Connor Matthews is the last man Dr. Kate Graham should be thinking about—especially after he roars into St. Patrick’s E.R. on a motorbike, breaking every rule yet making one little boy’s final wish come true. The hospital calls him a playboy, a legend, a surgeon who never lets anyone close. And Kate, with her fragile heart locked behind walls she’s spent years rebuilding, refuses to be his next cautionary tale.
But Connor’s reckless charm hides a tenderness she never expected… and the fire that sparks whenever he’s near threatens to burn through every barrier she’s fought to keep in place. Late-night rounds turn into lingering glances, and the tension coiled between them becomes impossible to ignore.
Kate vowed never to love again. Connor vowed never to stay. So why does one stolen moment with him feel dangerously—irreversibly—like the beginning of forever?
Veterinary student Saira Rawal definitely believes in love. It’s just…not for her. Not when getting through her days without panic attacks is struggle enough. But at least she has Tyler Hart—her brother’s best friend, who has always been her safe space. He even takes her in when she and her disaster of a therapy puppy need somewhere to stay! So when she can return the favor, helping him save face with his brother by pretending they’re together, she steps right up. With a pretend relationship, it’s not like there’s any chance of someone really getting hurt…right?
This is a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that blends family tension, fake engagement hijinks, and long-suppressed feelings. Tyler Hart has lived in the shadow of his older brother Colton since their parents’ divorce, constantly made to feel lesser. When Colton arrives unexpectedly with his new fiancée—who happens to be Tyler’s ex—the old wounds are instantly reopened.
Enter Saira Rawal, Tyler’s longtime friend and his best friend’s little sister. When she needs a place to stay after being evicted for owning a dog, Tyler steps in without hesitation. Faced with Colton’s smug visit and Rita’s presence, Saira impulsively claims she and Tyler are engaged, setting off a chain of emotional fallout and family drama. The fake engagement forces Tyler and Saira to confront the feelings they’ve both been carefully avoiding for years.
Shroff excels at balancing romance with depth, thoughtfully addressing serious themes—particularly mental health—without overwhelming the story. The chemistry between Tyler and Saira feels earned, rooted in years of friendship and quiet longing. As the final installment in the Once Upon a Wedding series, this novel is both satisfying and touching, leaving readers deeply connected to its characters and hopeful for more.
My Sanctuary 