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Hearts in Motion
After tragedy strikes, can love blossom out of grief?
As an emergency room doctor, 41-year-old Hadley Moore has spent a decade perfecting the art of shutting down her emotions to focus on saving lives. But when her younger sister and brother-in-law die tragically, the pain of loss is too great to ignore. Reeling from guilt over letting her family take a back seat to her career, Hadley seizes the opportunity to make things right by returning to her hometown to raise the infant son her sister left behind.
At 29, Tyne Briggs knows firsthand how hard it is to grow up without a loving family. After being saved from a hostile foster home as a queer pre-teen, the young artist dotes on her large and boisterous adoptive family. When she loses her brother and sister-in-law in a car accident, her top priority is to make sure her baby nephew has the happy childhood she was denied.
Shared grief and mutual attraction bring the two women together, where they find solace and passion in equal measure. But they are soon at odds when each decides she is the best choice to give baby Owen a permanent home. Without a will to guide them, and with the two aunts unable to reach a compromise, a lengthy custody battle looms.
Cooperation and a common purpose could lead to true love and the creation of a new family together, but not if impulsive decisions and unsavory lawyers tear them apart first.
Best-selling lesbian fiction author Miranda MacLeod has written a heartwarming and emotionally gripping medical age-gap romance that will convince you love conquers all.
As an emergency room doctor, 41-year-old Hadley Moore has spent a decade perfecting the art of shutting down her emotions to focus on saving lives. But when her younger sister and brother-in-law die tragically, the pain of loss is too great to ignore. Reeling from guilt over letting her family take a back seat to her career, Hadley seizes the opportunity to make things right by returning to her hometown to raise the infant son her sister left behind.
At 29, Tyne Briggs knows firsthand how hard it is to grow up without a loving family. After being saved from a hostile foster home as a queer pre-teen, the young artist dotes on her large and boisterous adoptive family. When she loses her brother and sister-in-law in a car accident, her top priority is to make sure her baby nephew has the happy childhood she was denied.
Shared grief and mutual attraction bring the two women together, where they find solace and passion in equal measure. But they are soon at odds when each decides she is the best choice to give baby Owen a permanent home. Without a will to guide them, and with the two aunts unable to reach a compromise, a lengthy custody battle looms.
Cooperation and a common purpose could lead to true love and the creation of a new family together, but not if impulsive decisions and unsavory lawyers tear them apart first.
Best-selling lesbian fiction author Miranda MacLeod has written a heartwarming and emotionally gripping medical age-gap romance that will convince you love conquers all.
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First published May 20, 2021
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About the author
Miranda MacLeod
41 books466 followersOriginally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you'll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that's more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston. To find out about her upcoming releases, be sure to sign up for her mailing list or follow her on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 17, 2021
Hadley Moore’s whole life is her job as an emergency room doctor. When she finds herself on the other side, after her sister and her brother-in-law die in a car accident, leaving their baby behind, Hadley realises there’s more to life than her job, even if she loves it. Tyne Briggs is the baby’s other aunt, and she’s had a crush on Hadley for the longest time. Grief brings them together, but the battle for the child’s custody threatens everything.
Hearts in Motion is an age-gap opposites-attract romance, with a touch of small-town/big city trope as well. I know I keep complaining about miscommunication in lesfic, or at least about the way it’s often used with no reason other than to create some angst, when the characters don’t really have any reason to hide anything. I won’t in this review. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a huge lack of communication between Hadley and Tyne, and that’s where most of the conflict comes from. What I did enjoy, however, is the fact that they’re forced to acknowledge it, and do better. MacLeod succeeds in bringing humour to a story about grief, and I have to admit I’m impressed.
Lori Prince is the perfect narrator for these stories, this mix of emotions and funny scenes. She’s really good with comedic timing, but the scene that actually made me love her in this book is a very emotional one, in which every nuance of what the character was feeling could be heard in her voice.
Hearts in Motion is an age-gap opposites-attract romance, with a touch of small-town/big city trope as well. I know I keep complaining about miscommunication in lesfic, or at least about the way it’s often used with no reason other than to create some angst, when the characters don’t really have any reason to hide anything. I won’t in this review. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a huge lack of communication between Hadley and Tyne, and that’s where most of the conflict comes from. What I did enjoy, however, is the fact that they’re forced to acknowledge it, and do better. MacLeod succeeds in bringing humour to a story about grief, and I have to admit I’m impressed.
Lori Prince is the perfect narrator for these stories, this mix of emotions and funny scenes. She’s really good with comedic timing, but the scene that actually made me love her in this book is a very emotional one, in which every nuance of what the character was feeling could be heard in her voice.
August 29, 2021
Family.
I've read/ listened to a number of MacLeod's books and I love them all. Her humour is always on point and even when she delivers a heavy topic like how she does in this book, she does it by making it as light as possible.
The characters come together after an accident takes away the lives of two family members - Hadley's sister and Tyne's brother. The families cope with loss and at the same time, Hadley and Tyne want to give their orphan nephew, Owen, a stable life. Both women feel they are each in the best position to provide Owen with the best possible life and they are great caregivers on their own. But there is a perfect solution to it all and it is clear from the start what it is and we spend the rest of the book just waiting for the characters to catch up. They eventually do at the end, but not without a little drama in between.
Both Hadley and Tyne are pretty solid characters, opposites in many ways. Hadley is older, a doctor and a workaholic who has started re-prioritising her life after her sister's death. Tyne is a younger artist and is a lot more family-oriented. I really like them both as individuals, and when they are together, I love the romantic chemistry just as much as the familial bond between them that develops so organically with Owen.
This is another great one by MacLeod. And when Lori Prince narrates MacLeod's audiobook, the outcome is even better!
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've read/ listened to a number of MacLeod's books and I love them all. Her humour is always on point and even when she delivers a heavy topic like how she does in this book, she does it by making it as light as possible.
The characters come together after an accident takes away the lives of two family members - Hadley's sister and Tyne's brother. The families cope with loss and at the same time, Hadley and Tyne want to give their orphan nephew, Owen, a stable life. Both women feel they are each in the best position to provide Owen with the best possible life and they are great caregivers on their own. But there is a perfect solution to it all and it is clear from the start what it is and we spend the rest of the book just waiting for the characters to catch up. They eventually do at the end, but not without a little drama in between.
Both Hadley and Tyne are pretty solid characters, opposites in many ways. Hadley is older, a doctor and a workaholic who has started re-prioritising her life after her sister's death. Tyne is a younger artist and is a lot more family-oriented. I really like them both as individuals, and when they are together, I love the romantic chemistry just as much as the familial bond between them that develops so organically with Owen.
This is another great one by MacLeod. And when Lori Prince narrates MacLeod's audiobook, the outcome is even better!
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2021
I'm going to do something pretty unusual in that I'm going to give the last quarter a pass on a book I was mostly enjoying. The thing is, I like just about everything to do with this story. Except for the bit that's going to happen in this last twenty-five percent. At this point, they're pretty much together. I love their relationship and the bond they've formed. Yes, over their nephew Owen, but also independently and together.
And I love how MacLeod has crafted the opposites attract narrative by making it distinct. Take Tyne. She's an artist yeah, but an independent business owner and half a dozen other things that don't align with the stereotype. And I loved that. And I liked seeing Hadley's humanity emerge as her tight emotional control slips and she begins to see all the things she has missed by being "married to her job" (her previous lifestyle framework).
So I love where they are and I'm completely uninterested in the landmine that has been set to explode. And I hate pretty much everything about that, frankly. I mean, the author engineered three timely interruptions preventing it from defusing. That's just absurd. And she setup a villain to be borderline evil and that never sits well, either. So we're at author manipulation squared.
And now I have to figure how to rate this. If it were just the relationship and families coming together this would be a contender for five stars. Even the lawyer stuff wouldn't have set that back much if it hadn't had that double-dose of author manipulation. But can I really justify four stars when I'm skipping a whole quarter of a book because the author bungled the story? My heart says yes. My head says no. So in true romance fashion I'll go with the heart, even though the book probably doesn't deserve it, really.
And I love how MacLeod has crafted the opposites attract narrative by making it distinct. Take Tyne. She's an artist yeah, but an independent business owner and half a dozen other things that don't align with the stereotype. And I loved that. And I liked seeing Hadley's humanity emerge as her tight emotional control slips and she begins to see all the things she has missed by being "married to her job" (her previous lifestyle framework).
So I love where they are and I'm completely uninterested in the landmine that has been set to explode. And I hate pretty much everything about that, frankly. I mean, the author engineered three timely interruptions preventing it from defusing. That's just absurd. And she setup a villain to be borderline evil and that never sits well, either. So we're at author manipulation squared.
And now I have to figure how to rate this. If it were just the relationship and families coming together this would be a contender for five stars. Even the lawyer stuff wouldn't have set that back much if it hadn't had that double-dose of author manipulation. But can I really justify four stars when I'm skipping a whole quarter of a book because the author bungled the story? My heart says yes. My head says no. So in true romance fashion I'll go with the heart, even though the book probably doesn't deserve it, really.
May 29, 2021
Miranda Macleod is an established lesbian fiction writer but, for some reason, I haven’t read that much of her work. After listening to Accidental Honeymoon recently I’m determined to go through her books. I’m happy that I grabbed a copy of her latest, Hearts in Motion because it was very enjoyable.
When Hadley Moore, an emergency doctor in Boston, suddenly loses her sister and brother-in-law in a car accident, she decides to go back to her small hometown to take care of her baby nephew. But after reconnecting with the other aunt, her brother-in-law’s sister, Tyne Briggs, things start getting complicated. Both women are overwhelmed with grief and willing to take care of their nephew, to the point of starting a custody battle. But there is also an undercurrent of attraction that is hard to deny.
Even though the cover suggests – and the blurb states – that this is a medical romance, I wouldn’t consider it strictly so such as, for example, Radclyffe’s. If you are looking for that, you might be disappointed. But don’t let this put you off. This is a heartwarming romance. Additionally, there are two very good medical scenes that make me think that Ms. MacLeod should consider writing a romance in a hospital setting. The first medical scene, which is the beginning of the book is absolutely epic. Fast-paced, very emotional, and an absolute joy to read.
Hearts in Motion also deals with the devastation of losing a loved one in tragic circumstances. It’s about how to deal with grief and the pain of rebuilding a family after such a terrible loss. Having said that, the overall tone of this story isn’t sad or dramatic, it’s hopeful and well-balanced with romance, humor, and optimism.
This is an opposites-attract romance between a doctor and an artist, a city slicker and a small-town girl, a career-obsessed and a family-oriented woman. There is also an age gap of 12 years between the characters but it’s not an issue. Despite all their differences, there is a big common ground that brings them together: the wellbeing of their orphaned nephew. That, and an irresistible mutual attraction.
The author builds the chemistry between the mains very well, considering that both women are dealing with grief and are confronted with life-changing decisions. Their attraction is believable, taking into account their complicated circumstances. Hadley is the character who has a bigger journey of transformation in front of her and Tyne acts as a catalyst to that. Together they clash and compromise, they have deep conversations and witty banter, which makes their relationship multifaceted and complex. I think this novel finds a perfect balance between all these complex emotions while, at the same time, entertains the reader.
Overall, a very good romance with a hopeful message of love after loss. 4.5 stars.
When Hadley Moore, an emergency doctor in Boston, suddenly loses her sister and brother-in-law in a car accident, she decides to go back to her small hometown to take care of her baby nephew. But after reconnecting with the other aunt, her brother-in-law’s sister, Tyne Briggs, things start getting complicated. Both women are overwhelmed with grief and willing to take care of their nephew, to the point of starting a custody battle. But there is also an undercurrent of attraction that is hard to deny.
Even though the cover suggests – and the blurb states – that this is a medical romance, I wouldn’t consider it strictly so such as, for example, Radclyffe’s. If you are looking for that, you might be disappointed. But don’t let this put you off. This is a heartwarming romance. Additionally, there are two very good medical scenes that make me think that Ms. MacLeod should consider writing a romance in a hospital setting. The first medical scene, which is the beginning of the book is absolutely epic. Fast-paced, very emotional, and an absolute joy to read.
Hearts in Motion also deals with the devastation of losing a loved one in tragic circumstances. It’s about how to deal with grief and the pain of rebuilding a family after such a terrible loss. Having said that, the overall tone of this story isn’t sad or dramatic, it’s hopeful and well-balanced with romance, humor, and optimism.
This is an opposites-attract romance between a doctor and an artist, a city slicker and a small-town girl, a career-obsessed and a family-oriented woman. There is also an age gap of 12 years between the characters but it’s not an issue. Despite all their differences, there is a big common ground that brings them together: the wellbeing of their orphaned nephew. That, and an irresistible mutual attraction.
The author builds the chemistry between the mains very well, considering that both women are dealing with grief and are confronted with life-changing decisions. Their attraction is believable, taking into account their complicated circumstances. Hadley is the character who has a bigger journey of transformation in front of her and Tyne acts as a catalyst to that. Together they clash and compromise, they have deep conversations and witty banter, which makes their relationship multifaceted and complex. I think this novel finds a perfect balance between all these complex emotions while, at the same time, entertains the reader.
Overall, a very good romance with a hopeful message of love after loss. 4.5 stars.
June 30, 2021
My rating 4.5 stars
I really like Miranda's writing style, whether it's a funny romance novel or a story that addresses difficult issues. The author always finds the right words.
Tyne and Hadley's story is not just a romance, but also about losing a sibling, grieving, helping to build a new family for their orphaned nephew, taking responsibility, and the issue of aging parents. And the last topic, in particular, is hitting me very hard right now (my mother suddenly became seriously ill a few weeks ago and we have to say goodbye to her in the next few days). But this book in particular gives me confidence and somehow it was just the right thing for me.
In a terrible accident, Hadley (41) loses her little sister, Tyne (29) loses her brother, and little Owen is suddenly an orphan. Hadley, a renowned ER physician, immediately rushes back to her hometown from Boston when she learns of the accident. She quickly realizes that Owen needs a new family and that she is in the best position to provide the little boy with a good home where nothing is lacking. But there's also Tyne, an artist who may not earn as much but is guaranteed to provide a loving home, perhaps without luxury but with all the more love. Provisional joint custody proves to be a good idea at first. But before the three can form a real patchwork family, they must learn to communicate before they react - can they?
And, Hadley in particular, has to deal with her elderly and frail parents after being away from home for too long. She only now realizes how much of a coward she was and took the easy way out, relying on her baby sister and thus knows nothing about the age weaknesses of her parents. This time she has to do better.
Tyne and Hadley have great chemistry, they have fun together and actually complement each other very well, but with their custody battle, they put rocks in their own way. The plot is well-timed and although some of the issues are heavy, the story remained exciting, entertaining, and surprising. The MCs are likable, funny, and caring. I loved their dialogue and banter. And I fell in love with the little man Owen.
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
I really like Miranda's writing style, whether it's a funny romance novel or a story that addresses difficult issues. The author always finds the right words.
Tyne and Hadley's story is not just a romance, but also about losing a sibling, grieving, helping to build a new family for their orphaned nephew, taking responsibility, and the issue of aging parents. And the last topic, in particular, is hitting me very hard right now (my mother suddenly became seriously ill a few weeks ago and we have to say goodbye to her in the next few days). But this book in particular gives me confidence and somehow it was just the right thing for me.
In a terrible accident, Hadley (41) loses her little sister, Tyne (29) loses her brother, and little Owen is suddenly an orphan. Hadley, a renowned ER physician, immediately rushes back to her hometown from Boston when she learns of the accident. She quickly realizes that Owen needs a new family and that she is in the best position to provide the little boy with a good home where nothing is lacking. But there's also Tyne, an artist who may not earn as much but is guaranteed to provide a loving home, perhaps without luxury but with all the more love. Provisional joint custody proves to be a good idea at first. But before the three can form a real patchwork family, they must learn to communicate before they react - can they?
And, Hadley in particular, has to deal with her elderly and frail parents after being away from home for too long. She only now realizes how much of a coward she was and took the easy way out, relying on her baby sister and thus knows nothing about the age weaknesses of her parents. This time she has to do better.
Tyne and Hadley have great chemistry, they have fun together and actually complement each other very well, but with their custody battle, they put rocks in their own way. The plot is well-timed and although some of the issues are heavy, the story remained exciting, entertaining, and surprising. The MCs are likable, funny, and caring. I loved their dialogue and banter. And I fell in love with the little man Owen.
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
October 2, 2024
So many boxes are ticked - it was a lovely story and M MacL writes so well. Enjoy the interaction though jumps are made, clearly sign posted, which could have done with more story telling. Nit-picking, be honest, loved it!
June 27, 2021
Good book but had some very embarrassing complicated moments that just gave me second hand embarrassment
June 27, 2021
A great heartfelt story despite the sad loss the little family had to endure.
June 20, 2021
An age-gap love interest, both wanting custody of their nephew. Interesting read with plenty of emotions, angst and many ups & downs as our 2 MCs learn to adapt and accept lost of loved ones.
November 2, 2021
I love McLeod’s writing so much and now I need to read all her books! It’s so impressive how, especially at the beginning of the book, she’s able to inject humor into such a sad situation. The funny moments between Hadley and Tyne are LOL-worthy, and I could really feel the love between them. There’s some miscommunication, but I didn’t mind much because of the stress the characters were going through, and because of how thoroughly the MCs talked through their miscommunication. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lori Prince, which is superb! Prince has the perfect voice for rom-coms!
July 22, 2021
Not bad not bad! Solid 3.75 for me. The story flowed just fine and it was a unique twist on what should have been a tragic story, and I do like unique.
The "should have been" is important though, and that's where this lost points for me. The two MCs have had a devastating loss, a sister and brother, yet within the first chapters, fantasies about each other abound. I would have liked a little more lead up between the two in order for 1) the chemistry to build, and 2)better acknowledge the massive losses the characters faced. MC Hadley doesn't even recall MC Tyne's name at first, then in the next few pages she has a wet dream about her. A little bit of whiplash on that one, and I thought the story would have had a lot more depth had the author chose to cool the jets on the bedtime shenanigans and instead delved more into the emotions.
Still a good story though, recommended.
The "should have been" is important though, and that's where this lost points for me. The two MCs have had a devastating loss, a sister and brother, yet within the first chapters, fantasies about each other abound. I would have liked a little more lead up between the two in order for 1) the chemistry to build, and 2)better acknowledge the massive losses the characters faced. MC Hadley doesn't even recall MC Tyne's name at first, then in the next few pages she has a wet dream about her. A little bit of whiplash on that one, and I thought the story would have had a lot more depth had the author chose to cool the jets on the bedtime shenanigans and instead delved more into the emotions.
Still a good story though, recommended.
June 23, 2021
Nice romance and as expected, very well written. Hearts in Motion features Hadley, a 41 year old hot shot ER doctor, Tyne a 29 year old painter and entrepreneur and their baby nephew Owen. The novel starts with Owen’s parents dying and goes on with Hadley and Tyne together taking care of Owen despite each thinking that they would be the better suited person to raise Owen and then discovering that they make great parents together. There are some complications because a lack of communication between the MC’s. Despite the death of Owens’s parents and the slow deterioration of Hadley’s parents hurting Hadley, this book has a lighthearted feel and there is not much angst. In fact I felt it was a bit superficial. Still enjoyed this though, so a solid 4 stars.
May 23, 2021
Straight in to it. The first chapter is written in an unusual way, with two scenes layered between each other. I was totally invested from the off. I felt the tension, internally screaming “No”as one character made a poor choice, and again “No! as the other character made a retaliatory poor decision. This book is so well done I actually had to consciously unclench my teeth waiting for the big plot arc to come to fruition, where we know what’s going on, but the other main has yet to find out. I found myself inwardly screaming just tell her! This book was a 4 star for me most of the way through, but I was so involved (tense) while reading it, that I’m upping it to 5. That level of commitment is rare. Well done Miranda.
May 18, 2023
There’s a lot of grief in this book but also hope.
Misunderstanding, yes. Miscommunication, a bit, as well but, a really good story of how there’s people that will change their lives to provide. Nurture.
We also have great elements such as... age gap, one of my favorites. 29-41 *wink*
This book starts with tragedy, a couple dies, and a baby is left behind now the sister of the mother and the sister of the father will fight for his custody by probing court that they can take care of him separately but, trying to accomplish their individual goal they decide that an arrangement must be made for the benefit of both of them, this arrangement brings them together.
Misunderstanding, yes. Miscommunication, a bit, as well but, a really good story of how there’s people that will change their lives to provide. Nurture.
We also have great elements such as... age gap, one of my favorites. 29-41 *wink*
This book starts with tragedy, a couple dies, and a baby is left behind now the sister of the mother and the sister of the father will fight for his custody by probing court that they can take care of him separately but, trying to accomplish their individual goal they decide that an arrangement must be made for the benefit of both of them, this arrangement brings them together.
March 9, 2022
Lori Prince gives characters the voice she gave Hadley in this and I just fall in love. This hit a lot of tropes and buttons for me, wonderful time all around. I think it’s my first of this authors works that it’s one of her collaborations with TB Markinson, but it def won’t be my last.
May 24, 2021
I was always a fan of Miranda’s books, but I realised that with every book I read by her I’m getting even a bigger fan. I just loved this story and think Miranda’s writing still improves with every book.
First of all I wanna say something about the beginning. I was sucked into the story right away and can only say keep your tissues close because I definitely needed several of them.
So this story is about Hadley that left her hometown to become a doctor. She is a total workaholic that often doesn’t even come home for Christmas. The concept of a family seems weird to her.
Tyne on the other hand mostly grew up in foster care and only got to live with her aunt and uncle when she was a teenager. She is an artist and built up her own existence. She is happy as things are and most of all she cares so much about her family. On the outside they couldn’t be any different.
When a tragic accident happens and Hadley loses her baby sister, she is pulled back into her hometown. Because her sister was married to Tyne’s brother, that also died in the accident, they meet again. Before Hadley never really paid attention to Tyne, while Tyne always had a little crush on the older doctor.
While they both grieve, there also is an instant attraction. The attraction gets disturbed though when it comes to custody of their little nephew Owen. Tyne knows how it is to grow up without parents because she mostly grew up in the system. She wants to give him stable home with all the love that is needed. Hadley on the other hand thinks she can him the best life where nothing will be amiss. Both think they are the better caretaker for the little boy and wanna prove that also in front of a judge.
When circumstances make them share a house and the baby, it’s first all about showing who is the better parent. That changes soon when they just fit doing things. They grow closer every day.
But getting custody of their nephew Owen is still hanging in the air. Lawyers are hired and feelings will be hurt.
I don’t wanna say much more about what happens next, but wow how much I loved this story. I loved Hadley and Tyne both in their unique way. My heart was breaking for Hadley at some point because I know how it feels when you close yourself off from everything around you. I just wanted to take her in my arms when she realised all the things she missed.
Tyne on the other hand is just so sweet and lovable. And well I know she totally would come in between me and hugging Hadley. ☺️
The chemistry between them is just fantastic. They just complement each other and are just what both need. And having some kind of age gap between can be so sexy.
Last but not least there is a side character I especially loved. It’s Tyne‘s brother Mason. He is such a special boy and for me Miranda described him in the most perfect and gentle way.
Finishing this book I was just happy once more for Miranda’s writing and of course for this story that I highly recommend.
First of all I wanna say something about the beginning. I was sucked into the story right away and can only say keep your tissues close because I definitely needed several of them.
So this story is about Hadley that left her hometown to become a doctor. She is a total workaholic that often doesn’t even come home for Christmas. The concept of a family seems weird to her.
Tyne on the other hand mostly grew up in foster care and only got to live with her aunt and uncle when she was a teenager. She is an artist and built up her own existence. She is happy as things are and most of all she cares so much about her family. On the outside they couldn’t be any different.
When a tragic accident happens and Hadley loses her baby sister, she is pulled back into her hometown. Because her sister was married to Tyne’s brother, that also died in the accident, they meet again. Before Hadley never really paid attention to Tyne, while Tyne always had a little crush on the older doctor.
While they both grieve, there also is an instant attraction. The attraction gets disturbed though when it comes to custody of their little nephew Owen. Tyne knows how it is to grow up without parents because she mostly grew up in the system. She wants to give him stable home with all the love that is needed. Hadley on the other hand thinks she can him the best life where nothing will be amiss. Both think they are the better caretaker for the little boy and wanna prove that also in front of a judge.
When circumstances make them share a house and the baby, it’s first all about showing who is the better parent. That changes soon when they just fit doing things. They grow closer every day.
But getting custody of their nephew Owen is still hanging in the air. Lawyers are hired and feelings will be hurt.
I don’t wanna say much more about what happens next, but wow how much I loved this story. I loved Hadley and Tyne both in their unique way. My heart was breaking for Hadley at some point because I know how it feels when you close yourself off from everything around you. I just wanted to take her in my arms when she realised all the things she missed.
Tyne on the other hand is just so sweet and lovable. And well I know she totally would come in between me and hugging Hadley. ☺️
The chemistry between them is just fantastic. They just complement each other and are just what both need. And having some kind of age gap between can be so sexy.
Last but not least there is a side character I especially loved. It’s Tyne‘s brother Mason. He is such a special boy and for me Miranda described him in the most perfect and gentle way.
Finishing this book I was just happy once more for Miranda’s writing and of course for this story that I highly recommend.
June 4, 2021
Now, this is a truly unique storyline that I don’t think I’ve read before. That’s not to say there isn’t one, but I’ve never read one. And I enjoyed the story. It begins with a tragic event, but the promise of a better future for little Owen drives the story forward. For that alone, I think it’s closer to a 4 for me.
Here’s the thing that bothered me though; sometimes it felt that the dialogue or something the character did, just didn’t fit their personality. A few times things felt disconnected in that regard; to me anyway. Just sayin’.
I think the description and antics of their nephew, Owen, stole the limelight for me. I loved how MacLeod wrote him. No spoilers
So, if you are looking for something different with some extended family drama but ends with a HEA, grab a copy and spend a few hours with Hearts in Motion.
Here’s the thing that bothered me though; sometimes it felt that the dialogue or something the character did, just didn’t fit their personality. A few times things felt disconnected in that regard; to me anyway. Just sayin’.
I think the description and antics of their nephew, Owen, stole the limelight for me. I loved how MacLeod wrote him. No spoilers
So, if you are looking for something different with some extended family drama but ends with a HEA, grab a copy and spend a few hours with Hearts in Motion.
September 20, 2025
The characters were lovable, and had great chemistry. Lots of good feels.
November 14, 2021
It's a sad premise for a romance to blossom - the characters sibling and their spouse die tragically in a car accident leaving behind a young child where there's no will in place for his living arrangements. As a parent to two tiny humans, I had this on my to-read list but needed to be in the right mood where I felt strong en0ugh to read this one (I'm just too emotional when it comes to orphaned kids in books!).
The romance between Hadley and Tyne was interesting as there are a number of outside factors that influence their relationship. I liked the way it was developed within the story arc, as the attraction is instantaneous but both characters are cautious with anything further. Although the premise itself is heavy, the romance is not which actually was quite refreshing in the way this evolved.
Another great read from Miranda MacLeod.
The romance between Hadley and Tyne was interesting as there are a number of outside factors that influence their relationship. I liked the way it was developed within the story arc, as the attraction is instantaneous but both characters are cautious with anything further. Although the premise itself is heavy, the romance is not which actually was quite refreshing in the way this evolved.
Another great read from Miranda MacLeod.
May 25, 2021
The trauma and grief of losing love ones and how to go on living was handled beautifully and with such love and care. Hadley hasn't been around much since leaving home and she had no idea how much her sister's would impact her life. Tyne is great under stress and can take control of most things , but her growing attraction to Hadley is proving difficult. When their nephew might be placed in foster care both women vow to become his legal guardian. Their bigger issue is not talking to each other to find a compromise and instead a behind the scene battle begins. Both women want a family and are so well suited for each other they just need to look deep in their hearts and remember what's most important. This story will draw you in and get you involved to the point of voicing your opinion out loud. I know I was either yelling at them or laughing. A sad subject that will fill you up and leave you smiling.
August 25, 2021
Miranda MacLeod is known for creating light-hearted, sweet romances with likable characters. Though this book deals with some heavy subject matter, it still remains very charming. Her quick-witted humor provides a conduit for skirting the overly heavy moments, keeping things light and entertaining.
MacLeod unites two women who share a desire to do what is right for their families in their time of need. Through this desire, they discover other desires—mainly a desire for each other. Together they cultivate love from their loss and reshape family for not only their nephew, but themselves.
Even though this story’s foundation is built around a life altering family tragedy, it remains upbeat and full of romance. It is threaded with themes of family bonds, commitment and loss, but its primary focus is love. It is written with a tender and careful pen, yielding a very lovely romance. Ultimately, Hearts in Motion proves that love can conquer all, even overwhelming grief.
Final thoughts…
Hearts in Motion will not disappoint MacLeod fans; it is truly a fun read and perfect to toss into your beach bag as you head out to relax. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to lose yourself in, then this is the book for you.
Strengths…
Witty dialogue
Cute characters
Entertaining story
Perfect beach read
MacLeod unites two women who share a desire to do what is right for their families in their time of need. Through this desire, they discover other desires—mainly a desire for each other. Together they cultivate love from their loss and reshape family for not only their nephew, but themselves.
Even though this story’s foundation is built around a life altering family tragedy, it remains upbeat and full of romance. It is threaded with themes of family bonds, commitment and loss, but its primary focus is love. It is written with a tender and careful pen, yielding a very lovely romance. Ultimately, Hearts in Motion proves that love can conquer all, even overwhelming grief.
Final thoughts…
Hearts in Motion will not disappoint MacLeod fans; it is truly a fun read and perfect to toss into your beach bag as you head out to relax. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to lose yourself in, then this is the book for you.
Strengths…
Witty dialogue
Cute characters
Entertaining story
Perfect beach read
June 20, 2021
As with all her books, I very much enjoyed this sweet romance with great characters and an interesting story!
May 23, 2021
Romance blooms from tragedy (4.5 stars)
If you're the type of reader to comment out loud about what you're reading while you're reading it, this book is better read in private rather than in a public place because it does provoke reactions and emotions. I finished the book in near record time and laughed and snickered alot along the way; the uglier words and behaviors in a few scenes also got me very emotionally invested in the well being of all the characters which I take as a sign of a well written story.
This was a fun read although I had some serious dislike for Hadley in the latter part of the book that stopped me from wanting her to be with Tyne for a time. There's plenty of 'will they won't they' in the story and some drama to spice up the romance element. Humor is abundant too despite death and its aftermath being central in the story. Hadley and Tyne make alot of erroneous assumptions and are frequently lacking in effective communication skills despite being successful in their respective professions; their questionable behaviors and words however do get the reader invested in the story, taking sides and switching allegiances as if it were a sporting match. Both Hadley and Tyne throw so many sabotaging wrenches into their relationship along the various stages of its attempted development that I wondered if they each got those wrenches in bulk somewhere; if they did that place needs to go out of business pronto. There are some curveballs in the plot that took me by surprise and a cute ending to cap off a story that covers alot of topics without feeling superficial or preachy, age and socioeconomic differences among them.
I am relatively new to reading Miranda Macleod's work but look forward to reading more of it in the future.
If you're the type of reader to comment out loud about what you're reading while you're reading it, this book is better read in private rather than in a public place because it does provoke reactions and emotions. I finished the book in near record time and laughed and snickered alot along the way; the uglier words and behaviors in a few scenes also got me very emotionally invested in the well being of all the characters which I take as a sign of a well written story.
This was a fun read although I had some serious dislike for Hadley in the latter part of the book that stopped me from wanting her to be with Tyne for a time. There's plenty of 'will they won't they' in the story and some drama to spice up the romance element. Humor is abundant too despite death and its aftermath being central in the story. Hadley and Tyne make alot of erroneous assumptions and are frequently lacking in effective communication skills despite being successful in their respective professions; their questionable behaviors and words however do get the reader invested in the story, taking sides and switching allegiances as if it were a sporting match. Both Hadley and Tyne throw so many sabotaging wrenches into their relationship along the various stages of its attempted development that I wondered if they each got those wrenches in bulk somewhere; if they did that place needs to go out of business pronto. There are some curveballs in the plot that took me by surprise and a cute ending to cap off a story that covers alot of topics without feeling superficial or preachy, age and socioeconomic differences among them.
I am relatively new to reading Miranda Macleod's work but look forward to reading more of it in the future.
September 22, 2021
Very real and romantic
Loved the plot and the characters. Owen was adorbs. And it was very realistic of these two women to back out doing the lawyer route. One being aware of the crushing weight it can cause and the other too nice to bash in someone with a sleazy lawyer. I liked it.
Loved the plot and the characters. Owen was adorbs. And it was very realistic of these two women to back out doing the lawyer route. One being aware of the crushing weight it can cause and the other too nice to bash in someone with a sleazy lawyer. I liked it.
June 13, 2021
From out of the shadows of grief comes a love to last a lifetime. Tyne and Hadley wanted what was best for their nephew, Owen after Hadley’s sister and Tyne’s brother were killed in a car accident. The two set out obtain sole custody and even though they swore they wouldn’t play dirty, things became messy.
I really enjoyed both of our main characters as well as the supporting characters. Owen was a delight who I quickly fell in love with. Hadley’s character development progressed nicely as did the relationship between her and Tyne. Honestly, if the two of them had just been honest with one another and communicated like adults, things would have run more smoothly....but where’s the fun in that?!?
I really enjoyed both of our main characters as well as the supporting characters. Owen was a delight who I quickly fell in love with. Hadley’s character development progressed nicely as did the relationship between her and Tyne. Honestly, if the two of them had just been honest with one another and communicated like adults, things would have run more smoothly....but where’s the fun in that?!?
May 29, 2021
4.25 stars
A sweet romance that's got an age gap & opposites attract that make it a delectable delight to read. The more I read from this author the more I like. The story is set in the northeast, outside of Boston. A hardwired er doctor & an artist seem like the unlikely pair but a forced accident brings them together. The hard part is fighting their instincts & keeping apart.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
A sweet romance that's got an age gap & opposites attract that make it a delectable delight to read. The more I read from this author the more I like. The story is set in the northeast, outside of Boston. A hardwired er doctor & an artist seem like the unlikely pair but a forced accident brings them together. The hard part is fighting their instincts & keeping apart.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
a pleasant read... full of miscommunication and intrigue
when hadley received the call about her sister and brother in laws accident she was doing her high powered job as a doctor ... she couldnt leave right away as she had her own emergencies to deal with
but as soon as she could she hightailed it back home to be there for everyone, her sister had died from her extensive injuries and her brother in law was hanging on
but it was their son owen that was to cause such turmoil in the family....
on the deaths of both of them owen needed to be placed in a safe place tyne wasnt up for him being fostered as her time in foster care had scarred her so she planned on taking over responsibility for owen but hadley also had plans...
miscommunications and misunderstandings galore cause all sorts of upsets for both hadley and tyne and with owen life in the balance can they sort out their issues and put owen first before their own needs....time will tell
a great read that keeps you reading right till the end...
when hadley received the call about her sister and brother in laws accident she was doing her high powered job as a doctor ... she couldnt leave right away as she had her own emergencies to deal with
but as soon as she could she hightailed it back home to be there for everyone, her sister had died from her extensive injuries and her brother in law was hanging on
but it was their son owen that was to cause such turmoil in the family....
on the deaths of both of them owen needed to be placed in a safe place tyne wasnt up for him being fostered as her time in foster care had scarred her so she planned on taking over responsibility for owen but hadley also had plans...
miscommunications and misunderstandings galore cause all sorts of upsets for both hadley and tyne and with owen life in the balance can they sort out their issues and put owen first before their own needs....time will tell
a great read that keeps you reading right till the end...
August 11, 2021
.
I've enjoyed this book and I really liked the characters and the connection they had. The relationship was well developed too, and you could really feel the chemistry between the main characters.
I was a little thrown off by how small part of the story is the nephew they end up taking care of. And how little focus there is on dealing with the main characters losing their siblings. But I guess that has more to do with my expectations, this is a romance book after all. I still had fun reading it.
I've enjoyed this book and I really liked the characters and the connection they had. The relationship was well developed too, and you could really feel the chemistry between the main characters.
I was a little thrown off by how small part of the story is the nephew they end up taking care of. And how little focus there is on dealing with the main characters losing their siblings. But I guess that has more to do with my expectations, this is a romance book after all. I still had fun reading it.
May 28, 2021
My first from this author, great read!
Having lost a sibling recently, I find myself drawn to these stories to go through the grief and healing along with the MCs (it may sound strange but it’s been helpful). While this was a plot point, I felt the custody/adoption of the nephew the real plot star of this novel. Children in lesfic can be a hit or Miss for me, I loved how Owen (toddler age) was written. It gave me the “baby crazy” vibes!
Having lost a sibling recently, I find myself drawn to these stories to go through the grief and healing along with the MCs (it may sound strange but it’s been helpful). While this was a plot point, I felt the custody/adoption of the nephew the real plot star of this novel. Children in lesfic can be a hit or Miss for me, I loved how Owen (toddler age) was written. It gave me the “baby crazy” vibes!
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