Book Review
The Infertile Heart by BK Harrell
Book 1: The Doctors of Atlanta Series
Publisher: Xlibris US
Publication Date: May 2, 2016
Format: Hardcover & Paperback - 306 pages
Kindle - 839 KB
Nook - 412 KB
ISBN: 978-1514477120
ASIN: B01F9D153SBNID: 978-1514477144
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Sports Medical Theme
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addictions Virtual Book Tours.
Book Description:
The hero of my recently completed novel, The Infertile Heart, has finally found the woman who can complete him, but will their past prevent them from having a future. Set in Atlanta, GA, this character driven story is a 112,257-word contemporary romance. Adventuresome and sensual, the book weaves a story of love and loss, lies and truth, and the story of two people learning to love again even though the trials and tribulations they face will stack the cards against them.
An overachiever, Dr. Lincoln Montgomery is a Noble Prize winning billionaire who has spent his life giving others what he could not give to others. Losing his brother to cystic fibrosis he was driven to find a cure for the gene mutation that took his life. Even given his success, he could not prevent the death of his wife and unborn child to a drunk driver and spent the last three years mourning their passing and trying to find a way back. A chance meeting plunges Lincoln back into the dating pool with the one woman he thinks could fertilize his infertile heart.
Dr. Nicole Harris is a physical therapist who has struggled with the decisions she made as a teenager. Drugged and raped by her date at 14, Nicole ended up pregnant and gave her child up for adoption in order to ensure that she would have a good life. Finding the perfect family that would keep Nicole abreast of Aubrey’s developments was fear number one priority. Having given up on love and finding someone who would appreciate her for the woman that she was, Nicole had grown to be. Feeding her love of golf and football, Nicole meets Dr. Lincoln Montgomery. Could Lincoln be the one to fertilize her long dormant infertile heart.
Book Excerpt:
Looking into his eyes, Nicole was intrigued by what she saw and felt. It was as if the sky
had cleared, the sun was shining and she felt the refreshing breeze after a spring rain hit her all
at once. But, she could see something else in his eyes that gave her pause. She could see a
lingering deep despair that made her want to take him in her arms and tell him it would be
okay. At 5’ 8” with dark blond hair and brown eyes, she had always been a tomboy at heart and
much preferred playing games outdoors to sitting inside and reading. She had never really
considered herself a beautiful woman just merely average but she had never been swept off
her feet or stopped dead in her tracks by meeting a man until now. Her athletic grace seemed
to elude her anytime she saw something she may be interested in. Today had caught her by
surprise. She did not see this tall stranger until it was too late and she was bumping into him
with full force running to get something for her mother. Right now she was thanking God that
she needed more ketchup for her fries. “It is a pleasure to meet you Dr. Montgomery” she said
with a smile and warm tender eyes. Nicole had been alone too long. Yes she dated in recent
years but it never lasted. She was looking for the one Mr. Right not Mr. Right now. She had
always had a notion that romantic love, love at first sight was out there waiting for her and she
would not settle for anything less. However, today she could not help feeling that maybe she
had finally found her tall prince charming. “So, did you go to school here?” she asked.
“No I am a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.” Lincoln said.
“Eww.” Nicole said with a chuckle. “So what brings you to Auburn? Slumming it with other schools?” She said mockingly.
“No, since Rob and I became friends, I have become almost as much part of the Auburn family as I am the Georgia Bulldog Nation. I like to give to the scholarship fund every year but unfortunately my seats usually go unused or given to friends and staff members. As a matter of fact I just auctioned off my luxury box at Georgia for the Auburn Georgia game last night at the charity event.”
“Well that was mighty nice of you. So why are you here and not in Athens today?”
“I prefer Rob and Erin’s company to the empty seats around me. It is so nice to have friends that accept me for what I am and not who I am or who I know.”
“Well then”, she said “you want to avoid that group over there. They only care about your bank account and whether or not they can get into it.” She said pointing at a group of women standing on the far side of the room. Lincoln laughed hard for what seemed like the first time in 3 years. He was suddenly feeling light on his feet as if the burden was being lifted.
“So what about you Nicole, do you enjoy your work and living in Atlanta?”
“I love my job. I am lucky enough to work with the best people in the business and the ability to see people regain use of their bodies and even walk again is simply amazing. I often find it difficult to put into words how I feel about it. Atlanta, well it is Atlanta. I grew up outside of Atlanta and lived there all of my life except for college and grad school. The only big change is moving to the Dunwoody area.”
“Really, I live over in the Dunwoody area as well. I wanted something close to work and to avoid the commute.” Lincoln said but thought I am running away from the ghosts of my past at my house. What would she think about me if she knew the truth.” “Please do not think this is another line, but you look so familiar. I can’t help but feel that I have seen you somewhere this weekend.”
“Well unless you were out at the Grand National yesterday then it was not this weekend.” Nicole said.
“Wait. You were the woman I saw on the 18th tee box. I stood there and admired you grace and athleticism from afar. I was taken by your strength and beauty and the way you could drive a golf ball. I was surprised to see you playing from the men’s tees. I don’t mean that in a sexist way it is just most women play from the forward tees.”
“Well I suppose most women are not scratch golfers from the men’s tees.”
Suddenly flush with renewed vigor, Lincoln knew he had to spend more time with this remarkable woman. “Please don’t think that I am being too forward, but are currently seeing anyone seriously or not so seriously? I only ask because I would really like to take you to dinner or lunch so that we could get to know each other better.”
“Well Dr. Montgomery, this is totally unexpected, but no I am not seeing anyone serious or otherwise. I would not mind having dinner with you but my schedule is very busy and I have a difficult time getting away from work at a decent hour.”
Interrupting her Lincoln said, “Please call me Lincoln or Linc as that is what my friends call me. Sorry to interrupt please continue.”
“As I was saying, I do believe I can try to make some time.” Nicole was suddenly struck with the thought why did I say yes to something so quickly. I know that I do not really have time, but there is something about him that intrigues me and makes me want to know him better. Holding out her hand Nicole says, “Give me your phone and I will put my number in there then you can text me with yours. I am sorry to have to run but I need to get back to my family since they are done eating. We always like to get to our seats early so that we can watch Nova fly before the game.”
Unsure what to do, Lincoln held out his hand to Nicole but was surprised when she pulled him in for a quick hug.
“Just as good as I thought it would be Dr. Montgomery.” Nicole said with a slight flirtiness in her voice.
After their too brief hug, Lincoln stood there staring at Nicole momentarily shocked by her display of affection, he could do nothing more than smile at her and bid her goodbye. Lincoln was so excited he could not stand it.
Rob saw Lincoln and turned to Erin to point out the look on his face and eyes. “I don’t know what just happened” he said “but I don’t think I have seen him like this in years.” Rob laughed as he watched Lincoln walk towards them with an almost swagger in his step. He was shocked by the change of his demeanor today. Gone was the dark brooding Lincoln replaced by the man he knew so many years ago. Not sure what to make of what had just happened he was silent while he waited for Lincoln to tell him about the encounter.
Lincoln wanted to talk to Rob and Erin but he did not know what to say. What was he feeling? He had so many emotions running through his mind at this very instant that he could barely make sense of the ground moving beneath his feet. “Rob, I don’t know or even understand what just happened. I feel like every nerve ending is on fire.”
“Lincoln, I haven’t seen you like this in a long time. You look like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders.”
“I don’t know what to do. I feel so alive but I‘m terrified all at once. How can someone I just met have this effect on me? I mean just looking into her eyes set my soul ablaze. I could see the sweetness and desire in her and it was just one touch and one long glance into her eyes.”
“Lincoln, I can’t pretend to know what you are feeling with all that you have been through, but I have known for a long time that you needed to connect with someone else and once you meet that person you would hopefully find that closure. Maybe she is that connection that you need.”
“No I am a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.” Lincoln said.
“Eww.” Nicole said with a chuckle. “So what brings you to Auburn? Slumming it with other schools?” She said mockingly.
“No, since Rob and I became friends, I have become almost as much part of the Auburn family as I am the Georgia Bulldog Nation. I like to give to the scholarship fund every year but unfortunately my seats usually go unused or given to friends and staff members. As a matter of fact I just auctioned off my luxury box at Georgia for the Auburn Georgia game last night at the charity event.”
“Well that was mighty nice of you. So why are you here and not in Athens today?”
“I prefer Rob and Erin’s company to the empty seats around me. It is so nice to have friends that accept me for what I am and not who I am or who I know.”
“Well then”, she said “you want to avoid that group over there. They only care about your bank account and whether or not they can get into it.” She said pointing at a group of women standing on the far side of the room. Lincoln laughed hard for what seemed like the first time in 3 years. He was suddenly feeling light on his feet as if the burden was being lifted.
“So what about you Nicole, do you enjoy your work and living in Atlanta?”
“I love my job. I am lucky enough to work with the best people in the business and the ability to see people regain use of their bodies and even walk again is simply amazing. I often find it difficult to put into words how I feel about it. Atlanta, well it is Atlanta. I grew up outside of Atlanta and lived there all of my life except for college and grad school. The only big change is moving to the Dunwoody area.”
“Really, I live over in the Dunwoody area as well. I wanted something close to work and to avoid the commute.” Lincoln said but thought I am running away from the ghosts of my past at my house. What would she think about me if she knew the truth.” “Please do not think this is another line, but you look so familiar. I can’t help but feel that I have seen you somewhere this weekend.”
“Well unless you were out at the Grand National yesterday then it was not this weekend.” Nicole said.
“Wait. You were the woman I saw on the 18th tee box. I stood there and admired you grace and athleticism from afar. I was taken by your strength and beauty and the way you could drive a golf ball. I was surprised to see you playing from the men’s tees. I don’t mean that in a sexist way it is just most women play from the forward tees.”
“Well I suppose most women are not scratch golfers from the men’s tees.”
Suddenly flush with renewed vigor, Lincoln knew he had to spend more time with this remarkable woman. “Please don’t think that I am being too forward, but are currently seeing anyone seriously or not so seriously? I only ask because I would really like to take you to dinner or lunch so that we could get to know each other better.”
“Well Dr. Montgomery, this is totally unexpected, but no I am not seeing anyone serious or otherwise. I would not mind having dinner with you but my schedule is very busy and I have a difficult time getting away from work at a decent hour.”
Interrupting her Lincoln said, “Please call me Lincoln or Linc as that is what my friends call me. Sorry to interrupt please continue.”
“As I was saying, I do believe I can try to make some time.” Nicole was suddenly struck with the thought why did I say yes to something so quickly. I know that I do not really have time, but there is something about him that intrigues me and makes me want to know him better. Holding out her hand Nicole says, “Give me your phone and I will put my number in there then you can text me with yours. I am sorry to have to run but I need to get back to my family since they are done eating. We always like to get to our seats early so that we can watch Nova fly before the game.”
Unsure what to do, Lincoln held out his hand to Nicole but was surprised when she pulled him in for a quick hug.
“Just as good as I thought it would be Dr. Montgomery.” Nicole said with a slight flirtiness in her voice.
After their too brief hug, Lincoln stood there staring at Nicole momentarily shocked by her display of affection, he could do nothing more than smile at her and bid her goodbye. Lincoln was so excited he could not stand it.
Rob saw Lincoln and turned to Erin to point out the look on his face and eyes. “I don’t know what just happened” he said “but I don’t think I have seen him like this in years.” Rob laughed as he watched Lincoln walk towards them with an almost swagger in his step. He was shocked by the change of his demeanor today. Gone was the dark brooding Lincoln replaced by the man he knew so many years ago. Not sure what to make of what had just happened he was silent while he waited for Lincoln to tell him about the encounter.
Lincoln wanted to talk to Rob and Erin but he did not know what to say. What was he feeling? He had so many emotions running through his mind at this very instant that he could barely make sense of the ground moving beneath his feet. “Rob, I don’t know or even understand what just happened. I feel like every nerve ending is on fire.”
“Lincoln, I haven’t seen you like this in a long time. You look like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders.”
“I don’t know what to do. I feel so alive but I‘m terrified all at once. How can someone I just met have this effect on me? I mean just looking into her eyes set my soul ablaze. I could see the sweetness and desire in her and it was just one touch and one long glance into her eyes.”
“Lincoln, I can’t pretend to know what you are feeling with all that you have been through, but I have known for a long time that you needed to connect with someone else and once you meet that person you would hopefully find that closure. Maybe she is that connection that you need.”
My Book Review:
The Infertile Heart is a heartwarming medical / sports romance tale about life experiences, new beginnings, and second chances.
Author BK Harrell weaves a wonderful romance set in Atlanta, Georgia, that follows the chance meeting of Dr. Lincoln Montgomery and Dr. Nicole Harris. Lincoln and Nicole's unexpected connection will lead them on a journey towards rebuilding their lives, and getting a second chance at finding love. You can't help but become captivated by this engaging story filled with the challenges of overcoming traumatic pasts, dark secrets, family drama, life struggles, misunderstandings, and small sacrifices, as Lincoln and Nicole take a chance at forming a bond that could teach them how to love again.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the nice mixture of the medical and college football sports romance themes. The intriguing romantic twists and turns easily kept me engaged and guessing, while the rich descriptions of the college football games that were included in the story kept me thoroughly entertained. What a great first book in a brand new series, I can't wait to read the next book!
In The Infertile Heart, broken hearts and traumatic life experiences can be put in the past when given a second chance at love through the healing spirit of this touching and soul-stirring medical / sports romance story.
The Infertile Heart is the first book in The Doctors of Atlanta Series.
RATING: 5 STARS
About The Author
BK Harrell is a former Navy physician who has had a long love of writing. He specializes in medical, military and sports romance writing. He began seriously writing while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and has never looked back. Whether he is teaching, serving his country, educating people about the fine art of cigars, practicing medicine or spending time with friends and family he uses his diverse background to shape the world around him through words.
He uses his unique experiences and love of all things Atlanta, University of Georgia and sports to weave intricately detailed stories focused on Atlanta and the surrounding areas. His goal is to bring the same joy and excitement he sees in his own city to the readers and to allow them to experience the city through his eyes.
Dr. Harrell is married to his beautiful wife Erin, a proud graduate of Auburn University, which makes multiple appearances in his books, and their wonderful one son. Dr. Harrell is a native of Augusta, GA and a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Emory University, and proud to have been a member of the first ever graduating class of Georgia Campus Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He currently resides in the Atlanta area where he practices medicine and raises his family.
Author Website
The Infertile Heart Website
Goodreads
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