I normally do not read this genre. In this case, I did because the book was offered free of charge for my Kindle.
The story was simplistic and predictable. It is about two beautiful but troubled people who meet each other and live happily ever after.
I am giving it one and one-half stars rather than one because it held my interest sufficiently to finish reading it. ( )

Laura is a pediatric oncology nurse whose life is altered when a patient dies. What began as a way to cope with a personal tragedy has now become a debilitating addiction, and her family and friends have staged an intervention. As she enters rehab, we meet Bradley, a former fighter pilot who lost the use of his voice when a missile he launches kills NATO forces. Although an investigation reveals it was not Bradley's fault, he cannot forgive himself for the tragedy.

Bradley and Laura meet when they both find work at a winery. Their attraction is instant, but their communication is somewhat hindered due to their mutual reluctance to discuss the past and Bradley's use of a BlackBerry to communicate. Just when things begin to fall into place for the couple, tragedy strikes again. This time, it could keep them apart forever....

I enjoyed the format of the story. It's told from alternate points of view, so we get inside the heads of both characters. The story line is predictable (as are most romances), but enjoyable nonetheless. It's also a very unique twist in that both characters are extremely damaged. There is a damsel-in-distress scene, which I could have done without. Laura becomes such a strong character and overcomes her addictions and past failures, and I would have liked to see her rescue herself in the end. However, there is a happily ever after, which is the way all romances should end.

There are sex scenes, but they aren't too graphic. (This is not erotic literature, despite the misleading cover.) My only complaint is with the dialogue. There's no witty or flirty dialogue between Bradley and Laura. Sometimes, the dialogue is awkward, even. In parts, it appears the characters are speaking to let the reader know what's happening, not really interacting with other characters. With a different cover and some revised dialogue, this book would be much more enjoyable. As it is, it is a sweet romance with no real surprises, but it's a pleasant afternoon read. ( )