A woman betrayed in the worst way by her husband. A man who has never fit in wherever he went. Together, they find a deep love which will heal and restore them …

Autumn Sutherland, a dedicated nurse, catches her doctor husband cheating on her with a colleague. Heartbroken, she divorces him and returns to her hometown for a fresh start. Once in Hawthorne, she accepts a position as Director of Nursing at the soon-to-open Hogan Health Hospital—Triple H—hoping to find a new purpose in both her professional and personal life.

Former ER physician and new medical director Eli Carson grew up in foster care. While a brilliant doctor, Eli is shy and socially awkward, having skipped several grades throughout his education. Despite his reserved nature, Eli is deeply compassionate and dedicated to his patients, earning the respect and admiration of everyone at the new medical center.

As Autumn and Eli work together, they form a strong bond built on their shared passion for helping others. Autumn is drawn to Eli’s kindness and humility, while Eli admires Autumn’s strength and determination. Despite their initial hesitation about becoming involved, as they spend more time together, their friendship blossoms into something deeper.

Will Autumn and Eli learn to open their hearts to one another, or will their pasts keep them from finding a lasting future together?

Titles in the Hearts in Hawthorne series include: Heartstrings and Helmets ~ Heartbeat Harmony ~ Agent of the Heart ~ Hearts and Hooves ~ Hoops and Hearts ~

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Heartbeat Harmony
Series:  Hearts in Hawthorne #2
Author:  Alexa Aston
Published:  July 22, 2025
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Heartbeat Harmony is the second title in the Hearts in Hawthorne series, this time featuring Autumn and Eli.  We met Autumn (and her twin, Summer) in the first story of the series… and her douchebag of a husband.  Didn’t surprise me one little bit that this nasty piece of work (and I’d love to use stronger language to describe him) did an absolutely horrific thing to Autumn.  The writing was on the wall, so to speak.  What I loved about Autumn’s reaction was her complete strength and decisive, immediate actions regarding the scumbag.  Oh, he deserved so much more!  Sure, she’s angry and hurt as she returns to her hometown to rebuild, to grab a fresh start, but she’s not letting his actions define her; she’s reaching out for a future that’s entirely hers, unexpected perhaps, but she deserves the good things that will come her way.

I absolutely adored Eli; he’s a unique romance hero, and I dare you not to fall in love with him yourself.  Taking over his new position at this brand new hospital is challenging work, but Eli never expected the deep connection he’d make with one woman who would change his life.  Watching Eli and Autumn together, growing from their pasts, building something strong and lasting, was a delightful, emotional journey.  Plus, we get one sweet puppy to smile at and enjoy another new adventure for Eli, puppy-fatherhood.  *grin*  There’s nothing quite like the antics and devotion of a dog, and Eli’s about to experience that joy (ok, sometimes frustration at chewed up shoes) to the fullest.

I loved returning to Hawthorne for Autumn and Eli’s story, and to run into familiar faces and see how their journey is going as well.  If you love a well-written, engaging, emotional romance with believable characters and realistic situations, then you’d love Heartbeat Harmony.  Now, it’s time to pick up the next book in the series and fall in love all over again.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)