nice fast read. Liked that the details of their work day were brought into the story as they were well written and also served the purpose of helping the insecure heroine learn to trust the 'sex on legs' handsome loving doctor.
March 19, 2015
Medical title masquerading as Presents. Which isn't a bad thing! No mistressing, no asshole alphas, but lots of medical jargon I did not entirely understand. Tradeoffs.
May 26, 2016
I alwsys enjoy Sarah Morgan's books. This was a great book. I have been reading more of the medical romances.
February 8, 2016
I didn't feel a connection with this story but it was still an okay enough read. SM can write some very unforgettable characters.
June 25, 2010
Luca!!!Luca!!Luca!!Sarah writes the best medical romances!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews