The Assignment: A Love Story

by Stephanie Tyo

She had one never fall for a patient.
He had one make sure she did.

Emily Carter is done. Done with caring too much, losing too often, and feeling everything she's trained herself not to feel. This is her last assignment—one final patient, one clean exit, and then she's gone.

Daniel Harris wasn't supposed to matter. He's thirty-one, terminal, and completely at peace with both. What he isn't at peace with is watching Emily hide behind her clipboard when he can see, plain as anything, that she's worth so much more than the distance she keeps.

So he keeps his window open. Asks questions no one has ever thought to ask her. And slowly—dangerously—Emily starts to answer.

Falling for Daniel was never the plan. But some people walk into your life and rearrange everything—even when they can't stay.A tender, slow-burn love story about grief, courage, and the people who see us most clearly—right when we need it most.

385 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2026

About the author

Stephanie Tyo is a multi-genre author based in Cornwall, Ontario, known for unforgettable stories that span middle-grade misadventures, dark romance, literary horror and many more. Her work blends heart, humor, and haunting depth, exploring themes of memory, connection, and the beauty in life's unexpected detours. Whether she's writing for kids or adults, Stephanie crafts worlds where every detail matters—and every story leaves a mark.

Reviews

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a story. It was amazing. I loved it. I hated it. I cried through it. Daniel was a young thirty something man who is in hospice. Emily was his nurse. She’s young and good at her job. She’s ready for a change in life. Daniel needs someone who’s honest, respectful of him and there for him, not just a number. The two changed each other’s lives. It was a very emotional book for me. I didn’t want to put it down. It was an inspirational. It made me believe in humanity again. The kindness of humans. I received this book from Booksiren, for my honest review. I gave it voluntarily

[Kerrie Kellner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was well written, but the whole pace was slow; the story, the romance and the plot. There were also some interventions happening that I thought would not be correct, though that might be as an Australian ex-registered nurse.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender richly emotional love story. It's surprising in ways that I didn't expect. I personally think the medical side enhanced the quality. It's touching and magical.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. In the beginning I felt the loneliness and isolation of being in a sterile environment of rules and efficiency. Eventually it broadened out and filled with a little more colour. At the ending I was both filled with sadness and hope.

I voluntarily leave this review and I received an advance review copy for free.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is amazing. I loved it, hated it, and I cried. Daniel was a young man in hospice. His nurse was Emily. Emily needed a change in life and Daniel needed someone to be there for him, respect him and be honest. The two changed each other’s lives. It was very emotional. I couldn’t put it down. It was inspirational. It made you believe in humanity again and the kindness of humans. I received this book from Booksiren for my honest review. I give it voluntarily. It’s a must read. Be prepared to cry, for your heart to ache. Thank you Stephanie Tyo. Well written.