Saved by Their One-Night Baby

Good book. The story opened as seventeen-year-old Ethan experienced a life-changing event that left him with a deep well of survivor’s guilt. After becoming a pediatric doctor, he spends his life going from one humanitarian mission to another, mainly in Africa. When he gets a call from the teammate who saved his life all those years ago asking him to participate in a mission rescuing refugees his guilt-driven need to give back forces him to accept. The night before the mission leaves, Ethan comes to the rescue of a young woman who is dealing with a drunk Lothario. While escorting her to her room, the power to the elevator went out, and the attraction that had been sparking between them burst into flame. When the elevator restarts, they go their separate ways.

Claire is a nurse with a large and loving family who sometimes feels smothered by them. After ending a long-standing relationship, Claire is ready to spread her wings and experience a bit of adventure. She signed on to help on a medical mercy ship and is looking forward to it. The last thing she expected was a steamy encounter in an elevator with a total stranger. They purposely didn’t exchange any personal information, and she never expected to see him again.

The next day they were shocked to discover that they would be working together. Neither was in a place where they wanted a relationship, so they agreed to forget what had happened between them. Unfortunately for their plan, there was also a deeper connection that would not be denied. I loved seeing them spend time together, slowly building a friendship that filled a hole in both of them. I liked how easily they were able to talk to each other about anything. I liked Ethan’s support of Claire and her desire to step out of her comfort zone and how Claire encouraged Ethan to open up about his past and the effect it had on him. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction was, and the harder they both fought it. I especially hurt for Ethan, who believed that he was not worthy of having a happy future. Both were stunned when Claire discovered she was pregnant. I hurt for Claire, who saw it as an end to her dreams, but already loved the baby-to-be. Ethan had a harder time dealing with the news. I ached for him and his fear of allowing himself to care. His protectiveness toward Claire was pretty fierce, especially when he turned it on her need to do what was right for the baby. The ending was terrific, as an unexpected conversation with Chase opened Ethan’s eyes about his actions and motivations. His big moment with Claire was sweet and romantic, with just the right hint of vulnerability on his part.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of this book. The look at the plight of the refugees who fled such terror, preferring to face the dangers of the unknown, was heart-wrenching. I loved seeing how hard the staff on the ship worked to help those they rescued. I was moved right along with Claire and Ethan as they worked to save the pregnant woman and her baby.

Ethan’s relationship with Chase was a big part of the book. The past haunts both. Ethan because he survived when so many didn’t, and Chase because he lost his best friend. Interactions between Ethan and Chase are awkward at best, as they bring back memories both would prefer to forget. I liked that Claire’s influence helped Ethan talk to Chase about that time in their lives. Though painful, it was necessary, and I liked the effect it had on Ethan. I’m looking forward to reading Chase’s story, as he is just as broken as Ethan was.