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Stolen Beats, Second Hearts: A rivals-to-lovers slow-burn sapphic romance with hidden illness
Love can’t replace a heart—but it can teach one to hope.A doctor in denial.
A rival who refuses to let her fall.
A love strong enough to survive the wait.
Isla North is a doctor, a mentor, and a quiet force at Redwood Hollow General—but she’s also hiding a failing heart. She didn’t plan on letting anyone know, least of all Dr. Quinn Adler, the sharp, brilliant, guarded cardiologist who sees things Isla wishes she could keep buried.
When Isla collapses, Quinn’s world tilts. Suddenly late-night vigils, careful monitoring, and soft touches become Quinn’s new normal. They cook together, they laugh together, and they discover how love can exist in quiet corners, even when life grows loud.
But when one is waiting for a transplant, the future feels fragile. Together, they learn that loving someone isn’t about perfection—it’s about choosing each other in every heartbeat.
Stolen Beats, Second Hearts delivers rivals-to-lovers tension, an ice-queen/sunshine dynamic, and a slow-burn sapphic love story wrapped in hidden illness, heavy hurt/comfort, and rich found-family warmth. Ideal for readers who want their romance heartfelt, their angst meaningful, and their healing earned one breath at a time.
A rival who refuses to let her fall.
A love strong enough to survive the wait.
Isla North is a doctor, a mentor, and a quiet force at Redwood Hollow General—but she’s also hiding a failing heart. She didn’t plan on letting anyone know, least of all Dr. Quinn Adler, the sharp, brilliant, guarded cardiologist who sees things Isla wishes she could keep buried.
When Isla collapses, Quinn’s world tilts. Suddenly late-night vigils, careful monitoring, and soft touches become Quinn’s new normal. They cook together, they laugh together, and they discover how love can exist in quiet corners, even when life grows loud.
But when one is waiting for a transplant, the future feels fragile. Together, they learn that loving someone isn’t about perfection—it’s about choosing each other in every heartbeat.
Stolen Beats, Second Hearts delivers rivals-to-lovers tension, an ice-queen/sunshine dynamic, and a slow-burn sapphic love story wrapped in hidden illness, heavy hurt/comfort, and rich found-family warmth. Ideal for readers who want their romance heartfelt, their angst meaningful, and their healing earned one breath at a time.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 21, 2026
Stolen Beats, Second Hearts by Cameron Tate is my second read by this author, and I am a fan. Tate is a pro at bringing the emotions. This one was very moving for me. I didn't want to put it down.
Two fiercely independent cardiologists find that their tension is more than just competing schools of thought on patient care. This independent streak is to Dr. North's detriment, as she neglects her own health while continuing to care for others.
Stolen Beats, Second Hearts is more than just a love story; it explores the process of self-discovery in the shadow of debilitating illness, when what defines a person is no longer attainable.
Quinn and Isla are strong, competent, damaged, brave, and perfectly matched. They have great chemistry, a complicated relationship, and opportunities for healing and growth both individually and together.
Cameron Tate does a fantastic job of creating a believable hospital setting featuring characters who are complex and realistic. She includes quirky patients, devoted best friends, and supportive staff.
I might have teared up a couple of times. I appreciate the challenges Quinn and Isla face in their journey toward allowing themselves to be vulnerable and maintaining hope in light of uncertainty. I also enjoyed the insight into Isla's condition and the details of stabilizing her health.
This one definitely tugs at the heart.
My criticism is that some bits felt repetitive. Overall, I loved this layered story and the characters. It's one I will remember.
I am excited to read more by this author.
Quoteworthy:
“Because somewhere between you being infuriating and me being insufferable, I started counting your heartbeats like they were mine.”
“Keep beating. Please keep beating.”
#chronicillness #hiddenillness #geneticcondition #slowburn #icequeen #rivalstolovers #oppositesattract #doctor #cardiologist #hurtcomfort #grief #hospital #Oregon
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Two fiercely independent cardiologists find that their tension is more than just competing schools of thought on patient care. This independent streak is to Dr. North's detriment, as she neglects her own health while continuing to care for others.
Stolen Beats, Second Hearts is more than just a love story; it explores the process of self-discovery in the shadow of debilitating illness, when what defines a person is no longer attainable.
Quinn and Isla are strong, competent, damaged, brave, and perfectly matched. They have great chemistry, a complicated relationship, and opportunities for healing and growth both individually and together.
Cameron Tate does a fantastic job of creating a believable hospital setting featuring characters who are complex and realistic. She includes quirky patients, devoted best friends, and supportive staff.
I might have teared up a couple of times. I appreciate the challenges Quinn and Isla face in their journey toward allowing themselves to be vulnerable and maintaining hope in light of uncertainty. I also enjoyed the insight into Isla's condition and the details of stabilizing her health.
This one definitely tugs at the heart.
My criticism is that some bits felt repetitive. Overall, I loved this layered story and the characters. It's one I will remember.
I am excited to read more by this author.
Quoteworthy:
“Because somewhere between you being infuriating and me being insufferable, I started counting your heartbeats like they were mine.”
“Keep beating. Please keep beating.”
#chronicillness #hiddenillness #geneticcondition #slowburn #icequeen #rivalstolovers #oppositesattract #doctor #cardiologist #hurtcomfort #grief #hospital #Oregon
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
June 22, 2026
It is simply naïve about the version of love that assumes nothing bad will happen. Even when there is a desire to connect – mind, body, and soul; grief can still hold you back. Here, it is inevitable – the heart will fail, the body will respond, and death is a possibility. This story rejects certainty. Imagine, two women living under these circumstances. As the reader, you will be reminded that fear plays an unpredictable variable in one’s ability to allow love in – especially when life can be taken at any moment.
Two cardiologists who are introduced as enemies and eventually move to lovers. Physicians trained to understand the heart. They’ve witnessed its fragility both professionally and personally. A passionate kiss that happens and then is ignored. Life goes on. One hides her illness because she’d rather die useful than live vulnerable – until she can’t any longer. The other hides her feelings because she can’t risk loss – until she can’t any longer. They collide and realize the hardest heart to trust wasn’t the one in the chest, it was the metaphorical one.
After spending their lives repairing damaged hearts, they discover that the deepest act of healing is allowing their own hearts to remain open. “You gave me a reason to feel again. To hope again. To believe that loving someone doesn’t have to mean losing them” (pg. 371).
This story centers around courage for both main characters. Finding it and overcoming the fear that costs love. It is about two people who know how fragile a heartbeat is. How unpredictable life can be. And still say, “I choose you anyway.” There is something profoundly fitting about two cardiologists arriving at that truth. Cameron Tate keeps you in this space throughout almost the entirety of the book. The complexity of the plot remains simple and focuses primarily around each individual’s internal struggle. One – fear and grief. The other – life and identity. There is repeated emphasis on “why you care, lost identity, and the devastation that comes with attachment. The answers and reflections change throughout the book. Perhaps that is indicating character growth or an author’s style to move the plot. There are moments of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, trauma coupled with awareness and courage. A quick read that finds tender moments.
Two cardiologists who are introduced as enemies and eventually move to lovers. Physicians trained to understand the heart. They’ve witnessed its fragility both professionally and personally. A passionate kiss that happens and then is ignored. Life goes on. One hides her illness because she’d rather die useful than live vulnerable – until she can’t any longer. The other hides her feelings because she can’t risk loss – until she can’t any longer. They collide and realize the hardest heart to trust wasn’t the one in the chest, it was the metaphorical one.
After spending their lives repairing damaged hearts, they discover that the deepest act of healing is allowing their own hearts to remain open. “You gave me a reason to feel again. To hope again. To believe that loving someone doesn’t have to mean losing them” (pg. 371).
This story centers around courage for both main characters. Finding it and overcoming the fear that costs love. It is about two people who know how fragile a heartbeat is. How unpredictable life can be. And still say, “I choose you anyway.” There is something profoundly fitting about two cardiologists arriving at that truth. Cameron Tate keeps you in this space throughout almost the entirety of the book. The complexity of the plot remains simple and focuses primarily around each individual’s internal struggle. One – fear and grief. The other – life and identity. There is repeated emphasis on “why you care, lost identity, and the devastation that comes with attachment. The answers and reflections change throughout the book. Perhaps that is indicating character growth or an author’s style to move the plot. There are moments of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, trauma coupled with awareness and courage. A quick read that finds tender moments.
June 16, 2026
I loved that I was slightly wrong footed by the writer in the first chapter. Great start.
This felt fresh. I adored seeing the relationship developing and the tensions from the health issue were well done.
I recently read another medical book but with that book, I felt at times I was reading a medical text book. This is also medical but I felt the setting and atmosphere were well described without overwhelming me. I much preferred this one! The romance was believable, as were the secondary characters. Fresh and funny ..... what's not to love!
This felt fresh. I adored seeing the relationship developing and the tensions from the health issue were well done.
I recently read another medical book but with that book, I felt at times I was reading a medical text book. This is also medical but I felt the setting and atmosphere were well described without overwhelming me. I much preferred this one! The romance was believable, as were the secondary characters. Fresh and funny ..... what's not to love!
March 29, 2026
Wonderful book with a lot of deep feelings between the two MCs. It’s not an easy read due to the health problems one MC has but so worth the read.
You get very invested in the HEA of the two MCs.
You get very invested in the HEA of the two MCs.
July 24, 2026
Very strong book, very emotional and, I assume, close to CT’s heart. Loved the characters, the back characters and the story which pulled no punches. Recommended.
April 1, 2026
(rounded up from 4.5)
If it makes me cry, it gets five stars. I don't make the rules (I do, actually)!
I enjoyed this. Cameron Tate's series has been 50-50 for me on hits and misses, but when it hits, I am in my feels and rooting for these people to make it and find their happily ever after. In this case, it's two doctors who are terrible patients.
Dr Isla North is on the caring, talk to patients side of medical care, while Dr Quinn Adler is sharp, unemotional and detached. The two made out once and pretended not to be deeply interested in each other, and squabble at every opportunity until a health crisis forces them to come together and express how they truly feel about each other.
Sweet, cozy, and also realistic as Isla goes through all the stages of grief and feeling powerless as a patient, while Quinn goes through an exercise in being more emotional and supportive. A solidly enjoyable read, full of emotions and a fair bit of medical jargon to keep things realistic.
If it makes me cry, it gets five stars. I don't make the rules (I do, actually)!
I enjoyed this. Cameron Tate's series has been 50-50 for me on hits and misses, but when it hits, I am in my feels and rooting for these people to make it and find their happily ever after. In this case, it's two doctors who are terrible patients.
Dr Isla North is on the caring, talk to patients side of medical care, while Dr Quinn Adler is sharp, unemotional and detached. The two made out once and pretended not to be deeply interested in each other, and squabble at every opportunity until a health crisis forces them to come together and express how they truly feel about each other.
Sweet, cozy, and also realistic as Isla goes through all the stages of grief and feeling powerless as a patient, while Quinn goes through an exercise in being more emotional and supportive. A solidly enjoyable read, full of emotions and a fair bit of medical jargon to keep things realistic.
July 27, 2026
3.5
lovely little book just found one of the main characters slightly too stupid for her own good
lovely little book just found one of the main characters slightly too stupid for her own good
Review of advance copy received from Author
would like to thank the author for letting me read this book in return for a honest review
ohhh my goodness me this book wrung me out... i went through a mixture of emotions reading this one.....
two doctors
failing heart
transplant
dr isla north is the sort of doctor that takes her time with her patients and gets to know them she is well liked by everyone but she hides a secret from them all....her heart is failing and her prognosis isnt good and as a doctor she should know better but as a patient she is in denial....
dr quinn is the opposite of dr north she has a schedule to keep and gets irrated by how long dr north extends rounds.... she is very good at her job the one you want in your corner if you are ever ill... but she doesnt get close to anyone
on the day that isla collapses dr quinn is there and saves her life....isla knows her secret is out and now she has to get use to knowing that everyone knows.... she never wanted to been as anything but a doctor
ohhh man i cant tell you how this book made me cry or the highs and lows as isla battled her condition and it was a journey for everyone to take with her... man i felt her fear and pain....
i was hooked right in and couldnt put this book down at all.... i had to know what happened so there went my sleep
cant wait to read the next book from this exciting author what a rollercoaster she takes you on and i cant wait for that next high....
ohhh my goodness me this book wrung me out... i went through a mixture of emotions reading this one.....
two doctors
failing heart
transplant
dr isla north is the sort of doctor that takes her time with her patients and gets to know them she is well liked by everyone but she hides a secret from them all....her heart is failing and her prognosis isnt good and as a doctor she should know better but as a patient she is in denial....
dr quinn is the opposite of dr north she has a schedule to keep and gets irrated by how long dr north extends rounds.... she is very good at her job the one you want in your corner if you are ever ill... but she doesnt get close to anyone
on the day that isla collapses dr quinn is there and saves her life....isla knows her secret is out and now she has to get use to knowing that everyone knows.... she never wanted to been as anything but a doctor
ohhh man i cant tell you how this book made me cry or the highs and lows as isla battled her condition and it was a journey for everyone to take with her... man i felt her fear and pain....
i was hooked right in and couldnt put this book down at all.... i had to know what happened so there went my sleep
cant wait to read the next book from this exciting author what a rollercoaster she takes you on and i cant wait for that next high....
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a profound journey of trauma, healing, humanity and denial.
Isla and Quinn are rival doctors, who bicker constantly and try to fight and hide their mutual feelings for each other. They are opposites in everything they do, where Isla is compassionate and chaotic,
Quinn is controlled and logical.
Isla is hiding a life threatening secret though, and trying to make excuses and avoid the inevitable decisions and hard choices she needs to face and accept.
It was emotional seeing the journey behind the medicine, and the fears of a doctor becoming a patient.
It also highlights how overworked doctors are, and the daily pressures and difficulties they face.
It showed the very human side of life, where we say we're fine, and try to play down situations we are afraid of, and live in denial and fear.
Quinn and Isla are both stubborn and fail to listen to advice, but it's very relatable.
The whole journey felt immersive from all the hospital terminology and patient checks, the ups and downs of their interactions, the tension and denial, and the intense emotions. It's a beautiful story of love, hope and healing.
Isla and Quinn are rival doctors, who bicker constantly and try to fight and hide their mutual feelings for each other. They are opposites in everything they do, where Isla is compassionate and chaotic,
Quinn is controlled and logical.
Isla is hiding a life threatening secret though, and trying to make excuses and avoid the inevitable decisions and hard choices she needs to face and accept.
It was emotional seeing the journey behind the medicine, and the fears of a doctor becoming a patient.
It also highlights how overworked doctors are, and the daily pressures and difficulties they face.
It showed the very human side of life, where we say we're fine, and try to play down situations we are afraid of, and live in denial and fear.
Quinn and Isla are both stubborn and fail to listen to advice, but it's very relatable.
The whole journey felt immersive from all the hospital terminology and patient checks, the ups and downs of their interactions, the tension and denial, and the intense emotions. It's a beautiful story of love, hope and healing.
July 23, 2026
This is the first sapphic romance I've read that doesn't focus on the relationship falling apart. Instead, everything is anchored in the heartache that one of the protagonists carries — a chronic condition that shapes her daily life.
What's beautiful about reading it is that it truly makes you see things from both perspectives: the person who suffers, and the person who chooses to stay by their side.
It also made me reflect on something deeply human: when you're going through something difficult, you're terrified of losing yourself. Of no longer being able to do the things you've always done or the things you love. That fear takes so much energy.
And then comes the hard truth: realizing you need other people to survive. That you have to change your habits to get better. That accepting help isn't weakness — it's survival.
I loved how the author wrote this story. Yes, some parts felt a bit repetitive, but I understood why. She wanted you to feel every single thing the patient and her companion were living through. She wanted you to sit in that discomfort, not just skim past it.
It's not a light read. But it's a meaningful one.
What's beautiful about reading it is that it truly makes you see things from both perspectives: the person who suffers, and the person who chooses to stay by their side.
It also made me reflect on something deeply human: when you're going through something difficult, you're terrified of losing yourself. Of no longer being able to do the things you've always done or the things you love. That fear takes so much energy.
And then comes the hard truth: realizing you need other people to survive. That you have to change your habits to get better. That accepting help isn't weakness — it's survival.
I loved how the author wrote this story. Yes, some parts felt a bit repetitive, but I understood why. She wanted you to feel every single thing the patient and her companion were living through. She wanted you to sit in that discomfort, not just skim past it.
It's not a light read. But it's a meaningful one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this is my favorite book of Cameron Tate so far! But also, there are a few things I never thought I would say about one of her books.
First: it can be triggering for some people. It talks about chronic desease and prolongue illness. So if you have issues with that, please don’t read this book. I know my wife wouldn’t be able to read it, for example.
Second: it has the first “sex scene” on a Cameron Tate book. It’s not explicit, but so beatiful and tender. It helps to develop the story and relationship between the MC and I totally loved it!!
If you like shows like Grey’s Anatomy I think you will like this book a lot. I tead it in 4 days more or less, and that’s because I barely had time to read at all. I couldn’t put it down!
First: it can be triggering for some people. It talks about chronic desease and prolongue illness. So if you have issues with that, please don’t read this book. I know my wife wouldn’t be able to read it, for example.
Second: it has the first “sex scene” on a Cameron Tate book. It’s not explicit, but so beatiful and tender. It helps to develop the story and relationship between the MC and I totally loved it!!
If you like shows like Grey’s Anatomy I think you will like this book a lot. I tead it in 4 days more or less, and that’s because I barely had time to read at all. I couldn’t put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Stolen Beats, Second hearts" is a slow-burning, emotional story about enemies becoming lovers that moved me deeply. The characters are well-developed, their relationship unfolds smoothly, the narrative is dynamic despite the slow pace. The story unfolds realistically, gripping the reader's heart until the last page, making them shed tears of joy and pain for the characters. This was my first read by this author and it left me pleasantly surprised by the depth with which Cameron writes. The novel recreates not only the physical ordeal but also the psychological difficulties of a patient with a severe diagnosis pressed by an uncertain outcome. I would recommend this book to people who want to practice their empathy and see through the eyes of someone who is facing the harsh sentence of a disease with a low survival rate. This is a book about hope, about the power of will and love, about second chances in life. A happy ending is guaranteed, but so is the fact that after the last page you won't be the same person who started it.
Warning: This reading is not for the faint of heart (pun intended). Isla and Quinn's life trials and their metamorphosis from rivals to lovers, described in fine detail, may seem harsh to some, so prepare for a medical novel rich in realism about a serious illness.
Warning: This reading is not for the faint of heart (pun intended). Isla and Quinn's life trials and their metamorphosis from rivals to lovers, described in fine detail, may seem harsh to some, so prepare for a medical novel rich in realism about a serious illness.
March 19, 2026
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book because it veered slightly off path from what I've normally read from the author, but in a good way.
There was a lot of medical terminology used and things were explained in more detail, which helped make the book feel more immersive. The storyline flowed very smoothly, and it was very heavily emotional and raw as to the nature of the topics being discussed. Please be advised that this story does delve into some heavier topics.
If you like any sort of medical drama show you will like this. Once you start to read it's pretty hard to put down.
Spice level: 🚫
Tropes include:
•ice-queen/sunshine dynamic 🧊 ☀️
•rivals to lovers
•slow-burn🔥
•medical romance 🫀🩺❤️🩹
There was a lot of medical terminology used and things were explained in more detail, which helped make the book feel more immersive. The storyline flowed very smoothly, and it was very heavily emotional and raw as to the nature of the topics being discussed. Please be advised that this story does delve into some heavier topics.
If you like any sort of medical drama show you will like this. Once you start to read it's pretty hard to put down.
Spice level: 🚫
Tropes include:
•ice-queen/sunshine dynamic 🧊 ☀️
•rivals to lovers
•slow-burn🔥
•medical romance 🫀🩺❤️🩹
June 18, 2026
The first half of this was a pretty spectacular enemies to lovers kind of thing. Not really enemies, I suppose, but obstinate-opposites-to-lovers perhaps? Anyway, I couldn’t get enough; it was wonderful.
Then the second half leaned more into the emotions and drama as the next part of their story played out. That part was slower paced, which wasn’t bad per se, more that it was good in a different way, but it didn’t have me eagerly flipping pages like the first half. Until it got on toward the end, and the pace picked up again.
As a whole, this was a great blend of tension and emotion.
Then the second half leaned more into the emotions and drama as the next part of their story played out. That part was slower paced, which wasn’t bad per se, more that it was good in a different way, but it didn’t have me eagerly flipping pages like the first half. Until it got on toward the end, and the pace picked up again.
As a whole, this was a great blend of tension and emotion.
March 24, 2026
Reality meets Romance
This was one of those emotional reads with so much grit and drama. I thought the characters were well developed and drew the reader in with a depth of feelings that seemed very real for the situation. The conflicting emotions—fear, assurance, hope, hopelessness, guilt, and gratitude—were relayed through well-written dialogue and a very good story. This wasn't your typical sunshine and rainbows romance, which might turn some people off, but it's a really good read for those who like stories that describe loving someone when things get hard.
This was one of those emotional reads with so much grit and drama. I thought the characters were well developed and drew the reader in with a depth of feelings that seemed very real for the situation. The conflicting emotions—fear, assurance, hope, hopelessness, guilt, and gratitude—were relayed through well-written dialogue and a very good story. This wasn't your typical sunshine and rainbows romance, which might turn some people off, but it's a really good read for those who like stories that describe loving someone when things get hard.
April 6, 2026
Hope..
This has to be one of the best books I’ve read. I’ve loved all of Cameron’s books but this one is excellent. I will admit to crying uncontrollably a few times maybe more than a few. Quinn & Isla’s relationship was amazing growing from contentious, encouraging to loving and supportive. Learned a lot about transplants in general but what really stood out was the emotional toll on the patient and family. Things you sometimes don’t consider.
This book is a must read.
This has to be one of the best books I’ve read. I’ve loved all of Cameron’s books but this one is excellent. I will admit to crying uncontrollably a few times maybe more than a few. Quinn & Isla’s relationship was amazing growing from contentious, encouraging to loving and supportive. Learned a lot about transplants in general but what really stood out was the emotional toll on the patient and family. Things you sometimes don’t consider.
This book is a must read.
July 19, 2026
true to life
As an open heart nurse that deals daily with this subject matter, I greatly applaude your research and it’s telling. Surprisingly accurate, which I’m not used to.
Maybe one thing… charts are not at bedside anymore, as it’s a HIPA violation where anyone can read it. Everything is electronic and password protected.
Beautiful story and excellent character writing!
As an open heart nurse that deals daily with this subject matter, I greatly applaude your research and it’s telling. Surprisingly accurate, which I’m not used to.
Maybe one thing… charts are not at bedside anymore, as it’s a HIPA violation where anyone can read it. Everything is electronic and password protected.
Beautiful story and excellent character writing!
July 28, 2026
Wow phenomenal story
Wow phenomenal story I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout their journey was heartbreaking in parts but also inspiring, the love pored out of every chapter a must-read congratulations
Wow phenomenal story I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout their journey was heartbreaking in parts but also inspiring, the love pored out of every chapter a must-read congratulations
August 12, 2026
Loved the chemistry between Isla and Quinn. Second chances should be seen and grabbed with both hands. Jamie and Nadia as support makes the story another hit. This story grabs you from the first page and you grow with the couple, crying and laughing with them.
March 21, 2026
I don't rate 5 stars very often but have done more than once now on a Cameron Tate story! This one did not disappoint!
May 31, 2026
The book was not quite what I expected. The characters develop as the plot is revealed. Enemies to lovers, with a health care twist.
July 20, 2026
very enjoyable read!
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the banter between the main characters. Very intense and hard to put the book down.
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the banter between the main characters. Very intense and hard to put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews