Dr. Stanton by T.L. Swan

*** Review ***

In  Dr. Stanton by T.L. Swan, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of romance, deception, and unexpected twists. The story revolves around Cameron Stanton, who becomes the Santa Claus of happiness for the protagonist. Although she cannot pinpoint the exact moment she fell in love with him, she realizes that with each glance, touch, and passing minute, he manages to steal a piece of her heart.

The book begins with an intriguing premise and an excellent start that immediately captures the reader’s attention. The protagonist meets Cameron in Las Vegas, where she pretends to be his wife to fend off another man. Little does she know that he takes their fake marriage seriously, and it becomes his personal mission to consummate it. The language barrier adds a layer of humor, with him speaking French and her responding to him in German, making their interactions both entertaining and engaging.

One of the strongest aspects of  Dr. Stanton is its fast-paced nature. The story maintains a good balance between descriptive passages and character interactions, ensuring that readers remain invested throughout. The pacing keeps the plot moving forward and heightens the anticipation for what will happen next. This contributes to the book’s overall entertainment value.

Furthermore, the main characters, Cameron Stanton and the protagonist, are well-developed and possess complex personalities. Cameron’s charisma and charm make him an irresistible love interest, while the protagonist’s wit and vulnerability add depth to her character. The author skillfully explores their emotional journeys, allowing readers to connect with their experiences and root for their relationship. Their chemistry is palpable, and the steamy moments between them add an extra layer of intensity and passion.

When it comes to the main characters, Cam possesses a domineering, arrogant, and impulsive nature, coupled with a stubborn streak. Although his actions occasionally annoyed me, there was something intriguing about his personality that drew me in. His hidden tenderness and mischievous side added depth to his character and made him more likable in spite of his flaws.

On the other hand, understanding Ashley, the strong, capable, and determined single mother, proved challenging at times. While she initially impressed me with her resilience, I struggled to comprehend some of her inexplicable choices. As a mother myself, I found it difficult to relate to certain decisions she made, leaving me with a sense of disconnect from her character.

However, it is important to note that these contrasting aspects of the main characters’ personalities contribute to their complexity and make them more human. Just like real people, they have their strengths and weaknesses, and their actions may not always align with our expectations. This adds a layer of realism to their portrayal, even if it doesn’t always resonate with personal experiences or beliefs.

Additionally, the inclusion of well-inserted side characters enhances the overall narrative. These characters contribute to the story’s progression, adding depth and complexity to the plot. Their interactions with the main characters help shape the events, making the story more multifaceted and engaging. Whether it’s supportive friends, meddling family members, or intriguing acquaintances, each character serves a purpose and adds depth to the overall story.

Furthermore, one of the highlights of the book is the portrayal of true friendship. The connection between the Ashley and her friend Jenna is beautifully depicted, showcasing the integral role that friendship plays in people’s lives. The unwavering support and loyalty her friend provides to Ash throughout the story is heartwarming and adds an additional layer of depth to the narrative. It serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine friendships and the impact they have on our lives.

However, the book does have a few negative aspects that detract from its overall appeal. One notable issue is the romanticization of prostitution. While the author attempts to address and elaborate on this theme towards the end, for the majority of the book, it doesn’t make sense within the context of the story. This aspect could have been handled better to avoid any confusion or unintended messages. The exploration of serious themes such as single parenting, unsuccessful surgery, death in hospitals, and unwilling consumption of drugs is mentioned but not given the attention they deserve. These themes could have been further developed to provide more depth and emotional resonance to the story.

The book delves into the challenges of single parenting, portraying the difficulties, sacrifices, and tough choices faced by single parents in a well-elaborated manner. However, when it comes to other themes such as unsuccessful surgery, death in hospitals, and unwilling consumption of drugs, the level of elaboration falls short, leaving room for improvement in exploring their emotional depth and impact on the story.

Furthermore, some of the plot details and actions within the story seem far-fetched and not entirely believable. The situations described often stretch the boundaries of plausibility, making it challenging for readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. While some degree of suspension of disbelief is expected in romance novels, the lack of believability in certain aspects hinders the overall reading experience.

Additionally, one aspect that I found problematic was the stereotyping of certain individuals, particularly the recurring reference to certain people who possess substantial wealth but seem so “normal.” This generalization seemed overly simplistic and failed to capture the complexity and diversity of individuals who may have financial abundance.

In conclusion,  Dr. Stanton by T.L. Swan is an entertaining contemporary romance with lots of laugh-out-loud moments and an interesting premise. The book’s strong beginning, fast-paced narrative, and well-developed main characters make it an enjoyable read. The chemistry between Cameron Stanton and the protagonist adds depth to their relationship and keeps readers engaged. However, the romanticization of prostitution, lack of proper elaboration on serious themes, and some far-fetched plot details hinder its overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, readers looking for a light-hearted romance with steamy moments will find  Dr. Stanton an entertaining choice.