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St. Jude's Medical #3
Wedding Manner
The Ice King. The Trauma Cowboy. And a wedding so disastrous that it is going to require a surgical team to save the reception.
Maxwell York lives his life by a strict, six-page, colour-coded protocol. As a world-class cardiac surgeon, his 'Standard of Care' is more than a professional it is the only way he can navigate a world that has always inexplicably been too loud and too fast. But when his mother, Catherine, turns his wedding into a royal coronation, Max’s carefully maintained "Ice King" mask begins to shatter under the weight of 1,200 guests and a cathedral full of unpredictable variables.
Jax O’Connell is used to the noise. Between his years as an Afghanistan war medic and his current role as Chief of Trauma, he has built a life on hyper-vigilance and split-second decisions. He knows his fiancé is not he is just calibrated differently. But between a hijacked 747, an Enzo-designed "Tactical Tuxedo," and the ghosts of his own past, Jax is realizing that eloping might be the only way to keep them both from flatlining.
As the York family’s rigid legacy faces a hostile takeover, the chaos reaches a fever pitch. While Max and Jax battle sensory overload and PTSD triggers, Max’s father, Alistair, is hiding a secret of his own. His uncharacteristic behaviour and strange tropical interests are about to drop a sudden shock on the family at the worst possible moment.
When a long-buried secret about Max’s childhood reveals the lengths Catherine went to "sanitize" his history, the merger of the century becomes a mass casualty event for the social elite. Amidst triple vows and a flock of confused doves, Max and Jax must perform the ultimate life-saving building a future where they do not have to be "cured" to be whole.
Return to St. Jude’s Medical for the hilariously high-stakes third installment of the series. Wedding Manner is a steamy, "Own Voices" MM romantic comedy featuring a brilliant surgeon unmasking his truth, a veteran surgeon managing the echoes of war, and a happy ending that is strictly off-protocol.
Maxwell York lives his life by a strict, six-page, colour-coded protocol. As a world-class cardiac surgeon, his 'Standard of Care' is more than a professional it is the only way he can navigate a world that has always inexplicably been too loud and too fast. But when his mother, Catherine, turns his wedding into a royal coronation, Max’s carefully maintained "Ice King" mask begins to shatter under the weight of 1,200 guests and a cathedral full of unpredictable variables.
Jax O’Connell is used to the noise. Between his years as an Afghanistan war medic and his current role as Chief of Trauma, he has built a life on hyper-vigilance and split-second decisions. He knows his fiancé is not he is just calibrated differently. But between a hijacked 747, an Enzo-designed "Tactical Tuxedo," and the ghosts of his own past, Jax is realizing that eloping might be the only way to keep them both from flatlining.
As the York family’s rigid legacy faces a hostile takeover, the chaos reaches a fever pitch. While Max and Jax battle sensory overload and PTSD triggers, Max’s father, Alistair, is hiding a secret of his own. His uncharacteristic behaviour and strange tropical interests are about to drop a sudden shock on the family at the worst possible moment.
When a long-buried secret about Max’s childhood reveals the lengths Catherine went to "sanitize" his history, the merger of the century becomes a mass casualty event for the social elite. Amidst triple vows and a flock of confused doves, Max and Jax must perform the ultimate life-saving building a future where they do not have to be "cured" to be whole.
Return to St. Jude’s Medical for the hilariously high-stakes third installment of the series. Wedding Manner is a steamy, "Own Voices" MM romantic comedy featuring a brilliant surgeon unmasking his truth, a veteran surgeon managing the echoes of war, and a happy ending that is strictly off-protocol.
196 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2026
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April 12, 2026
4 Stars
Book three in the St Jude’s Medical series sees original couple, surgeons Max and Jax—the Ice King and the Trauma Cowboy—in the very chaotic and hilarious lead up to their wedding day.
They just want simple nuptials, no muss, no fuss, but when you’re the heir to a dynasty, like Max is, simple is never easy, especially when your mother is a narcissistic viper of a woman, determined to control every little detail, against every else’s wishes.
Thankfully, Max and Jax are stronger together, and they aren’t alone. With the help from brother Preston, a strategical genius at socialite warfare, his partner Luke, and (Luke’s mother) badass head nurse Mama Ortiz, Max and Jax have enough fire power on their side to thwart every move Catherine York attempts to make.
As usual, the York family antics are next-level mayhem and hilarity, making every group interaction an absolute hoot. Catherine is a character I definitely love to hate, and eccentric husband Alistair is just as fascinating in his unpredictability and ludicrousness.
I loved how formidable Mama Ortiz worked her dry, take-no-nonsense wit and attitude to square-off against Catherine time and again, always managing to out play the player and help the boys in their effort to have a peaceful, personal wedding of their design.
It was lovely to finally see Max and Jax reach their goals of marital bliss, but I think my favourite parts of this particular story were the scenes between Max and his brother Preston, whose relationship dynamic, in the face of an absolutely bonkers upbringing by two sociopathic parents, was a dynamic whose depth I wanted more of in the first two books, but finally got here.
Not recommended as a standalone, this book rounded out this quirky and chaotic M/M romance trilogy perfectly, bringing everyone and their character arcs full circle in a way that was at once amusing, poignant and deeply satisfying. I may still prefer Macington’s more serious stories, but this sure was a fun change of pace, and a reminder that, as a writer, there isn’t much Macington can’t do.
***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Book Sirens) for providing an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book three in the St Jude’s Medical series sees original couple, surgeons Max and Jax—the Ice King and the Trauma Cowboy—in the very chaotic and hilarious lead up to their wedding day.
They just want simple nuptials, no muss, no fuss, but when you’re the heir to a dynasty, like Max is, simple is never easy, especially when your mother is a narcissistic viper of a woman, determined to control every little detail, against every else’s wishes.
Thankfully, Max and Jax are stronger together, and they aren’t alone. With the help from brother Preston, a strategical genius at socialite warfare, his partner Luke, and (Luke’s mother) badass head nurse Mama Ortiz, Max and Jax have enough fire power on their side to thwart every move Catherine York attempts to make.
As usual, the York family antics are next-level mayhem and hilarity, making every group interaction an absolute hoot. Catherine is a character I definitely love to hate, and eccentric husband Alistair is just as fascinating in his unpredictability and ludicrousness.
I loved how formidable Mama Ortiz worked her dry, take-no-nonsense wit and attitude to square-off against Catherine time and again, always managing to out play the player and help the boys in their effort to have a peaceful, personal wedding of their design.
It was lovely to finally see Max and Jax reach their goals of marital bliss, but I think my favourite parts of this particular story were the scenes between Max and his brother Preston, whose relationship dynamic, in the face of an absolutely bonkers upbringing by two sociopathic parents, was a dynamic whose depth I wanted more of in the first two books, but finally got here.
Not recommended as a standalone, this book rounded out this quirky and chaotic M/M romance trilogy perfectly, bringing everyone and their character arcs full circle in a way that was at once amusing, poignant and deeply satisfying. I may still prefer Macington’s more serious stories, but this sure was a fun change of pace, and a reminder that, as a writer, there isn’t much Macington can’t do.
***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Book Sirens) for providing an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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March 31, 2026
Wedding Manner is book three in the St. Jude’s Medical series by C.G. Macington. You will need to read this series in order. This book features the two main characters from book one. This book is chock full of chaos, mayhem and hilarity. But, at the same time, there were parts that broke my heart. This is the conclusion to this series BUT the author claims that he is not done with the York family yet!
Max and Jax are engaged and it’s time to plan their wedding. They want something small, preferably at the City Hall with a judge. But Catherine York has other plans. A huge binder full of plans. They are Yorks and any wedding will be a statement of power.
As things progress, some secrets are revealed. Some heartbreaking revelations regarding Max and also, some mysterious things regarding Max’s father, Alistair.
I loved that Preston and Max had some much needed brotherly bonding in this book. Preston really came through for his brother. I adore Max and Jax. Through all the crazy, these two stuck by each other, supported each other. They are the yin to the other’s yang. Max is structured, Jax is chaos. Together they balance each other. The new tailor, Enzo is a hoot! And, of course, Luke’s mom, Rosa! That woman scares me!!
You’ll need a seat belt for this one, and maybe a tissue. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride. You’re going to love it.
Max and Jax are engaged and it’s time to plan their wedding. They want something small, preferably at the City Hall with a judge. But Catherine York has other plans. A huge binder full of plans. They are Yorks and any wedding will be a statement of power.
As things progress, some secrets are revealed. Some heartbreaking revelations regarding Max and also, some mysterious things regarding Max’s father, Alistair.
I loved that Preston and Max had some much needed brotherly bonding in this book. Preston really came through for his brother. I adore Max and Jax. Through all the crazy, these two stuck by each other, supported each other. They are the yin to the other’s yang. Max is structured, Jax is chaos. Together they balance each other. The new tailor, Enzo is a hoot! And, of course, Luke’s mom, Rosa! That woman scares me!!
You’ll need a seat belt for this one, and maybe a tissue. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride. You’re going to love it.
July 9, 2026
Chaos. Pure exaggerated, ridiculous as hell, dramatic, fun, and humorous chaos, and it was a truly delightful experience. I absolutely adored all these characters, including "Mother." It was an absolute rom-com, and even though there were some serious family problems, they were always accompanied by humor, so the book never felt emotionally heavy. It wasn't a deeply emotional book, but it still had its moments where we got to see the emotional baggage the characters were carrying.
My advice is to go into this series knowing that everything is exaggerated and that there are things that happen that are ridiculously insane, but I can guarantee that you'll have a good time enjoying the sweet romance, family drama, humor, and dramatic medical moments.
------------
Quotes:
“You are my Outlier. You are the data point that breaks the graph. You are the noise that makes the silence bearable. I promise to be your structure when you are chaotic. And I promise that no matter how loud the world gets... you will never be a blurry shape to me. You are my focal point.”
“Because love... love is the chaos! Love is the flavor! Love is the spice!"
My advice is to go into this series knowing that everything is exaggerated and that there are things that happen that are ridiculously insane, but I can guarantee that you'll have a good time enjoying the sweet romance, family drama, humor, and dramatic medical moments.
------------
Quotes:
“You are my Outlier. You are the data point that breaks the graph. You are the noise that makes the silence bearable. I promise to be your structure when you are chaotic. And I promise that no matter how loud the world gets... you will never be a blurry shape to me. You are my focal point.”
“Because love... love is the chaos! Love is the flavor! Love is the spice!"
March 28, 2026
technically, i wanted to rate this 3 stars, but my finger slipped on 4. i guess it’s fate.
this is hilarious. it has the same exact humor of the first two, and i loved it.
until it became too much.
i needed them to be serious for at least three seconds
this is hilarious. it has the same exact humor of the first two, and i loved it.
until it became too much.
i needed them to be serious for at least three seconds
July 3, 2026
The Yorks ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
July 24, 2026
I don’t want it to be over
Ugh…whhhhyyyy?!?! I’m not ready to say goodbye. 😭
These are the kind of stories that bring me the most joy. These characters were beautifully chaotic & that makes them feel so real. 🥰 As an autistic individual..seeing representation and knowing there are people who don’t see us as burdens or broken, makes my little heart happy. I’m so thankful for the Trauma Cowboy defrosting his Ice King. 😍
And what a SPECTACULAR way to end the series. I won’t spoil it but bravo!👏👏👏 That wedding was one for the ages!! 🥳
I think Alistair has to be one of my most favorite side characters •ever•. His antics were unmatched & I simply adored him. So, I’m so so so incredibly happy he got the ending he rightfully deserved. 🦜🍍
Ugh…whhhhyyyy?!?! I’m not ready to say goodbye. 😭
These are the kind of stories that bring me the most joy. These characters were beautifully chaotic & that makes them feel so real. 🥰 As an autistic individual..seeing representation and knowing there are people who don’t see us as burdens or broken, makes my little heart happy. I’m so thankful for the Trauma Cowboy defrosting his Ice King. 😍
And what a SPECTACULAR way to end the series. I won’t spoil it but bravo!👏👏👏 That wedding was one for the ages!! 🥳
I think Alistair has to be one of my most favorite side characters •ever•. His antics were unmatched & I simply adored him. So, I’m so so so incredibly happy he got the ending he rightfully deserved. 🦜🍍
April 13, 2026
Oh I am so sorry that this is the last book in the series! I've loved getting to know the York's, Jax, Luke and Rosa Ortiz so much. This is the one where Max and Jax get married (and the Princess Bride bit was hysterical!). As you can imagine, with this cast of characters, the journey to the aisle was not smooth sailing.
I'm not going to spoiler this, just to say, you have to read this book. Although there was an odd bit at the end - but it's fiction, the author can do what he likes!
I'm pleased Alistair gets a happy ending and it's lovely to see the way Max and Preston bond.
Another great read, lots of fun and laughs, even with a little bit of sadness.
I'm not going to spoiler this, just to say, you have to read this book. Although there was an odd bit at the end - but it's fiction, the author can do what he likes!
I'm pleased Alistair gets a happy ending and it's lovely to see the way Max and Preston bond.
Another great read, lots of fun and laughs, even with a little bit of sadness.
April 2, 2026
I don’t understand how one single short book can have so much energy but this is jam-packed with OTT drama and chaos and I loved every second of it.
I definitely want more Max, Jax, Preston, and Luke in the future. I love them so much from these silly little books.
I definitely want more Max, Jax, Preston, and Luke in the future. I love them so much from these silly little books.
May 18, 2026
This was so stupid. Like, I liked the first one enough, it was silly but in a way that I could get behind. Despite the fact that they squeezed every single damn trope into 200 pages, I was into the tropes enough that it didn't bother me too much. But this one???? Ridiculous.
I can normally get behind a ridiculous book, but it was just so dumb. Everything was a farce and everyone was a caricature. Like, Catherine my lord get a f*cking grip of yourself. The dad? I liked in the first one, but this was just stupid. Marrying a guy younger than your son who you've been seeing for a decade?? Is that not creepy AF?? Everyone being gay? Normally I'm totally here for it. This time felt forced and weird. The triple gd wedding? INSANE. And AGAIN bc it was so bloody short you didn't get any real plot. Just weird childish hijinks for the ultra rich. There could have been some nuance and some depth - exactly what the first was missing, but this one was so much worse. You cannot fit enough plot into 200 pages. It read like a weird kids' TV show. And also the writing felt veeeeeery repetitive in this book. Everything smelt or looked like or sounded like "chaos and fear" or "caffeine and rage" "something and determination" etc etc ad infinitum.
I hoped it would build on the first one, but it really didn't.
And also all the medical bits felt very weirdly shoehorned in and added absolutely NOTHING. Give more character analysis next time please I'm begging. Everyone got over everything in 0.5 seconds like???? Am I crazy? Maybe I'm overthinking this lol
I can normally get behind a ridiculous book, but it was just so dumb. Everything was a farce and everyone was a caricature. Like, Catherine my lord get a f*cking grip of yourself. The dad? I liked in the first one, but this was just stupid. Marrying a guy younger than your son who you've been seeing for a decade?? Is that not creepy AF?? Everyone being gay? Normally I'm totally here for it. This time felt forced and weird. The triple gd wedding? INSANE. And AGAIN bc it was so bloody short you didn't get any real plot. Just weird childish hijinks for the ultra rich. There could have been some nuance and some depth - exactly what the first was missing, but this one was so much worse. You cannot fit enough plot into 200 pages. It read like a weird kids' TV show. And also the writing felt veeeeeery repetitive in this book. Everything smelt or looked like or sounded like "chaos and fear" or "caffeine and rage" "something and determination" etc etc ad infinitum.
I hoped it would build on the first one, but it really didn't.
And also all the medical bits felt very weirdly shoehorned in and added absolutely NOTHING. Give more character analysis next time please I'm begging. Everyone got over everything in 0.5 seconds like???? Am I crazy? Maybe I'm overthinking this lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2026
I really enjoyed stepping back into this madcap world! So fun!🤩
May 14, 2026
This was offensively sloppy. The characters were 2D caricatures at best, and were otherwise so inconsistent they might as well have been different people from chapter to chapter. And then there are so many frustrating plot holes within pages of each other.
This has got to be AI. I just cannot believe this was written by a human being. It certainly wasn’t edited by one.
This has got to be AI. I just cannot believe this was written by a human being. It certainly wasn’t edited by one.
April 1, 2026
I liked Max in the first book. He came across as an OCD control freak, but in a fun cute way. You completely ruined him in this book. I understand autism and respect that.. but he wasn’t like that in the first book. You turned him into some kind of neurotic head case that’s walking around mumbling and calculating airspace and people ratios, the makeup of walls and fabrics. You just made him ridiculous and not in a good way at all. Just because you gave him a diagnosis of autism in this book shouldn’t all the sudden change him from the first book and start making him act like he has a very dysfunctional level of autism.
May 20, 2026
While reading this book I was convinced that I smoked something and I don't even drink or smoke.
I have no clue what I just read because this book felt so out of place especially in the St. Jude's medical series. I'm pretty sure this book was created with A.I/edited with A.I and that's made me feel so stupid for reading this series, however I managed to get through this book fully. The first book was way better, whether it was created or edited with A.I, it still was readable and somewhat enjoyable, the second one was a pretty decent read too, I'm just biased when it comes to Jax and Max because I enjoy them as a couple way more, but it still was somewhat enjoyable. This book was all over the place but it had the potential to be good and to be a good ending to this series.
My biggest complaints while reading this book was I felt some parts were dragged on, some parts were extremely confusing and some parts made this book feel completely out of place in the series. Some parts of this book were so boring and quite cringy too and overall really underwhelming, especially the wedding part which should've been the best part since it was the main focus and build up in the book. I also felt that the characters were different in comparison to the first book. I understand that this book and the first book are a few years apart however the characters felt like completely different people to me. Also the Tel Aviv comment, seriously? I hated that part.
While reading this book I really wished that the readers got proper flashbacks from Jax and Max. I wished we got flashbacks from Max as a child which showcased his autism and showed how different he felt growing up in comparison to the other kids, I would've loved to have seen his inner monologue during childhood. I also wished we got a flashback of Jax in the army and how being in the army changed him and how he dealt with his PTSD before meeting Max. We did see Jax getting a flashback from being in the army but I felt as if it was brushed away and it didn't feel sincere and wasn't given a proper moment in the book. I wish we got flashbacks of them as it would allow the reader to understand these characters more and their complexity and that why their complexities allow them to be with one another and allow readers to end this series with a full understanding of these characters and why they make so much sense together. Another potential flashback could've been how Jax and Max came out and how they realized that they were gay, I feel like that would've been a good touch in the series and would've made their marriage more emotional and sweet. I also wished that Max's father coming out as gay was a more sincere moment in the book, it just felt as if it was a big joke and nobody seemed shocked or really cared as much. I feel like him coming at the wedding would've allowed a sweet moment with Max, Preston and their father and would've made their bond stronger. I felt in the book that Max and Preston only bonded with their dad when it came to making fun of their mother and her craziness. I understand that this book is a comedy but I do wish that we got some dramatic/emotional moments in the book especially since we got one in the first book when Jax was in that accident. I truly think that the plot of this series is an amazing plot and I hope this plot gets re-created into a proper book series with no A.I usage or developed into a movie or tv series WITHOUT ANY A.I EITHER, because this plot is truly amazing and has never been done before and has potential to be very successful. This book just felt all over the place and didn't end the story properly either in my opinion. If anything I would just recommend reading the first one alone and not bother with the other 2.
I have no clue what I just read because this book felt so out of place especially in the St. Jude's medical series. I'm pretty sure this book was created with A.I/edited with A.I and that's made me feel so stupid for reading this series, however I managed to get through this book fully. The first book was way better, whether it was created or edited with A.I, it still was readable and somewhat enjoyable, the second one was a pretty decent read too, I'm just biased when it comes to Jax and Max because I enjoy them as a couple way more, but it still was somewhat enjoyable. This book was all over the place but it had the potential to be good and to be a good ending to this series.
My biggest complaints while reading this book was I felt some parts were dragged on, some parts were extremely confusing and some parts made this book feel completely out of place in the series. Some parts of this book were so boring and quite cringy too and overall really underwhelming, especially the wedding part which should've been the best part since it was the main focus and build up in the book. I also felt that the characters were different in comparison to the first book. I understand that this book and the first book are a few years apart however the characters felt like completely different people to me. Also the Tel Aviv comment, seriously? I hated that part.
While reading this book I really wished that the readers got proper flashbacks from Jax and Max. I wished we got flashbacks from Max as a child which showcased his autism and showed how different he felt growing up in comparison to the other kids, I would've loved to have seen his inner monologue during childhood. I also wished we got a flashback of Jax in the army and how being in the army changed him and how he dealt with his PTSD before meeting Max. We did see Jax getting a flashback from being in the army but I felt as if it was brushed away and it didn't feel sincere and wasn't given a proper moment in the book. I wish we got flashbacks of them as it would allow the reader to understand these characters more and their complexity and that why their complexities allow them to be with one another and allow readers to end this series with a full understanding of these characters and why they make so much sense together. Another potential flashback could've been how Jax and Max came out and how they realized that they were gay, I feel like that would've been a good touch in the series and would've made their marriage more emotional and sweet. I also wished that Max's father coming out as gay was a more sincere moment in the book, it just felt as if it was a big joke and nobody seemed shocked or really cared as much. I feel like him coming at the wedding would've allowed a sweet moment with Max, Preston and their father and would've made their bond stronger. I felt in the book that Max and Preston only bonded with their dad when it came to making fun of their mother and her craziness. I understand that this book is a comedy but I do wish that we got some dramatic/emotional moments in the book especially since we got one in the first book when Jax was in that accident. I truly think that the plot of this series is an amazing plot and I hope this plot gets re-created into a proper book series with no A.I usage or developed into a movie or tv series WITHOUT ANY A.I EITHER, because this plot is truly amazing and has never been done before and has potential to be very successful. This book just felt all over the place and didn't end the story properly either in my opinion. If anything I would just recommend reading the first one alone and not bother with the other 2.
April 2, 2026
This book was a great way to finish the stories of Max, Jax, Preston and Luke. Plus some other characters that play a big role in the plot of their stories. I really enjoyed the way that Max and Preston came together. The way they supported each other through the tough times and were able to grow close. I also really enjoyed the growth of each of their relationships. Max and Jax had to really stand up for themselves when times got tough with Cathrine, but they had each other and they had Preston and Luke to help. The book mainly focuses on their relationship but when there are snippets in the book about Preston and Luke and how they are there for each other and mainly for Max and Jax it adds a really nice feeling of change to the air of the book. I also love the way the book ended and the outcome for each character. I feel that they all got the ending the they needed/ deserved. I would very much recommend this book/ trilogy to others. They are quick fun reads that just put a smile on your face and don’t take that long to read if you’re looking for something fast.
April 3, 2026
Max and Jax want to marry, step in sign the papers, step out, and voila, married!
Maxwell’s narcissistic mother has different plans. BIG plans. She will invite the intimate circle (1200 people 😱), use the Notre Dame, or the Vatican, yes money can buy everything! And let’s not start with the last names.
"This is a York wedding!" Mother roars, her voice echoing off the glass roof. A few butterflies take flight, terrified. "It is a statement of power! We do not do comfortable! We do memorable!"
That's the setting guys!!
Max and Jax tried to escape, sadly money can also buy an airline!
At their wits' end, they approached Mama Ortiz, who is the one who can help.
To fight Max’s parents, especially his mother Catherine, they have to find something against them.
Wait for it! My goodness!
Max’s brother, Preston, and his partner Luke from #2 are present.
While it’s a rom-com, hilarious and super duper entertaining, there are serious moments!
The author knows how to write! It’s all excellently executed.
Maxwell’s narcissistic mother has different plans. BIG plans. She will invite the intimate circle (1200 people 😱), use the Notre Dame, or the Vatican, yes money can buy everything! And let’s not start with the last names.
"This is a York wedding!" Mother roars, her voice echoing off the glass roof. A few butterflies take flight, terrified. "It is a statement of power! We do not do comfortable! We do memorable!"
That's the setting guys!!
Max and Jax tried to escape, sadly money can also buy an airline!
At their wits' end, they approached Mama Ortiz, who is the one who can help.
To fight Max’s parents, especially his mother Catherine, they have to find something against them.
Wait for it! My goodness!
Max’s brother, Preston, and his partner Luke from #2 are present.
While it’s a rom-com, hilarious and super duper entertaining, there are serious moments!
The author knows how to write! It’s all excellently executed.
March 28, 2026
Hilarious
Get tissues when you’re reading this, because you’re going to laugh so much, you’ll cry. And I still adore Alistair! He’s so absolutely ridiculous!!! I love seeing some of my favorite characters once again, in the most insane wedding of the century. I love watching weird videos of bridezillas and crazy MIL (Charlotte Dobre anyone?), and this takes the cake, and what a cake! I had to read it in chunks, not because it’s long, but my cheeks and abs needed a break. Thank you CG Macington for a great workout and a ton of extra laugh lines! It’s really funny, and it has so much heart… I can’t understand how the Yorks get away with so much, but I’m so glad that Jax and Max (I love how they rhyme!) are finally contractually bound for life, Monster in Law, shenanigans and encyclopedias worth of planning included. It is really funny, I loved it, and I wouldn’t mind a few more, because Mama Rosa is incredible, and I need to know more about Alistair, Elton John and any other secrets that have been hidden for too long.
Get tissues when you’re reading this, because you’re going to laugh so much, you’ll cry. And I still adore Alistair! He’s so absolutely ridiculous!!! I love seeing some of my favorite characters once again, in the most insane wedding of the century. I love watching weird videos of bridezillas and crazy MIL (Charlotte Dobre anyone?), and this takes the cake, and what a cake! I had to read it in chunks, not because it’s long, but my cheeks and abs needed a break. Thank you CG Macington for a great workout and a ton of extra laugh lines! It’s really funny, and it has so much heart… I can’t understand how the Yorks get away with so much, but I’m so glad that Jax and Max (I love how they rhyme!) are finally contractually bound for life, Monster in Law, shenanigans and encyclopedias worth of planning included. It is really funny, I loved it, and I wouldn’t mind a few more, because Mama Rosa is incredible, and I need to know more about Alistair, Elton John and any other secrets that have been hidden for too long.
March 31, 2026
"Wedding Manner" is book three in St. Jude's Medical by CG Macington. I honestly did not think that they could outdo books 1 and 2 but Oh My! There is a lot packed into this book but it is written so well that you do not get overwhelmed or lost. There are a lot of emotions in this story and a ton of laugh out loud moments. I really do hope we get to see some more of these guys in the future! I am looking forward to what is next from this author.
April 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this one. For me it was the best of the bunch.
Jax and Maxwell are getting married and Mama Yorke is organizing the wedding. I was laughing throughout this. The boys had to draft in Mama Ortiz to help control Mama Yorke.
I did feel sorry for Mama Yorke at the end but everybody ended with their own HEA , some of them maybe not what you would think.
Jax and Maxwell are getting married and Mama Yorke is organizing the wedding. I was laughing throughout this. The boys had to draft in Mama Ortiz to help control Mama Yorke.
I did feel sorry for Mama Yorke at the end but everybody ended with their own HEA , some of them maybe not what you would think.
April 1, 2026
love is chaos and chaos is love
This book gave me the full spectrum of emotions but mostly laughter and was a great and somewhat unexpected ending of the series. If you looked the first couple of books you’ll love this one. Definitely worth the read
This book gave me the full spectrum of emotions but mostly laughter and was a great and somewhat unexpected ending of the series. If you looked the first couple of books you’ll love this one. Definitely worth the read
April 15, 2026
Ekkk! It was hilarious and everyone and I mean everyone gets their HEA.
Mama Ortiz to the rescue! I loved seeing her put Catherine in her place.
The chaos of wedding planning and Alistair's big 🦜 secret reveal sucked me in and didnt let me go until the very end!
Mama Ortiz to the rescue! I loved seeing her put Catherine in her place.
The chaos of wedding planning and Alistair's big 🦜 secret reveal sucked me in and didnt let me go until the very end!
March 29, 2026
Love, Love, Love This Book!!
The Yorks and their significant others are simply hysterical, and I adored every minute of this story! Preston will always be my favorite character, but I still greatly enjoy all of the other characters. I'm really glad that despite this final book being focused on Max and Jax again, you still get a lot of perspective from the rest of the family.
Also, Mama Ortiz is a boss. Period. Lol
Anyway, the spice is not the point of this book, but it is definitely there and enjoyable.
10/10! No notes. Highly recommend!!
The Yorks and their significant others are simply hysterical, and I adored every minute of this story! Preston will always be my favorite character, but I still greatly enjoy all of the other characters. I'm really glad that despite this final book being focused on Max and Jax again, you still get a lot of perspective from the rest of the family.
Also, Mama Ortiz is a boss. Period. Lol
Anyway, the spice is not the point of this book, but it is definitely there and enjoyable.
10/10! No notes. Highly recommend!!
March 30, 2026
I loved every single moment of this series. I never wanted it to end. I loved the drama, the witty banter, the messy family dynamics, and the most amazing, unique characters. I’m already anticipating a reread and can’t wait to read more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2026
I have loved this series from the moment I picked up the first book. And I am so sad that it is over. I love the York family and Saint Judes Hospital.
Getting to follow along with Max and Jack’s planning their wedding was an absolute blast. Catherine is certifiably insane, Rosa is amazing, Alistair needs Jesus, I adore Preston, and Luke is just kind of the best. The chapter where they are looking for a reception venue had me laughing out loud. I will say the reception chapter was a little bit odd. But you just kinda had to go with it.
I will miss these characters. I know C.G. Macington says there’s a potential for more stories, although I don’t know how you go on from here. I do know that these three books will always hold a special place in my heart.
Getting to follow along with Max and Jack’s planning their wedding was an absolute blast. Catherine is certifiably insane, Rosa is amazing, Alistair needs Jesus, I adore Preston, and Luke is just kind of the best. The chapter where they are looking for a reception venue had me laughing out loud. I will say the reception chapter was a little bit odd. But you just kinda had to go with it.
I will miss these characters. I know C.G. Macington says there’s a potential for more stories, although I don’t know how you go on from here. I do know that these three books will always hold a special place in my heart.
June 28, 2026
This was a real slog to get through, enjoyed the first one but they’ve gotten worse with each sequel. There’s only so many times you can read about how much things cost, data and variables. There just seemed to be no consistency with characters and absolutely no humour or romance in the situations. On the plus side, at least I’ve finished the series now
April 14, 2026
isreal propaganda alert
i was looking forward to reading this book because i read the first 2 in the series and enjoyed them. it was ok at first but the story line got old quickly. i was half way through and decided to read the rest since it’s a short book. i was almost done when i encounter some israel propaganda and immediately dnf. it had absolutely no business being included for plot purposes and was actually quite random and uncalled for. this book was written recently so there is no excuse. i’m so tired of having pro-israel moments in all forms of entertainment! i have read over 100 queer romances (that’s the only genre i read) and this has never happened before. i’m sorely disappointed and will never read this author again.
i was looking forward to reading this book because i read the first 2 in the series and enjoyed them. it was ok at first but the story line got old quickly. i was half way through and decided to read the rest since it’s a short book. i was almost done when i encounter some israel propaganda and immediately dnf. it had absolutely no business being included for plot purposes and was actually quite random and uncalled for. this book was written recently so there is no excuse. i’m so tired of having pro-israel moments in all forms of entertainment! i have read over 100 queer romances (that’s the only genre i read) and this has never happened before. i’m sorely disappointed and will never read this author again.
March 31, 2026
While I enjoyed this series and found the characters fun, these books would greatly benefit from additional edits. The timelines are wonky (e.g., there is a span of three days that somehow lasts a week in the first book). The narrators switch within a single scene and occasionally do not match the narrator assigned for the chapter or part of the chapter - this happened more in the third book. Details change within and between books, which unfortunately detracted from the stories.
March 30, 2026
The beginning is awful. So OTT that it is not funny any more....
It is actually completely unhinged, funny and has absolutely no possible connection to the real life. Imagine thzt this is a romcom taking place in a parallel universe where the earth resembles ours but is not completely the same....
This author is churning out books with uncanny speed: every couple of months, a new book.
WOW?
It is actually completely unhinged, funny and has absolutely no possible connection to the real life. Imagine thzt this is a romcom taking place in a parallel universe where the earth resembles ours but is not completely the same....
This author is churning out books with uncanny speed: every couple of months, a new book.
WOW?
July 21, 2026
SYNOPSIS
The Ice King. The Trauma Cowboy. And a wedding so disastrous that it is going to require a surgical team to save the reception.
Maxwell York lives his life by a strict, six-page, colour-coded protocol. As a world-class cardiac surgeon, his 'Standard of Care' is more than a professional code: it is the only way he can navigate a world that has always inexplicably been too loud and too fast. But when his mother, Catherine, turns his wedding into a royal coronation, Max’s carefully maintained "Ice King" mask begins to shatter under the weight of 1,200 guests and a cathedral full of unpredictable variables.
Jax O’Connell is used to the noise. Between his years as an Afghanistan war medic and his current role as Chief of Trauma, he has built a life on hyper-vigilance and split-second decisions. He knows his fiancé is not cold: he is just calibrated differently. But between a hijacked 747, an Enzo-designed "Tactical Tuxedo," and the ghosts of his own past, Jax is realizing that eloping might be the only way to keep them both from flatlining.
They are an established couple who have already survived everything except the wedding. Now, as the scrubs-and-duct-tape world of the ER collides with old-money Manhattan and the meddling families close in from both sides, a long-buried secret threatens to blow the York legacy wide open. Max's father is acting strange. Catherine is acting stranger. And the found family forged in the trenches of St. Jude's may be the only thing standing between the merger of the century and a mass casualty event for the social elite.
TROPES
🏥 MM romance
🩺 Messy family
🏥 Wedding planning
🩺 Family secrets
🏥 Neurodivergent MMC x veteran MMC
🩺 Rom-com
THOUGHTS
Hilarious! Absolutely hilarious.
If I had a mother as overbearing and domineering as Catherine York, I would probably dig my own grave. But it was so great to finally understand why she is the way she is. (Read "Wedding Planner" to find out what that reason is hehe.)
And to see Max finally put his foot down, and say enough is enough, was even more satisfying. There are limits to how much controlling behaviour a person can tolerate -- even from those you love. I mean... Who buys out a whole airline just to stop you from eloping? Jeez 🤣
Unlike "Bedside Manner" and "Conflict of Interest", which focus on new romantic entanglements, I think that "Wedding Manner" is focused more on familial bonds. The friends and family who show up for you. What better way to test those bonds than via wedding planning?
This spicy, melodramatic, roll-on-the-floor-laughing rom-com will charm you without even trying. Magnificent 😍
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5
See below for some of my favourite quotes/ moments ♥️
~ "... I am autistic. I am a surgeon. And I am marrying the most chaotic man on earth because he likes me unmasked. He likes the glitches. He likes the noise. He doesn't need me to be the Standard. He just needs me to be Max." ~
~ I will be the wall. I will be the filter. If she wants to get to him, she has to go through the Trauma Cowboy first. And unlike Max, I don't have a politeness protocol. I have a darker set of skills, and I am perfectly willing to use them. Let her have her yachts. Let her have her Plaza rehearsals. Let her have her cold, calibrated, empty world. I have this. ~
~ I want to scream. I want to go back to that boat and set it on fire. I want to find Catherine York and scream until my throat bleeds, until she understands that she is the one who is broken. She is the one missing the parts that matter. ~
~ The variables were never meant to be controlled. They were meant to be experienced. The noise, the mess, the unpredictable entropy of living— that was the point. ~
The Ice King. The Trauma Cowboy. And a wedding so disastrous that it is going to require a surgical team to save the reception.
Maxwell York lives his life by a strict, six-page, colour-coded protocol. As a world-class cardiac surgeon, his 'Standard of Care' is more than a professional code: it is the only way he can navigate a world that has always inexplicably been too loud and too fast. But when his mother, Catherine, turns his wedding into a royal coronation, Max’s carefully maintained "Ice King" mask begins to shatter under the weight of 1,200 guests and a cathedral full of unpredictable variables.
Jax O’Connell is used to the noise. Between his years as an Afghanistan war medic and his current role as Chief of Trauma, he has built a life on hyper-vigilance and split-second decisions. He knows his fiancé is not cold: he is just calibrated differently. But between a hijacked 747, an Enzo-designed "Tactical Tuxedo," and the ghosts of his own past, Jax is realizing that eloping might be the only way to keep them both from flatlining.
They are an established couple who have already survived everything except the wedding. Now, as the scrubs-and-duct-tape world of the ER collides with old-money Manhattan and the meddling families close in from both sides, a long-buried secret threatens to blow the York legacy wide open. Max's father is acting strange. Catherine is acting stranger. And the found family forged in the trenches of St. Jude's may be the only thing standing between the merger of the century and a mass casualty event for the social elite.
TROPES
🏥 MM romance
🩺 Messy family
🏥 Wedding planning
🩺 Family secrets
🏥 Neurodivergent MMC x veteran MMC
🩺 Rom-com
THOUGHTS
Hilarious! Absolutely hilarious.
If I had a mother as overbearing and domineering as Catherine York, I would probably dig my own grave. But it was so great to finally understand why she is the way she is. (Read "Wedding Planner" to find out what that reason is hehe.)
And to see Max finally put his foot down, and say enough is enough, was even more satisfying. There are limits to how much controlling behaviour a person can tolerate -- even from those you love. I mean... Who buys out a whole airline just to stop you from eloping? Jeez 🤣
Unlike "Bedside Manner" and "Conflict of Interest", which focus on new romantic entanglements, I think that "Wedding Manner" is focused more on familial bonds. The friends and family who show up for you. What better way to test those bonds than via wedding planning?
This spicy, melodramatic, roll-on-the-floor-laughing rom-com will charm you without even trying. Magnificent 😍
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5
See below for some of my favourite quotes/ moments ♥️
~ "... I am autistic. I am a surgeon. And I am marrying the most chaotic man on earth because he likes me unmasked. He likes the glitches. He likes the noise. He doesn't need me to be the Standard. He just needs me to be Max." ~
~ I will be the wall. I will be the filter. If she wants to get to him, she has to go through the Trauma Cowboy first. And unlike Max, I don't have a politeness protocol. I have a darker set of skills, and I am perfectly willing to use them. Let her have her yachts. Let her have her Plaza rehearsals. Let her have her cold, calibrated, empty world. I have this. ~
~ I want to scream. I want to go back to that boat and set it on fire. I want to find Catherine York and scream until my throat bleeds, until she understands that she is the one who is broken. She is the one missing the parts that matter. ~
~ The variables were never meant to be controlled. They were meant to be experienced. The noise, the mess, the unpredictable entropy of living— that was the point. ~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
I've had my suspicions since the first book in this series that there was some kind of AI going on, and this book has vindicated me. The absolute moment I saw that there was a Dr Aris in there, I knew that I wasn't imagining things. I genuinely feel like an awful person writing this review out, for the record, but I want to save people time. I spent enough time seeing those "something is off, seems like AI" reviews, but here's a wall of text backing that up.
The entire novel reads like every concept was taken to its most illogical extreme, and I'm rather bummed that I was right about something being fishy here, especially given the commitment to no AI usage at the front of the book.
For a short book, it seems to drag. There is no depth to anything there. Development feels heavy-handed and lacks nuance, and is swiftly undone. It loses track of itself and feels like a bingo card of tropes. But, like, it's a 64x64 bingo card, and none of the tropes has room to develop properly because we're darting around POVs at 90mph.
To sum up my suspicions:
The use of epithets ("Ice King"/"Trauma Cowboy"/"Heir"/"Spare"/"Warlord") is somehow even more jarring in this book. Between books one and two it's very clear that there are enough similarities between both couples and their characters that it's a struggle to parse who is who. In this book, the struggle is even more obvious because they're interacting outside of their couples
(Essentially: the characters were 'tagged' by the model, and this was left in. It's easier to track a character by archetype versus name, ESPECIALLY when the names that begin to appear in this book are well-known flags for AI use. If you read the preview for the next book by this author, you're also going to find another name that flags: Arjun.)
In risque scenes, especially, the text tends to turn to this very technical description that makes no sense. Heck, even outside of those scenes, we're seeing the structural integrity of a pretzel discussed. Repeatedly. This is the first book where it's truly broken down, and it is this specific book that makes me believe Gemini was used. The Dr Aris issue is widespread across multiple LLMs. The tech jargon? Very specific to Gemini.
(Again, structural integrity, systems, reboots, all of that. The second I saw that name, everything flagged for me.)
There is no reasonable escalation. Frankly, it makes crackfics look grounded. Everybody is a walking, talking stereotype. It genuinely feels like caricatures all the way down, and I only continued to read so I could give a proper review.
Finally, there's a human authorship badge at the start of this book. That means the author has signed something declaring this piece was at least 90% created by them. Even if it wasn't 100% AI generated, it wasn't 'just' guided by an LLM. The human behind it has guided the LLM. There were occasional errors in it that probably were human, but if I had to say which had more bearing on the book, I'd say it was AI.
I can't say if the cover is human-made or not. At a glance, probably? Hopefully? But the book certainly isn't.
The entire novel reads like every concept was taken to its most illogical extreme, and I'm rather bummed that I was right about something being fishy here, especially given the commitment to no AI usage at the front of the book.
For a short book, it seems to drag. There is no depth to anything there. Development feels heavy-handed and lacks nuance, and is swiftly undone. It loses track of itself and feels like a bingo card of tropes. But, like, it's a 64x64 bingo card, and none of the tropes has room to develop properly because we're darting around POVs at 90mph.
To sum up my suspicions:
The use of epithets ("Ice King"/"Trauma Cowboy"/"Heir"/"Spare"/"Warlord") is somehow even more jarring in this book. Between books one and two it's very clear that there are enough similarities between both couples and their characters that it's a struggle to parse who is who. In this book, the struggle is even more obvious because they're interacting outside of their couples
(Essentially: the characters were 'tagged' by the model, and this was left in. It's easier to track a character by archetype versus name, ESPECIALLY when the names that begin to appear in this book are well-known flags for AI use. If you read the preview for the next book by this author, you're also going to find another name that flags: Arjun.)
In risque scenes, especially, the text tends to turn to this very technical description that makes no sense. Heck, even outside of those scenes, we're seeing the structural integrity of a pretzel discussed. Repeatedly. This is the first book where it's truly broken down, and it is this specific book that makes me believe Gemini was used. The Dr Aris issue is widespread across multiple LLMs. The tech jargon? Very specific to Gemini.
(Again, structural integrity, systems, reboots, all of that. The second I saw that name, everything flagged for me.)
There is no reasonable escalation. Frankly, it makes crackfics look grounded. Everybody is a walking, talking stereotype. It genuinely feels like caricatures all the way down, and I only continued to read so I could give a proper review.
Finally, there's a human authorship badge at the start of this book. That means the author has signed something declaring this piece was at least 90% created by them. Even if it wasn't 100% AI generated, it wasn't 'just' guided by an LLM. The human behind it has guided the LLM. There were occasional errors in it that probably were human, but if I had to say which had more bearing on the book, I'd say it was AI.
I can't say if the cover is human-made or not. At a glance, probably? Hopefully? But the book certainly isn't.
August 2, 2026
I stumbled onto this amazing little series a few months ago and now, with the third book it has (probably) come to an end. These characters that C.G. Macington created have climbed into my heart, and I hope it’s not the last time we see them.
Dr. Maxwell York, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at St. Jude’s Hospital, was raised to be the heir to the York family legacy. He’s known as the “Ice King,” but the coldness people perceive is his need for order, for routine, for meticulousness. He’s always known he was different, but he’s amazed to discover just how different—and the lengths to which his mother went to hide this fact.
Max is engaged to be married to Dr. Jax O’Connell, the hospital’s Chief of Trauma. Jax is an adrenaline junkie; he’s never met chaos he hasn’t thrived in. He and Max are opposites, but he knows how to ensure Max isn’t overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Their impending wedding has brought out the ultimate worst in Max’s mother. She is determined that the wedding will put the York family in the best light possible, even if it is as far from the grooms’ desires as possible. Yet with the help of Max’s brother Preston and his boyfriend Luke, they’re determined to get their way, no matter what they must do to their mother.
The wedding is causing everything to fall apart, even the marriage of Max and Preston’s parents. But for the first time, the ulterior motive isn’t money or appearances. It’s love and happiness. For everyone.
This book was so wonderful and it made me sad that the series is ending. There are parts of the book that made me laugh and other parts that made me sad, made me think of how I would handle these issues if it were my family. Just a spectacular trilogy.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Dr. Maxwell York, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at St. Jude’s Hospital, was raised to be the heir to the York family legacy. He’s known as the “Ice King,” but the coldness people perceive is his need for order, for routine, for meticulousness. He’s always known he was different, but he’s amazed to discover just how different—and the lengths to which his mother went to hide this fact.
Max is engaged to be married to Dr. Jax O’Connell, the hospital’s Chief of Trauma. Jax is an adrenaline junkie; he’s never met chaos he hasn’t thrived in. He and Max are opposites, but he knows how to ensure Max isn’t overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Their impending wedding has brought out the ultimate worst in Max’s mother. She is determined that the wedding will put the York family in the best light possible, even if it is as far from the grooms’ desires as possible. Yet with the help of Max’s brother Preston and his boyfriend Luke, they’re determined to get their way, no matter what they must do to their mother.
The wedding is causing everything to fall apart, even the marriage of Max and Preston’s parents. But for the first time, the ulterior motive isn’t money or appearances. It’s love and happiness. For everyone.
This book was so wonderful and it made me sad that the series is ending. There are parts of the book that made me laugh and other parts that made me sad, made me think of how I would handle these issues if it were my family. Just a spectacular trilogy.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
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