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The Golden Hour
In emergency medicine, the golden hour is the crucial sixty-minute window after a traumatic injury—the brief span of time when the right care can mean the difference between life and death.
Dr. Mason Carpenter lives for that hour.
At St. Mary’s Trauma Center, he is the golden boy of the Emergency Department. He’s brilliant and calm under pressure. He’s also addicted to the adrenaline, the thrill, and the absolute rush of saving patients knocking on death’s door.
At home, he’s a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart—the love of his life—Honey.
Or, he used to be.
Honey Carpenter has loved Mason since they were fourteen, when he was the gangly boy with hearts in his eyes who stumbled through asking her out for ice cream. She stood beside him through medical school, residency, crushing debt, sleepless nights, and every sacrifice it took to build the life they dreamed about.
Now Honey is pregnant with their first child.
And Mason is married to his work.
He misses ultrasound appointments, milestones, and the baby shower. Worst of all, he is never there to support Honey through an increasingly difficult pregnancy.
No matter how many times she tells him she is lonely, exhausted, and afraid, Mason gives her the same answer.
“They need me.”
But Honey needs him too.
As her pregnancy progresses and she feels something is deeply wrong, her doctor dismisses her symptoms as first-time-mom jitters.
Her husband is too busy saving strangers to see his own wife fading away.
Until Honey collapses at home and is rushed into Mason’s emergency room, fighting for both her life and their daughter’s.
Mason must reckon with what he was chasing, what he ignored, and what his absence may cost him—the woman he loves more than anything.
Now, the golden hour belongs to Honey.
And Mason may already be too late.
Sensitive Content This story contains themes of medical misogyny, prenatal depression, pregnancy complications, a traumatic birth scene, addiction and recovery, and emotional neglect.
Dr. Mason Carpenter lives for that hour.
At St. Mary’s Trauma Center, he is the golden boy of the Emergency Department. He’s brilliant and calm under pressure. He’s also addicted to the adrenaline, the thrill, and the absolute rush of saving patients knocking on death’s door.
At home, he’s a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart—the love of his life—Honey.
Or, he used to be.
Honey Carpenter has loved Mason since they were fourteen, when he was the gangly boy with hearts in his eyes who stumbled through asking her out for ice cream. She stood beside him through medical school, residency, crushing debt, sleepless nights, and every sacrifice it took to build the life they dreamed about.
Now Honey is pregnant with their first child.
And Mason is married to his work.
He misses ultrasound appointments, milestones, and the baby shower. Worst of all, he is never there to support Honey through an increasingly difficult pregnancy.
No matter how many times she tells him she is lonely, exhausted, and afraid, Mason gives her the same answer.
“They need me.”
But Honey needs him too.
As her pregnancy progresses and she feels something is deeply wrong, her doctor dismisses her symptoms as first-time-mom jitters.
Her husband is too busy saving strangers to see his own wife fading away.
Until Honey collapses at home and is rushed into Mason’s emergency room, fighting for both her life and their daughter’s.
Mason must reckon with what he was chasing, what he ignored, and what his absence may cost him—the woman he loves more than anything.
Now, the golden hour belongs to Honey.
And Mason may already be too late.
Sensitive Content This story contains themes of medical misogyny, prenatal depression, pregnancy complications, a traumatic birth scene, addiction and recovery, and emotional neglect.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 9, 2026
This was good,
but I wish MJ Allen would either stop making her books all about her mmcs and how sad their lives are OR stop calling it marriage in trouble when the focus in mostly on the mmc and HIS journey to fix whatever is wrong with him this time.
Loved the secondary characters aka their parents and friends and especially dr Adonis i'm glad he's having a book i'm just scared because he's divorced.
safety:
- safe, no cheating
- owd : Mason's bitch ass coworker propositions him but he declines, she also body shames honey after she gives birth but mason files a report with HR and gets her ass fired
- no omd
but I wish MJ Allen would either stop making her books all about her mmcs and how sad their lives are OR stop calling it marriage in trouble when the focus in mostly on the mmc and HIS journey to fix whatever is wrong with him this time.
Loved the secondary characters aka their parents and friends and especially dr Adonis i'm glad he's having a book i'm just scared because he's divorced.
safety:
- safe, no cheating
- owd : Mason's bitch ass coworker propositions him but he declines, she also body shames honey after she gives birth but mason files a report with HR and gets her ass fired
- no omd
October 10, 2026
Reader Note 💕
I’m romance-focused and particular about relationship dynamics. I always flag cheating, OWD/OMD, and romantic scenes involving other people so readers can decide if the book fits their comfort zone.
⭐ Rating: 5
📚 Genre: Romance
📃Brief summary : Mason is an Emergency medecin resident, he has been working none stop while neglecting his pregnant wife and her health concerns because her OBGYN was " supposedly " good, until she collapses due to undiagnosed preeclampsia and almost dies along with their baby girl Daisy
✍️ Overall Thoughts : It was a good book, definitely very emotional. I liked how it tackled so many subjects and not just the marriage in trouble
👥 Main Characters
💃 FMC
• Name: Honey
• Personality:Warm, loving, Mama bear
• Character Growth: she didn't need one
• Did I like her? Yes
• Notes: Honey was a ray of warm sunshine but the second her baby was in danger and she knew she couldn't rely on Mason she grew a backbone
🕺 MMC
• Name: Mason
• Personality: ambitious, arrogant ( work wise), very career oriented
• Character Growth: 5/5
• Did I like him? Yes
• Notes: I didn’t like that his " problems" took up most of the book, it wasn't much of marriage in crisis as it was a story about his struggles which caused the marriage problems. but he had one of the best characters developments i've ever read.
🚨 Content & Safety
• Cheating: No
• Other Women Drama (OWD): A doctor colleague of his who propositioned him for sex and who he rejected, made Honey think they were having an affaire and made her very self conscious about her post partum body.
• Other Men Drama (OMD): No
• Romantic Scenes with Other People: No
• Other people after meeting/ being together : No
• Virgins or Experienced: They were Highschool sweethearts so they've only been with each other.
❤️ Tropes & Vibes
• Tropes: Marriage in crisis
• Vibes: Sweet, Emotional, Angsty
✅ Final Verdict
Would I recommend? Yes
Would I re-read ? Yes
📅 Read Date: August 2026
⚠️Note:
My content is not criticism of the book or author. It exists solely to help readers make informed choices based on personal boundaries.
I’m romance-focused and particular about relationship dynamics. I always flag cheating, OWD/OMD, and romantic scenes involving other people so readers can decide if the book fits their comfort zone.
⭐ Rating: 5
📚 Genre: Romance
📃Brief summary : Mason is an Emergency medecin resident, he has been working none stop while neglecting his pregnant wife and her health concerns because her OBGYN was " supposedly " good, until she collapses due to undiagnosed preeclampsia and almost dies along with their baby girl Daisy
✍️ Overall Thoughts : It was a good book, definitely very emotional. I liked how it tackled so many subjects and not just the marriage in trouble
👥 Main Characters
💃 FMC
• Name: Honey
• Personality:Warm, loving, Mama bear
• Character Growth: she didn't need one
• Did I like her? Yes
• Notes: Honey was a ray of warm sunshine but the second her baby was in danger and she knew she couldn't rely on Mason she grew a backbone
🕺 MMC
• Name: Mason
• Personality: ambitious, arrogant ( work wise), very career oriented
• Character Growth: 5/5
• Did I like him? Yes
• Notes: I didn’t like that his " problems" took up most of the book, it wasn't much of marriage in crisis as it was a story about his struggles which caused the marriage problems. but he had one of the best characters developments i've ever read.
🚨 Content & Safety
• Cheating: No
• Other Women Drama (OWD): A doctor colleague of his who propositioned him for sex and who he rejected, made Honey think they were having an affaire and made her very self conscious about her post partum body.
• Other Men Drama (OMD): No
• Romantic Scenes with Other People: No
• Other people after meeting/ being together : No
• Virgins or Experienced: They were Highschool sweethearts so they've only been with each other.
❤️ Tropes & Vibes
• Tropes: Marriage in crisis
• Vibes: Sweet, Emotional, Angsty
✅ Final Verdict
Would I recommend? Yes
Would I re-read ? Yes
📅 Read Date: August 2026
⚠️Note:
My content is not criticism of the book or author. It exists solely to help readers make informed choices based on personal boundaries.
October 29, 2026
Anybody that’s ever met/loved a workaholic will definitely feel this book.
Possible spoilers ahead
H/h have been together since they were 14. H is in his last year of residency in the ER. He LOVES the ER because he gets a “rush”…so he has basically ignored his pregnant wife for 9 months. He’s never home anymore because he’s always at the ER.
He has that God Complex going on. He lives for the atta boys and the hero worship.
Honey (h’s name. Normally, that name would bug me but the backstory of her name was super sweet) is 9 months pregnant and SHE’S HAD IT ROUGH. Pregnancy has not been good to her. Her doctor is some old arsehole who has ignored all her symptoms and tells her everything is normal.
You’d think since her husband is a doctor that he’d pick up on the red flag. 🙄
There’s one part where Honey is throwing-up and H has the unbelievable nerve to tell her to be quiet because he was sleeping. 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 I wanted to punch my kindle.
So you could feel during this first 30% that something bad was coming. The anticipation was strong. The build up and the fact I was on the edge of my seat was perfection.
Honey has made the decision to leave her husband and move in with her parents. They are packing when Honey starts to bleed.
Preeclampsia! One of the scariest things to happen to a pregnant woman. Honey is rushed to the hospital and emergency surgery is needed. Both her and the baby almost died. H happens to be on shift when honey was rushed in. Everything changes. He’s crying all over the place while the other doctors are saving Honey’s life.
H is absolutely destroyed when he finds out his wife was leaving him. His parents and in-laws both give him the “get your shite together” talk. Honey and the baby survived. Honey is just pretty much DONE with H and she’s only worried about her daughter.
After all this, the book turns into one big grovel and redemption story. H changes his whole life including his career path. He also collects evidence against the hospital that will later be used to help Honey sue the hospital/doctor.
I felt the self reflection and inner dialogue was so repetitive. I started to skim chunks of the book. There’s only so many times I can read about H crying.
There’s OW drama. I thought this book could’ve done without it. It was like it was there to say it was there. It served no purpose.
At the beginning, a beautiful co-worker comes on to H and said she’d like to have smex with him. He straight-up told her NO and that he wasn’t interested. It’s clear from his POV, Honey is all he wants. Then after Honey has the baby, the same co-worker goes into Honey’s room and said a bunch of crappy, untrue things. H clears it up quickly and the OW is fired.
I GET that the author was trying to show how H should’ve filed a complaint with HR. BUT I also get why he didn’t. He thought telling the woman “no” would be enough for her to move on. This OW storyline may have worked better for me if OW tried to hook up with him multiple times before the event took place and he kept ignoring it.
Anyway, I thought things were tied up way too neatly. Honey was offered 500k settlement which she turned down. Then they suddenly come back with a 6 million dollar settlement??? 😂😂😂 rightttttt. Just because she made some powerful speech in the lawyers office??? Lmao
H decides to switch to pediatric medicine instead of ER medicine? He started all over with his residency? Why not just have him learn a better work/life routine? I guess it helps that they have 6 million now.
If you love long grovels and deep self-reflection, then you’ll probably like this. For me, this was just okay.
Possible spoilers ahead
H/h have been together since they were 14. H is in his last year of residency in the ER. He LOVES the ER because he gets a “rush”…so he has basically ignored his pregnant wife for 9 months. He’s never home anymore because he’s always at the ER.
He has that God Complex going on. He lives for the atta boys and the hero worship.
Honey (h’s name. Normally, that name would bug me but the backstory of her name was super sweet) is 9 months pregnant and SHE’S HAD IT ROUGH. Pregnancy has not been good to her. Her doctor is some old arsehole who has ignored all her symptoms and tells her everything is normal.
You’d think since her husband is a doctor that he’d pick up on the red flag. 🙄
There’s one part where Honey is throwing-up and H has the unbelievable nerve to tell her to be quiet because he was sleeping. 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 I wanted to punch my kindle.
So you could feel during this first 30% that something bad was coming. The anticipation was strong. The build up and the fact I was on the edge of my seat was perfection.
Honey has made the decision to leave her husband and move in with her parents. They are packing when Honey starts to bleed.
Preeclampsia! One of the scariest things to happen to a pregnant woman. Honey is rushed to the hospital and emergency surgery is needed. Both her and the baby almost died. H happens to be on shift when honey was rushed in. Everything changes. He’s crying all over the place while the other doctors are saving Honey’s life.
H is absolutely destroyed when he finds out his wife was leaving him. His parents and in-laws both give him the “get your shite together” talk. Honey and the baby survived. Honey is just pretty much DONE with H and she’s only worried about her daughter.
After all this, the book turns into one big grovel and redemption story. H changes his whole life including his career path. He also collects evidence against the hospital that will later be used to help Honey sue the hospital/doctor.
I felt the self reflection and inner dialogue was so repetitive. I started to skim chunks of the book. There’s only so many times I can read about H crying.
There’s OW drama. I thought this book could’ve done without it. It was like it was there to say it was there. It served no purpose.
At the beginning, a beautiful co-worker comes on to H and said she’d like to have smex with him. He straight-up told her NO and that he wasn’t interested. It’s clear from his POV, Honey is all he wants. Then after Honey has the baby, the same co-worker goes into Honey’s room and said a bunch of crappy, untrue things. H clears it up quickly and the OW is fired.
I GET that the author was trying to show how H should’ve filed a complaint with HR. BUT I also get why he didn’t. He thought telling the woman “no” would be enough for her to move on. This OW storyline may have worked better for me if OW tried to hook up with him multiple times before the event took place and he kept ignoring it.
Anyway, I thought things were tied up way too neatly. Honey was offered 500k settlement which she turned down. Then they suddenly come back with a 6 million dollar settlement??? 😂😂😂 rightttttt. Just because she made some powerful speech in the lawyers office??? Lmao
H decides to switch to pediatric medicine instead of ER medicine? He started all over with his residency? Why not just have him learn a better work/life routine? I guess it helps that they have 6 million now.
If you love long grovels and deep self-reflection, then you’ll probably like this. For me, this was just okay.
October 24, 2026
I really enjoyed this. This was heartbreaking, sweet and I really loved these characters. This was such a redemption story and I love that this author can write Marriage in trouble books without making the mmc cheat on the fmc. It's refreshing and the mmc ALWAYS repents and redeems himself. So I really liked this. 🫶💓💯
October 10, 2026
⭐ 4.25 Stars — Beautifully paced angst with a redemption that actually feels earned!
This is exactly the kind of second-chance romance I love reading. The angst was sufficiently angsty, the emotions felt genuine, and the redemption was very well done.
What I appreciated most was the pacing. The story gave me enough time to feel Honey’s heartbreak and frustration without dragging out her suffering unnecessarily. I was genuinely angry with Mason, genuinely sad for Honey, and, when the time came, genuinely ready to forgive him right alongside her. Nothing felt rushed, but nothing felt unnecessarily prolonged either.
And that is what made the redemption work so well for me.
Mason had loved Honey since they were fourteen years old. Their relationship had been built on years of devotion, which made his sudden neglect during her pregnancy especially heartbreaking. He never stopped loving her, but somewhere along the way, he stopped showing her. His career became his priority, and the woman who had supported him through everything was left feeling completely alone when she needed him most.
I particularly appreciated that Mason recognized his own failures without making excuses. He even acknowledged that he wasn’t sure he would have changed if Honey hadn’t experienced a medical emergency. That kind of uncomfortable honesty made his remorse believable.
More importantly, his redemption wasn’t just words. It was action.
He recognized that his need for the adrenaline and recognition of emergency medicine had become an addiction. He sought support, examined his behavior, and ultimately made the difficult decision to change his career path rather than risk falling back into the same destructive patterns. He even turned down an incredibly lucrative position because he understood that some things were more important than professional success.
I also loved that Honey was never pressured into forgiving him. Their families supported her, acknowledged Mason’s progress, and still respected that forgiveness was entirely her decision. Nobody tried to convince her that his love excused his neglect. She never questioned whether he would be their daughter’s father; she questioned whether she could trust him to be her husband again. I appreciated that distinction.
The family relationships were another highlight. The love between Honey and her mother, the support from both sides of the family, and the tenderness surrounding their daughter were beautifully written. These were the kinds of relationships you hope people have when life becomes difficult.
There isn’t much humor here, but this isn’t a story that needs it. It’s an emotional, beautifully told romance about losing sight of what matters, recognizing the damage you’ve caused, and doing the work to become someone your partner can trust again.
I read it quickly, never felt overwhelmed by the angst, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. While I’m not sure it’s a book I’d personally reread, it’s absolutely one I’d recommend.
A wonderful example of how to write an emotionally satisfying redemption without sacrificing the FMC’s dignity or agency.
This is exactly the kind of second-chance romance I love reading. The angst was sufficiently angsty, the emotions felt genuine, and the redemption was very well done.
What I appreciated most was the pacing. The story gave me enough time to feel Honey’s heartbreak and frustration without dragging out her suffering unnecessarily. I was genuinely angry with Mason, genuinely sad for Honey, and, when the time came, genuinely ready to forgive him right alongside her. Nothing felt rushed, but nothing felt unnecessarily prolonged either.
And that is what made the redemption work so well for me.
Mason had loved Honey since they were fourteen years old. Their relationship had been built on years of devotion, which made his sudden neglect during her pregnancy especially heartbreaking. He never stopped loving her, but somewhere along the way, he stopped showing her. His career became his priority, and the woman who had supported him through everything was left feeling completely alone when she needed him most.
I particularly appreciated that Mason recognized his own failures without making excuses. He even acknowledged that he wasn’t sure he would have changed if Honey hadn’t experienced a medical emergency. That kind of uncomfortable honesty made his remorse believable.
More importantly, his redemption wasn’t just words. It was action.
He recognized that his need for the adrenaline and recognition of emergency medicine had become an addiction. He sought support, examined his behavior, and ultimately made the difficult decision to change his career path rather than risk falling back into the same destructive patterns. He even turned down an incredibly lucrative position because he understood that some things were more important than professional success.
I also loved that Honey was never pressured into forgiving him. Their families supported her, acknowledged Mason’s progress, and still respected that forgiveness was entirely her decision. Nobody tried to convince her that his love excused his neglect. She never questioned whether he would be their daughter’s father; she questioned whether she could trust him to be her husband again. I appreciated that distinction.
The family relationships were another highlight. The love between Honey and her mother, the support from both sides of the family, and the tenderness surrounding their daughter were beautifully written. These were the kinds of relationships you hope people have when life becomes difficult.
There isn’t much humor here, but this isn’t a story that needs it. It’s an emotional, beautifully told romance about losing sight of what matters, recognizing the damage you’ve caused, and doing the work to become someone your partner can trust again.
I read it quickly, never felt overwhelmed by the angst, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. While I’m not sure it’s a book I’d personally reread, it’s absolutely one I’d recommend.
A wonderful example of how to write an emotionally satisfying redemption without sacrificing the FMC’s dignity or agency.
October 10, 2026
😭😭😭
I absolutely loved this one! And as always MJ just hits you in the heart and feels everytime to the point your crying. Honey and Mason were everything and the groveling and second was everything I needed.
I absolutely loved this one! And as always MJ just hits you in the heart and feels everytime to the point your crying. Honey and Mason were everything and the groveling and second was everything I needed.
October 17, 2026
Good but a little long
The story started out great, I truly felt for Honey. And it was going great, but I had trouble finishing the last third of the book. I still love this author and will read more of her books.
The story started out great, I truly felt for Honey. And it was going great, but I had trouble finishing the last third of the book. I still love this author and will read more of her books.
October 30, 2026
Mason and Honey
I absolutely loved this story! It's so refreshing to read about a couple who have been together since they were fourteen years old, who have been each other's first everything: first kiss, first love, and first experiences. Mason has only ever had eyes for his wife, and their love story is built on years of history, friendship, and growing up together.
What I particularly appreciated was the absence of the usual relationship drama. No other woman, no jealousy, no suspicions of infidelity, and no unnecessary love triangles. The conflict comes from something much more heartbreaking: a husband who loves his wife but becomes so consumed by his career that he forgets to nurture his marriage.
As Mason approaches the end of his emergency medicine residency, he becomes increasingly obsessed with his job. He's addicted to the adrenaline, the rush of saving lives, and the praise and recognition he receives from his senior doctors. Work becomes his entire world. He's constantly picking up extra shifts, staying late, and throwing himself into every emergency. Eventually, home becomes little more than somewhere to sleep between shifts.
Meanwhile, Honey spends practically her entire pregnancy alone. She's struggling with constant vomiting, feeling physically miserable, emotionally abandoned, and desperately needing her husband's support. But Mason misses their meals together, their date nights, her prenatal appointments, and even the baby shower. He's so checked out of their marriage that he doesn't seem to realise just how lonely and neglected his wife has become.
And Honey, who is honestly one of the sweetest, softest heroines I've ever read, eventually reaches her breaking point. She doesn't want to keep begging for her husband's time and attention. So she makes the heartbreaking decision to ask her parents for help, pack her things, and move back home. She's done with being pregnant, sick, and alone while still technically having a husband.
But the last thing Mason expects is to receive a call at the hospital about an incoming pregnant patient in danger of losing her baby, only to come face-to-face with his mother-in-law, covered in blood, and his own wife unconscious and bleeding.
That moment is a massive wake-up call for him.
And while I loved seeing Mason finally realise what he stood to lose, I especially appreciated that his journey towards redemption wasn't quick or easy. He had a lot of damage to repair, and Honey had every right to be hurt. His realisation that he had neglected his wife was only the beginning. He still had to earn back her trust and show her, through his actions, that she could depend on him again.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching that journey unfold. The slow, painful process of rebuilding their marriage made the emotional payoff so much more satisfying.
What I loved most about this book is that it reminds us that a relationship doesn't need infidelity or another person to fall apart. Sometimes, neglect, absence, and taking the person you love for granted can do just as much damage.
A beautiful childhood-sweethearts romance, with a devoted couple, a wonderfully sweet heroine, a husband who has to learn the hard way, and a redemption arc that is actually earned. I loved it!
I absolutely loved this story! It's so refreshing to read about a couple who have been together since they were fourteen years old, who have been each other's first everything: first kiss, first love, and first experiences. Mason has only ever had eyes for his wife, and their love story is built on years of history, friendship, and growing up together.
What I particularly appreciated was the absence of the usual relationship drama. No other woman, no jealousy, no suspicions of infidelity, and no unnecessary love triangles. The conflict comes from something much more heartbreaking: a husband who loves his wife but becomes so consumed by his career that he forgets to nurture his marriage.
As Mason approaches the end of his emergency medicine residency, he becomes increasingly obsessed with his job. He's addicted to the adrenaline, the rush of saving lives, and the praise and recognition he receives from his senior doctors. Work becomes his entire world. He's constantly picking up extra shifts, staying late, and throwing himself into every emergency. Eventually, home becomes little more than somewhere to sleep between shifts.
Meanwhile, Honey spends practically her entire pregnancy alone. She's struggling with constant vomiting, feeling physically miserable, emotionally abandoned, and desperately needing her husband's support. But Mason misses their meals together, their date nights, her prenatal appointments, and even the baby shower. He's so checked out of their marriage that he doesn't seem to realise just how lonely and neglected his wife has become.
And Honey, who is honestly one of the sweetest, softest heroines I've ever read, eventually reaches her breaking point. She doesn't want to keep begging for her husband's time and attention. So she makes the heartbreaking decision to ask her parents for help, pack her things, and move back home. She's done with being pregnant, sick, and alone while still technically having a husband.
But the last thing Mason expects is to receive a call at the hospital about an incoming pregnant patient in danger of losing her baby, only to come face-to-face with his mother-in-law, covered in blood, and his own wife unconscious and bleeding.
That moment is a massive wake-up call for him.
And while I loved seeing Mason finally realise what he stood to lose, I especially appreciated that his journey towards redemption wasn't quick or easy. He had a lot of damage to repair, and Honey had every right to be hurt. His realisation that he had neglected his wife was only the beginning. He still had to earn back her trust and show her, through his actions, that she could depend on him again.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching that journey unfold. The slow, painful process of rebuilding their marriage made the emotional payoff so much more satisfying.
What I loved most about this book is that it reminds us that a relationship doesn't need infidelity or another person to fall apart. Sometimes, neglect, absence, and taking the person you love for granted can do just as much damage.
A beautiful childhood-sweethearts romance, with a devoted couple, a wonderfully sweet heroine, a husband who has to learn the hard way, and a redemption arc that is actually earned. I loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2026
dnf
I absolutely loved No Place Like Home (PLEASE tell me you’re writing a book about the other hockey couple with the paralyzed FMC!!) and Cornerstone! 🥹 However, True Blue just wasn’t for me, and I’m honestly sad to say this is the second book of yours I’ve had to DNF.
I say this with respect, but I really wish you would stop using God’s name in vain in your books. This is something that matters a lot to me, and I don’t feel comfortable reading it. I’ve loved some of your other stories so much, and it’s disappointing to feel like I can’t continue reading an author whose books I’ve otherwise really enjoyed. Especially when the other ones didn’t have nearly as much of this or all the smut. These last two books have felt different from No Place Like Home and Cornerstone.
I also struggled with the third-person POV and found it harder to connect with the characters. First person is definitely my preference!
I’m not sharing this to be unkind or tear down your work. I’m sharing it because I’ve genuinely enjoyed your books and would love to keep reading them. ❤️
I absolutely loved No Place Like Home (PLEASE tell me you’re writing a book about the other hockey couple with the paralyzed FMC!!) and Cornerstone! 🥹 However, True Blue just wasn’t for me, and I’m honestly sad to say this is the second book of yours I’ve had to DNF.
I say this with respect, but I really wish you would stop using God’s name in vain in your books. This is something that matters a lot to me, and I don’t feel comfortable reading it. I’ve loved some of your other stories so much, and it’s disappointing to feel like I can’t continue reading an author whose books I’ve otherwise really enjoyed. Especially when the other ones didn’t have nearly as much of this or all the smut. These last two books have felt different from No Place Like Home and Cornerstone.
I also struggled with the third-person POV and found it harder to connect with the characters. First person is definitely my preference!
I’m not sharing this to be unkind or tear down your work. I’m sharing it because I’ve genuinely enjoyed your books and would love to keep reading them. ❤️
October 28, 2026
Great read
This was such a good book ,it went straight into the story and it annoyed me so much which is what I think we're meant to feel .Mason works in A&E fast paced ,manic and for him he gets a sort of God complex ,literally their lives are in his hand but for his very pregnant wife Honey he's absent always ,he dsnt know how awful her pregnancy is effecting her,or how lonely she is.Honey is struggling and she knows something's wrong but no one including her doctor husband listens to her then something goes horribly wrong and and Mason realises he may be too late to take care of his wife and baby .It's sad and lovely and I just wanted to grab hold of mason in the beginning and shake some sense into him .I love both sets of parents they are great strong characters .This author really knows how to write angst with a story that keeps you thinking about it after you've finished the book
This was such a good book ,it went straight into the story and it annoyed me so much which is what I think we're meant to feel .Mason works in A&E fast paced ,manic and for him he gets a sort of God complex ,literally their lives are in his hand but for his very pregnant wife Honey he's absent always ,he dsnt know how awful her pregnancy is effecting her,or how lonely she is.Honey is struggling and she knows something's wrong but no one including her doctor husband listens to her then something goes horribly wrong and and Mason realises he may be too late to take care of his wife and baby .It's sad and lovely and I just wanted to grab hold of mason in the beginning and shake some sense into him .I love both sets of parents they are great strong characters .This author really knows how to write angst with a story that keeps you thinking about it after you've finished the book
October 12, 2026
pretty good story!
This was a pretty good story! There’s zero spice in it. But honestly, this story does not need spice. The story it’s itself heartbreaking and so upsetting. But I love love love that Mason got his stuff together, pulled his head out of his butt and worked his way back to earn Honey‘s forgiveness and worked really hard to be the best husband and dad that he could. I really enjoyed this story.
This was a pretty good story! There’s zero spice in it. But honestly, this story does not need spice. The story it’s itself heartbreaking and so upsetting. But I love love love that Mason got his stuff together, pulled his head out of his butt and worked his way back to earn Honey‘s forgiveness and worked really hard to be the best husband and dad that he could. I really enjoyed this story.
October 29, 2026
Another gut wrenchingly beautiful book by MJ Allen. The %90 of this book is about growing, healing and grovelling which i love.
I love it when fmcs have a spine and stand on business but I love it even more when they have people who stand with her.
The entire family dynamics in the book was phenomenal. Supportive and protective parents+in-laws is always a good combination to read.
I absolutely devoured this book and I could probably read 100 more pages of their domestic life lol.
I love it when fmcs have a spine and stand on business but I love it even more when they have people who stand with her.
The entire family dynamics in the book was phenomenal. Supportive and protective parents+in-laws is always a good combination to read.
I absolutely devoured this book and I could probably read 100 more pages of their domestic life lol.
November 3, 2026
The Golden hour
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. Second chance is one of my favorite reads! I love both Honey and Mason and seeing their journey throughout was amazing. The growth they both did as individuals and together was the perfect combination. I’m glad honey learned to stand up for herself and that Mason did a lot of self reflection and made the changes and not just saying it but ment it. It’s a book I’d definitely read again.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. Second chance is one of my favorite reads! I love both Honey and Mason and seeing their journey throughout was amazing. The growth they both did as individuals and together was the perfect combination. I’m glad honey learned to stand up for herself and that Mason did a lot of self reflection and made the changes and not just saying it but ment it. It’s a book I’d definitely read again.
October 10, 2026
She’s done it again!
I swear every time I pick up a book written by MJ Allen I know it’s going to be good and this one was no exception. I honestly couldn’t put it down and it is that way with every one of her books. It tears your heart in two and puts it back together while also dealing with real world issues.
I swear every time I pick up a book written by MJ Allen I know it’s going to be good and this one was no exception. I honestly couldn’t put it down and it is that way with every one of her books. It tears your heart in two and puts it back together while also dealing with real world issues.
October 10, 2026
Another awesome. Ikn by MJ Allen.
This book will make you cry both sad tears and happy tears. I really love Mj's
characters they are always so sweet.
I'm not good at reviews and I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say if you liked Mj's other books you'll like this one too. Although her others have more spice in them, I'd say there's only 1 chili pepper in this one.
This book will make you cry both sad tears and happy tears. I really love Mj's
characters they are always so sweet.
I'm not good at reviews and I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say if you liked Mj's other books you'll like this one too. Although her others have more spice in them, I'd say there's only 1 chili pepper in this one.
October 16, 2026
A voice for maternal health!
As a former LD RN this book…nailed it! I loved it so much and completely devoured it! I’m not sure if MJ has a history in the medical field or personal experiences but the research was great and well represented!! I have now officially read everything MJ has ever written and will always be my top list!
As a former LD RN this book…nailed it! I loved it so much and completely devoured it! I’m not sure if MJ has a history in the medical field or personal experiences but the research was great and well represented!! I have now officially read everything MJ has ever written and will always be my top list!
October 11, 2026
Wow
This is a story about a doctor losing touch with his pregnant wife while he chases the rush of emergency medicine. He nearly loses both of them and has to fight to reclaim his wife and child and become a better person.
I loved it, very well written.
This is a story about a doctor losing touch with his pregnant wife while he chases the rush of emergency medicine. He nearly loses both of them and has to fight to reclaim his wife and child and become a better person.
I loved it, very well written.
October 18, 2026
Hallmark worthy!
This should be turned into a movie. While I think the FMC stayed bitter and kept repeating her bitter thoughts, the book had a story that I haven’t heard before. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story.
This should be turned into a movie. While I think the FMC stayed bitter and kept repeating her bitter thoughts, the book had a story that I haven’t heard before. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story.
October 11, 2026
I was so eagerly waiting for this. And it did not disappoint.
October 11, 2026
Easy read. Liked the characters. Story was touching and Mason does a great job redeeming himself. It was a little slow at times but a good read.
October 15, 2026
oh my.
Let’s skip to the hospital failure. What an awful experience. And the coverup. Unacceptable. Mason failed also but at least he learned from his failure.
Let’s skip to the hospital failure. What an awful experience. And the coverup. Unacceptable. Mason failed also but at least he learned from his failure.
October 22, 2026
Goodreads has TWO books listed for this book, which is confusing. I had a review written and posted, but it's listed under the OTHER listing for this book. So, if you like repetitive, angsty OTT and ridiculous melodrama, you might like it. Did she not have an editor who could have stopped her from endless repetition? 3rd person POV was repetitive and kept me from connecting with any of these characters; don't care what happens to them. This story could easily have been 30% shorter.
It is such a disappointment after I really liked another of her books. What happened to that good writing? There's even an attempt to add an 'other woman' scenario. A what?: "That house became a vivarium of misery for Honey."
I'm only 50% through even with skimming most chapters! waaaa
It is such a disappointment after I really liked another of her books. What happened to that good writing? There's even an attempt to add an 'other woman' scenario. A what?: "That house became a vivarium of misery for Honey."
I'm only 50% through even with skimming most chapters! waaaa
October 23, 2026
Cómo quería sacudir a Mason en la primera parte, luego se redimió.
October 27, 2026
I wanted to put this down the minute I read her name, but I’m a masochist so I persevered through.
October 31, 2026
This was heavy. A little long because they were kind of cycling through the same things.
November 1, 2026
Good story, well written, heart breaking in parts, with good grovel. 4.25 stars!
October 13, 2026
Really good story
This is one of the best Indie authors out there. She creates a top-notch product that is well edited and very well written. Her dialogue flows nicely and you really feel like the characters are three-dimensional and could be people you interacted with on the street. I have to say I still don’t think I would’ve forgiven him. I know that sounds terrible because you know we’re supposed to forgive people, but he ruined the birth of your child and almost killed you both. I know that’s a harsh way to look at it, but it’s also a realistic way. It’s kind of like the idea of negligent homicide. I feel like that’s what he was guilty of which to me probably doesn’t deserve forgiveness. However, I did believe he loved her just not in a good way but anyway, it was still a really great story. And let me tell you it’s very rare for me to give five stars on a betrayal book when I wouldn’t have forgiven the MMC however this one really was so well written that it definitely deserved the five stars.
This is one of the best Indie authors out there. She creates a top-notch product that is well edited and very well written. Her dialogue flows nicely and you really feel like the characters are three-dimensional and could be people you interacted with on the street. I have to say I still don’t think I would’ve forgiven him. I know that sounds terrible because you know we’re supposed to forgive people, but he ruined the birth of your child and almost killed you both. I know that’s a harsh way to look at it, but it’s also a realistic way. It’s kind of like the idea of negligent homicide. I feel like that’s what he was guilty of which to me probably doesn’t deserve forgiveness. However, I did believe he loved her just not in a good way but anyway, it was still a really great story. And let me tell you it’s very rare for me to give five stars on a betrayal book when I wouldn’t have forgiven the MMC however this one really was so well written that it definitely deserved the five stars.
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