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Lakeside Hospital #4
Labor of Love
ASIN moved from less recent edition
What if your soulmate arrives the day after you decide to stop looking for her?
Hot-shot obstetrician Mercedes Stone is killing it at work, but she has a dirty secret. She’s the daughter of a hoarder. She’s built her life around her research but when her mother’s condition reaches a crisis point, she must drop everything to come home.
Lily Thomas is a pediatrician quickly approaching 40 and all she’s ever wanted is a family. She’s given up on finding Ms. Right, but the day she meets Mercedes – who’s taking a temporary job at Lakeside Hospital – is the same day Lily learns she’s finally pregnant.
They fall for each other hard and fast – it has to be fast because Mercedes is going home in six months to wrap up a vital clinical trial and soon, Lily will have a newborn baby to love.
What’s the harm in a quick fling?
But as Mercedes digs out her mother’s house, she begins to realize there’s more for her at home than just junk. What she and Lily swore was just a fling is beginning to feel a lot more like… family.
Labor of Love is a standalone novel in the bestselling Lakeside Hospital series. The books in this series can be read in any order.
What if your soulmate arrives the day after you decide to stop looking for her?
Hot-shot obstetrician Mercedes Stone is killing it at work, but she has a dirty secret. She’s the daughter of a hoarder. She’s built her life around her research but when her mother’s condition reaches a crisis point, she must drop everything to come home.
Lily Thomas is a pediatrician quickly approaching 40 and all she’s ever wanted is a family. She’s given up on finding Ms. Right, but the day she meets Mercedes – who’s taking a temporary job at Lakeside Hospital – is the same day Lily learns she’s finally pregnant.
They fall for each other hard and fast – it has to be fast because Mercedes is going home in six months to wrap up a vital clinical trial and soon, Lily will have a newborn baby to love.
What’s the harm in a quick fling?
But as Mercedes digs out her mother’s house, she begins to realize there’s more for her at home than just junk. What she and Lily swore was just a fling is beginning to feel a lot more like… family.
Labor of Love is a standalone novel in the bestselling Lakeside Hospital series. The books in this series can be read in any order.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2019
171 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books479 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 6, 2019
Good writing , nice characters, fluffy read. The reason why I couldn’t give more than 3 is because it was very predictable, and when I compared it with other books in the same genre, it fell behind a bit.
March 13, 2019
This is the second book I have read by Cara Malone and I liked it. For me it was better than When Stars Align. It could have been because this story line had more depth to it and the story telling is done well. I would not mind going back and checking out some of the other Lakeside Hospital books when time permits. Because of the previous Lakeside Hospital books, there is a host of supporting characters. Their presence adds to the book rather than takes away. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Mercedes and Lily. Because of Lily's self image issues, it take them a while before becoming intimate which is nice because they get to know each other and slowly fall in love. I also like the pace of the book. Just an overall enjoyable read. 4 Stars
July 22, 2023
I saw this title on Kindle Unlimited and thought it was another book in a series I had read and reviewed last year ( Perfect Rivalry). It turned out to be another series altogether BUT I didn't mind one bit. In fact, Labor of Love turned out to be a character-driven story with enough romance and personal backstory that I now eagerly anticipate my next Cara Malone read.
Read this if you like
✅ A series that introduces different couples in each book ( so stand-alone romances that can be read in any order.
✅ Medical dramas
✅Healthy relationships/relatable issues
✅ Sapphic romance
Goodreads review published 21/07/23
Read this if you like
✅ A series that introduces different couples in each book ( so stand-alone romances that can be read in any order.
✅ Medical dramas
✅Healthy relationships/relatable issues
✅ Sapphic romance
Goodreads review published 21/07/23
July 19, 2019
I liked this one. Same as the previous books, I like discovering the main charachters. Even though the challenge those 2 had, wasn't that big, it made me smile when final decisions came into effect. It's easy mellow reading.
August 7, 2022
Another romance at Lakeside Hospital. Lily Thomas is nearly 40 and has always wanted her own family. On the day she finds out she is pregnant she meets visiting doctor Mercedes Stone. Mercedes is a renowned obstetrician who lives in Seattle. She’s come to Illinois to help with her mother who is a hoarder. She is planning to stay only six months or less but plans to work at the hospital while she tries to help her mother. I think this and the previous book for me as the doctors are mature and working in the fields. The friendship and more relationship between the two is organic and comes with an expiration date. I like that it covers many months and nothing feels instant. Also enjoy seeing the friend group and catching up with previous MC couples.
February 17, 2019
Oohh Lakeside Hospital...
I seriously like every book from this series. I'm a sucker for a medical romance. This may have been my fave. I was happy to have a character of color too. All of her characters are diverse. Nice job Cara.
I seriously like every book from this series. I'm a sucker for a medical romance. This may have been my fave. I was happy to have a character of color too. All of her characters are diverse. Nice job Cara.
January 13, 2020
Really enjoyed this one - quite short but kept me entertained and I love the interplay with previous MC's of other books. Whole series recommended.
March 21, 2021
Labor of Love
A lovely story with zero angst for Lily and Mercedes. This was a fun story and get to know Lily a little better and to meet Mercedes. These two make an amazing couple and look forward to seeing them in the remaining series. This is a fun filled series by Cara Malone that you don't want to miss.
A lovely story with zero angst for Lily and Mercedes. This was a fun story and get to know Lily a little better and to meet Mercedes. These two make an amazing couple and look forward to seeing them in the remaining series. This is a fun filled series by Cara Malone that you don't want to miss.
February 26, 2019
Fast and easy read. Cute story of getting what you didn’t realize you always wanted and needed.
August 2, 2020
Enjoyed the other books from this series more. Couldn't connect with Mercedes' character. The attraction and everything that followed felt a little shallow and predictable.
I found Mercedes to be a bit selfish in both family and her pursuit of Lily. Lily also didn't feel like a fully fleshed character (still felt like a side character though this was her story) and I felt like her idolizing/attraction to Mercedes at the beginning was leading her to make rash decisions.
An HEA.
I found Mercedes to be a bit selfish in both family and her pursuit of Lily. Lily also didn't feel like a fully fleshed character (still felt like a side character though this was her story) and I felt like her idolizing/attraction to Mercedes at the beginning was leading her to make rash decisions.
An HEA.
June 22, 2019
I enjoy reading medical romances. Although the focus was on Mercedes Stone, successful obstetrician that has forgotten what is important in life and Lily Thomas, talented pediatrician with a strong sense of family, the two find themselves drawn together. Light and fun read with has a nice message about family.
February 20, 2019
This one's the best of the Lakeside Hospital series. Unless there's another one, of course... and it's better than this. Hehehe. I really liked both main characters even when I thought Mercedes was just a player. She surprised me and I thought she was good for Lily and vice versa.
March 14, 2020
This is a great series. I love how all the characters are in all the books.
February 13, 2019
I’ve mentioned before how much I like Cara's writing style and her stories. They are always enthralling and full of beloved deep characters. This being the latest story of Lakeside Hospital series is not the exception. We get to see serious matters, told in a beautiful way. Ms. Malone did an excellent job, always bringing joy to the reader.
Our beloved paediatrician Dr. Lily Thomas at age 39 is ready to fulfil her dream of having a family of her own. The day she gets the news she is pregnant, she met the flirty and very attractive obstetrician Mercedes Stone, who is taking a temporary job at Lakeside Hospital to take care of her mother. Sparks fly and they decide to enjoy their attraction and have fun while it lasts. But they didn’t count on fate.
From the series Dr. Lily Thomas has been my favourite and I’m glad this book is centred in her. But is always good to see all the women of the previous books around, as they have become somehow a family.
This is a truly good story that it is capable of invoking emotion. Beside the brewing sweet love story, Ms. Malone conveys the effects of hoarding and treatment of burned victims in an easy and engaging, enjoyable read.
IT is a very cute, sweet story. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and found it very lovely and pleasing. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Lily and Mercedes. I definitely enjoyed this story so much, the way it was told as well as the build-up of the romance. It’s a story about finding love when you stop looking for it.
This is undoubtedly a heart-warming love story that I’d like to recommend.
Just as all the Lakeshore Hospital series can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our beloved paediatrician Dr. Lily Thomas at age 39 is ready to fulfil her dream of having a family of her own. The day she gets the news she is pregnant, she met the flirty and very attractive obstetrician Mercedes Stone, who is taking a temporary job at Lakeside Hospital to take care of her mother. Sparks fly and they decide to enjoy their attraction and have fun while it lasts. But they didn’t count on fate.
From the series Dr. Lily Thomas has been my favourite and I’m glad this book is centred in her. But is always good to see all the women of the previous books around, as they have become somehow a family.
This is a truly good story that it is capable of invoking emotion. Beside the brewing sweet love story, Ms. Malone conveys the effects of hoarding and treatment of burned victims in an easy and engaging, enjoyable read.
IT is a very cute, sweet story. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and found it very lovely and pleasing. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Lily and Mercedes. I definitely enjoyed this story so much, the way it was told as well as the build-up of the romance. It’s a story about finding love when you stop looking for it.
This is undoubtedly a heart-warming love story that I’d like to recommend.
Just as all the Lakeshore Hospital series can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2019
Can you have it all?
Dr. Mercedes Stone takes a 6 mth sabbatical from a clinical trial she is running in CA to return to the east coast to help her mom who has been a hoarder since Mercedes and her sister were young. She takes a temporary position in he OB/GYN dept. in Lakeside Hospital for the 6mths she is back east. Dr. Lily Thomas works in Pediatrics, specializing in burns at Lakeside Hospital. She chose burns in children because it is personal to her. She has given up on finding a partner to start a family with, so she has started the process alone. When Mercedes arrives at Lakeside, Lily is about 9 wks. pregnant and has terrible morning sickness. The two are attracted to each other from day one, but Lily knows Mercedes will be leaving in 6 mths and doesn't want a broken heart. Mercedes flirts mercilessly with Lily. Lily finally gives in and spends time with Mercedes. She helps Lily get a grant for equipment that means the world to Lily. It will allow her to continue making great strides in Pediatric burn medicine. The two grow close but so does the time Mercedes has to leave. Mercedes tries to extend her leave so she can be there to deliver Lily's baby but her clinical trial is ending in February. She needs to return to gather all the data and put it together in a report for the hospital. Lily is not due till March and Mercedes schedules time off so she can come back for the birth. Will their time together mean more than a brief fling? Does Mercedes even want a family at this point in her life let alone leave her life in the West coast? No spoilers... You need to pick up a copy of another of Cara's great books. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down!!
Dr. Mercedes Stone takes a 6 mth sabbatical from a clinical trial she is running in CA to return to the east coast to help her mom who has been a hoarder since Mercedes and her sister were young. She takes a temporary position in he OB/GYN dept. in Lakeside Hospital for the 6mths she is back east. Dr. Lily Thomas works in Pediatrics, specializing in burns at Lakeside Hospital. She chose burns in children because it is personal to her. She has given up on finding a partner to start a family with, so she has started the process alone. When Mercedes arrives at Lakeside, Lily is about 9 wks. pregnant and has terrible morning sickness. The two are attracted to each other from day one, but Lily knows Mercedes will be leaving in 6 mths and doesn't want a broken heart. Mercedes flirts mercilessly with Lily. Lily finally gives in and spends time with Mercedes. She helps Lily get a grant for equipment that means the world to Lily. It will allow her to continue making great strides in Pediatric burn medicine. The two grow close but so does the time Mercedes has to leave. Mercedes tries to extend her leave so she can be there to deliver Lily's baby but her clinical trial is ending in February. She needs to return to gather all the data and put it together in a report for the hospital. Lily is not due till March and Mercedes schedules time off so she can come back for the birth. Will their time together mean more than a brief fling? Does Mercedes even want a family at this point in her life let alone leave her life in the West coast? No spoilers... You need to pick up a copy of another of Cara's great books. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down!!
February 13, 2019
Another successful Lakeside Hospital romance.
In this world of lesbian doctors, Lily, a pediatrician and burn specialist, decides she isn’t going to meet Ms. Right and worries her baby clock is running down. Lily wants a child, so she does the fertility clinic thing. On the day she is to find out if her last egg has been successfully inseminated, she recognizes and meets a new OB/GYN, Mercedes, at the hospital. Mercedes is a Seattle based OB/GYN and research doctor who has come back to Evanston from the West Coast to take care of some family issues. She is pleased to meet Lily and Mercedes sets her sites on the attractive woman. The story goes on from there.
I love books like this one. The author does a great job of writing people falling in love, having babies, and getting married. It all just makes me happy. I recommend this HEA to every lesfic romance fan.
In this world of lesbian doctors, Lily, a pediatrician and burn specialist, decides she isn’t going to meet Ms. Right and worries her baby clock is running down. Lily wants a child, so she does the fertility clinic thing. On the day she is to find out if her last egg has been successfully inseminated, she recognizes and meets a new OB/GYN, Mercedes, at the hospital. Mercedes is a Seattle based OB/GYN and research doctor who has come back to Evanston from the West Coast to take care of some family issues. She is pleased to meet Lily and Mercedes sets her sites on the attractive woman. The story goes on from there.
I love books like this one. The author does a great job of writing people falling in love, having babies, and getting married. It all just makes me happy. I recommend this HEA to every lesfic romance fan.
February 16, 2019
I have enjoyed every book in the Lakeside Hospital series, and Labor of Love is no exception. The characters are well-written, the dialog flows nicely, and the story is good, though a little unexciting. I look forward to reading Sarah's story, since she's the last of the friend group left. Cara Malone's books are what I call "soothing reads". I can go into them knowing everything is going to come out okay, and with some of the intense books I've been reading lately, it's nice to reset with a book that's not going to let me down.
This book was provided to me free of charge. My review is given voluntarily.
This book was provided to me free of charge. My review is given voluntarily.
March 4, 2019
Labour of Love : A Lakeside Hospital Novel zr
A good story about Obstetrician who has to come home to help her mother as her sister cannot cope anymore due to her hoarding.She is in the middle of a research project but is given permission. Whilst there she meets someone. Now the story begins it's a good story as it shows that hoarding is an illness. But also how people deny that they have a illness.There love ,anger,pregnancy,and more.
The author Cara Malone did a good job writing this book and definitely recommended.
A good story about Obstetrician who has to come home to help her mother as her sister cannot cope anymore due to her hoarding.She is in the middle of a research project but is given permission. Whilst there she meets someone. Now the story begins it's a good story as it shows that hoarding is an illness. But also how people deny that they have a illness.There love ,anger,pregnancy,and more.
The author Cara Malone did a good job writing this book and definitely recommended.
October 10, 2024
This is a very sweet, low stress romance. Perfect for a relaxing read (or listen) after a long day. I listened to the audiobook on my commute to and from work. Victoria Landon did a wonderful job narrating. I really liked the main characters but also their community of friends. There are some issues that our two MC’s must overcome to find happiness. I felt the resolution of Mercedes’ problem was a little too easy but again, this is a fluffy book to make you feel good and it did. I recommend it and will read more in the series.
February 24, 2019
Excellent!
The well developed characters that drive this book speak to the wounded self in all of us. Carrying a shameful secret from childhood into any adult relationship takes a toll on everyone involved. A body image issue or a loved one with a mental health condition can color every step of life. This must read book sheds a bit of light on a little understood mental condition, hoarding, without being a distraction from the romantic interest of the story.
The well developed characters that drive this book speak to the wounded self in all of us. Carrying a shameful secret from childhood into any adult relationship takes a toll on everyone involved. A body image issue or a loved one with a mental health condition can color every step of life. This must read book sheds a bit of light on a little understood mental condition, hoarding, without being a distraction from the romantic interest of the story.
February 22, 2019
Great Series About Strong Women
Medical careers are stressful without all the personal issues. Add pregnancy and a hoarder mother to the mix and it may be overwhelming. Lilly learns she pregnant the same day she meets Mercedes. Can they have a short fling or will it go beyond their initial sparks. Love the Author. Recommend.
Medical careers are stressful without all the personal issues. Add pregnancy and a hoarder mother to the mix and it may be overwhelming. Lilly learns she pregnant the same day she meets Mercedes. Can they have a short fling or will it go beyond their initial sparks. Love the Author. Recommend.
May 24, 2020
Life In Color
Lily and Mercedes’ journey was a beautifully carved one: from their first meeting to the end, I enjoyed the banter and love between them. Their dialogue was always interesting to read. The surprise “pop-up” wedding wS great!
I’m excited to read the rest of the novels in this series!
Lily and Mercedes’ journey was a beautifully carved one: from their first meeting to the end, I enjoyed the banter and love between them. Their dialogue was always interesting to read. The surprise “pop-up” wedding wS great!
I’m excited to read the rest of the novels in this series!
July 18, 2020
I absolutely love the Lakeside Hospital series. This story was an easy and fun book to read. You can’t help but love all the characters and story lines. Sometimes it’s a little too fluffy, but all in all, you won’t be sorry if you pick this book up. This is the 4th book in the series but you do not have to read them in order. And of course it is HEA !!!!
February 26, 2019
Sweet
This is a very sweet love story. The main characters as well as the supporting characters are all very much in love with their partners or wives. Well written story with nice love scenes and a great ending.
This is a very sweet love story. The main characters as well as the supporting characters are all very much in love with their partners or wives. Well written story with nice love scenes and a great ending.
February 27, 2019
As always....
As always, another wonderful story by Cara Malone. The story was sweet and entertaining. Just goes to show, you never know when that special someone will drop into your life, when you least expect it!
As always, another wonderful story by Cara Malone. The story was sweet and entertaining. Just goes to show, you never know when that special someone will drop into your life, when you least expect it!
April 22, 2019
Another great addition to the series
The Lakeside Hospital series can always be counted on for great characters with fantastic chemistry and sincere emotional storylines. Labor of Love continues that trend quite well.
The Lakeside Hospital series can always be counted on for great characters with fantastic chemistry and sincere emotional storylines. Labor of Love continues that trend quite well.
May 18, 2019
Great read, love this series!!
This installment draws you in to the story much like the previous books. Love how all the from previous books add to the story without distracting from the main characters.
This installment draws you in to the story much like the previous books. Love how all the from previous books add to the story without distracting from the main characters.
July 10, 2020
Great book.
I love how all the books interwine together. Being a lesbian also approaching 30. It gives me hope to hopefully find a stable relationship one day soon. Really enjoy all the books
I love how all the books interwine together. Being a lesbian also approaching 30. It gives me hope to hopefully find a stable relationship one day soon. Really enjoy all the books
January 31, 2021
This was another cute story from Malone that I enjoyed, although I don't unerstand why it was such a shame to admit her mother was a hoarder. Probably because I don't know how difficult a mental illness it can be.
February 13, 2019
Cute love Story
I thought it was really great, few errors but it didn't take away from the story. If you don't mind same sex love stories , i think you would love it.
I thought it was really great, few errors but it didn't take away from the story. If you don't mind same sex love stories , i think you would love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews