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Care and Comfort

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Devon Tierney has been in Secret Sprinss for a long time, huis duties as a midwife making sure he sees everyone else's happy ending. But he doesn't see much opportunity to date,, and even with his amazing cats waiting for him at home, he's lonely. Enter a super grumpy EMT with a sister who goes into labor on Valentine's Day, and Devon starts to wonder if he should rethink that feeling.

Laird McCallum wants his sister to go to a hospital too give birth. He's an EMT, and he has no love for any kind of super-crunchy-granola birth center and the midwife who goes with it. But then he gets to know Devon, and he has to admit, he enjoys his company, and he thinks Devon his utterly lovely.

But then they have to come together and get to know one another in the most awkward set of circumstances. Can they find a way to be together, even though they did everything backward?

Care and Comfort is a amall town mpreg romance with curious cats, quirky families, and lots of hard work to make a love that can last.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

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About the author

Minerva Howe

87 books197 followers
Minerva Howe is the kinky alter ego of author Julia Talbot. Julia lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Samhain as well as other publishing houses. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.

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5 stars
85 (59%)
4 stars
40 (27%)
3 stars
16 (11%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Thurman.
772 reviews8 followers
March 31, 2026
I like the author but I didn't like the book.
First off, the book is filled with random time skips. We don't see how the relationship develops. For example, they meet in the first chapter, and Laird is agonistic toward Devon because he thinks his sister should be in a hospital, not a birthing center. In the next chapter, they meet for the second time and go to a diner because Devon has had a long few days. Laird apologizes for his behavior. My point is we didn't get to see any of the birth or their interaction. We don't know why Laird changed his mind.
Another example is that they met by accident in a store a few weeks(?) later. We are told they have lunch, hang out, and have dinner, then the chapter ends. The next chapter is a few weeks later. They had sex a few times and are casually dating. We get specifics about their sex life. What are their dates like?
This goes on throughout the book. If anything remotely interesting happens, they end the chapter and skip a few weeks or months. Even by the end of the book, I'm not invested in either MC. I barely know them. And there are no open-door sex scenes. That was also a deal breaker for me.
I almost DNFed this book a bunch of times, but I thought it would get better. It didn't.
angst 1/5
heat 0.5/5
story 1.5
POV dual
break up no

786 reviews6 followers
April 4, 2026
Too much care and comfort, not enough action. I had trouble finishing this book, and ended up skimming through it until the end. The story was mundane, ho-hum, boring... In a way that I don't usually experience with this author. The writing style drove me crazy in its oversimplicity, and there were actual times I did not understand what was meant or who "he" referred to. In addition, sometimes I felt I was missing part of the story, as there were often huge gaps in the action and I was left wondering what happened and what the characters' motivations were.

So what redeemed the book, and even made me skim through to the end? It was the characters, both main and side, who were lovable and there to support each other through thick and thin. They had their sweet moments, even though nothing much happened in the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
281 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2026
This was great. Yes it was only three stars but I still loved it. It had a wonderful love story of two medical professionals falling in love. And the funny thing is I didn't know it was OV and I don't usually go for mpreg but it was a good one and I enjoyed it.
The fact that as a midwife Devon never expected to be pregnant and Laird never thought he would be a Dad was the best. So was the kilt part and how much it affected Devon, in a hot good way. There was hardly any miscommunication, and their families were perfect.
Profile Image for Danielle Cordsen.
720 reviews12 followers
March 25, 2026
Care and Comfort
By: Minerva Howe

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

First impression matter!

You know what they say about first impressions and people who can’t say when they’re wrong? Yeah well let’s say everyone has both! I truly loved this book and I’ll admit it was my first with this author but I’ve already plan to read more. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors blurb: Devon Tierney has been in Secret Springs for a long time, his duties as a midwife making sure he sees everyone else's happy ending. But he doesn't see much opportunity to date, and even with his amazing cats waiting for him at home, he's lonely. Enter a super grumpy EMT with a sister who goes into labor on Valentine's Day, and Devon starts to wonder if he should rethink that feeling.

Laird McCallum wants his sister to go to a hospital to give birth. He's an EMT, and he has no love for any kind of super-crunchy-granola birth center and the midwife who goes with it. But then he gets to know Devon, and he has to admit, he enjoys his company, and he thinks Devon is utterly lovely.

But then they have to come together and get to know one another in the most awkward set of circumstances. Can they find a way to be together, even though they did everything backward?

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
208 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2026
Welcome back to Silver Springs where the large population of human omegas has been offset recently by the arrival of a number of human Alphas. Devon Tierney is a registered nurse and midwife and obstetrician who owns and runs a birthing center which most omegas prefer over going to the hospital. It’s warm and cozy and has great modern equipment in their berthing rooms. Devon now has another qualified accoucheur in his partner Raven and Naomi on the front desk. But he still doesn’t seem to be able to find time for himself.
When Laird McCallum brought his sister in to deliver because her husband was out of town, he treated Devon like a quack and insisted they go to a hospital. He and Devon butted heads a few times and really didn’t like each other. But that changed pretty fast. The big, brawny fireman/EMT was totally won over by Devon after they spent hours over breakfast chatting.
This is book 2 of the Secret Springs: Healing Hands series which is a spin-off of the original Secret Springs 5 book series. Prior reading is recommended. These stories are cozy and comfortable small town life. There is learning to be a couple, humor and enough spice to keep your interest. And babies. Lots of babies. Minerva writes HEAs we all love.
I was provided this book from the author as a Patreon member and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Marion.
1,948 reviews
April 6, 2026
This is book two in the Secret Springs: Healing Hands series. I would recommend reading the series in order or reading the previous series first for better understanding of who is who. This is the story of Devon Tierney and Laird McCallum. Devon is a registered nurse and midwife at the popular omega birthing center that he owns. The warmth and coziness have made his birthing rooms preferred over sterile hospital rooms. Laird is an EMT who firmly believes in the status quo of hospitals. All the new age, touchy feely approach makes his nervous. And when his pregnant sister decides to have her child at the birthing center he goes to support her since her husband is delayed. And he is quick to let Devon know his opinion. So their initial meet is off to a bumpy start. But each time they meet, they both appreciate the person behind the comments more and more. This is their story. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a cozy small town romance and I enjoyed it. I liked how they slowly got to know each other. They didn't let their initial preconceived notions stop them for recognizing what they were building. I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
321 reviews16 followers
April 2, 2026
Review for (Secret Springs-Healing Hands-2) Care and Comfort by Minerva Howe


I love stories that have men as midwives. Love, love seeing that. So there is Devon, who is the midwife from his area. Having a job like his makes it hard to find someone. He has, up until now, said he would help others and that he was happy with his life. Thank goodness for his cats; they help to keep him sane. Things change the day Laird's sister goes into labor, and if that isn't enough, it is on Valentine's Day.  All he wants is for his sister to get to the hospital so she can have the baby there so they both are safe. He meets the midwife, Devon, and he sees things a little differently as they talk and get to know each other. The downside is that they get to know each other in one of the weirdest situations. Will what they are sharing bring them together? This was a fun book to read. I said, I love that the men aren't just doctors; they are also midwives, so thank you, Minerva Howe, for giving me this fun, entertaining story." 

Nicole Harvey
Profile Image for Debby.
1,792 reviews63 followers
April 3, 2026
EMT Laird McCollum is not happy that his sister goes into labor on Valentine’s Day when her husband, Jason, is stuck and cannot make it home on time. He is even less happy when he learns she is using a birthing center and not a hospital. Unfortunately, grumpy Laird lets the midwife know his feelings. Devon Tierney has met with sceptics like Laird before and uses all his patience to deal with him. Later, as the two men get to know each other later, they find they enjoy spending time together. Soon, the two are revising their initial opinions.

This was a true feel-good romance of two people getting off on the wrong foot. Watching them grow and fall in love made for great reading. Devin had three cats for company while Laird lived alone. By the end, their family grew. Found and regular members of their family enriched their lives and left us with smiles. Beautifully written, this story is sure to please Minerva Howe fans everywhere.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle N..
182 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2026
Minerva Howe takes us back to Secret Springs with Care and Comfort. This is second book in the new Healing Hands series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, there are a lot of characters from the first book that are secondary characters in this story line.
Devon Tierney is a midwife and owner of the town’s birthing center. He is happy, successful, but overworked and lonely. When EMT Laird McCallum comes to the center with his sister, who is in labor, he questions Devon about everything. Devon stands up to Laird and defends his practice and his patients. Laird finds himself running into Devon a few days later and is quite taken with him. Devon, finds that Laird is a really nice guy when he isn’t in a complete panic about his sister giving birth.
This is a sweet story about the growth of Devon and Laird’s relationship. Devon has some insecurities that he has to work through and Laird needs to learn how to pay attention to the people around him.
3,186 reviews21 followers
April 4, 2026
​Lots of babies seem to come to couples in Secret Springs so Devon is kept pretty busy and he is good at his job. Devon owns a birthing center and he is a midwife. But although he delivers a lot of babies he has not had any prospects for creating his own and is a bit lonely. Until he meets Laird, an EMT whose sister is expecting and comes to the center to deliver. Their first meeting is not a meet-cute at all. Laird is critical of the birthing center at first. But thank goodness Laird and Devon get a second chance at impressions. They have some things to work out as the Laird admits that his first impression was wrong and they find they are attracted to one another and begin a relationship that takes them both by surprise. And that is not the only thing that takes them by surprise. Such a neat story and so good that Devon finally gets his guy.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,031 reviews10 followers
March 24, 2026
I loved it!

This book is amazing! It’s back to Secret Springs for the tale of Devon and Laird. Devon is a local midwife who owns the birthing center and Laird is an EMT. The first time the two meet isn’t under the best circumstances and it doesn’t go well. Laird brings his sister in to have her baby and is a little critical about the center at first. But the two will get a do over and things take off from there. They begin to spend time together and I love how their relationship evolves. Soon, they find out there is a baby on the way and Laird goes out of his way to make sure Devon knows he’s in this for the long haul and not just because of the baby. I love how they get to their happily ever after and I can’t wait to read what comes next!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Profile Image for E..
2,077 reviews22 followers
April 7, 2026

3.75 stars

“Care and Comfort” by Minerva Howe is the second book in the ‘Secret Springs Healing Hands’ series and features very competent midwife Devon who comes into brief conflict with skeptical EMT Laird. The two slowly find a way to get past their initial hostility and discover they have more in common than they anticipated.

This adult small-town paranormal gay romance is a gentle slow-burn mpreg tale that features two males who are secure in their own roles but reluctant to accept someone else in their space. Their evolution into a committed relationship and the descriptions of the journey to form a complete family make this a heartwarming read with several bright spots, including fun with a kilt plus the worst-kept secret in town, lol. Hopefully, Laird’s work partner, Nick, will also get his time in the spotlight soon.

A copy of this title was provided for review
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,399 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2026
I just had to give this one a 5 star rating...Just from the start...Laird and Devon kept it real. First impressions...you wouldn't think they would even graduate to casual acquaintances...rather than end up as lovers. Laird really did act out badly but he redeemed himself in my eyes wonderfully. They really was opposite attract couple and this is why I loved this. Not so angsty other than keeping some of their feelings from each other but they grown...they talked it out and that what made them stronger as a couple. I absolutely loved their journey. Full support of each other...non stop...wonderful and lovely romance. I highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,060 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2026
Another sweet, comfort read from Minerva!

I do really enjoy the books in this universe - they're sweet, not overly complicated, and have a calm comfort to them that make them a really nice read to settle down to. Devon has been on the edges of books in this world for some time. He's always been a sweet presence so I'm glad that we finally got to see him have his HEA (even if it didn't quite get started on the right foot!). Laird was a good partner for him and I liked that Laird was big enough to apologise for making assumptions/generalisations when they initially meet. Together they are really sweet and it's the kind of romance that doesn't stress you. It's soft and steady throughout which makes it a great read when you just want something cozy.
5,055 reviews19 followers
April 7, 2026
Good to see old friends again! Devon is Secret Spring's midwife. He's been there awhile and watched many of his friends find their forever loves and start families. Laird, is an EMT expecting his pregnant sister to deliver in the hospital, does not trust the profession of midwives and is vocal about his opinions of midwives. Devon, has his own life, his independence and feels he is relationship challenged. He spends a lot of time in his own way. Laird's feelings sneak up on him. Sweet story of getting to know each other and blending personal perceptions with a new partner. Lots of fun getting to know each other and get used to each other idiosyncracies. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
861 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2026
Each book in this series makes me want to move to Secret Springs and hang out with these men. This sweet love story reminds us that first impressions are typically not correct, and if we get others grace and space, we might find friendships or in this case love. The incorrect assumptions in this one are held by EMT Laird who's sister goes into labor and he is insistent she give birth in hospital, rather than with assistance of midwife Devon. Soon he owns his misperception as they two connect and find love. Neither seeking relationships but love finds them as they struggle with day to day life circumstances. I love how their struggles led them to peace, harmony and love with one another.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,917 reviews
April 3, 2026
3.5*

This is another sweetly syrupy treat of a book, an addition to the world that is Secret Springs with various characters from past books popping in and out as it is Devon’s turn to have a baby instead of delivering it. Laird is an alpha who at the beginning is a jerk but he quickly turns it around. There is chemistry between the characters but the spice level in the book is low. This is more cozy comfort read rather than the spicy reads of others. It’s not boring just gentler than I was expecting.

I always enjoy these books so look forward to the next hopefully it’s Nick’s turn to find a HEA.
87 reviews
March 30, 2026
“Care and Comfort” really lives up to its name.
At the beginning, I kept getting the names mixed up because Devon was Laird to me and vice versa. I have no idea if it’s just me.
Definitely a sweet story and a relaxing read.
You should definitely read “The Bad Boy and the Baby” first. You can get by without having read it beforehand, but some characters and plot points won’t make sense otherwise, and you’ll find yourself wondering why things are the way they are in certain places.
So, if you’re looking for a relaxing read, you’ll find it here and can snuggle up with this book.
1,674 reviews12 followers
April 5, 2026
OMG! Laird is lucky his ears aren't ringing after the way he acted bringing his sister into Devon's birthing center. He does make amends and they slowly work their way into such a sweet romance. Devon never expecte4d to find his own person after delivering so many babies for so many other people. So many people are happy for this couple and Laird gets to get a new and shiny future with the love of his life and a new path for his life. And of course a sweet baby! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mir Jak.
548 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2026
When the MC's first meet (that was a brilliant meet-cute !!), you know they are perfect for each other. Once past that initial hiccup, the story just follows on with their relationship. I will say that there's hardly any spice in this story (just one scene) and the rest are literally mentioned in passing (....enjoyed their night.....). And the other thing that bugged me....one minute they just started to reconnect and then it's a few weeks later and they've been spending time together.... timeline was jumping ahead in a few parts. Still enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,458 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 20, 2026
Secret Springs is a magical kind of town. Devon’s story starts with a less than meet cute when Laird brings his sister to the birthing center to have her baby. Laird isn’t too proud to admit his original opinion was wrong and it doesn’t take long for these two to fall into a relationship neither one of them saw coming. It’s a sweet story about family and love and hope. Definitely worth a read. I think I need to read the rest of the Secret springs books all over again!
Profile Image for A Mere Human.
56 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2026
2 1/2 stars: read to 49%, skimmed the rest

Based on the reviews I'm in the minority here: I found this book disjointed. Too many time skips, telling not showing, overall it feels rushed. I know Julia and BA have been busy and ill, but this feels like they pushed to get it out and it just wasn't ready.

Overall I'm not a fan of the Silver Springs books, I don't get the same feel as I do with their Dragon Universe books so maybe I'm biased.
3,046 reviews46 followers
April 3, 2026
Care and Comfort is book 2 in the Secret Springs: Healing Hands series by Minerva Howe.
I enjoyed Devon and Laird's story quite a bit. It was fun to read along as they got to know each after their first meeting which didn't go quite so well.
This is a low angst, small town omega read about Devon and Laird. Another fantastic read in the series, love these characters and can't wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for allemuor.
167 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2026
Healthcare professionals can be the worst patients and the most critical when it comes to cleanliness and sterility. They started off cold, but their second meeting warmed up real fast. I would still love this even if there were no hot scenes. I like that they got to know each other, and the the people close to them. There's family, friends, co-workers, a whole supportive community.
I received an advanced readers copy and am giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,729 reviews48 followers
April 9, 2026
I'm a big fan of medical stories particularly with EMTs and the addition of Devon as a midwife here was extra good. I found the conflict between Laird's desire for his sister to go to a hospital versus the midwife center and the actual care Devon and the center provide and excellent way to introduce these two characters and give their relationship an initial complication. Watching them get to know and respect each other made for a great romance.
Profile Image for Lee Hall.
1,345 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2026
Devon and Laird

This was a wonderful story full of love and babies. Devon is a midwife, owns his own center, and delivered babies for many Omegas. Laird is an EMT in their tiny town. They meet when Laird’s sister is going to have her baby and wants the birthing center instead of the hospital. The meeting did not go well.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves babies and a good story!
228 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2026
Finally we get Devon's story. I've been waiting for it for forever. He has the perfect match in Laird. This is another Secret Springs beautiful story. Devon and Laird navigate their relationship in a real and believable way. I highly recommend this book. In fact to get the full experience I highly encourage you to read the whole Secret Springs series, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,370 reviews27 followers
April 2, 2026
Devon & Laird

I enjoyed Devon and Laird's story quite a bit. It was fun to read along as they got to know each after their first meeting didn't go quite so well. I appreciated their happily ever after very much. I just hope that we get a story for Nick at some point also.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Anouk.
105 reviews
April 3, 2026
I'm gonna give a short review. I liked their story, but I hated te writing style! Normally I love a nickname and I think I even would have loved the nickname honey, it just gave me an ick this time. So if I'm honest I kinda skimmed through it, because I still liked the story.



P.S. I received en ARC, but this is my honest opinion. Thank you to GRR for the ARC.
Profile Image for Rebecca Park.
933 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2026
Minerva done it again, this book was absolutely fantastic. Devon and Laird are amazing together and the love they have for each other is beautiful. The found family that these guys find is just amazing and so beautiful. Everyone cares in their own way and it shows. I can’t wait to see what’s next. ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews