Dr. Anderson

by Grace Maxwell

He was supposed to be one night I would never see again.
Instead, he’s the doctor taking over my prenatal care.


LucThe last person I expect to see when I walk into the exam room is Addison Dempsey.

Months ago she was the woman from the bonfire. We spent one night together and went our separate ways. She gave me a false name. I gave her my real one. I assumed that was the end of it.

Now I’m standing in my new clinic in Paradise looking at the chart of a pregnant patient who insists she doesn’t know the father.

There is a very real chance that child is mine.

Addison is composed, independent, and determined to manage everything on her own. She makes it clear she does not expect anything from me beyond medical care. But if that baby is mine, I will not disappear from its life. Walking away has never been an option.

The more time we spend navigating this situation, the clearer something becomes.

This was never just a night.

AddieLuc Anderson was meant to stay in Vancouver with the rest of that summer.

One bonfire. One man whose name I did not expect to see again.

Then I walk into my prenatal appointment and discover the new doctor taking over the practice is the same man I spent the night with months earlier.

Luc is steady in a way that makes everything more complicated. He takes responsibility for problems instead of avoiding them, and the moment he realizes the baby might be his, he refuses to step back.

That would be easier if Paradise were not already complicated. My family’s history in this town runs deep, and every decision has consequences that reach far beyond me.

Luc’s presence changes the balance of everything.

Because the closer we get to figuring out the truth about this baby, the harder it becomes to pretend that what happened between us was only ever meant to be temporary.

Dr. Anderson is a standalone romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s the second book in the Dempsey Follies series and continues the saga of the unforgettable Dempsey family and the rivals who keep turning into something more. You can start here—but once you meet Luc, you’ll want the whole family.What you can expect from Dr. Anderson

unexpected pregnancy
one-night stand consequences
doctor–patient tension
small-town family conflict
protective hero
independent heroine
forced proximity
slow burn with high heat

Genres: Contemporary

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database. This profile may contain works from multiple authors.

See also: Romance author Grace Maxwell

Reviews

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Some of her decisions made no sense too me

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Anderson by Grace Maxwell was an emotional, character-driven romance that pulled me right back into the Paradise & Dempsey family saga. One of my favorite things about this series is how interconnected everything feels. Every book continues to build on the complicated history between these families & this one does an excellent job showing just how much damage Evelyn Dempsey's choices have caused over the years. And let me tell you, Grace Maxwell had me seeing red again when it came to Evie! There were moments where I actually had to put my phone down & regroup before continuing because I was so frustrated with her interference.

Addie & Luc's story begins with a one-night stand that neither of them expects to revisit. Months later, Addie walks into her prenatal appointment only to discover that the new doctor taking over her care is none other than Luc Anderson. What follows is a slow-burn romance filled with unexpected pregnancy, family drama, emotional growth, & two people trying to figure out what their future looks like together.

Addie took some time to win me over, but that's because she's such a complex character. Growing up under constant criticism from her mother & grandmother left her fiercely independent & determined to handle everything herself. There were definitely moments when I found myself shaking my head at her choices, but the more I learned about her past, the more I understood why she struggled to trust others & relinquish control. Watching her discover her own strength, stand up for herself, & finally pursue what she wanted out of life was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.

Luc was an absolute sweetheart. From the moment he realizes he could be the father of Addie's baby, he steps up without hesitation. He's patient, supportive, protective, & willing to face gossip, family drama, & uncertainty if it means being there for Addie & their child. What I loved most about Luc was that he never tried to force Addie into anything. He gave her space to grow while quietly proving, over & over again, that he wasn't going anywhere. His steady presence balanced Addie's uncertainty perfectly, & I found myself falling for him right alongside her.

The romance itself is definitely more of a slow burn than some of the previous books, but it worked beautifully for this couple. Their relationship grows through trust, communication, & showing up for each other during difficult moments. I loved watching them build a foundation together while preparing for parenthood & navigating all the complications that came with their families. Some of my favorite moments were the quieter ones, where Luc simply showed Addie through his actions that she could rely on him.

And of course, the family drama continues to be one of the highlights of this series. The Paradise & Dempsey families remain deeply intertwined, & I loved seeing familiar characters pop up throughout the story. Evie remains as infuriating as ever, but her presence adds so much tension & emotional complexity to everything happening around Addie & Luc.

Overall, Dr. Anderson was a heartfelt, emotional romance about love, healing, family, & learning to trust someone with your heart. Addie & Luc completely won me over, & by the time I reached the ending, I couldn't imagine a more perfect happily-ever-after for them. Grace Maxwell continues to keep me invested in these families, & I am already looking forward to seeing what happens next in Dr. Spencer ❤️🩺👶📚

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addie Dempsey is a resident of Paradise, British Columbia where her family owns Black Bear Vineyards and she is a watercolor artist. At a bonfire to celebrate the beginning of summer, she meets Anderson, and they have a round of magical passion on the beach before parting ways, having revealed no information about each other. When she finds herself pregnant, it’s a good thing her latest gallery’s showing sells out, thus taking a financial burden off her list of worries. And she is also supported by friends and family members, excluding her mother and grandmother who continue to berate her artistic ability.

At her regular four-month checkup she is surprised to see not her longtime doctor but Dr. Lucas Anderson, who is just as surprised as she is. When they have confirmation that Luc is indeed the father, he suggests their first outing together to the Paradise Hill’s wine crush party, knowing full well that tongues will wag. And as the news spreads, her grandmother insists that Addie comes to live with her, thereby locking her into a cage to which only she holds the key.

I love, love, love Addie and Luc’s quasi-second-chance romance! The Paradise and Dempsey characters are always supportive and committed except for Evie, who makes decisions to increase her power, all in the name of doing what’s “best” for the latest victim. Kudos to Addie for escaping her grandmother’s clutches under the worst of circumstances and FINALLY accepting Luc for her ever after. All the Dempsey Follies stories have been stunning, and I look forward to the next book in the series!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want Luc Anderson in their life? He's sexy, understanding, thoughtful and supportive. He is open and honest. He bends over backwards to respect Addison's wishes, even when they clearly are not the wisest choices.

Both Addison and Luc find themselves in a surprising life-altering situation. Each of them trying to come to terms with this new reality and find a way forward. Luc chooses to let Addison make all the choices regarding contact and interaction as it is clear she needs to feel in control.

I did struggle to relate completely to Addison. She comes across as intractable. She is unwilling/unable to consider Luc's feelings at all. She wants what she wants, sees what she sees, no gray area allowed.

Many of us can relate to dealing with a manipulative and ego-centric family member that drives us to self-protect even self-isolate. However, Addie has unconditional support from her siblings and a truly committed best friend. She doesn't even truly let them in.

The author encourages you to give Addie some time and space to grow on you. I took this advice to heart.

Addie does show some signs of evolving and reassessing, only to shut down as soon as she judges Luc to be controlling and dismissive of her feelings. That she doesn't even allow a conversation before pushing him away and shutting him out, irked me to no end.

I fell in love with Luc straight away. I came to care for Addison over time as the character developed. I found the resolution satisfying and touching.

I always look forward to Grace Maxwell's books and characters as they never disappoint. This expanding look at the Dempsey family along with the Paradise family connections has me eager for the next family member's story, and the ongoing intrigue with Evelyn Dempsey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Anderson is a continuation of Paradise Follies and the Brothers Paradise. It is the story of Addie, the granddaughter of Evelyn Dempsey. Different than typical romance stories this book has more of a slow burn. It continues to emphasize the havoc wrecked on the Dempsey family by Evelyn. Grace Maxwell does a wonderful job portraying Evelyn as a self serving, controlling an autocratic head of the family.

The story focuses on Addie and Luc bound together by a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. Although, pregnant, Addie is on a path of self discovery. Learning to stand up for what she wants in her life and partner. Luc is such a kind loving man. He is patient with Addie and letting her take the lead on her journey of self discovery and love. As the baby nears Addie and Luc’s love grows. Both learning from their mistakes and developing a strong foundation for love. The ending is perfect for this couple! I can’t wait to see the Dempsey and Paradise families in the next novel, Dr. Spencer.

[Karen Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the saga of Paradise and the rivalry that has festered between the Paradises and Dempseys.
This is the second book in the Dempsey family.
Addie left the family at 18 and forged a path as an artist. She meets Luc Anderson at the beach bonfire and sparks fly, she gives a false name and he gives his surname both thinking this was it.
But fate steps in and when he starts to take clinical at the practice he is taking over after finishing his residency months later when Addie becomes his patient and has to tell him she is pregnant with his baby.
Things become complicated Addie is very independent to the point of being a bit controlling in my opinion which is what she’s trying to escape.
Of course Evie the villain in the series the Matriarch of the Dempsey family who will do anything and has in the past even though she is now under investigation for the events on the Paradise Vineyard, tries to get Addie to move back. This causes damage to the burgeoning relationship with Luc.
When he makes what she feels is a line that shouldn’t have been crossed she tells him to go.
When his mom comes to town she gives him her opinion and wants to meet Evie, which goes really well giving Luc some hope.
When finally Evie goes one step too far she turns to Luc and he is there with no conditions and she finally realises she can have her independence and the man.
I can’t wait to see if Evie gets her just desert’s. Maybe in the final book in the series

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this pre warned by the author that I may struggle to connect to Addie first and if I gave her a chance I would change my mind, I'm glad I knew that going in. You know a story has a hold on you when you want to shake the characters and step into the story to say your peace. No matter how old you are, past and present experiences, the people you have dealings with and the family you are a part of impact on who you are, how you think, feel and behave, sometimes this is for the good and sometimes it's not.

A moment in time leads to Addie and Luc being connected for the rest of their lives, their story was not all sunshine and roses, it showed the ups and downs in life and it takes you on a journey, one you're glad you went on, roll on the next journey this series takes me on!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful love journey that immediately drew me right into the drama and family dynamics. I cannot imagine going to a doctor and realizing that he was the sizzling one night stand aka baby daddy! From there I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride and at times frustrated with Addie. I loved how Luc was all in and so very patient as Addie grew into herself. It was satisfying watching their growth as a couple. Evelyn Dempsey is portrayed so well in her autocratic ways. The ending was perfect and I cannot wait for the next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johnson Clan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the series

Not my favorite from this author but a pleasant read. Lots of internal dialogue that rehashed the same thoughts, feelings and actions. Had difficulty connecting with Addie even though I understood the trauma she had through her family relationships. Felt as though everyone just let Addie lead without questioning, though there were sections that older brother Ric, did put his “therapist” hat on to help explain Addie’s decisions/ thought process to the reader. Slow burn/ story line.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace has made me see red a few times now, especially when it comes to Evie, but this time was different. I actually had to put my phone down for a bit to regroup before going back into it.

It started out as a one night stand but turned into something so much more. There were times I was shaking my head at Addie but she really won me over. I’m looking forward to seeing these guys in the rest of this series. 🖤🔥🍇🔥🖤

My favorite quotes:

• Ric: “You can be open without being overridden,” Ric says. “You can say what you need to as it comes up, instead of pre-empting it. Let him know what feels comfortable, and adjust that if and when you want to.”

• Luc: I don’t know what comes next. But if this is what loving Addie looks like right now—quiet, contained, without leverage—I’m willing to wait and see whether it holds.

• Addie: Luc stands behind me, close without touching. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I don’t think he says this to reassure me. It’s just a fact. I nod, as that’s how I feel too.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is well written when the main characters make you crazy! Addison is so incredibly stubborn and determined to do things her way. Her decision. Her timing. Her choice. Enter Luc. He’s too patient and understanding for his own good, and I caught myself yelling at both of them!
I was totally invested and emotionally consumed. I stayed up all night to finish this outstanding book. Excellent series from one of my new favorite authors! So talented! Bring on the next book!.

[Lisa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addie Dempsey knows both what she wants and absolutely does Not want! Don’t mess with Addie! Poor Luc just wants to be with her, protect her and help her. It was very interesting and enlightening to watch them be intentional with their desires. I very much enjoyed this book by Grace Maxwell and loved learning more about the families of Paradise. I highly recommend this book.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Anderson Book 2 of Dempsey Follies by Grace Maxwell is a slow burn, one night stand and unexpected pregnancy romance with so much heart, it's a really endearing story. I loved it and was rooting along for them the whole story. I'm waiting for the next book...not so patiently.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addie and Luc connected for one night only. She gave him a false name and he gave her only his surname. When Addie discovers Luc is her new GP life becomes more complicated by the fact that she is carrying his baby. Luc is shocked but determined.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was great catching up with the family. I enjoyed reading Dr.Luc’s story. It was nice to see that a woman could hold her own and be seen. Looking forward to the continued story.

[Brogan · Rating 1 out of 5]

main female character was so indecisive and annoying. made the pregnancy all about her and ignored the father's wishes for everything. unfortunately really disliked her