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L.A. Metro #3
Wounded Souls
Dr. Ashlee Logan’s world changed forever on a snowy December night in Boston. She has spent the last two years on the road, trying to escape the memory of that fateful night. With only her Great Dane, Drake, as her companion, she has worked her way across country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, working as an ER physician along the way.
While serving her country, former Navy doctor Dale Parker had her life shattered in a single moment on a hot, windswept desert roadside. Now, three years later, although her physical wounds have healed, Dale is forever changed by the experience. Struggling with her self-image, she has dedicated her second chance at life to helping other wounded veterans.
LA Metropolitan Hospital brings the two women together. Drawn together as kindred spirits, neither wants to face the stirring of emotions the other woman invokes.
Together can Dale and Logan move past the horrific events of their pasts, or are they forever destined to be… Wounded Souls?
Length - 87,000 words
While serving her country, former Navy doctor Dale Parker had her life shattered in a single moment on a hot, windswept desert roadside. Now, three years later, although her physical wounds have healed, Dale is forever changed by the experience. Struggling with her self-image, she has dedicated her second chance at life to helping other wounded veterans.
LA Metropolitan Hospital brings the two women together. Drawn together as kindred spirits, neither wants to face the stirring of emotions the other woman invokes.
Together can Dale and Logan move past the horrific events of their pasts, or are they forever destined to be… Wounded Souls?
Length - 87,000 words
326 pages, ebook
First published March 30, 2016
39 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Nolan
13 books186 followersRJ Nolan lives in the United States with her spouse and their Great Dane. She makes frequent visits to the California coast near her home. The sight and sound of the surf always stir her muse. When not writing, she enjoys reading, camping, and the occasional trip to Disneyland. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 17, 2016
A nice continuation of the LA Metro series, but with very little participation of the characters from previous installments. So little that Wounded Souls can work as a standalone. That's too bad, but doesn't diminish the quality of this story and its main characters. Not-perfect-body main characters are in fact very refreshing in the sea of Divine Proportion/Golden Ratio characters of lesfic.
Dale and Logan are kind people with a lot of baggage from the past. They are truly wounded souls as the title indicates. The good thing is that Nolan quite successfully leads her protagonists to their happy ending without unrealistically reducing real-life problems and situations.
I recommend this book, and am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
4 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Dale and Logan are kind people with a lot of baggage from the past. They are truly wounded souls as the title indicates. The good thing is that Nolan quite successfully leads her protagonists to their happy ending without unrealistically reducing real-life problems and situations.
I recommend this book, and am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
4 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 22, 2018
Book 3 and the final chapter of the L.A. Metro series was a great read. Like book 2 this is more of a super slow burn because there are some very valid reasons as to why both Dale and Logan are so guarded. Having experienced some very traumatic events in their personal lives they both have a tendency of keeping everyone at arms length.. literally!
Like L.A. Metro and In a Heartbeat I read through this in what felt like a single breath. The author does an amazing job of keeping you hooked and not once did it feel like the story dragged on. It was refreshing to read about these two women who have an abundance of physical and emotional scars. The story felt so much more real because there was no mention of a woman in perfect shape with perfect fashion sense that had the perfect job.
People simply aren't perfect but this story shows that despite that, it's still very much possible to find or create your own happily ever after.
Though the main characters from the first two books make small cameo's, this book can be read as a standalone. It ends for me with a solid 4* rating.
Like L.A. Metro and In a Heartbeat I read through this in what felt like a single breath. The author does an amazing job of keeping you hooked and not once did it feel like the story dragged on. It was refreshing to read about these two women who have an abundance of physical and emotional scars. The story felt so much more real because there was no mention of a woman in perfect shape with perfect fashion sense that had the perfect job.
People simply aren't perfect but this story shows that despite that, it's still very much possible to find or create your own happily ever after.
Though the main characters from the first two books make small cameo's, this book can be read as a standalone. It ends for me with a solid 4* rating.
October 6, 2019
Note: When I first read this I didn't rate or write a review. A few years ago I added it and rated it from memory. Upon re-read I've lowered it to 4.5 Stars. It doesn't quite make my current requirements 5 Stars. Read my 2019 review for the audiobook.
March 12, 2019
And another 4*!
Update (I was interrupted while writing my review and stopped at the first sentence): I've said it before, I love the way R. J. Nolan doesn't shy away from sensitive issues and how delicately she deals with them. Some of the issues she decides to write about should make her books difficult to read but they don't, they just make the characters stronger. Very empowering.
Update (I was interrupted while writing my review and stopped at the first sentence): I've said it before, I love the way R. J. Nolan doesn't shy away from sensitive issues and how delicately she deals with them. Some of the issues she decides to write about should make her books difficult to read but they don't, they just make the characters stronger. Very empowering.
November 3, 2019
4.5 Stars for the audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe (4 Star narration). I first read the ebook in 2016. Nolan originally posted the LA Metropolitan trilogy online. #1 & #2 were eventually published except for #3 “Entwined Lives” which was a continuation story of Sam and Riley and Kim and Jess. All three online stories were removed by request of the author when she published LA Metro.
L.A. Metro #3 “Wounded Souls” focuses on ER doctors, Ashlee Logan and Ex-Navy doctor Dale Parker. While the main characters of books 1 & 2 make appearances (Jess & Kim and Riley & Sam), this book could be read as a standalone as the focus is on Logan and Dale. But I must add Logan’s dog, Drake as the other main character. He plays and integral part in this story. Standalone or not, I highly recommend the previous two books on their own merits.
Logan (who NEVER goes by Ashlee) is a Temp doctor. She works for an agency that places physicians where they are needed for a few weeks, filling in for the resident doctors while they are on vacation or medical leaves. For the last two years Logan has been traveling all over the US, in a RV trailer with her Great Dane, Drake. This six week stop is at the Los Angeles Metro ER department’s night shift. Logan is an excellent doctor but a loner, never making friends in the short time she spends at each stop. While Jess McKenna is the overall head of the ER, Dr. Dale Parker is in charge of the night shift. She is an excellent under pressure and tough on her residents, as what you would expect from an in-charge ER doctor.
And so, begins this well written, slow burn romance. Despite their flaws, both characters are very likable. Dale is able to break down enough of the Logan’s walls she has erected to become good friends. However, despite their mutual attraction, becoming more than just friends, is held back by the secrets kept by both parties. Dale was injured in Afghanistan and she hides her scars and injury from her work colleagues (I’m assuming Jess knows). Dale volunteers at the VA hospital, and it’s the one place where she feels uninhibited about her body issues. We don’t find out exactly why Logan never sets down roots until later in the story. One of the driving forces that brings these two Wounded Souls together, believe it or not is Logan’s Great Dane, Drake. Through circumstances, Drake and Dale’s best friend Casey play a part in getting these two together.
While I liked this book (in both ebook & audio formats), I enjoyed the previous books in the series L.A. Metro and In a Heartbeat more. But you can’t go wrong reading this book.
I’m not sure if Nolan is actively writing. This was her last book and it was first published in 2016. I sure hope she continues to write new stories. I wouldn’t mind reading more about Casey, who deserves a HEA.
L.A. Metro #3 “Wounded Souls” focuses on ER doctors, Ashlee Logan and Ex-Navy doctor Dale Parker. While the main characters of books 1 & 2 make appearances (Jess & Kim and Riley & Sam), this book could be read as a standalone as the focus is on Logan and Dale. But I must add Logan’s dog, Drake as the other main character. He plays and integral part in this story. Standalone or not, I highly recommend the previous two books on their own merits.
Logan (who NEVER goes by Ashlee) is a Temp doctor. She works for an agency that places physicians where they are needed for a few weeks, filling in for the resident doctors while they are on vacation or medical leaves. For the last two years Logan has been traveling all over the US, in a RV trailer with her Great Dane, Drake. This six week stop is at the Los Angeles Metro ER department’s night shift. Logan is an excellent doctor but a loner, never making friends in the short time she spends at each stop. While Jess McKenna is the overall head of the ER, Dr. Dale Parker is in charge of the night shift. She is an excellent under pressure and tough on her residents, as what you would expect from an in-charge ER doctor.
And so, begins this well written, slow burn romance. Despite their flaws, both characters are very likable. Dale is able to break down enough of the Logan’s walls she has erected to become good friends. However, despite their mutual attraction, becoming more than just friends, is held back by the secrets kept by both parties. Dale was injured in Afghanistan and she hides her scars and injury from her work colleagues (I’m assuming Jess knows). Dale volunteers at the VA hospital, and it’s the one place where she feels uninhibited about her body issues. We don’t find out exactly why Logan never sets down roots until later in the story. One of the driving forces that brings these two Wounded Souls together, believe it or not is Logan’s Great Dane, Drake. Through circumstances, Drake and Dale’s best friend Casey play a part in getting these two together.
While I liked this book (in both ebook & audio formats), I enjoyed the previous books in the series L.A. Metro and In a Heartbeat more. But you can’t go wrong reading this book.
I’m not sure if Nolan is actively writing. This was her last book and it was first published in 2016. I sure hope she continues to write new stories. I wouldn’t mind reading more about Casey, who deserves a HEA.
June 28, 2019
I actually felt a little sad as I finished reading Wounded Souls (L.A. Metro 3) by R.J. Nolan. I’m sad because I’ve become invested in the characters and the stories in this series, and I know that this is the last in from this series. These characters have become like good friends that I’m afraid I may not see again.
In Wounded Souls we are again at L.A. Metropolitan Hospital where we meet two doctors who work in Emergency. Former Navy doctor Dale Parker has worked the night shift in the ER since she’s physically recovered from wounds she sustained in the desert of Afghanistan. Ashlee Logan is hired as a temporary ER doctor to cover a doctor who is forced to go on an early maternity leave. Logan has worked her way from Boston to L.A. over the past two years with only her Great Dane Drake as her companion. Both women are still recovering from traumas that have changed their lives completely in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Both are also dealing with insecurities that could affect a budding attraction and possible relationship between the two.
I really enjoyed reading their story. It is a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling and possibly shedding tears at the same time. Ms. Nolan did a superb job developing these characters with their back stories and the effects those pasts have on their present. I loved how the secondary characters, their friends, co-workers, and even Drake the Great Dane helped the two overcome their pasts and come together as a couple. It’s just a beautiful story and is going into my favorites folder.
I always believe that if you are going to read a book from a series, you should start at the beginning of the series and work your way through. I encourage you to do that with the L.A. Metro series. They are all great stories. However, I will mention that this book actually could be read as a standalone story. The characters from the other books do show up here as secondary characters, but it is not necessary to know their stories to read this book. I am very glad that I read the books and stories in order, and I encourage you to do the same.
I received this book as an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
In Wounded Souls we are again at L.A. Metropolitan Hospital where we meet two doctors who work in Emergency. Former Navy doctor Dale Parker has worked the night shift in the ER since she’s physically recovered from wounds she sustained in the desert of Afghanistan. Ashlee Logan is hired as a temporary ER doctor to cover a doctor who is forced to go on an early maternity leave. Logan has worked her way from Boston to L.A. over the past two years with only her Great Dane Drake as her companion. Both women are still recovering from traumas that have changed their lives completely in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Both are also dealing with insecurities that could affect a budding attraction and possible relationship between the two.
I really enjoyed reading their story. It is a heartwarming tale that will leave you smiling and possibly shedding tears at the same time. Ms. Nolan did a superb job developing these characters with their back stories and the effects those pasts have on their present. I loved how the secondary characters, their friends, co-workers, and even Drake the Great Dane helped the two overcome their pasts and come together as a couple. It’s just a beautiful story and is going into my favorites folder.
I always believe that if you are going to read a book from a series, you should start at the beginning of the series and work your way through. I encourage you to do that with the L.A. Metro series. They are all great stories. However, I will mention that this book actually could be read as a standalone story. The characters from the other books do show up here as secondary characters, but it is not necessary to know their stories to read this book. I am very glad that I read the books and stories in order, and I encourage you to do the same.
I received this book as an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
March 28, 2016
RJ Nolan is one of the authors that I really look forward to reading. She always writes a well-rounded story with great characters that are interesting and multi-faceted. While this is the third installment of the LA Metro series, this book could easily be a stand-alone.
Dr. Ashlee Logan is on a temporary assignment filling in for another ER doctor at LA Metro. She takes jobs across the country working for six weeks or less. She absolutely refuses to live any place longer. Logan is running from her past, she feels as though she does not deserve to have friends or anything more than basic human interaction. All she has and all she needs is her dog, Drake and to work.
Dr. Dale Parker is another ER doctor and also a war veteran. She has seen a lifetime of pain. Dale works tirelessly to cover her physical wounds, and because of this she sees a kinship when Dr. Logan arrives to work the night-shift. As much as she wants to ignore her attraction to the mysterious doctor she can’t.
This book has everything a good romance needs, but what really makes it a knockout, is Nolan takes her time letting the reader get to know the two protagonists. She develops their relationship, slowly letting you really get to know each of the two doctors, and developing their friendship. You cannot help but to route for these two ladies to find happiness. While both of them have had major traumatic life experiences, the have each handled their pain in different ways. They work as a great team in the ER, and that helps them outside of the hospital as well. You want to see them find their way to each other. This is a fantastic book, and if you were a fan of the LA Metro series before you will be delighted. If you haven’t read them, that is okay too, this book will be well worth your time!
4.5 stars out of 5
I was kindly given this book by Netgalley and Ylva Publishing in return for an honest review.
Dr. Ashlee Logan is on a temporary assignment filling in for another ER doctor at LA Metro. She takes jobs across the country working for six weeks or less. She absolutely refuses to live any place longer. Logan is running from her past, she feels as though she does not deserve to have friends or anything more than basic human interaction. All she has and all she needs is her dog, Drake and to work.
Dr. Dale Parker is another ER doctor and also a war veteran. She has seen a lifetime of pain. Dale works tirelessly to cover her physical wounds, and because of this she sees a kinship when Dr. Logan arrives to work the night-shift. As much as she wants to ignore her attraction to the mysterious doctor she can’t.
This book has everything a good romance needs, but what really makes it a knockout, is Nolan takes her time letting the reader get to know the two protagonists. She develops their relationship, slowly letting you really get to know each of the two doctors, and developing their friendship. You cannot help but to route for these two ladies to find happiness. While both of them have had major traumatic life experiences, the have each handled their pain in different ways. They work as a great team in the ER, and that helps them outside of the hospital as well. You want to see them find their way to each other. This is a fantastic book, and if you were a fan of the LA Metro series before you will be delighted. If you haven’t read them, that is okay too, this book will be well worth your time!
4.5 stars out of 5
I was kindly given this book by Netgalley and Ylva Publishing in return for an honest review.
March 31, 2016
3.5 Stars
I was reluctant to read this third book in R.J. Nolan’s LA Metro series but when others assured me it could be read as a standalone novel I took the chance. Characters from the two previous novels do make brief appearances in Wounded Souls but this is Dale and Logan’s book, heart and soul.
There is a lot to like in this novel. R.J. Nolan has a nice descriptive writing style. The scenes with Dale and Logan working in the emergency department and the VA rehab centre feel authentic. There is enough knowledge transfer to inform but not bore the reader. That takes talent. How Logan manages to live her nomadic life in a 24 ft recreational vehicle with a Great Dane as her sidekick is also handled honestly and in an entertaining way. I appreciated the author pointing out the challenges owning a giant dog can have for its owner. I looked forward to every scene with Drake. He is the third main character in this love story.
Nolan takes her time developing the relationship between Logan and Dale and the reader is given plenty of insight into the characters, their pasts and their anxieties. Body image issues merge with ghosts from the past to make the choice of title for this novel so fitting. When all is resolved the HEA we readers are hoping for is rewarding. Those of us who don’t fit the perfect lesbian leads in most lesfic romance novels applaud this daring challenge to present real women in a romantic setting. Well done.
I did have some issues with the story. Logan comes across as cold and distant for a good portion of the novel, hiding a secret from her past and I found myself struggling to see what Dale could see in her detached co-worker. Logan’s reluctance to explain her reasons for her behaviour did not jibe with the otherwise confident woman. Not just miscommunication but total lack of communication by both women went on longer than necessary in my opinion. We do eventually get our HEA but the ending felt prolonged.
One final niggle. Initially I got a kick out of the author’s ability to dress up the usual romance novel technique for signalling arousal, the darkening iris. In Wounded Souls, Dale’s eyes when aroused became streaked with blue. Logan’s “topaz-brown eyes darkened, making the golden starbursts surrounding her irises appear to glow” 3316. I loved this addition to the usual eye darkening we see when love is in the air. Too bad this streaking and star bursting was mentioned on more than one occasion and lost its beauty slipping close to a drinking game parody.
Kudos to the author for raising awareness of the challenges faced by our wounded veterans and the women they love. Wounded Souls is an entertaining addition to the LA Metro series. Now I want to read the second book in the series.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via Net Galley.
I was reluctant to read this third book in R.J. Nolan’s LA Metro series but when others assured me it could be read as a standalone novel I took the chance. Characters from the two previous novels do make brief appearances in Wounded Souls but this is Dale and Logan’s book, heart and soul.
There is a lot to like in this novel. R.J. Nolan has a nice descriptive writing style. The scenes with Dale and Logan working in the emergency department and the VA rehab centre feel authentic. There is enough knowledge transfer to inform but not bore the reader. That takes talent. How Logan manages to live her nomadic life in a 24 ft recreational vehicle with a Great Dane as her sidekick is also handled honestly and in an entertaining way. I appreciated the author pointing out the challenges owning a giant dog can have for its owner. I looked forward to every scene with Drake. He is the third main character in this love story.
Nolan takes her time developing the relationship between Logan and Dale and the reader is given plenty of insight into the characters, their pasts and their anxieties. Body image issues merge with ghosts from the past to make the choice of title for this novel so fitting. When all is resolved the HEA we readers are hoping for is rewarding. Those of us who don’t fit the perfect lesbian leads in most lesfic romance novels applaud this daring challenge to present real women in a romantic setting. Well done.
I did have some issues with the story. Logan comes across as cold and distant for a good portion of the novel, hiding a secret from her past and I found myself struggling to see what Dale could see in her detached co-worker. Logan’s reluctance to explain her reasons for her behaviour did not jibe with the otherwise confident woman. Not just miscommunication but total lack of communication by both women went on longer than necessary in my opinion. We do eventually get our HEA but the ending felt prolonged.
One final niggle. Initially I got a kick out of the author’s ability to dress up the usual romance novel technique for signalling arousal, the darkening iris. In Wounded Souls, Dale’s eyes when aroused became streaked with blue. Logan’s “topaz-brown eyes darkened, making the golden starbursts surrounding her irises appear to glow” 3316. I loved this addition to the usual eye darkening we see when love is in the air. Too bad this streaking and star bursting was mentioned on more than one occasion and lost its beauty slipping close to a drinking game parody.
Kudos to the author for raising awareness of the challenges faced by our wounded veterans and the women they love. Wounded Souls is an entertaining addition to the LA Metro series. Now I want to read the second book in the series.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via Net Galley.
May 7, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Wounded Souls. Not having read the previous two books in the L.A. Metro series, this was a perfect standalone book. (From what other reviewers have mentioned, this has cameo appearances from couples from the previous books).
Whilst the main characters had flaws, hang-ups and low self-esteem they were real. They were both facing their own personal demons and together they were able to accomplish them.
I loved the medical cases/jargon, description of the VA hospital and learning about various programs offered to the wounded veterans.
Casey and Drake were great supporting characters also.
All in all, a great book. 4.5 stars.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
Whilst the main characters had flaws, hang-ups and low self-esteem they were real. They were both facing their own personal demons and together they were able to accomplish them.
I loved the medical cases/jargon, description of the VA hospital and learning about various programs offered to the wounded veterans.
Casey and Drake were great supporting characters also.
All in all, a great book. 4.5 stars.
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
December 2, 2018
Wounded Souls is well written with an easy style that keeps the pages turning despite the sometimes difficult subject matter. Because I loved the first two books in the series, I was happy to see where Jess and Kim from L.A. Metro and Sam and Riley from In a Heartbeat are now.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/woun...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/woun...
September 27, 2022
4.5 This was third in the series. I enjoyed it more than the second book but not as much as the first one! I listened to the audiobook, and anything narrated by Angela Dawe hooks me in!
R.J. Nolan captured my attention and I enjoyed the story, especially the slow burn. Logan and Dale, with their mutual attraction, gradually melted the ice as the trust grew between them.
R.J. Nolan captured my attention and I enjoyed the story, especially the slow burn. Logan and Dale, with their mutual attraction, gradually melted the ice as the trust grew between them.
May 8, 2021
Class writer, class book and class series. Interweaves other characters without angst whilst playing the emotions to their height. Hankies at the ready! Love it. Better on second Read!!😀
June 26, 2019
I purchased the ebook and audiobook and thought both were awesome. This one is my favorite in the series and they have all been great. I loved getting to have glimpses of characters from the previous two books. I did however enjoy these characters most, and think they made a great couple. The entire book in both forms was fantastic.
February 4, 2023
I loved the first book in this series, L.A. Metro but DNF'd the second book, In a Heartbeat. I went into this one a tad apprehensive but I really enjoyed Logan and Dale's story.
Both characters have some serious trauma so their romance is slow to build. When I say slow, I mean sllllloooooooowwwww but it just makes the ending so much more satisfying. I love a good character-driven story and this was definitely it. I'm partial to a medical setting romance too, and I found that this had a perfect balance of the hospital setting but without too much medical jargon thrown in.
All in all, a great romance that ended the series well. Great narration by Angela Dawe, too!
Both characters have some serious trauma so their romance is slow to build. When I say slow, I mean sllllloooooooowwwww but it just makes the ending so much more satisfying. I love a good character-driven story and this was definitely it. I'm partial to a medical setting romance too, and I found that this had a perfect balance of the hospital setting but without too much medical jargon thrown in.
All in all, a great romance that ended the series well. Great narration by Angela Dawe, too!
June 1, 2016
I have read the other books in this series, but you don't need to it holds up as a stand alone book. Nice build up of trust between the characters. Loved the interactions with the Great Dane.
April 11, 2016
Good novel but not as good as the previous books in the series
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read most of RJ Nolan books and with this, all of the LA Metro series. Even though the book is well written and edited, I didn't like it as much as the previous two in the series. The characters were well developed and the issues of veterans and body image were handled with respect and knowledge. However, the characters angst and issues seemed to drag for too long and then, suddendly solved in a short time. In my opinion, the main characters chemistry didn't work so well as the story didn't flow smoothly.
It was good to see the appearance (though minimal) of some of the characters from the previous books of the series. Also, the introduction of the Great Dane dog as a secondary (that sometimes felt like main) character gives a break to the story angst and introduces some humour and cuteness (and I'm not a dog person!). RJ Nolan's love for Great Danes transpires in this novel.
Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it but, even though this novel stands by itself, I suggest to read the series in order. I'll definetely read a new installment of the series.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read most of RJ Nolan books and with this, all of the LA Metro series. Even though the book is well written and edited, I didn't like it as much as the previous two in the series. The characters were well developed and the issues of veterans and body image were handled with respect and knowledge. However, the characters angst and issues seemed to drag for too long and then, suddendly solved in a short time. In my opinion, the main characters chemistry didn't work so well as the story didn't flow smoothly.
It was good to see the appearance (though minimal) of some of the characters from the previous books of the series. Also, the introduction of the Great Dane dog as a secondary (that sometimes felt like main) character gives a break to the story angst and introduces some humour and cuteness (and I'm not a dog person!). RJ Nolan's love for Great Danes transpires in this novel.
Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it but, even though this novel stands by itself, I suggest to read the series in order. I'll definetely read a new installment of the series.
March 30, 2016
A top-notch story!
Two wounded souls drawn together by their shared pain! Logan is restless and harbors a dark secret. She is determine never to get close to anyone ever again. Can she finally stop running from the past? Dale has her own pain from the past and she has given up finding happiness again. Dale thinks she can never be the woman she was once before. They deal both in their own way with tormenting memories. The characters are, as in all her other books, very captivating and real. They are characters you care about. The story plot is excellent and the writing is smooth. Illustrating the hardships of having a disability is done in a superb way. It was really lovely how it all played out. Specially the first intimate moment together. This is a beautiful story of love being able to conquer it all. The only thing I regret is that we get to see so little of the key players from the previous parts. But hey, that's because I love all the characters from this series and I like to keep track of their life. Again a top-notch story by this author.
Two wounded souls drawn together by their shared pain! Logan is restless and harbors a dark secret. She is determine never to get close to anyone ever again. Can she finally stop running from the past? Dale has her own pain from the past and she has given up finding happiness again. Dale thinks she can never be the woman she was once before. They deal both in their own way with tormenting memories. The characters are, as in all her other books, very captivating and real. They are characters you care about. The story plot is excellent and the writing is smooth. Illustrating the hardships of having a disability is done in a superb way. It was really lovely how it all played out. Specially the first intimate moment together. This is a beautiful story of love being able to conquer it all. The only thing I regret is that we get to see so little of the key players from the previous parts. But hey, that's because I love all the characters from this series and I like to keep track of their life. Again a top-notch story by this author.
February 26, 2019
This book is exactly what I needed. I really loved the love story of Dale and Logan. This book had most of what I look for when I read a romance. There was a good story line (both characters are flawed), the MCs are attracted to each other and have plenty of chemistry. The sex was good (but wish it had more) and I liked the ending. I did have one issue. I had a hard time with the names of the MCs. I could never remember who was who and had to keep repeating the characteristics of each to get them straight. It could be because one refused to use her first name and the other hated to be called by her last. I did still enjoyed it and read this one quickly.
July 11, 2024
Hmm. This rating feels low, but it's what fits. I enjoyed the writing and the characters and the setting, but somehow I found this romance far less compelling than the previous book in the series. Just didn't hit me emotionally, which was weird, because I felt like I could constantly see the ways in which the book was trying to hit me emotionally. The story is about two really damaged women, both doctors, who eventually open up and find each other. It's a lovely story, but just not as effective as I think it was meant to be.
Dale is a veteran and a current ER doctor, scarred from her time in the army. Logan is a traveling ER doctor, taking up various posts where she's needed, never staying in one place for a long time. They meet when Logan is posted to Dale's hospital, and start a very slow moving friendship, which eventually turns into a romance. They're both pretty closed off when it comes to different aspects of their life. Logan especially has no desire to get closer to anyone, and the reader can quickly tell that she's punishing herself for something that happened in the past. Dale is a lot friendlier, and makes overtures towards Logan, but she's also keeping parts of herself back out of habit. I really did like the first parts of the relationship, how slow and organically it builds up. That's one thing that I think this author is really good at. I loved seeing them move from strangers, to acquaintances, to competent co-workers, to reluctant friends, and onward and upward. I love that in a romance, when it feels like we get to see every part of the romantic development. Logan has a huge dog who's a really great character, and some of my favourite scenes involved him.
But I don't know. When it came down to it, I just didn't love this in the ways that I thought I would in the beginning. The heaviness of both their backstories, and the ways they keep holding themselves back... it started to feel almost artificial? I don't know. Like, I loved the issues that we discussed and explored through their trauma, but something about it just didn't feel authentic. I can't explain it and I can't even say exactly what I thought was wrong about it. I guess this is just me being picky. Lol. The way the narrative spoke about random side characters rubbed me the wrong way. I feel like the colour of their eyes was mentioned waaaay too much. It got kind of irritating. Then some of the romantic writing was good, but it was also really cheesy. Like, they'd both be so surprised when the other woman would accept something about her with no reservations, and the book made it out to be this ground-breaking thing... and it just didn't feel like it? Again, this could just be me being picky.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Angela Dawe, and as always, I really love her narration. Unfortunately, it couldn't really break me out of my almost apathy for this book. It started off really well, but then as we moved on, it started feeling almost formulaic, and again, just kind of cheesy, and I didn't love it as much as I wanted to. Definitely not a bad book, but not my favourite.
Dale is a veteran and a current ER doctor, scarred from her time in the army. Logan is a traveling ER doctor, taking up various posts where she's needed, never staying in one place for a long time. They meet when Logan is posted to Dale's hospital, and start a very slow moving friendship, which eventually turns into a romance. They're both pretty closed off when it comes to different aspects of their life. Logan especially has no desire to get closer to anyone, and the reader can quickly tell that she's punishing herself for something that happened in the past. Dale is a lot friendlier, and makes overtures towards Logan, but she's also keeping parts of herself back out of habit. I really did like the first parts of the relationship, how slow and organically it builds up. That's one thing that I think this author is really good at. I loved seeing them move from strangers, to acquaintances, to competent co-workers, to reluctant friends, and onward and upward. I love that in a romance, when it feels like we get to see every part of the romantic development. Logan has a huge dog who's a really great character, and some of my favourite scenes involved him.
But I don't know. When it came down to it, I just didn't love this in the ways that I thought I would in the beginning. The heaviness of both their backstories, and the ways they keep holding themselves back... it started to feel almost artificial? I don't know. Like, I loved the issues that we discussed and explored through their trauma, but something about it just didn't feel authentic. I can't explain it and I can't even say exactly what I thought was wrong about it. I guess this is just me being picky. Lol. The way the narrative spoke about random side characters rubbed me the wrong way. I feel like the colour of their eyes was mentioned waaaay too much. It got kind of irritating. Then some of the romantic writing was good, but it was also really cheesy. Like, they'd both be so surprised when the other woman would accept something about her with no reservations, and the book made it out to be this ground-breaking thing... and it just didn't feel like it? Again, this could just be me being picky.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Angela Dawe, and as always, I really love her narration. Unfortunately, it couldn't really break me out of my almost apathy for this book. It started off really well, but then as we moved on, it started feeling almost formulaic, and again, just kind of cheesy, and I didn't love it as much as I wanted to. Definitely not a bad book, but not my favourite.
August 19, 2022
This is a very good romance set in a hospital. One of the characters is a veteran with an amputation. The narration is excellent.
March 24, 2016
Detailed score: 3.5
Wounded Souls, while technically being part of the 'LA Metro' series is stand alone. It contains some fleeting references to our leads from previous LA Metro books but nothing that would leave new comers to the series confused. I actually feel like this book could have benefitted from greater immersion in the now familiar, warm world of our previously-introduced LA Metro family - I loved the world that was created in previous La Metro books and, given this book is presented as being part of this series, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to have been given a little more than a fleeting reference. I say this, because I really feel this book was missing some of the warmth and depth of the first two books in this series.
I must give the author kudos for delving into a particularly nuanced and sensitive world - the physical, mental and emotional experience of veterans injured in battle - with one of our leads being an amputee. I did feel like there was a little agenda pushing going on but not unforgivably so, and the benefits of having a lead that wasn't a lesbian adonis as is so often the case in lesrom land was a pleasing change.
The main reason I have marked down rather than marked up was that I found that the character angst preventing our leads from coming together was resolved much too easily. Ugh. I can't say much without spoilers but... seriously... one conversation and poof! all gone?! I just could not overlook that. Plus I found the language overly melodramatic at times - it really took me out of the story and lost some of the realism and sense of connection with the characters.
Overall - This book is good and worth a read but fans of the LA Metro series should not go into this book expecting more of the same. Good not great.
Wounded Souls, while technically being part of the 'LA Metro' series is stand alone. It contains some fleeting references to our leads from previous LA Metro books but nothing that would leave new comers to the series confused. I actually feel like this book could have benefitted from greater immersion in the now familiar, warm world of our previously-introduced LA Metro family - I loved the world that was created in previous La Metro books and, given this book is presented as being part of this series, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to have been given a little more than a fleeting reference. I say this, because I really feel this book was missing some of the warmth and depth of the first two books in this series.
I must give the author kudos for delving into a particularly nuanced and sensitive world - the physical, mental and emotional experience of veterans injured in battle - with one of our leads being an amputee. I did feel like there was a little agenda pushing going on but not unforgivably so, and the benefits of having a lead that wasn't a lesbian adonis as is so often the case in lesrom land was a pleasing change.
The main reason I have marked down rather than marked up was that I found that the character angst preventing our leads from coming together was resolved much too easily. Ugh. I can't say much without spoilers but... seriously... one conversation and poof! all gone?! I just could not overlook that. Plus I found the language overly melodramatic at times - it really took me out of the story and lost some of the realism and sense of connection with the characters.
Overall - This book is good and worth a read but fans of the LA Metro series should not go into this book expecting more of the same. Good not great.
April 14, 2016
Nice third installment in the L.A. Metro series, a medical romance between two doctors that happens to carry a lot of baggage. Unfortunately for me, there is a very little presence of the previous main characters.
November 15, 2020
Definitely a good book. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2017
*Free copy provided by the publisher for an honest review*
This book took me slightly longer to get through than the other books in the series which was mainly due to the fact that I wasn't as invested in the characters as I was in the first two books.
There was a lot about Logan that I couldn't connect with which I guess was due to the author trying to create mystery around her character. Once I knew Logan's story I understood her better but then her actions afterwards didn't fit with the character that the author spent the whole book creating.
I liked Dale a lot more than Logan but would have liked for their to have been more of a build up of chemistry between Logan and Dale because I didn't feel like they progressed past a crush before they were suddenly in love.
What I have said above doesn't make this a bad story to read because the author is very good at telling a story it just made this story not as good as the first two books.
*3.5 stars
This book took me slightly longer to get through than the other books in the series which was mainly due to the fact that I wasn't as invested in the characters as I was in the first two books.
There was a lot about Logan that I couldn't connect with which I guess was due to the author trying to create mystery around her character. Once I knew Logan's story I understood her better but then her actions afterwards didn't fit with the character that the author spent the whole book creating.
I liked Dale a lot more than Logan but would have liked for their to have been more of a build up of chemistry between Logan and Dale because I didn't feel like they progressed past a crush before they were suddenly in love.
What I have said above doesn't make this a bad story to read because the author is very good at telling a story it just made this story not as good as the first two books.
*3.5 stars
April 8, 2016
Wow and wow again!
Ok I loved this book and even read it in an afternoon which is a new record for me. A few surprises as well. All i'm willing to say is.....Sam pregnant!! Ok that was the biggest. It says there's only three books in the series. RJ you can't leave it here. So many questions. Please need a fourth. Back to the book. I literally couldn't put it down, whenever I thought it would be a good time to take a break I couldn't because something else was happening. Can't wait for another great book from this wonderful author. Thank you for an awesome read.
Ok I loved this book and even read it in an afternoon which is a new record for me. A few surprises as well. All i'm willing to say is.....Sam pregnant!! Ok that was the biggest. It says there's only three books in the series. RJ you can't leave it here. So many questions. Please need a fourth. Back to the book. I literally couldn't put it down, whenever I thought it would be a good time to take a break I couldn't because something else was happening. Can't wait for another great book from this wonderful author. Thank you for an awesome read.
July 5, 2017
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.
This one is definitely my favorite from the LA Metro series so far. The whole scenario between the two main characters felt very realistic and the pace on how they fell for each other and acted on their attraction. They both had their problems and they worked through it in a believable pace and manner. I also liked that nurses and EMT's and other medical professionals, other than physicians were portrait in a nicer way than they were in the first book, LA Metro.
It was also nice that the characters from the previous books came back and the reader got a climbs in their lives.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book.
This one is definitely my favorite from the LA Metro series so far. The whole scenario between the two main characters felt very realistic and the pace on how they fell for each other and acted on their attraction. They both had their problems and they worked through it in a believable pace and manner. I also liked that nurses and EMT's and other medical professionals, other than physicians were portrait in a nicer way than they were in the first book, LA Metro.
It was also nice that the characters from the previous books came back and the reader got a climbs in their lives.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book.
July 1, 2019
Wounded Souls the 3rd (and sadly it seems the last) book of RJ Nolan's L.A. Metro series is a fabulous medical romance tells the story of Logan and Dale as they struggle with their physical and emotional traumas in their past and learn to trust and accept themselves and each other. Another great workplace friends to lovers success from Nolan. This book can be read or listened to as a standalone (though seriously why would you when books 1 L.A. Metro and 2 In a Heartbeat are equally great books). I can only hope she chooses to continue this series sometime in the future. Angela Dawe once again brings the characters and story to life with her narration.
April 19, 2021
Dale has many wounds and not all are physical. Her friend Cassie has helped her through most of her challenges except for letting someone into her heart. Logan is trying to outrun her grief and guilt. She keeps her distance from everyone. They work well together and have a strong attraction for each other. Logan sees for who she is Dale and accepts her. Together they learn how to move past their fears and insecurities. Love can help to heal their wounds.
LA Metro is a great series of books.
LA Metro is a great series of books.
May 28, 2019
4.5
Really really enjoyed this one.
Medical romance - check. Characters with depth and realistic flaws/imperfections - check. Fuel for angst - check. Slow burn build up - check. Character arcs involving redemption, forgiveness, acceptance. - check. Adorable dog - check. Set in the LA Metro world, we get a glimpse of characters from Nolan's previous books, but this one belongs completely to Ashlee and Dale. Nolan has a remarkable talent for weaving engaging characters and story lines. Strongly recommend this one for anyone who appreciates a slow burn romance that allows the characters to develop and grow - along with some really strong chemistry.
This is a read, re-read, read again kind of book.
Really really enjoyed this one.
Medical romance - check. Characters with depth and realistic flaws/imperfections - check. Fuel for angst - check. Slow burn build up - check. Character arcs involving redemption, forgiveness, acceptance. - check. Adorable dog - check. Set in the LA Metro world, we get a glimpse of characters from Nolan's previous books, but this one belongs completely to Ashlee and Dale. Nolan has a remarkable talent for weaving engaging characters and story lines. Strongly recommend this one for anyone who appreciates a slow burn romance that allows the characters to develop and grow - along with some really strong chemistry.
This is a read, re-read, read again kind of book.
April 20, 2017
Great story that left me wanting more...
Wonderful story, especially considering the subject matter and the sensitive nature of the characters personal issues... I'm a devoted Jess/Kim and Sam/Riley fan, and I REALLY hope Ms. Nolan plans on writing more about those characters, but I think Logan and Dale are worth more stories too... Not going to lie, but I was actually disappointed that Kim/Jess/Riley/Sam didn't feature more prominently in this book... it really was an amazing book and I hope to read more about them in the future...
Wonderful story, especially considering the subject matter and the sensitive nature of the characters personal issues... I'm a devoted Jess/Kim and Sam/Riley fan, and I REALLY hope Ms. Nolan plans on writing more about those characters, but I think Logan and Dale are worth more stories too... Not going to lie, but I was actually disappointed that Kim/Jess/Riley/Sam didn't feature more prominently in this book... it really was an amazing book and I hope to read more about them in the future...
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