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Devon Memorial #2
Conflict of Interest
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jul 26Rule one of becoming a doctor: don't sleep with your supervisor. Rule two: definitely don't charge them for it.
Fresh out of a breakup and new to New York, Finn Hayes does something impulsive: when a guy at a bar mistakes him for an escort, he plays along. The stranger who takes the bait? Gorgeous, in control, and exactly the kind of distraction Finn needs. One unforgettable night, a hundred bucks on the nightstand, and they'll never see each other again.
Except Jesse Maddox is a senior surgeon at Devon Memorial Hospital—and Finn's new boss. Now they're stuck navigating morning rounds, life-and-death surgery and a searing attraction that no amount of clinical detachment can cure. With careers on the line, the smart move is to walk away. But when it comes to each other, Finn and Jesse are finding that the heart doesn't follow hospital protocol...
Conflict of Interest is a sizzling forbidden romance, where the tension between the sheets rivals the tension in the ER. If you love slow-burn chemistry, sharp banter, and a love story that's worth breaking every rule for, this book is for you!
Fresh out of a breakup and new to New York, Finn Hayes does something impulsive: when a guy at a bar mistakes him for an escort, he plays along. The stranger who takes the bait? Gorgeous, in control, and exactly the kind of distraction Finn needs. One unforgettable night, a hundred bucks on the nightstand, and they'll never see each other again.
Except Jesse Maddox is a senior surgeon at Devon Memorial Hospital—and Finn's new boss. Now they're stuck navigating morning rounds, life-and-death surgery and a searing attraction that no amount of clinical detachment can cure. With careers on the line, the smart move is to walk away. But when it comes to each other, Finn and Jesse are finding that the heart doesn't follow hospital protocol...
Conflict of Interest is a sizzling forbidden romance, where the tension between the sheets rivals the tension in the ER. If you love slow-burn chemistry, sharp banter, and a love story that's worth breaking every rule for, this book is for you!
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 16, 2026
About the author
Zarah Detand
21 books469 followersWriter of M/M romances. Chaos monkey. Coffee snob. Cheese is her love language.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 14, 2026
What a great surprise this book was!
I don’t think the cover or summary does justice to this book, and that’s saying something. I expected your average, every day romance I would have swooned over and binge read, and I was met with a more mature, gripping read that had me feeling like I was in an episode of Chicago Med and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout it all.
I cannot express how much I LOVE when characters have a certain job for a reason, and not just to fill some blurb on an imaginary bingo card. The fact that both Jesse and Finn were doctors matters to the story, its central to the plot, and the scenes in the hospital felt real and raw and possibly(?) written by someone who has experienced life as an intern and has gone through the horrors that are hospital living.
And I loved that. I loved that the story did not revolve around the romance but about Finn’s life as an intern and Jesse’s life as a resident and mentor, I loved that the medical cases were followed through and that we felt every bit of tension within the hospital throughout the story. I cannot praise the amount of medical talk and information enough, that was delivered without the reader ever feeling lost or less than, and I am looking forward to reading anything else that might be published in this series!
Thank you Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
5 ⭐️
I don’t think the cover or summary does justice to this book, and that’s saying something. I expected your average, every day romance I would have swooned over and binge read, and I was met with a more mature, gripping read that had me feeling like I was in an episode of Chicago Med and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout it all.
I cannot express how much I LOVE when characters have a certain job for a reason, and not just to fill some blurb on an imaginary bingo card. The fact that both Jesse and Finn were doctors matters to the story, its central to the plot, and the scenes in the hospital felt real and raw and possibly(?) written by someone who has experienced life as an intern and has gone through the horrors that are hospital living.
And I loved that. I loved that the story did not revolve around the romance but about Finn’s life as an intern and Jesse’s life as a resident and mentor, I loved that the medical cases were followed through and that we felt every bit of tension within the hospital throughout the story. I cannot praise the amount of medical talk and information enough, that was delivered without the reader ever feeling lost or less than, and I am looking forward to reading anything else that might be published in this series!
Thank you Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
5 ⭐️
June 5, 2026
╰┈➤ « Not like I planned it. Just….He was there. We locked eyes. And the rest is history. »
ㅤꨄ︎ medical field
ㅤꨄ︎ forbidden romance
ㅤꨄ︎workplace relationship
This is my second book from the author, and once again I loved it!!
Finn plays along when a stranger mistakes him for a hooker at a bar, but the next day he discovered than in fact the stranger is his boss…. What a funny way to begin your first intern year, isn’t it ?
I really couldn’t put this book down when I started it…Finn and Jesse were really so perfect for each other ! Both coming from smaller towns and in the same field so they understood the hard work they need to put, the hours, the high pressure….
I really enjoy it being a slow burn, with them getting to know each other, but still with tension (and sometimes given in).
I didn’t know this was a second book in a serie but I’ll definitely read the first one, and I’m glad I could read this as a standalone!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
ㅤꨄ︎ medical field
ㅤꨄ︎ forbidden romance
ㅤꨄ︎workplace relationship
This is my second book from the author, and once again I loved it!!
Finn plays along when a stranger mistakes him for a hooker at a bar, but the next day he discovered than in fact the stranger is his boss…. What a funny way to begin your first intern year, isn’t it ?
I really couldn’t put this book down when I started it…Finn and Jesse were really so perfect for each other ! Both coming from smaller towns and in the same field so they understood the hard work they need to put, the hours, the high pressure….
I really enjoy it being a slow burn, with them getting to know each other, but still with tension (and sometimes given in).
I didn’t know this was a second book in a serie but I’ll definitely read the first one, and I’m glad I could read this as a standalone!
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
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June 7, 20264 stars; review to come July 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4-⭐
I've seen some titles from this author but never before tried any of them out, since I'm not a big contemporary fan. I read a book here and there but it's not my jam like speculative fiction (with romance) is. While I didn't have an epiphany, this was a lovely read, very smooth and entertaining. I will surely be back for more.
The beginning of this book is delicious: on a whim, Finn decides to play along and fake being an escort. And he ends up picking up Jesse, who later turns out to be his supervisor. This kind of 'oops I slept with my future boss' is an overused trope, but I loved it here, especially with the escort twist. As over-the-top this is, I didn't need to suspend my disbelief and I didn't think either of these guys were being weird. It was silly and entertaining, yet strangely plausible.
This pretty much holds up throughout the whole book. The guys are being mainly professional, nice people, but there's the pull they can't really resist. There's no stupid drama or third act breakups, just the crush that happened at the wrong time.
I'm not as ambitious as these guys and I strongly disagree with having to choose between a career and a relationship, there's always a way. But I wasn't mad about the hesitation here, because their thing was very new and there was a lot at stake. Though I'm not feeling 'forbidden' either. (Forbidden is more about being a priest in love with a demon, or just anyone with their uncle, basically.)
I did experience some irritation about the doctors pulling 24h shifts as a regular thing and especially being at work when they were clearly sick, which was just waved away with "we've all been there" har har. Otherwise I found the medical setting mildly interesting. Possibly the most implausible thing was how there weren't dead patients everywhere to tear Finn apart, but then again, they were working in pediatrics so maybe it's just better that the book didn't go there.
I also felt just a bit impatient towards the end, but then the story wrapped up quite fast, and it was quite lovely too. Not a 400 page slog through too many details and repetition, no. This one held my attention almost throughout even without evil sorcerers, so: well done! The book had a surprisingly realistic feel with still having plenty of humour, and many lovable supporting characters. I'll have another.
My thanks to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I've seen some titles from this author but never before tried any of them out, since I'm not a big contemporary fan. I read a book here and there but it's not my jam like speculative fiction (with romance) is. While I didn't have an epiphany, this was a lovely read, very smooth and entertaining. I will surely be back for more.
The beginning of this book is delicious: on a whim, Finn decides to play along and fake being an escort. And he ends up picking up Jesse, who later turns out to be his supervisor. This kind of 'oops I slept with my future boss' is an overused trope, but I loved it here, especially with the escort twist. As over-the-top this is, I didn't need to suspend my disbelief and I didn't think either of these guys were being weird. It was silly and entertaining, yet strangely plausible.
This pretty much holds up throughout the whole book. The guys are being mainly professional, nice people, but there's the pull they can't really resist. There's no stupid drama or third act breakups, just the crush that happened at the wrong time.
I'm not as ambitious as these guys and I strongly disagree with having to choose between a career and a relationship, there's always a way. But I wasn't mad about the hesitation here, because their thing was very new and there was a lot at stake. Though I'm not feeling 'forbidden' either. (Forbidden is more about being a priest in love with a demon, or just anyone with their uncle, basically.)
I did experience some irritation about the doctors pulling 24h shifts as a regular thing and especially being at work when they were clearly sick, which was just waved away with "we've all been there" har har. Otherwise I found the medical setting mildly interesting. Possibly the most implausible thing was how there weren't dead patients everywhere to tear Finn apart, but then again, they were working in pediatrics so maybe it's just better that the book didn't go there.
I also felt just a bit impatient towards the end, but then the story wrapped up quite fast, and it was quite lovely too. Not a 400 page slog through too many details and repetition, no. This one held my attention almost throughout even without evil sorcerers, so: well done! The book had a surprisingly realistic feel with still having plenty of humour, and many lovable supporting characters. I'll have another.
My thanks to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hello gay grey’s anatomy where both the men are McDreamy! Conflict of Interest by Zarah Detand is a soothing, page-turning, joy of a workplace romance! I finished this ARC and it completely scratched that classic Grey’s Anatomy itch I didn’t even know I had. the mutual pining and will-they-won't-they tension makes it completely, utterly bingeable! We follow Finn Hayes, a first-year surgical resident at Devon Memorial who is trying to get over an ex by hitting a bar. In a moment of pure, impulsive chaos, he pretends to be an escort and accidentally hooks up with a hot mystery man who completely buys into the act. The absolute nightmare aftermath? He walks into his residency the next day only to discover that his client is actually Jesse Maddox, the supervising fellow whose rank far exceeds his comfort zone in a hospital with strict dating policies! Trapped under the crushing pressure of hierarchy and professional boundaries, they are forced to see each other every single day while desperately trying to fight a sizzling, palpable chemistry that simply refuses to be ignored! What I loved most is that this isn't just a story about raw physical attraction, it is about two genuinely good men trying so hard to do the right thing and toe an ethical line. Jesse's integrity is absolute perfection; the man is so painfully down bad for his resident! The relationship realistically develops over months rather than three dramatic days, making every ounce of emotional connection feel deeply earned.This book is the literary equivalent of a giant, warm hug, highlighted by exceptionally confident, sly, and witty banter. While the romance is front and center, I wouldn't have minded seeing just a little bit more plot happening outside of their relationship to perfectly balance the romance, or diving a fraction deeper into the medical cases. Also, I am a total sucker for a massive wrap-up, so I wish we got a much more substantial, detailed epilogue showing them navigating their new dynamic together after Jesse makes his move and Finn continues his program. If you love forbidden workplace boundaries, hilarious mistaken identity meet-cutes, and an emotional, heartfelt journey featuring characters you will cheer for from page one, add this to your TBR immediately!
Instagram: @goodgirlsbookshelf_
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June 17, 2026"I squeezed into the gaps. Same as always. Except for how Finn was tucked into the folds of my days, snapshot impressions that lingered longer than they should."
Finn had a one night stand with a stranger, Jesse, that turned out to be his new boss in the hospital. Sparks fly but they need to keep a handle on their attraction or else it'll be conflict of interest.
I am in a reading slump so take my review with a grain of salt.
We have an alternating POV so we both follow Finn and Jesse, how they instantly connected and how they fought their attraction due to power dynamics and everything that entails in the workforce. I did appreciate the author addressing and reteriating that particular issue. Nothing really happens until we reached 50 or 60%, I think.
The medical aspect really drew me in, because both of our characters are pediatrician surgeon and that in itself is interesting. The whole side characters are also especially Tay and I found out this is book 2 so that was a fun surprise.
Now, the characters are great. We get to know them, know their thought process and I did love the progression of their relationship. The whole forbidden element was good because they really did try to hold back and fight their attraction. Kudos.
If I was Jesse's friend, I would mention that no man is worth risking his career for. And maybe that's just me, but I would've handled things differently instead of what happened in this book. Then again, I am not the author.
With that said, I kinda want to read book 1 and I am not closing my doors in reading more of this author's work in the future.
Finn had a one night stand with a stranger, Jesse, that turned out to be his new boss in the hospital. Sparks fly but they need to keep a handle on their attraction or else it'll be conflict of interest.
I am in a reading slump so take my review with a grain of salt.
We have an alternating POV so we both follow Finn and Jesse, how they instantly connected and how they fought their attraction due to power dynamics and everything that entails in the workforce. I did appreciate the author addressing and reteriating that particular issue. Nothing really happens until we reached 50 or 60%, I think.
The medical aspect really drew me in, because both of our characters are pediatrician surgeon and that in itself is interesting. The whole side characters are also especially Tay and I found out this is book 2 so that was a fun surprise.
Now, the characters are great. We get to know them, know their thought process and I did love the progression of their relationship. The whole forbidden element was good because they really did try to hold back and fight their attraction. Kudos.
If I was Jesse's friend, I would mention that no man is worth risking his career for. And maybe that's just me, but I would've handled things differently instead of what happened in this book. Then again, I am not the author.
With that said, I kinda want to read book 1 and I am not closing my doors in reading more of this author's work in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Conflict of Interest by Zarah Detand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
ARC Review
Boy…
This book almost lost me in the beginning—and not because of the story.
The writing style took me a moment to get used to. It wasn’t bad by any means, just different from what I’ve been reading lately. Sometimes it takes a few chapters for my brain to adjust to a new author’s voice, and that was definitely the case here.
But once I got into it?
Yeah. Goodbye free time.
The story revolves around a hospital with strict dating policies, which is already a recipe for trouble. Add a hookup between Jesse and Finn before their residency even starts, and you know things are going to get complicated sooner rather than later.
And honestly? I loved it.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is that it takes its time. The relationship develops over months, not over a single weekend or three dramatic days where everyone suddenly discovers they’re soulmates. The pacing felt natural and believable, allowing both the romance and the characters to grow in a way that felt authentic.
Speaking of characters: they were genuinely lovable. Not perfect, not overly dramatic, just human. Their reactions, insecurities, mistakes, and decisions felt realistic, which made it easy to root for them.
The hospital setting was also a lot of fun. It added pressure and conflict without feeling forced, and the professional consequences of the relationship never felt like an afterthought.
But do you know what really sold me on this book?
The side characters.
I am not kidding when I say I finished this ARC and immediately felt the need to pick up the first book in the series because I wanted more of the people surrounding Jesse and Finn. That’s always a good sign. If your side characters make me buy another book, you’ve done something right.
Overall, this was a sweet, engaging romance with believable characters, a well-paced relationship, and enough emotional investment to keep me turning pages way past the point where I should have gone to sleep.
A very enjoyable read and a series I will definitely continue.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
ARC Review
Boy…
This book almost lost me in the beginning—and not because of the story.
The writing style took me a moment to get used to. It wasn’t bad by any means, just different from what I’ve been reading lately. Sometimes it takes a few chapters for my brain to adjust to a new author’s voice, and that was definitely the case here.
But once I got into it?
Yeah. Goodbye free time.
The story revolves around a hospital with strict dating policies, which is already a recipe for trouble. Add a hookup between Jesse and Finn before their residency even starts, and you know things are going to get complicated sooner rather than later.
And honestly? I loved it.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is that it takes its time. The relationship develops over months, not over a single weekend or three dramatic days where everyone suddenly discovers they’re soulmates. The pacing felt natural and believable, allowing both the romance and the characters to grow in a way that felt authentic.
Speaking of characters: they were genuinely lovable. Not perfect, not overly dramatic, just human. Their reactions, insecurities, mistakes, and decisions felt realistic, which made it easy to root for them.
The hospital setting was also a lot of fun. It added pressure and conflict without feeling forced, and the professional consequences of the relationship never felt like an afterthought.
But do you know what really sold me on this book?
The side characters.
I am not kidding when I say I finished this ARC and immediately felt the need to pick up the first book in the series because I wanted more of the people surrounding Jesse and Finn. That’s always a good sign. If your side characters make me buy another book, you’ve done something right.
Overall, this was a sweet, engaging romance with believable characters, a well-paced relationship, and enough emotional investment to keep me turning pages way past the point where I should have gone to sleep.
A very enjoyable read and a series I will definitely continue.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
{4.75}
If I were forced to describe this book using one word, it would be yearning. This book is filled with it, both characters wanting the other, but due to policy, not being able to. Detand did a fantastic job showing why the two of them were worth it.
Finn and Jesse were perfect for each other. Their chemistry, both physical and emotional, was chef’s kiss. They were two intelligent individuals who were fools in love, which is one of my favorite tropes. I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to see how their relationship played out, and I was actively rooting for both of them.
The character work in general is fantastic; all the side characters were likable, and it helped make the world feel that much more fleshed out and real. You feel as though you’re on the floor with the characters. This aided in the overall immersion of the story. I highly recommend this to individuals who watch medical dramas and think, “This is great, but I wish it were gayer.”
If I had the tiniest nitpick, I wish we had more scenes of the two of them together, being an actual couple. I am greedy; I could read a hundred more pages of these two.
Overall, this is a fantastic story, and I will be picking up more from this author. (Like book one of this series!!) Thank you, NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tags/Warnings
.
.
.
Tropes: Forbidden romance, mistaken identity, supervisor x employee, pining
Triggers: The MCs are pediatric surgeons, and while there’s not a huge focus on sick children, it is still mentioned.
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: None
If I were forced to describe this book using one word, it would be yearning. This book is filled with it, both characters wanting the other, but due to policy, not being able to. Detand did a fantastic job showing why the two of them were worth it.
Finn and Jesse were perfect for each other. Their chemistry, both physical and emotional, was chef’s kiss. They were two intelligent individuals who were fools in love, which is one of my favorite tropes. I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to see how their relationship played out, and I was actively rooting for both of them.
The character work in general is fantastic; all the side characters were likable, and it helped make the world feel that much more fleshed out and real. You feel as though you’re on the floor with the characters. This aided in the overall immersion of the story. I highly recommend this to individuals who watch medical dramas and think, “This is great, but I wish it were gayer.”
If I had the tiniest nitpick, I wish we had more scenes of the two of them together, being an actual couple. I am greedy; I could read a hundred more pages of these two.
Overall, this is a fantastic story, and I will be picking up more from this author. (Like book one of this series!!) Thank you, NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tags/Warnings
.
.
.
Tropes: Forbidden romance, mistaken identity, supervisor x employee, pining
Triggers: The MCs are pediatric surgeons, and while there’s not a huge focus on sick children, it is still mentioned.
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: None
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, what’s the biggest mistake you could possibly make when you’re a resident just starting out? Getting over an ex by hitting the bar, pretending to be an escort and accidentally picking up someone who actually really buys into the act. It’s certainly a night to remember, until you realise that your first ‘client’ of that particular evening is actually your boss at work.
At least it’s the hole that Finn Hayes has found himself in with Jesse Maddox, whose rank far exceeds the comfort zone for either of them in a workplace where hierarchy shouts louder than anything else. But navigating the workplace awkwardness is only half the battle. Finn and Jesse have such chemistry that can’t be ignored. Under the crushing pressure of their roles as supervisor and intern, those professional boundaries begin to blur, deepening an attraction that eventually leaves them both certain of one thing: there is simply no one else.
I really didn't know what to expect of Zarah Detand’s ‘Conflict of Interest’, and was almost afraid that this would devolve into a angsty, melodramatic read when the obstacles in front of Finn and Jesse seem too insurmountable to overcome. But this was the opposite—a slow-burn romance, with a yearning kind of restraint with both men desperately try to toe the ethical line already drawn between them. And I found there was so much to love here: the supporting characterisation, the medical cases, the sly banter…all of it buoyed by Detand’s confident and compelling writing.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
At least it’s the hole that Finn Hayes has found himself in with Jesse Maddox, whose rank far exceeds the comfort zone for either of them in a workplace where hierarchy shouts louder than anything else. But navigating the workplace awkwardness is only half the battle. Finn and Jesse have such chemistry that can’t be ignored. Under the crushing pressure of their roles as supervisor and intern, those professional boundaries begin to blur, deepening an attraction that eventually leaves them both certain of one thing: there is simply no one else.
I really didn't know what to expect of Zarah Detand’s ‘Conflict of Interest’, and was almost afraid that this would devolve into a angsty, melodramatic read when the obstacles in front of Finn and Jesse seem too insurmountable to overcome. But this was the opposite—a slow-burn romance, with a yearning kind of restraint with both men desperately try to toe the ethical line already drawn between them. And I found there was so much to love here: the supporting characterisation, the medical cases, the sly banter…all of it buoyed by Detand’s confident and compelling writing.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Conflict of Interest is a fun, swoony, and thoroughly entertaining MM romance that delivers exactly what it promises: sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and a forbidden workplace romance that keeps the pages turning.
The premise hooked me immediately. Finn's impulsive decision to play along when he's mistaken for an escort leads to a memorable one-night encounter, only for him to discover the next day that his mystery man is Jesse Maddox—his new supervisor at the hospital. From there, the tension practically writes itself, and the author does a fantastic job balancing the romance with the high-pressure medical setting.
What I enjoyed most was the chemistry between Finn and Jesse. Their attraction feels immediate, but the emotional connection develops naturally as they navigate the complications of working together. The banter is witty, the forced proximity creates plenty of delicious tension, and the romance manages to be both steamy and heartfelt.
I also appreciated that the conflict wasn't solely driven by misunderstandings. The professional stakes felt real, making it easy to understand why both characters struggled with their growing feelings. The hospital setting added an extra layer of intensity and kept the story moving at a brisk pace.
If you're a fan of forbidden romance, workplace relationships, mistaken identity tropes, and plenty of emotional and romantic tension, Conflict of Interest is well worth picking up. It's a charming, addictive read with characters you'll find yourself rooting for from beginning to end.
The premise hooked me immediately. Finn's impulsive decision to play along when he's mistaken for an escort leads to a memorable one-night encounter, only for him to discover the next day that his mystery man is Jesse Maddox—his new supervisor at the hospital. From there, the tension practically writes itself, and the author does a fantastic job balancing the romance with the high-pressure medical setting.
What I enjoyed most was the chemistry between Finn and Jesse. Their attraction feels immediate, but the emotional connection develops naturally as they navigate the complications of working together. The banter is witty, the forced proximity creates plenty of delicious tension, and the romance manages to be both steamy and heartfelt.
I also appreciated that the conflict wasn't solely driven by misunderstandings. The professional stakes felt real, making it easy to understand why both characters struggled with their growing feelings. The hospital setting added an extra layer of intensity and kept the story moving at a brisk pace.
If you're a fan of forbidden romance, workplace relationships, mistaken identity tropes, and plenty of emotional and romantic tension, Conflict of Interest is well worth picking up. It's a charming, addictive read with characters you'll find yourself rooting for from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of an advance copy from NetGalley. No incentive was provided in exchange for my honest opinion.
This starts off with a scene worth of a farce - what happens when last night's one night stand shows up at your place of work as the new doctor at your hospital. Sound familiar? It's famously the opening scene to Grey's Anatomy. The reason it doesn't bug me? The vibe is completely different, and quite frankly the parallel ends there.
What impressed me the most about this story is that achieves something rare; a slow burn arc, that doesn't have me skipping pages to get to the plot points. The medical dimension to the story doesn't feel like filler, the use of language is semi-technical, but stays the right side of readable in my opinion.
The progression happens in fits and starts, as if our main characters are subject to a weird timetable that scrambles their brains half the time, and then spending the other half trying to unpick what's real from what sugar-caffeine-sleep deprivation induced. The insta-lust, insta-love tropes normally grate, but in this context actually feel more genuine.
One scene that particularly impressed me was with Dr Novak;
I'm knocking off half a star for the epilogue, it served its purpose but I almost felt like it needed a scene more or less. Where it ended was mildly frustrating in my opinion. 4.5*
This starts off with a scene worth of a farce - what happens when last night's one night stand shows up at your place of work as the new doctor at your hospital. Sound familiar? It's famously the opening scene to Grey's Anatomy. The reason it doesn't bug me? The vibe is completely different, and quite frankly the parallel ends there.
What impressed me the most about this story is that achieves something rare; a slow burn arc, that doesn't have me skipping pages to get to the plot points. The medical dimension to the story doesn't feel like filler, the use of language is semi-technical, but stays the right side of readable in my opinion.
The progression happens in fits and starts, as if our main characters are subject to a weird timetable that scrambles their brains half the time, and then spending the other half trying to unpick what's real from what sugar-caffeine-sleep deprivation induced. The insta-lust, insta-love tropes normally grate, but in this context actually feel more genuine.
One scene that particularly impressed me was with Dr Novak;
I'm knocking off half a star for the epilogue, it served its purpose but I almost felt like it needed a scene more or less. Where it ended was mildly frustrating in my opinion. 4.5*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the witty banter and their first meeting was so good I had to read it several times. Finn is hilarious and so sassy. I absolutely adore how smitten Jesse is with him. I was rooting for them from the very start. The friendships for both Finn and Jesse were also really fun and I didn't think they took anything away from the main storyline. The no dating policy may have just gone over my head, but couldn't they have just stayed professional until Finn moved to the next department? That was kind of confusing for me.
This book was definitely more intense than I originally thought, but in a good way. Detand explains medical terminology and the ins and out of hospital life in a way that was easy to understand and follow, and I don't even watch medical dramas. This interactions between doctors and parents was really touching and made me rethink a lot of what I know about pediatric care. I really appreciated the attention to detail and the time spent making the parents and hospital workers human and compassionate. This is something I wish we had more of, both in real life and fiction.
I will definitely be looking for more books from this author, because this one grabbed my attention from the first page. The writing was eloquent (slightly bordering on overly flower-y, but still good), the pacing was good, the spice was present but not in your face, and all of the characters were lovable. It was just what I was looking for in a good weekend romantic comedy.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was definitely more intense than I originally thought, but in a good way. Detand explains medical terminology and the ins and out of hospital life in a way that was easy to understand and follow, and I don't even watch medical dramas. This interactions between doctors and parents was really touching and made me rethink a lot of what I know about pediatric care. I really appreciated the attention to detail and the time spent making the parents and hospital workers human and compassionate. This is something I wish we had more of, both in real life and fiction.
I will definitely be looking for more books from this author, because this one grabbed my attention from the first page. The writing was eloquent (slightly bordering on overly flower-y, but still good), the pacing was good, the spice was present but not in your face, and all of the characters were lovable. It was just what I was looking for in a good weekend romantic comedy.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Imagine accidentally charging your new boss for a hook-up and then having to see him at work every day. That’s exactly the kind of forbidden workplace romance I love. The will-they-won’t-they tension and mutual pining made this story completely bingeable. I spent the entire book rooting for Jesse and Finn to find a way through their messy workplace situation, and their HEA felt so deserved. It was like the literary equivalent of a warm hug.
What I loved most is that this isn't just a story about attraction. It's about two genuinely good men trying very hard to do the right thing while falling hopelessly for each other. Jesse's integrity made me love him even more. The man is absolutely down bad, and he is painfully aware of how complicated that makes everything.
This story is swoony, sexy, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Best part? Zarah Detand continues to prove that a slow burn can be packed with tension without relying on a third-act breakup. It was also refreshing to read a book where everyone is a green flag. From friends to coworkers to management, the people around Jesse and Finn consistently show up for one another, especially when the stakes are high.
If you're looking for a forbidden workplace romance packed with yearning, chemistry, and characters you'll be cheering for from page one, move this one to the top of your TBR.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
What I loved most is that this isn't just a story about attraction. It's about two genuinely good men trying very hard to do the right thing while falling hopelessly for each other. Jesse's integrity made me love him even more. The man is absolutely down bad, and he is painfully aware of how complicated that makes everything.
This story is swoony, sexy, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Best part? Zarah Detand continues to prove that a slow burn can be packed with tension without relying on a third-act breakup. It was also refreshing to read a book where everyone is a green flag. From friends to coworkers to management, the people around Jesse and Finn consistently show up for one another, especially when the stakes are high.
If you're looking for a forbidden workplace romance packed with yearning, chemistry, and characters you'll be cheering for from page one, move this one to the top of your TBR.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a fun read and honestly perfect for Pride Month!
I really enjoyed Operation Boyfriend, so I was excited to pick up another book by Zarah Detand, and this one was just as good, if not better. If you are a fan of Grey's Anatomy and medical dramas but want more from them and an MM romance at the center of it all, I think you'll really enjoy this one.
The thing that hooked me immediately was Jesse and Finn's meet cute. It was absolutely hilarious, a little chaotic, and somehow still really hot. It also set up the entire conflict perfectly, which made their situation even more entertaining once they realized exactly who they were to each other.
I loved Jesse and Finn together! The chemistry was there from the beginning, but I also really enjoyed watching their relationship develop beyond the attraction. The hospital setting added a lot of tension to the story, and I really wanted them together and happiness for them despite all the reasons they probably shouldn't be together.
One thing I appreciated was that this book balanced the romance and the emotional moments really well. It was spicy when it needed to be, but it also was sweet.
I had a great time with this one and flew through it! Zarah Detand is quickly becoming an author I'll happily pick up without hesitation, and I'm already looking forward to whatever she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zarah Detand, and Storm Publishing for the eARC of this book.
I really enjoyed Operation Boyfriend, so I was excited to pick up another book by Zarah Detand, and this one was just as good, if not better. If you are a fan of Grey's Anatomy and medical dramas but want more from them and an MM romance at the center of it all, I think you'll really enjoy this one.
The thing that hooked me immediately was Jesse and Finn's meet cute. It was absolutely hilarious, a little chaotic, and somehow still really hot. It also set up the entire conflict perfectly, which made their situation even more entertaining once they realized exactly who they were to each other.
I loved Jesse and Finn together! The chemistry was there from the beginning, but I also really enjoyed watching their relationship develop beyond the attraction. The hospital setting added a lot of tension to the story, and I really wanted them together and happiness for them despite all the reasons they probably shouldn't be together.
One thing I appreciated was that this book balanced the romance and the emotional moments really well. It was spicy when it needed to be, but it also was sweet.
I had a great time with this one and flew through it! Zarah Detand is quickly becoming an author I'll happily pick up without hesitation, and I'm already looking forward to whatever she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zarah Detand, and Storm Publishing for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Conflict of Interest is a wonderful engaging read with two stand out lead characters.
When at a gay bar medical student Finn Hayes jokingly tells a person he wants to get rid of that he is a male escort, overhearing this Jesse Maddox starts chatting to to him and they end up in a hotel room. The next morning Jessie leaves whilst Finn is still asleep leaving $100 on the nightstand.
When Finn starts his medical rotation at the hospital to his horror he discovers his mentor/boss is none other than senior surgeon Jesse and real conflict of interest as Jesse is responsible for his training and completing assessments on his work and overall performance. Knowing strict hospital protocols would cause real problems for both they know they cannot have any form of personal relationship.
As they work together in high stress situations, emergencies and difficult operations they become closer and develop deep feelings for each other. With great humorous banter, sparkling dialogue and emotions running high as they work together to save lives and give their best you want only for these two to be happy….together.
This is such a well written story with a cast of great characters and depth as well as humour and angst it’s an emotional journey with a satisfying finale.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
When at a gay bar medical student Finn Hayes jokingly tells a person he wants to get rid of that he is a male escort, overhearing this Jesse Maddox starts chatting to to him and they end up in a hotel room. The next morning Jessie leaves whilst Finn is still asleep leaving $100 on the nightstand.
When Finn starts his medical rotation at the hospital to his horror he discovers his mentor/boss is none other than senior surgeon Jesse and real conflict of interest as Jesse is responsible for his training and completing assessments on his work and overall performance. Knowing strict hospital protocols would cause real problems for both they know they cannot have any form of personal relationship.
As they work together in high stress situations, emergencies and difficult operations they become closer and develop deep feelings for each other. With great humorous banter, sparkling dialogue and emotions running high as they work together to save lives and give their best you want only for these two to be happy….together.
This is such a well written story with a cast of great characters and depth as well as humour and angst it’s an emotional journey with a satisfying finale.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A sweet romance! Finn had just moved to New York for his residency and he’s a little bit heartbroken as his boyfriend broke up with him because of the move. So in the mood to get over him he does something he’d normally not do and has a one night stand. But the think is the guy mistakes him for an escort and rather then correct him he decides to play along. Besides it’s not like he’ll ever see the guy again right? Jesse is looking for something and when he meets Finn he can’t resist him, so what if he’s never hired an escort before. Something that should have just been one night becomes so much more complicated when Jesse learns Finn lied about who he was, and oh yeah Jesse, a senior surgeon, is actually Finn’s new boss. Now stuck working together they’ll have to work to avoid their relationship becoming anything more, especially when it means their careers could be in jeopardy. But resisting one another is harder then they thought, and they may just be in too deep. Which should they choose their jobs or love? This one was a quick, lighthearted, easy read that I consumed! I enjoyed both Finn and Jesse and found them so cute! Zarah Detand writes a fun and enjoyable read that’s cozy and gave me all the feels!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is your vibe if you like
🩺 Forbidden romance
🩺 Workplace romance
🩺 Mistaken identity
🩺 Medical settings
🩺 Forced proximity
I don't read a lot of books set in hospitals, so Conflict of Interest was a nice change of pace for me.
The mistaken identity premise was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Finn and Jesse. There was enough banter, tension, and workplace drama to keep me invested without the story ever feeling too heavy.
I also liked that the conflict felt believable. Finn and Jesse aren't avoiding each other because of a simple misunderstanding or lack of communication. There are genuine professional boundaries and career implications at stake, which gave the romance a solid foundation and made it easy to understand why they struggled with their feelings.
This wasn't one of those books that completely took over my life, but it was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. Sometimes you just want a romance with likeable characters, good chemistry, and enough tension to keep things interesting, and that's exactly what I got here.
If you're looking for a lighter MM romance with a medical setting and a forbidden relationship at its centre, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.
🩺 Forbidden romance
🩺 Workplace romance
🩺 Mistaken identity
🩺 Medical settings
🩺 Forced proximity
I don't read a lot of books set in hospitals, so Conflict of Interest was a nice change of pace for me.
The mistaken identity premise was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Finn and Jesse. There was enough banter, tension, and workplace drama to keep me invested without the story ever feeling too heavy.
I also liked that the conflict felt believable. Finn and Jesse aren't avoiding each other because of a simple misunderstanding or lack of communication. There are genuine professional boundaries and career implications at stake, which gave the romance a solid foundation and made it easy to understand why they struggled with their feelings.
This wasn't one of those books that completely took over my life, but it was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. Sometimes you just want a romance with likeable characters, good chemistry, and enough tension to keep things interesting, and that's exactly what I got here.
If you're looking for a lighter MM romance with a medical setting and a forbidden relationship at its centre, this one is worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Zarah Detand and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Conflict of Interest in exchange for an honest review.
I find medical settings a little triggering sometimes, so going into this story I was somewhat nervous. Not hesitant exactly, but unsure of what was going to happen and whether some parts of it might be a bit stressful for me. It also felt very Grey's Anatomy at first, which is a setting we're all pretty familiar with. I kept wondering where the story was going to go from there and what was going to make it different.
I was extremely pleasantly surprised by how beautifully the love story between Finn and Jesse developed. We get to bear witness to all of those feelings as they bloom, to the familiarity that slowly starts to grow and to the way that, despite their situation, they feel completely inevitable.
Both of them felt so capable on the page, and that really jumped out at me as a huge plus. Even when their relationship was on rocky ground, they were still able to show up fully in their roles and from their own places. They were there for each other without losing themselves in the process, which I thought was really beautiful.
Taking into account that I had BIG doubts going into this book, I found a beautiful and funny story that completely won me over and that I was able to relax into and enjoy 💖
I find medical settings a little triggering sometimes, so going into this story I was somewhat nervous. Not hesitant exactly, but unsure of what was going to happen and whether some parts of it might be a bit stressful for me. It also felt very Grey's Anatomy at first, which is a setting we're all pretty familiar with. I kept wondering where the story was going to go from there and what was going to make it different.
I was extremely pleasantly surprised by how beautifully the love story between Finn and Jesse developed. We get to bear witness to all of those feelings as they bloom, to the familiarity that slowly starts to grow and to the way that, despite their situation, they feel completely inevitable.
Both of them felt so capable on the page, and that really jumped out at me as a huge plus. Even when their relationship was on rocky ground, they were still able to show up fully in their roles and from their own places. They were there for each other without losing themselves in the process, which I thought was really beautiful.
Taking into account that I had BIG doubts going into this book, I found a beautiful and funny story that completely won me over and that I was able to relax into and enjoy 💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this is a zarah detand stan account. i've only read two of her books so far (and count to read all the others) but she delivered both time the perfect mix of witty banter, lovely characters, good communication and ever-lingering tension! all wrapped-up in addictive prose and no drop of pace or chemistry throughout the whole book. so impressive!
i love a good forbidden romance with some age gap, especially one as ethical as this one. the initial premise was a lot of fun in itself and it stayed lighthearted but considerate despite the situation the main characters found themselves in.
they were both a bit messy in a very endearing and never toxic way that’s so difficult to find - truly two yearning idiots in love!
i had a very lovely time with this book and i definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a fun and flirty love story set in a hospital.
this is the second book of an interconnected series but i didn’t know until i finished it and still felt like i wasn’t missing any context. it can be read as a standalone, but now i definitely want to read the first book too, since it seems as good as this one.
thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC in exchange with an honest review!
i love a good forbidden romance with some age gap, especially one as ethical as this one. the initial premise was a lot of fun in itself and it stayed lighthearted but considerate despite the situation the main characters found themselves in.
they were both a bit messy in a very endearing and never toxic way that’s so difficult to find - truly two yearning idiots in love!
i had a very lovely time with this book and i definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a fun and flirty love story set in a hospital.
this is the second book of an interconnected series but i didn’t know until i finished it and still felt like i wasn’t missing any context. it can be read as a standalone, but now i definitely want to read the first book too, since it seems as good as this one.
thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC in exchange with an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book
This was a very pleasant surprise in many ways. Both Finn and Jesse were adorable, well fleshed-out characters and the chemistry was great. The conflict was real, not based on miscommunication, and the power dynamics were really well handled. The secondary characters were likeable and a few of them were very interesting, I really hope we'll see more of them in future books. On the not-so-plus side, the writing got cheesier and a bit repetitive as the book progressed. My biggest problem though was that I knew the stakes were really high, but I never felt they were. . That said, I enjoyed the book a lot and I'm really glad Finn and Jesse got their HEA.
This was a very pleasant surprise in many ways. Both Finn and Jesse were adorable, well fleshed-out characters and the chemistry was great. The conflict was real, not based on miscommunication, and the power dynamics were really well handled. The secondary characters were likeable and a few of them were very interesting, I really hope we'll see more of them in future books. On the not-so-plus side, the writing got cheesier and a bit repetitive as the book progressed. My biggest problem though was that I knew the stakes were really high, but I never felt they were. . That said, I enjoyed the book a lot and I'm really glad Finn and Jesse got their HEA.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a delight! It has all the elements I look for in a swoony summer romance: instant chemistry, believable stakes, fun side characters, and an enjoyable world. It's like if Grey's Anatomy was gay and everyone was ethical and nice to each other.
I was rooting for Jesse and Finn from the moment I met them. And listen, I love a good enemies-to-lovers-angst-fest as much as the next girl, but there was something so special about all of the conflict coming from external forces. Jesse and Finn were never fighting, always treated each other with respect and reverence; they truly were two people in love within a difficult external situation. The dual POV was well done, with each character having a distinct voice. I enjoyed how the author timed the POV switches, allowing us to see the same event from both perspectives and truly understand what each character was feeling in that moment.
Something that I always look for in a contemporary romance is strong side characters, and Conflict of Interest delivered! Both MMCs had funny, supportive, ride-or-die friends who also served a role in the plot. And was that a Shane/Sam easter egg I saw??
Overall, 4.25 stars
This book was such a delight! It has all the elements I look for in a swoony summer romance: instant chemistry, believable stakes, fun side characters, and an enjoyable world. It's like if Grey's Anatomy was gay and everyone was ethical and nice to each other.
I was rooting for Jesse and Finn from the moment I met them. And listen, I love a good enemies-to-lovers-angst-fest as much as the next girl, but there was something so special about all of the conflict coming from external forces. Jesse and Finn were never fighting, always treated each other with respect and reverence; they truly were two people in love within a difficult external situation. The dual POV was well done, with each character having a distinct voice. I enjoyed how the author timed the POV switches, allowing us to see the same event from both perspectives and truly understand what each character was feeling in that moment.
Something that I always look for in a contemporary romance is strong side characters, and Conflict of Interest delivered! Both MMCs had funny, supportive, ride-or-die friends who also served a role in the plot. And was that a Shane/Sam easter egg I saw??
Overall, 4.25 stars
June 8, 2026
I was talking to my sister about how I wanted a medical setting kind of romance so when I came across this on NetGalley I knew I just had to read it.
The story follows two MMCs who meet at a bar. Where one thinks the other is a hooker because someone else made the same assumption but he doesn’t correct them. So when they meet later at the hospital things become complicated.
I loved the banter between these two so much. They were funny as hell. I also liked that when there was an issue they spoke about it so one was not left wondering where the other was.
I think what I didn’t like mostly was because their romance was so short. I would have loved to also see their more domestic side. In short I needed it not to end so soon :/
Overall such a cute and fun read. When Jesse was faced with the decision between Finn or his job I loved that he did not hesitate to choose Finn. He was already leaning towards it from the beginning but he earned my respect with the “There are other hospitals- plenty of them. I’d only fallen for one guy” literally swooned.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
The story follows two MMCs who meet at a bar. Where one thinks the other is a hooker because someone else made the same assumption but he doesn’t correct them. So when they meet later at the hospital things become complicated.
I loved the banter between these two so much. They were funny as hell. I also liked that when there was an issue they spoke about it so one was not left wondering where the other was.
I think what I didn’t like mostly was because their romance was so short. I would have loved to also see their more domestic side. In short I needed it not to end so soon :/
Overall such a cute and fun read. When Jesse was faced with the decision between Finn or his job I loved that he did not hesitate to choose Finn. He was already leaning towards it from the beginning but he earned my respect with the “There are other hospitals- plenty of them. I’d only fallen for one guy” literally swooned.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆
I really enjoyed reading Conflict of Interest. What started as a fun and unexpected meet-cute quickly turned into a heartfelt story that kept me invested from the beginning to end.
Finn and Jesse's relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry was undeniable, but I appreciated that their romance wasn't rushed. Watching their connection grow over time made their relationship feel genuine and believable. I found myself rooting for them through every challenge they faced. 💕
I also loved that the hospital setting played such a major role in the story. It wasn't just there to support the romance, it felt like an important part of both Finn and Jesse's lives. The medical aspects, the pressure of their careers, and the professional risks involved added another layer of tension that kept me engaged.
The writing style took me a few chapters to settle into, but once I did, I found myself completely immersed in the story. The characters felt realistic, their emotions felt authentic, and the overall journey was both emotional and rewarding.
I really enjoyed reading Conflict of Interest. What started as a fun and unexpected meet-cute quickly turned into a heartfelt story that kept me invested from the beginning to end.
Finn and Jesse's relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry was undeniable, but I appreciated that their romance wasn't rushed. Watching their connection grow over time made their relationship feel genuine and believable. I found myself rooting for them through every challenge they faced. 💕
I also loved that the hospital setting played such a major role in the story. It wasn't just there to support the romance, it felt like an important part of both Finn and Jesse's lives. The medical aspects, the pressure of their careers, and the professional risks involved added another layer of tension that kept me engaged.
The writing style took me a few chapters to settle into, but once I did, I found myself completely immersed in the story. The characters felt realistic, their emotions felt authentic, and the overall journey was both emotional and rewarding.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a huge fan of Zarah Detand's romances, and again she brings us a sweet and swoony story between 2 doctors. We are back in Devon Memorial, so we get to reconnect with some characters from Operation Boyfriend as well (especially my favorite Tay !).
Finn and Jesse's story starts with a bar hookup - with the twist of Jesse mistaking Finn for an escort, which was quite funny - and it's clear they have chemistry but things become complicated when they realize Jesse is Finn's future supervisor at the hospital. And that pretty much sets the conflict for the story, as both try to maintain a professional relationship but really want something more, resulting in quite a bit of pining and yearning on both sides.
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and also the medical side of the story - sometimes characters' jobs are just a minor part which doesn't get much attention, but here the fact that they're both doctors is quite relevant and described in detail. As for the ending, I wasn't quite sure how they would get their HEA so I was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out - it felt well earned and I quite enjoyed the epilogue with everyone together.
Finn and Jesse's story starts with a bar hookup - with the twist of Jesse mistaking Finn for an escort, which was quite funny - and it's clear they have chemistry but things become complicated when they realize Jesse is Finn's future supervisor at the hospital. And that pretty much sets the conflict for the story, as both try to maintain a professional relationship but really want something more, resulting in quite a bit of pining and yearning on both sides.
I really enjoyed the banter between them, and also the medical side of the story - sometimes characters' jobs are just a minor part which doesn't get much attention, but here the fact that they're both doctors is quite relevant and described in detail. As for the ending, I wasn't quite sure how they would get their HEA so I was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out - it felt well earned and I quite enjoyed the epilogue with everyone together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5*
Conflict of Interest was a solid 3.5* for me. I really liked the main characters, and as with the other instalment in Devon Memorial, the banter and dialogue were a lot of fun to read. The chemistry worked, and I found myself invested in their relationship from the start, though once again, the 'I love you', truly just came way too early.
That said, this felt like it dragged a bit at times. I understood perfectly well why the two of them being together was a bad idea, but after having it pointed out in seemingly every single chapter, I think I got the message bright and clear. Some of the side characters also started to blur together for me, occasionally feeling interchangeable or like they were borrowing attributes from the main characters.
My other small frustration was how often the same memories and examples were repeated from different POVs. I appreciate seeing how each character interprets a moment, but when it's the exact same anecdote, like, I know, I was there the first time, ty.
Overall, though, this was still a fun and enjoyable romance with characters I genuinely liked spending time with.
Conflict of Interest was a solid 3.5* for me. I really liked the main characters, and as with the other instalment in Devon Memorial, the banter and dialogue were a lot of fun to read. The chemistry worked, and I found myself invested in their relationship from the start, though once again, the 'I love you', truly just came way too early.
That said, this felt like it dragged a bit at times. I understood perfectly well why the two of them being together was a bad idea, but after having it pointed out in seemingly every single chapter, I think I got the message bright and clear. Some of the side characters also started to blur together for me, occasionally feeling interchangeable or like they were borrowing attributes from the main characters.
My other small frustration was how often the same memories and examples were repeated from different POVs. I appreciate seeing how each character interprets a moment, but when it's the exact same anecdote, like, I know, I was there the first time, ty.
Overall, though, this was still a fun and enjoyable romance with characters I genuinely liked spending time with.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One harmless lie. One hot night. A hookup he'll never see again - or so he thought. . .
New to New York City to start a surgical internship, Finn has been recently dumped and decides to something a little impulsive - he picks up a stranger in a bar while pretending to be an escort. Imagine his surprise when that stranger (Jesse) turns out to be one of Finn's supervisors at the hospital.
This book gave all of the Grey's Anatomy vibes, and I was here for it. Forbidden love, secret longing, and medical drama - this book has it all in spades. I absolutely adored Finn and Jesse as individual characters and as a couple. The way that they cheered for and supported each other (even from a distance) was so authentic, and the caretaking was really special. They truly understood and brought out the best in each other. The side characters were also fully developed, interesting and fun - I hope we will see more of them in subsequent books.
This was my first book by Zarah Detand, it will not be my last.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
New to New York City to start a surgical internship, Finn has been recently dumped and decides to something a little impulsive - he picks up a stranger in a bar while pretending to be an escort. Imagine his surprise when that stranger (Jesse) turns out to be one of Finn's supervisors at the hospital.
This book gave all of the Grey's Anatomy vibes, and I was here for it. Forbidden love, secret longing, and medical drama - this book has it all in spades. I absolutely adored Finn and Jesse as individual characters and as a couple. The way that they cheered for and supported each other (even from a distance) was so authentic, and the caretaking was really special. They truly understood and brought out the best in each other. The side characters were also fully developed, interesting and fun - I hope we will see more of them in subsequent books.
This was my first book by Zarah Detand, it will not be my last.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We’re back at Devon Memorial and this time we meet 1st year surgical Resident Finn and one of his supervising fellows, Jesse. Jesse and Finn had met the night before at a bar where Finn pretended he was an escort and went home with Finn. Now they’re thrown back together and the attraction hasn’t faded. They’re drawn to each other even though they know they can’t have a relationship while working together.
Jesse and Finn are so good together! I loved the slow burn, push and pull that happens between them. They have so much in common, coming from small towns, loving the outdoors, having the ambition and drive to be a successful doctor and surgeon. The chemistry between them was palpable even when they were fighting their attraction. When they finally get together, it was hot and steamy!
They both have great friends in their corner who love and support them throughout their complicated beginning. I enjoyed seeing a lot of Tay from book 1 in this one. He was such a fun character and was glad to see him back!
Jesse and Finn are so good together! I loved the slow burn, push and pull that happens between them. They have so much in common, coming from small towns, loving the outdoors, having the ambition and drive to be a successful doctor and surgeon. The chemistry between them was palpable even when they were fighting their attraction. When they finally get together, it was hot and steamy!
They both have great friends in their corner who love and support them throughout their complicated beginning. I enjoyed seeing a lot of Tay from book 1 in this one. He was such a fun character and was glad to see him back!
June 7, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC
Conflict of interest is the story of two Doctors in New York, Finn and Jessie. They meet under hilarious circumstances, have no intention of seeing each other again - even though the ‘encounter’ was glorious!
Monday morning comes and they meet in the hospital. The story follows the two grappling with ‘optics’ and trying to remain professional while falling utterly in love.
The two characters are likeable and the author either has a background in medicine or did some serious research - while the romance was obviously what the reader was most focused on, the medical description and the care taken when describing it was seamless.
I adored the sneaky compassionate moments between these two and I felt the conflict of interest alongside them. The whole time reading it I was trying to figure out a way for them to be together and not risk their careers or a HR disaster, and the author does not disappoint.
A cute, low stakes romance with a feet kicking HEA.
Conflict of interest is the story of two Doctors in New York, Finn and Jessie. They meet under hilarious circumstances, have no intention of seeing each other again - even though the ‘encounter’ was glorious!
Monday morning comes and they meet in the hospital. The story follows the two grappling with ‘optics’ and trying to remain professional while falling utterly in love.
The two characters are likeable and the author either has a background in medicine or did some serious research - while the romance was obviously what the reader was most focused on, the medical description and the care taken when describing it was seamless.
I adored the sneaky compassionate moments between these two and I felt the conflict of interest alongside them. The whole time reading it I was trying to figure out a way for them to be together and not risk their careers or a HR disaster, and the author does not disappoint.
A cute, low stakes romance with a feet kicking HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
Their first meeting was so damn memorable LOL Finn has moved to the city to start his internship and has just broken up with his boyfriend who called him basically boring! He’s at a club and people assume that he’s an escort so when a handsome man approaches him he takes him to his motel
Room what Finn didn’t expect was when he starts his first day Jesse is his fellow at the hospital! Of course both are caught off guard and they both decide that they will stay away from each other because of the ethics!
Of course this doesn’t work when does it ever’ Finn worries that he isn’t good enough to win the competition but Jesse reassures him
Their slow burn will they won’t they is delicious! Their relationship develops so good because they try and stay out of each others orbit but it never works!
When they do a high stakes surgery and Jesse asks Finn to come home and they see a car I knewwwww what was gonna happen! It made me so mad but how they defended each other was so so cute! It took work and will take work to keep their relationship alive but damn it’s worth it!
Room what Finn didn’t expect was when he starts his first day Jesse is his fellow at the hospital! Of course both are caught off guard and they both decide that they will stay away from each other because of the ethics!
Of course this doesn’t work when does it ever’ Finn worries that he isn’t good enough to win the competition but Jesse reassures him
Their slow burn will they won’t they is delicious! Their relationship develops so good because they try and stay out of each others orbit but it never works!
When they do a high stakes surgery and Jesse asks Finn to come home and they see a car I knewwwww what was gonna happen! It made me so mad but how they defended each other was so so cute! It took work and will take work to keep their relationship alive but damn it’s worth it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 🌟
I needed a sweet light fun romance and this did it for me!! It's second in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. (Although I recommend that one too!)
Gay Grey's Anatomy vibes in the best way!!! Not a true retelling, but had similar start and relationship dynamic.
Both characters try so hard to put their career first and not cross any lines. But their chemistry is a hard thing to avoid. They were connected from the moment they met. It's an instant attraction with slow burn romance due to hospital policies.
It bears mentioning a second time, the chemistry in this book is amazing, emotional as well as physical. They were perfect for each other and both written well. There is some slight banter, they empower each other, they understand each other, and they both have great friend side characters.
I will definitely be rereading this when I need some good feels.
(And if you read it and are like Tay's character, read book 1, Operation Boyfriend)
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Zarah Detand for sending for me an Arc to review
I needed a sweet light fun romance and this did it for me!! It's second in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. (Although I recommend that one too!)
Gay Grey's Anatomy vibes in the best way!!! Not a true retelling, but had similar start and relationship dynamic.
Both characters try so hard to put their career first and not cross any lines. But their chemistry is a hard thing to avoid. They were connected from the moment they met. It's an instant attraction with slow burn romance due to hospital policies.
It bears mentioning a second time, the chemistry in this book is amazing, emotional as well as physical. They were perfect for each other and both written well. There is some slight banter, they empower each other, they understand each other, and they both have great friend side characters.
I will definitely be rereading this when I need some good feels.
(And if you read it and are like Tay's character, read book 1, Operation Boyfriend)
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Zarah Detand for sending for me an Arc to review
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