The couple's chemistry in this book had me hooked. The beginning had me biting my nails and I just couldn't put this book down.

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.

Medical romances are my pleasure and there’s not one iota of guilt to be found particularly when the title hints at one of M&B’s most beloved tropes.

“You were supposed to be a fling...”

Louisa George never fails to deliver an all-round satisfying romance and keeps up the trend with paediatric doc, Ethan and nurse, Claire whose journey on the the SOS Poseidon, providing aid to refugees rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, holds some more serious notes amongst their chemistry and growing feelings.

“It’s not our place to judge, we just have to help them rebuild something better than what they left behind.”

I literally read this is one sitting which I think is a fair endorsement of my enjoyment—what hit the spot for me here was location location location offering readers something that bit different—and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from the SOS Docs: Chase has definitely caught my eye.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ethan became a doctor and worked in Africa to help the needy. This was because at the young age of seventeen, his life was saved by a team-mate. Four others from the team perished on that fateful day. Ethan felt like he had to redeem himself by helping others. Over a decade later, he is asked to help his rescuer by working on a mercy boat that rescues refugees. On the night before setting sail, he meets a young woman by coming to her rescue from another man who won't take no for an answer. The two get stuck in an elevator and one thing leads to another. The next day they meet again on the boat.

This story is a fascinating one. I couldn't stop reading it. It was enchanting about two hurt people who come together while helping others. Getting a dual POV format, was a big bonus especially with Ethan. He was such a hurt individual. Being able to see into this character's mind and thought-process really helped me to fully understand where he was coming from.

I highly recommend this story to anyone.