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Careless Whisper
He broke her heart, shook her soul.
Now, he wants to make it right.
But she’s not ready to lose control.
Five years ago in Boston, Dr. Elias Graham derailed nurse Regina Sanchez’s career when his ex (and close friend)—an attending physician—unfairly blamed her for a patient’s death. Rather than defend Reggie, Elias took his ex’s side, costing Reggie her job and ending their fledgling relationship.
Now the new Head of Cardiac Surgery at Harper Memorial in Seattle, Elias is unhappy to find Reggie in his OR. Convinced she’s still a liability, he tries to push her out—until he realizes she’s not just competent but exceptional. And he’s never stopped wanting her.
But history has a way of repeating itself. When Elias’s manipulative ex reappears, the old lies resurface—stronger and more dangerous than before. Reggie’s career is put on the line once again.
As Elias uncovers the truth he should’ve seen long ago, he must confront his past, take down the woman who nearly destroyed them both, and fight for the only future that matters—one with Reggie in it.
Careless Whisper is A Modern Vintage Romance in the same vein as classic Mills & Boon doctor-nurse medical romances but with a dual POV and sexy touch. It features your favorite
💝 Workplace/Medical Romance
💝 Second Chance
💝 Enemies to Lovers
💝 Other Woman Drama
💝 Betrayal & Grovel
💝 No Cheating
💝 Complete Standalone
Now, he wants to make it right.
But she’s not ready to lose control.
Five years ago in Boston, Dr. Elias Graham derailed nurse Regina Sanchez’s career when his ex (and close friend)—an attending physician—unfairly blamed her for a patient’s death. Rather than defend Reggie, Elias took his ex’s side, costing Reggie her job and ending their fledgling relationship.
Now the new Head of Cardiac Surgery at Harper Memorial in Seattle, Elias is unhappy to find Reggie in his OR. Convinced she’s still a liability, he tries to push her out—until he realizes she’s not just competent but exceptional. And he’s never stopped wanting her.
But history has a way of repeating itself. When Elias’s manipulative ex reappears, the old lies resurface—stronger and more dangerous than before. Reggie’s career is put on the line once again.
As Elias uncovers the truth he should’ve seen long ago, he must confront his past, take down the woman who nearly destroyed them both, and fight for the only future that matters—one with Reggie in it.
Careless Whisper is A Modern Vintage Romance in the same vein as classic Mills & Boon doctor-nurse medical romances but with a dual POV and sexy touch. It features your favorite
💝 Workplace/Medical Romance
💝 Second Chance
💝 Enemies to Lovers
💝 Other Woman Drama
💝 Betrayal & Grovel
💝 No Cheating
💝 Complete Standalone
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
About the author
Maya Alden
59 books1,330 followersA top 20 Amazon Bestselling Author, Maya Alden pens angsty contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
July 22, 2025
This guy is a zero, not a hero…
The male lead is named Elias, and I can’t remember hating a male lead as much as this man. He’s the epitome of no common sense. His internal dialogue is so dumb, I’d rather be in an urgent care clinic than have this guy be my cardiologist. He’s so awful. And the pettiness is unbelievable. That bitch of an ex lied through her teeth, but this guy actually believes she never lies. Has he got even half a brain?
This nurse, Reggie, sounds like she knows her stuff and is an excellent nurse. But this guy got his “little feelings” hurt and now he’s going to actively seek out reasons to get her fired. He’s disgusting.
So, no way this woman should go back with him. He’s an arrogant and judgmental a$$hole, and she’ll be sorry because this guy won’t change.
I’m sorry I bought this. If you like women with no spines, you’ll like this one. I know the guy finally figures out the ex, but it was too late for me. I’d never trust him again.
The male lead is named Elias, and I can’t remember hating a male lead as much as this man. He’s the epitome of no common sense. His internal dialogue is so dumb, I’d rather be in an urgent care clinic than have this guy be my cardiologist. He’s so awful. And the pettiness is unbelievable. That bitch of an ex lied through her teeth, but this guy actually believes she never lies. Has he got even half a brain?
This nurse, Reggie, sounds like she knows her stuff and is an excellent nurse. But this guy got his “little feelings” hurt and now he’s going to actively seek out reasons to get her fired. He’s disgusting.
So, no way this woman should go back with him. He’s an arrogant and judgmental a$$hole, and she’ll be sorry because this guy won’t change.
I’m sorry I bought this. If you like women with no spines, you’ll like this one. I know the guy finally figures out the ex, but it was too late for me. I’d never trust him again.
October 15, 2025
I loved it and most of all I loved G'Mum Faye! Talk about a basass grandma! Their dialogues were hilarious! I liked this story so much but I would like a little more in their relationship. I felt it ended quite soon.
July 27, 2025
I wrote a scathingly beautiful review but it disappeared! The book was so disgusting! He slept with the skanky other woman after he Betrayed the heroine. i am glad she had 'pumps and dumps' with other men too! I freaking hated that he slept with Maren!! she was just awful! She.framed the heroine! And he still believe the lying HO! Gross they were 'STD sisters' whether she liked it or not. I totally tuned the book off after that. This isn't any kind of romance at all. Men who stick their dicks in any other 'wicks' deserve to lose their dicks in STD hell! Plus the ow was evil! And honestly it felt like she got away with it. She was such a bitch. Yet she was his 'friends with benefits'. I hated that. So much .why did.I read.this. boogenhagen would kick my ass! Or tell me not to read it unless I got a Captain consult!!! LOL i love.her! This is NOT a romance to me! The hero was a pig. omg he was so hateful!!! I wish I hadn't read it. Just say no! Yuk
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
This had lots of the tropes I devour— betrayal and grovel, OW drama, and uncovered. Elias said some super cruel stuff to Gigi at the beginning of the book. It took him a long time to pull his head out of his butt, however I feel that he did successfully atone! I loved watching Marin’s comeuppance!
July 11, 2026
2.5 -3 Empty calories ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was objectively terrible… and yet I had fun. Like movie theater popcorn: nutritionally bankrupt, but somehow you keep reaching into the bucket🍿
Five years ago in Boston, Dr. Elias Graham destroyed nurse Regina Sanchez’s career when his attending physician and ex girlfriend, falsely blamed Reggie for a patient’s death.
Instead of defending her, Elias backed his ex, costing Reggie both her job and their budding relationship. They didn’t just break her heart, they nuked her career. See great bones for drama!🙌
Now Elias is the new Head of Cardiac Surgery at Harper Memorial in Seattle, and his first surprise is finding Reggie scrubbed in to his OR. Convinced she’s incompetent, he immediately tries to push her out, only to discover she’s actually an exceptional nurse.
Then the manipulative ex returns, the same lies resurface, and somehow Reggie’s career is derailed… again.
Elias may genuinely be the worst department head ever written. At some point I stopped believing anyone would let this man run a hospital.😂 When you write an MMC who ruins someone’s career, you have to make sure we still have some respect for him at the end of the story…
The bones of the story are solid, but the execution relies on one convenient plot device after another. The romance is completely flatlined. We’re told, “I hate him… but I love him,” instead of being shown the small moments that make those feelings believable.
The chemistry between the mmc’s was practically on life support. 🛟
And yet… I still had a good time.
If “Maya Alden” really is the writing collective brand I’ve suspected in previous reviews, this feels like a completely different voice.
Less polished, younger, but with potential. I especially liked Reggie’s healthy family relationships, they were easily the strongest part of the book.
The stakes in the relationship never felt real, the characters stayed fairly two dimensional, and almost every conflict resolved because the plot demanded it rather than because the characters earned it.
Should you read it? Probably not. But if you’re looking for the literary equivalent of junk food, it’ll scratch the itch.
Chance of divorce: 75% They are both so dumb, it don’t believe in them.
This was objectively terrible… and yet I had fun. Like movie theater popcorn: nutritionally bankrupt, but somehow you keep reaching into the bucket🍿
Five years ago in Boston, Dr. Elias Graham destroyed nurse Regina Sanchez’s career when his attending physician and ex girlfriend, falsely blamed Reggie for a patient’s death.
Instead of defending her, Elias backed his ex, costing Reggie both her job and their budding relationship. They didn’t just break her heart, they nuked her career. See great bones for drama!🙌
Now Elias is the new Head of Cardiac Surgery at Harper Memorial in Seattle, and his first surprise is finding Reggie scrubbed in to his OR. Convinced she’s incompetent, he immediately tries to push her out, only to discover she’s actually an exceptional nurse.
Then the manipulative ex returns, the same lies resurface, and somehow Reggie’s career is derailed… again.
Elias may genuinely be the worst department head ever written. At some point I stopped believing anyone would let this man run a hospital.😂 When you write an MMC who ruins someone’s career, you have to make sure we still have some respect for him at the end of the story…
The bones of the story are solid, but the execution relies on one convenient plot device after another. The romance is completely flatlined. We’re told, “I hate him… but I love him,” instead of being shown the small moments that make those feelings believable.
The chemistry between the mmc’s was practically on life support. 🛟
And yet… I still had a good time.
If “Maya Alden” really is the writing collective brand I’ve suspected in previous reviews, this feels like a completely different voice.
Less polished, younger, but with potential. I especially liked Reggie’s healthy family relationships, they were easily the strongest part of the book.
The stakes in the relationship never felt real, the characters stayed fairly two dimensional, and almost every conflict resolved because the plot demanded it rather than because the characters earned it.
Should you read it? Probably not. But if you’re looking for the literary equivalent of junk food, it’ll scratch the itch.
Chance of divorce: 75% They are both so dumb, it don’t believe in them.
July 22, 2025
My rating: 4 stars
What I loved: I liked how the ow got what she deserved. I loved how close Reggie’s(h) family was. Absolutely loved how Elias(H) and ow didn’t know who Reggie’s grandparents were.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like how Reggie had sex with Elias right after the incident with the inmate. The man still believes she was in the wrong for what happened in the past, treated her like crap but as soon as something terrible happens bam they have sex. That is a pet peeve of mine in books.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Second Chance, Ow drama, H sides with an ex and doesn’t believe the H. h and H in the past worked at the same hospital. H is a doctor and the h is a nurse. The H’s friend/ ex also works at the hospital. The H and h have a relationship but keep it on the down low. When the h is accused of doing her job wrong that resulted in a patient’s death by the H’s ex, the H sides with the ex and doesn’t believe the h. Even though it was the ex that didn’t do her job right. h leaves and gets job at a different hospital and doesn’t speak to the H again. Five years later, the H is transfer to the hospital the h is working at. H treats the h like crap thinking she is an incompetent nurse since she never took responsibility of what went wrong. He even writes her up over something small that she caught herself. H starts to realize he is being an ass and that the h is really good at her job. H and h start being friends again. When h is almost harmed by an inmate, the H and h have sex. During this time the ex wants to come work at the same hospital. She wants the H to work with her on a clinical study that she needs funding for. H’s parents are best friends with the ow’s parents and they want them together. Ow wants the H back. Even though they haven’t been in a relationship for a while, the H and ow did have sex off and on through the years. Ow gets the job at the hospital and she starts making things hard for the h. Again the H doesn’t stand up for the h, telling the h she should be more careful at her job. H still believes the h was the one in the wrong in the past. Ow continues to bully the h. Ow also tells everyone that the H is her fiancé. When h takes some days off the H starts looking into things about the past and finally finds out that the ow was at fault not the h. H confronts the ex but she denies it. Informing the H that he even wrote the h up about how she doesn’t do her job right. When the h gets back she is told she had two more write ups and she is let go. H goes to find the h and finds out that she was let go over bogus write ups. H upset and tells her he is going to fix things. h goes to her grandparents house. h sees the H at a gala and the ex is also there hoping to get the funding she needs. H puts the ex in her place and the ex realizes who the h’s grandparents are. Ex realizes she isn’t getting the funding (lol). h goes back to her parents to help them. H goes to find her and starts to earn her forgiveness. HEA with them working back at the hospital, ex was fired, and the H proposes.
Final thoughts: I enjoyed all the drama that was in this book. It had one of my favorite tropes of when the hero believes an ex over the heroine. Definitely worth the read even with the pet peeve I hate.
What I loved: I liked how the ow got what she deserved. I loved how close Reggie’s(h) family was. Absolutely loved how Elias(H) and ow didn’t know who Reggie’s grandparents were.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like how Reggie had sex with Elias right after the incident with the inmate. The man still believes she was in the wrong for what happened in the past, treated her like crap but as soon as something terrible happens bam they have sex. That is a pet peeve of mine in books.
***Major Spoilers/ Details/Triggers: Second Chance, Ow drama, H sides with an ex and doesn’t believe the H. h and H in the past worked at the same hospital. H is a doctor and the h is a nurse. The H’s friend/ ex also works at the hospital. The H and h have a relationship but keep it on the down low. When the h is accused of doing her job wrong that resulted in a patient’s death by the H’s ex, the H sides with the ex and doesn’t believe the h. Even though it was the ex that didn’t do her job right. h leaves and gets job at a different hospital and doesn’t speak to the H again. Five years later, the H is transfer to the hospital the h is working at. H treats the h like crap thinking she is an incompetent nurse since she never took responsibility of what went wrong. He even writes her up over something small that she caught herself. H starts to realize he is being an ass and that the h is really good at her job. H and h start being friends again. When h is almost harmed by an inmate, the H and h have sex. During this time the ex wants to come work at the same hospital. She wants the H to work with her on a clinical study that she needs funding for. H’s parents are best friends with the ow’s parents and they want them together. Ow wants the H back. Even though they haven’t been in a relationship for a while, the H and ow did have sex off and on through the years. Ow gets the job at the hospital and she starts making things hard for the h. Again the H doesn’t stand up for the h, telling the h she should be more careful at her job. H still believes the h was the one in the wrong in the past. Ow continues to bully the h. Ow also tells everyone that the H is her fiancé. When h takes some days off the H starts looking into things about the past and finally finds out that the ow was at fault not the h. H confronts the ex but she denies it. Informing the H that he even wrote the h up about how she doesn’t do her job right. When the h gets back she is told she had two more write ups and she is let go. H goes to find the h and finds out that she was let go over bogus write ups. H upset and tells her he is going to fix things. h goes to her grandparents house. h sees the H at a gala and the ex is also there hoping to get the funding she needs. H puts the ex in her place and the ex realizes who the h’s grandparents are. Ex realizes she isn’t getting the funding (lol). h goes back to her parents to help them. H goes to find her and starts to earn her forgiveness. HEA with them working back at the hospital, ex was fired, and the H proposes.
Final thoughts: I enjoyed all the drama that was in this book. It had one of my favorite tropes of when the hero believes an ex over the heroine. Definitely worth the read even with the pet peeve I hate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
So, this was interesting. MA changed her formula to include supportive families—which was a pleasant surprise—but didn’t change so much that her hero still started out as an obnoxious AH and the OW is a spot on mean girl.
July 24, 2025
So the love story of the book and the romance is:
-5 years ago they were having an fwb relationship that was hidden.
-his ex got jealous and ruined her career and he supported his ex
-he moved to the hospital she is currently working and tried to get her fired
-they have a bad case with a patient and end up having intimacy
-ex returns and again he supports his ex and the FMC gets fired AGAIN
-he finds out that she is rich af and has tons of influence and also that she wasn’t the one that made a mistake when they were back in Boston
-Happily Ever After cause they love each other so much
.
.
.
.
And yet again, another weak FMC with no self respect that gets with the guy that called her names, supported his ex, got her fired, humiliated her in front of everyone and after all these at around 25% of the book, she has intimacy with him. 🤡 Around 65% he gets himself together and goes to win her back. The author tried to gives us part of their past probably to see that their relationship was so good - meanwhile he was keeping her a secret lol
I we have gotten some bad MMCs from this author and we are well aware that a bad personality and good looks is her go to BUT Elias was terrible. His grovelling was terrible - barely existent actually -, he was dense, had the mind of a 16 yo and it was getting worse and worse. He doesn’t get any karma for his part of ruining FMC’s career TWICE. His ex got her karma but noooope. He won everything even if he was an AH.
I also couldn’t stand the FMC that loooves him and misses him and stuff like that, while he kept treating her terribly throughout most of the book. What exactly do you love and miss ?
-5 years ago they were having an fwb relationship that was hidden.
-his ex got jealous and ruined her career and he supported his ex
-he moved to the hospital she is currently working and tried to get her fired
-they have a bad case with a patient and end up having intimacy
-ex returns and again he supports his ex and the FMC gets fired AGAIN
-he finds out that she is rich af and has tons of influence and also that she wasn’t the one that made a mistake when they were back in Boston
-Happily Ever After cause they love each other so much
.
.
.
.
And yet again, another weak FMC with no self respect that gets with the guy that called her names, supported his ex, got her fired, humiliated her in front of everyone and after all these at around 25% of the book, she has intimacy with him. 🤡 Around 65% he gets himself together and goes to win her back. The author tried to gives us part of their past probably to see that their relationship was so good - meanwhile he was keeping her a secret lol
I we have gotten some bad MMCs from this author and we are well aware that a bad personality and good looks is her go to BUT Elias was terrible. His grovelling was terrible - barely existent actually -, he was dense, had the mind of a 16 yo and it was getting worse and worse. He doesn’t get any karma for his part of ruining FMC’s career TWICE. His ex got her karma but noooope. He won everything even if he was an AH.
I also couldn’t stand the FMC that loooves him and misses him and stuff like that, while he kept treating her terribly throughout most of the book. What exactly do you love and miss ?
August 12, 2025
She switched up the formula a smidge and I liked some of it… like the h having a supportive family, being better than the OW, and having a backbone. No timid orphan here… BUT I’m a drama junkie at heart, and I felt like this one wasn’t quite as soapy as the previous books. It may have been inspired by Grey’s Anatomy, but it wasn’t as yummy as the first seasons which IMHO were the best.
The blurb sets it up, and the book starts after the 5-year separation with Dr. Elias Graham relocating to Seattle and not happy finding Regina on his rotation. We get a couple of flashbacks, but quickly move on with the present, but then the ex (Dr. Maren Loring) shows up and starts causing problems.
In a nutshell
➕ h with some fight in her that had a supportive family and leverage.
➕ Manipulative OW that received comeuppance –YAY I’ve been waiting several books for this
➕ Believable change of heart/build up of feelings
➕ H did make an effort to make amends.
➖ H started out cruel but he felt quite beta.
➖ It dragged at times.
Bottom Line- I liked this one but didn’t LOVE it. It was missing something... (more drama) maybe some back and forth rather than just the dumping on her all the time, or more on page with the wannabe OW.
Once again if you don’t want to sign up for the extended epilogue…
The blurb sets it up, and the book starts after the 5-year separation with Dr. Elias Graham relocating to Seattle and not happy finding Regina on his rotation. We get a couple of flashbacks, but quickly move on with the present, but then the ex (Dr. Maren Loring) shows up and starts causing problems.
In a nutshell
➕ h with some fight in her that had a supportive family and leverage.
➕ Manipulative OW that received comeuppance –YAY I’ve been waiting several books for this
➕ Believable change of heart/build up of feelings
➕ H did make an effort to make amends.
➖ H started out cruel but he felt quite beta.
➖ It dragged at times.
Bottom Line- I liked this one but didn’t LOVE it. It was missing something... (more drama) maybe some back and forth rather than just the dumping on her all the time, or more on page with the wannabe OW.
Once again if you don’t want to sign up for the extended epilogue…
July 26, 2025
i hated BOTH the main characters.
Elias was such an a-hole is insane! he acted so petty like a literal toddler. And honestly Reggie forgave him waaay too easily, he did the bare minimum and had no real consequences for all he did to her. I feel like he put no effort at all, everything he did was because side characters told him to do it like going to mexico or writing the letter oh my god BE A MAN!
Now, Reggie i really wanted to like her and i kinda do a bit but I just hate doormat heroines disguised as strong and badass. She had so much potential it was actually sad to see her sleep with Elias as soon as possible AFTER he complained about her with the intention of getting her fired like girl what are u doing?? every horrible thing Elias did she just lied down and took it and the worst part is he shows up with a halfass apology and after weeks of him doing nothing aside from giving her a letter and flirt with her coworker to make her jealous she’s ready to forgive him and move back with him girl bye
Elias was such an a-hole is insane! he acted so petty like a literal toddler. And honestly Reggie forgave him waaay too easily, he did the bare minimum and had no real consequences for all he did to her. I feel like he put no effort at all, everything he did was because side characters told him to do it like going to mexico or writing the letter oh my god BE A MAN!
Now, Reggie i really wanted to like her and i kinda do a bit but I just hate doormat heroines disguised as strong and badass. She had so much potential it was actually sad to see her sleep with Elias as soon as possible AFTER he complained about her with the intention of getting her fired like girl what are u doing?? every horrible thing Elias did she just lied down and took it and the worst part is he shows up with a halfass apology and after weeks of him doing nothing aside from giving her a letter and flirt with her coworker to make her jealous she’s ready to forgive him and move back with him girl bye
July 25, 2025
Biggest man child ever
She literally forgave him so fast
She literally forgave him so fast
July 23, 2025
Far fetched
Rich girl posing and being good nurse. Doctor asshole from emotionally devoid family. The story is OK but not real. Sweet that he fights for her after messing up twice. Seriously though it would have been better if she actually moved on with another character. Far more true to life. Romance is one thing, fantasy is another. Maya Alden this book is done from a stereo typical stock standard unrealistic idea. Make it more true with real pain that throws the woman yo step up and be more
Rich girl posing and being good nurse. Doctor asshole from emotionally devoid family. The story is OK but not real. Sweet that he fights for her after messing up twice. Seriously though it would have been better if she actually moved on with another character. Far more true to life. Romance is one thing, fantasy is another. Maya Alden this book is done from a stereo typical stock standard unrealistic idea. Make it more true with real pain that throws the woman yo step up and be more
May 29, 2026
I keep trying Maya Alden books because the set-ups are like catnip. She excels at creating dramatic betrayal scenarios and she's fantastic at marketing, I'm constantly seeing snippets from her books that make me save them. But once the awful thing happens, I've struggled with a lot of the resolutions--sometimes he's just too much of an irredeemable asshole, sometimes she forgives him too easily, sometimes BBS takes over, sometimes the writing just isn't as strong as it was in the beginning. Over the years, I've read 8 Maya Alden books. 6 of them I either DNFd or were rated "okay," 2 of the short stories I liked well enough to rate a 3. I finally, finally found an Alden book that I like a lot!
I have to insert here that I've seen a lot of reviews bashing her books and other betrayal/grovel books. I get it, they're a little weird if you haven't tried them before. But these are like Harlequin romances, where you are dropped right into the relationship without much fanfare, and the whole point of the book is exploring the relationship, with much less interest in the background, fully-fleshed out histories, etc. Beyond that, betrayal and grovel books are specifically exploring drama like infidelity, misunderstandings, overheard distress, and other high-emotion scenarios. I've been calling this kind of thing angst porn for a long time; as someone raised on Anne of Green Gables and who raged at Amy March, I respond strongly to the highs and lows of emotion, especially romantic ones. With these shorter category-type reads, it's also kinda great to be dropped right into the the crux of the matter, the betrayal, without a whole lot of fanfare and time spent on stuff that honestly doesn't matter--it's the feels I'm here for and it's the feels I remember most even from longer, completely rounded/finished books, in any category. They are great palate cleansers between longer reads.
Romance has boomed in recent years because publishers have woken up to the buying power of this category and it gets a little more cred than it used to. But there are still those to dismiss it, in large part because it's an easy dig at the things that (primarily) women are drawn to. Oh, it's pure fantasy, they sneer. Yeah, and? Fantasy and sci fi, westerns, mangas are also escapist reads, with everything from tomes of made-up worlds to serial shorts and illustrated comics and so on. Yet the vast majority of the disdain and derision is reserved for female-centered stories. Yeah, I get frustrated at cookie-cutter romantasies or some uninspired young adult books, but there's an audience for them. And every once in awhile you get a little gem of a gargoyle who makes it all worth it.
Anyway, back to poor Maya. The betrayal in this one is both professional and romantic--she's a nurse, he's a doctor, his ex (who is also a doctor and his childhood friend) accuses the FMC of a crime she didn't commit, and he believes his ex. DRAMA. She's fired, moves across the country and starts working in a new hospital, and five years later, he's now the head of the cardiology department where she works. MORE DRAMA. Oh my goodness.
The medical stuff is great and I love the ethics of all the problems that start popping up. The author does such a good job with laying out the betrayal of each specific action the MMC takes as well as the effect on the FMC, both personally and professionally. This FMC is awesome, btw; sometimes Alden heroines can be a little too soft and forgiving, and this one is decidedly not. She is clear-eyed and competent and she is rock-solid on who she is and what she stands for. The redemption takes its time as well and I liked all the family love (hers) and family drama (his) and the FMC's nesting as she recovers from her wounds (bring on the cashmere blankets) and the side trip to Mexico (hiiii sassy co-worker friend!).
So this is exactly why sometimes it's rewarding to keep trying if there's something about a book that appeals to you. I wish more Alden books felt as complete as this one--it's exactly, as she describes, a modern vintage romance in the style of category romances--but I also know the voraciousness of my own reading as well as that of others, so I can't say I don't understand why they are turned out so quickly. She's got a lot of story in her and I'm glad I get to pleasurably torture myself through them.
I have to insert here that I've seen a lot of reviews bashing her books and other betrayal/grovel books. I get it, they're a little weird if you haven't tried them before. But these are like Harlequin romances, where you are dropped right into the relationship without much fanfare, and the whole point of the book is exploring the relationship, with much less interest in the background, fully-fleshed out histories, etc. Beyond that, betrayal and grovel books are specifically exploring drama like infidelity, misunderstandings, overheard distress, and other high-emotion scenarios. I've been calling this kind of thing angst porn for a long time; as someone raised on Anne of Green Gables and who raged at Amy March, I respond strongly to the highs and lows of emotion, especially romantic ones. With these shorter category-type reads, it's also kinda great to be dropped right into the the crux of the matter, the betrayal, without a whole lot of fanfare and time spent on stuff that honestly doesn't matter--it's the feels I'm here for and it's the feels I remember most even from longer, completely rounded/finished books, in any category. They are great palate cleansers between longer reads.
Romance has boomed in recent years because publishers have woken up to the buying power of this category and it gets a little more cred than it used to. But there are still those to dismiss it, in large part because it's an easy dig at the things that (primarily) women are drawn to. Oh, it's pure fantasy, they sneer. Yeah, and? Fantasy and sci fi, westerns, mangas are also escapist reads, with everything from tomes of made-up worlds to serial shorts and illustrated comics and so on. Yet the vast majority of the disdain and derision is reserved for female-centered stories. Yeah, I get frustrated at cookie-cutter romantasies or some uninspired young adult books, but there's an audience for them. And every once in awhile you get a little gem of a gargoyle who makes it all worth it.
Anyway, back to poor Maya. The betrayal in this one is both professional and romantic--she's a nurse, he's a doctor, his ex (who is also a doctor and his childhood friend) accuses the FMC of a crime she didn't commit, and he believes his ex. DRAMA. She's fired, moves across the country and starts working in a new hospital, and five years later, he's now the head of the cardiology department where she works. MORE DRAMA. Oh my goodness.
The medical stuff is great and I love the ethics of all the problems that start popping up. The author does such a good job with laying out the betrayal of each specific action the MMC takes as well as the effect on the FMC, both personally and professionally. This FMC is awesome, btw; sometimes Alden heroines can be a little too soft and forgiving, and this one is decidedly not. She is clear-eyed and competent and she is rock-solid on who she is and what she stands for. The redemption takes its time as well and I liked all the family love (hers) and family drama (his) and the FMC's nesting as she recovers from her wounds (bring on the cashmere blankets) and the side trip to Mexico (hiiii sassy co-worker friend!).
So this is exactly why sometimes it's rewarding to keep trying if there's something about a book that appeals to you. I wish more Alden books felt as complete as this one--it's exactly, as she describes, a modern vintage romance in the style of category romances--but I also know the voraciousness of my own reading as well as that of others, so I can't say I don't understand why they are turned out so quickly. She's got a lot of story in her and I'm glad I get to pleasurably torture myself through them.
May 13, 2025
Move over Grey’s Anatomy there is new medical drama in town that is going to get your heart racing.
Dr. Elias Graham and Nurse Regina Sanchez have past. Five years ago Elias decided to take the word of a life long friend and ex-partner instead of listening to Regina his current love. His actions not only broke her heart but also her career.
Five years later Elias is back having moved to the hospital with Reggie is working and his plan is to force her out again. He goes out of his way to make her working life a misery. He shocked to discover that she has the backing on everyone at the hospital and that she is as good as they say she is.
Elias is unwilling to see the truth in front of him. He is weak willed and prefers a drama free life hiding himself behind duty and loyalty, which is demonstrate when he hires his Ex and the woman that destroyed Reggie’s life once before. Not only that he stands back and he allows her to do it again. Faced with making a choice Elias once again choose to believe his ex at the expenses of Reggie. When reality slaps him in the face we start to see the man he can be.
Reggie is no Meredith Grey, instead of “Pick Me, Choose me”, she picks herself and walks away. Suddenly faced with Reggie walking away Elias is forced to confront the truth not only of what happened five years ago but about his Ex, his family and himself.
Reggie is one of those characters that you are going to love from start to finish. She is loyal, passionate and loving. Dr McDumbass (as I called him for a good chunk of the book ) is going to make you want to scream several times. Not to worry this a Maya Alden book you will get your HEA and Dr McDumbass will slowly become Reggie’s Dr McSwoony and yours.
What makes Maya’s books stand out from the crowed is the supporting cast of characters she writes. Reggie’s family is amazing and you can feel the love they have for each other coming off the page. I caught myself laughing out loud several times while reading.
I have no idea how Maya does it but damned if she doesn’t every damn time. This book is an amazing read and the detail that Maya has put into the medical jargon has me in awe. This book is due to be realised on the 22nd of July and will be a part of Kindle Unlimited.
I am a member of Maya Alden’s Arc team and that is how I received this book. This review is my honest feedback.
Dr. Elias Graham and Nurse Regina Sanchez have past. Five years ago Elias decided to take the word of a life long friend and ex-partner instead of listening to Regina his current love. His actions not only broke her heart but also her career.
Five years later Elias is back having moved to the hospital with Reggie is working and his plan is to force her out again. He goes out of his way to make her working life a misery. He shocked to discover that she has the backing on everyone at the hospital and that she is as good as they say she is.
Elias is unwilling to see the truth in front of him. He is weak willed and prefers a drama free life hiding himself behind duty and loyalty, which is demonstrate when he hires his Ex and the woman that destroyed Reggie’s life once before. Not only that he stands back and he allows her to do it again. Faced with making a choice Elias once again choose to believe his ex at the expenses of Reggie. When reality slaps him in the face we start to see the man he can be.
Reggie is no Meredith Grey, instead of “Pick Me, Choose me”, she picks herself and walks away. Suddenly faced with Reggie walking away Elias is forced to confront the truth not only of what happened five years ago but about his Ex, his family and himself.
Reggie is one of those characters that you are going to love from start to finish. She is loyal, passionate and loving. Dr McDumbass (as I called him for a good chunk of the book ) is going to make you want to scream several times. Not to worry this a Maya Alden book you will get your HEA and Dr McDumbass will slowly become Reggie’s Dr McSwoony and yours.
What makes Maya’s books stand out from the crowed is the supporting cast of characters she writes. Reggie’s family is amazing and you can feel the love they have for each other coming off the page. I caught myself laughing out loud several times while reading.
I have no idea how Maya does it but damned if she doesn’t every damn time. This book is an amazing read and the detail that Maya has put into the medical jargon has me in awe. This book is due to be realised on the 22nd of July and will be a part of Kindle Unlimited.
I am a member of Maya Alden’s Arc team and that is how I received this book. This review is my honest feedback.
May 14, 2025
This book exceeded my expectations! Infinity stars!!! I laughed, I cried, I cheered...there was everything in this book and then some. I think this definitely goes into one of my top 5 favorite Maya Alden books.
July 30, 2025
Honestly, I think this is one of my favorites by this author. I don't like to rank too specifically because my tastes can change on a whim, but somewhere in the top 3. The grovel was good, the angst was fun, the hero was an idiot, but (eventually... very eventually) learned from it, the heroine had a bit of BBS, but it wasn't too crazy and she didn't let it cloud her into thinking she suddenly needed to forgive him all his BS. I actually finished this the day I started it, but kept it on my shelf because I like to read the bonus chapters (even though I think bonus chapters as a rule tend to be kinda silly -- if you want to write a scene, just put it in the book so we don't have to subscribe to a mailing list for every single book you write).
Did Not Finish
March 14, 2026DNF!
May 13, 2025
I just don’t think I can review this one without any spoilers. I am sorry for that, I am usually better.
I go into every Maya Alden book excited and this one was no different. I’ve got to be honest, I straight up hated Eli at the start of the book and I could just see the writing on the wall. I had to take a break before finishing, because I could not even fathom forgiving him for getting her fired once, let alone twice. I wanted to hurt that man.
Reggie was so strong and mature compared to him, who was supposed to be older and wiser. How he could ever believe Maren over her boggles my mind. I very much enjoyed watching him have to humble himself to his boss and HR and everyone. There was karma served in this book and I loved that! I love seeing the OW suffer and I feel like she did. I also loved the twists in this book! It made it so poetic when Maren got what she deserved!
I really loved Reggie and Eli by the end of the book! I liked that Eli went to work in Mexico with her in the clinic and out of the spotlight. I feel like his parents wouldn’t approve and I liked that. I feel like he humbled himself for her and finally opened up when they were there and it was good to see, plus he got Reggie her job back and Maren banned from surgery! That was pretty sweet! I loved Maren’s face when she realized Reggie was a Lancaster and she had shot herself in the foot! Loved that!
Great book as always! I can’t believe I was worried in the middle there! I’m ashamed.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I go into every Maya Alden book excited and this one was no different. I’ve got to be honest, I straight up hated Eli at the start of the book and I could just see the writing on the wall. I had to take a break before finishing, because I could not even fathom forgiving him for getting her fired once, let alone twice. I wanted to hurt that man.
Reggie was so strong and mature compared to him, who was supposed to be older and wiser. How he could ever believe Maren over her boggles my mind. I very much enjoyed watching him have to humble himself to his boss and HR and everyone. There was karma served in this book and I loved that! I love seeing the OW suffer and I feel like she did. I also loved the twists in this book! It made it so poetic when Maren got what she deserved!
I really loved Reggie and Eli by the end of the book! I liked that Eli went to work in Mexico with her in the clinic and out of the spotlight. I feel like his parents wouldn’t approve and I liked that. I feel like he humbled himself for her and finally opened up when they were there and it was good to see, plus he got Reggie her job back and Maren banned from surgery! That was pretty sweet! I loved Maren’s face when she realized Reggie was a Lancaster and she had shot herself in the foot! Loved that!
Great book as always! I can’t believe I was worried in the middle there! I’m ashamed.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
Careless Whisper
Another winner from Maya Alden! Elias was a complete nincompoop, more than once. And his actions, or lack of actions, hurt Reggie so much. However, when he pulled his head out of his rear, his grovel was good. I loved Reggie's family! They gave all the angst a break and had me smiling.
Another winner from Maya Alden! Elias was a complete nincompoop, more than once. And his actions, or lack of actions, hurt Reggie so much. However, when he pulled his head out of his rear, his grovel was good. I loved Reggie's family! They gave all the angst a break and had me smiling.
June 17, 2025
Oh man this one hurt ! I wanted to throw my kindle or slap Dr Elias Graham right in his smug face! Poor Regina she took so much heat for something that wasn’t her fault at all ! This one is so angsty my emotions are all over the place! This author has done it again! What a brilliant medical romance! Loved it!
5/5⭐️
5/5⭐️
July 23, 2025
A bit stronger of a heroine in this one (loved the surprisingly loving family - MA's h's are usually pretty downtrodden).
Beta H, grovel was okay. Evil other woman was wonderfully awful.
Beta H, grovel was okay. Evil other woman was wonderfully awful.
July 23, 2025
4.5 Stars
Careless Whisper is the story of nurse Regina Sanchez, who has already had her heart broken once by Dr. Elias Graham when he took the word of his friend and former fiance over the woman he loved. It was so brutal to read about how Regina was sidelined by Dr. Maren, a voice that carried more authority because she was a doctor. Regina was automatically assumed to be the guilty party and relocated her entire life to move on from her heartbreak. Five years later, we have a reconnected where Elias continues to be an ass to Regina because he is still under the assumption that she’s not a good nurse. He does everything in his power to have her fired or get her to quit. Welllll when the past comes strolling in, in the form of the evil Dr. Maren, whose last name should practically be shortcut, Elias once again fails Regina. Even though (stupid men), he has seen for himself that she is an excellent nurse who puts her patients first and goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Before she can be guillotined by the lack of justice again, Regina quits. She tries to save herself the heartache of going through the sham of an investigation again bc Maren has the backing of a prominent family legacy behind her. Regina leaves to join her parents, who run a clinic out of the country and FINALLY Dr. Stupid does some investigating of his own. The grovel begins lol. There was a great comeuppance for Maren and some hilarious one liners by GMum and some surprises along the way that I don’t want to spoil. Suffice to say, there was betrayal, tension, suspense, comeuppance, crazy family hilarity and a really sweet reuniting of our two main characters. Another Alden Winner!!
Careless Whisper is the story of nurse Regina Sanchez, who has already had her heart broken once by Dr. Elias Graham when he took the word of his friend and former fiance over the woman he loved. It was so brutal to read about how Regina was sidelined by Dr. Maren, a voice that carried more authority because she was a doctor. Regina was automatically assumed to be the guilty party and relocated her entire life to move on from her heartbreak. Five years later, we have a reconnected where Elias continues to be an ass to Regina because he is still under the assumption that she’s not a good nurse. He does everything in his power to have her fired or get her to quit. Welllll when the past comes strolling in, in the form of the evil Dr. Maren, whose last name should practically be shortcut, Elias once again fails Regina. Even though (stupid men), he has seen for himself that she is an excellent nurse who puts her patients first and goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Before she can be guillotined by the lack of justice again, Regina quits. She tries to save herself the heartache of going through the sham of an investigation again bc Maren has the backing of a prominent family legacy behind her. Regina leaves to join her parents, who run a clinic out of the country and FINALLY Dr. Stupid does some investigating of his own. The grovel begins lol. There was a great comeuppance for Maren and some hilarious one liners by GMum and some surprises along the way that I don’t want to spoil. Suffice to say, there was betrayal, tension, suspense, comeuppance, crazy family hilarity and a really sweet reuniting of our two main characters. Another Alden Winner!!
May 13, 2025
*Some simple spoilers included.
Dr. Elias Graham is a heart surgeon involved with a nurse, Regina Sanchez, who doesn't know what love means. Elias lets lies and his doubts not only ruin his chances with Regina but also almost ruin her career. It seems that Elias's childhood friend and colleague, Dr. Maren Loring, isn't above blaming and accusing others of her mistakes, and Regina is the person being blamed. Elias fails Regina not once but over and over until Regina begins to doubt herself and questions her career choices. Only the help and support of strong family and friends help Regina find her way.
Regina, under the pressure of gossip and innuendo, was losing her faith in herself and her abilities. But she is strong! And, she has a family that just won't quit. G'mom, her grandmother, is awesome, as are her parents. With the help of her family, she slowly finds her footing again and decides not to give up on herself and her career.
Poor Elias is really the weak character here. He goes along to get along, not willing to make the hard decisions needed to make his work environment and personal life work. Watching him grow and change makes the story stronger.
Maya Alden excels at the vintage romance genre, and this is just another great read in her A Modern Vintage Romance series.
This book was provided as an ARC, and the review was freely given.
Dr. Elias Graham is a heart surgeon involved with a nurse, Regina Sanchez, who doesn't know what love means. Elias lets lies and his doubts not only ruin his chances with Regina but also almost ruin her career. It seems that Elias's childhood friend and colleague, Dr. Maren Loring, isn't above blaming and accusing others of her mistakes, and Regina is the person being blamed. Elias fails Regina not once but over and over until Regina begins to doubt herself and questions her career choices. Only the help and support of strong family and friends help Regina find her way.
Regina, under the pressure of gossip and innuendo, was losing her faith in herself and her abilities. But she is strong! And, she has a family that just won't quit. G'mom, her grandmother, is awesome, as are her parents. With the help of her family, she slowly finds her footing again and decides not to give up on herself and her career.
Poor Elias is really the weak character here. He goes along to get along, not willing to make the hard decisions needed to make his work environment and personal life work. Watching him grow and change makes the story stronger.
Maya Alden excels at the vintage romance genre, and this is just another great read in her A Modern Vintage Romance series.
This book was provided as an ARC, and the review was freely given.
July 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Maya Alden has once more captivated us this fast-paced and angsty medical drama. Reggie begins our story fresh faced and full of unfettered belief in love, loyalty, and the truth. However, her whole foundation fractures when the man she loves believes in the lies of another. Humiliated, heartbroken, and no longer sure in her abilities, Reggie must work hard to rebuild herself somewhere new.
Seattle was a fresh start, a new beginning. She thought Boston a painful but forgotten dream when her past comes once more to wreck her.
Reggie was a dream female lead in this story (though GMum is a close second). She is the epitome of class in how she navigates what becomes a daily torture. She’s also passionate, fiery, tender and unbelievably strong. And when her world once again falls apart, she has such a strong support system in her family.
I cannot recommend this story enough (especially if you like medical drama). And, I hope you will take a chance when it releases July 22nd.
As always, please check content warnings for topics or scenarios that may be triggering.
Maya Alden has once more captivated us this fast-paced and angsty medical drama. Reggie begins our story fresh faced and full of unfettered belief in love, loyalty, and the truth. However, her whole foundation fractures when the man she loves believes in the lies of another. Humiliated, heartbroken, and no longer sure in her abilities, Reggie must work hard to rebuild herself somewhere new.
Seattle was a fresh start, a new beginning. She thought Boston a painful but forgotten dream when her past comes once more to wreck her.
Reggie was a dream female lead in this story (though GMum is a close second). She is the epitome of class in how she navigates what becomes a daily torture. She’s also passionate, fiery, tender and unbelievably strong. And when her world once again falls apart, she has such a strong support system in her family.
I cannot recommend this story enough (especially if you like medical drama). And, I hope you will take a chance when it releases July 22nd.
As always, please check content warnings for topics or scenarios that may be triggering.
May 21, 2025
Another great story and a completely addictive read from Maya.
I felt so sad for Reggie and how she was slowly worn down by other people’s behaviour towards her, I found that the way it affected her, both physically and emotionally, really upsetting at times, which shows how well Maya writes.
At times I completely disliked Elias and his treatment of Reggie and found his character very frustrating, but I think in the end his grovel and atonement was good. I enjoyed that Reggie was a strong character overall and stood up for herself, not forgiving Elias instantly. I was so glad for Maren to get her comeuppance, and her shock in finding out Reggie’s family connections was perfect.
A must read for all fans of Grey’s anatomy and old style Mills and Boon Harlequin romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt so sad for Reggie and how she was slowly worn down by other people’s behaviour towards her, I found that the way it affected her, both physically and emotionally, really upsetting at times, which shows how well Maya writes.
At times I completely disliked Elias and his treatment of Reggie and found his character very frustrating, but I think in the end his grovel and atonement was good. I enjoyed that Reggie was a strong character overall and stood up for herself, not forgiving Elias instantly. I was so glad for Maren to get her comeuppance, and her shock in finding out Reggie’s family connections was perfect.
A must read for all fans of Grey’s anatomy and old style Mills and Boon Harlequin romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 16, 2025
Maya Alden excels at writing buildups for grovel romances. The gut punch betrayals are also so so good. But she is absolute garbage at the follow through. Her heroes never come across as anything less than self-serving and weak, and her heroines are the definition of doormats.
This book showed more promise than usual though. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Reggie and her family before they decided to manipulate her life like a puppet on strings (seriously, my least favorite trope - just stand by your girl. Don’t push her to do something she’s repeatedly said she doesn’t want)
Elias and Reggie? Absolute no. You just can’t come back from some things. At no point did I feel like these two were back on even footing after he decimated her life. The constant whiplash of their hot/cold dynamic was exhausting too.
This book showed more promise than usual though. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Reggie and her family before they decided to manipulate her life like a puppet on strings (seriously, my least favorite trope - just stand by your girl. Don’t push her to do something she’s repeatedly said she doesn’t want)
Elias and Reggie? Absolute no. You just can’t come back from some things. At no point did I feel like these two were back on even footing after he decimated her life. The constant whiplash of their hot/cold dynamic was exhausting too.
July 26, 2025
2.5 i was really excited for this book but it was a letdown :(
July 2, 2025
After reading The Wrong Ride Home, I was scared to battle for the arc of Careless Whisper. I decided to give Maya another chance, and I’m glad I did! Thank you Maya and team for the ARC.
In Careless Whisper, for once, the heroine had an amazing family and support system. I was glad that Reggie had someone to turn to when things went bad. Her family was absolute perfection and because of this, this book has become my favourite book of Maya’s.
I truly hated Elias in the beginning (I still kinda do but not with the intensity of a thousand suns anymore, just a steady flame), because reading his POV? Man’s gotta be taken down a peg (or ten). Such arrogance. And stupid. So. Fucking. Stupid. I’ve never sworn in my native language before, but with him, I did. For a doctor, he was not that intelligent.
I loved this book because Maya gave Reggie ample space and time to heal. She sent Reggie to a place further away from her heartbreak, which I liked, because poor girl needed to have some space from stupid Elias. Would’ve preferred she turned indifferent to him, but alas, we know all of Maya’s heroines are too stupidly in love with dumbasses 😭
Great read!
In Careless Whisper, for once, the heroine had an amazing family and support system. I was glad that Reggie had someone to turn to when things went bad. Her family was absolute perfection and because of this, this book has become my favourite book of Maya’s.
I truly hated Elias in the beginning (I still kinda do but not with the intensity of a thousand suns anymore, just a steady flame), because reading his POV? Man’s gotta be taken down a peg (or ten). Such arrogance. And stupid. So. Fucking. Stupid. I’ve never sworn in my native language before, but with him, I did. For a doctor, he was not that intelligent.
I loved this book because Maya gave Reggie ample space and time to heal. She sent Reggie to a place further away from her heartbreak, which I liked, because poor girl needed to have some space from stupid Elias. Would’ve preferred she turned indifferent to him, but alas, we know all of Maya’s heroines are too stupidly in love with dumbasses 😭
Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
Mixed feelings about this one. The medical aspects were well done and that earned a star. The H was the typical douchbag who allowed personal feelings to influence professional practice. The h was strong at times and a pushover at others. Fortunately she had an amazing family (unusual for the author) who were great supporters; the H's family were society's appearance performers. The physician OW wannabe was vicious and pathetic and finally got her karma.
I enjoy this author's writing even if her signature recipe becomes somewhat repetitive. The H's grovel was well done, as it usually is in her stories.
I enjoy this author's writing even if her signature recipe becomes somewhat repetitive. The H's grovel was well done, as it usually is in her stories.
June 13, 2025
'Careless Whisper'
A really interesting story depicting both Elias and Reggie blurring professional boundaries and creating an enthralling doctor-nurse dynamic, emphasising the unequal footing and drawing attention to Elias having a disproportionate level of influence and control to the detriment of Reggie.
Elias is emotionally unavailable with his behaviour rooted in his past experiences, having grown up in an environment where feelings were not openly discussed or validated, which in turn accentuate Elias' personal flaws like being overly detached or emotionally fickle.
I really enjoyed Elias and Reggies' story riding the wave of emotion and embracing the experience from shaking my head to sighing heavily, thinking the hole Elias was digging couldn't possibly get any bigger... could it?
Now here's the thing, I didn't always agree with Reggie's decisions along the way BUT after finishing and taking some time to digest and ponder, I don't think Elias would've had his defining moment without a certain 'intimate time' after an extremely high stress incident followed by the repercussions and fallout all the way to his eventual shift in his perspective and seeing how wrong he was. Once he put that shovel down and finally started showing his sensitivity to acknowledging her hurt and focusing on healing to ultimately rebuilding trust even though Reggie absolutely made him work for forgiveness.
Emotionally stunted to emotionally mature is my absolute favourite to read and when they reach that point, a positive and balanced relationship where ELIAS and REGGIE get their happily ever after is what I myself am looking for in a book and Maya definitely delivered.
Elias and Reggie are easily some of my top favourite characters! 5⭐️
A really interesting story depicting both Elias and Reggie blurring professional boundaries and creating an enthralling doctor-nurse dynamic, emphasising the unequal footing and drawing attention to Elias having a disproportionate level of influence and control to the detriment of Reggie.
Elias is emotionally unavailable with his behaviour rooted in his past experiences, having grown up in an environment where feelings were not openly discussed or validated, which in turn accentuate Elias' personal flaws like being overly detached or emotionally fickle.
I really enjoyed Elias and Reggies' story riding the wave of emotion and embracing the experience from shaking my head to sighing heavily, thinking the hole Elias was digging couldn't possibly get any bigger... could it?
Now here's the thing, I didn't always agree with Reggie's decisions along the way BUT after finishing and taking some time to digest and ponder, I don't think Elias would've had his defining moment without a certain 'intimate time' after an extremely high stress incident followed by the repercussions and fallout all the way to his eventual shift in his perspective and seeing how wrong he was. Once he put that shovel down and finally started showing his sensitivity to acknowledging her hurt and focusing on healing to ultimately rebuilding trust even though Reggie absolutely made him work for forgiveness.
Emotionally stunted to emotionally mature is my absolute favourite to read and when they reach that point, a positive and balanced relationship where ELIAS and REGGIE get their happily ever after is what I myself am looking for in a book and Maya definitely delivered.
Elias and Reggie are easily some of my top favourite characters! 5⭐️
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