Hooked by the Neurosurgeon

Third Coast Medical #4

by Daphne Dyer

Kai Cordova caught me on one of the worst days of my life. Like literally—his strong arms saved my jeans from hitting the concrete and spilling hot coffee all over myself when I fell through Honey Beans Coffee’s front door.

I can’t stop thinking about his gallant smile and crinkly eyes … or that he turned me down flat when I asked him out. Add in my co-neurosurgery residents’ animosity, and coming home to Bubee, TX isn’t the warm welcome I expected.

But when I learn Kai and his daughter are the contemptuous upstairs neighbors who rattle my ceiling fan every night, I can’t help but feel fate has plans for us.

If only Kai felt the same.

He’s sworn off women in order to give his daughter the stability she needs. I admire his devotion, respect his determination. Who doesn’t love a man who fights for his daughter?

But this crush just won’t die.

Days on the golf course with him teaching me the sport he loves—casting me winks that stir deep in my soul—and weekends with me falling for his daughter as I teach her how to cook, my heart wants them to be my Happily Ever After.

How do I convince Kai that loving me won’t cost him everything he moved to Texas to save?

This Tin Cup meets Grey's Anatomy sweet romance is perfect for fans of Leah Brunner, Annah Conwell and Sariah Wilson who love unrequited, friends-to-lovers stories with a good-sized helping of small town, sports romance thrown in.

You are guaranteed a HEA with no cheating.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kai has just made the tough decision to move him and his daughter, Lulu, from Hawaii to Bubee, Texas to start all over. Like all of the books in this series, something magically happens at Honey Beans Coffee – that’s where Juliette, aka JJ, the neurosurgeon, and Kai have their meet cute, except it turns into an awkward situation. And of course, the awkwardness continues when they continue to run into each other. The book takes us through their journey of breaking down barriers and letting each other into their lives. I thought I really liked the author’s previous book, “Fake Dating the Cardiologist,” but to my surprised, I really enjoyed this book more! SO, if you liked the previous book, you must pick this one up!!

[Cameron Charping · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️s. I loved everything about this book. The romance, the attempting to not romance, the dyslexia rep (I’m dyslexic), and just the power of working through things as a team. Kia is strong and a wonderful father. JJ is a neurosurgeon but has a humble heart. Lulu is a little rebellious while having a loving side. Read to find out how these three come together. Available now on KU!!

Kai Cordova caught me on one of the worst days of my life. Like literally—his strong arms saved my jeans from hitting the concrete and spilling hot coffee all over myself when I fell through Honey Beans Coffee’s front door. I can’t stop thinking about his gallant smile and crinkly eyes … or that he turned me down flat when I asked him out. Add in my co-neurosurgery residents’ animosity, and coming home to Bubee, TX isn’t the warm welcome I expected. But when I learn Kai and his daughter are the contemptuous upstairs neighbors who rattle my ceiling fan every night, I can’t help but feel fate has plans for us. If only Kai felt the same. He’s sworn off women in order to give his daughter the stability she needs. I admire his devotion, respect his determination. Who doesn’t love a man who fights for his daughter? But this crush just won’t die. Days on the golf course with him teaching me the sport he loves—casting me winks that stir deep in my soul—and weekends with me falling for his daughter as I teach her how to cook, my heart wants them to be my Happily Ever After. How do I convince Kai that loving me won’t cost him everything he moved to Texas to save? This Tin Cup meets Grey’s Anatomy sweet romance is perfect for fans of Leah Brunner, Annah Conwell and Sariah Wilson who love unrequited, friends-to-lovers stories with a good-sized helping of small town, sports romance thrown in. You are guaranteed a HEA with no cheating.

Tropes:
Unrequited love
Friends to lovers
Small town
Sports romance
Single dad
Guaranteed HEA

Thank you, @bookedwiththeemilys and @authordaphnedyer for the #gifted physical copy.
#hookedbytheneurosurgeon #daphnedyer #singledadbooks #smalltownromance #friendstolovers #sportsromance #medicalromance #bookedwiththeemilys #booktour #closeddoorromance

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable meet-cute! Juliette is heading back to Bubee, Tx to finish up her residency as a neurosurgeon and it wasn't the way life was suppose to go. She is determined to continue to be the best neurosurgeon she can be, this little bump won't bother her..buttttt almost falling holding a bunch of coffees and pastries might bother her, until she looks into the eyes of the man who saved her from the ground. "Staring into this guy's eyes. I. Got. Nothing. I am officially broken."
Kai is new to Bubee, a former professional golfer who is set on being the best dad to his Lulu. They had a long move from Hawaii and Texas is vastly different, but he wants to make sure she is taken care of and shown how much she is loved. So he is set on working hard at the local golf course and not dating... even if he can't get the girl he saved from sudden coffee spills out of his head.

This is the second Third Coast Medical Romance I have read and it was just as adorable as Fake Dating the Cardiologist! Daphne's writing is delightful and the series is just so easy to get sucked into.
4.5 stars

[Tristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short synopsis: Juliette moves back to her small Texas town to be a surgical resident, literally falling into the arms of the new single dad in town.

My thoughts: After reading and loving Fake Dating the Cardiologist I couldn’t wait to go back to Bubee Texas! I adored JJ, she was such a great character, she was whip smart and so kind. I loved the relationship she developed with Lulu, some of my favorite scenes were when they baked together.

I really liked watching JJ and Kai’s friendship develop and how they were there for each other, especially when things got difficult. Their meet cute might be one of my favorites. This is a slow burn romance with so many of my favorite tropes!

Read if you love:
- Small beach towns
- Smart women
- Single dad
- Strangers to friends to lovers
- Sports romance (Golf)
- Baking and brownies

[Emily | booksandbedtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Synopsis:
When JJ falls literally into Kai’s arms, the girl can’t help herself and can’t stop thinking about him. Just returning to town, JJ struggles to make new friends with the other surgical residents and befriends the 10-year-old neighbor next door. Kai has been determined to dedicate his life to his daughter, and for him that means no dating the cute, and flustered surgeon.

My Thoughts:
This was such a cute friends to lovers story. The open communication was beautiful. Both JJ and Kai knew what they wanted, but getting there was the most delicious slow burn.

I loved JJ’s relationship with Lulu. And how she was there for Lulu when she needed a friend (also really wanted some brownies while reading🤣).

HOOKED BY THE NEUROSURGEON is a beautiful small town, closed door romance that will have you smiling from ear to ear and swooning over a single dad golfer.

What You’ll Find:
Friends to lovers
Single dad
Small beach town
Golf romance
Baking
Winking and biceps

[Jennifer (allshedoesisread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked by the Neurosurgeon
Many thanks to the author for the gifted book in exchange for my honest review. This series has been a joy to read and it was fun to be back in Buber, TX and the hospital setting. JJ was not so excited to be back after her dream of moving away was dashed when her residency program went under. Now she’s back in a town and thinks the only reason she was accepted to this program was due to her family and extended family’s influence. I mean, legit the familial connections here are hard to keep track of so it makes sense. When she falls into the literal arms of new in town, single dad Kai, she finds herself falling for father and daughter while each are navigating their respective issues at work. This was a slow burn and very sweet story and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and both find their own friendships and place in town. If you’re looking for hospital setting and sweet romance, this series is a good place to start.

[BookLionQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Partner @bookedwiththeemilys and @authordaphnedyer

I really loved this one!

In this book you'll find:
Unrequited love
Friends to lovers
Small town
Sports romance
Single dad
Guaranteed HEA

Our Characters:
Kai moved from Hawaii to take a job in Bubee, TX with his daughter to start over and make a stable life for his daughter, Lulu. JJ, a neurosurgeon in residency, has her whole life fall apart when her residency program in West Virginia falls apart mid residency. She ends up moving back to her hometown of Bubee, TX and getting a spot at the hospital where her entire family works to continue her education for the remainder of her residency. She is starting over and has to try and make friends with coworkers who aren't exactly her biggest fans. Kai and JJ are learning to navigate their own lives and grow closer together in the process.

My Review:
This book was so sweet! I thought that the relationship between Kai and JJ developed so well. I loved the fact that JJ's relationship with Kai's daughter, Lulu, before any relationship developed was my favorite part of this story. Lulu's relationship with her mother is complicated. It was interesting to watch all of the adults in Lulu's every day life truly make every effort to make sure that her needs were met. I thought seeing the medical aspects and the golf aspects gave me insights I wasn't aware of before. I am not a big golf watcher or player but this book definitely helped me understand it more. Finally, JJ checking in every time she heard Lulu slam a door upstairs was so sweet.




#hookedbytheneurosurgeon #daphnedyer #singledadbooks #smalltownromance #friendstolovers #sportsromance #medicalromances #booktour #closeddoorromance #bookedwiththeemilys

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is single parent romance done right! No unnecessary drama, good communication, adults acting like adults, the child is a major part of the story, and the romance...sigh.

I love that we get to see all of the different relationships develop and strengthen in this story. Kai's relationship with his daughter Lulu, Lulu's relationship with Julietta, Julietta and Kai's relationship, and finally the bond that forms between all three of them.

There are so many things to love about this book! I love the way they all communicate and take personal responsibility for their actions. I love how they tackle problems head on in a calm and rational manner. I love how Kai teaches Lulu to own her mistakes and to learn and grow from them, but also to not let someone else's shortcomings dictate her actions or the way she feels about herself. I love how patient and loving Julietta is with Lulu, while also teaching her important lessons. I love that regardless of how poorly his ex behaves, Kai doesn't speak negatively about her to Lulu. And last, but certainly not least...I love the love story. It was both sweet and brimming with chemistry (but without the spice).

This book was so refreshing. The relationships felt organic and unhurried, the familial dynamic resonated, and the characters were perfectly imperfect.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won't be the last.

Favorite Quotes:

"Love isn't a pie with a limited number of slices. It's the heat from the sun. There is always more to give."

"I give you permission to be a man and let your daughter see you build a quality relationship with a woman she likes."

"I'm done pretending I don't want you every second of every day."

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is absolutely adorable! If you look up "mutual pining," you’ll definitely find Kai and Julietta. Oh my goodness, these two are a dream! From the most charming meet-cute to discovering they share mutual friends and addresses...it’s packed with so much to love!

Right from the start, Julietta is drawn to Kai, especially when he literally catches her in his arms. But he makes it clear that his focus is on his daughter and his job, so dating is out of the question. However, the more he spends time with Julietta (JJ), the more he starts to question what’s really holding him back. Julietta is totally crushing on Kai, but with her friendship with his daughter being so fragile, maybe they should just leave things alone... And then there’s a clause in Kai’s work contract that forbids them from dating. Good luck trying to keep these two apart! But we all know that the heart wants what it wants, even if it’s risky!

You guys, this story is SO good! I do wish I had read the previous books because I’m sure I’m missing some key backstory on other couples, but this story totally can stand alone. You have to read this one, and don’t skip the BONUS epilogue, it’s a MUST!

WHAT YOU'LL FIND: Unrequited love, Friends to lovers, Small town, Sports romance, Single dad, Guaranteed HEA

WHAT I LOVED:
🍴 Mouthwatering dishes
🚫 Forbidden romance
👪 Family dynamics
🏘️ Neighbors
💋 The Kisses!!!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun, sweet story. It’s got all the ingredients for a love story you won’t easily forget- single dad, mutual pining, slow burn, and golf lessons all in a small, beach town.

Our MC’s, JJ (Julietta) and Kai have a HILARIOUS meet cute (more like meet almost-a-disaster) when JJ literally trips out of a coffee shop carrying hot coffee, and Kai catches her in his arms to keep her from falling and spilling hot coffee on them both. But things don’t take off right away! You gotta earn it ;)

To make Kai even more loveable, throughout the book his main focus is to do everything he can to give his 10 year old daughter, Lulu a stable and loving home. So much so that he tries to keep himself from getting involved with JJ even though he knows he’s falling for her. (But I’m sure you can guess how that ends!)

My favorite part though, was JJ’s relationship with Lulu. Lulu has a very complicated relationship with her mother, so even though Lulu isn’t her mom, she becomes a stable and trustworthy person in Lulu’ life. The parts where they make brownies together are ADORABLE!!

There definitely aren’t enough golf romances out there (don’t tell my husband I said that!) so I’ll be sure to look some more up! This was also my first Daphne Dyer book, so now I’m going to go read all the previous books in her Third Coast Medical series!!

If you want a cute, sweet romance that’s closed door, but still has AMAZING tension, I would definitely recommend this one!!

[the_romance_regent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight! I had so much fun stepping into the small town of Bubee, TX for this sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance between JJ, a neurosurgery resident stuck back in the hometown she wanted to escape, and Kai, a pro golfer and devoted single dad. Their meet-cute at Honey Beans Coffee? Easily one of the best! JJ literally falls for him, and despite Kai’s plan to focus on work and fatherhood, he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saved from a coffee disaster.

I loved watching their friendship grow, especially how they supported each other through life’s challenges. And don’t even get me started on JJ’s bond with Kai’s daughter, Lulu—it was adorable and heartwarming in the best way. This book had everything I wanted: unrequited love, friends-to-lovers goodness, small-town charm, and a sprinkle of sports romance. My first Daphne Dyer book, but definitely not my last! If you’re in the mood for a fun, swoony, and feel-good romance with amazing tension, grab this one!

Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @authordaphnedyer for the beautiful gifted paperback. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @authordaphnedyer


Okay, my understanding is that there's a book floating around that other people liked before this. I think the book is called Fake Dating The Cardiologist. I haven't read that book, and so I am not sure if the two are linked to each other or if this could be read as a standalone. From my experience, I read it as a standalone, and it was fine. JJ ends up falling for Kai in this story. JJ's back in her hometown after her residency fell through. This is not where she wants to be, but found herself here only through extended connections. She ends up falling for a father and daughter duo. You know you can't court the parent, and not leave their child/children behind. The story has this slow-burn romance unfold. It's sweet, and it's got that slow-burn story that I enjoy at all times, regardless of the genre. It also has that single-parent vibe going for it. The book didn't feel too long to read, and so that was a plus. I enjoyed that the story didn't feel too complicated, and it felt as if you were watching a Hallmark movie. It's also closed door, in case you were wondering.

[Bree McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 / 5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

I loved returning back to Bubee, TX for this sweet, closed door, slow burn romance between JJ (Julietta) the newest resident neurosurgeon who stuck back in the small town she wanted to escape, and Kai, a pro golfer from Hawaii who just moved so he could focus more on being a single father to his feisty 10 year old daughter, Lulu. The interactions between JJ and Lulu are fun and sweet and JJ is really there to support Lulu any way she can. I loved watching Kai and JJ go from Kai rejecting JJ's date proposal after their not so graceful meet cute where he literally catches her before she falls and spills her coffee on her to becoming friends/neighbors to lovers, how they supported each other through the all the drama. I love the entire Montgomery family, its a family you want to be apart of. This book doesn't disappoint like the rest of Daphne Dyer's books and its such a quick read that anyone with a few hours can easily find themselves lost this book.

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Third Coast Medical series and the second one that I have had the honor to read. I really enjoyed Kai and JJ's story. Single dad romances have really taken over my bookshelf lately and Daphne did not disappoint. I liked that this was a slow burn book and that JJ and Kai were older and had plans for themselves. I loved the detail into each profession. Not knowing a lot about both medical stuff and golf, I felt like I learned a lot while reading this book.

I cannot wait for book 5, Second Chance with the Pediatrician and to go back and read the first two that I missed.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion. Please be aware of any trigger warnings, as your mental health is most important.

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I love stories with single parents because of the kids. Lulu is precious and I adore her and JJ’s easy relationship and bond. Kai is trying to be the best dad he can be and really you couldn’t ask for more. No parent is perfect but trying to always put your kid first. I love that this story shows us JJ and Kai each finding themselves and their place in the community.
This is a dual pov, closed door romance. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He saved her when she fell though an open door and prevented her spilling hot coffee on herself. She is instantly pulled in by his eyes so she asks him out but he refuses her. This shocks her but she wants him and hopes to wear him down. All he wants is to make a better life for his daughter and himself. See where they will take you

[Noell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #4 follows Kai (a golf pro) and JJ (hometown neurosurgeon) while they navigate their relationship with each fighting their own battles. I was a little bother with how quickly their relationship progressed.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Daphne Dyer and Booked With the Emilys for the gifted copy of this book! Below is my honest review:

Daphne Dyer did it again with Hooked by the Neurosurgeon! I adored this book and can't wait to read it again. JJ is a neurosurgery resident who moves back to her hometown in Bubee, TX after her program unexpectedly shuts down. Kai moved to Bubee from Hawaii to pursue a career at the local country club. He is a single dad who is doing his best to put his daughter, Lulu, first. JJ (literally) falls for Kai from the first time they meet. The characters and relationships were well developed and they feel like real people, which I love in a book. If you love sweet, small town romances you definitely need to read Hooked by the Neurosurgeon!

[Kimberlee - books_kids_and_chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Daphne Dyer but it will not be my last. This is such a cute friends to lovers, small town sports romance.

Background: JJ has to move back to her small town in Texas after she lost her residency in West Virginia. She literally falls into the arms of Kai Cordova, the new golf pro and single dad to Lulu. Sparks fly but Kai is trying to concentrate on his new job and daughter while JJ is trying to make friends with new neurosurgeon residents’. But they keep running to each other (and thinking about each other) despite all the challenges they face.

What I liked:
-I loved the relationship that JJ had with Lulu. It was very sweet how they would bake together and how good friends they became.
-The open communication between Kai and JJ. They laid all of their expectations and feelings out on the table to avoid any hurt feelings.
-The banter between JJ and her sisters. They all seemed very close and made me laugh throughout the book.

What I didn’t like:
-Greg was such a jerk. He was controlling and belittled people. Everytime his name come up I just wanted to scream.

What You’ll Find:
Unrequited love
Friends to lovers
Small town
Sports romance
Single dad
Guaranteed HEA

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Thank you to Daphne Dyer and Booked With The Emilys for the gifted eARC.

[Madeleine Berges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, closed door, slow burn romance! Single dad! The communication between Kai + JJ is what everyone wants to see in romance books. The author also did a good job showing when you are in a relationship with someone that becoming family means the kid is part of the equation!

Thank you to the author and Booked with the Emilys for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book I've read by Daphne Dyer and it will not be my last! I'm planning on reading her entire backlog now and I just want to read more about Bubee, TX and all of the characters!

As for this book; oh how I just adored these characters. Kai is such a wonderful father - the love that he has for his daughter, Lulu, is incredibly sweet and beautiful. He knows that he hasn't always been the best father but he recognizes that and just wants to do the best job that he can now. Lulu is struggling - she's ten but her life has been a lot of upheaval and change, the anger is pretty intense but Kai is determined to help however he can.

JJ, aka Julietta is a neurosurgeon who just abruptly had her entire plan changed. She was completing her residency in West Virginia but her program was cancelled and she had to scramble to find a new place. The only place that was able to accommodate her was her hometown, the place where she tried to escape - Bubee, TX. Being back home is a hard change and JJ is struggling - struggling to find her place in the hospital, and just in general... but then she has an absolutely adorable meet-cute with a stranger and things start to change.

Does JJ find her place? Do Kai and Lulu make the best of all the changes?

I highly encourage you to pick this beautiful book up and to find out! I assure you that it's worth the read.

Thank you so much to Daphne Dyer and Booked with the Emily's for the gifted physical copy.