The Trauma Response by M. J. Padgett: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Reignition: the process of something burning again…like my heart when my high school crush crashes back into my life

Caius:

Putting out fires is second nature to me. I’m used to running in when everyone else is running out, and my private life is no different. When an old friend finds herself spiraling toward depression after a life-changing accident, I naturally leap into action. But I don’t anticipate the old feelings I once had for her sparking back to life, growing deeper with every glance, every touch, every moment spent together.

Tallulah:

Helping people soothes my soul. My career as a trauma surgeon has been my greatest life’s wish realized. But when it’s all ripped away from me in a car accident that leaves me with nothing but numbness in my left hand, I close off everyone who cares about me. Until my childhood friend, Caius Gray, shows up on my doorstep to rescue me once again.

Will Caius’ patience and tenderness heal my heart? Or will I ignore my growing attraction to my hero and fall into a never ending pit of despair?

The Author

M. J. Padgett is first and foremost a mom. Her free-spirited daughter has quite a vivid imagination, and her antics sometimes find their way into her mommy’s work. She is a lover of all things chocolate, a Grimm and Dickens addict, a self-proclaimed smarty-pants, and an introvert to the core.

Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.

Book Review

The Trauma Response is the second book in the Give a Bookish Girl a Biker series. This is a multi-author series and while they are interconnected, they can be enjoyed as standalones as well. 

If you're looking for a book you can read for a little bit before going on about your day... well, this one is NOT it. Once I started reading this one, I absolutely could not put it down. The story drew me in immediately with Tallulah getting into a car crash that would ultimately alter her career and reconnect her with Cai- her younger brother's childhood best friend and her former teenage crush who happened to be one of the firefighters on the scene. This story was absolutely beautiful. The chemistry was fantastic--- despite their years apart, these two had such an easy chemistry that I couldn't help but be drawn into. I loved how Cai stepped in to be there when she needed him most and never gave up on her. Their story was so emotional and tender--- dealing with the trauma and depression that comes from such a lifechanging event while also effortlessly weaving in a beautiful message of trusting God and His plans for our lives in those moments where life takes unexpected turns. While there were certainly moments that had me reaching for the tissues, there were also plenty of moments to lighten things up--- I particularly loved the biker group chat, which had me smiling at their fantastic banter and the overall sense of found family there. This is only the second book in the series, but already I love this group so much and am so looking forward to seeing the rest of them get their happily ever afters as well. 

The Trauma Response is a faith-filled, closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4157GGV