Beyond Repair by Susie Tate is an emotional, gritty, yet heartwarming romance that brings together two complete opposites in a story that is as intense as it is endearing. Katie is the bubbly, scattered, endlessly kind-hearted doctor whose warmth draws everyone in. She is the sort of heroine who lights up every room, who always has time for her patients and friends, even if she is running late, clumsy, or rambling her way into awkwardness. On the surface, she is sunshine personified, but underneath, Katie is dealing with shadows from her past, including a stalker who refuses to let her go.

Sam, by contrast, is the surly, brooding ex-Special Forces operative, scarred inside and out, whose intimidating presence and clipped words have convinced Katie for years that he cannot stand her. He is a man who has lived in silence and control for so long that numbness feels like safety. For six years he has kept his distance from Katie, hiding behind a mask of indifference, but when he learns about the stalker who has been tormenting her with notes and threats, everything changes. Protecting her becomes non-negotiable, and suddenly Sam, who has spent years avoiding her, is forced into her life in the most intense way possible.

What unfolds is a romance as much about healing as it is about attraction. Katie’s chatter, warmth, and relentless optimism drives Sam mad, but they also chip away at the walls he has built around his heart. Their push-and-pull dynamic; her sunshine against his storm, creates sparks that leaps off the pages. Yet, Sam’s past, riddled with trauma and secrets he is unwilling to share keeps him lashing out, withdrawing, and nearly destroying the fragile bond they build. Watching Katie try to stand firm, even as his moods swing hot and cold, was both frustrating and deeply moving.

This book has a darker edge than Susie Tate’s earlier stories, thanks to the stalker subplot and the raw way it handles Sam’s PTSD. At times Sam’s behavior, particularly the cruel things he says when he is afraid, made me want to shake him. His inability to believe he deserved love dragged out their journey, but when he finally gave in, the redemption was powerful. What balanced all that angst was Katie herself, who is one of the most lovable heroines I have read: scattered, affectionate, sometimes naive, but unfailingly brave. The humor sprinkled throughout due to a wonderful secondary cast helped soften the darker parts.

I especially loved how the stalker story line forced Sam to face feelings he’d denied for years. It was not just about protecting Katie’s safety, it was about protecting her light, and in doing so, he had to confront the darkness in himself. The epilogue, with its glimpse of their chaotic, love-filled future, was a gorgeous conclusion after all the pain, making their journey feel truly earned.

Recommended for: readers who enjoy opposites-attract romances, scarred ex-military heroes, and heroines who are sunshine and love.

Final Verdict: Darker and more intense than Susie Tate’s earlier works, Beyond Repair delivers a heartfelt, angsty romance with a beautifully delivered ending.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Apple