What do you think?
The Call Room
First Year, First Heartbreak
Angela Quinn has worked her entire life for this moment—walking into the hospital in her white coat, finally a physician. She knew residency would be long hours, relentless emergencies, and nights where sleep is a distant memory. She was prepared for all of it.
What she wasn't prepared for was Dr. Charlie McAdams.
Brilliant, magnetic, and just out of reach, the senior resident is everything Angela didn't know she wanted—and everything she shouldn't risk. Her long-distance boyfriend barely crosses her mind anymore, especially when Charlie is sneaking her warm cookies during midnight rounds or showing her secret corners of Portland she never knew existed.
With the support of her best friend, Angela navigates the chaos of her first year—demanding patients, overworked residents, and a growing attraction she can't ignore. But Charlie has secrets of her own, and for reasons Angela can't understand, refuses to cross the line.
Now Angela has to figure out where her heart truly belongs—because if she can't, she risks losing herself, her career, and the one person she never expected to fall for.
Angela Quinn has worked her entire life for this moment—walking into the hospital in her white coat, finally a physician. She knew residency would be long hours, relentless emergencies, and nights where sleep is a distant memory. She was prepared for all of it.
What she wasn't prepared for was Dr. Charlie McAdams.
Brilliant, magnetic, and just out of reach, the senior resident is everything Angela didn't know she wanted—and everything she shouldn't risk. Her long-distance boyfriend barely crosses her mind anymore, especially when Charlie is sneaking her warm cookies during midnight rounds or showing her secret corners of Portland she never knew existed.
With the support of her best friend, Angela navigates the chaos of her first year—demanding patients, overworked residents, and a growing attraction she can't ignore. But Charlie has secrets of her own, and for reasons Angela can't understand, refuses to cross the line.
Now Angela has to figure out where her heart truly belongs—because if she can't, she risks losing herself, her career, and the one person she never expected to fall for.
294 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 12, 2026
This is a slow burn medical romance about Charlie a third resident and Angela a first year. I think Jaqueline Rose did a great job in her debut novel of depicting medical residency. Both Charlie and Angela seemed like real people, unlike many characters that are over simplified or exaggerated.
The side characters were well done also and hopefully we will see a sequel with Cassandra and Victoria. I look forward to reading more books from Rose.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The side characters were well done also and hopefully we will see a sequel with Cassandra and Victoria. I look forward to reading more books from Rose.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
September 20, 2026
Got the audiobook for review on netgally.
It was an okay read, enjoyable but didn't go beyond a 3 stars decent read for me. I enjoyed the couple when there wasn't the third act breakup and I tought the little plusie pill thingy was cute. Enjoyed the friendships and the hospital setting.
It was an okay read, enjoyable but didn't go beyond a 3 stars decent read for me. I enjoyed the couple when there wasn't the third act breakup and I tought the little plusie pill thingy was cute. Enjoyed the friendships and the hospital setting.
August 8, 2026
This was a massive ado about literally nothing and features one of the silliest third-act breakups I have ever encountered (I'm usually fairly generous about them). Two adult doctors who are not directly in a supervisory position with respect to each other postpone their clear interest for no reason. The main conflict is completely pointless, and it frustrated me how long it takes for the characters to get their shit together. The annoyance factor was very high for me here because 1) this medical intern is horny AF and 2) there is no communication possible between these two people, and when they do communicate, it's off-stage and hand-waved away. Frustrating, honestly.
September 28, 2026
This was an enjoyable novel. It was a bit slow at times and didn’t really do a lot to “wow me”, but it was definitely an enjoyable experience. The audiobook narrator did a great job too.
I'm sorry but this time I don’t have much to say; nice journey that I enjoyed and would probably recommend, but its also probably going to be forgettable for me. This is low-stakes and low-drama, kind of like Hallmark movie (which I love).
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC
I'm sorry but this time I don’t have much to say; nice journey that I enjoyed and would probably recommend, but its also probably going to be forgettable for me. This is low-stakes and low-drama, kind of like Hallmark movie (which I love).
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC
August 23, 2026
Enjoyable romance, good writing and nice mc’s.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🩺 The Call Room - Jaqueline Rose
⭐ 4/5
Thank you to RBMedia Tantor Audio, NetGalley and Jaqueline Rose for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well, apparently this book has informed me that I need to read a lot more sapphic romance 😂🩷
The Call Room was such a sweet, engaging sapphic awakening story, set against the absolute chaos of first-year medical residency. The connection between Angela and Charlie is there almost immediately, from sharing late-night cookies to Charlie introducing Angela to all the must-see places in the city. Their friendship and growing attraction felt warm and natural, and I loved watching Angela begin to understand this new part of herself.
One of my favourite aspects was the support Angela receives from the people surrounding her. Between navigating her sexuality and being thrown headfirst into the overwhelming responsibilities of residency, she's going through A LOT, and I loved the little community that forms around her.
And Mr Jenkins?! 🥹 His relationship with both Angela and Charlie was genuinely one of the sweetest parts of the entire book. Protect that man at all costs.
I also thought Jaqueline Rose did a fantastic job depicting the medical setting, particularly for a debut novel. Angela and Charlie feel like real people rather than exaggerated fictional doctors. The friendships, workplace interactions and nights out gave the whole setting a really genuine, lived-in quality.
The story itself is fairly straightforward, but I actually enjoyed that. It's an easy, comforting medical romance with enough drama to keep things interesting without becoming overly complicated. I also appreciated that Angela's awakening doesn't exist in a vacuum and that the story acknowledges the difficult conversations and consequences that come with understanding something new about yourself while already in a relationship.
My main frustration was the miscommunication. It's a trope I rarely enjoy, and there were definitely moments when I wanted to sit these women down and make them TALK TO EACH OTHER 😂 drama could have been avoided with more open communication, which occasionally made it more frustrating than compelling.
But overall, The Call Room was such an enjoyable debut - sweet, romantic, funny and full of heart. I'm already hoping this isn't the last we see of these characters because I would absolutely pick up Victoria's story next 👀
🎧 Audiobook note: Audrey Obeyn was fantastic. She gave Angela and Charlie distinct personalities while also handling the wider cast, including the male characters, really well. Her performance brought so much warmth and personality to the story and made this an incredibly easy audiobook to disappear into.
⭐ 4/5 - a charming sapphic medical romance with a sweet awakening story, believable characters, genuine workplace camaraderie and just enough drama to keep me hooked. More sapphic romances for me, please 🩷🩺
⭐ 4/5
Thank you to RBMedia Tantor Audio, NetGalley and Jaqueline Rose for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well, apparently this book has informed me that I need to read a lot more sapphic romance 😂🩷
The Call Room was such a sweet, engaging sapphic awakening story, set against the absolute chaos of first-year medical residency. The connection between Angela and Charlie is there almost immediately, from sharing late-night cookies to Charlie introducing Angela to all the must-see places in the city. Their friendship and growing attraction felt warm and natural, and I loved watching Angela begin to understand this new part of herself.
One of my favourite aspects was the support Angela receives from the people surrounding her. Between navigating her sexuality and being thrown headfirst into the overwhelming responsibilities of residency, she's going through A LOT, and I loved the little community that forms around her.
And Mr Jenkins?! 🥹 His relationship with both Angela and Charlie was genuinely one of the sweetest parts of the entire book. Protect that man at all costs.
I also thought Jaqueline Rose did a fantastic job depicting the medical setting, particularly for a debut novel. Angela and Charlie feel like real people rather than exaggerated fictional doctors. The friendships, workplace interactions and nights out gave the whole setting a really genuine, lived-in quality.
The story itself is fairly straightforward, but I actually enjoyed that. It's an easy, comforting medical romance with enough drama to keep things interesting without becoming overly complicated. I also appreciated that Angela's awakening doesn't exist in a vacuum and that the story acknowledges the difficult conversations and consequences that come with understanding something new about yourself while already in a relationship.
My main frustration was the miscommunication. It's a trope I rarely enjoy, and there were definitely moments when I wanted to sit these women down and make them TALK TO EACH OTHER 😂 drama could have been avoided with more open communication, which occasionally made it more frustrating than compelling.
But overall, The Call Room was such an enjoyable debut - sweet, romantic, funny and full of heart. I'm already hoping this isn't the last we see of these characters because I would absolutely pick up Victoria's story next 👀
🎧 Audiobook note: Audrey Obeyn was fantastic. She gave Angela and Charlie distinct personalities while also handling the wider cast, including the male characters, really well. Her performance brought so much warmth and personality to the story and made this an incredibly easy audiobook to disappear into.
⭐ 4/5 - a charming sapphic medical romance with a sweet awakening story, believable characters, genuine workplace camaraderie and just enough drama to keep me hooked. More sapphic romances for me, please 🩷🩺
September 27, 2026
First-year resident Angela Quinn arrives ready for the brutal hours and relentless emergencies of residency, but not for her magnetic senior resident, Dr. Charlie McAdams. As her long-distance relationship fades into the background, Angela finds herself drawn to Charlie's midnight kindnesses and hidden corners of Portland, even as Charlie's own secrets keep her at arm's length.
It's always a treat when the narrator has a lovely voice, and Call Room is a successful book made even better as an audiobook. At around 8 hours of listening, the connection between Charlie and Angela practically leaps off the screen, even in audio form. The setting of internship, long shifts, and constantly working alongside the same people creates a believable bond, and the journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed. Angela, as a first-year intern, stays open to others, listens, and learns, while Charlie proves to be a great mentor, empowering everyone around her without ever taking over. The ups and downs, the longer timeframe, and the lovely dance between tension and intimate scenes make this a really complete story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced/complimentary copy of this book.
It's always a treat when the narrator has a lovely voice, and Call Room is a successful book made even better as an audiobook. At around 8 hours of listening, the connection between Charlie and Angela practically leaps off the screen, even in audio form. The setting of internship, long shifts, and constantly working alongside the same people creates a believable bond, and the journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed. Angela, as a first-year intern, stays open to others, listens, and learns, while Charlie proves to be a great mentor, empowering everyone around her without ever taking over. The ups and downs, the longer timeframe, and the lovely dance between tension and intimate scenes make this a really complete story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced/complimentary copy of this book.
September 24, 2026
🅐🅛🅒 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Aᴜᴅʀᴇʏ Oʙᴇʏɴ
ᗯᕼᗩT TO ᗴ᙭ᑭᗴᑕT:
🩺 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻
🩻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲
🩺 𝗙𝗙 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🩻 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗲𝗽
🩺 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗦
💭Congratulations to Jacqueline Rose on the brilliant debut novel! This story was a pleasant surprise that captured my heart in the best way possible. It beautifully portrays a slow-burn romance between two resident doctors.
Angela begins her residency in Portland and meets third-year resident Charlie, who makes her realize her attraction to women, especially to Charlie. However, there is a complication - Angela has a boyfriend. Meanwhile, Charlie assumes Angela is straight and is hesitant to pursue a relationship with a co-worker due to past experiences. To make matters worse, everyone in the hospital knows each other's business, and it seems they also love and admires Charlie. Even I’m a little in love with Charlie. It's no wonder Angela feels drawn to her. Charlie seems to connect with Angela on a deep level, and you can feel it with every interaction.
Both Charlie and Angela are endearing characters. Charlie this very passive, soothing vibe, while Angela very honest even funny navigates the challenges of being a resident. The medical setting adds an extra layer of drama and introduces entertaining side characters. The icing on the cake is the great narration by Audrey Obeyn. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with LGBTQ representation, be sure to give this book a listen. Many thanks to Tantor Media for this listen.
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰.𝟮𝟱⭐️ |𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟰🎧 |𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 𝟮/𝟱🌶️
𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Aᴜᴅʀᴇʏ Oʙᴇʏɴ
ᗯᕼᗩT TO ᗴ᙭ᑭᗴᑕT:
🩺 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻
🩻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲
🩺 𝗙𝗙 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
🩻 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗲𝗽
🩺 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗦
💭Congratulations to Jacqueline Rose on the brilliant debut novel! This story was a pleasant surprise that captured my heart in the best way possible. It beautifully portrays a slow-burn romance between two resident doctors.
Angela begins her residency in Portland and meets third-year resident Charlie, who makes her realize her attraction to women, especially to Charlie. However, there is a complication - Angela has a boyfriend. Meanwhile, Charlie assumes Angela is straight and is hesitant to pursue a relationship with a co-worker due to past experiences. To make matters worse, everyone in the hospital knows each other's business, and it seems they also love and admires Charlie. Even I’m a little in love with Charlie. It's no wonder Angela feels drawn to her. Charlie seems to connect with Angela on a deep level, and you can feel it with every interaction.
Both Charlie and Angela are endearing characters. Charlie this very passive, soothing vibe, while Angela very honest even funny navigates the challenges of being a resident. The medical setting adds an extra layer of drama and introduces entertaining side characters. The icing on the cake is the great narration by Audrey Obeyn. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with LGBTQ representation, be sure to give this book a listen. Many thanks to Tantor Media for this listen.
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟰.𝟮𝟱⭐️ |𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟰🎧 |𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 𝟮/𝟱🌶️
September 19, 2026
The Call Room is a hospital setting romance that follows Angela Quinn during her first year as a doctor.
I work in the medical field and LOVE me some medical shows so I thought what could be better than reading a medical setting book! It is a slow-burn romance, where Angela is learning what she truly loves and wants in life.
I didn't dislike the book by any means, but did find it quite slow at times and felt it could have used a bit more drama and happenings throughout.
The narrator did a great job overall. She wonderfully portrayed the different characters.
3/5 stars! Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to listen to this book as an ARC!
I work in the medical field and LOVE me some medical shows so I thought what could be better than reading a medical setting book! It is a slow-burn romance, where Angela is learning what she truly loves and wants in life.
I didn't dislike the book by any means, but did find it quite slow at times and felt it could have used a bit more drama and happenings throughout.
The narrator did a great job overall. She wonderfully portrayed the different characters.
3/5 stars! Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to listen to this book as an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Call Room by Jacqueline Rose is a sweet sapphic awakening story set within a hospital setting. Angela Quinn is just starting her first year of medical residency. Forced apart from her boyfriend who was given a residency placement in a different city she is sharing an apartment with her best friend and hoping to maintain a long distance relationship despite the rigours to be expected from residency. Charlie McAdams is the senior residentin charge of helping the new interns settle in. After a bad relationship experience a couple of years previously she isdefiner not looking for any kind of relationship with another co-worker.
The connection between the two MCs is there from the start with the two doctors soon sharing late night cookies and Charlie introducing Angela to all the must see places in the city. As their friendship blossoms it soon becomes apparent to Angela that she spending less and less time thinking about her boyfriend and more and more time thinking and the enigmatic but elusive Dr McAdams. However while she is starting to realise that she is attracted to Charlie this attraction is constantly met by Charlie's defensive walls.
This story has a wonderful mix of characters including the delightful best friend, the surprisingly understanding boyfriend and his new housemate, a wonderful cast of fellow residents and the inevitable 'bad egg' who is determined to cause trouble for the MCs. I loved the way that the other characters supported Angela through her sapphic awakening and the the craziness and overwhelm that comes with first year residency. I also absolutely adored Mr Jenkins, a patient suffering from liver failure who connects with both Angela and Charlie during the course of his medical journey and multiple visits to the hospital.
Jacqueline Rose does a wonderful job of depicting the overwhelm and panic that comes from being thrown into the responsibilities that comes with being a resident and the value in having someone who can help you navigate the ups and downs.
The Call Room is a delightful medical romance with just a little bit of drama and was an easy read that I didn't want to put down.
I am grateful to Jacqueline Rose and Bella Books for providing me with an ARC copy of The Call Room and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The connection between the two MCs is there from the start with the two doctors soon sharing late night cookies and Charlie introducing Angela to all the must see places in the city. As their friendship blossoms it soon becomes apparent to Angela that she spending less and less time thinking about her boyfriend and more and more time thinking and the enigmatic but elusive Dr McAdams. However while she is starting to realise that she is attracted to Charlie this attraction is constantly met by Charlie's defensive walls.
This story has a wonderful mix of characters including the delightful best friend, the surprisingly understanding boyfriend and his new housemate, a wonderful cast of fellow residents and the inevitable 'bad egg' who is determined to cause trouble for the MCs. I loved the way that the other characters supported Angela through her sapphic awakening and the the craziness and overwhelm that comes with first year residency. I also absolutely adored Mr Jenkins, a patient suffering from liver failure who connects with both Angela and Charlie during the course of his medical journey and multiple visits to the hospital.
Jacqueline Rose does a wonderful job of depicting the overwhelm and panic that comes from being thrown into the responsibilities that comes with being a resident and the value in having someone who can help you navigate the ups and downs.
The Call Room is a delightful medical romance with just a little bit of drama and was an easy read that I didn't want to put down.
I am grateful to Jacqueline Rose and Bella Books for providing me with an ARC copy of The Call Room and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2026
~Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ALC of The Call Room~
There were aspects of this book I really enjoyed and others that frustrated me. It's the first medical romance, so I'm new to some of the tropes specific to the subgenre, but I read a lot of romance, so I've got familiarity and opinions.
The meet cute and initial spark between our FMCs is good! And the instant chemistry has time to breathe and develop. They have forced proximity because of their job plus option proximity when they're irresistibly drawn to each other.
Contrary to some of the other reviews, I actually liked Angela's compulsory heterosexuality and the relationship with her boyfriend. She's so lukewarm about him, how it just happened and she has just gone along with it; it felt very relatable. I like her lightning bolt moment of realizing she's gay.
Then the parts that frustrated me start. Their reason for staying apart is weak. Especially because all it will take is a simple conversation with HR to make it a-okay. If there's a forbidden aspect to the romance, let it be more serious than something words can resolve.
The third act break-up had me livid, actually. It's the miscommunication trope at its worst. This was the single weakest point for me. And then again it's resolved with a simple conversation. To me, it's not a real conflict if an exchange of words fixes everything.
Overall though, the romance was cute and the spice was good., even if sometimes I was like "omg, don't do that on the job, you're crazyyyy 🫣." I liked Mr. Jenkins too, what a sweetheart. The medical jokes and puns made me roll my eyes (in the fun way) and let out reluctant chuckles.
If you can overlook a really frustrating third act break-up, this is a fun and enjoyable read for the most part!
Specific to the audiobook, for the most part the narrator is great. Her voices for Angela and Charlie are perfect. But her voice for Cassandra was almost unbearable, it was so nasally and grating. And the pronunciation of "antibiotics" as "anabotics" made me want to cry. That aside... the audio was a good way to read this book.
There were aspects of this book I really enjoyed and others that frustrated me. It's the first medical romance, so I'm new to some of the tropes specific to the subgenre, but I read a lot of romance, so I've got familiarity and opinions.
The meet cute and initial spark between our FMCs is good! And the instant chemistry has time to breathe and develop. They have forced proximity because of their job plus option proximity when they're irresistibly drawn to each other.
Contrary to some of the other reviews, I actually liked Angela's compulsory heterosexuality and the relationship with her boyfriend. She's so lukewarm about him, how it just happened and she has just gone along with it; it felt very relatable. I like her lightning bolt moment of realizing she's gay.
Then the parts that frustrated me start. Their reason for staying apart is weak. Especially because all it will take is a simple conversation with HR to make it a-okay. If there's a forbidden aspect to the romance, let it be more serious than something words can resolve.
The third act break-up had me livid, actually. It's the miscommunication trope at its worst. This was the single weakest point for me. And then again it's resolved with a simple conversation. To me, it's not a real conflict if an exchange of words fixes everything.
Overall though, the romance was cute and the spice was good., even if sometimes I was like "omg, don't do that on the job, you're crazyyyy 🫣." I liked Mr. Jenkins too, what a sweetheart. The medical jokes and puns made me roll my eyes (in the fun way) and let out reluctant chuckles.
If you can overlook a really frustrating third act break-up, this is a fun and enjoyable read for the most part!
Specific to the audiobook, for the most part the narrator is great. Her voices for Angela and Charlie are perfect. But her voice for Cassandra was almost unbearable, it was so nasally and grating. And the pronunciation of "antibiotics" as "anabotics" made me want to cry. That aside... the audio was a good way to read this book.
October 1, 2026
I received an audiobook ARC of this novel in thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
“The Call Room” follows a woman named Angela Quinn. Angela has spent her entire life working towards becoming a physician, and now, at the start of her residency, she gets to fulfill that lifelong dream. The one aspect of residency she did not plan for was the irresistible Dr. Charlie McAdams. Angela knows she should steer clear of Charlie, especially with her long distance boyfriend still in the picture, but there is just something magnetic about Charlie that Angela cannot turn away from.
This was a really sweet romance that is kind of predictable, but still swoon worthy. I think from the introduction of the characters, it is fairly easy to anticipate where the story is going to go, but this is one of those novels that you still just enjoy the journey to get there. I also think with the world’s fascination with medical media, this is a really fun novel that does not get too bogged down with medical procedure. Truly just a story that romanticizes the life of doctors.
One aspect I really enjoyed about this novel is Angela’s exploration of self discovery. At the beginning of the novel, Angela is dating a man who is honestly pretty perfect. She does not realize it, but she is so indifferent about their relationship because she is actually gay. It is her attraction to Charlie that allows her to discover a new facet about her. I think that the author explored this so well and I could not help but root for Angela and her new found love for herself.
Because I found this novel predictable, I knew there was going to be turmoil towards the end and I knew what it was going to be. I was really disappointed in the character about their reaction to this situation. I empathize that they were reacting out of fear because they had been through something similar in the past, but it felt very hasty in their decision to dismiss any rationale given.
Overall, I think this novel is a quick, fluffy romance that is the perfect way to end the summer and start cozy fall reading.
“The Call Room” follows a woman named Angela Quinn. Angela has spent her entire life working towards becoming a physician, and now, at the start of her residency, she gets to fulfill that lifelong dream. The one aspect of residency she did not plan for was the irresistible Dr. Charlie McAdams. Angela knows she should steer clear of Charlie, especially with her long distance boyfriend still in the picture, but there is just something magnetic about Charlie that Angela cannot turn away from.
This was a really sweet romance that is kind of predictable, but still swoon worthy. I think from the introduction of the characters, it is fairly easy to anticipate where the story is going to go, but this is one of those novels that you still just enjoy the journey to get there. I also think with the world’s fascination with medical media, this is a really fun novel that does not get too bogged down with medical procedure. Truly just a story that romanticizes the life of doctors.
One aspect I really enjoyed about this novel is Angela’s exploration of self discovery. At the beginning of the novel, Angela is dating a man who is honestly pretty perfect. She does not realize it, but she is so indifferent about their relationship because she is actually gay. It is her attraction to Charlie that allows her to discover a new facet about her. I think that the author explored this so well and I could not help but root for Angela and her new found love for herself.
Because I found this novel predictable, I knew there was going to be turmoil towards the end and I knew what it was going to be. I was really disappointed in the character about their reaction to this situation. I empathize that they were reacting out of fear because they had been through something similar in the past, but it felt very hasty in their decision to dismiss any rationale given.
Overall, I think this novel is a quick, fluffy romance that is the perfect way to end the summer and start cozy fall reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2026
Fabulous (audiobook) narrator for debut medical romance with 3rd act issues (3.5 stars)
If medical romances with plenty of doctor jargon, interpersonal shenanigans, drama, angst and humor are what you're craving, The Call Room checks all those boxes. The audiobook is particularly entertaining with narrator Audrey Obeyn mining the humor and range of emotional expression in the story while bringing the sizable cast of characters to life. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed reading the book nearly as much as I did listening to it. I laughed out loud several times and got a little choked up thanks to one scene stealing secondary character; it's got steamy moments as well so best not to listen to this with kids nearby (or wear headphones). I was fully on board for the friendship between mains Charlie and Angela and rooted for the romance up to a point then was less invested when there was friction between them that seemed to happen later than I expected in the story and felt over the top even for this kind of story; my suspension of disbelief got stretched far a few times and I had questions about why some aspects had to be so complicated. Both mains have their flaws, personal baggage and some questionable behavior that may not appeal to all readers; also a heads up that Angela has a boyfriend at the beginning of the book if that's an issue for some readers. Among the cast of secondary characters, Angela's roommate Victoria, and Mr Jenkins stand out as personal faves.
If you like medical TV shows with the combination of high stakes moments and soap opera-esque relationships between medical staff you'll feel very at home reading this book. I'll be keeping any eye out for Audrey Obeyn in the future and am curious to see what Jaqueline Rose's next book will be about.
If medical romances with plenty of doctor jargon, interpersonal shenanigans, drama, angst and humor are what you're craving, The Call Room checks all those boxes. The audiobook is particularly entertaining with narrator Audrey Obeyn mining the humor and range of emotional expression in the story while bringing the sizable cast of characters to life. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed reading the book nearly as much as I did listening to it. I laughed out loud several times and got a little choked up thanks to one scene stealing secondary character; it's got steamy moments as well so best not to listen to this with kids nearby (or wear headphones). I was fully on board for the friendship between mains Charlie and Angela and rooted for the romance up to a point then was less invested when there was friction between them that seemed to happen later than I expected in the story and felt over the top even for this kind of story; my suspension of disbelief got stretched far a few times and I had questions about why some aspects had to be so complicated. Both mains have their flaws, personal baggage and some questionable behavior that may not appeal to all readers; also a heads up that Angela has a boyfriend at the beginning of the book if that's an issue for some readers. Among the cast of secondary characters, Angela's roommate Victoria, and Mr Jenkins stand out as personal faves.
If you like medical TV shows with the combination of high stakes moments and soap opera-esque relationships between medical staff you'll feel very at home reading this book. I'll be keeping any eye out for Audrey Obeyn in the future and am curious to see what Jaqueline Rose's next book will be about.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Going in, I was so excited to get a medical drama in novel form that boosted sexy sophistication similar to Grey’s Anatomy! Similar to the popular television show, the main trope of “cheating to find your place” immediately turned the story from sweet to sour, resulting in 1.5 ⭐️
Angela Quinn has worked her entire life for this moment – walking into the hospital in her white coat, finally a physician. Facing down residency, she knows it will hold long hours, relentless emergencies, and nights where sleep is a distant memory. She’s prepared for all of it. What she didn't prepare for was Dr. Charlie McAdams.
Brilliant, magnetic, and just out of reach, the senior resident is everything Angela didn't know she wanted – and everything she shouldn't risk. As Charlie sneaks her warm cookies while showing her the hidden corners of Portland, thoughts of Angela’s long-distance boyfriend are just that. With the support of her best friend, Angela navigates the chaos of her first year, from demanding patients and overworked residents to a growing attraction she can't ignore. But Charlie has secrets of her own, and for reasons Angela can't understand, refuses to cross the line.
I’m really not sure where to begin with this… I’ve been sitting with all the thoughts and feelings to give the plot and characters the benefit of the doubt, but alas. It felt like the author jammed as many big medical words into a sentence to somehow back the premise of a medical drama in novel format - including one of the first interactions our FMC has with her new coworkers being them quizzing her about the Krebs Cycle (SPOILER: No one does that!!!). The slow burn aspect of the book was increasingly frustrating, not because of the pacing itself, but because it is literally glorifying cheating. I get that Angela has been with her boyfriend for years and their relationship just “happened”, but I don’t think that negates the fact that she both emotionally and physically cheats before taking the time to rub two brain cells together and call her relationship off.
The narrator, Audrey Obeyn, did fine with the content she was given - I genuinely believe that it’s typically not a narrator’s fault when you can’t connect with the characters, and this novel is a reflection of that sentiment. Every character just felt like an overdone stereotype.
👩🏻⚕️ LGBTQIA+
🩺 Workplace Romance
👩🏻⚕️ Grey’s Anatomy Fans
🩺 Pacific Northwest Tour
👩🏻⚕️ “Finding your place”
Thank you, NetGalley, Tantor Media, and the author for the early ALC - I’m excited to share my thoughts with the bookish community!
Angela Quinn has worked her entire life for this moment – walking into the hospital in her white coat, finally a physician. Facing down residency, she knows it will hold long hours, relentless emergencies, and nights where sleep is a distant memory. She’s prepared for all of it. What she didn't prepare for was Dr. Charlie McAdams.
Brilliant, magnetic, and just out of reach, the senior resident is everything Angela didn't know she wanted – and everything she shouldn't risk. As Charlie sneaks her warm cookies while showing her the hidden corners of Portland, thoughts of Angela’s long-distance boyfriend are just that. With the support of her best friend, Angela navigates the chaos of her first year, from demanding patients and overworked residents to a growing attraction she can't ignore. But Charlie has secrets of her own, and for reasons Angela can't understand, refuses to cross the line.
I’m really not sure where to begin with this… I’ve been sitting with all the thoughts and feelings to give the plot and characters the benefit of the doubt, but alas. It felt like the author jammed as many big medical words into a sentence to somehow back the premise of a medical drama in novel format - including one of the first interactions our FMC has with her new coworkers being them quizzing her about the Krebs Cycle (SPOILER: No one does that!!!). The slow burn aspect of the book was increasingly frustrating, not because of the pacing itself, but because it is literally glorifying cheating. I get that Angela has been with her boyfriend for years and their relationship just “happened”, but I don’t think that negates the fact that she both emotionally and physically cheats before taking the time to rub two brain cells together and call her relationship off.
The narrator, Audrey Obeyn, did fine with the content she was given - I genuinely believe that it’s typically not a narrator’s fault when you can’t connect with the characters, and this novel is a reflection of that sentiment. Every character just felt like an overdone stereotype.
👩🏻⚕️ LGBTQIA+
🩺 Workplace Romance
👩🏻⚕️ Grey’s Anatomy Fans
🩺 Pacific Northwest Tour
👩🏻⚕️ “Finding your place”
Thank you, NetGalley, Tantor Media, and the author for the early ALC - I’m excited to share my thoughts with the bookish community!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
love a good medical book and this one had all the elements that i love about it
angela quinn has finally made it .... she is about to start her residency, it was what she had worked for for years and that dream was about to come true....if only she could find the residents room
luckily for angela her roommate was going to be her friend victoria who was also starting her residency at the same hospital
dr charlie macadams was senior resident in charge of the new ones starting their residency... she knew what they were all feeling and had just the right words to make them all relax
have to say this is a slow getting to know you but the attraction between quinn and macadams is obvious from the beginning but its the history that causes the bumps in the road but it doesnt alter the fact that this isnt a bad read and kept me hooked till the end
grays anatomy has nothing on this and i loved how the other characters were there for each other ... there is always one baddy among the group though which i felt we needed to see more of to really hate them... but apart from the that the storyline between quinn and macadams was done really well
angela quinn has finally made it .... she is about to start her residency, it was what she had worked for for years and that dream was about to come true....if only she could find the residents room
luckily for angela her roommate was going to be her friend victoria who was also starting her residency at the same hospital
dr charlie macadams was senior resident in charge of the new ones starting their residency... she knew what they were all feeling and had just the right words to make them all relax
have to say this is a slow getting to know you but the attraction between quinn and macadams is obvious from the beginning but its the history that causes the bumps in the road but it doesnt alter the fact that this isnt a bad read and kept me hooked till the end
grays anatomy has nothing on this and i loved how the other characters were there for each other ... there is always one baddy among the group though which i felt we needed to see more of to really hate them... but apart from the that the storyline between quinn and macadams was done really well
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Angela Quinn is starting her first year of medical residency in Portland. Her best friend and roommate Victoria is with her as well. On day one they meet Dr. Charlie McAdams, a senior resident. The author is a doctor and I will trust that all the medical happenings are correct. There is enough to feel you are in a busy working hospital. But not too much where you lose interest.
I like that the story covers most of the first year. There are getting to know fellow doctors at a bar, visiting a pumpkin patch in the fall, New Years working etc. Also along the way Angela realizes she may not be as straight as she always thought. Charlie has reasons of her own for not wanting to get involved with co-workers.
The plot is straight forward, so to speak, and the pacing is good. I liked including Angela having to tell her boyfriend of her new understanding of herself. This is an enjoyable debut novel and there is the possibility for a potential sequel featuring Victoria. Thank you to Bella Books and the author for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I like that the story covers most of the first year. There are getting to know fellow doctors at a bar, visiting a pumpkin patch in the fall, New Years working etc. Also along the way Angela realizes she may not be as straight as she always thought. Charlie has reasons of her own for not wanting to get involved with co-workers.
The plot is straight forward, so to speak, and the pacing is good. I liked including Angela having to tell her boyfriend of her new understanding of herself. This is an enjoyable debut novel and there is the possibility for a potential sequel featuring Victoria. Thank you to Bella Books and the author for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a slow burn medical romance that was set in a Portland hospital. The characters were new doctors including some first year and some senior residents. I was surprised at the number of medical terms and references, only to have my inquisitive wonderings confirm that the author is a real doctor, and one with a great sense of humor.
There was warm, fun camaraderie between an interesting cast of doctors which gave the story a genuine feel, with all the interactions at work and the fun times partying together. There were flirtations and crushes, the major focus being between the two mains, Angela, a first year resident and Charlie, her senior resident. Angela’s sexuality was questioned and this created drama, added angst and complications.
This book was a fun, addictive read with both light, humorous moments as well as some serious moments, and not to be left out, some very steamy passionate scenes, sometimes in the most surprising places!
There was warm, fun camaraderie between an interesting cast of doctors which gave the story a genuine feel, with all the interactions at work and the fun times partying together. There were flirtations and crushes, the major focus being between the two mains, Angela, a first year resident and Charlie, her senior resident. Angela’s sexuality was questioned and this created drama, added angst and complications.
This book was a fun, addictive read with both light, humorous moments as well as some serious moments, and not to be left out, some very steamy passionate scenes, sometimes in the most surprising places!
September 17, 2026
Thank you to RBMedia Tantor Audio, NetGalley, and Jaqueline Rose for the ALC!
This was my first sapphic romance and I enjoyed it!! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read one, but I’m happy to say I can check that off my list!!
This was a nice slow burn, medical setting romance, which I enjoyed as well! I may need to find some additional medical romance!! I wasn’t a fan of the miscommunication, I feel like these characters were not great at communicating, which can cause a lot of frustration.
Audrey Obeyn did a great job at narrating all of our characters! It made me feel that I was also working side by side with them! The pacing was good throughout the story and she did a good job at changing the tone for multiple different characters.
If you enjoy a medical setting with some workplace romance and a slow burn sapphic romance, you need to listen to this one!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first sapphic romance and I enjoyed it!! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read one, but I’m happy to say I can check that off my list!!
This was a nice slow burn, medical setting romance, which I enjoyed as well! I may need to find some additional medical romance!! I wasn’t a fan of the miscommunication, I feel like these characters were not great at communicating, which can cause a lot of frustration.
Audrey Obeyn did a great job at narrating all of our characters! It made me feel that I was also working side by side with them! The pacing was good throughout the story and she did a good job at changing the tone for multiple different characters.
If you enjoy a medical setting with some workplace romance and a slow burn sapphic romance, you need to listen to this one!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 28, 2026
Medical Sapphic Romance?
sign me up!!
as a med student, who happens to be a lesbian, i CRAVE sapphic medical romances.
that is why i picked this up, and i am glad i did!
Angela and Charlie's relationship is interesting. i liked their chemistry, they clearly had a lot of that, the portland food tour and the plushie.
Sometimes the "will they, won't they" annoyed me, because they clearly liked eachother and they had no complicated power/responsability dynamic that prevented them to pursue their relationship.
overall, the MCs felt like real people, the hospital setting felt realistic and so did the medical procedures. It was a pleasant listen, the narrator portrayed the characters really well.
Thankyou to NetGalley and Tantor Media for providing me with this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
sign me up!!
as a med student, who happens to be a lesbian, i CRAVE sapphic medical romances.
that is why i picked this up, and i am glad i did!
Angela and Charlie's relationship is interesting. i liked their chemistry, they clearly had a lot of that, the portland food tour and the plushie.
Sometimes the "will they, won't they" annoyed me, because they clearly liked eachother and they had no complicated power/responsability dynamic that prevented them to pursue their relationship.
overall, the MCs felt like real people, the hospital setting felt realistic and so did the medical procedures. It was a pleasant listen, the narrator portrayed the characters really well.
Thankyou to NetGalley and Tantor Media for providing me with this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 21, 2026
I received an ARC audiobook of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one was a genuinely enjoyable listen. The characters were easy to connect with, and the narrator did a great job bringing them to life — pacing and tone felt just right throughout. The storyline itself was simple and relatable, nothing overly complicated, which made it an easy, comforting listen.
I especially loved the hospital setting and the residency storyline — there's something compelling about medical dramas that dive into the chaos and camaraderie of that world, and this book captured it well.
Overall, a solid, satisfying read (listen!) that I'd recommend to fans of character-driven medical fiction.
This one was a genuinely enjoyable listen. The characters were easy to connect with, and the narrator did a great job bringing them to life — pacing and tone felt just right throughout. The storyline itself was simple and relatable, nothing overly complicated, which made it an easy, comforting listen.
I especially loved the hospital setting and the residency storyline — there's something compelling about medical dramas that dive into the chaos and camaraderie of that world, and this book captured it well.
Overall, a solid, satisfying read (listen!) that I'd recommend to fans of character-driven medical fiction.
September 23, 2026
This was a low-angst, sapphic, medical romance. It was an easy, enjoyable listen, overall. Both main characters were likable – as were most of the side characters. Some of the tropes could’ve been leaned into a little more for me. For example, the toxic ex or forbidden romance was hinted at, but I don’t feel the story fully aligned with or committed to them. At the end of the day, this one may not end up on my re-read list, but I liked it enough to pick up more of this author’s work.
The book was narrated by Audrey Obeyn – who is new to me. I enjoyed her tone and pacing and thought she did an excellent job overall.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The book was narrated by Audrey Obeyn – who is new to me. I enjoyed her tone and pacing and thought she did an excellent job overall.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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September 24, 2026Thank you to Netgalley Tantor Media and Jacqueline Rose for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for a review.
I really liked the pace for this love story. Charlie and Angela didn’t spend just a minute getting to know each other and immediately fell in love. There was a great sense of the way their friendship developed into a relationship and I really enjoyed that.
I really liked the narration of this book. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters together
As someone that works in healthcare, I have never heard doctors call each other doctor quite so much it was a bit off putting hearing them constantly doing it and it unfortunately pulled me out of the story every time.
The third act break-up felt a bit rushed and I felt like these characters deserved a bit more considering how their relationship developed. All in all it was an okay read.
3.5/5
I really liked the pace for this love story. Charlie and Angela didn’t spend just a minute getting to know each other and immediately fell in love. There was a great sense of the way their friendship developed into a relationship and I really enjoyed that.
I really liked the narration of this book. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters together
As someone that works in healthcare, I have never heard doctors call each other doctor quite so much it was a bit off putting hearing them constantly doing it and it unfortunately pulled me out of the story every time.
The third act break-up felt a bit rushed and I felt like these characters deserved a bit more considering how their relationship developed. All in all it was an okay read.
3.5/5
September 29, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was a steady, okay sapphic romance between two doctors in their residency. It’s a slow burn, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t particularly impactful for me.
My one gripe was when something happened that I expected would lead to at least a little groveling, but that never happened. I definitely wanted more there.
The narration by Audrey Obeyn was spectacular! She did such a great job fluctuating her voice for the different characters, and she definitely made the reading experience more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a light, easy read.
I received this complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, providing me with the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts and opinions.
This was a steady, okay sapphic romance between two doctors in their residency. It’s a slow burn, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t particularly impactful for me.
My one gripe was when something happened that I expected would lead to at least a little groveling, but that never happened. I definitely wanted more there.
The narration by Audrey Obeyn was spectacular! She did such a great job fluctuating her voice for the different characters, and she definitely made the reading experience more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a light, easy read.
I received this complimentary ALC from Tantor Media via NetGalley, providing me with the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts and opinions.
September 29, 2026
J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé !
Bon, déjà le setting à la Grey’s Anatomy évidemment ça pouvait que matcher… mais des fois le gay awakening peut être un peu too much, ou pas assez. Là j’ai trouvé ça très justement dosé, elle prend le temps de se poser des questions. J’avais peur aussi que ça parte sur de la tromperie mais non, dès qu’elle réalise qu’elle est vraiment lesbienne, elle quitte son ex donc nickel.
Et Charlie… j’adore ce genre de meuf 🤩 sûre d’elle et en même temps vulnérable, sa voix en livre audio était très attrayante… elle tease tout en étant très respectueuse. Et ses sous-entendus étaient géniaux.
« Moi aussi je me disais qu’on fonctionnerait bien ensemble si on jouait pour la même équipe » 👀
« Oui, tester de nouvelles choses c’est une bonne idée » 👀👀
Bon, déjà le setting à la Grey’s Anatomy évidemment ça pouvait que matcher… mais des fois le gay awakening peut être un peu too much, ou pas assez. Là j’ai trouvé ça très justement dosé, elle prend le temps de se poser des questions. J’avais peur aussi que ça parte sur de la tromperie mais non, dès qu’elle réalise qu’elle est vraiment lesbienne, elle quitte son ex donc nickel.
Et Charlie… j’adore ce genre de meuf 🤩 sûre d’elle et en même temps vulnérable, sa voix en livre audio était très attrayante… elle tease tout en étant très respectueuse. Et ses sous-entendus étaient géniaux.
« Moi aussi je me disais qu’on fonctionnerait bien ensemble si on jouait pour la même équipe » 👀
« Oui, tester de nouvelles choses c’est une bonne idée » 👀👀
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A fun and very interesting read.
Especially if you enjoy learning a bit about what interns go through the first year.
(Btw, I still dont understand the difference between interns, attendings and residences)
The main characters are very appealing and the dialog is very cute and believable.
The surrounding characters are also colorful, likeable and interesting.
This was a slow burn romance but very predictable. The blow up at the usual place was short lived and sort of not realistic considering how close the mains were.
The epilogue is clever and sweet.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Especially if you enjoy learning a bit about what interns go through the first year.
(Btw, I still dont understand the difference between interns, attendings and residences)
The main characters are very appealing and the dialog is very cute and believable.
The surrounding characters are also colorful, likeable and interesting.
This was a slow burn romance but very predictable. The blow up at the usual place was short lived and sort of not realistic considering how close the mains were.
The epilogue is clever and sweet.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2026
Slow burn, medical setting, sapphic romance
This was a delightful sapphic romance: Angela is a first year resident at the hospital and we get to follow her throughout her first year. One of the big strength of this romance is how realistic and relatable the medical setting is described. We get to live vicariously at the hospital through Angela. Great job by the author who is herself a physician. I really enjoyed to follow Angela and her patients.
The center of Angela‘s sapphic awakening is senior resident Charlie McAdams. The slow dance was sweet and an easy, lovely romance to enjoy.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
This was a delightful sapphic romance: Angela is a first year resident at the hospital and we get to follow her throughout her first year. One of the big strength of this romance is how realistic and relatable the medical setting is described. We get to live vicariously at the hospital through Angela. Great job by the author who is herself a physician. I really enjoyed to follow Angela and her patients.
The center of Angela‘s sapphic awakening is senior resident Charlie McAdams. The slow dance was sweet and an easy, lovely romance to enjoy.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
October 2, 2026
Jacqueline Rose’s captivating debut, Where the Heart Truly Belongs, plunges readers into the demanding world of medical residency.
This authentic sapphic romance beautifully portrays the intense camaraderie and emotional toll of hospital life, weaving in moments of unexpected connection and deep self-discovery. Rose masterfully balances heartwarming tenderness with compelling drama, creating real, relatable characters and a love story that will keep you utterly engrossed. It's an immersive tale about where the heart unexpectedly finds its home.
This authentic sapphic romance beautifully portrays the intense camaraderie and emotional toll of hospital life, weaving in moments of unexpected connection and deep self-discovery. Rose masterfully balances heartwarming tenderness with compelling drama, creating real, relatable characters and a love story that will keep you utterly engrossed. It's an immersive tale about where the heart unexpectedly finds its home.
September 22, 2026
This was like a messy episode of Grey's Anatomy which I am all for. In the beginning I was a little worried that the characters were going to veer off into behavior I wasn't thrilled with (trying to avoid spoilers) but I was pleasantly surprised when they didn't. This was relatively low angst with a bit of push and pull and some good longing. It did feel a little to long for me. There wasn't a whole lot keeping me engaged once they got together.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC
September 21, 2026
Whew, Charlie was so hot. I will say if you've read resident or fellows romances before this is a pretty standard GME romance, however Charlie is super swoon, its sapphic and I liked how slowly their relationship developed 3.5⭐️
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