PAUSE is a standalone novel but set in the same world and including characters from Kylie Scott’s previous book REPEAT. This story starts out explaining how Anna was in an accident that put her in a coma, led to the dissolution of her marriage, and led her to a new love with a man who helped her that fateful day – even as he was also a victim. With contemporary romances, I often find myself “waiting for the other shoe to drop” and generally be on edge waiting for some third act contrivance that separates the hero and heroine. Thankfully, this story didn’t play out that way. Perhaps because of the singular set of circumstances that start this love story in motion, the author chooses to primarily focus on the evolution of the main characters and their relationship without throwing too many obstacles in their path. Whatever the reason, PAUSE is now one of my favorite books by Kylie Scott. PAUSE is told from alternating perspectives, which helps readers get a better understanding of the two main characters.

Anna wakes up from a coma, after an accident that was not in any way her fault, to discover what colossal creeps her husband and best friend are. While she was in the hospital, the pair were involved in an affair. In some stories, depending on the circumstances, such characters might have some complexity and moral shades of gray. Not so much in this case. Anna’s husband is very self-centered and more concerned with appearances than her feelings. By comparison, tattoo artist Leif – the man who was injured by the same hit-and-run driver Anna was – reads to her while she’s in her coma and has some compassion for others. This is a great book for readers who enjoy stories about fate or serendipity. If not for the accident, Anna and Leif might never have met, become roommates, and fell in love. The romance in PAUSE evolves in an interesting way. Anna and Leif become roommates first, then physically connect, before ultimately realizing the deeper emotional connection that develops. I love these characters. Anna finds her strength and discovers who she is as the novel progresses. She sticks up for herself and refuses to be pushed around by her ex without coming across as obnoxious. Likewise, Leif is the quintessential hot tattooed guy without being a cliché. Leif pursues Anna, often without her realizing it, while meeting her where she is and not being pushy about it. I like that he expresses affection and care without being demanding.

PAUSE has a compelling character-driven story paired with a romance that sizzles. I think the sex scenes in this book are more sensual and have more heat is because Kylie Scott does such a fab job of building up the characters and creating that to-die-for chemistry. I look forward to Kylie Scott’s next book. It’s always a sign of how much I enjoyed a book when I want it in multiple formats, and I’m looking to buy a print copy even though I have my eBook edition.

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