Broody, senior ER doc Atticus Thorin has spent years crafting the unbreakable walls around his scarred heart.Samantha Sheridan’s escape from her past leads her straight into the arms of the forbidden—falling hopelessly for the one man off-limits to her.Dr. Atticus Thorin is unattached and has every intention of staying that way. He’s built his life around control and emotional detachment, a fortress around his heart no one has ever breached. Sixteen years her senior, Atticus knows he should stay away from the one woman who makes him feel alive again. But Samantha, with her fiery spirit and untested naivety, tempts him to disobey his own rules…and covet the one thing he knows his wounded heart can’t have.Samantha Sheridan’s fresh start? More like a dumpster fire! Leaving her old life behind seemed foolproof until she ran smack into Dr. Grumpy at her new job. She thought moving to Tacoma would put her miles away from trouble, but apparently, trouble wears scrubs and loves to make her blood boil in more ways than one. Chased by the sins of her father, her past demons come to steal her away in the night, leaving her nowhere else to turn except to the man who completely broke her. Teetering on the edge between heartbreak and healing, will he be the one to catch her, or will he let her fall?A sizzling, workplace, age-gap romance, Night Shift is the first in a new series of standalone romances featuring a trio of brothers who each must learn to tear down their walls and find out what it’s like when you allow yourself to break.What you can expect from Night Shift…Workplace romanceAge-gapGrumpy/SunshineBroken HeroRedemptionStrong Sassy HeroineLOL Scenes and BanterHOT, HOT, HOT SteamHeart-stopping SuspenseHEA and All the Butterflies
Evie James is a lifelong creative, book enthusiast, and romance author who crafts angsty, fast-paced contemporary novels filled with heartache, heat, and unexpected twists. She writes strong, sassy heroines who know how to push every button on a man and possessive alphas who would burn the world down for their woman. Evie guarantees a hard-won happily-ever-after in every book.
A true romantic and animal lover, she’s a Cancer sign to a fault—deeply emotional, fiercely loyal, and guided by intuition. She channels these traits into her writing, creating characters and stories that resonate with passion and vulnerability.
When not writing, she can be found baking, spending time with her family, or doting on her four dogs in Nashville, TN.
Connect with her on IG and FB (@evie.james.author)
I think this was my first true medical romance novel ever—it was so much freaking fun!! Atticus is entirely swoonworthy and I found Sam to be such a relatable and endearing heroine. This book gives major Grey’s Anatomy meets Ana Huang’s Twisted Hate vibes, and I found it altogether very addictive!
What to Expect: —Workplace Romance —ER Doctor/Nurse —Grumpy/Sunshine —Cinnamon Roll MMC —Sassy FMC —Touch Her & 💀 —Age Gap (16 years) —Forced Proximity
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Just finished "Night Shift" by Evie James and Craig Richards, and wow, it's a heart-stopping blend of intense emotion, sizzling chemistry, and thrilling suspense that kept me glued to the pages until the very end. I'm giving it a glowing 5 stars for how it masterfully tackles deep themes of trauma and healing, wrapped in a gripping workplace romance.
Atticus Thorin, the brooding ER doctor, is the embodiment of the grumpy hero with a heart of gold. Years of guarding his scarred heart have made him a master of control and detachment, yet beneath that tough exterior lies a well of deep vulnerability. Atticus's journey from emotional isolation to openness and vulnerability is not just compelling; it's deeply relatable and heartrending.
Then there’s Samantha Sheridan, the fiery, sassy heroine with a troubled past she's desperate to escape. Samantha's strength and resilience shine as she navigates her new life in Tacoma, only to find her heart entangled with the one man she knows she should avoid. Her bravery in facing her past demons, alongside her growing bond with Atticus, provides a powerful exploration of trust, healing, and the courage to love.
Their love story, set against the high-stakes backdrop of an ER, is nothing short of electrifying. The age gap adds an extra layer of complexity to their relationship, challenging societal norms and their own fears. Yet, it's their emotional journey—through pain, secrets, and the shadows of their past—that truly captivates, as they find solace and redemption in each other's arms.
"Night Shift" doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life, including childhood trauma and the looming threat of danger that tests their relationship and very survival. The suspense element is perfectly balanced with moments of levity, making their journey not just about love, but about overcoming the odds stacked against them.
For fans of workplace romances that pack an emotional punch, "Night Shift" is a must-read. With its unforgettable characters, steamy romance, and a storyline that grips you from the start, Evie James and Craig Richards have crafted a tale of love's transformative power. This book isn't just a story; it's an experience—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love.
I confess this is more of a genre I watch rather than read and even there, it’s I haven’t watched a lot of it. BUT I always understood the appeal. A hospital is like a little city with its own community and drama. People come and go all the time, and doctors and nurses spend all those hours together…
So whether you’re a sort-of-newbie to the genre, or you are a veteran and want more, NIGHT SHIFT is the perfect book to try. This is a spicy age gap medical romance between a surly and emotionally unavailable doctor and a new nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Tacoma. Atticus and Samantha immediately spark a banter that leaves the “no strings attached” doctor quite intrigued, while it has Samantha wanting to find out if being intimate with someone really isn’t all that great or if she just needed to find the right man to share the experience with. Through their interactions, we discover that both Atticus and Samantha have quite the dark pasts, and they haven’t entirely overcome it. Samantha copes by being untrusting and not depending on anyone. Atticus, on the other hand, by being in control at all times. Watching them overcome these things is part of the fun of the book. That and, of course, the spicy times between the two.
This is basically my favorite type of romance, where there is a healing journey for the characters, and the spicy times with a dash of forbidden to go with it. In this case, Atticus and Samantha teach each other to let their walls down and test their boundaries with trust, experience and emotional availability. As for the spice, I enjoyed it. It was hot, a little bit kinky, with some dirty talking. A definite four pepper read.
Another aspect I enjoyed of the book was the actual medical aspect. This isn’t a story that is simply set in a hospital. There’s actual instances of Atticus and Samantha helping patients. You could tell that the authors knew what they were doing and were passionate about this aspect, which I can only respect. It’s kind of like when I read a hockey romance. Do I understand all the hockey lingo? No. Do I like seeing some ice time? Absolutely. It makes it feel real.
However, there were instances where I felt like Atticus was trying to be too many things, and with him his brothers, too. They were a little too good, too organized and savvy of things I would expect from a detective, or a mobster.
Thank you to Evie James for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Paging Dr Hottie! Dr Atticus Thorin, the senior ER doctor is about to meet his match in this medical romantic thriller!
Samantha is looking for a fresh start as she moved to a new city and started her nursing job on the night shift. She meets grumpy (and smoking hot) Dr Thorin during a shift and get ready for some banter and equally hot brothers!
This also has a mafia aspect, which I don’t read a lot of but dabble. These were a great mix that kept the read interesting and on the edge of the seat in anticipation!
I enjoyed Atticus and Sam’s banter and their journey opening up to one another. I also liked the info to the brothers and can’t wait to dive into their stories!
Thank you to author, Evie James, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
My first medical romance & I devoured it. So good and Atticus is delissssshhhh omg! This book gave me all of the Grey’s Anatomy vibes and the spice was the perfect addition!
Thank you so much Evie James & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! I can’t wait to get my hands on another Evie James book!
Thoroughly enjoyed being an ARC reader of this story and collab by authors Evie James and Craig Richards! The MFC, Samantha, might be one of my all time favorites. She's sassy, smart, strong and independent, and seems mature beyond her age. The MMC, Atticus, is an ER doc and there's an immediate attraction between he and Samantha, who is a newly hired nurse. Workplace romance - check! Forced proximity- check! And my all time favorite trope - Grumpy/Sunshine- check CHECK!!!! Atticus and Samantha have their secrets and past traumas, which play out perfectly in how they navigate this new relationship. Does it get a little messy along the way? Yep! But I'm a sucker for a HEA, and the authors deliver. Oh and the spice? 4/5🌶️ This is a must add to your TBR list!
As far as MFCs are concerned, Samantha is among my all-time favorites. Despite her young age, she possesses a strong sense of independence and is sassy, smart, and strong. Upon meeting, Samantha, a newly hired nurse, and Atticus, an ER doctor, experience an immediate attraction to each other. There is a workplace romance between Samantha, a newly hired nurse, and Atticus, an ER doctor! They have fulfilled the requirement of forced proximity! The Grumpy / Sunshine trope is one of my all-time favorite tropes. In their relationship, Atticus and Samantha must deal with their secrets and previous traumas. I love nothing more than a HEA, and the authors certainly deliver on that promise. You should add this book to your list of must-reads.
The Night Shift by Evie James and Craig Richards deserves 5 stars for its exciting mix of workplace dynamics, sass and banter and overall strong character development in a love story.
Broody, senior ER Doctor Atticus Thorin has spent years crafting the unbreakable walls around his scarred heart. Atticus is all about control, and then along comes the beautiful Samantha to push his buttons and soften his heart.
Samantha Sheridan’s escape from her past leads her straight into the arms of the forbidden—falling hopelessly for the one man off-limits to her. Samantha’s strong sassy brattitude reminded me of myself in so many ways and I truly loved her character.
Tropes: Age gap Grumpy / Sunshine Workplace romance Medical Romance Broken Hero Strong Sassy FMC Touch her and die Forced proximity
This book gave a little bit of everything and was put together beautifully. The spice was spicy, the suspense kept me on edge, the character development was strong and relatable throughout and the happily ever after gave me all the butterflies!
*ARC review* If you are a fan of Grey's Anatomy then you will love this workplace romance debut co-written by Evie James and Craig Richards! This was fast paced, full of drama, unpredictable, spicy and gave me a HEA that had me smiling so big my cheeks hurt, lol. The FMC (Samantha) and MMC (Atticus) both had their own baggage to work though, and this story took you through it while also making sure to get you throughly invested in each character and wanting to know more. Great way to debut a new series that made me fall for the characters and be more than ready to dive into the next book when it releases!
I have this problem of having to finish books I start; and after books like this, I always beat myself up for having this problem.
I thought I would like book this since I’m in healthcare & my significant other and I have a pretty big age gap, but there was absolutely no substance to this book. Even the smut/spicy scenes gave me the ick! Unncecessarily long with way too many details too.
What a ride this book was! It is a medical drama as the MMC is a doctor and FMC is a nurse. But it's so much more than that! Atticus and Sam are both such deep characters who have struggled with major childhood trauma events that have lead them to not be able to trust others or enter long term relationships. Together they begin to share their stories and learn to trust each other. There is a lot of suspense and intensity in the story that gives even more depth to the characters and how they come together so strongly in the end. So well done by two amazing authors!!
ARC Review: Night Shift Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2
"Night Shift" by Evie James and Craig Richards earns a solid 4 stars for its captivating blend of workplace dynamics, dark romance, and an age-gap love story. The grumpy/sunshine trope adds a unique flavor as senior ER doc Atticus Thorin, initially brooding with unbreakable walls, undergoes a compelling transformation in the latter half, revealing a more vulnerable side.
The romance's spice borders on dark, keeping readers on the edge with the forbidden attraction between Atticus and the fiery Samantha Sheridan. The age-gap of sixteen years introduces societal expectations and internal conflicts, adding complexity to their evolving relationship.
Atticus's character development is a standout, shifting from grumpy and emotionally detached to a more relatable and vulnerable figure. Samantha, with her fiery spirit, becomes the catalyst for this transformation, creating palpable tension and investing readers in their love story.
Set against a backdrop reminiscent of Grey's Anatomy, the novel unfolds like a series of intense medical drama episodes, making it an engaging read for fans of the genre. Additionally, "Night Shift" sets the stage for a promising series with a trio of brothers navigating emotional struggles and tearing down their walls.
In conclusion, "Night Shift" offers a satisfying blend of romance, drama, and character development. With its exploration of tropes, spice, and relatable characters, it caters to fans of workplace romance, with a compelling narrative that will keep you turning the pages!
Wowzer!! Yeah this book was a little bit of everything. Medical trope. Grumpy doctor. Spunky nurse. Mafia trope. Touch her and die trope. Let me teach you everything you need to learn. Age gap trope. Geez… so much more… this book was 100% spicy… let’s just say the audiobook will be 100000 times worse!!! 😂😂 “No matter how hard I tried, it seemed I couldn’t escape the tangled web of my own emotions.” The MFC is a firecracker that you are bound to love. The MMC is just every woman’s dream. Put them together and what do you get? Enjoy this read. Hopefully you will make it through without… well you know! Haha! I warned you! It’s that good!
OMG! I loved this book! I read it in one sitting! Samantha is so sassy and Atticus is the grumpy Dr. from the new hospital she works at. The banter!the Spice! I wanted to change my name to Samantha 😂My favorite part was the HEA!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was my 1st medical contemporary romance novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I will most definitely be buying the next 2 novels in the series.
The next 2 books follow Atticus brothers Conan and Braxton. Who doesn't love a trio of delicious brothers? For someone who has religiously watched Greys from start to finish every year for the past 6 years and being such an avid reader; to have my two worlds collide was heaven.
I couldn't pass up a novel with so many of my favorite tropes being in one book. Who doesn't love a happily ever after story? Or a grumpy cinnamon roll MMC who is also fiercely protective? How about a sassy, independent, smart FMC? What about a unforeseen subplot with the perfect amount of suspense? Yes please!
Other tropes you will find in Night Shift are: Grumpy/Sunshine, Age Gap-he's older, Forced Proximity, Touch Her & % , Healing Journey, and Found Family.
Night Shift takes place in Tacoma Washington and follows an ED Doctor, Atticus Thorin and a nurse, Samantha Sheridan.
Atticus likes to be in control, is set in his ways, and emotionally unavailable. Sam is independent, resilient, and has a firecracker spirit. Both have endured childhood trauma and each have their own demons. Once Atticus meets Sam it's the perfect example that love can conquer all, especially when you fully submit to one another.
Night Shift has the perfect amount of spice and Craig Richards does the audiobook version which is chef's kiss!
I was able to connect with the characters and the writing style keeps you wanting to turn the page. I'm eagerly waiting for the next 2 books so I can get to know Conan and Braxton more. I already love Conan so much!
Evie James and Craig Richards do an amazing job touching on mental health and the challenges people face.
Favorite Quotes
"This was more than mere attraction; it was a challenge, a puzzle begging to be solved." Dr. Thorin
"You've never been properly worshiped, have you?" Dr. Thorin
"You're shenanigans trigger both my temperature and my thirst." Dr. Thorin
"I found myself thinking absurdly that he could read the dictionary aloud, and I would be utterly enraptured, hanging on every syllable." Samantha
"I went from fairy princess to hobo real quick-but oh, I was all kinds of comfy now." Samantha
"I would not be undone by a man's touch, no matter how intoxicating it might have been." Samantha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was honoured to be included in the ARC team for " The Night Shift". Medical Romances and Workplace romances aren't usually my cup of tea which made me a little nervous for this read. I tend to lean more to the Darker Romance side of the internet.
However, Evie and Craig successfully weave together the high stress worlds of age gap, medical workplace dynamics, and grump-sunshine vibes. The authors craft a very fast paced narrative that keeps you engaged with its plot and endearing, relatable characters. The hospital setting adds a unique flavor to this love story and the chemistry between the protagonists is palpable.
The banter and friction between Atticus and Samantha is high from the very beginning. Nicknames get thrown around, tensions build and both characters do their best to resit the obvious draw to each other. They move quickly on their feelings but face a number of challenges. The introduction of Atticus' brothers definitely adds an extra level of drama to the story. It has some beautiful moments in the story that feel like they have been passed down from the authors themselves, talk of family recipes that you just know are real details of the authors lives. I thought this was lovely and seeing those moments sprinkled throughout was a great choice.
I found this to be an easy read for me, it could of been a little longer. I like a book that really lets the slow burn burn. I would have loved for it to be a little more drawn out. But given that it's a trilogy I can see how Sam & Atticus' story might not be over as well as more from our other brothers. Despite some familiar elements, the story is infused with charm, the unexpected and warmth. Fans of contemporary romance will find "The Night Shift" to be a lovely journey into the intricacies of love, family and relationships.
This book has a number of adult themes and triggers that I recommend reading before diving in. It is spicy but they are sporadic🔥🌶️. It also has elements of kidnapping, harm, substance abuse, family abuse and trauma. Please read your triggers before giving this book a go!
This book stared out soo good, it was like reading a type of a grace anatomy novel with all the gossips and diferente cases at the hospital, and I was like waoo this is so good!
We meet Atticus, the Hero, at the begging he’s kind of a grumpy jerk, but as the book progresses we can see that he really is kind of a cinnamon roll hero, and he was really good with the h name Samantha, WHO IS A TOTAL BI*%CH!!!
Now, my problem with this story ☺️ SAMANTHA, what the hel** with this girl, she was so immature, bratty, inconsequential, she ruin this book for me!!
The guy didn’t do serious, so after a magnificent weekend that they have she’s like “this never happened, it’s not gonna happen again it was a mistake” so he gives her space, and she’s like omg he does not even text me or talked to me… EXCUSE ME GIRLLLL, then she goes and flirts with the H brother IN FRONT OF HIM, goes on a date with his BROTHER and also kisses him IN FRONT OF THE H, WHAT IN THE ACTUAL!!!!🤬🤬
And so much more, and of curse it ends in a Happy Ever After ☺️ because why not?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was so excited when I got approved for the Advance Reader Copy of Night Shift by Evie James & Craig Richards. It was a Workplace Romance with a Grumpy & Sunshine Trope. I loved Samantha’s & Dr. Atticus’s relationship throughout the book.
I loved this book. It was written in a beautiful and romantic way. This book would be a great read when you are looking for a workplace romance.
What drew me into reading Night Shift was certainly overall the voice recordings we were sent on the Night Shift Street Team and the title intrigued me and the blurb and the cover also did the job too.
Overall I have to give this book a 5/5 stars. The ARC is still in the early stages of the manuscript stage so changes may happen before the book is available for the general public. This book may appeal to people who like Workplace Romances. Thank you Night Shift Street Team for the ARC!
I picked this book up because I saw reviews mentioning good banter, but every single conversation in this book felt over-the-top and ridiculous. My idea of good banter is not just hurling uncalled for, convoluted, unnecessarily long insults at each other. The FMC kept getting offended and upset over stupid shit. The MMC went from burly grump to cinnamon roll in approximately .05 seconds.
There was also a little too much time spent on medical jargon in my personal opinion, and it's totally fair if people are into it and disagree, but I often felt it was being unnecessarily descriptive in many instances. I get that they're medical professionals working in a hospital, but I'm not, so most of the medical shit just went over my head or bored me.
I gave it a shot but ultimately found it too boring overall and I wasn't into the dialogue.
A graphic and sexually explicit romance novel set in the hospital emergency department between a young female nurse and an older male doctor, some Christian Grey inspired control-freak storyline, a strange love triangle between the doctor and his two brothers, some trauma bonding, and some Russian Mafia nonsense thrown in for thrill. This was a difficult book to finish, and I won't be going back for the sequel.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 A few spice scenes with some description/moderately explicit sex scenes.
I wanted to DNF at 20-30% but pushed through because I wanted to give it a chance. At 58% and I’m so bored. I really wanted the banter, romance and spice, it has potential. It’s for someone, but this isn’t for me.
There was no chemistry between the two. Yea there’s said physical attraction, but after “banter” and a woman holding boundaries, Atticus is hooked? She’s physically attracted to him but the relationship felt forced. Maybe I’m missing something.
How many times do we need to see Atticus sitting on the bed with a hard on? The fact Sam pointed it out was cringe.
Atticus seemed to be trying so hard and then when Sam asked for space he honored it but she questioned why he wasn’t chasing her.
“I figured if that night meant anything to you, you’d at least text or call me, that I would see you at work and we’d banter and tease like before, that you would pursue me if you were interested, but nooo. Talk about nothing…”
“Fuck you, Atticus! All of your assumptions about me are ridiculous! Why don’t you get your fucking facts straight?” -It goes both ways Sam.
This is shows the assumptions and lack of communication. This could have been avoided. Communication goes both ways. She expected so much from him when she was the one who shut him out.
She doesn’t want to be treated like a child but she acts like it. It’s not even bratty behavior, it’s defiance. How are you supposed to build a relationship when your actions make you seem untrustworthy and immature?
Trying to break as many rules before he gets home? How is that cute? I would be livid if I opened my home to someone so they can feel safe after the traumatic experiences just to have them do shit like that? It’s violating and taking advantage of someone’s kindness. Not saying Atticus is perfect, he’s possessive and has shit to deal with. Atticus must be a masochist.
“I’m not your little plaything, and I will not sit here and let you dictate my life.” She talks about independence, she could’ve left when he was gone. If she didn’t want to stay she could have left, but again it’s for the drama. They’re both immature in some way. It’s not even cute, it’s exhausting.
Conan, he’s the hot younger brother but then goes after her too. Luckily he was understanding and cool, but wtf? It was giving Bella Swan in Twilight, the new girl/shiny new toy.
A wooden spoon. It’s porous and can harbor bacteria. 🙄
The ending…yea…saw that coming a mile away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Interconnected Standalone with HEA Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Darkness Level: 🩺 Tropes: Workplace, Grumpy/Sunshine, Cinnamon-roll Mmc, Forced Proximity, Age gap 39/23, Mafia Format: Arc Audiobook – 11h 43mins – Single Narrator
The first 60% of the book was amazing. I loved it. But then the last 40% just ruined it for me 😔.
Atticus an ED Doctor has an almost immediate attraction to the feisty Samantha, the new nurse in the ED. She is capable, quick witted, charming, and beautiful. Samantha is also drawn to our slightly arrogant/rude Doc who is sinfully handsome and very good at his job.
Atticus is very experienced (sexually) but has never had a relationship. Whereas Samantha has only had sex once and the experience was definitely lacking, leading her to believe that sex was just over-hyped. This fact has Atticus very intrigued, and he is determined to change her mind.
The banter between the two, the hot, hot, hot (educational 😉) sex, the slow build-up of their friendship with shared traumatic childhoods was beautifully written and an absolute pleasure to read.
However, after that first experience… things just become well not so fun.
I loved the Fmc at first but afterwards she just simply pissed me off. I literally had to take a break for a day at how angry she made me. (Yes, I get very emotionally invested in the books I read 😅). There were quite a few things that left a bitter taste in my mouth. And no, it wasn’t because of anything dirty or dark 😂.
The mafia trope, the suspense, the twists were all great but the relationship between the couple was extremely rushed after the slow build-up at the beginning and just left me disappointed 😢.
Audiobook Review: Loved the narrator’s voice. But since it was a single narrator and the narrator did not change his voice for the female Pov’s, sometimes if I had paused it in the middle of the chapter to pick it up a bit later, I was confused as to who’s Pov I was listening to. But as long as you remember who is talking… it was great 😊.
Extra trope/content info - Soft Bdsm - Experienced Mmc / Inexperienced Fmc - Medical romance
**Trigger Warnings** Kidnapping Childhood Abuse Drug/Alcohol Abuse Attempted SA (not by Mmc) Murder OW/OM drama
Thank you, Evie James, Craig Richards and NetGalley, for providing me with the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was so well written! I have to say this was done very well. The book is a whole one with a true sense of who the leads are. There are some realistic and fun side characters as well as trauma that needs to be worked through. Several kinds! There is drama and some interesting medical situations. It does mention mafia but it's not what you're thinking, there is no mafia love story. Rather it tells the reality of dealing with the heartless ones. There was romance and drama and action. There are some fun moments and scary moments and it all felt so real. And the two have fantastic chemistry!
She's trying to just be and won't take attitude, even from a doctor. She's had enough hardships and won't back down from him. He is a harsh man in certain lights, and women love and want his attention but he won't keep anyone long. Their attraction and admiration for one another couldn't keep them apart for long, try as they might at times.
The writing was great and this plot kept my attention and had a bit of everything inside it. They both had trauma to work through. Both had good and bad points. She was strong and held her own against men. He was the tough man, no one would dare go against him. His family and her friends were great. I wasn't a fan of his playboy past, though he wasn't as bad as a coworker ex made him out to be. And I really didn't want there to be a coworker ex in the first place-and one that befriends our h. Too close for comfort for me. Her retaliation of his rules was a bit too much and letting that friend in on it when the man was trying to help her was childish on her part and showed her age difference from him. However, the spice level? These two have some hot times together! I believe they are meant for one another. I truly do. But I also wished she didn't feel such attraction for other males in this story as much as she did and didn't touch them, let them touch her. Like his brothers...that wasn't my cup of tea. This is about the romance between the two of them. This was a solid book with growth between two people who needed and luckily found the love they needed in their lives. From each other. I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley but volunteered this review.
I just flipped the last page of "Night Shift" by Evie James and Craig Richards, and guys, it's a solid 5-star story. Imagine all the drama of a hospital romance like Grey’s Anatomy but with extra layers of emotional depth and a big amount of danger. It's like they took everything we love about those steamy, workplace flings and dialed it up to eleven.
Atticus, the MMC, is the textbook definition of "grumpy but cinnamon roll." He's got this whole brooding doctor vibe nailed down, hiding a whole world of feels behind those unbreakable walls he's built around his heart. Watching him slowly open up was like peeling an onion—lots of tears but totally worth it. Then there's Samantha. She's fiery, she's sassy, and she's running from a past that would rather keep her in the dark. She lands straight into Atticus's complicated life, and sparks fly. Their connection is intense, filled with those 'will they, won't they' moments that keep you up way past your bedtime.
What makes "Night Shift" more than your average romance is how it deals with heavy stuff—like dealing with past traumas and facing bad guys who want to take Sam to Russia. It's not just about the hot doctor and the brave nurse finding love; it's about them overcoming their darkest moments together. The age gap, the suspense, and the whole grumpy/sunshine dynamic add so much flavor to their story. And let me tell you, the steamy scenes? Fire. But it's the laughter, the healing, and the heart-stopping moments of suspense that really make this book a keeper.
So, if you're into romances with a bit more bite, where characters face their shadows head-on and come out stronger (and more in love) on the other side, "Night Shift" is your next must-read. Evie James and Craig Richards have done a great job with this one. It's got all the feels, and then some.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 out of 5 Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
Tropes: 🖤 Forbidden Romance 😈 Grumpy MMC ❤️🔥 Colleagues to Enemies to Lovers 🗡 Touch Her and Die 😱 Touch of Mafia 🫦 Age Gap
📚 Review: This was a workplace contemporary romance that turned into something much more compelling and exciting than one may think at first glance! We start with fresh and vibrant young nurse, Sam, who has had a difficult past with an abusive father and tragic loss of her mother. Strong willed, she has made her way as a highly competent nurse and crashes into older, seemingly playboy and standoffish doctor Atticus on her night shift.
Though she discovers he's got a reputation for not wanting to commit to relationships, their tryst becomes an explosive passion that they can't keep in their minds as merely "an experiment". Atticus divulging parts of himself to Sam shows shades of his vulnerability that he himself never thought he'd entrust to anyone. And Sam shares her ugly past in much the same way to to him.
I truly enjoyed how their bond and connection had a fire, then a push-pull, an eruptive love, but then also moments of tenderness and painful backstory. Their growing bond through shared pain but also attraction by way of banter, strength and grit, was fully explored and not just insta-lust. There was real ramifications in the aftermath of their conflicted feelings.
But then we get the added tension of a Mafia subplot that adds a fun and exciting element to the last quarter of the book! I didn't expect that and it really elevated this story to something that stands out. I'm very excited for the other two books that explores Atticus's brothers from this story.
A definite recommend for those that want a bit of suspense in their forbidden romance. I was pinned down reading it ❤️🔥
I only came across Evie James earlier this year and since finding her I’ve been eager and drawn to her books, starting with The Broken Heroes Trilogy. It occurred to me that I’ve read very little medical romances before and I thought this would be perfect to boost that trope for me and this didn’t disappoint me! It was angsty, tension filled and spicy!!!
We follow Dr. Atticus Thorin and Nurse Samantha Sheridan, who are both broken individuals with their pasts. Sam with her dad, and Atticus with his mum. Sam comes to town to start a new chapter of her life and begins working at the local hospital where she first runs into Atticus. He’s a serious man who can be rude and a bit of an asshole. Sam is warned that he’s got a reputation for sleeping around and that he doesn’t do relationships, but from the moment they meet Atticus is drawn to her sassiness and her strength. The two embark of a romance but can they trust each other with their pasts? And can they survive the impending Russian Mafia that is after Sam?
For my first time reading from Evie, I thouroughly enjoyed this one! There was a few moments that didn’t entirely do it for me, such as the talking to themselves out loud reoccured a lot and I wasn’t use to that and it did feel a little rushed at the end, so hence why it’s not full marks. But overall I thought this was a good book 👍🏻, and I can’t wait to read about the other Thorin brothers in books 2 and 3!
I’d also like to add that I timed this book well when it comes to the end, as it celebrates Christmas and considering at the time of reading this we’re in the festive season, I’d say that’s perfect timing! 😆🤭👍🏻
•tropes/genres• 🏥medical romance 💚grumpy x sunshine 😏age-gap (16 years) 🩺ER doctor MMC 📋nurse FMC 💚touch her & d*e 🌶spicy!! (3/5) 😚sassy heroine 💔broken past 😂banter 🙏🏻HEA guarantee
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of my favorite subgenres is medical romance. It's very seldom seen in the catalog and I can't help but pull a Code Blue when one pops up. I'm clicking as fast as I can without breaking a phalange to get it on my kindle. I'm currently watching ER for the first time and I'm midway through the eighth season. I figured Night Shift would provide those same steamy hospital vibes and it unfortunately failed the Babinski test. I liked the different medical cases featured in the book, but it was the couple that gave me the most issue. They were no Luka and Abby nor Carol and Doug. They were more Carter and Abby: doomed from the start.
Night Shift was a difficult read, not only linguistically but visually as well. The copy I read was a white font on black background. It hurt my eyes and I had to take multiple breaks. There were only 10 pages on a normal typesetting while the rest were an optical nightmare. The other obstacle I faced was the hero's nickname for Samantha was Sammich based on the way she ate her lunch in the break room. He kept calling her that and I suppose it was meant to be endearing. It came off very awkward and strange. It was evident this was written by two people because the dialogue was jarring compared to the bedroom scenes. It seems like the authors switched off based on their "strengths". It was not a seamless transition and I noticed every switch off.
Although Night Shift may not have been my drug of choice, I'll take my medical romances where I can in this dreary landscape. I don't plan on revisiting this author duo in the future, especially if they don't change their writing format. I didn't quite get the ER vibes I was hoping for, but I will acknowledge that an attempt was made. Looks like I'll be sticking to mornings because I don't want anything to do with the Night Shift.
I picked up Night Shift hoping to enjoy a wild ride with an ER nurse and a broody older male Doctor who would be working together at St. John's Hospital. We meet Samantha, an Emergency Department Trauma nurse who's just starting her job at St. John's when she literally runs into Dr. Thorin, the very handsome older Doctor in charge of the Night Shift. Over the first few nights on shift, Samantha and Dr. Thorin, or Atticus he prefers when not on duty at work begin flirting and a connection is established between the two. The forbidden romance, the age gap, the co-workers to lovers reeled me right in.
I enjoyed the banter between Atticus and Samantha. I thought the nickname "Sammich" on the first shift was fantastic, and I loved its backstory. One of the best parts of the story was how these two characters come from tragic childhoods and build trust in one another enough to help work through their trauma. I liked that Atticus was older and more mature, he was very knowledgeable about his career, and he was set in his life plan. I liked that Samantha was independent, a strong-willed female character, and she was likable even though she seemed immature as the story progressed. I was happy with how Samantha and Atticus' story ended.
Overall, the writing in this story was well done. The medical terminology was on point for being a medical-themed book. Adding the mafia was an interesting touch, and I wasn't disappointed in how it was used and what played out. Aside from a few keywords used during intimate scenes, I wouldn't have known two people working together to write this, but those were my only real tells.
I'm glad to have chosen this story, and I enjoyed it overall. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read Night Shift.
"Night Shift" by Evie James Is my first Medical romance book that I have read and let me tell you that it isn't your typical workplace romance. It's a heart-pounding story that pulls you in with raw emotion, seriously hot chemistry, and a suspenseful plot that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. This book dives deep into some heavy stuff – trauma, healing, and how far we'll go for love when danger is lurking.
Atticus Thorin, the brooding ER doctor, is the kind of grump you can't help but be fascinated by. He's got this tough, detached exterior, but underneath, he's got a vulnerable side that'll really grab you. And then there's Samantha Sheridan, the strong, resilient nurse with a past she's trying to escape. The chemistry between them is electric, and their age-gap relationship, set against the backdrop of a busy hospital, adds this extra layer of intensity.
But this isn't just a "will they, won't they" thing. James throws in this gripping suspense element that puts Atticus and Sam in real danger, testing their bond in a major way. It's an unexpected twist that makes the story even more compelling, and it balances out the intense emotions with some serious thrills. Plus, the banter between Atticus and Sam is sharp, witty, and genuinely funny, which provides some much-needed lightness in the darker moments.
If you love a romance that'll really make you feel something and keep you glued to the page with its suspense, "Night Shift" is a must-read. It's a story about how tough people can be, and how love can give you hope and strength, even when things seem impossible. Get ready to be captivated by Atticus and Sam – you'll be rooting for them every step of the way.
Night Shift is an enticing medical romance that intertwines suspense with a dash of mafia intrigue. At its core is Atticus Thorin, a brooding senior ER doctor nearing 40 and grappling with burnout. His reputation for being an icy authoritarian doesn't deter the spirited young nurse, Samantha Sheridan, who brings a fiery wit to the department. Their initial clash leads to a magnetic connection, igniting both tension and desire. As Atticus attempts to maintain the unbreakable walls around his scarred heart, Samantha's sassy demeanor challenges his emotional detachment.
The stakes rise when Samantha's safety is jeopardized by the man who should have protected her, pulling Atticus into a deep-seated need to rescue her from the looming danger. This unexpected twist reveals layers of both characters, who are haunted by their pasts—Samantha by her father's sins and Atticus by his emotional scars. This age-gap romance captures the journey of healing and trust. Atticus and Samantha's relationship is fraught with challenges as they learn to lower their defenses and embrace vulnerability. The chemistry between them is palpable, enhanced by steamy encounters that will leave readers breathless. The medical backdrop is more than just a setting; it's a vital component of the narrative. It's an enjoyable escape into a world where love blossoms amidst chaos, making it a perfect pick for fans of spicy, age-gap romances. Highly recommended for those curious about the unexpected blend of medical and mafia themes! Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC. https://romancelibrarian88.blogspot.c...