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Give a Bookish Girl a Biker #2
The Trauma Response
the process of something burning again…like my heart when my high school crush crashes back into my life
Putting out fires is second nature to me. I’m used to running in when everyone else is running out, and my private life is no different. When an old friend finds herself spiraling toward depression after a life-changing accident, I naturally leap into action. But I don’t anticipate the old feelings I once had for her sparking back to life, growing deeper with every glance, every touch, every moment spent together.
Helping people soothes my soul. My career as a trauma surgeon has been my greatest life’s wish realized. But when it’s all ripped away from me in a car accident that leaves me with nothing but numbness in my left hand, I close off everyone who cares about me. Until my childhood friend, Caius Gray, shows up on my doorstep to rescue me once again.
Will Caius’ patience and tenderness heal my heart? Or will I ignore my growing attraction to my hero and fall into a never ending pit of despair?
Putting out fires is second nature to me. I’m used to running in when everyone else is running out, and my private life is no different. When an old friend finds herself spiraling toward depression after a life-changing accident, I naturally leap into action. But I don’t anticipate the old feelings I once had for her sparking back to life, growing deeper with every glance, every touch, every moment spent together.
Helping people soothes my soul. My career as a trauma surgeon has been my greatest life’s wish realized. But when it’s all ripped away from me in a car accident that leaves me with nothing but numbness in my left hand, I close off everyone who cares about me. Until my childhood friend, Caius Gray, shows up on my doorstep to rescue me once again.
Will Caius’ patience and tenderness heal my heart? Or will I ignore my growing attraction to my hero and fall into a never ending pit of despair?
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
91 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Padgett
74 books191 followersM. J. Padgett is first and foremost a mom. Her free-spirited daughter has quite the vivid imagination, and her antics sometimes find their way into her mommy’s work. She is a lover of all things chocolate, a Grimm and Dickens addict, a self-proclaimed smarty-pants, and an introvert to the core.
Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.
Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 7, 2025
I knew I was going to love this book—I’m just at a loss for words about how much I adored it. ☺️
Tulip’s story felt incredibly personal. Despite the different circumstances, I’m no stranger to nerve damage, sensation loss, and the collapse of a dream because of it. The way Padgett handled depression with such grace and realism was incredibly well done.
And then there’s Cai. The truest, sweetest walking green flag to end all green flags. 🫠 I love the relationship he has with Tulip (& his nicknames for her!). There’s so much history, so much tenderness and understanding even when she pushed back, scared. He’s steady. They’re too cute together & I love that for them! 🥰
I’m living for the friend group connections & the Denver Dragon/Darling tie-ins. Also, the faith angle! Who said rom-coms couldn’t be deep? Because this one… wowza. Sometimes it hard to accept the doors God closes and the lost dreams, but His plans are so much better than we can imagine in the moment. 💛
Tulip’s story felt incredibly personal. Despite the different circumstances, I’m no stranger to nerve damage, sensation loss, and the collapse of a dream because of it. The way Padgett handled depression with such grace and realism was incredibly well done.
And then there’s Cai. The truest, sweetest walking green flag to end all green flags. 🫠 I love the relationship he has with Tulip (& his nicknames for her!). There’s so much history, so much tenderness and understanding even when she pushed back, scared. He’s steady. They’re too cute together & I love that for them! 🥰
I’m living for the friend group connections & the Denver Dragon/Darling tie-ins. Also, the faith angle! Who said rom-coms couldn’t be deep? Because this one… wowza. Sometimes it hard to accept the doors God closes and the lost dreams, but His plans are so much better than we can imagine in the moment. 💛
March 5, 2025
“Trauma surgery wasn’t always my top pick, but after watching my mentor reconstruct an entire chest cavity after a crushing accident, I was hooked. There’s something about holding a patient’s heart in my hands that puts life into perspective. Its fragility. Its fleeting span in the grand scheme of things. We are but a whisper in God’s timeline, and those few hours spent exploring and repairing the bodies of his creation are always surreal to me.”
The amount of depth gripped me from the start and didn’t let go. I was so invested in Cai and Tulip’s lives that I was afraid for my to-do list. 😂
“When God gives a person a gift and that gift is taken away, it’s a life’s purpose lost. It will take her some time to reaffix her eyes on the Lord and what He’s planned next for her, son, but when she does finally look up, everything will fall back into place. Including where you fit best. Love her, support her, abide by her wishes, steer her toward prayer.”
Loved the faith aspect and how naturally it was woven into the story.
And then we have Caius Gray who is a whole green forest aka green flag, no one can tell me different. He’s the sweetest cinnamon roll MMC I’ve read in a long time. 🫠
Caius and Tulip are literally perfect for each other even though of course they are imperfect people (yes I know these are fictional characters but they leap off the page like real personalities!) and I found myself rooting for them the second they met (up again) at Tulip’s terrifying crash site.
These two are my new comfort characters and I can totally see myself picking this book up and going straight to my favorite scenes with these two (or even going to the text messages between Cai and his friends which are hilarious!) for a great pick me up. I need a physical copy asap!
The tight knit friendship group feel amongst the Bikers was so fun to read.
And that ending! I had to message the author with my questions.
If you want to have a good time with a lovable cast, relatable (bookish) struggles, learn a thing or two about respectable careers (trauma surgeon, firefighters, etc…), have some good laughs and maybe get a little teary-eyed or swoon every couple pages or chapters, pick this one up!
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books so I can properly meet the other Bikers and their Bookish Girls!
The amount of depth gripped me from the start and didn’t let go. I was so invested in Cai and Tulip’s lives that I was afraid for my to-do list. 😂
“When God gives a person a gift and that gift is taken away, it’s a life’s purpose lost. It will take her some time to reaffix her eyes on the Lord and what He’s planned next for her, son, but when she does finally look up, everything will fall back into place. Including where you fit best. Love her, support her, abide by her wishes, steer her toward prayer.”
Loved the faith aspect and how naturally it was woven into the story.
And then we have Caius Gray who is a whole green forest aka green flag, no one can tell me different. He’s the sweetest cinnamon roll MMC I’ve read in a long time. 🫠
Caius and Tulip are literally perfect for each other even though of course they are imperfect people (yes I know these are fictional characters but they leap off the page like real personalities!) and I found myself rooting for them the second they met (up again) at Tulip’s terrifying crash site.
These two are my new comfort characters and I can totally see myself picking this book up and going straight to my favorite scenes with these two (or even going to the text messages between Cai and his friends which are hilarious!) for a great pick me up. I need a physical copy asap!
The tight knit friendship group feel amongst the Bikers was so fun to read.
And that ending! I had to message the author with my questions.
If you want to have a good time with a lovable cast, relatable (bookish) struggles, learn a thing or two about respectable careers (trauma surgeon, firefighters, etc…), have some good laughs and maybe get a little teary-eyed or swoon every couple pages or chapters, pick this one up!
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books so I can properly meet the other Bikers and their Bookish Girls!
March 16, 2025
Cai and Tulip were not just cutie-patooties, they were the cutiest-of-the-patootiest.
June 13, 2025
Ze začátku to vypadalo velice dobře - a také to bylo dobré, ale co ta žádost o ruku? (plusové body za to že si to ta kniha uvědomuje, ale minusové body za to že to tak je) chápu že se měli rádi už kdysi a teď se konecne dalj do kupy, ale že do hodiny od první pusy #ever žádá o ruku z čistajasna je prostě divný
ale fajn jednohubka
ale fajn jednohubka
February 28, 2025
I love this book. It deals so beautifully with life-altering events, depression, and healing. I love the tenderness, patience, and tough love.
February 8, 2025
The Trauma Response is the second book in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series. This is a multi-author series and while they are interconnected, they can be enjoyed as standalones as well.
If you're looking for a book you can read for a little bit before going on about your day... well, this one is NOT it. Once I started reading this one, I absolutely could not put it down. The story drew me in immediately with Tallulah getting into a car crash that would ultimately alter her career and reconnect her with Cai- her younger brother's childhood best friend and her former teenage crush who happened to be one of the firefighters on the scene. This story was absolutely beautiful. The chemistry was fantastic--- despite their years apart, these two had such an easy chemistry that I couldn't help but be drawn into. I loved how Cai stepped in to be there when she needed him most and never gave up on her. Their story was so emotional and tender--- dealing with the trauma and depression that comes from such a lifechanging event while also effortlessly weaving in a beautiful message of trusting God and His plans for our lives in those moments where life takes unexpected turns. While there were certainly moments that had me reaching for the tissues, there were also plenty of moments to lighten things up--- I particularly loved the biker group chat, which had me smiling at their fantastic banter and the overall sense of found family there. This is only the second book in the series, but already I love this group so much and am so looking forward to seeing the rest of them get their happily ever afters as well.
The Trauma Response is a faith-filled, closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a book you can read for a little bit before going on about your day... well, this one is NOT it. Once I started reading this one, I absolutely could not put it down. The story drew me in immediately with Tallulah getting into a car crash that would ultimately alter her career and reconnect her with Cai- her younger brother's childhood best friend and her former teenage crush who happened to be one of the firefighters on the scene. This story was absolutely beautiful. The chemistry was fantastic--- despite their years apart, these two had such an easy chemistry that I couldn't help but be drawn into. I loved how Cai stepped in to be there when she needed him most and never gave up on her. Their story was so emotional and tender--- dealing with the trauma and depression that comes from such a lifechanging event while also effortlessly weaving in a beautiful message of trusting God and His plans for our lives in those moments where life takes unexpected turns. While there were certainly moments that had me reaching for the tissues, there were also plenty of moments to lighten things up--- I particularly loved the biker group chat, which had me smiling at their fantastic banter and the overall sense of found family there. This is only the second book in the series, but already I love this group so much and am so looking forward to seeing the rest of them get their happily ever afters as well.
The Trauma Response is a faith-filled, closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2025
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I adored The Backpack Bride, the first installment in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series. I know that each book in the series was penned by a different author, so I tried to set my expectations accordingly. Understandably, each installment will be radically different in terms of craft and dialogue and character development. Even knowing this, I still couldn’t quite make myself connect with The Trauma Response. It had some sweet tropes, a stronger faith element, and a firefighting cinnamon roll for a male main character, but the female main character and the dialogue left me wanting more.
Our main characters are Caius, a motorcycle riding firefighter, and Tulip, a trauma surgeon. Cai was best friends with Tulip’s little brother when the three were kids, but they all lost touch when they went away for college. Cai always carried a torch for Tulip, as did she for him, but neither ever fessed up. They find a second chance at friendship—and possibly romance—through tragedy, when Cai shows up on the scene of a terrible accident only to find Tulip in the crushed car. She survives, but significant nerve damage to her hand means that her career as a trauma surgeon does not. Can Cai show her that God still has beautiful things in store for her if she can see past her pain?
Cai is a ray of sunshine. Evidently Tulip was, as well, before her life was wrecked. But now, she is severely depressed, to the point where she’s no longer taking care of herself. Her house is a disaster, she rarely showers, and all she wants to do is sleep. She feels like her life is over, and that it would have been better had she not survived the wreck that took her future from her. This is where Cai swoops back into her life, bent on helping her reclaim her house and her joy. As much as I feel for Tulip, I was also annoyed by her. Some of her decisions, like essentially cutting ties with Cai randomly in the middle of the book, made no sense.
While I wish it wasn’t the case, I’m a bit of a prose snob. My degree is in English Lit, and I’ve been reading over 100 books a year for most of my life. I’ve read enough to have developed strong opinions on minor things. One of the aspects of fiction that I have the strongest opinions on is the flow of dialogue. If conversations between characters don’t have an easy, believable flow to them, I have a difficult time looking past it. Unfortunately, that was my experience with this book. The dialogue didn’t really work for me. I didn’t vibe as immediately with the writing style in general. There were uses of certain phrases, like “good golly,” that just didn’t feel true to life. But the fact that I was already invested in the series propelled me right through that.
There are a few details here and there that don’t match up with prior events. They’re tiny things, like Tulip suddenly having the books Cai bought for her even though the two of them haven’t gotten together again yet, or Cai telling someone the accident was a couple of weeks ago instead of over three months ago. But they were enough to throw me briefly out of the story.
I still enjoyed this story, but not to the extent that I expected to after my experience with The Backpack Bride. I did appreciate the stronger faith content in this installment, and the chance to catch up with the cast of the first book. While I never quite connected with the writing style in The Trauma Response, it was still a solid story. I’m excited to continue on with the series!
I adored The Backpack Bride, the first installment in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series. I know that each book in the series was penned by a different author, so I tried to set my expectations accordingly. Understandably, each installment will be radically different in terms of craft and dialogue and character development. Even knowing this, I still couldn’t quite make myself connect with The Trauma Response. It had some sweet tropes, a stronger faith element, and a firefighting cinnamon roll for a male main character, but the female main character and the dialogue left me wanting more.
Our main characters are Caius, a motorcycle riding firefighter, and Tulip, a trauma surgeon. Cai was best friends with Tulip’s little brother when the three were kids, but they all lost touch when they went away for college. Cai always carried a torch for Tulip, as did she for him, but neither ever fessed up. They find a second chance at friendship—and possibly romance—through tragedy, when Cai shows up on the scene of a terrible accident only to find Tulip in the crushed car. She survives, but significant nerve damage to her hand means that her career as a trauma surgeon does not. Can Cai show her that God still has beautiful things in store for her if she can see past her pain?
Cai is a ray of sunshine. Evidently Tulip was, as well, before her life was wrecked. But now, she is severely depressed, to the point where she’s no longer taking care of herself. Her house is a disaster, she rarely showers, and all she wants to do is sleep. She feels like her life is over, and that it would have been better had she not survived the wreck that took her future from her. This is where Cai swoops back into her life, bent on helping her reclaim her house and her joy. As much as I feel for Tulip, I was also annoyed by her. Some of her decisions, like essentially cutting ties with Cai randomly in the middle of the book, made no sense.
While I wish it wasn’t the case, I’m a bit of a prose snob. My degree is in English Lit, and I’ve been reading over 100 books a year for most of my life. I’ve read enough to have developed strong opinions on minor things. One of the aspects of fiction that I have the strongest opinions on is the flow of dialogue. If conversations between characters don’t have an easy, believable flow to them, I have a difficult time looking past it. Unfortunately, that was my experience with this book. The dialogue didn’t really work for me. I didn’t vibe as immediately with the writing style in general. There were uses of certain phrases, like “good golly,” that just didn’t feel true to life. But the fact that I was already invested in the series propelled me right through that.
There are a few details here and there that don’t match up with prior events. They’re tiny things, like Tulip suddenly having the books Cai bought for her even though the two of them haven’t gotten together again yet, or Cai telling someone the accident was a couple of weeks ago instead of over three months ago. But they were enough to throw me briefly out of the story.
I still enjoyed this story, but not to the extent that I expected to after my experience with The Backpack Bride. I did appreciate the stronger faith content in this installment, and the chance to catch up with the cast of the first book. While I never quite connected with the writing style in The Trauma Response, it was still a solid story. I’m excited to continue on with the series!
March 8, 2025
This was such a sweet and special story! It was so hard on Tallulah (Tulip) to absorb the reality that she would never be able to be a surgeon again. The author did an amazing job of showing the way she was falling into a depression and how she was no longer caring about the state of her apartment or even getting out of bed during the day. I loved the way Caius (Cai) came through for her, being there for her as soon as he discovered how much she was struggling.
These two were extra special as their friendship blossomed again, with hints that there could finally be more between them…something both of them had separately longed for as teens. The way Cai and Tulip simply knew each other and had a connection from years earlier was heartwarming.
There was a gentle faith message within the story and I appreciated that Cai worked so hard to get Tulip to communicate with him. He was solid and steadfast in his care and devotion to Tulip, even as she dealt with a roller coaster of emotions. I loved this story! Even if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you could still jump in and enjoy this one.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
These two were extra special as their friendship blossomed again, with hints that there could finally be more between them…something both of them had separately longed for as teens. The way Cai and Tulip simply knew each other and had a connection from years earlier was heartwarming.
There was a gentle faith message within the story and I appreciated that Cai worked so hard to get Tulip to communicate with him. He was solid and steadfast in his care and devotion to Tulip, even as she dealt with a roller coaster of emotions. I loved this story! Even if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you could still jump in and enjoy this one.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
April 8, 2025
Adored this book!
I loved this book so much! I especially loved the faith themes woven in, and trusting God, His timing, and His plan for each of us.
I loved that Tulip and Cai had to growth apart and together, and that they supported each other in a healthy way. Love that example of a healthy relationship.
Though this story does rip your heart out a bit because of Tulip's car crash and Cai's firefighting experiences, I thought all the details were handled tastefully and brought depth to the characters.
So well done. Adored it!
💋Kissing only
⚠️Car crash, some details described but not gruesomely, grief
I loved this book so much! I especially loved the faith themes woven in, and trusting God, His timing, and His plan for each of us.
I loved that Tulip and Cai had to growth apart and together, and that they supported each other in a healthy way. Love that example of a healthy relationship.
Though this story does rip your heart out a bit because of Tulip's car crash and Cai's firefighting experiences, I thought all the details were handled tastefully and brought depth to the characters.
So well done. Adored it!
💋Kissing only
⚠️Car crash, some details described but not gruesomely, grief
April 24, 2025
This is truly a beautiful poignant story. Tallulah is following her dream. Using her unique gift to make a difference in the world and in one swoop it’s all taken away. And now she has to make peace with that and set a new course. But it’s not an easy task and she’s truly struggling.
Caius just happens to be the first responder to show up at her accident. He hasn’t seen her in years and this is not the way he would’ve planned a reunion. But once they reconnect, he sees her as more than his friend’s sister. He’s drawn to her and sets out to help her move forward with her life.
I love how gentle and patient he is with her. This one really made my heart swell.
I love the group of friends in this book and that we connect with them throughout the series.
Caius just happens to be the first responder to show up at her accident. He hasn’t seen her in years and this is not the way he would’ve planned a reunion. But once they reconnect, he sees her as more than his friend’s sister. He’s drawn to her and sets out to help her move forward with her life.
I love how gentle and patient he is with her. This one really made my heart swell.
I love the group of friends in this book and that we connect with them throughout the series.
May 3, 2025
I'll admit, I was a little nervous going into this book, worried it might not live up to my expectations, but wow, it completely swept me off my feet. This story was absolutely adorable.🥰
It was short, sweet, and just the right amount of heartwarming. The way he cared for her during her darkest moments, buying her little things, treating her with so much kindness, it melted my heart. I found myself highlighting so many beautiful lines. If you haven't read this book yet, you absolutely need to. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!🤩
It was short, sweet, and just the right amount of heartwarming. The way he cared for her during her darkest moments, buying her little things, treating her with so much kindness, it melted my heart. I found myself highlighting so many beautiful lines. If you haven't read this book yet, you absolutely need to. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!🤩
April 15, 2025
3.5⭐️
Sentí muy feo por Tulip. ¿Se imaginan estudiar algo, titularse, amar tu trabajo, ser excelente en ello y luego tener un accidente que te impida volver a ejercer? Debe ser horrible.
Sentí muy feo por Tulip. ¿Se imaginan estudiar algo, titularse, amar tu trabajo, ser excelente en ello y luego tener un accidente que te impida volver a ejercer? Debe ser horrible.
August 25, 2025
Such a delight!
I loved this!! I could not put it down. Such a sweet and encouraging story with the perfect amount of swoon.
I loved this!! I could not put it down. Such a sweet and encouraging story with the perfect amount of swoon.
April 26, 2025
cute but felt a little rushed
February 7, 2025
The Trauma Rescue was a sweet, wonderful read involving childhood crushes, a firefighter, a trauma surgeon, and friends to more. Tallulah experiences depression, struggles, and grief after sustaining a life-altering accident that affects her career as a surgeon that she loves.
I loved the chemistry between Caius and Talluhah, the bikers' group message chat, and how the author wove faith elements into the story. I enjoyed how Talluhah went from being sunshine to grumpy to learning to be sunshine again with Caius's help. Caius was a solid support for her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are own.
I loved the chemistry between Caius and Talluhah, the bikers' group message chat, and how the author wove faith elements into the story. I enjoyed how Talluhah went from being sunshine to grumpy to learning to be sunshine again with Caius's help. Caius was a solid support for her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are own.
October 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this book
March 3, 2025
Tallulah suffers the loss of her career as a trauma surgeon in a fateful car accident the same day her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her. Her life spirals and she distances herself from family and friends as grief and loss overwhelm her. Caius, her childhood friend and secret crush, arrives on her doorstep and helps her learn to live again.
Caius is a firefighter who responds to her accident. When he sees her, terrified and bleeding in the remnants of her vehicle, his dormant feelings for Tallulah flood over him. Later, when she is spiraling into depression, he rescues her again, just as she rescued him when they were teenagers.
Review
This tender, inspiring story of two childhood friends who once secretly crushed on each other is one of the best I ever read. The author draws the reader in from the first few pages and quickly builds empathy for the characters. Their decade of separation has done nothing to diminish their friendship, and they easily pick up where they left off, even as they hope for more.
Tallulah’s grief response is honest, resonating with anyone who’s been there. The depictions of her spiral are realistic (personal family experience.) Her grief ebbs and flows naturally throughout the story, even threatening their rekindled relationship. Her feelings of inadequacy as she pursues a career outside of being a surgeon reveal the depth of her loss.
Caius’ persistent pursuit of Tallulah (Whits) is nothing short of swoony. He is gentle and patient, unlike Tallulah’s pushy brother, Jackson. Cai goes to great lengths to help her overcome the tragedy, even enlisting the help of his biker friends. Caius and Tallulah, despite their struggles, recognize God’s perfect timing and guidance in the face of tragedy.
The storyline is not rushed, yet keeps you engaged. The reader is carried along as two shy friends, who are afraid to declare the love that has lived in their hearts for years, struggle to become more than friends. Tallulah’s encounter with Greer, who offers her support as a fellow survivor of tragedy, gives Tallulah further hope to overcome her grief. Read Double Duty Defense, part of the Dating a Denver Dragon series for Greer’s story. The Trauma Response is a wonderfully woven tapestry of love, faith, and perseverance.
M.J. Padgett is a master at creating characters and stories that bring out so many emotions, yet leaves you satisfied with the happy-ever-after. This book, indeed, the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series, is a must read and a worthy addition to anyone’s library.
Favorite Quotes:
“Come on, Whits. Spend some time with me. Let me annoy you properly.” — Cai
“No, I want you to stay. I should probably invite Jackson and his wife over… But you know what? I don’t want to. I want you all to myself for a while.” — Tallulah
“I’ve seen people die in much less…I need you to remember something. God saved you because he has big plans for you…” — Cai
“The only thing you can do that will hurt me, is to cut me out of your life. Anything and everything else can be worked out, but silence cuts deeper than a knife, Whits.” — Cai
“I just can’t believe I get to kiss you after all these years, and I want to savor every second of it.” — Cai
Caius is a firefighter who responds to her accident. When he sees her, terrified and bleeding in the remnants of her vehicle, his dormant feelings for Tallulah flood over him. Later, when she is spiraling into depression, he rescues her again, just as she rescued him when they were teenagers.
Review
This tender, inspiring story of two childhood friends who once secretly crushed on each other is one of the best I ever read. The author draws the reader in from the first few pages and quickly builds empathy for the characters. Their decade of separation has done nothing to diminish their friendship, and they easily pick up where they left off, even as they hope for more.
Tallulah’s grief response is honest, resonating with anyone who’s been there. The depictions of her spiral are realistic (personal family experience.) Her grief ebbs and flows naturally throughout the story, even threatening their rekindled relationship. Her feelings of inadequacy as she pursues a career outside of being a surgeon reveal the depth of her loss.
Caius’ persistent pursuit of Tallulah (Whits) is nothing short of swoony. He is gentle and patient, unlike Tallulah’s pushy brother, Jackson. Cai goes to great lengths to help her overcome the tragedy, even enlisting the help of his biker friends. Caius and Tallulah, despite their struggles, recognize God’s perfect timing and guidance in the face of tragedy.
The storyline is not rushed, yet keeps you engaged. The reader is carried along as two shy friends, who are afraid to declare the love that has lived in their hearts for years, struggle to become more than friends. Tallulah’s encounter with Greer, who offers her support as a fellow survivor of tragedy, gives Tallulah further hope to overcome her grief. Read Double Duty Defense, part of the Dating a Denver Dragon series for Greer’s story. The Trauma Response is a wonderfully woven tapestry of love, faith, and perseverance.
M.J. Padgett is a master at creating characters and stories that bring out so many emotions, yet leaves you satisfied with the happy-ever-after. This book, indeed, the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series, is a must read and a worthy addition to anyone’s library.
Favorite Quotes:
“Come on, Whits. Spend some time with me. Let me annoy you properly.” — Cai
“No, I want you to stay. I should probably invite Jackson and his wife over… But you know what? I don’t want to. I want you all to myself for a while.” — Tallulah
“I’ve seen people die in much less…I need you to remember something. God saved you because he has big plans for you…” — Cai
“The only thing you can do that will hurt me, is to cut me out of your life. Anything and everything else can be worked out, but silence cuts deeper than a knife, Whits.” — Cai
“I just can’t believe I get to kiss you after all these years, and I want to savor every second of it.” — Cai
March 13, 2025
Trauma Response is a heartfelt, slow-burn romance that beautifully portrays the weight of loss and the power of love in pulling someone back from the edge. Here’s what made it unforgettable:
🍯 Raw and Honest Emotion – Tallulah’s journey is one of a different kind of grief—losing the life she once had. The author masterfully captures her vulnerability, making her struggle feel real and deeply personal.
❤️🔥 Caius: The Hero We All Need – He may be the funny guy, but when it comes to the people he loves, Caius shows up, time and time again. His unwavering support and quiet strength make him impossible not to love.
👫 Friendship Goals—The bike crew is a highlight! Their camaraderie, loyalty, and rallying around each other add warmth and depth to the story.
Quotes to look out for:
When Tulip becomes grumpy even if it wasn’t her usual disposition:
The grief she goes through is so relatable:
Adorable Cai:
Cai and understanding our bookish girl:
Cai calling her beautiful:
I love the faith themes included here:
💋 The Swoon Scale 💋
(This is how I rate my books. For more information, see my pinned post.)
🔥 Emotional Depth & Chemistry ✨ (4.5/5)
💬 Heartfelt & Engaging Dialogue 🎭 (4.5/5)
🦋 Slow-Burn Romance & Healing Love 💓 (4.5/5)
📖 Page-Turner Factor 🔁 (4/5)
🎉 Final Verdict: If you love second-chance romance, emotional healing, and heroes who stand firm when everything falls apart, Trauma Response is a must-read!
CW: Accident (on page)
🍯 Raw and Honest Emotion – Tallulah’s journey is one of a different kind of grief—losing the life she once had. The author masterfully captures her vulnerability, making her struggle feel real and deeply personal.
❤️🔥 Caius: The Hero We All Need – He may be the funny guy, but when it comes to the people he loves, Caius shows up, time and time again. His unwavering support and quiet strength make him impossible not to love.
👫 Friendship Goals—The bike crew is a highlight! Their camaraderie, loyalty, and rallying around each other add warmth and depth to the story.
Quotes to look out for:
When Tulip becomes grumpy even if it wasn’t her usual disposition:
Yes, I am the sunny sibling, but my attitude as of late has a lot to do with, I don’t know, flipping my car and potentially ending my career as a surgeon.
The grief she goes through is so relatable:
Frustration is soon followed by anger, which gives way to depression. Even in my own home, I still feel out of place. I’m not myself, and I’m not sure I ever will be again.
Adorable Cai:
This woman is too cute, even now, and I almost can’t stand it. I want to hug her and remind her of how awesome she is but frankly, she smells like a herd of dead cows.
Cai and understanding our bookish girl:
Whits laughs again and a little of that sparkle returns to her eyes. I know my girl is in there, and I’ll buy this whole bookstore to lure her out.
Cai calling her beautiful:
“I’ll never let anything happen to you, beautiful. You have my word on that in every way.”
I love the faith themes included here:
I’m going to show these to you so you know just how close you were, Whits, but I need you to remember something. God saved you because he has big plans for you, and whether it’s working for this account Christian’s giving you or something else, I need you to know that I will always support your dreams. I’m in your corner as much now as I was when we were kids, and I never want us to be so far apart from each other again.
💋 The Swoon Scale 💋
(This is how I rate my books. For more information, see my pinned post.)
🔥 Emotional Depth & Chemistry ✨ (4.5/5)
💬 Heartfelt & Engaging Dialogue 🎭 (4.5/5)
🦋 Slow-Burn Romance & Healing Love 💓 (4.5/5)
📖 Page-Turner Factor 🔁 (4/5)
🎉 Final Verdict: If you love second-chance romance, emotional healing, and heroes who stand firm when everything falls apart, Trauma Response is a must-read!
CW: Accident (on page)
March 12, 2025
The Trauma Response was such a sweet book that immediately sucked me in.
After her accident Tallulah doesn’t only have to deal with the trauma that came with it but also with life altering consequences, since her dream career as a trauma surgeon is pretty much over.
The grief and depression Tallulah faces were portrayed really well. Different people tried to help and approach her and even though Tallulah did NOT appreciate how her brother Jackson tried to kind of push her out of her hole, I loved how he cared for her and was pretty much unable to just let her be. Tallulah definitely needed Cai’s much more gentle approach, but I loved that it was obvious that both of them (and Tallulah’s sister in law too) just really loved her and wanted to help. Being powerless when loved ones are hurting is really hard and the author showed this part of grief without judgement. Tallulah wasn’t receptive to Jackson’s bossy ways, but someone else might be. This was only one aspect of the book, but one I really appreciated.
The love story between Tallulah and Cai was sort of a mix between brother’s best friend, friends to lovers and second chance romance. They fell for each other pretty quickly, probably because they never had really fallen out of love. I would have wished for a few flashbacks, maybe alternating between chapters from the past when they were teenagers and now, so we could have seen them falling in love, but it was still very sweet.
I also really enjoyed Cai’s friend group which we are getting to know better and better from book to book (but the GABGAB books can definitely be read as standalones) and the faith elements woven throughout the story.
I highly recommend this sweet and clean romance, dealing with heavier topics in a way that will get you thinking but definitely rewards you with hope and a happy ending.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
After her accident Tallulah doesn’t only have to deal with the trauma that came with it but also with life altering consequences, since her dream career as a trauma surgeon is pretty much over.
The grief and depression Tallulah faces were portrayed really well. Different people tried to help and approach her and even though Tallulah did NOT appreciate how her brother Jackson tried to kind of push her out of her hole, I loved how he cared for her and was pretty much unable to just let her be. Tallulah definitely needed Cai’s much more gentle approach, but I loved that it was obvious that both of them (and Tallulah’s sister in law too) just really loved her and wanted to help. Being powerless when loved ones are hurting is really hard and the author showed this part of grief without judgement. Tallulah wasn’t receptive to Jackson’s bossy ways, but someone else might be. This was only one aspect of the book, but one I really appreciated.
The love story between Tallulah and Cai was sort of a mix between brother’s best friend, friends to lovers and second chance romance. They fell for each other pretty quickly, probably because they never had really fallen out of love. I would have wished for a few flashbacks, maybe alternating between chapters from the past when they were teenagers and now, so we could have seen them falling in love, but it was still very sweet.
I also really enjoyed Cai’s friend group which we are getting to know better and better from book to book (but the GABGAB books can definitely be read as standalones) and the faith elements woven throughout the story.
I highly recommend this sweet and clean romance, dealing with heavier topics in a way that will get you thinking but definitely rewards you with hope and a happy ending.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
February 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this!!!
I was super excited to see this series and soo soo honored to be on the arc for M. J. Padgetts contribution to this amazing series!!
I received and ARC copy in turn for my honest review.
Like I mentioned in the review for Dulcie’s book I absolutely loved these guys in her book about Chantelle and Jude and seeing their stories unfold is amazing. I love their dynamic and brotherhood and friendships so much. Caius was still soo gone for Tulip and I loved every minute of it. 😍. His protectiveness and understanding Tulips depression and such made him such an awesome MMC. Plus he’s a firefighter so he’s got that going for him too lol. But in all seriousness he really stepped up to help her fight for her sunshine again. My heart broke for Tulip and all she was going through and I’m sure this will resonate with many readers who’ve experienced similar situations.
And of course we can’t forget the overprotective little brother and how he basically started Cai and Tulips friendship back up by sending Cai to check on her. This were some great scenes and I obviously loved the faith elements in their lives as well. I also relate to Tulip by her fear of motorcycles. I absolutely love watching the reels and obviously reading this series but I am kinda scared to ride one. If I ever do I hope I can be someone’s backpack who’s as kind and considerate with my reservations as Cai was with Tulips! And probably my boyfriend of course cause I ain’t getting that up close and personal with someone who ain’t 🤣🤣. Maybe a relative but I think the boyfriend’s backpack is an even better experience! 😉😁.
Gosh there’s so many things I want to say and choose as favorites but they’re all so good it’s hard!! I will say the motorcycle rides with Cai annd Tulip and the Biker chats are some of them.
Seriously go pre order this beauty now! Or if you’re reading this after its release add it now!!!
I was super excited to see this series and soo soo honored to be on the arc for M. J. Padgetts contribution to this amazing series!!
I received and ARC copy in turn for my honest review.
Like I mentioned in the review for Dulcie’s book I absolutely loved these guys in her book about Chantelle and Jude and seeing their stories unfold is amazing. I love their dynamic and brotherhood and friendships so much. Caius was still soo gone for Tulip and I loved every minute of it. 😍. His protectiveness and understanding Tulips depression and such made him such an awesome MMC. Plus he’s a firefighter so he’s got that going for him too lol. But in all seriousness he really stepped up to help her fight for her sunshine again. My heart broke for Tulip and all she was going through and I’m sure this will resonate with many readers who’ve experienced similar situations.
And of course we can’t forget the overprotective little brother and how he basically started Cai and Tulips friendship back up by sending Cai to check on her. This were some great scenes and I obviously loved the faith elements in their lives as well. I also relate to Tulip by her fear of motorcycles. I absolutely love watching the reels and obviously reading this series but I am kinda scared to ride one. If I ever do I hope I can be someone’s backpack who’s as kind and considerate with my reservations as Cai was with Tulips! And probably my boyfriend of course cause I ain’t getting that up close and personal with someone who ain’t 🤣🤣. Maybe a relative but I think the boyfriend’s backpack is an even better experience! 😉😁.
Gosh there’s so many things I want to say and choose as favorites but they’re all so good it’s hard!! I will say the motorcycle rides with Cai annd Tulip and the Biker chats are some of them.
Seriously go pre order this beauty now! Or if you’re reading this after its release add it now!!!
February 28, 2025
💜🏍️Favorite Quotes🏍️💜
This woman is too cute, and I almost can’t stand it. I want to hug her and remind her of how awesome she is but frankly, she smells like a herd of dead cows.
“It’s whatever you want, beautiful, but I’m still here for you. I’ll listen to what you have been going through, and if I can help, then I will.”
Whit laughs again and a little of that sparkle returns to her eyes. I know my girl is in there, and I’ll buy the whole bookstore to lure her out.
“I’ll never let anything happen to you, beautiful. You have my word on that in every way.”
I thank God for giving her more time, and pray that I’m written in her future as deeply as my heart begs to be.
“I just can’t believe I get to kiss you after all these years, and I want to savor every second of it.”
💜🏍️My Thoughts🏍️💜
This is the first book I have read from M.J. Padgett and I absolutely loved it!! I was tearing up at so many parts of this book! I loved Caius the way he was just there for Tallulah when she got in an accident even though they haven’t talked since childhood it just showed how much he loved her and never stoped loving her since they were teenagers and he was just her brothers best friend. Seeing Tallulah struggle with depression after her accident and grieving the loss of the career she loved so much and was so passionate about brought about so many tears! M.J. Padgett did an amazing job of portraying grief and depression.
My favorite part has to be seeing all the faith content in this. They both talk about God and praying and trusting in Him during difficult times. I loved seeing that and it was woven in so perfectly it seemed like it was a part of their every day life. I would highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more books from M.J. Padgett!!
💜🏍️Disclaimer🏍️💜
Thank you M.J. Padgett for sending me an e-book to read and honestly review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This woman is too cute, and I almost can’t stand it. I want to hug her and remind her of how awesome she is but frankly, she smells like a herd of dead cows.
“It’s whatever you want, beautiful, but I’m still here for you. I’ll listen to what you have been going through, and if I can help, then I will.”
Whit laughs again and a little of that sparkle returns to her eyes. I know my girl is in there, and I’ll buy the whole bookstore to lure her out.
“I’ll never let anything happen to you, beautiful. You have my word on that in every way.”
I thank God for giving her more time, and pray that I’m written in her future as deeply as my heart begs to be.
“I just can’t believe I get to kiss you after all these years, and I want to savor every second of it.”
💜🏍️My Thoughts🏍️💜
This is the first book I have read from M.J. Padgett and I absolutely loved it!! I was tearing up at so many parts of this book! I loved Caius the way he was just there for Tallulah when she got in an accident even though they haven’t talked since childhood it just showed how much he loved her and never stoped loving her since they were teenagers and he was just her brothers best friend. Seeing Tallulah struggle with depression after her accident and grieving the loss of the career she loved so much and was so passionate about brought about so many tears! M.J. Padgett did an amazing job of portraying grief and depression.
My favorite part has to be seeing all the faith content in this. They both talk about God and praying and trusting in Him during difficult times. I loved seeing that and it was woven in so perfectly it seemed like it was a part of their every day life. I would highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more books from M.J. Padgett!!
💜🏍️Disclaimer🏍️💜
Thank you M.J. Padgett for sending me an e-book to read and honestly review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 3, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank M. J. Padgett for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, The Trauma Response, which is part of the multi-author Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series and will be available on Amazon on March 3rd, 2025.
Tallulah loves being a trauma surgeon, but all of that changes when a car accident leaves her left hand feeling numb. Devastated, she isolates herself and starts to spiral in deep depression until her childhood friend, Caius Gray, shows up and tries to help her find her footing and enjoy life again. As Tallulah tries to heal from the accident and her grief, old feelings for Caius begin to awaken. Can Tallulah find solid ground again with Caius’ help and potentially something more, or will everything go downhill?
This book was great. You have Tallulah, a driven, compassionate, hardworking, and beautiful young woman that loved being a trauma surgeon before her accident and is now struggling to deal with the aftermath. You have Caius, a strong, kind, patient, and handsome young man that is a firefighter and is devoted to his loved ones. I felt the way that Tallulah’s grief, depression, and uncertainty after the accident were written in a relatable way and understood her moments of frustration as well that appeared in the book. I liked the interactions between Caius and his friends, and I loved how much Caius was willing to go to show that he supported Tallulah through her healing journey every step of the way. There were discussions of faith peppered throughout the book that made sense, and I cheered for Tallulah to find her confidence as I read the story. Overall, if you like humor, great friend dynamics, recovery journeys, bikers, discussions about faith, and sweet brother’s-best-friend romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link with more information: Amazon.com: The Trauma Response (Give a Bookish Girl a Biker Book 2) eBook : Padgett, M. J. : Kindle Store
Tallulah loves being a trauma surgeon, but all of that changes when a car accident leaves her left hand feeling numb. Devastated, she isolates herself and starts to spiral in deep depression until her childhood friend, Caius Gray, shows up and tries to help her find her footing and enjoy life again. As Tallulah tries to heal from the accident and her grief, old feelings for Caius begin to awaken. Can Tallulah find solid ground again with Caius’ help and potentially something more, or will everything go downhill?
This book was great. You have Tallulah, a driven, compassionate, hardworking, and beautiful young woman that loved being a trauma surgeon before her accident and is now struggling to deal with the aftermath. You have Caius, a strong, kind, patient, and handsome young man that is a firefighter and is devoted to his loved ones. I felt the way that Tallulah’s grief, depression, and uncertainty after the accident were written in a relatable way and understood her moments of frustration as well that appeared in the book. I liked the interactions between Caius and his friends, and I loved how much Caius was willing to go to show that he supported Tallulah through her healing journey every step of the way. There were discussions of faith peppered throughout the book that made sense, and I cheered for Tallulah to find her confidence as I read the story. Overall, if you like humor, great friend dynamics, recovery journeys, bikers, discussions about faith, and sweet brother’s-best-friend romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link with more information: Amazon.com: The Trauma Response (Give a Bookish Girl a Biker Book 2) eBook : Padgett, M. J. : Kindle Store
February 10, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a sweet book to read. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I was excited to read this one too! The Trauma Response is written by M. J. Padgett and it is the second book in the multiple author Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series.
I loved getting to know Caius and Tallulah. They were so fun together and I loved their easy connection. Caius helped get Tallulah out of her slump. Both of the characters felt real, they were both trying to figure out how to navigate this hard situation.
I really felt for Tallulah as she tried to pick up her life after the accident. She was struggling at times but she was also trying to trust God. She certainly had to grow but it was cool to see her learning to find peace in her situation. Caius was so sweet, he truly cared for Tallulah and just wanted to help her. He was scared to let her know how he felt and he had to figure out how to best love Tallulah.
The side characters were so fun and I loved seeing more of the “biker gang". It was also fun to see some old characters from old books. The romance and progression of the relationship fit Caius and Talulah. They had a history together and weren’t sure how to navigate their relationship.
I would totally recommend this book! The Trauma Response is a clean inspirational romance.
Book Highlights:
He takes care of her
Surgeon FMC
Firefighter MMC
Biker MMC
Brother’s best friend
He buys her books
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
This was a sweet book to read. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I was excited to read this one too! The Trauma Response is written by M. J. Padgett and it is the second book in the multiple author Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series.
I loved getting to know Caius and Tallulah. They were so fun together and I loved their easy connection. Caius helped get Tallulah out of her slump. Both of the characters felt real, they were both trying to figure out how to navigate this hard situation.
I really felt for Tallulah as she tried to pick up her life after the accident. She was struggling at times but she was also trying to trust God. She certainly had to grow but it was cool to see her learning to find peace in her situation. Caius was so sweet, he truly cared for Tallulah and just wanted to help her. He was scared to let her know how he felt and he had to figure out how to best love Tallulah.
The side characters were so fun and I loved seeing more of the “biker gang". It was also fun to see some old characters from old books. The romance and progression of the relationship fit Caius and Talulah. They had a history together and weren’t sure how to navigate their relationship.
I would totally recommend this book! The Trauma Response is a clean inspirational romance.
Book Highlights:
He takes care of her
Surgeon FMC
Firefighter MMC
Biker MMC
Brother’s best friend
He buys her books
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
March 4, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Tallulah (also known as Tulip) & Caius’s points of view
-a character is in a car accident (some details of the event from their point of view & some details (the aftermath) from the other character’s point of view)
-a character deals with depression due to an injury changing the way they’ll be able to live life/do work
-the characters are Christian and sometimes talk about God & their faith in Him
Review:
I devoured this story! I loved Tulip & Caius’s story so much, especially with the storyline that focused on keeping an eye on hope and God as Tulip navigated the rough road ahead of her. I loved getting to know Caius’s friends and seeing snippets of connections to the Denver Dragons’ series (with character cameos). I also loved how Tulip & Caius leaned on each other throughout their years of knowing one another and how it made their relationship so strong that they reconnected easily during the events of this story!
I’m very excited to get to the other books in this series and the future Hearts on Fire series that M. J. Padgett plans on releasing (and looks like will connect with this book a little bit)!
Summary:
Tallulah has a job & life she loves as a trauma surgeon, but when it’s all ripped away from her due to an accident, she is left adrift from the world she’d always dreamed of. The only person who can seem to take her out of the haze to move forward is her brother’s best friend & her childhood friend Caius.
Caius has had a crush on his best friend’s sister since they were kids, and though they lost touch he never forgot about her. When they reconnect, Caius isn’t about to let her go again. Not even to the cloud hanging over her since the accident took the life she’d always wanted away from her…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Tallulah (also known as Tulip) & Caius’s points of view
-a character is in a car accident (some details of the event from their point of view & some details (the aftermath) from the other character’s point of view)
-a character deals with depression due to an injury changing the way they’ll be able to live life/do work
-the characters are Christian and sometimes talk about God & their faith in Him
Review:
I devoured this story! I loved Tulip & Caius’s story so much, especially with the storyline that focused on keeping an eye on hope and God as Tulip navigated the rough road ahead of her. I loved getting to know Caius’s friends and seeing snippets of connections to the Denver Dragons’ series (with character cameos). I also loved how Tulip & Caius leaned on each other throughout their years of knowing one another and how it made their relationship so strong that they reconnected easily during the events of this story!
I’m very excited to get to the other books in this series and the future Hearts on Fire series that M. J. Padgett plans on releasing (and looks like will connect with this book a little bit)!
Summary:
Tallulah has a job & life she loves as a trauma surgeon, but when it’s all ripped away from her due to an accident, she is left adrift from the world she’d always dreamed of. The only person who can seem to take her out of the haze to move forward is her brother’s best friend & her childhood friend Caius.
Caius has had a crush on his best friend’s sister since they were kids, and though they lost touch he never forgot about her. When they reconnect, Caius isn’t about to let her go again. Not even to the cloud hanging over her since the accident took the life she’d always wanted away from her…
March 6, 2025
This read earned its five stars from me. I could not put this down. From the first page I was into this.
I think all the tropes and atmosphere delivered. This romance had a little bit of everything (depth, humor, inspiration, and faith) all in a fast-paced experience.
Do I have a single complaint? My only complaint is that I want more! Honestly I want a 500 page version of this exact story with all the angst it's capable of, but I'll remain satisfied with the page count readers have graciously been given.
I loved Cai, a perfect MMC, and he and Tulip were always meant to be (apologies for the rhyme). I was totally convinced of their chemistry. Their banter felt natural and comfortable. I also related to Tulip's personality. And I really appreciated the faith content.
In conclusion: I need to read more from this author and I need to read the other books in this multi-author biker romance series.
In this book: biker/firefighter MMC, childhood friends to more/brother's best friend, trauma surgeon/romance reader FMC, she saved him/he rescued her, biker friend group, dual-POV, rekindled secret crush
Content Guide: romance = clean, language = clean, violence = mildly descriptive on-page vehicular accident, faith = medium amount
CW: traumatic event emotional recovery
I think all the tropes and atmosphere delivered. This romance had a little bit of everything (depth, humor, inspiration, and faith) all in a fast-paced experience.
Do I have a single complaint? My only complaint is that I want more! Honestly I want a 500 page version of this exact story with all the angst it's capable of, but I'll remain satisfied with the page count readers have graciously been given.
I loved Cai, a perfect MMC, and he and Tulip were always meant to be (apologies for the rhyme). I was totally convinced of their chemistry. Their banter felt natural and comfortable. I also related to Tulip's personality. And I really appreciated the faith content.
In conclusion: I need to read more from this author and I need to read the other books in this multi-author biker romance series.
In this book: biker/firefighter MMC, childhood friends to more/brother's best friend, trauma surgeon/romance reader FMC, she saved him/he rescued her, biker friend group, dual-POV, rekindled secret crush
Content Guide: romance = clean, language = clean, violence = mildly descriptive on-page vehicular accident, faith = medium amount
CW: traumatic event emotional recovery
March 7, 2025
The Trauma Response by @m.j.padgett_romance
Caius (Cai) + Tallulah (Tulip, Whits, beautiful) ;)
Oh my goodness how I loved this one!! I wish it was longer! I could read so much more about them but I was so thankful for the sweet epilogue!
This is a second chance romance/ brother’s best friend! It was done so well. Cai is a firefighter & he rescues Whits from a car accident after not seeing her for years.
Their banter felt so real and I so enjoyed Cai not letting her hide from him. He wasn’t afraid to call her out either.
The depth of this story was just perfect. I love a book that can give me sweet moments but can also go deep with emotions and harder topics. I loved the baddie biker group & all of the faith themes throughout.
I’m so glad I grabbed this one!
This is book 2 in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series but can be read as a stand alone.
Favorite quotes -
•Whits laughs again and a little of that sparkle returns to her eyes. I know my girl is in there, and I’ll buy this whole bookstore to lure her out.
•With every moment she’s in my presence, the need to make her mine increases until I’m almost insane with jealousy toward every man who has ever dated her.
•“I’d move mountains for you if I could, Whits. I just didn’t know you’d want me to.”
Content -
No foul language
Kissing only
On page car accident
Depression after accident
Caius (Cai) + Tallulah (Tulip, Whits, beautiful) ;)
Oh my goodness how I loved this one!! I wish it was longer! I could read so much more about them but I was so thankful for the sweet epilogue!
This is a second chance romance/ brother’s best friend! It was done so well. Cai is a firefighter & he rescues Whits from a car accident after not seeing her for years.
Their banter felt so real and I so enjoyed Cai not letting her hide from him. He wasn’t afraid to call her out either.
The depth of this story was just perfect. I love a book that can give me sweet moments but can also go deep with emotions and harder topics. I loved the baddie biker group & all of the faith themes throughout.
I’m so glad I grabbed this one!
This is book 2 in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series but can be read as a stand alone.
Favorite quotes -
•Whits laughs again and a little of that sparkle returns to her eyes. I know my girl is in there, and I’ll buy this whole bookstore to lure her out.
•With every moment she’s in my presence, the need to make her mine increases until I’m almost insane with jealousy toward every man who has ever dated her.
•“I’d move mountains for you if I could, Whits. I just didn’t know you’d want me to.”
Content -
No foul language
Kissing only
On page car accident
Depression after accident
March 3, 2025
Happy release day to The Trauma Response by M.J. Padgett! Being back in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series felt like coming home, and I absolutely adored Caius and Tallulah’s story. I mean, who doesn’t need a swoon-worthy biker/firefighter in their life? Caius’s unwavering support and love for Tallulah melted my heart, and I couldn’t get enough of their beautiful, slow-burn romance.
This book delves into tough topics like life-altering events, depression, and healing, and Padgett handles it all with such grace, tenderness, and authenticity. The love and patience woven into every page made this story truly special. I loved how Caius didn’t just show up for Tallulah—he stayed, he encouraged, and he brought her books (seriously, where do I find my own Caius?!). Their chemistry was palpable, and the fun banter among the biker guys added the perfect dose of levity.
I devoured this book in one sitting, completely immersed in the raw emotions and the message of trusting God’s plan even when life takes unexpected turns. If you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romances with heart and hope, The Trauma Response is a must-read. And now, I’m counting down the days until Thor’s story!
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book delves into tough topics like life-altering events, depression, and healing, and Padgett handles it all with such grace, tenderness, and authenticity. The love and patience woven into every page made this story truly special. I loved how Caius didn’t just show up for Tallulah—he stayed, he encouraged, and he brought her books (seriously, where do I find my own Caius?!). Their chemistry was palpable, and the fun banter among the biker guys added the perfect dose of levity.
I devoured this book in one sitting, completely immersed in the raw emotions and the message of trusting God’s plan even when life takes unexpected turns. If you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romances with heart and hope, The Trauma Response is a must-read. And now, I’m counting down the days until Thor’s story!
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2025
Review:
The Trauma Response by M.J. Padgett is incredibly sweet. It has the same emotional depth as Falling for Ezra Thomas while having some of the same flirty feeling as the Unexpected Love series. There is such a goodness and faith to her stories that feels peaceful.
Tallulah and Caius are a great match. I loved how upbeat and supportive Caius was throughout the story. He was a very patient MMC. Honestly, I would say that he is the sunshine one and she is the grumpy one. Understandably so. Tallulah went through some hard trials and I was happy to see her work through them to her happy ending with Caius. Also, can I just say that the opening scene with these two was magnificently swoony?
Padgett always laces a good bit of Christian faith into her stories and I adore her for it! This one didn’t have quite as much but I would still consider it a Christian romance. All in all, a very sweet book!
Thank you to M.J. Padgett for an ARC of The Trauma Response! All opinions are my own.
No-spice rating: lighter kissing
Language: clean
Faith Elements: light Christian themes
Tropes:
Firefighter romance
Grumpy and sunshine
Brother’s best friend
He’s a biker
He rescues her
The Trauma Response by M.J. Padgett is incredibly sweet. It has the same emotional depth as Falling for Ezra Thomas while having some of the same flirty feeling as the Unexpected Love series. There is such a goodness and faith to her stories that feels peaceful.
Tallulah and Caius are a great match. I loved how upbeat and supportive Caius was throughout the story. He was a very patient MMC. Honestly, I would say that he is the sunshine one and she is the grumpy one. Understandably so. Tallulah went through some hard trials and I was happy to see her work through them to her happy ending with Caius. Also, can I just say that the opening scene with these two was magnificently swoony?
Padgett always laces a good bit of Christian faith into her stories and I adore her for it! This one didn’t have quite as much but I would still consider it a Christian romance. All in all, a very sweet book!
Thank you to M.J. Padgett for an ARC of The Trauma Response! All opinions are my own.
No-spice rating: lighter kissing
Language: clean
Faith Elements: light Christian themes
Tropes:
Firefighter romance
Grumpy and sunshine
Brother’s best friend
He’s a biker
He rescues her
March 4, 2025
Ah, this was such a sweet book!!!! The characters seemed so real, and their emotions and thoughts and actions were all realistic, and SWEET. Caius Gray is the epitome of sweet, I loved him. The way he cared for Whits and wanted her to know that he was there for her through mountains and valleys was just the sweetest.
Their romance was kind of rekindled, without either of them knowing that they had liked each other in high school. The two and Tallulah's brother had all been friends as kids and lost touch in college, ten years ago. When Tallulah gets in an accident, Cai is one of the responding firefighters. When she goes on a downwind spiral after her accident, her brother Jackson sends Cai to help her get back up on her feet, and the two of them begin hanging out more, re-discovering their old feelings.
I loved all of the text messages between Caius and the Baddy Bikers, they were so entertaining, and you could just tell how much they all loved each other through the teasing. Their found family is one I would 100% want to be a part of if they were real. I also loved all of Caius's thoughtful gestures, and how he was always there for Whits.
This is a clean book with faith themes woven throughout, and there was no language or inappropriate scenes.
Their romance was kind of rekindled, without either of them knowing that they had liked each other in high school. The two and Tallulah's brother had all been friends as kids and lost touch in college, ten years ago. When Tallulah gets in an accident, Cai is one of the responding firefighters. When she goes on a downwind spiral after her accident, her brother Jackson sends Cai to help her get back up on her feet, and the two of them begin hanging out more, re-discovering their old feelings.
I loved all of the text messages between Caius and the Baddy Bikers, they were so entertaining, and you could just tell how much they all loved each other through the teasing. Their found family is one I would 100% want to be a part of if they were real. I also loved all of Caius's thoughtful gestures, and how he was always there for Whits.
This is a clean book with faith themes woven throughout, and there was no language or inappropriate scenes.
March 11, 2025
The Trauma Response is a fast-paced biker romance that stands out from the crowd. Tallulah, our fierce and brilliant FMC, is a trauma surgeon at the top of her game, thriving in a career she loves and in a relationship that seems to be heading toward forever. Everything is falling into place until life throws her a devastating curveball. Suddenly, Tallulah finds herself going from having it all to wondering if her takeout containers are becoming part of the furniture and if showering is really necessary anymore.
Enter Caius, a blast from the past who reappears right when she needs someone the most. And not just anyone; someone who sees her at her absolute worst and still believes she’s incredible. Caius is the kind of MMC who will move heaven and earth to remind her of her strength, her worth, and all the beautiful possibilities life still holds. He’s not just a love interest, he’s her anchor, her calm in the storm, and the one who helps her remember that life isn’t over, it’s just beginning again.
If you love a hero who shows up and never wavers, and a heroine learning to rebuild piece by piece, The Trauma Response is a story you don’t want to miss. I devoured it in a single sitting and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Enter Caius, a blast from the past who reappears right when she needs someone the most. And not just anyone; someone who sees her at her absolute worst and still believes she’s incredible. Caius is the kind of MMC who will move heaven and earth to remind her of her strength, her worth, and all the beautiful possibilities life still holds. He’s not just a love interest, he’s her anchor, her calm in the storm, and the one who helps her remember that life isn’t over, it’s just beginning again.
If you love a hero who shows up and never wavers, and a heroine learning to rebuild piece by piece, The Trauma Response is a story you don’t want to miss. I devoured it in a single sitting and would do it again in a heartbeat!
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