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A Rivers Community Romance #1
Against Doctor's Orders
There’d been a Rivers at the helm of Argyle Community Hospital for six generations, and Harper Rivers was set to take her father’s place whenever he decided to hang up his shingle. Unfortunately, the board of directors had other ideas—they accepted a buyout offer from a health care conglomerate with plans to close the hospital’s doors to the community that depended on it. And Presley Worth, a high-powered corporate financier, came to town to oversee the closure. Funny thing was, no one asked Harper, and she had no intentions of following anyone’s orders but her own—no matter how beautiful, smart, or commanding the new boss might be.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2014
101 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
142 books1,674 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 8, 2020
I read this book - the first of the Rivers Community series - quite a few years ago and really liked it. Thankfully, the audiobook was just as entertaining. Narrator Eva Kaminsky did a good job performing the work, though she doesn't have the variety of voices available in her wheelhouse like some might. That said - she's got a really nice tone that is quite pleasant to listen to. Rad can't write a bad medical novel - that's her area of expertise after all, having been a surgeon in her previous career. So that aspect is always spot on. Mixed with her vivid descriptions of small-town living, beautiful scenery, family dynamics and a deliciously slow-building hot romance? Yeah - the woman's a master.
I don't know whose idea it was to offer this on Audible for $1.99 in the U.S. but it was a smart move. I jumped on it and now have to listen to more in the series! Definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.
I don't know whose idea it was to offer this on Audible for $1.99 in the U.S. but it was a smart move. I jumped on it and now have to listen to more in the series! Definitely recommend. 4.5 stars.
October 22, 2014
I received an ecopy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Harper Rivers is set to take over as head of the Argyle Community Hospital when her father retires. The board of directors, feeling the fiscal pinch and unable to pay their creditors see no alternative but to sell the hospital to a western conglomerate known as SunView Health Systems.
Presley Worth is comfortable in her number crunching role in her own family dynasty. Her father has hinted at retirement and she and her twin brother are both angling for top spot in SunView. She is hoping to make short work of the closure of this overstaffed and unprofitable country hospital so she can return to Phoenix.
What happens next is an entertaining ride with a nice balance of folksy small town friendliness mixed in with the hard reality of a community on the brink of losing their easy access to quality healthcare. And of course, a lovely romance.
I liked Harper and Presley. Both are strong and determined women. Harper is a dedicated physician who puts the care of her patients and their families in front of her own needs. Presley is an astute business woman who quickly grasps the inefficiencies she sees in the community hospital where a little old lady greets you at the front doors and physicians still make house calls.
It's this strength of character which makes the romance that develops between these two that much sweeter. The reader senses the connection, sees how each is willing to lower their personal barricades in spite of their opposing views. As barriers are crossed the relationship heats up. Make that sizzles. The passion these two share leaps off the pages of this book. It's a beautiful thing.
There is the usual collection of secondary characters to surround Harper and Presley and fill out the storyline. Harper's sister Flannery gets the role of the competitive hot shot chief of surgery and expert lady killer with a heart of gold. Presley's assistant Carrie fills in as the solid friend and confidante and is a character I would have liked to see get more page time. Both act as foils for the leading ladies and do a good job of advancing the plot.
Harper's mom Ida is the heart of the Rivers family and the voice of reason Harper relies on to help her deal with this first woman to sweep her off her feet. If I have a problem with the secondary characters it would be with the one dimensional Edward, Harper's father. He delivers the news of the potential hospital closure, appears to be close to Harper but is seldom seen or heard from and has little impact on the central theme of the story.
The same goes for Presley's twin brother Preston. He is the reason for most of her tension. Will he try to persuade stock holders to elect him as the next CEO of SunView over his sister? Has he sent Presley off to upstate nowhere so he can make this happen? When the reader finally gets to meet Presley's nemesis, their meeting is mostly held behind closed doors. I would have liked a few more scenes with these two going toe to toe.
The health care professional in me got a bit squeamish when Harper and her mother discuss a patient Harper had cared for at the hospital during the night.This breech of confidentiality is unheard of in today's health care settings. I have to assume the author was driving home the local, friendly and familiar atmosphere of the community hospital and what would be lost if patients had to be treated by strangers in distant cities.
Against Doctor's Orders is a beautiful romance that delivers all the heat and passion fans of this genre have come to expect in a Radclyffe novel. What impressed me the most was the growth I see in her main characters. The strong masculine woman has been replaced by two women of equal strength and depth of character. Its nice to watch and a pleasure to read.
December 17, 2014
This book is quite distinctive, very well constructed, captivating on several levels, with exhilarating interplay among a host of folks. The two key women find themselves on starkly opposing sides. They confront each other as if they are in a winner-take-all tournament, with potentially devastating consequences to the *local* folks. A victory is paramount for the obviously non-local takeover group of the key community hospital with the main focus being almost exclusively on improving the financial bottom line and appeasing their stockholders. The locals, attempting to protect the status quo, feel it is vital to everyone within the geographic scope of the key hospital that services remain as is. What an exceptionally delightful read; I heartily recommend it. There is also a rather hot love affair mixed in with the ongoing fireworks. Marvelous!
Doctor Harper Lee Rivers, as the eldest within the Rivers clan, is unquestionably the heir apparent. Two of her four sisters are also in the medical profession and intimately involved with the Rivers Hospital, officially called Argyle Community Hospital. From my perspective, Harper is a treasure as a doctor, additionally as a solid family person, plus she is a bit of a community icon, a great softball player, and lover par excellence. She certainly tries her darndest to present her family's perspective to the coolly efficient businesswoman single-mindedly focused on wrapping up this takeover in record time for personal and business reasons. I was delighted to be front and center to the calculating tactics, thrusts, and counter strikes between Harper and her primary adversary. Besides being immensely entertaining, it was wonderfully educational. My collegiate sporting experience was fencing and watching Harper and Presley, the business opponent, attack and parry was simply scintillating. Magnificent!
Presley Worth, Vice President of Operations at Sun View Health Systems, is a polished professional tour de force. She knows she has been shunted off to this project by her consistently calculating twin brother to keep her away from Sun View's base of operations while he executes some major maneuvers to gain support and a leading edge to outstrip his twin sister in the race to take over their father's position. That is constantly on Presley's mind in addition to managing the transition at Rivers Hospital. What she never anticipated was how intense and thoroughly diverting would be her personal and physical response to Dr. Harper Rivers and the environment encompassing Argyle. That interior chess match running parallel to her formidable contest of wills and intellect with Harper, had me totally enthralled on a continuing basis. Superior point and counterpoint!
Even with all the political machinations, the business warfare *in the trenches*, and the subtle yet entertaining local diversions, I must point out how magnificent the physical atmosphere is in wowing the visitors and succoring the residents. I wanted to pack a bag and head for Argyle to enjoy the place, the denizens, and the weather. So many fascinating elements and dynamics are gloriously woven in and around the people and the setting making this an extraordinarily rich, gratifying, and felicific escapade. The love affair certainly adds and provides a rich additional dimension that sends participants and observers alike cascading into marvelously unexpected permutations. This should not be missed, but savored and relished. Splendiferous!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Doctor Harper Lee Rivers, as the eldest within the Rivers clan, is unquestionably the heir apparent. Two of her four sisters are also in the medical profession and intimately involved with the Rivers Hospital, officially called Argyle Community Hospital. From my perspective, Harper is a treasure as a doctor, additionally as a solid family person, plus she is a bit of a community icon, a great softball player, and lover par excellence. She certainly tries her darndest to present her family's perspective to the coolly efficient businesswoman single-mindedly focused on wrapping up this takeover in record time for personal and business reasons. I was delighted to be front and center to the calculating tactics, thrusts, and counter strikes between Harper and her primary adversary. Besides being immensely entertaining, it was wonderfully educational. My collegiate sporting experience was fencing and watching Harper and Presley, the business opponent, attack and parry was simply scintillating. Magnificent!
Presley Worth, Vice President of Operations at Sun View Health Systems, is a polished professional tour de force. She knows she has been shunted off to this project by her consistently calculating twin brother to keep her away from Sun View's base of operations while he executes some major maneuvers to gain support and a leading edge to outstrip his twin sister in the race to take over their father's position. That is constantly on Presley's mind in addition to managing the transition at Rivers Hospital. What she never anticipated was how intense and thoroughly diverting would be her personal and physical response to Dr. Harper Rivers and the environment encompassing Argyle. That interior chess match running parallel to her formidable contest of wills and intellect with Harper, had me totally enthralled on a continuing basis. Superior point and counterpoint!
Even with all the political machinations, the business warfare *in the trenches*, and the subtle yet entertaining local diversions, I must point out how magnificent the physical atmosphere is in wowing the visitors and succoring the residents. I wanted to pack a bag and head for Argyle to enjoy the place, the denizens, and the weather. So many fascinating elements and dynamics are gloriously woven in and around the people and the setting making this an extraordinarily rich, gratifying, and felicific escapade. The love affair certainly adds and provides a rich additional dimension that sends participants and observers alike cascading into marvelously unexpected permutations. This should not be missed, but savored and relished. Splendiferous!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 23, 2018
I really liked the first 50% of this book. After that the romance felt a bit rushed... from not really being together at all to let's get married? Overall it became too predictable. Not my favorite book by Radclyffe. 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2016
Despite how many books this author has to her name, Against Doctor’s Orders is only the second book I’ve read by Radclyffe. I’m so very happy I received a review copy. This story is told in third person and from the main characters’ point-of-view, my favorite style of narration.
Radclyffe has created two very engaging, vastly different characters. For 80% of the story I really wondered how these two could ever find a happy ever after, or if they even would. Hell, the characters themselves didn’t know.
Interestingly, my favorite Aunty has the surname Rivers, and like Ida Rivers, has three daughters, and lives on a farm. In a sense the eerie likeness to my upbringing allowed me to become completely immersed in the setting.
I came to care deeply about these two ladies. My heart went out to Presley, a driven business woman who measured her worth by her success, until such time as she met the River’s family. Once she became a part of the community and the daily lives of a loving supportive family she finally realized some things, like love, were more important in life than her narrow minded family’s approval.
As the title would suggest, a great deal of the plot revolves around medical procedures and the pending foreclosure of a hospital the community depends upon. I read a story not long ago with a doctor and the medical talk overwhelmed me, but that was not the case in this instance. It merely added a layer of depth and made me feel compassion towards the characters.
What did overwhelm me at times were the copious references to what characters were wearing at all times. People who love descriptions of color and clothes will be in for a treat. Example of such taken from one page – Creamy complexion, red gold eyebrows over spring-grass-green eyes, and shimmering hair the color of polished copper… plum-colored top… pink colored ivory cheeks.
I’m not going to rehash the entire plot, many have already done so, and the synopsis is pretty bang on.
A few have quoted the ending was a little rushed. I personally didn’t think it was, so have to wonder if other readers are referring to the declarations made near the end. The story has some erotic content but is by no means central to the plot, or overly descriptive.
I recommend this story to readers who enjoy lesbian fiction with well-developed plots and characters.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Radclyffe has created two very engaging, vastly different characters. For 80% of the story I really wondered how these two could ever find a happy ever after, or if they even would. Hell, the characters themselves didn’t know.
Interestingly, my favorite Aunty has the surname Rivers, and like Ida Rivers, has three daughters, and lives on a farm. In a sense the eerie likeness to my upbringing allowed me to become completely immersed in the setting.
I came to care deeply about these two ladies. My heart went out to Presley, a driven business woman who measured her worth by her success, until such time as she met the River’s family. Once she became a part of the community and the daily lives of a loving supportive family she finally realized some things, like love, were more important in life than her narrow minded family’s approval.
As the title would suggest, a great deal of the plot revolves around medical procedures and the pending foreclosure of a hospital the community depends upon. I read a story not long ago with a doctor and the medical talk overwhelmed me, but that was not the case in this instance. It merely added a layer of depth and made me feel compassion towards the characters.
What did overwhelm me at times were the copious references to what characters were wearing at all times. People who love descriptions of color and clothes will be in for a treat. Example of such taken from one page – Creamy complexion, red gold eyebrows over spring-grass-green eyes, and shimmering hair the color of polished copper… plum-colored top… pink colored ivory cheeks.
I’m not going to rehash the entire plot, many have already done so, and the synopsis is pretty bang on.
A few have quoted the ending was a little rushed. I personally didn’t think it was, so have to wonder if other readers are referring to the declarations made near the end. The story has some erotic content but is by no means central to the plot, or overly descriptive.
I recommend this story to readers who enjoy lesbian fiction with well-developed plots and characters.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
October 28, 2016
I actually read this because I received Love On Call from NetGalley and realised it was part of a series, so went back and got the others to read first.
I haven't read a Radclyffe book for awhile, they were all starting to seem the same. I was surprised by how much I liked this book, although it did suffer from the usual Rad fic problems of a fast burn relationship.
Both main characters are interesting, there's a believable attraction between them, they do get to know each other (somewhat) before sleeping together, and the secondary characters are interesting, which is good given this is the start of a series.
The two leads do spend a lot of time together and discuss some big personal stuff, but I felt the relationship was lopsided, in that while Preston gets to knows a lot about Harper and her family, she doesn't share much about her own family (with Harper, though the reader is aware) until the last two pages of the book, so it's actually hard to see why Harper falls for Preston so quickly. However, most of the getting to know you stuff, though it takes up about 2/3s of the book, all happens in the space of roughly a week.
Because there's a work based conflict and one of the characters lives in the town, you know what the resolution will be miles before it happens, and I found the time jump to move to the resolution jarring and too rushed. Given that it had been flagged by a secondary character earlier, it didn't have to be, they could have worked together to bring about the same resolution and it would have made for a better ending.
This is an easy read, with likeable enough characters, if you've read a Rad book before, you pretty much know what to expect, and honestly, I enjoyed it more than I expected to. 3.5 stars.
I haven't read a Radclyffe book for awhile, they were all starting to seem the same. I was surprised by how much I liked this book, although it did suffer from the usual Rad fic problems of a fast burn relationship.
Both main characters are interesting, there's a believable attraction between them, they do get to know each other (somewhat) before sleeping together, and the secondary characters are interesting, which is good given this is the start of a series.
The two leads do spend a lot of time together and discuss some big personal stuff, but I felt the relationship was lopsided, in that while Preston gets to knows a lot about Harper and her family, she doesn't share much about her own family (with Harper, though the reader is aware) until the last two pages of the book, so it's actually hard to see why Harper falls for Preston so quickly. However, most of the getting to know you stuff, though it takes up about 2/3s of the book, all happens in the space of roughly a week.
Because there's a work based conflict and one of the characters lives in the town, you know what the resolution will be miles before it happens, and I found the time jump to move to the resolution jarring and too rushed. Given that it had been flagged by a secondary character earlier, it didn't have to be, they could have worked together to bring about the same resolution and it would have made for a better ending.
This is an easy read, with likeable enough characters, if you've read a Rad book before, you pretty much know what to expect, and honestly, I enjoyed it more than I expected to. 3.5 stars.
November 10, 2018
Radclyffe is usually a go to for a good read; I honestly can’t say that she has produced an amazing book for a while. I really enjoyed this one though. I listened to the audiobook version. Radclyffe books are some of the best audiobooks, while they are not always the best books to read. This one I feel falls into that same category. The audiobook was really good, and made work fly by. The book retained my interest so that I listened during my commute to work, while at work, and my commute home. It was in my opinion one of her better books. I didn’t particularly like Presley as a character, but I loved Harper. I do find myself not liking these “lesbian attraction” towns that Radclyffe often uses. I find myself just pretending that the arrogant in your face lesbian aspect isn’t part of the story. It is so unrealistic it is a bit off-putting. After reading so many of her books though I am quite used to it. While the books are not fantastic, they are good entertainment and I will continue to listen to them. Audible has made Radclyffe a go to for audiobooks for me. I think I own them all, and I often listen to them multiple times. I have already downloaded the second Rivers Romance….so on to the next.
February 24, 2022
I really liked it. I like medical dramas and Radclyffe so it was a sure thing. I was not disappointed at all. I highly recommend this book and anything by Radclyffe.
May 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. And I'll even forgive Radclyffe for stealing the names of all the best southern authors for the characters. All kidding aside, well balanced story and strong characters. I recommend this book. Timely topic too: Rural health care and community hospitals. I read this book right after our local community hospital closed and great measures were undertaken to get it open again.
January 4, 2015
Much better than Homestead, but still not up to par... I did get a kick out of most character's names. It just felt really slow at times and pretty rushed at the end. It's entertaining and very well written, as always, but there's something missing.
What about Flannery? I wanted to know more about her! (Had to get that off my chest)
What about Flannery? I wanted to know more about her! (Had to get that off my chest)
November 5, 2015
Interesting story that on one level left me very glad that I live in the UK and have the NHS and in the other that rural America is entirely populated with incredibly attractive and available Lesbians...
Nice scene setting, rather spoiled by a hurried ending.
Nice scene setting, rather spoiled by a hurried ending.
October 4, 2015
Better than Homestead, but nowhere near some of Radclyffe's earlier works. Three and a half stars, rounded down because of the rushed ending.
November 13, 2014
It's Radclyffe being Radclyffe, undoubtedly the master of medical romance. By the way, I'd give my right arm for a family like the Rivers.
September 8, 2019
3.75 ⭐️
November 3, 2015
My Rating: 3.75
Against Doctor’s Orders is the first book in the Rivers Family romance series. I, of course, read this book second, for some reason I keep doing this. I absolutely adored it. The story follows the Radclyffe formula, but is hands down is better than most of her later material. I felt like she had her spark back. You could tell the writer loved the scenery of upstate New York, and through Radclyffe’s descriptions could just see the picturesque farmland.
Family and practicing medicine are the cornerstones to the Rivers family. The 150 year old Argyle Community Hospital (aka The Rivers) is their legacy. The only problem is that the local hospital has become a money pit and the profitability has become nil. The board of directors is forced to sell the hospital to SunView.
Presley Worth is a corporate financier. She is the VP of Operations at her family’s company SunView. She is sent to decide what the best course of action is for Argyle Community Hospital. Presley see’s the hospital in terms of numbers, will it become profitable or should she shut it down. The Rivers family, and acknowledge that she has a job to do, they just try to show her why their way is important. Presley comes from a background where your worth in life is measured solely by your successes. She is a commanding character that is driven, exceptionally intelligent, and is set to climb corporate ladders.
Dr. Harper Rivers is the oldest of four daughters. Harper is an old school physician, taught by her father, and his father before that to do house calls, the country way medicine used to be. She loves this lifestyle, even though it is physically and mentally demanding. Harper enjoys the simple things in life. It is almost as if she was born in the wrong era, a character that would have been right at home in the early 1900s
Harper and Presley’s romance was very well done. I enjoyed their story very much. Now it’s not the best Radclyffe’s ever done, I felt as if this was one of her better books in the last couple of years.
My Review Blog: https://theromanticreaderblog.wordpre...
Against Doctor’s Orders is the first book in the Rivers Family romance series. I, of course, read this book second, for some reason I keep doing this. I absolutely adored it. The story follows the Radclyffe formula, but is hands down is better than most of her later material. I felt like she had her spark back. You could tell the writer loved the scenery of upstate New York, and through Radclyffe’s descriptions could just see the picturesque farmland.
Family and practicing medicine are the cornerstones to the Rivers family. The 150 year old Argyle Community Hospital (aka The Rivers) is their legacy. The only problem is that the local hospital has become a money pit and the profitability has become nil. The board of directors is forced to sell the hospital to SunView.
Presley Worth is a corporate financier. She is the VP of Operations at her family’s company SunView. She is sent to decide what the best course of action is for Argyle Community Hospital. Presley see’s the hospital in terms of numbers, will it become profitable or should she shut it down. The Rivers family, and acknowledge that she has a job to do, they just try to show her why their way is important. Presley comes from a background where your worth in life is measured solely by your successes. She is a commanding character that is driven, exceptionally intelligent, and is set to climb corporate ladders.
Dr. Harper Rivers is the oldest of four daughters. Harper is an old school physician, taught by her father, and his father before that to do house calls, the country way medicine used to be. She loves this lifestyle, even though it is physically and mentally demanding. Harper enjoys the simple things in life. It is almost as if she was born in the wrong era, a character that would have been right at home in the early 1900s
Harper and Presley’s romance was very well done. I enjoyed their story very much. Now it’s not the best Radclyffe’s ever done, I felt as if this was one of her better books in the last couple of years.
My Review Blog: https://theromanticreaderblog.wordpre...
October 8, 2016
My Review
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the ER Romance Series by Radclyffe but with a more country feel. If there is one thing Radclyffe does well its right great Medical Romances. I am never disappointed and she has a way of explaining medical terms that make the reader feel at ease.
I really identified with the Rivers Family and their closeness to each other. It was a nice element in the book and really showed the solidarity in the drama surrounding the hospital closure. The relationship between Harper and her sister Flannery was quite comical at times to read but I enjoyed their closer moments when the barriers came down and the real emotions where shown. Looking forward to seeing Flannery grow in the next book.
The sex scenes in true Rad fashion where good, not my favourite she’s written but still very well written. She doesn’t seem to go wrong in that department in her books.
I loved how the book ended, the last few chapters had me quite invested in Harper and Presley making it work and staying together.
Great start to a new Rad Series. 4 Stars
https://lesreveur.com/2016/10/09/agai...
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of the ER Romance Series by Radclyffe but with a more country feel. If there is one thing Radclyffe does well its right great Medical Romances. I am never disappointed and she has a way of explaining medical terms that make the reader feel at ease.
I really identified with the Rivers Family and their closeness to each other. It was a nice element in the book and really showed the solidarity in the drama surrounding the hospital closure. The relationship between Harper and her sister Flannery was quite comical at times to read but I enjoyed their closer moments when the barriers came down and the real emotions where shown. Looking forward to seeing Flannery grow in the next book.
The sex scenes in true Rad fashion where good, not my favourite she’s written but still very well written. She doesn’t seem to go wrong in that department in her books.
I loved how the book ended, the last few chapters had me quite invested in Harper and Presley making it work and staying together.
Great start to a new Rad Series. 4 Stars
https://lesreveur.com/2016/10/09/agai...
December 10, 2014
This was a great story. As much about our loss of community and our loss of connection with self and others as it was about romance. The romance thread in this book was really just icing on the cake. The book is populated by a strong supporting cast, all of whom you get attached to as the story develops. This could have been predictable in terms of "modernity" is bad and "traditionalism" is good, but the narrative is much more complex than two black and white view points. Each character represents one side of that argument but each with equal integrity. Operating financially in the black in any industry has to happen for that industry or business to sustain itself. But how do we do that while at the same time not losing sight of those aspects of life that can't be quantified on a spreadsheet? Radclyffe did a great job of presenting both sides of that dialogue without being cliche or overly melodramatic. (And in addition to that, some great intimate scenes - and sex scenes - between the two main characters. Some of the best I've read in a while.) Well done. Great read.
January 23, 2015
This romance seemed to hit close to home (no pun intended) for the author, and it's evident in the depth of the story. "Agaianst Doctor's Orders" is classic Radclyffe romance with deep characters and a story timely to current issues. This is one of her best standalone romances, in my opinion, and I'm looking forward to seeing a sequel developed from the Flannery character. It's a don't-miss-it if you're a romance reader.
February 10, 2015
3.5 star
Rushed ending. I need more of it.
Rushed ending. I need more of it.
December 18, 2015
Typical Radclyffe love story with the exception that I found the end even more improbable than normal.
March 16, 2015
Welcome to the Rivers
This is a story of a Dr in a comfortable rural life and the woman who has come to turn it upside down.
From the start I just could not see how there could be any kind of happiness for poor Presley. It truly seemed no matter what she did she was going to lose. I could completely understand her fierce pride and drive. All of the characters are so easily lovable. They are so easy to connect with. I love how the story flows, it carries you along as if you are floating along on a stream relaxing in the sunshine. I felt I was a part of the story like I was in the country on a warm summer day sitting on the porch instead of curled up under blankets fighting off the cold of a Midwestern winter.
I am not really sure how to phrase this right, please do not read this as negative for it is not. Radclyffe's writing is plain and simple. Its not flowery or pretentious, its just down home hard working folk speak. It is part of the reason I like Radclyffe's writing so much. I always know when I open a Radclyffe book I will find new friends to love or a family to become a part of.
I would love to see a follow up book with Carrie and Flann...
Original Review with Prism Book Alliance
This is a story of a Dr in a comfortable rural life and the woman who has come to turn it upside down.
From the start I just could not see how there could be any kind of happiness for poor Presley. It truly seemed no matter what she did she was going to lose. I could completely understand her fierce pride and drive. All of the characters are so easily lovable. They are so easy to connect with. I love how the story flows, it carries you along as if you are floating along on a stream relaxing in the sunshine. I felt I was a part of the story like I was in the country on a warm summer day sitting on the porch instead of curled up under blankets fighting off the cold of a Midwestern winter.
I am not really sure how to phrase this right, please do not read this as negative for it is not. Radclyffe's writing is plain and simple. Its not flowery or pretentious, its just down home hard working folk speak. It is part of the reason I like Radclyffe's writing so much. I always know when I open a Radclyffe book I will find new friends to love or a family to become a part of.
I would love to see a follow up book with Carrie and Flann...
Original Review with Prism Book Alliance
March 9, 2016
Maybe I'm biased?
But I don't think so.....Radclyffe is an excellent author with great story lines. This one is about taking something that's failing and making a go of it. Not just the business. I enjoyed the speed of this book. It never stood still and I'm still catching my breath. Definitely up for a sequel or two. Read it its very good you won't be disappointed.
But I don't think so.....Radclyffe is an excellent author with great story lines. This one is about taking something that's failing and making a go of it. Not just the business. I enjoyed the speed of this book. It never stood still and I'm still catching my breath. Definitely up for a sequel or two. Read it its very good you won't be disappointed.
June 3, 2016
Good book!
Interesting commentary on the world of affordable healthcare in today's environment. In addition to that, the charm of county living. That is the backdrop of the love story of Harper and Presley. The development of the characters was sweet and charming as well as sensual (at best)! Good book. Well done!
Interesting commentary on the world of affordable healthcare in today's environment. In addition to that, the charm of county living. That is the backdrop of the love story of Harper and Presley. The development of the characters was sweet and charming as well as sensual (at best)! Good book. Well done!
January 19, 2015
Me encanto este libro, es una lectura rápida y fácil la cual desenvuelve una historia de amor muy linda, tiene la misma formula que Radclyffe y que no se vuele vieja sin importar cuantas de sus novelas lea. Me encantaron los 2 personajes principales y tuve una relación amor/odio con Flann :P
March 31, 2015
One of my most favorite Radclyffe novels! I loved the family interactions and the closeness between the sisters- it reminded me a lot of Pride & Prejudice. A great read.
December 13, 2015
Against Doctor’s Orders by Radclyffe: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
May 1, 2016
First of Two
Good read. great characters. Written with tenderness and down home country heart. Examines true meanings of love. Leads into next book , Prescription for Love.
Good read. great characters. Written with tenderness and down home country heart. Examines true meanings of love. Leads into next book , Prescription for Love.
February 22, 2019
Have to say the end of the book was a little too rushed for me. The tension was solved too suddenly. Presley took it all in a stride (too big) and the hospital takeover issues, too, dealt with too easily. A few unresolved issues for me, missing details I wished was explored further. The build up between the two mains were great, just too much love too soon.
I understand it's a series but as a standalone it felt lacking somewhat. Very unlike Radclyffe's other series. I'll still read the rest of this series, the Rivers are a compelling bunch and the characters are likable. Big fan of Radclyffe's works, since she's one of the first authors I've gotten introduced to lesbian fiction.
I understand it's a series but as a standalone it felt lacking somewhat. Very unlike Radclyffe's other series. I'll still read the rest of this series, the Rivers are a compelling bunch and the characters are likable. Big fan of Radclyffe's works, since she's one of the first authors I've gotten introduced to lesbian fiction.
December 25, 2025
Against Doctor's Orders
Radclyffe has become one of those authors that I'll read anything from. And lucky for me, there's a ton is her catalogue that I can dive into.
Harper and Presley - the attraction, the longing, the conflict - written in the best way that makes it hard to put the book down. They were at such odds, yet their chemistry was undeniable. I love those kinds of storylines ❤️🔥
Turns out, I read Book 8 of the Rivers Community Romance Series a long time ago. I didn't realize it was even part of a series until I came across Book1. Plus, there were so many other great characters in this one, so I'm looking forward to their stories in the series.
Radclyffe has become one of those authors that I'll read anything from. And lucky for me, there's a ton is her catalogue that I can dive into.
Harper and Presley - the attraction, the longing, the conflict - written in the best way that makes it hard to put the book down. They were at such odds, yet their chemistry was undeniable. I love those kinds of storylines ❤️🔥
Turns out, I read Book 8 of the Rivers Community Romance Series a long time ago. I didn't realize it was even part of a series until I came across Book1. Plus, there were so many other great characters in this one, so I'm looking forward to their stories in the series.
July 1, 2017
Radclyffe knows how to write about the business and practice of medicine. I was a little skeptical of the business part of the plot when I read the blurb, but she pulls it off nicely.
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