Anatomy of a meet cute

A humorous meet cute kicks off this charming medical romance from Woolridge (The Bounce Back). When an attendant on a flight from L.A. to San Francisco calls for a medical professional to deal with a passenger on a bad drug trip, newly minted ob-gyn Samantha Hollbrook rises to the challenge, but in her nervousness, Sam misunderstands who she's meant to be treating, initially approaching (and insulting) Grant Gao--who turns out to be both a fellow doctor and Sam's supervisor when she arrives at her new job at San Francisco's Central Hospital. Despite their awkward start, Sam needs Grant's help spearheading a community health program to match pregnant patients with doulas. Grant's packed schedule and resistance to a new doctor starting a resource-draining community program keeps him from immediately agreeing, leaving Sam determined to prove him and all other naysayers wrong. Meanwhile, familial obligations threaten to push Sam over the edge as her mother pressures her to throw a massive family reunion party. The will-they-won't-they dynamic between Sam and Grant makes the romance sizzle, while the tension between Sam and her family adds some much needed drama. A sweet subplot about the supportive friendship between Sam and her roommates only adds to the charm. This is a delight. Agent: Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhill Assoc. (Mar.)

OB/GYN Samantha's caseload--and her life--is at full capacity: beginning her fellowship in community health research, building a community partnership between San Francisco Central Hospital and local doulas to increase positive health outcomes for marginalized pregnant people, managing her personal relationships with her mother and close friends, and trying to forget her embarrassing mid-flight interaction with the very cute Grant Gao, who soon turns out to be her new colleague at the hospital. She can't avoid Grant, even if she tries--he's signed up to be the adviser for her project. As they begin to spend time together outside of shifts, however, Sam is left wondering if he could be more than just her professional partner. Sam is determined to excel in every aspect of her life, and the single point of view gives readers an intimate look at her journey as she grows in her career, her activism, and her relationships. VERDICT Readers interested in a contemporary drama in a medical setting with well-developed characters and closed-door romance will appreciate this slow-burn from Woolridge (The Bounce Back).--Shanel Slater