In Sarah Mayberry’s latest Harlequin romance, The Other Side of Us, Oliver Barrett discovers that his wife has been cheating on him, so he retreats to the beach-side cottage his aunt left him. Thinking of being neighborly, he introduces himself to the woman living next door and is shocked at her rudeness. He decides that it is best that he stays to himself anyway, to evaluate his situation and what he wants to do now that his marriage has been shattered. Mackenzie Williams has also decided to spend some time alone, to recuperate from the devastating car accident that has left her scarred and broken. After finishing a grueling rehab session, she’s a little surprised by the knock on the door. Trying very hard to not give in to the nausea caused by overtaxing herself, she can’t help but be rude to the man at the door. Consumed with improving her health and getting back to her job, she too decides to keep to herself. Unfortunately their dogs have other plans, developing a canine friendship that forces Oliver and Mackenzie together again.

I’d forgotten how much I like Mayberry’s romances. She gives readers complex characters with depth and interest, and stories that touch the heart. Both Oliver and Mackenzie are troubled and have much to work out, but they become friends and have an attraction that leads them to something more. I enjoyed how they helped each other and Mayberry did a good job of giving them realistic reactions to their issues. Some may have a problem with how quickly Oliver moves into something with Mackenzie but it’s handled well. The epilogue is tender and I liked how they have a happy ending, but it isn’t all roses and candy. They are given real issues with real consequences.

The Other Side of Us is a sweet romance with depth and realism.