When a Man Loves a Woman [Mass Market Paperback]

The strength of this book lies in Alina Adams' written dialog and character development. There is no big suspense or mystery subplot, and not a lot of technical medical narrative - just the halting and sometimes painfully realistic unfolding of a relationship between two people who are very cerebral and who long ago had to learn how to suppress feelings and spontaneity in the service of their profession. In this respect, it's a romance in its purest form, and if you are used to a lot of action in your stories, you may find this one a little more challenging to read. It's a story that can't be read in one sitting because it's too intense, and at times, I had to put it down to take a breather. However, I found I couldn't abandon it. Brody and Elliot stuck to me like cockleburrs, and I had to find out what they were going to do about their dilemma. These characters are not starry-eyed and suddenly smitten; instead, there is a fairly pervasive sexual tension between them throughout the book. This story is also different in that the characters are older and more experienced than is usual in this genre - both are in their early 40's and entering the height of their professional achievement. AA's book reminds us that love blooms at any age and in the most unanticipated places - a really nice story.

Deb Brody and James Elliot have been friends since Med School began twenty years ago. Brody's been married this whole time, Elliot's been a bachelor. They have been best - call in the middle of the night when you're worried, show up when you know the other's in trouble, take care of you when you need it - friends. When Brody's husband dies, their relationship changes. Elliot is in love with Brody, but Brody wants to respect her dead husband.

About halfway through the book some workplace politics cause Brody to think that Elliot betrayed her and the book changes tracks very quickly. She is forced to reassess her relationship with Elliot and her feelings for him.

I enjoyed reading this book because I actually know people like the two main characters. They are flawed, but lovable people. They have made career and personal choices that affect their lives, and they are not 100% comfortable with them. They are the best of friends, but what do you do when the person you need most wants more from you than you're ready to give? What do you do when the person you've cared about most in your life thinks the worst of you? Adams addresses these questions deftly, and as a result, the book feels real - more like a story about people you know than a book about distant far-off places and people.

It is this intimacy that I enjoyed the most about this book. The author took her time to explore both characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Their realness made me care about them more, and when they had ups, so did I. When they had downs, so did I.

There is one sub-plot within the book that seemed a little contrived. It has to do with a betrayal (I won'd give details because that might spoil it). Basically, I felt that the characters, as written, would not have actually behaved the way they did. But this flaw takes little away from the book as a whole, and all its other enjoyable aspects overcame this small drawback.

So if you're looking for a good real-life romance with main characters that are as flawed and yet lovable as real people, definitely read this book. I don't think you'll regret it.

In 2000, both work at Los Angeles Valley Hospital. Elliot runs the renowned pediatric trauma medicine department while Brody heads up the Pediatric Neurosurgury Department. They remain close friends, though Deborah still loves Max. However, the unthinkable occurs when Max suddenly dies from a heart attack. Elliot supports his best friend through her grief, but one night they lose it and make love. While she wants to return to being buddies, he wants her to be his bosom buddy forever.

WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN is an entertaining contemporary romance that centers on friendship between the genders. The lead characters drive the story line as their strong friendship turns into a passionate love. Though the two doctors are a charming couple, Max is the rare character that gains reader respect. He not only approves his spouse's friendship with Elliot; he encourages it because he trusts her with every cell in his body. Alina Adams provides readers with an enjoyable medical romance that will send the audience seeking ANNIE'S WILD RIDE.

Harriet Klausner