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L.A. Metro #1
L.A. Metro
Dr. Kimberly Donovan’s life is in shambles. After her medical ethics are questioned, first her family, then her closeted lover, the Chief of the ER, betray her. Determined to make a fresh start, she flees to California and L.A. Metropolitan Hospital.
Dr. Jess McKenna, L.A. Metro’s Chief of the ER, gives new meaning to the phrase emotionally guarded, but she has her reasons.
When Kim and Jess meet, the attraction is immediate. Emotions Jess has tried to repress for years surface. But her interest in Kim also stirs dark memories. They settle for friendship, determined not to repeat past mistakes, but secretly they both wish things could be different.
Will the demons from Jess’s past destroy their future before it can even get started? Or will L.A. Metro be a place to not only heal the sick, but to mend wounded hearts?
Dr. Jess McKenna, L.A. Metro’s Chief of the ER, gives new meaning to the phrase emotionally guarded, but she has her reasons.
When Kim and Jess meet, the attraction is immediate. Emotions Jess has tried to repress for years surface. But her interest in Kim also stirs dark memories. They settle for friendship, determined not to repeat past mistakes, but secretly they both wish things could be different.
Will the demons from Jess’s past destroy their future before it can even get started? Or will L.A. Metro be a place to not only heal the sick, but to mend wounded hearts?
366 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
37 people are currently reading
908 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Nolan
13 books186 followersRJ Nolan lives in the United States with her spouse and their Great Dane. She makes frequent visits to the California coast near her home. The sight and sound of the surf always stir her muse. When not writing, she enjoys reading, camping, and the occasional trip to Disneyland. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
May 18, 2019
So I read the book awhile ago and honestly I wish Goodreads would have a seperate page for narration ratings of books because some narrators do no justice to books and that shouldnt effect the book itself. Anyways, I loved the book and now I love it more with the narration I just listened to on Scribd. Angela Dawes may now be my favorite narrator. She does such a great job with each character and she makes the book come alive. Got a chance to read the book do it. Got another chance to listen to it...definitiely.
April 11, 2018
My first book by this author and what a way to start. I really enjoyed reading this, there wasn't a single moment where I found myself skimming because the story was that compelling. Told from the pov of both Jess and Kim we tag along in this slow burn romance between two characters who each have their own demons to overcome. Filled with great dialogues and an amazing ensemble of secondary characters, who you will both love and hate, this book had me hooked from the very first page.
The only reason I give this book a 4,5* and not the full 5* is because I felt the author dragged out why Jess was so distant when the reason for her behavior became blatantly obvious. I don't often read books in a series back to back but I'm getting ready to dive into book number two. Hopefully it's equally good or even better.
*Triggers involved! I won't note exactly which they are as it might be a huge spoiler but be aware, they are definitely there.
The only reason I give this book a 4,5* and not the full 5* is because I felt the author dragged out why Jess was so distant when the reason for her behavior became blatantly obvious. I don't often read books in a series back to back but I'm getting ready to dive into book number two. Hopefully it's equally good or even better.
*Triggers involved! I won't note exactly which they are as it might be a huge spoiler but be aware, they are definitely there.
August 8, 2019
5 Stars for this audiobook by R.J. Nolan, narrated by Angela Dawe. I’ve read this story numerous times. First in its online form, then the ebook in 2013 and now the audiobook.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. I may have enjoyed it more than when I read it myself. Angela Dawe is a wonderful narrator. If you are interested in a book she’s narrated – snap it up. Her narration just adds to the enjoyment of a good book such as this one.
Psychiatrist Dr. Kimberly Donovan has transferred to LA Metro hospital, after her medical ethics was questioned. It was found that the accusations were untrue, nevertheless Kim decides to relocate to LA Metro because of the opportunity to improve the relationship between the ER Psych staff and the ER, run by the Chief, Dr. Jess McKenna.
I loved both MCs. If you squint you can see the influence of Xena type characters. I’m not complaining – if it’s done well and this one was. Kim is kind to all those around her from staff to patients. It appears that her presence in the ER adds a bit of calm in a very stressful environment. Jess is brunette, 6 ft tall, stoic personality and the best at what she does. To protect herself, Jess has put up walls around herself. Can Kim help her take down her walls? This is a slow burn romance. We watch them become friends to lovers, in spite of the toxic hospital rumor mill.
I also liked the secondary characters. There is Jess's policewoman sister, Sam and you can't have a Nolan story without a Great Dane. In this case it is Jess's Great Dane, Thor. Sam will be the main character of book 2 of this series In a Heartbeat.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. I may have enjoyed it more than when I read it myself. Angela Dawe is a wonderful narrator. If you are interested in a book she’s narrated – snap it up. Her narration just adds to the enjoyment of a good book such as this one.
Psychiatrist Dr. Kimberly Donovan has transferred to LA Metro hospital, after her medical ethics was questioned. It was found that the accusations were untrue, nevertheless Kim decides to relocate to LA Metro because of the opportunity to improve the relationship between the ER Psych staff and the ER, run by the Chief, Dr. Jess McKenna.
I loved both MCs. If you squint you can see the influence of Xena type characters. I’m not complaining – if it’s done well and this one was. Kim is kind to all those around her from staff to patients. It appears that her presence in the ER adds a bit of calm in a very stressful environment. Jess is brunette, 6 ft tall, stoic personality and the best at what she does. To protect herself, Jess has put up walls around herself. Can Kim help her take down her walls? This is a slow burn romance. We watch them become friends to lovers, in spite of the toxic hospital rumor mill.
I also liked the secondary characters. There is Jess's policewoman sister, Sam and you can't have a Nolan story without a Great Dane. In this case it is Jess's Great Dane, Thor. Sam will be the main character of book 2 of this series In a Heartbeat.
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April 5, 2019DNF. I’m not sure I read the same book as everyone else. In my opinion, the writing style was cloying. The inner dialogue for both characters was so cringe-worthy and non-stop that it could be considered a main character.
Both mc’s had a “big secret”. But by the 30% mark I was so irritated by the writing that I wouldn’t even care if one of their secrets was the answer to world peace.
Both mc’s had a “big secret”. But by the 30% mark I was so irritated by the writing that I wouldn’t even care if one of their secrets was the answer to world peace.
September 30, 2020
This book came along at just the right time for me. I was hesitant to start another series but when I saw that it was a short series I decided to treat myself to something I've wanted to read for a while. Now, not only have I read the book this week, but I've also listened to the audiobook - a sign of just how much I really enjoyed this storyline.
I loved both of the MCs. Jess and Kim say and think to themselves "what a pair" a lot in this book, and I have to agree, what a pair they are. They're written really well, I was easily able to relate to both of them, even though Jess is probably supposed to be a bit ice queen, I could understand why they behaved the way they did and I loved how they work together as a couple. I was rooting for them the whole way through the book.
There's been many reviews written about this, so I'm not going to get into it too much - I would just highly recommend reading this. The audiobook is also done well and is worth a listen.
I loved both of the MCs. Jess and Kim say and think to themselves "what a pair" a lot in this book, and I have to agree, what a pair they are. They're written really well, I was easily able to relate to both of them, even though Jess is probably supposed to be a bit ice queen, I could understand why they behaved the way they did and I loved how they work together as a couple. I was rooting for them the whole way through the book.
There's been many reviews written about this, so I'm not going to get into it too much - I would just highly recommend reading this. The audiobook is also done well and is worth a listen.
September 10, 2020
I loved this book! Well, in this case the audiobook since I listened to it instead of reading.
Jess and Kim’s story is so beautiful! I love the way their relationship started as a friendship but their attraction was so strong and they started falling in love and started dating. Everything flowed so beautifully and perfectly. Truly loved their relationship and how they overcame all obstacles that appeared in their way. I just wish that Jess telling Kim what happened to her in high school would have happened more in the middle of the book rather than in the chapter before the last, because it’s just to heartbreaking and sad and painful and I didn’t want to end the book with that part so fresh in my mind, but I understand that Jess needed time to open up to Kim about that. And I loved how Kim helped her with everything. So sweet and heartwarming. 100% recommend
Jess and Kim’s story is so beautiful! I love the way their relationship started as a friendship but their attraction was so strong and they started falling in love and started dating. Everything flowed so beautifully and perfectly. Truly loved their relationship and how they overcame all obstacles that appeared in their way. I just wish that Jess telling Kim what happened to her in high school would have happened more in the middle of the book rather than in the chapter before the last, because it’s just to heartbreaking and sad and painful and I didn’t want to end the book with that part so fresh in my mind, but I understand that Jess needed time to open up to Kim about that. And I loved how Kim helped her with everything. So sweet and heartwarming. 100% recommend
July 30, 2019
Another audio book. This one annoyed me less than all of the others I have listened to so far. This narrator actually did accurate tone and inflection. So THAT was a plus! I'm still not sold on listening to one person do voices. That is really what distracts me with audio books. Are there any that just straight up read without doing that?
Kim begins a new job at a hospital after being practically forced out of a position. There, she meets the ER doctor, Jess. Both of them have secrets in their path that they will need to navigate beyond in order to open up to one another.
The book was OK. I enjoyed listening to it. At times I though it was a little overwrought with drama. I totally understand that sexual assault is serious and traumatic. But I had difficulty believing how sexually and emotionally stunted one of the characters was. And the level of drama that conjured up.
The end dragged on a bit for me.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, medical dramas, homophobia issues, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and some obscure actress.
Kim begins a new job at a hospital after being practically forced out of a position. There, she meets the ER doctor, Jess. Both of them have secrets in their path that they will need to navigate beyond in order to open up to one another.
The book was OK. I enjoyed listening to it. At times I though it was a little overwrought with drama. I totally understand that sexual assault is serious and traumatic. But I had difficulty believing how sexually and emotionally stunted one of the characters was. And the level of drama that conjured up.
The end dragged on a bit for me.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, medical dramas, homophobia issues, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and some obscure actress.
May 6, 2021
Where has R J Nolan been hiding? This is class - medical, angst, just the right number of baddies and a story to die for. Wonderful - thank you! Superb on 2nd read as well.
February 17, 2019
L.A. Metro by R.J. Nolan is a wonderfully sweet medical romance that tells the story of two doctors. Dr. Kimberly (Kim) Donovan is hired to work at L.A. Metropolitan Hospital after a disastrous stint at a hospital in Michigan. She meets and works with Dr. Jess McKenna, the head of the ER at L.A. Metro. Both characters are damaged souls because of traumas in their pasts, and this causes both of them to hold back from the almost instant attraction they felt for each other. As colleagues, then friends, and finally lovers, they must cope with the drama around them and their pasts that keep trying to tear them apart.
I absolutely love this book. It is so well written that I just fell into the story and did not want it to end. L.A. Metro is a character driven story, and the characters, both main and secondary, are so well-drawn they seem completely real. The pace of the story is perfect, the angst is just right for the plot, and the romance is flawless.
I am giving this book my highest rating, and I can recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance.
I received this book from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
I absolutely love this book. It is so well written that I just fell into the story and did not want it to end. L.A. Metro is a character driven story, and the characters, both main and secondary, are so well-drawn they seem completely real. The pace of the story is perfect, the angst is just right for the plot, and the romance is flawless.
I am giving this book my highest rating, and I can recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance.
I received this book from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
January 13, 2023
This was my third listen - the first being in 2019, when I started listening to audiobooks. (How has it only been that long?!?) I got spoiled right off the bat with narrator Angela Dawe. At the time, she hadn't done very much lesfic, so when I need a fix, I would to go back to various books she's worked on, which for me is usually Breaking Character, The Brutal Truth, Perfect Rhythm, and Just for Show. But I'm glad I revisited this one again.
Now that I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, I appreciate that this is written in third person, but we also get to hear the thoughts, concerns and worries of both main characters. That so rarely happens.
ER Chief Jess McKenna and psychiatrist Kim Donovan are both incredible and confident in their professional lives, but have demons in their personal ones that make them much less secure in that area.
Can it be a bit corny when they each think about their insecurities while falling for one another? Yes, a little - but at the same time I appreciated knowing where they both were at all times and didn't have to guess.
LA Metro is a romance and though they both have busy careers as doctors, the focus is more on their personal lives than about their work. Not that their professional lives are skimmed over, not at all. But if you think you wouldn't enjoy the medical aspect but are a fan of romance, you'll enjoy this.
It's heartwarming, sexy, and every time I listen to her narration, I am reminded why I could listen to Angela Dawe all day long.
Now that I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, I appreciate that this is written in third person, but we also get to hear the thoughts, concerns and worries of both main characters. That so rarely happens.
ER Chief Jess McKenna and psychiatrist Kim Donovan are both incredible and confident in their professional lives, but have demons in their personal ones that make them much less secure in that area.
Can it be a bit corny when they each think about their insecurities while falling for one another? Yes, a little - but at the same time I appreciated knowing where they both were at all times and didn't have to guess.
LA Metro is a romance and though they both have busy careers as doctors, the focus is more on their personal lives than about their work. Not that their professional lives are skimmed over, not at all. But if you think you wouldn't enjoy the medical aspect but are a fan of romance, you'll enjoy this.
It's heartwarming, sexy, and every time I listen to her narration, I am reminded why I could listen to Angela Dawe all day long.
April 12, 2018
Pretty standard but well-written story. It's not breaking any new ground and I have read many stories like this but it's a comfortable read worth my time and probably yours too.
What rubbed me the wrong way what that Kim's character is too perfect. She's beautiful, generous, kind, patient, she's everything. I would rather her be more flawed, more human.
What rubbed me the wrong way what that Kim's character is too perfect. She's beautiful, generous, kind, patient, she's everything. I would rather her be more flawed, more human.
August 21, 2019
4.5 stars -
July 23, 2021
I don’t remember if I read this book…. I feel like I did
September 1, 2022
Hmm.
Okay. I enjoyed like, a solid 75/80ish percent of this book and it was feeling like it could be 4 stars until the end. I was warned about the graphic detailed description of rape but getting to it and listening still annoyed me. For context: it’s a description of something that happened years in the past by the survivor of it, but it’s graphic, and (I felt) unnecessarily so. Here’s the thing, Jess, (the survivor) spends this whole book with Trust Issues and you don’t know why, except there are hints peppered in here and there until it becomes pretty obvious as to why. And I think THAT’S part of my main issue with it? It’s treated (only a little, to be fair, but still) like a spoiler/plot thing to figure out? And her lying about it over and over directly causes conflict for Kim, who’s own Trust Issues stem from being lied to about important and life changing things by people she loves. So, it’s just… ~relationship conflict drama~ and like, pick a better thing? Or don’t have it go into graphic detail in the last 15min of the book to then pop in an epilogue of “and they lived a happily ever after and want to have a baby traumas all good now” in a weird little bow? Idk, it rubbed me the wrong way slightly which is a bummer bc I enjoyed a lot of the earlier bits of the book. They had a decent slow burn going on but in the end it just didn’t pull it together in a way that I enjoyed, instead it actively made me Iike it less.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, I know there are others in this universe and I might still check them out, bc I think Angela Dawe narrates them too. She’s why I picked up this one, and she does a fantastic job. I didn’t love her voice for Jess, which did mean I was a little less into that character overall, but that’s a personal preference thing for sure. Lower/husky voices don’t usually do it for me.
Overall, this seemed like it would be decently good, but in the end didn’t pull it together for me, and needs a trigger warning for the end.
Okay. I enjoyed like, a solid 75/80ish percent of this book and it was feeling like it could be 4 stars until the end. I was warned about the graphic detailed description of rape but getting to it and listening still annoyed me. For context: it’s a description of something that happened years in the past by the survivor of it, but it’s graphic, and (I felt) unnecessarily so. Here’s the thing, Jess, (the survivor) spends this whole book with Trust Issues and you don’t know why, except there are hints peppered in here and there until it becomes pretty obvious as to why. And I think THAT’S part of my main issue with it? It’s treated (only a little, to be fair, but still) like a spoiler/plot thing to figure out? And her lying about it over and over directly causes conflict for Kim, who’s own Trust Issues stem from being lied to about important and life changing things by people she loves. So, it’s just… ~relationship conflict drama~ and like, pick a better thing? Or don’t have it go into graphic detail in the last 15min of the book to then pop in an epilogue of “and they lived a happily ever after and want to have a baby traumas all good now” in a weird little bow? Idk, it rubbed me the wrong way slightly which is a bummer bc I enjoyed a lot of the earlier bits of the book. They had a decent slow burn going on but in the end it just didn’t pull it together in a way that I enjoyed, instead it actively made me Iike it less.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, I know there are others in this universe and I might still check them out, bc I think Angela Dawe narrates them too. She’s why I picked up this one, and she does a fantastic job. I didn’t love her voice for Jess, which did mean I was a little less into that character overall, but that’s a personal preference thing for sure. Lower/husky voices don’t usually do it for me.
Overall, this seemed like it would be decently good, but in the end didn’t pull it together for me, and needs a trigger warning for the end.
March 8, 2019
Dr. Jess McKenna is the busy ER Chief of the LA Metropolitan Hospital. She’s known for her impenetrable facade needed to get her through difficult cases and essential to guarding her past personal burden. Dr. Kim Donovan is a psychiatrist relocating after a disastrous stint at a hospital near her hometown in Detroit. Her ethics were questioned while working on a case and much to her devastation, everyone near her, including her closeted girlfriend, deserted her. Now her job is to liaison with the emergency department and the formidable Dr. McKenna. Can these two women help each other heal and move past their insecurities?
Confession time- I enjoyed this book more than I probably should have because of the hospital/medical setting. The book is well written with well defined characters, including a handsome Great Dane. There was no depth to the medical cases but enough said to be enjoyable and also propel the story forward. I also loved that Kim is a psychiatrist as it seems the majority of the hospital settings revolve around first responders, ER and trauma specialties. Who knew psych would be such a novel and welcomed field?
The women had immediate chemistry and attraction. However, do not be fooled. This is a slow-burn romance. I enjoyed the characters’ journey was great and interesting. The only thing that I disliked was how many “inner thoughts” were literally shared and how at times they were simply not needed since the thought was obvious or even cliche.
This is the first of three full length books in the series. There are two novellas to go along with the first book and one prequel.
Overall a good read that will appeal to anyone that loves medical romances.
Confession time- I enjoyed this book more than I probably should have because of the hospital/medical setting. The book is well written with well defined characters, including a handsome Great Dane. There was no depth to the medical cases but enough said to be enjoyable and also propel the story forward. I also loved that Kim is a psychiatrist as it seems the majority of the hospital settings revolve around first responders, ER and trauma specialties. Who knew psych would be such a novel and welcomed field?
The women had immediate chemistry and attraction. However, do not be fooled. This is a slow-burn romance. I enjoyed the characters’ journey was great and interesting. The only thing that I disliked was how many “inner thoughts” were literally shared and how at times they were simply not needed since the thought was obvious or even cliche.
This is the first of three full length books in the series. There are two novellas to go along with the first book and one prequel.
Overall a good read that will appeal to anyone that loves medical romances.
December 17, 2019
I read this last year and see that I rated it a 2/5 without giving a review. I didn't remember a ton about it so listened to the audio version, and while I did like it better this time, it definitely had holes.
MC Kim is a psychiatrist, a role I quite like reading about, and MC Jess is the head of the ER. Attraction is quick, but it is dragged out due to both of them being hurt in the past. Throughout the book we find out what went wrong with their past love affairs, but also some past traumas as well. Kim is the epitome of understanding, almost annoyingly so, but I still enjoyed her character. Jess was a little tougher for me to like. Even after we understand her trauma, the amount that she hurts Kim with her coldness and inability to communicate went on for too long.
I love Angela Dawe as a narrator, but this book as an audio book seemed to go on forever. There was a scene in a cafe with pastries and coffee and the great dane that I swear went on for 2 days of my commute. This became a pattern in other parts of the book, where tedious scene went on for too long but important ones rushed over. So to say that some detail could have been edited is an understatement, and having the actual book would be much easier to skim!
When we find out more about Jess's trauma, it's literally in the last chapter then they move in together and start discussing babies. The pacing of this made my head spin. So overall, I'd say it was about a 3/5. I won't be revisiting it, but I'm not giving up on the author.
MC Kim is a psychiatrist, a role I quite like reading about, and MC Jess is the head of the ER. Attraction is quick, but it is dragged out due to both of them being hurt in the past. Throughout the book we find out what went wrong with their past love affairs, but also some past traumas as well. Kim is the epitome of understanding, almost annoyingly so, but I still enjoyed her character. Jess was a little tougher for me to like. Even after we understand her trauma, the amount that she hurts Kim with her coldness and inability to communicate went on for too long.
I love Angela Dawe as a narrator, but this book as an audio book seemed to go on forever. There was a scene in a cafe with pastries and coffee and the great dane that I swear went on for 2 days of my commute. This became a pattern in other parts of the book, where tedious scene went on for too long but important ones rushed over. So to say that some detail could have been edited is an understatement, and having the actual book would be much easier to skim!
When we find out more about Jess's trauma, it's literally in the last chapter then they move in together and start discussing babies. The pacing of this made my head spin. So overall, I'd say it was about a 3/5. I won't be revisiting it, but I'm not giving up on the author.
August 8, 2025
I did this back to front and re-read no.2 before no.1 but it didn't make any difference, they can be read independently. A great book by R.J Nolan, superbly written. Really enjoyed it.
Just re-read this and yes if definitely is worth the 5 stars, thoroughly enjoyed the story and smooth writing style that enabled me to quickly find my flow and feel enveloped in the novel.
Just re-read this and yes if definitely is worth the 5 stars, thoroughly enjoyed the story and smooth writing style that enabled me to quickly find my flow and feel enveloped in the novel.
September 1, 2016
L.A. Metro is an amazing read, especially for its genre. If you're like I am and always looking for a kindhearted romance with some adorable sweetness and lots of "does she or does she not?" tension thrown in, then this is the book for you.
If you quickly lose your patience upon realizing some women can be just a bit dim-witted when it comes to picking up their cues, then you might not enjoy Kim and Jess's slow building relationship as it transforms from spirited friendship into gentle, unconditional love.
The main characters are endearing and likable. Jess is not nearly the "Ice Queen" you think she's going to be based on the book blurb. Of all the secondary characters, Sam McKenna (Jess's sister who gets her own story in In A Heartbeat) is the most unique. I'm looking forward to the spin-off.
I could have done without the homophobic-spewing straight men stereotypes found here (would it hurt to have a few positive male role models in lesfic?) but other than that, I thought L.A. Metro was a nice way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon. I'd give it 4 warm and fuzzy stars. :)
January 15, 2020
Excellent!
RJ Nolan is an powerful writer and her storyline is eventful, adventurous and surprisingly empowering. To think people's attitudes and comments can have such a profound effect on two women's lives. Now these two women are extremely well educated and powerful due to not only who they are privately but also professionally. It's well written and has an emotionally charged storyline but is also an impressive storyline. Read it you won't be disappointed. I couldn't put it down.
RJ Nolan is an powerful writer and her storyline is eventful, adventurous and surprisingly empowering. To think people's attitudes and comments can have such a profound effect on two women's lives. Now these two women are extremely well educated and powerful due to not only who they are privately but also professionally. It's well written and has an emotionally charged storyline but is also an impressive storyline. Read it you won't be disappointed. I couldn't put it down.
February 28, 2015
I resisted reading this book for a long time. I was an idiot. Don't be me.
Dr. Kimberly Donovan is fleeing Minnesota; a gifted psychiatric practitioner, L.A. Metropolitan Hospital offers her a fresh start and a chance to do the job she loves. Dr. Jess McKenna is that hospital's Chief of the ER; although their mutual regard and secret attraction are immediate, neither wants the pain and potential heartbreak of a relationship which could fail. As they wend together though, it seems that the two women might be falling in love despite their best intentions.
I figured this was going to be the stock-standard lesbian romance, sterile and formulaic. It is, yes, in that you know exactly what's going to happen. But no, it's also not; put that from your mind. The story is sweet and careful. It's also flowing and well paced; it has moments of light-hearted good humour and moments of melancholy, with each well in its proper place. No whiplash moments, no bizzare unexplainable mood-swings in our heroines. You really want to barrack for them, you know? They are just so human. Backing this humanity up are sound supporting characters, and an exciting backdrop which drives the plot forward - the energy of the ER, rather than manufactured conflict, pulls the story along. The hospital setting is in fact described so artfully it's like ou could walk down to your local hospital and have it be there.
Look; you've got the picture by now. The story is an old friend; yes, you've seen her before, but she's bringing hot chocolate this time and you'd be an idiot not to let her in.
Four stars.
Dr. Kimberly Donovan is fleeing Minnesota; a gifted psychiatric practitioner, L.A. Metropolitan Hospital offers her a fresh start and a chance to do the job she loves. Dr. Jess McKenna is that hospital's Chief of the ER; although their mutual regard and secret attraction are immediate, neither wants the pain and potential heartbreak of a relationship which could fail. As they wend together though, it seems that the two women might be falling in love despite their best intentions.
I figured this was going to be the stock-standard lesbian romance, sterile and formulaic. It is, yes, in that you know exactly what's going to happen. But no, it's also not; put that from your mind. The story is sweet and careful. It's also flowing and well paced; it has moments of light-hearted good humour and moments of melancholy, with each well in its proper place. No whiplash moments, no bizzare unexplainable mood-swings in our heroines. You really want to barrack for them, you know? They are just so human. Backing this humanity up are sound supporting characters, and an exciting backdrop which drives the plot forward - the energy of the ER, rather than manufactured conflict, pulls the story along. The hospital setting is in fact described so artfully it's like ou could walk down to your local hospital and have it be there.
Look; you've got the picture by now. The story is an old friend; yes, you've seen her before, but she's bringing hot chocolate this time and you'd be an idiot not to let her in.
Four stars.
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September 12, 2021CONTENT WARNING /rape
Explicitly described past experience of rape retold by one of the main characters in chapter 35/36
If you care to avoid that sort of content, you basically cannot finish the book because it’s a last-minute plot detail that carries into the epilogue (though not as explicit at the end of ch 36 and the epilogue).
I did eventually finish the book by skipping ahead to the epilogue, but I wish I had known this was going to be a plot point for the main characters instead of having it suddenly dumped into the end of an otherwise decent book. unfortunately it ruined it for me, but maybe you’re not as sensitive to graphic rape or sexual assault?
note: the book is a fairly close retelling of the story of Kim Legaspi and Kerry Weaver from the tv show ER.
Explicitly described past experience of rape retold by one of the main characters in chapter 35/36
If you care to avoid that sort of content, you basically cannot finish the book because it’s a last-minute plot detail that carries into the epilogue (though not as explicit at the end of ch 36 and the epilogue).
I did eventually finish the book by skipping ahead to the epilogue, but I wish I had known this was going to be a plot point for the main characters instead of having it suddenly dumped into the end of an otherwise decent book. unfortunately it ruined it for me, but maybe you’re not as sensitive to graphic rape or sexual assault?
note: the book is a fairly close retelling of the story of Kim Legaspi and Kerry Weaver from the tv show ER.
November 17, 2014
Lovely read. Standard setting and plot, but so well realized that you don't feel as if you have read it before.
Wonderfully well presented characters, natural dialogue and a great big dog. What's not to like?
Wonderfully well presented characters, natural dialogue and a great big dog. What's not to like?
January 4, 2016
This was probably a little more like a 4.5 for me because there were a handful of unforgiveable typos. BUT! I LOVED this book. Oh my goodness, I loved the characters, I loved their growth from strangers to friends to lovers. I'm sure I'll be reading this one again.
July 4, 2019
I’ve read this book twice so far and 4* each times :)
May 14, 2017
This was very enjoyable! I had wanted to read something like this for a while, a book about female doctors who fall in love, and this one didn't disappoint!
Sure, I found it kind of slow at times, and there was a lot of this: character A says something, characters B seems to panic, character A notices it and now regrets asking/saying it, character B now seems happy and answers favourably, character A can now feel relief, haha. But that's really a small complaint, it was very entertaining and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Sure, I found it kind of slow at times, and there was a lot of this: character A says something, characters B seems to panic, character A notices it and now regrets asking/saying it, character B now seems happy and answers favourably, character A can now feel relief, haha. But that's really a small complaint, it was very entertaining and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
February 23, 2020
So wonderful book
A stand-alone book from an amazing series. Characters with depth and real emotions. Passionate scenes, overcoming challenges and obstacles with true feelings. I fully enjoyed this book as it is so real. Looking forward to read all the other books of the series.
A stand-alone book from an amazing series. Characters with depth and real emotions. Passionate scenes, overcoming challenges and obstacles with true feelings. I fully enjoyed this book as it is so real. Looking forward to read all the other books of the series.
November 20, 2017
L.A. Metro by R.J. Nolan is an enjoyably sweet romance. I really liked this story and the main characters Jess and Kim. I also loved the scenes with Thor and how sweet Jess is. I can’t wait to read more of this series. I highly recommend L.A. Metro.
July 13, 2016
The storyline itself was fine. However, I took exception to two over-used scenarios/phrases in this book.
Firstly, the reference to one of the main characters breast-size being large and, therefore, everyone in the book was after her to "date" her, even the women. She is relentlessly chased and ogled throughout the book. Really wonderful women are WAY more than their breast-size.
Second, the continual use of the phrase: "She scrubbed her hands over her face." This was more than a little annoying. When I took Creative Writing in school I was taught to use a phrase no more than twice in my writing. This phrase is used nearly TWENTY times. I eventually just skipped over paragraphs because the same things were being repeated.
I would not read this book again. Not even sure I will read book 2 of this series.
Firstly, the reference to one of the main characters breast-size being large and, therefore, everyone in the book was after her to "date" her, even the women. She is relentlessly chased and ogled throughout the book. Really wonderful women are WAY more than their breast-size.
Second, the continual use of the phrase: "She scrubbed her hands over her face." This was more than a little annoying. When I took Creative Writing in school I was taught to use a phrase no more than twice in my writing. This phrase is used nearly TWENTY times. I eventually just skipped over paragraphs because the same things were being repeated.
I would not read this book again. Not even sure I will read book 2 of this series.
November 20, 2015
Slow paced, well written, feel good, usual romance.
June 9, 2020
Gosh, this was good. I have developed a real thing for medical romances (weirdly!) and I loved that this was a longer length novel with a slow burn. I loved our two MCs, who were both flawed but ultimately great people. Can't wait to continue on with this series.
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