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Hopewell General #3

Romancing the M.D.

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Landing an internship at prestigious Hopewell General is a dream come true for Tamara St. John. She struggled hard to get where she is-and isn't about to risk it all because of arrogant Victor Aguilar. Tamara and Victor constantly lock horns, but the sinfully seductive doctor is driving her crazy…with desire. Tamara knows that dating a colleague is a prescription for disaster. Until one stormy, passion-filled night…Victor can have his pick of any woman. But he only has eyes for sweet, sultry Tamara. But when tragedy and trauma in the E.R. hit close to home, one false move could put everything they've ever worked for in jeopardy. It's time to stake his claim on Tamara's heart-with a passionate dose of forever.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2011

35 people are currently reading
505 people want to read

About the author

Maureen Smith

71 books806 followers
pseudonym Naomi Chase

Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.



Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.



Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.

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5 stars
429 (50%)
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266 (31%)
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124 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Delaney Diamond.
Author 106 books9,772 followers
March 1, 2012
Considering Maureen Smith can do no wrong in my eyes, it's no surprise I loved this book. This couple was hot and it was full speed ahead almost from the beginning.

What I liked
1) I like it when authors let you see how two people complement each other and grow in love despite their differences. Even though they had different viewpoints when it came to handling patients, they respected each other's work. Tamara said Victor helped to make her a better doctor, and that was quite a compliment considering they were competitors.

2) Once Victor decided he wanted Tamara, nothing was standing in his way. He moved fast, and she came on board after some hesitation. How could she resist, anyway? He's so charming!

3) The hardest scene was the dinner scene and having to read Tamara's discomfort over Mrs. Aguilar's (Victor's mother) prejudice against her because Victor hadn't chosen a Colombian woman to be serious about. This added conflict was not overdone, and I felt it realistically presented what could happen in an interracial relationship. Despite the times we live in, there are people who aren't as open-minded, and I felt Ms. Smith did a good job of addressing it without dragging down the story.

4) One of the best scenes was when Mrs. Aguilar finally came around, and she and Tamara were in the kitchen cooking, and Tamara was learning how to prepare one of his favorite dishes.

What I didn't like
Nothing!

Buy it. You'll love it, too.
Profile Image for Portia.
325 reviews24 followers
December 27, 2011
This book was muy caliente. There is a reason why Maureen Smith is a bestselling author. She is truly a master story teller. Whether it's contemporary or romantic suspense, Smith know how to dish up a steamy, ultra satisfying read.

In Romancing the MD, Tamara isn't your typical sweet heroine. The book starts with her standing toe to toe with 6'2" of Columbian hotness. Unlike other men in her life, Dr. Victor Aquilar Garcia respects her sharp mind and her hot "assets".

This book is hot. Excuse me for not being politically correct, but when you mix the passion of an educated Black woman with the fire of a Latin man, there was no way these two weren't going to be doing the horizontal tango...a lot.

But, this is more than just steamy bedroom scenes. Both had to let go of some cultural and professional issues in order to grow as a couple.

I have nothing but good things to review from Romancing the MD. The story is well written and nicely paced. The characters are multi-dimensional; even the secondary characters are interesting and the love story is amazing.

Maureen Smith place as one of my favorite writers is secure. Romancing the MD only solidifies my belief that Maureen Smith is a true romantic who doesn't mind making a couple work for their happy-ever-after. Highly recommend.
53 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2012
I think I may have read some of Ms. Smith's work earlier but I can't seem to recall exactly which title I've read. Romancing the MD was a short fun read. I read it within two hours and wasn't once distracted or tempted to put the book down. Some of the scenes are really quite good, and I found myself thinking about them at work later. But the reason I wouldn't give this book more than a three star rating is because I was highly bothered by two issues.
I found the relationship in the book to be HIGHLY rushed, and although the heroine did express some hesitations over the speed she didn't really express or even internally monologue what exactly her issues were. If this happened to me or anybody I know, i'd be highly worried. They go from nemesis to friends over the period of a night, then the night they do it, the hero decided that he is going to be with the heroine forever and the next day he proposes that they move in together. Following which, he proposes marriage. Too much too soon. Also, as the story progressed, i kept waiting for a climax, a hitch but none came. The one which did come, was not to my opinion anything to do with the romance in the story. I felt that I was not given enough reason to believe in their HEA, because all I've seen them doing is just hopping from one stage to another. I haven't seen them really handle issues. The other thing which really struck me was the description used by the hero to justify the heroine to his mother. His mother thinks another girl is appropriate for him and the hero then continues to attempt to disillusion her by saying that, she gave me a blow job four hours after meeting me. And the heroine is nice because she's only slept with one other guy before. I think there is too much of trash given to women about their sexual choices in either case, we should be exempted from reading about it in romance books. If the hero can accept a blowjob from somebody 4 hours after meeting them, what is the big deal in somebody offering it?
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,711 reviews407 followers
October 26, 2011
Heading: The Passion of Love and Medicine

Romancing the M.D. by Maureen Smith is a captivating romance of two people whose passion for medicine leads to a different type of passion. Dr. Victor Aguilar not only noticed the sultry Dr. Tamara St. John on their first day as interns at the prestigious Hopewell General, he plays a joke on her at a public meeting. Tamara also noticed the sexy Victor with the mega swagger, but she does not appreciate being the object of his prank. First impressions do last and assigned to the same team their constant bickering becomes known throughout the hospital. But, secretly Victor and Tamara have their eyes on each other, though they will not admit it to each other or anyone else. One night when a tumultuous thunderstorm prevents them from leaving the hospital, Victor takes Tamara to a secret forbidden room in the hospital where they can get some needed rest before their next shift begins. Both are too wound-up to fall asleep so they spend the night talking about themselves and much to their surprise – Victor and Tamara find that they have much in common. But, it is back to normal the next day until during one of their vocal arguments; Victor just cannot help himself, grabs Tamara and gives her a passionate kiss that is reciprocated. Knowing Victor’s reputation Tamara assumes this is just another lustful moment for him – nothing more. Now all Victor has to do is convince Tamara that he is as passionate about her as he is about being a top surgeon. Will Tamara follow her heart and believe Victor wants her not only as a colleague, but as his wife?

Maureen Smith’s writing is deliciously romantic and sexy. Once again she has penned another entertaining story that puts a spell on the reader and the pages won’t turn fast enough while reading. The vibrant characters of Tamara and Victor are very likable and well-developed. Both characters have deep commitments to their families which provides for a good cast of secondary characters. Tamara was raised by her single mother and they are there for each other in good times and bad times. Victor’s family left Colombia for the United States when it was no longer safe for them to remain there. Though his mother often worked two jobs to make sure that the family was well-taken care of, all she wants is for Victor and her other three sons is to marry “nice” Colombian girls. This causes a conflict when Victor’s mother meets Tamara. I commend Ms. Smith on how she interweaved the interracial dating storyline into the relationship.

Romancing the M.D. is a very sensual read with scorching memorable love scenes once the couple gives in to their attraction and chemistry for each other. Victor turns out to be quite the romantic and readers will swoon for the handsome Victor with his sexy swagger. As this is the third book in the Hopewell General continuity series, followers will catch-up on characters in the prior books, especially the lecherous Dr. Dudley.

I recommend this book to romance readers who enjoy stories with passion and heat, and to fans of Maureen Smith.

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Reviewed by Beverly
APOOO Literary Book Reviews
Profile Image for Kim.
740 reviews80 followers
October 12, 2011
It is rare that we see interracial stories from Kimani Romance, so this was a pleasant surprise, especially coming from one of my fav's Maureen Smith. The storyline was so good, and of course it had super hot love scenes. The conflict and attraction between Tamara and Victor was on point, and very entertaining. I especially liked the way Maureen tackled the race issue. Usually it is a black/white issue, but in this case it was a Colombian/Black issue with the Victor's Colombian mother having an issue with Tamara being black. It was just a really welcomed change, and I hope Kimani Romance starts to push through more of these types of stories. I am and always will be a huge fan of AA romance, but it is good to read a variety of books and this one is definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Turtleberry Turtleberry.
Author 49 books50 followers
October 27, 2024
This was my kind of enemies to lovers romance. Tamara and Victor were both residents at the hospital. They argued all the time. One night they find common ground after spending time together after performing emergency surgery together. Tamara is reluctant but Victor is all in with starting a relationship with her. His mother isn't pleased with the relationship. They overcome the hurdles and find their happily ever after.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I loved that they still argued. Their feelings for each other were intense and their emotions always were high. They also didn't let it affect their jobs. This was a really good book.
Profile Image for Marie.
168 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2012
I always expect a great story from Maureen that includes a hero and heroine who represents the best that man and woman has offered, and once again she has not disappointed.  From the moment I picked it up it was exhilarating to immerse myself in Hopewell General.  I cannot believe it is over already...

Profile Image for Shone.
1,348 reviews28 followers
March 12, 2013
The life of an intern is not easy when around every turn there is a scandal, some one who thinks they are smarter or better than you, Then to top it all off you have to deal with racism. Read and enjoy how Tamara and Victor beat the odds on all counts.
Profile Image for Brandi.
621 reviews31 followers
February 11, 2012
Super sexy as I have come to expect from Maureen Smith.... I pictured the cute Dr. from Grey's Anatomy in my head (they're all cute, I know) when I was reading this. Loved the chemistry between Drs. Aguilar and St. John and would love to see them again just to see their HEA.
Profile Image for Briana.
14 reviews
January 9, 2020
Yaaaasss to God be the Glory for Victor and Tamara!! (finger snaps). Man, this book felt so real - the plot, the conversations, the situations. Even though they were different ethnicities and came from different cultures, they were destined to be with each other. Nothing and no one was going to keep them from the inevitable, loving each other.

This book served as a fantasy or a "what if" for my own life, since I had also fallen in love with a Hispanic man of which I also hated at first. Things didn't turn out so well for me as it did for Tamara and other real life women, probably for the same reason Victor's mom initially didn't like Tamara. Nonetheless, it was fun to escape into Victor's and Tamara's fictional but very real world.
Profile Image for Paige Lynn.
Author 14 books3 followers
February 19, 2023
Rivals to Lovers trope. They just don't write them like this anymore. Enemies to lovers has completely dominated, but I happen to be a bigger fan of rivals to lovers. And this was a cute read. It's an interracial couple, and they are both doctors. Their romance does move quickly, but I enjoyed their chemistry. I especially loved how well she stood up for herself against his mother. Give this one a chance.
Profile Image for Alesia Pruitt.
15 reviews
September 6, 2018
Fire & Fire 🔥

Another solid (albiet short) read by Maureen Smith! I just love her characters in every book I’ve read by her! The character development, the attention to detail in the description of people’s jobs, & the romance all blend together in perfect harmony. If you’re looking for a quick rivals to lovers read you will not be disappointed by this.
Profile Image for R  Ellis Jones.
256 reviews
July 29, 2020
Amazing

Maureen Smith is a new author that I happen to find. The Hopewell General series is a sweet page turner. I have read all three books and I was not disappointed at all!
I will be checking to see what else this author has written and will sure enough follow her also! Great job with these booms, and looking forward to reading more of your work!
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,218 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2021
Accomplished

What a wonderful story! First time reading the author's work, she just got another reader. I will add to my growing list of favorite artists. Despite this sweet romance, I enjoyed the theme of racism, the topic was well discussed.
Profile Image for Mattie.
1,989 reviews8 followers
September 9, 2022
I didn't like it, the relationship went at lightspeed from disliking each other to moving in that it just felt totally unbelievable. I liked that there wasn't a big breakup and then they get back together thing however on the whole I didn't like it. Np.
5 reviews
April 15, 2024
Amazing Storytelling!

Maureen Smith has done it again. This story was very real in showing the type of stereotyping that can take place in everyday life especially in a multicultural union. I enjoyed this couple's journey and highly recommend this book.
9 reviews
January 6, 2018
AWESOME!!

Beautiful love story. Sexy! Victor & Tamara Wow!
A great read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Maureen has done it again.

Profile Image for Shay.
146 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2020
This book is the biggest case of you caught me at the right time... The progression of this relationship made absolutely no sense whatsoever. But meh, I was into it? Go figures. This is my second novel by Mrs. Smith and her writing really works for me.
Profile Image for Carlise.
502 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2016
This is my 10 or 11th time reading this book. I absolutely love this book..the drama and then the love between Victor and Tamara..whenever I need a little "ahh " moment in romance life, this is one of my go to books. I've read this book close to a dozen times and I never tire of it.
Profile Image for Megan.
146 reviews38 followers
March 8, 2015
A friend lent me this book since I have yet to find an interracial romance book that I enjoyed in a while. She suggest this book and I laughed, Victor is a Colombian, blue eyed tall man, and Tamara is a strong headed black woman. They argue to keep from loving one another, but when they do, it's magic! It is pretty much a situation I was once in lol.

It's a very good entertaining book. It is a little short and a quick read, but none the less I am happy that I read it. Victor and Tamara hate each other. They intern at the same hospital and are always at each other's throat. One night there is a terrible storm, neither one has a car so they decided to sneak into a vacant floor of the hospital. With the storm being so bad they cannot sleep so they stay up talking and for once not yelling. Since then, Tamara and Victor cannot get out of each others head, so the only thing left to do is take what's in their head, out.

Such a good book. Also a reread since it is so short, I say pick it up.
Profile Image for Toni.
248 reviews53 followers
September 24, 2011
Tamara St. John is a busy intern at Hopewell General, working long hours, making a name for herself and loving every minute of it. But her colleague, Victor Aguilar, seems intent on not making anything easy for her. The two constantly bicker and argue over patient care and just about anything else and everyone around them notices.

But it seems that underneath all that animosity is a desire for each other that neither is ready for...especially since hospital rules forbid it. Another impediment is that they are from different countries and cultures and that may prove to be a problem.

This entry in the Hopewell General summer series, like the earlier two, is another example of two people who are forced to decide if their love is strong enough to risk losing everything they've worked so hard for. I will be sad to see this series end.
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,840 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2011
There is a thin line between love and hate and i guess this is what the book's message is all about. Tamara and Victor is known to the hospital to be not in good term and they fight against each others for anything and everything to the extent that they were nicknamed as "bickerson'. Unknown to them, the arguments between them has ignited attraction between them which both of them has desperately trying to denied.

I like reading such a story book.. it is full of fun reading about the argument between them and to read about them reconcile and finally admitting their love to each other is just so heartwarming. ;) But, the conflict which the author tried to insert into the relationship are too fast to be resolved and i would appreciate, as a reader, to read about how Victor trying to solve the matter without having to choose between Tamara and his mother.

17 reviews
November 30, 2011
I enjoy this book. Even though Tamera and Victor argued a lot, they found they had chemistry between each other. She was afro American and he was Columbian. They fell in love. When it was time to meet the parents, his mother was not happy. She wanted him to marry someone of the same nationality. He has made his decision and he wanted to be with Tamara. Tamara's mother was in a unfortunate accident that was very very serious. An operation was needed in order to save her life. Because of the injuries, she would need to have her body frozen in order to perform the operation! This was a new procedure and Tamara was not sure that she wanted to do this. Victor asked her to trust him. She agreed to have her mother frozen and the operation was a success. In the meantime Victor's mother decided to accept Tamara. In the end, true love was everlasting and prevailing.
Profile Image for Mary-Sarah.
23 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2014
Where is my Victor? Victor and Tamara are medical students who are always at each other's throat. Both strong willed, high stung and feeling they are right, the two cohorts never seem to coexist. One night there is a terrible storm, Tamara has no car, Victor only has a motorcycle, neither has an umbrella. What is there to do? Go back into the hospital, and spend the night together. They spend the night talking and eventually fall asleep. After the storm passes Victor and Tamara go their separate ways. Just because the two split does not mean that their minds won't wander to each other. Once they spend the night together could their relationship go back to the disagreeable one?
Profile Image for Patriciaw.
136 reviews21 followers
October 25, 2011
I always enjoy stories wherein the hero and heroine seemingly don't like each other, but they do respect each other and the chemistry is undeniable. This is one of those stories. Love that Victor and Tamara, a Hispanic and an African-American doctor, highly respect each other's skills. They just have different approaches to practicing medicine. The family dynamics that complicate their relationship are believable and well sketched. In fact, I'd love to see more of Victor's brothers.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,029 reviews154 followers
March 3, 2012
I found this to be an very enlightening story. It had a different take on racism and love. Victor was a hottie waiting to be picked. There was a clear stereotype going on with the super fine intern and the staff of the hospital. Dr. St. John was a temptation that Dr. Aguilar could not resist. Love crosses the boundaries set by others. This is a classic case in opposites attract. The battle is masking true feelings of desire hotter than the sun.
Profile Image for Karen.
250 reviews
July 7, 2013
This was definitely the best "well told" love story in this series. The pacing, the turn of events and how they were handled, even racism and tragedy along with total trust was superb! An awesome and must read love story! Tamara and Victor really let the reader's understand what the saying "it's a thin line between love and hates" really mean. I love now they are both head-strong individuals that in the end lets love conquer all!
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