Code Grump: A Forced Proximity Medical Workplace Romance

by Sofia Archer

He’s my grumpy colleague. My chaos.
And the reason I can’t stop fantasizing about On-Call Room 3.

I’m supposed to focus on saving lives,
Not staring at Dr. Grant Foster’s mouth like I want it on my body.

He’s Harbor General Hospital’s most infuriating trauma surgeon
He's brilliant, brooding, and completely off-limits.
I'm the new trauma nurse, armed with scrubs, caffeine, and optimism.
I smile. He scowls. I bake muffins. He breaks tablets.

But when we’re forced together in trauma bays, supply closets, and late-night shifts…the tension snaps.
One heated argument becomes one desperate kiss.
One forbidden night in the on-call room turns into a hunger we can’t hide.

Now I know what his hands feel like on my skin—and I want more.
He’s damaged. Secretive. And me—I’m not as untouched as I look.
But the way he touches me? Like I’m the only thing keeping him breathing.

I finally let myself fall.
Now we’re one heartbeat away from losing it all—our jobs, our reputations, each other.
And the worst part?

I’d risk it all…for one more night tangled in him—and one chance to keep his heart.
Code Grump is a standalone, steamy, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, slow-burn medical workplace romance with a HEA.

Hearts On Call is a steamy medical workplace romance series filled with forbidden tension, emotional healing, laugh-out-loud moments, and fast-paced hospital drama. These stories deliver witty banter, heart-racing suspense, pulse-pounding chemistry, and unforgettable side characters you’ll fall for again and again. Flatline from the heat. Revive with the swoon. Repeat. Because when love is on call...resistance is futile.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

I take great pleasure in writing steamy, contemporary romance. My path to writing romance began with a background in social work. In fact, despite my push to become a full-time author and self-publisher, I continue to maintain a part-time presence in the field of mental health and wellness. It keeps me grounded in the human experience. Writing, on the other hand, allows me to take those emotional truths—the hurt and the healing, the struggle and growth, the pain and the joy, the love and the longing—and weave them into something beautiful, fun, messy, steamy, full of tension, reckless, hopeful, heartfelt. Something that, hopefully, makes you feel seen and awakens your imagination, or gives you a good laugh or a sigh of deep satisfaction, or lights a fire somewhere in you, or maybe even in your relationship. That is what I hope to convey in my storytelling. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Reviews

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nurse Sienna Park and Dr. Grant Foster. Grumpy doctor Foster has shut his heart since the death of his sister. However, he saves lives just not his own. Until he meets the optimistic Sienna Park. Can she bring hope & love back into his heart? Thank the author for the funny romantic, sexy, story of two medical professionals. I'm thrilled that the author made the ensemble cast supportive to the lead characters. It enjoyed the fun played by their colleagues at the hospital. Thank you for letting me read this story THRU THE ARC review. I highly recommend the story, I wouldn't change anything about the plot. I enjoyed this book so much; that I couldn't stop reading until I finished the story!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One look at the sexy cover and you will have a spike in your heart rate and breathing. I found this romance book to have me instantaneously mesmerized with the wonderfully written storyline and the amazing and HOT characters. Sofia has a way of hooking you right from the start with her sexy as sin covers and the way she describes her characters. I am a HUGE fan of anything medical that includes a HOT trauma doctor like Grant. He is what dreams are made of in the world of romance.

[Michele Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was short and sweet. Gave you all the Greys Anatomy feels with it's on-call room or supply room hook ups. It was a nice change of pace to read something where the majority of the story was actually at the hospital they worked at vs as a side location. The side characters were entertaining as well which made the story more enjoyable as a whole. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Linda de Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, fast-paced, with typical hospital humor and fun side characters.
I found the use of identical names, both first and last, for different characters a bit confusing at times. The conflict with the board could have been resolved much sooner, didn't really make sense, and the epilogue was a bit too long.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of finding love after tragedy, fighting for each other, and standing up to authority. Grant and Siena met over a patient. Their attraction was mutual and instant. But he's got a reputation for being closed off, by the book, and insanely grumpy. Siena seems to be the medicine he needs to heal his heart. Will the prescription be just what the doctor ordered?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This workplace romance reads like a TV drama that had me glued to Grant and Sienna. This doctor and nurse duo has sparks igniting and hearts elevating in this heated short read. It is well written is short but packs the heat making it a great read for a relaxing moment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book I read it in less than 24 hours. The chemistry and banter between the characters was very well written. All together this was such a great light hearted read while giving a Grey's anatomy feel.

I received a free arc and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Susan Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Code Grump

This read was okay. It would have been better with a lot less of the childish behaviour of the rest of the staff. The lurking everywhere just to annoy or catch the couple was plain annoying and borderline stalking.
As a light read it hit the mark.

[M. George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read for a quick medical romance, especially if you enjoy the grumpy sunshine trope.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily


Loved the chemistry of the characters highly recommend

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, workplace, boss/assistant romance where a grumpy doctor finds his perfect match.
Doctor Grant Foster keeps his professional life… professional. He’s impatient and a perfectionist who drives himself to the brink, every day. He goes through nurse assistants like he goes through scalpels, as a renowned surgeon. He finally finds his perfect match in nurse, Sienna Park. She anticipates his every need and keeps him on track, even when he’s been on duty for more than 24 hours. Soon, their relationship shifts from mutual respect and admiration, to something much deeper.
A wonderful story with realistic, lovable characters and a very satisfying, happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.