"Move a fraction of an inch closer..."
I really don't know how to write a review that will do justice to this latest offering by Alexis Rey. I usually have all the necessary words, but readers, When It Rains is, quite simply, breathtaking, and I haven't stopped to take a breath at how exquisite and elevated this story is.
We first meet confident, capable, compartmentalized ER attending physician Emily Williston as she introduces her idle medical students to a variety of unusual artifacts often found lodged (or dislodged) in interesting anatomical places.
Enter Alex Meyer, fourth year resident, himself confident and capable, but also commanding of both the subject at hand ("Without a base, without a trace...") and "Ice Queen" Emily's attention.
A mentoring, banter-filled breakfast, a walk home in the rain, and the prelude to a kiss turn into a night of extraordinary passion and pleasure.
Alex's deliberate pursuit and unthawing of Emily across two continents, coupled with Emily's possession of and submission to exactly what Alex needs (even as she's discovering what it means herself) are the very stuff of which the perfect steamy romance is made. Secrets, tragedy, trauma, and angst are also present, but Rey has outdone herself.
This book was satisfying in so many ways, appealing on both a cerebral and emotional level. Rey's distinct, straightforward, storytelling voice; her skill in portraying two people exploring the pitfalls and boundaries of their passion and connection; her unique brand of humor; and, her extensive medical knowledge all shine through to make When It Rains a top-tier read.
NOTE: Please heed content notes as this book contains darker themes, including pregnancy loss, grief/loss, circumstances requiring medical treatment, discussion of an abusive relationship, and one instance of on-page DV (not between MCs).