Danae Ayusso ~ "Pass Slowly"

"Sometimes the ones we need in order for us to see ourselves clearly are the ones that we don't want to let in…that we can't afford to let in."

When I started reading this book, I wasn't sure I'll like it. At all. I mean, a flirtatious, scared of commitment, surgeon with a ‘reputation' meets a snarky, know-it-all, terrified-of-being-tied-down lady? A bit too much maybe? But... the more I read, the more I enjoyed it, and now I wish there was more. Much, much more, because I'm damn sorry this story had to end. It is amazingly good!



Dr. Jackson O'Neil is a talented doctor, and a Captain in the US Army. He's also quite a charmer, and definitely not afraid to use his skills when necessary. Especially if those ‘skills' include batting eyelashes. Life is good for our hot surgeon, that's for sure... until a woman rides into ER, with a finger knuckle deep in the chest of a guy who's been a victim of a hit and run. Naturally, it turns out the woman is Dr. Max Taylor – the new temporary Chief of Surgery. And that's when the fun begins.

If you're looking for one of those instant-love stories, with a lot of romance, some angst, a wedding and 2.5 kids, you're in the wrong place. This story is too real to be anything like that. It's more of instant-enemies thing. The type where they become friends, then they become more than friends, and finally they find what they had no idea they were looking for in the first place. Does that make sense?

Both Jackson and Max are amazing characters. Their banter is incredibly funny, their relationship progresses slowly and naturally, and their journey is full of both humor and heartbreaking moments. They are simply perfect for each other. Neither of them needs another person to make them feel complete, but together they manage to create something important and special. What's even more important – they manage to find respect and support that lasts forever.

Pass Slowly is an incredible story. I loved all the characters – even the secondary ones. Beware, though, you'll probably get dizzy reading about all the Dr. Taylors. There are a lot of them here. I loved the slow pace of the story, the way you can actually feel the connection between the characters forming and strengthening. I even loved the ending – unexpected and tear-jerking as it was – it fitted perfectly.

If you enjoy reading medical romance, or romance in general, be sure not to miss this story. It will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. What more could you possibly ask for?

4.5 stars just because I wish there was a translation for all those Norwegian dialogues in there.

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews