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St. Jude's Medical #1
À Cœur Ouvert: Romance MM Médicale Enemies to Lovers (Urgences St. Jude 1)
e Dr Maxwell York a un protocole pour tout.
Chef de la chirurgie cardiothoracique, Max est un homme de précision. Il aime son café réglé au degré près, son bureau silencieux et sa vie stérile. Il est le « Roi de Glace » et il n’a aucune intention de fondre.
Le Dr Jax O’Connell est une catastrophe ambulante.
Chef de la traumatologie, il est l’exact opposé de Max. Ancien chirurgien de combat, il conduit une Jeep couverte de boue, écoute AC/DC au bloc opératoire et considère les règles comme de simples suggestions. Pour Jax, la médecine est un champ de bataille, et il est le « Trauma Cowboy » qui mène la charge.
Quand le feu rencontre la glace.
Lorsqu'une fusion hospitalière force leurs services à cohabiter, Max et Jax se retrouvent coincés dans un bureau partagé. Une simple bande de ruban adhésif bleu au sol est la seule chose qui sépare l'ordre immaculé de Max du chaos de Jax.
Max veut qu'il parte, et vite. Jax veut voir jusqu'où il peut le pousser avant qu'il ne craque.
Mais alors que la pression monte à l'hôpital, les frictions entre eux créent des étincelles que ni l'un ni l'autre ne peut contrôler. Max réalise que le chaos est peut-être la seule chose qui manque à sa vie, et Jax découvre que le Roi de Glace brûle plus ardemment que n'importe qui.
Parfois, le seul remède est d'opérer... À Cœur Ouvert."
Chef de la chirurgie cardiothoracique, Max est un homme de précision. Il aime son café réglé au degré près, son bureau silencieux et sa vie stérile. Il est le « Roi de Glace » et il n’a aucune intention de fondre.
Le Dr Jax O’Connell est une catastrophe ambulante.
Chef de la traumatologie, il est l’exact opposé de Max. Ancien chirurgien de combat, il conduit une Jeep couverte de boue, écoute AC/DC au bloc opératoire et considère les règles comme de simples suggestions. Pour Jax, la médecine est un champ de bataille, et il est le « Trauma Cowboy » qui mène la charge.
Quand le feu rencontre la glace.
Lorsqu'une fusion hospitalière force leurs services à cohabiter, Max et Jax se retrouvent coincés dans un bureau partagé. Une simple bande de ruban adhésif bleu au sol est la seule chose qui sépare l'ordre immaculé de Max du chaos de Jax.
Max veut qu'il parte, et vite. Jax veut voir jusqu'où il peut le pousser avant qu'il ne craque.
Mais alors que la pression monte à l'hôpital, les frictions entre eux créent des étincelles que ni l'un ni l'autre ne peut contrôler. Max réalise que le chaos est peut-être la seule chose qui manque à sa vie, et Jax découvre que le Roi de Glace brûle plus ardemment que n'importe qui.
Parfois, le seul remède est d'opérer... À Cœur Ouvert."
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2026
38 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 4, 2026
4 Stars
Bedside Manner takes us back into an intense, often medically graphic hospital setting, much like where I began my C.G. Macington reading journey a year ago with Emergency Contact. Although I enjoyed both, this story is substantially more polished and emotionally weighted, following an opposites-attract romance between a Dr. Maxwell York, a typical “type C” cardiothoracic surgeon, referred to by his fellow hospital staff as The Ice King, and a Dr. Jax O’Connell, a former combat surgeon who keeps his desk as messy as his hair and likes his ER music LOUD, known affectionately by his peers as The Trauma Cowboy.
The story only spans a couple of weeks (I *think*) and sees Max and Jax’s world’s collide when hospital renovations see them attempting to co-exist in shared office space. Although polar opposites in personality, upbringing, and both surgeon skills and emergency medical manoeuvres, their forced proximity leads to a lot of hands-on growth for both men, as they learn new skills from one another, surprising them both (and those around them) with the ease and efficiency of how they work together in the always high stress ER.
Their quickly evolving romance was easy to believe with how effortlessly they clicked professionally and how noticeably they balanced one another out on a personal and emotional level. I especially loved how Jax challenged Max to be more open-minded and less contained, while Max helped Jax face his mental health struggles as a trauma-ridden war vet with a serious case of survivors guilt.
This was probably the steamiest Macington story I’ve read to date, too, with a few really decent, well-placed sexual encounters, once even on hospital grounds, which reminded me a lot of Grey’s Anatomy and all the call-room friskiness those professionals got up to on a regular basis.
There was plenty of on-page (often graphic) medical drama and a fair bit of family and workplace conflict, with a raging bitch of a mother for Max and a Chief of Surgery out to destroy both their careers out of pettiness and spite, but I quite enjoyed this brand of melodrama, especially enjoying the kick I got out of Max’s eccentric and powerful father, who hugely entertained in all the scenes he was in, with his brash behaviour and often hilarious comments involving one-upping that horrible wife of his.
I’ve noticed this story seems to be reaching a wider audience than Macington’s earlier works (probably because of the cover art, not gonna lie), and it’s great to see because this author was easily my most-read (and consistently enjoyed) author of 2025, and I want nothing more than for his broadly themed, impressively researched, and always engrossing M/M stories to find a growing readership. Hopefully new readers who enjoy this opposites-attract hospital romance will be compelled to go back and try some of Macington’s earlier works, because I can promise you, there are juicy gems in that backlog not to be missed!
***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Book Sirens) for providing an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bedside Manner takes us back into an intense, often medically graphic hospital setting, much like where I began my C.G. Macington reading journey a year ago with Emergency Contact. Although I enjoyed both, this story is substantially more polished and emotionally weighted, following an opposites-attract romance between a Dr. Maxwell York, a typical “type C” cardiothoracic surgeon, referred to by his fellow hospital staff as The Ice King, and a Dr. Jax O’Connell, a former combat surgeon who keeps his desk as messy as his hair and likes his ER music LOUD, known affectionately by his peers as The Trauma Cowboy.
The story only spans a couple of weeks (I *think*) and sees Max and Jax’s world’s collide when hospital renovations see them attempting to co-exist in shared office space. Although polar opposites in personality, upbringing, and both surgeon skills and emergency medical manoeuvres, their forced proximity leads to a lot of hands-on growth for both men, as they learn new skills from one another, surprising them both (and those around them) with the ease and efficiency of how they work together in the always high stress ER.
Their quickly evolving romance was easy to believe with how effortlessly they clicked professionally and how noticeably they balanced one another out on a personal and emotional level. I especially loved how Jax challenged Max to be more open-minded and less contained, while Max helped Jax face his mental health struggles as a trauma-ridden war vet with a serious case of survivors guilt.
This was probably the steamiest Macington story I’ve read to date, too, with a few really decent, well-placed sexual encounters, once even on hospital grounds, which reminded me a lot of Grey’s Anatomy and all the call-room friskiness those professionals got up to on a regular basis.
There was plenty of on-page (often graphic) medical drama and a fair bit of family and workplace conflict, with a raging bitch of a mother for Max and a Chief of Surgery out to destroy both their careers out of pettiness and spite, but I quite enjoyed this brand of melodrama, especially enjoying the kick I got out of Max’s eccentric and powerful father, who hugely entertained in all the scenes he was in, with his brash behaviour and often hilarious comments involving one-upping that horrible wife of his.
I’ve noticed this story seems to be reaching a wider audience than Macington’s earlier works (probably because of the cover art, not gonna lie), and it’s great to see because this author was easily my most-read (and consistently enjoyed) author of 2025, and I want nothing more than for his broadly themed, impressively researched, and always engrossing M/M stories to find a growing readership. Hopefully new readers who enjoy this opposites-attract hospital romance will be compelled to go back and try some of Macington’s earlier works, because I can promise you, there are juicy gems in that backlog not to be missed!
***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Book Sirens) for providing an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2026
4.5***** stars
The Ice King and The Trauma Cowboy. ♡
THIS BOOK WAS A DELIGHT from start to finish. I read this in one sitting and found it was way deeper than the cover suggests. Some things certainly could’ve been explored more but I’m not mad at the way this story was told at all. I had the best time with these two surgeons and total opposites.
Also: Max’s father, the great Alistair York, was a hoot. He had the best lines. He’s not really a good character, but very, very entertaining. I also hope little Preston gets his own book. His father is raising a rebel here.
This was my first time reading this author and I’m very glad there is more to discover in his backlist.
⇢ the enemies to lovers label is pretty much nonsense, tho
The Ice King and The Trauma Cowboy. ♡
THIS BOOK WAS A DELIGHT from start to finish. I read this in one sitting and found it was way deeper than the cover suggests. Some things certainly could’ve been explored more but I’m not mad at the way this story was told at all. I had the best time with these two surgeons and total opposites.
Standing in the doorway is a man who looks less like a doctor and more like someone who has been dishonourably discharged from a pirate ship."You really think we can?"
"I think," I say, "that between your brain and my ability to improvise, we can fake anything.”
"Okay," I say. "But we’re not done fighting about this. When I can stand up without passing out, I’m going to yell at you properly."
"I look forward to it,"
Also: Max’s father, the great Alistair York, was a hoot. He had the best lines. He’s not really a good character, but very, very entertaining. I also hope little Preston gets his own book. His father is raising a rebel here.
This was my first time reading this author and I’m very glad there is more to discover in his backlist.
⇢ the enemies to lovers label is pretty much nonsense, tho
January 27, 2026
'I have four hours to invent a revolutionary surgical protocol that does not exist, for a robotic arm we do not have, to justify a surgery we have already performed.'
The crazy things we do for love.
Wait. No. Scratch that. He did this for a crush. Or, in his words, a man for whom he has a' physiological response'.
Lol. Wonder what he'd do for love, then.
Buying the guy a donut?
'It was a caloric supplement to prevent Dr. O'Connell from becoming hypoglycemic and making a surgical error. It was a safety protocol.'
Lowkey cuddling the guy because his combat insomnia won't let him sleep?
"I am anchoring the perimeter,"... "Nothing gets past me. Not even ghosts."
Related: awwwwwww.
JUST SAY YOU LIKE THE GUY.
This is not part of employer assisted professional development.
Taking the guy along to your family's Christmas Eve-Eve dinner?
He's coming as a 'tactical asset'.
"You want me to be your fake date."
Maxwell winces. "I prefer the term 'strategic companion.'"
Of course he does.
Max took poor Jax to a tailor and Jax was getting whacked left and right, OMG. Free this man.
"You have no neck. It is just shoulders all the way up."
"Stop lifting things immediately. It ruins the silhouette. You take up space aggressively."
"You are too... square. You are a cube made of meat."
Meanwhile Max is there thinking things like....
'The pants are tight. Very tight. They cling to his glutes and thighs in a way that is medically fascinating'
Rightrightright. Medically.
My favorite moment was the surgically precise takedown of a fine dining experience.
"Max," I whisper, leaning in close so only he can hear. "What is this? It looks like foam from a car wash."
Maxwell keeps his eyes forward, his posture rigid.
"It is a deconstructed scallop foam with truffle dust," he whispers back.
I squint at the plate. "Where’s the scallop?"
"The scallop is implied," Maxwell says.
"The scallop is implied?" I hiss. "Max, I haven't eaten since 6:00 AM. I can't eat an implication."
Also the weirdest family. Belonging to Max, that is.
I just love how Jax handles Max's snobby mom.
"Where do the O'Connells summer?"
"I grew up in state care, Mrs. York. So I mostly 'summered' wherever the foster placement was that year. But I did spend a lovely summer in Kandahar avoiding mortar fire. The dry heat does wonders for the pores."
😂I love whatever is wrong with this man.
I'm also lowkey a fan of Alistair. He's hilarious, even if he does lack political correctness.
"Honestly, Anthony, the boy asked for a subscription to the International Male catalog for his twelfth birthday. He told us he appreciated the 'mesh tank tops' for their 'ventilation properties.' We weren't exactly hiring a private investigator to crack the code."
"I was interested in fashion history."
"You were interested in the swimwear section, Maxwell."
In front of the board. At a disciplinary hearing 😂
"And I care that you annoyed my wife before she had finished her coffee."
Whole time, he's only mad that he didn't annoy Catherine himself. I swear Alistair and Catherine have a very strange marriage.
Alistair is.....sort of a good dad? Even though he does that mostly through trying to kill his wife.
"Go get dressed, Preston. Wear something rebellious. It annoys your mother, and I find that very entertaining lately. It keeps her blood pressure up, which is good for her circulation."
I do not yet understand the exact dynamic between him and Catherine but I like him. Coincidentally, also mostly BECAUSE he's always trying to kill Catherine.
And he's always saying something ridiculous.
"Twitter is calling him 'Daddy.' I don't know what that means, but my PR team tells me it is a term of endearment and not a paternity claim."
😂😂😂😂😂WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS MAN????
This book is probably the funniest thing Macington has written so far. And no heartbreaking suffering?! Love to see it.
Even though I'm sode eyeing the fact that the MCs are called Max and Jax. What in the twin golden retrievers is this?
But they seem to really enjoy each other and I love that.
Two complaints.
One. This is NOT enemies to lovers. Not even rivals to lovers. I'd be hard pressed to even call it mild irritation. It's one guy with a very straight stick up his very gay ass and another guy who's so amused by him that he slowly pulls that stick out of his ass(and puts another one up there; a better stick, if you will).
Two. Macington is clearly in the pocket of Big Shondaland because why on earth is this entire book lowkey Grey's Anatomy propaganda?
Now I want to watch medical mess again. I want to see what Luca and Simone are up to. I feel the urge to watch season 22 and it had taken me long enough to break this 20 year habit and I don't know if I'm happy that I'm going to fall off the wagon because of this book. I was finally free.
Now look.
The crazy things we do for love.
Wait. No. Scratch that. He did this for a crush. Or, in his words, a man for whom he has a' physiological response'.
Lol. Wonder what he'd do for love, then.
Buying the guy a donut?
'It was a caloric supplement to prevent Dr. O'Connell from becoming hypoglycemic and making a surgical error. It was a safety protocol.'
Lowkey cuddling the guy because his combat insomnia won't let him sleep?
"I am anchoring the perimeter,"... "Nothing gets past me. Not even ghosts."
Related: awwwwwww.
JUST SAY YOU LIKE THE GUY.
This is not part of employer assisted professional development.
Taking the guy along to your family's Christmas Eve-Eve dinner?
He's coming as a 'tactical asset'.
"You want me to be your fake date."
Maxwell winces. "I prefer the term 'strategic companion.'"
Of course he does.
Max took poor Jax to a tailor and Jax was getting whacked left and right, OMG. Free this man.
"You have no neck. It is just shoulders all the way up."
"Stop lifting things immediately. It ruins the silhouette. You take up space aggressively."
"You are too... square. You are a cube made of meat."
Meanwhile Max is there thinking things like....
'The pants are tight. Very tight. They cling to his glutes and thighs in a way that is medically fascinating'
Rightrightright. Medically.
My favorite moment was the surgically precise takedown of a fine dining experience.
"Max," I whisper, leaning in close so only he can hear. "What is this? It looks like foam from a car wash."
Maxwell keeps his eyes forward, his posture rigid.
"It is a deconstructed scallop foam with truffle dust," he whispers back.
I squint at the plate. "Where’s the scallop?"
"The scallop is implied," Maxwell says.
"The scallop is implied?" I hiss. "Max, I haven't eaten since 6:00 AM. I can't eat an implication."
Also the weirdest family. Belonging to Max, that is.
I just love how Jax handles Max's snobby mom.
"Where do the O'Connells summer?"
"I grew up in state care, Mrs. York. So I mostly 'summered' wherever the foster placement was that year. But I did spend a lovely summer in Kandahar avoiding mortar fire. The dry heat does wonders for the pores."
😂I love whatever is wrong with this man.
I'm also lowkey a fan of Alistair. He's hilarious, even if he does lack political correctness.
"Honestly, Anthony, the boy asked for a subscription to the International Male catalog for his twelfth birthday. He told us he appreciated the 'mesh tank tops' for their 'ventilation properties.' We weren't exactly hiring a private investigator to crack the code."
"I was interested in fashion history."
"You were interested in the swimwear section, Maxwell."
In front of the board. At a disciplinary hearing 😂
"And I care that you annoyed my wife before she had finished her coffee."
Whole time, he's only mad that he didn't annoy Catherine himself. I swear Alistair and Catherine have a very strange marriage.
Alistair is.....sort of a good dad? Even though he does that mostly through trying to kill his wife.
"Go get dressed, Preston. Wear something rebellious. It annoys your mother, and I find that very entertaining lately. It keeps her blood pressure up, which is good for her circulation."
I do not yet understand the exact dynamic between him and Catherine but I like him. Coincidentally, also mostly BECAUSE he's always trying to kill Catherine.
And he's always saying something ridiculous.
"Twitter is calling him 'Daddy.' I don't know what that means, but my PR team tells me it is a term of endearment and not a paternity claim."
😂😂😂😂😂WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS MAN????
This book is probably the funniest thing Macington has written so far. And no heartbreaking suffering?! Love to see it.
Even though I'm sode eyeing the fact that the MCs are called Max and Jax. What in the twin golden retrievers is this?
But they seem to really enjoy each other and I love that.
Two complaints.
One. This is NOT enemies to lovers. Not even rivals to lovers. I'd be hard pressed to even call it mild irritation. It's one guy with a very straight stick up his very gay ass and another guy who's so amused by him that he slowly pulls that stick out of his ass(and puts another one up there; a better stick, if you will).
Two. Macington is clearly in the pocket of Big Shondaland because why on earth is this entire book lowkey Grey's Anatomy propaganda?
Now I want to watch medical mess again. I want to see what Luca and Simone are up to. I feel the urge to watch season 22 and it had taken me long enough to break this 20 year habit and I don't know if I'm happy that I'm going to fall off the wagon because of this book. I was finally free.
Now look.
January 31, 2026
I was hooked to this book immediately in chapter one! I loved all of it! I giggled so hard during some parts and the dialogue between Jax and Maxwell was just SO good! Such well written banter. Mm, absolute chefs kiss on that! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed reading this immensely! This is how enemies to lovers is done!
February 2, 2026
3.75 stars
This was a cute story! I really liked the banter between Max & Jax. Together they shouldn’t have worked but they really were perfect for each other.
I really loved the first half of the book but the drama after with the chief of staff really messed with the vibe. I felt it was a bit forced. The book was so good and I didn’t see the need for this bit of drama.
I loved Max’s brother Preston. He was funny. He brought a lightheartedness to every part of the story he was in.
4 stars for the first half of the book but 2 stars for that unnecessary drama. The romance was really sweet and I would’ve loved to see more of them as a couple outside of the hospital. They made such a great team though!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
This was a cute story! I really liked the banter between Max & Jax. Together they shouldn’t have worked but they really were perfect for each other.
I really loved the first half of the book but the drama after with the chief of staff really messed with the vibe. I felt it was a bit forced. The book was so good and I didn’t see the need for this bit of drama.
I loved Max’s brother Preston. He was funny. He brought a lightheartedness to every part of the story he was in.
4 stars for the first half of the book but 2 stars for that unnecessary drama. The romance was really sweet and I would’ve loved to see more of them as a couple outside of the hospital. They made such a great team though!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
February 4, 2026
The last third of the book was a bit wild and the pacing was odd at points, but it made me giggle so many times I literally
do not care
. Seriously, the first half of this book was a comedic DELIGHT. It made me guffaw so loudly it echoed down my hallway. If I could read 100K of those vibes I’d be a very, very happy chappy.
February 8, 2026
Yikes, this was not what I thought it was going to be
February 8, 2026
3.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A few niggles but overall a fun read. The first half was shaping up to be 4 ⭐️’s, but it sort of lost its shape in the latter half. This was a new author to me and I’m interested to read more.
The story largely takes place in the hospital where buttoned up head of cardio surgery, Max (re: Maxwell) York, and messy veteran and trauma surgeon Jax O’Connell work. They are forced to share an office due to construction in the hospital, and what starts as animosity turns to shared sexual tension. The story is very angst-lite. There are some trials and tribulations thrown in but by that point you pretty much know it’ll be fine lol. I enjoyed both Jax and Max as characters, as well as the progression of their relationship.
So what bugged me? The writing was a bit clunky at times, as well as the pacing. The plot had holes that were glazed over at best, dropped at worst. Your PTSD/Survivor’s Guilt went away because you got a boyfriend? Or you’re 36 and have never had a relationship, why? Or have you? I don’t know the answers because the book sort of hand waves around it. Another thing, which is petty, but naming the characters “Max and Jax” was certainly a choice 🥴 Also they censored the word ‘fuck’ which I can’t say I’ve seen in a book before lol. I also did not love the “Princess” endearment. Back to the plot, it was odd how there were serious declarations, but completely lacking in major ones outside of internal monologue. That was a bit of a head scratcher for me.
Like I said, it was still fun but a few things prevented me from rating higher 🤷🏻♀️🫶🏼
A few niggles but overall a fun read. The first half was shaping up to be 4 ⭐️’s, but it sort of lost its shape in the latter half. This was a new author to me and I’m interested to read more.
The story largely takes place in the hospital where buttoned up head of cardio surgery, Max (re: Maxwell) York, and messy veteran and trauma surgeon Jax O’Connell work. They are forced to share an office due to construction in the hospital, and what starts as animosity turns to shared sexual tension. The story is very angst-lite. There are some trials and tribulations thrown in but by that point you pretty much know it’ll be fine lol. I enjoyed both Jax and Max as characters, as well as the progression of their relationship.
So what bugged me? The writing was a bit clunky at times, as well as the pacing. The plot had holes that were glazed over at best, dropped at worst. Your PTSD/Survivor’s Guilt went away because you got a boyfriend? Or you’re 36 and have never had a relationship, why? Or have you? I don’t know the answers because the book sort of hand waves around it. Another thing, which is petty, but naming the characters “Max and Jax” was certainly a choice 🥴 Also they censored the word ‘fuck’ which I can’t say I’ve seen in a book before lol. I also did not love the “Princess” endearment. Back to the plot, it was odd how there were serious declarations, but completely lacking in major ones outside of internal monologue. That was a bit of a head scratcher for me.
Like I said, it was still fun but a few things prevented me from rating higher 🤷🏻♀️🫶🏼
February 4, 2026
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book.
I loved how stiff and proper Maxwell lost all of his composure around Jax. I loved how Jax pushed his boundaries and got him to enjoy himself.
Alistair was so funny. An absolute shit, but really funny. He had me cackling. He clearly loves his family but is bored by the rigidity of it all and enjoys creating chaos wherever he goes. It was great.
I didn’t mind the hospital setting despite having no idea what half of the terms meant. The drama was entertaining and it was just a delight from start to finish.
I really enjoyed this book.
I loved how stiff and proper Maxwell lost all of his composure around Jax. I loved how Jax pushed his boundaries and got him to enjoy himself.
Alistair was so funny. An absolute shit, but really funny. He had me cackling. He clearly loves his family but is bored by the rigidity of it all and enjoys creating chaos wherever he goes. It was great.
I didn’t mind the hospital setting despite having no idea what half of the terms meant. The drama was entertaining and it was just a delight from start to finish.
Read
February 3, 2026Haven't read a ton of medical romances so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this!
January 27, 2026
I was hooked from the first page and absolutely loved the MCs. Fab opposite attract (control/rigid rules vs chaos/instinct), nice early animosity with sizing chemistry and one of the best banters.
What I especially liked was that they were so competent in their respective fields and had very balanced dynamics (both equally strong, confident, dominant and vulnerable). I wasn’t sure how Dr York would be portrayed but luckily he was a fairly well rounded guy despite his upbringing.
So many of cliches that were smashed through and it was deeply satisfying how Dr York rebelled at every step when the typical formula dictated him to revert to his shell. Like Dr O’Connell said “it was the hottest thing” indeed.
The author did a decent job implementing medical and scientific jargon and terminology, I was impressed and highly entertained. The story had a slight romcom vibe, some scenes were hilarious and I had a good laugh. Sexual tension and spice was real good.
I’m upset how almost perfect this novel was (romance was absolutely amazing, my cup of tea!) but too many things totally ruined it for me and prevented from giving 5 star rating:
- York patriarchs were deeply dysfunctional and fucked up. Catherine was disgusting (on a shallow level) but it Alistair that I genuinely hated. He gave me creepy vibes all along and I detested his power trip, he was a manipulative psychopath in a fancy suit. I’m glad Maxwell was aware of that despite the “help” received but I was still left feeling disturbed with Alistair and I didn’t buy his “badass” characterisation.
- Catherine and Alistair had such toxic marriage, why they didn’t divorce instead of playing sick mind games with their sons made as collateral damage
- Alistair gay days reveal was weird af…
- I found it disturbing how Maxwell was viewed as “delicate” by his parents and how Caroline was exerting such pressure over a grown up man (he was 36 years old for fucks sake)
- Sterling was the bad guy (not the only one imo) and I’m not disagreeing with that but he wasn’t wrong to ensure rules were followed. I know it’s fiction but it bothered me how medical protocols were skipped even if it’s was for benefit of MCs. The photos drama was swept under the rug too easily, I actually agree with the liability and reputation damage (c’mon you can’t deny when there was promotion and sex was involved)
- I know medical insurance is a big topic in US and I sympathise with that but it pissed me off when they had the case of a known drug user who already got valve and destroyed it with narcotics. He was a vet but he was also a drug addict. I felt it was wrong to give him second valve knowing he will ruin it again…
"Dr. O'Connell, Go to hell."
"After you, Dr. York."
"I have spent my entire career perfecting the mechanics of saving lives. I think... somewhere along the way... I forgot why I was saving them."
"Are you fat-shaming my muscles?"
"I am aesthetic-shaming your geometry,"
"We’re leaving,"
"What about the tart?"
"Screw the tart."
"God, I love it when you talk dirty."
"You're real. Messy under that ice."
"Messy. I'm controlled. Precise."
"Not tonight. Tonight, you're mine."
"Tell Sterling you have... acute happiness. It’s fatal. You need bed rest."
What I especially liked was that they were so competent in their respective fields and had very balanced dynamics (both equally strong, confident, dominant and vulnerable). I wasn’t sure how Dr York would be portrayed but luckily he was a fairly well rounded guy despite his upbringing.
So many of cliches that were smashed through and it was deeply satisfying how Dr York rebelled at every step when the typical formula dictated him to revert to his shell. Like Dr O’Connell said “it was the hottest thing” indeed.
The author did a decent job implementing medical and scientific jargon and terminology, I was impressed and highly entertained. The story had a slight romcom vibe, some scenes were hilarious and I had a good laugh. Sexual tension and spice was real good.
I’m upset how almost perfect this novel was (romance was absolutely amazing, my cup of tea!) but too many things totally ruined it for me and prevented from giving 5 star rating:
- York patriarchs were deeply dysfunctional and fucked up. Catherine was disgusting (on a shallow level) but it Alistair that I genuinely hated. He gave me creepy vibes all along and I detested his power trip, he was a manipulative psychopath in a fancy suit. I’m glad Maxwell was aware of that despite the “help” received but I was still left feeling disturbed with Alistair and I didn’t buy his “badass” characterisation.
- Catherine and Alistair had such toxic marriage, why they didn’t divorce instead of playing sick mind games with their sons made as collateral damage
- Alistair gay days reveal was weird af…
- I found it disturbing how Maxwell was viewed as “delicate” by his parents and how Caroline was exerting such pressure over a grown up man (he was 36 years old for fucks sake)
- Sterling was the bad guy (not the only one imo) and I’m not disagreeing with that but he wasn’t wrong to ensure rules were followed. I know it’s fiction but it bothered me how medical protocols were skipped even if it’s was for benefit of MCs. The photos drama was swept under the rug too easily, I actually agree with the liability and reputation damage (c’mon you can’t deny when there was promotion and sex was involved)
- I know medical insurance is a big topic in US and I sympathise with that but it pissed me off when they had the case of a known drug user who already got valve and destroyed it with narcotics. He was a vet but he was also a drug addict. I felt it was wrong to give him second valve knowing he will ruin it again…
"Dr. O'Connell, Go to hell."
"After you, Dr. York."
"I have spent my entire career perfecting the mechanics of saving lives. I think... somewhere along the way... I forgot why I was saving them."
"Are you fat-shaming my muscles?"
"I am aesthetic-shaming your geometry,"
"We’re leaving,"
"What about the tart?"
"Screw the tart."
"God, I love it when you talk dirty."
"You're real. Messy under that ice."
"Messy. I'm controlled. Precise."
"Not tonight. Tonight, you're mine."
"Tell Sterling you have... acute happiness. It’s fatal. You need bed rest."
February 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This is a new author for me, and I'm now considering reading everything he's written so far!
I really like his writing, and how he makes the characters interact.
The story is really adorable, and the MCs are so cute together.
This is a new author for me, and I'm now considering reading everything he's written so far!
I really like his writing, and how he makes the characters interact.
The story is really adorable, and the MCs are so cute together.
January 8, 2026
Cracking opening Macington’s newest book, I’m excited; eagerly devouring the words. Dying to get to know doctors York and O’Connell.
And from the first chapter, I was hooked on the uptight Dr. York … and anxious to see how Dr. O’Connell worms his way under Max’s skin.
I have cried, and laughed throughout Bedside Manner - appalled by Catherine and excited to see what’s in store for young Preston.
For a quick, easy, fun, passionate and heart-warming read … pick up Bedside Manner; you won’t be disappointed.
And from the first chapter, I was hooked on the uptight Dr. York … and anxious to see how Dr. O’Connell worms his way under Max’s skin.
I have cried, and laughed throughout Bedside Manner - appalled by Catherine and excited to see what’s in store for young Preston.
For a quick, easy, fun, passionate and heart-warming read … pick up Bedside Manner; you won’t be disappointed.
January 20, 2026
I've read a couple of this author's works and loved them, sadly this one not so much. I found it only mildly enjoyable, it will not stop me reading more of his. The bickering between the two doctors just irritated me I'm sorry to say, one of them much more than the other. Just not my thing I guess, no disrespect to the author.
January 29, 2026
Was this a literary masterpiece? No. Did I still finish this book in like 2 hours? Yes, I sure did. I still hate insta love and there are holes in this book you could drive his jeep through but it was a cute waste of time that did not make me want to throw my kindle so positives all around.
January 25, 2026
4.5 stars rounding up
C.G. Macington’s 'Bedside Manner' made me impossibly happy. Not just because enemies-to-lovers remains my all-time favourite trope, but because Macington so jaw-droppingly captures both the underlying tensions in St. Jude's hospital and the fractious but combustible dynamic between two surgeons who could not be more diametrically opposed.
If Maxwell York, the uptight Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, represents the posh upper crust of the medical elite, then Jax O’Connell is the dirt found on the soles of his leather-clad Oxfords. The latter on the other hand, is an ex-combat doctor still dealing with PTSD with an attitude of a cowboy thriving on chaos and speed. While Max is appalled by the brashness of Jax's actions in the trauma room, Jax is just as wary of the renowned heart surgeon abruptly exiled from his ivory tower to the basement levels of St. Jude’s.
But Max is also very much a product of his deeply dysfunctional family: a retired-surgeon father who holds all the cards and seems to live solely on aggravating his perpetually screeching, image-conscious, and controlling wife. It's understandable then, that he is obsessed with control and finds every opportunity to passive-aggressively rebel against his (rather one-dimensional) mother.
Being forced into emergency surgery actually forces Max to re-examine his calling altogether and suddenly Jax’s chaos doesn’t seem quite so irresponsible when people are bleeding out in a matter of seconds. What appears as recklessness begins to look a lot like a situation that Jax thrives in, and the sparks between them start to feel inevitable when they actually sort of get along though not without snarky jibes.
If I have anything to quibble about, it’s that I wanted more room for attraction to simmer alongside the friction. As much as I liked reading about them winding each other up, the open antagonism to making out in a storage room after a bad case—came head-whippingly fast. Just as Maxwell's family - particularly his father and younger brother - appear as somewhat off-key characters playing increasingly larger roles towards the end of the book.
Still, hospital politics, blackmail schemes and sabotage raise the stakes, leading to a classic third-act breakup. Yet Macington resolves it in an action-packed and genuinely unexpected way that had me glued to the final quarter of the book. Things do move rather quickly between Jax and Max overall, but their HEA is built on the balance they bring to each other.
By the end, I found myself wishing for more grovelling, and more of them beyond the epilogue. I do think they're committed to each other, though it hasn't gotten as far as love declarations or anything else, which makes me wonder if they'll actually return sometime for a more thorough closure.
C.G. Macington’s 'Bedside Manner' made me impossibly happy. Not just because enemies-to-lovers remains my all-time favourite trope, but because Macington so jaw-droppingly captures both the underlying tensions in St. Jude's hospital and the fractious but combustible dynamic between two surgeons who could not be more diametrically opposed.
If Maxwell York, the uptight Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, represents the posh upper crust of the medical elite, then Jax O’Connell is the dirt found on the soles of his leather-clad Oxfords. The latter on the other hand, is an ex-combat doctor still dealing with PTSD with an attitude of a cowboy thriving on chaos and speed. While Max is appalled by the brashness of Jax's actions in the trauma room, Jax is just as wary of the renowned heart surgeon abruptly exiled from his ivory tower to the basement levels of St. Jude’s.
But Max is also very much a product of his deeply dysfunctional family: a retired-surgeon father who holds all the cards and seems to live solely on aggravating his perpetually screeching, image-conscious, and controlling wife. It's understandable then, that he is obsessed with control and finds every opportunity to passive-aggressively rebel against his (rather one-dimensional) mother.
Being forced into emergency surgery actually forces Max to re-examine his calling altogether and suddenly Jax’s chaos doesn’t seem quite so irresponsible when people are bleeding out in a matter of seconds. What appears as recklessness begins to look a lot like a situation that Jax thrives in, and the sparks between them start to feel inevitable when they actually sort of get along though not without snarky jibes.
If I have anything to quibble about, it’s that I wanted more room for attraction to simmer alongside the friction. As much as I liked reading about them winding each other up, the open antagonism to making out in a storage room after a bad case—came head-whippingly fast. Just as Maxwell's family - particularly his father and younger brother - appear as somewhat off-key characters playing increasingly larger roles towards the end of the book.
Still, hospital politics, blackmail schemes and sabotage raise the stakes, leading to a classic third-act breakup. Yet Macington resolves it in an action-packed and genuinely unexpected way that had me glued to the final quarter of the book. Things do move rather quickly between Jax and Max overall, but their HEA is built on the balance they bring to each other.
By the end, I found myself wishing for more grovelling, and more of them beyond the epilogue. I do think they're committed to each other, though it hasn't gotten as far as love declarations or anything else, which makes me wonder if they'll actually return sometime for a more thorough closure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bedside Manner was like reading a spicy Grey's Anatomy episode with a dose of Scrubs comedy added into the mix. I loved the combination and everything about the "Ice King" and the "Trauma Cowboy" falling in love. ❤️
Dr. York made a reference to an old show, The Odd Couple, which was spot on in terms of Jax and Maxwell being opposites in just about every way in this book. However, unlike that old TV show where they were just platonic roommates who drove each other crazy over their differences, Jax and Max had chemistry galore and their differences is what set it aflame. 🥵 And if you didn't catch my references above, these two are also hot docs and I mean, who else hasn't imagined McSteamy and McDreamy making out at one time or another.😉
So yes, these two are opposite in just about every way, but the thing is, they also appreciated the other for their skills as a doctor. While Jax may be chaos, messy, and rugged, his skills as a trauma surgeon are top notch. That wasn't something Maxwell could overlook, no matter how attractive Jax was. I think his skill as a doctor actually made him more attractive to Maxwell, even though Jax is a fix 'em and stitch 'em guy in the trauma bay. Something that would normally drive Maxwell up a wall since it was the opposite of his clean precision stitches up in the heart wing of the hospital, but Maxwell is an intellectual and Jax may work in the Pit, but he's really smart, which is super hot. So while Dr. York is a top notch cardiothoracic surgeon and he likes everything in his life neat, precise and orderly, forced to share space with Dr. O'Connell is a true test of his patience, but hilarious nonetheless. 😆
Bedside Manner was such a fun read and I loved the mix of medicine and total opposites attract story. It was thrilling to be immersed right in the action as they are both excellent doctors and practice medicine in very different ways. It was also fun to be a fly on a wall in their confined office, especially to see Jax break down Max's walls. I adored how these two slowly unlocked small parts of each other. Each tiny gesture that went a long way, like Maxwell covering Jax when he was cold, or Jax helping Max out for a stuffy family dinner. There were so many lovely moments that led to their falling for one another and I honestly couldn't stop smiling.
Lastly, Maxwell's family is a total hoot! I'm kind of hoping Preston, Max's younger brother, gets a book because I want more from this family. If for no other reason than to keep pressing his mother's buttons.😂
Thank you to Booksirens for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
Dr. York made a reference to an old show, The Odd Couple, which was spot on in terms of Jax and Maxwell being opposites in just about every way in this book. However, unlike that old TV show where they were just platonic roommates who drove each other crazy over their differences, Jax and Max had chemistry galore and their differences is what set it aflame. 🥵 And if you didn't catch my references above, these two are also hot docs and I mean, who else hasn't imagined McSteamy and McDreamy making out at one time or another.😉
So yes, these two are opposite in just about every way, but the thing is, they also appreciated the other for their skills as a doctor. While Jax may be chaos, messy, and rugged, his skills as a trauma surgeon are top notch. That wasn't something Maxwell could overlook, no matter how attractive Jax was. I think his skill as a doctor actually made him more attractive to Maxwell, even though Jax is a fix 'em and stitch 'em guy in the trauma bay. Something that would normally drive Maxwell up a wall since it was the opposite of his clean precision stitches up in the heart wing of the hospital, but Maxwell is an intellectual and Jax may work in the Pit, but he's really smart, which is super hot. So while Dr. York is a top notch cardiothoracic surgeon and he likes everything in his life neat, precise and orderly, forced to share space with Dr. O'Connell is a true test of his patience, but hilarious nonetheless. 😆
Bedside Manner was such a fun read and I loved the mix of medicine and total opposites attract story. It was thrilling to be immersed right in the action as they are both excellent doctors and practice medicine in very different ways. It was also fun to be a fly on a wall in their confined office, especially to see Jax break down Max's walls. I adored how these two slowly unlocked small parts of each other. Each tiny gesture that went a long way, like Maxwell covering Jax when he was cold, or Jax helping Max out for a stuffy family dinner. There were so many lovely moments that led to their falling for one another and I honestly couldn't stop smiling.
Lastly, Maxwell's family is a total hoot! I'm kind of hoping Preston, Max's younger brother, gets a book because I want more from this family. If for no other reason than to keep pressing his mother's buttons.😂
Thank you to Booksirens for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to BookSirens and C.G. Macington.
Story: 4/5
Spice: Low
Characters: 4/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
I kept describing this book to a friend as ER meets 90's Romcom. It's got it's serious moments, it's got it goofy moments. Anyone who has read my other ARC copy reviews will know I struggle highly with them and I think this is the first time I honestly didn't, that wasn't from an author I already loved. The story grabbed me on the first page, it was interesting, easy to get hooked into and before I knew it I was 30 pages in.
I will say that 'enemies to lovers' generally means a prolonged length of time with fighting, and this did not have that but it didn't feel like it was too short but it also didn't feel like it drag out any fighting/yearning for that long either. The pacing felt good for something just over 200 pages, the overall balance felt really good.
The character growth wasn't huge but also felt good. Too often the sub 300 pagers tend to have huge leaps of character changes. This was much more subtle and gradual. Again, good pacing.
The story did feel a little slapstick at times, especially with Maxwell's parents/family. they were very over the top characters and while the tone shift felt a little out of place it offered a good balance and kept the book light, which I appreciated.
Spice: I wanted to hit on this really quick. I marked the spice low but it felt like it straddled the line. There were descriptions but it didn't feel like some of the more graphic scenes I've read over the years but at the same time, not really flower language. The scene's were quick and were there to support the intimacy (less sensational or for smut purposes). This wasn't bad, I enjoyed the spice, it fit will into the pages and the story, I just wanted to make a note about why I gave it that label.
In the end, this is highly readable and highly enjoyable. I'll be keeping C.G. Macington on my radar.
Story: 4/5
Spice: Low
Characters: 4/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
I kept describing this book to a friend as ER meets 90's Romcom. It's got it's serious moments, it's got it goofy moments. Anyone who has read my other ARC copy reviews will know I struggle highly with them and I think this is the first time I honestly didn't, that wasn't from an author I already loved. The story grabbed me on the first page, it was interesting, easy to get hooked into and before I knew it I was 30 pages in.
I will say that 'enemies to lovers' generally means a prolonged length of time with fighting, and this did not have that but it didn't feel like it was too short but it also didn't feel like it drag out any fighting/yearning for that long either. The pacing felt good for something just over 200 pages, the overall balance felt really good.
The character growth wasn't huge but also felt good. Too often the sub 300 pagers tend to have huge leaps of character changes. This was much more subtle and gradual. Again, good pacing.
The story did feel a little slapstick at times, especially with Maxwell's parents/family. they were very over the top characters and while the tone shift felt a little out of place it offered a good balance and kept the book light, which I appreciated.
Spice: I wanted to hit on this really quick. I marked the spice low but it felt like it straddled the line. There were descriptions but it didn't feel like some of the more graphic scenes I've read over the years but at the same time, not really flower language. The scene's were quick and were there to support the intimacy (less sensational or for smut purposes). This wasn't bad, I enjoyed the spice, it fit will into the pages and the story, I just wanted to make a note about why I gave it that label.
In the end, this is highly readable and highly enjoyable. I'll be keeping C.G. Macington on my radar.
Review of advance copy
What a delightful read!
Oh man, this author is a wordsmith who knows how to write, and has knowledge about the content, that’s how it feels at least.
I was almost hyperventilating from the rush of the Trauma department. The dedication, the hyperfocus, the stress, and the crash after they did what they could. So well written!
Maxwell York, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, aka the Ice King. He’s neat, emotionless, and comes from a family that owns money, and the hospital. His mother is… dramatic.
Because of a renovation he has to share an office with Dr. Jax O’Connell the Head of Trauma.
Jax is chaos, well his part of the office is.
Maxwell can only shudder at the imaginary bacteria on Jax’s desk.
Jax is superior with his Trauma department, he’s professional, skilled, fast, and dedicated. He lets it all go when he is at his desk. Imagine Maxwell’s shudder again.
It starts with a lot of friction. But in the end, they can only admire the other because they are two hell of competent professionals. And so opposite; Jax is playful and Maxwell is stiff.
Slowly Jax thawed Maxwell's frosty posture. And yes he burns hot!
Sadly not everyone respects Maxwell's and Jax’s private lives. This, along with a snowstorm, brought some stress and turns to this story.
"Let’s see if we can flatline your logic."
"Go polish your stethoscope somewhere else."
“The 'Trauma Turkey.'"
Gosh, the delightful, subtle, and not-so-subtle, humor is outstanding, and I adored it.
The theatrical drama was delightful.
Max and Jax aka The Ice King and The Trauma Cowboy are even more delightful.
Both are wonderfully portrayed.
All together it was a more than pleasant experience!
I received an arc
Oh man, this author is a wordsmith who knows how to write, and has knowledge about the content, that’s how it feels at least.
I was almost hyperventilating from the rush of the Trauma department. The dedication, the hyperfocus, the stress, and the crash after they did what they could. So well written!
Maxwell York, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, aka the Ice King. He’s neat, emotionless, and comes from a family that owns money, and the hospital. His mother is… dramatic.
Because of a renovation he has to share an office with Dr. Jax O’Connell the Head of Trauma.
Jax is chaos, well his part of the office is.
Maxwell can only shudder at the imaginary bacteria on Jax’s desk.
Jax is superior with his Trauma department, he’s professional, skilled, fast, and dedicated. He lets it all go when he is at his desk. Imagine Maxwell’s shudder again.
It starts with a lot of friction. But in the end, they can only admire the other because they are two hell of competent professionals. And so opposite; Jax is playful and Maxwell is stiff.
Slowly Jax thawed Maxwell's frosty posture. And yes he burns hot!
Sadly not everyone respects Maxwell's and Jax’s private lives. This, along with a snowstorm, brought some stress and turns to this story.
"Let’s see if we can flatline your logic."
"Go polish your stethoscope somewhere else."
“The 'Trauma Turkey.'"
Gosh, the delightful, subtle, and not-so-subtle, humor is outstanding, and I adored it.
The theatrical drama was delightful.
Max and Jax aka The Ice King and The Trauma Cowboy are even more delightful.
Both are wonderfully portrayed.
All together it was a more than pleasant experience!
I received an arc
January 27, 2026
I was ready to go to war against Maxwell’s parents… until I met Alistair. And he’s my favorite! I cracked up so much with him! Oh my goodness, it was priceless. Jax is exactly the medicine that whole family needed. And Maxwell… well, he’s the max, seriously. And just perfect. Like when he says this "You said you feel like the perimeter will be breached if you close your eyes," I say calmly. "I am watching the perimeter. I am the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. I am widely considered to be a control freak and a tyrant. Nothing gets past me. Not even ghosts.", and then goes to explain his mother like this "My mother finds public displays of happiness suspicious. She believes if you are smiling, you are either simple-minded or plotting a hostile takeover." And there are so many funny instances, I laughed out loud, and I usually laugh really quietly (when your classmate is hilarious and your Math teacher makes demons cry, you learn how to laugh quietly). This was great. I loved how their relationship evolved, how Jax gave Maxwell what he needed, and Max reciprocated. Nobody fixed anyone, they simply gave each other room to be when needed, watched the perimeter to keep the other one safe, or were simply a body to hide behind. It is funny, and beautiful, and seriously, Alistair needs his own book with a different spouse, he’s too good for that narcissist. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was funny and engaging from beginning to end. I recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2026
Bedside Manner is a delightful read full of entertaining verbal sparing and laugh out moments. There are some somewhat suspect moral issues relating to the power of the purse string holders but lets set that aside as it relates to countering some unfair power play. Dr Maxwell York, the head of the Cardiothoracic Department, is the Ice King, cold, calculating, efficient and more robotic than human. He hides all emotions as a result of his upbringing. Dr Jax O’Connell leads the chaos of the Trauma Department. He is a mess and chaotic but brilliant in his field. They find they have to share an office and quickly find a lot to respect in each other as well as a lot to criticise / make fun of, depending on each other’s view point.
Maxwell finds himself protecting Jax from himself and in doing so puts them both in the sights of the chief of surgery, Dr Sterling, who is out to make a name for himself and remove any obstacles in his path regardless. Max and Jax become increasingly attracted to each other with Jax agreeing to meet Max’s family for a dinner near Christmas before taking the next step in their relationship. Let's just say things get hot and then very cold before everything is resolved to most people’s satisfaction.
This is a great read with wonderful characters and some villains to defeat / subdue along the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maxwell finds himself protecting Jax from himself and in doing so puts them both in the sights of the chief of surgery, Dr Sterling, who is out to make a name for himself and remove any obstacles in his path regardless. Max and Jax become increasingly attracted to each other with Jax agreeing to meet Max’s family for a dinner near Christmas before taking the next step in their relationship. Let's just say things get hot and then very cold before everything is resolved to most people’s satisfaction.
This is a great read with wonderful characters and some villains to defeat / subdue along the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have enjoyed this author's other books so it is nice to find a but of humour and perhaps a little less intensity in this book.
Some reconstruction in the Hsopital forces Max (also known as Ice King) who as head of Cardiology is organized, precise, and obsessed with order into having to share an office with Jax (also known as Trauma Cowboy) who because of his mulutary is used to diving into operations with whatever works, loud music and chaos.
Max hates the chaos and puts a painters tape down the middle of theoffice floor and sets up his side of the office with his special coffee machine and order and Jax tries to see how he can break across that line.
A couple of cases come into Emergency as trauma cases and while Max wants them up in his operating room, and in one case Jax uses his hands to find the problem and the heart starts back up with Max amazed. Jax begins to love Max's coffee and Max begins to admire while still scoffing at Jax's implementations that work.
End of story, construction is done and Max finds his office too unsettling and moves back to share Jax's office and the two men are operating as a pair when appropriate.
I did not feel the romance in the way I felt it in the other books by this author but the connection was strong.
I have enjoyed this author's other books so it is nice to find a but of humour and perhaps a little less intensity in this book.
Some reconstruction in the Hsopital forces Max (also known as Ice King) who as head of Cardiology is organized, precise, and obsessed with order into having to share an office with Jax (also known as Trauma Cowboy) who because of his mulutary is used to diving into operations with whatever works, loud music and chaos.
Max hates the chaos and puts a painters tape down the middle of theoffice floor and sets up his side of the office with his special coffee machine and order and Jax tries to see how he can break across that line.
A couple of cases come into Emergency as trauma cases and while Max wants them up in his operating room, and in one case Jax uses his hands to find the problem and the heart starts back up with Max amazed. Jax begins to love Max's coffee and Max begins to admire while still scoffing at Jax's implementations that work.
End of story, construction is done and Max finds his office too unsettling and moves back to share Jax's office and the two men are operating as a pair when appropriate.
I did not feel the romance in the way I felt it in the other books by this author but the connection was strong.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a new author to me and I also tend to avoid medical stories because I'm super squeamish, but I genuinely had so much fun reading this!
It felt like there were a lot of inconsistencies but there was also high drama and super OTT characters and behaviour which pulled me in. The story seems to take place over maybe a week, I'm unclear, and everything is so fast - to the point where it's impossible to build an emotional connection to the characters because the story moves too quickly to really get to know them on anything other than a surface level.
The drama was ridiculous and unrealistic but it was also highly entertaining. It reminded me a little of watching something like Grey's Anatomy - something I never did often because I was the teen who had to be escorted out of multiple biology lessons because they made me so sick!
The medical scenes are pretty graphic! Like, I felt super queasy multiple times, but somehow this book held my attention enough to look past it. I have no idea if this was realistic in a medical sense though...
Definitely a fun read
*****
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens, and this is my honest review
It felt like there were a lot of inconsistencies but there was also high drama and super OTT characters and behaviour which pulled me in. The story seems to take place over maybe a week, I'm unclear, and everything is so fast - to the point where it's impossible to build an emotional connection to the characters because the story moves too quickly to really get to know them on anything other than a surface level.
The drama was ridiculous and unrealistic but it was also highly entertaining. It reminded me a little of watching something like Grey's Anatomy - something I never did often because I was the teen who had to be escorted out of multiple biology lessons because they made me so sick!
The medical scenes are pretty graphic! Like, I felt super queasy multiple times, but somehow this book held my attention enough to look past it. I have no idea if this was realistic in a medical sense though...
Definitely a fun read
*****
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens, and this is my honest review
January 21, 2026
"Our eyes lock over the open chest cavity of the man we just saved. The air between us is electric. It’s a high better than any drug. We cheated death, and we did it together."
Maxwell, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, had to share an office with Jax, the head of Trauma. As they continue to bicker, tension rose and one kiss changed their relationship.
Saw the cover and immediately downloaded the book.
I love the hospital setting in a romcom book and the author made it seemed real. The book is short so it's direct to the point but the author handled their relationship gradually that you can see why they complement each other.
I love the characters, they got great banter and had enough emotional depth that they seemed to not to be one-dimensional which I appreciated. I did love those sweet moments, the way they communicate with each other and how they got each other's back.
I didn't really care for the medical jargon thrown around. Might not be accurate but I am here for the romance.
Very quick and easy read. I had fun!
P.S. Why does the guy on the left (in the book cover) looks like Professor Utonium from Power Puff Girls? 😭🤣😭🤣
Maxwell, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, had to share an office with Jax, the head of Trauma. As they continue to bicker, tension rose and one kiss changed their relationship.
Saw the cover and immediately downloaded the book.
I love the hospital setting in a romcom book and the author made it seemed real. The book is short so it's direct to the point but the author handled their relationship gradually that you can see why they complement each other.
I love the characters, they got great banter and had enough emotional depth that they seemed to not to be one-dimensional which I appreciated. I did love those sweet moments, the way they communicate with each other and how they got each other's back.
I didn't really care for the medical jargon thrown around. Might not be accurate but I am here for the romance.
Very quick and easy read. I had fun!
P.S. Why does the guy on the left (in the book cover) looks like Professor Utonium from Power Puff Girls? 😭🤣😭🤣
January 28, 2026
"So," I say, trying to keep my voice light. "You want me to be your fake date."
Maxwell winces. "I prefer the term 'strategic companion.'"
"Fake boyfriend," I clarify.
Bedside Manner was giving all the ER and Grey's Anatomy vibes, and I am not at all mad about it. What can I say, I am a sucker for hospital style enemies-to-lovers romances. Plus, I liked that we actually got to see Max and Jax (lmao those names) fall in love while working side-by-side.
"What are you doing?" Jax asks, confused.
"I am anchoring the perimeter," I say.
He blinks. "What?"
"You said you feel like the perimeter will be breached if you close your eyes," I say calmly. "I am watching the perimeter. I am the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. I am widely considered to be a control freak and a tyrant. Nothing gets past me. Not even ghosts."
A really cute time, and I cannot wait to see Preston (the spare) get his own hospital-themed romance.
February 3, 2026
Enemies to lovers add in a power struggle and two men who are truly learning to love for the first time? Count me in!! C.G has mastered the push and pull, building the tension until it snaps like a thick rubber band. We have two men who are very different despite working in the same field. One simple word puts them miles apart, but when the building causes the penthouse to relocate to the basement, each side learns what they need to survive. Jax and Maxwell, learn how to work around each other then with each other until they become an unlikely team. But the team is just starting and someone wants to create cracks to rock their foundations. A noble act, snowstorm and a wild man aristocratic father all come together to show them that what they truly need is each and the rest they can handle. Also I was hoping the little peek we got at the end would mean a certain someone is getting a book and he is!! So pumped to meet him and his love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2026
“‘Cerulean,’ I say. ‘It is the color of oxygenated blood.’”
well… no !
I enjoyed reading this book and I had a good lil time with it, don’t get me wrong. But there were some continuity issues that maybe only bothers nitpickers like myself and they don’t materially change the story, it just kinda irked me. Also, I enjoyed reading the York family interactions but there is just no world in which people communicate like that at all. The book really leans into the “robot” angle for Maxwell’s character in a similarly unrealistic way but again I did enjoy reading it. And don’t get me started on how brazenly Alastair “dance monkey dance”s his way around those Board members lmfao. In short, read with whimsy in your heart and “what the hell, sure” in your mind and you’ll have a great time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
well… no !
I enjoyed reading this book and I had a good lil time with it, don’t get me wrong. But there were some continuity issues that maybe only bothers nitpickers like myself and they don’t materially change the story, it just kinda irked me. Also, I enjoyed reading the York family interactions but there is just no world in which people communicate like that at all. The book really leans into the “robot” angle for Maxwell’s character in a similarly unrealistic way but again I did enjoy reading it. And don’t get me started on how brazenly Alastair “dance monkey dance”s his way around those Board members lmfao. In short, read with whimsy in your heart and “what the hell, sure” in your mind and you’ll have a great time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book! So much so, I finished it in one day! There were so many hilarious scenes that I was laughing so hard my side hurt, it was definitely a worthwhile rom-com read for me. Maxwell had me questioning if he was autistic for a good deal of the book, then you find out there’s buried trauma and things make better sense. Jax had trauma too. But what we experience shapes us, whether it’s the same or not. These two didn’t live similar lives (not even close), but they had similar professions, and that was how their relationship started. Jax encouraged Maxwell to grow and Maxwell encourage Jax to be open and vulnerable. Ending with a hard fought, but comfortable HEA was perfect.
I loved this book! So much so, I finished it in one day! There were so many hilarious scenes that I was laughing so hard my side hurt, it was definitely a worthwhile rom-com read for me. Maxwell had me questioning if he was autistic for a good deal of the book, then you find out there’s buried trauma and things make better sense. Jax had trauma too. But what we experience shapes us, whether it’s the same or not. These two didn’t live similar lives (not even close), but they had similar professions, and that was how their relationship started. Jax encouraged Maxwell to grow and Maxwell encourage Jax to be open and vulnerable. Ending with a hard fought, but comfortable HEA was perfect.
January 30, 2026
Dr Maxwell York is known as the Ice King. He is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, a control freak from the family that endowed the hospital. His OR is silent, everything is clean to the point of sterility.
Dr Jax O’Connell is the Head of Trauma in the Emergency Room at the same hospital. Loud, messy, ex-military, and brought up care.
When a hospital refurb forces the two doctors to share a small office the staff are taking bets on how long it will take before one of them kills the other. But although they might be like oil and water, enforced proximity brings a certain grudging respect (and some lustful feelings).
Who doesn't love an opposites attract romance? Especially when they are opposite in every single way: rich/poor, rulebreaker/follower, specialist/generalist, etc.
I honestly had no expectations of this, saw it mentioned somewhere and gave it a go - LOVED it. I loved Maxwell and Jax, booed at Maxwell's mother, sort of cheered at his father. Love his little brother.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Dr Jax O’Connell is the Head of Trauma in the Emergency Room at the same hospital. Loud, messy, ex-military, and brought up care.
When a hospital refurb forces the two doctors to share a small office the staff are taking bets on how long it will take before one of them kills the other. But although they might be like oil and water, enforced proximity brings a certain grudging respect (and some lustful feelings).
Who doesn't love an opposites attract romance? Especially when they are opposite in every single way: rich/poor, rulebreaker/follower, specialist/generalist, etc.
I honestly had no expectations of this, saw it mentioned somewhere and gave it a go - LOVED it. I loved Maxwell and Jax, booed at Maxwell's mother, sort of cheered at his father. Love his little brother.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
January 30, 2026
I have been wanting to read something by C.G. Macington for a while and this one poped up in front of me recently. What a great introduction to C.G.'s writing. I love the storytelling and the humour is ever-present and vibrant. Maxwell the high end heart surgeon is suitably high strung and uptight and you know as a reader that he was never going to be able to resist Jax, the down to earth trauma doctor. They crack and fizzle from the moment the find themselves in the same room. The humour in this story comes from the two boys developing relationship as well as the fuel thrown on the fire by Max's dysfunctional family. His neurotic controlling Mother and scheming Father as well as his laid back rebellious brother. A great cast of misfits to keep the story bubbling along. A great read!
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