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Drake Cody #2
Hard To Breathe
ER doctor and medical researcher Drake Cody has a hidden past no physician is allowed to have... When an injured woman presents to the ER with a report of a fall, Drake reports to police his suspicion that her powerful businessman husband is guilty of domestic violence. Within hours, Drake's medical license and the rights to his breakthrough experimental drug are threatened. Murder, billion-dollar intrigue, and corruption involving the most powerful elements in healthcare threaten Drake's career, those he loves, and his life. Can the law deliver justice, or will it abandon Drake as he battles forces driven by greed and the lust for power? Hard to Breathe provides an insider's exposure to the blast-furnace emotions of critical care medicine and the high-stakes "business" of healthcare and its mega-dollar temptations. Hard to Breathe is a fast-paced, intense, twisting thrill ride involving individuals you care about and medical realities that affect us all.
370 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 2, 2023
Loved!!
The first book Nerve Damage was amazing. This one is also nothing but amazing. If you skipped novel one this fills you in on what had previously happened to an extent as to the continuing misfortune... 4 stars only because of notable mishaps such as typos, I am no language or spelling critic but if I notice I'm sure others have. This is on the ebook version. I believe the printed copy was corrected and didn't have the errors. And I could have done without multiple recaps of the Dr and his wife's misfortune from the previous book . Otherwise it was well executed and I love it. I can't wait to find out Claras plot in the next book even though I really hate her character.
Being in medical this book hits home with the brutality medical staff faces and is overlooked. Domestic violence is noted as well for any trigger warning ⚠️
The first book Nerve Damage was amazing. This one is also nothing but amazing. If you skipped novel one this fills you in on what had previously happened to an extent as to the continuing misfortune... 4 stars only because of notable mishaps such as typos, I am no language or spelling critic but if I notice I'm sure others have. This is on the ebook version. I believe the printed copy was corrected and didn't have the errors. And I could have done without multiple recaps of the Dr and his wife's misfortune from the previous book . Otherwise it was well executed and I love it. I can't wait to find out Claras plot in the next book even though I really hate her character.
Being in medical this book hits home with the brutality medical staff faces and is overlooked. Domestic violence is noted as well for any trigger warning ⚠️
March 18, 2017
As soon as I started reading this it immediately brought back memories of working in an OR and ICU and I found myself reading at the same pace. The title not only applies to the character but your own condition throughout. Combs is an example of someone who has walked the walk, giving it that extra reality. I love the characters and how more is revealed about their past with each new novel. I also like how each chapter is usually based on one of the characters, in relation to the story but also what's going on in their head. The antagonist is just as fascinating as everyone else. Rather than being just the predictable evil one, it gets into the progression of his mishaps and how he just can't help himself. Cody reminds me a bit of Romeo, fortune's foe. This is intense from the get go, and will take you back to the years when it was a thrill to be terrified.
March 15, 2018
Nice continuation of the story
Comfortable reading. Became invested in the characters, anxiously waiting to feel the outcome. Come on book number 3!
Thank you
Comfortable reading. Became invested in the characters, anxiously waiting to feel the outcome. Come on book number 3!
Thank you
January 30, 2022
Author is 2022 St. Paul Library nominee for book #4.
July 18, 2017
The first one was enjoyable, so I expected this one to be the same.
This one actually threw the first one out of the water. Even if one of the villains was meh (Clara was nowhere near as strong and freaky as Meryl, even if delusional highly intelligent women seem to be Combs' wheelhouse in villainy) the other one and the twist involving him were A+. Not just because Dan was sleazy, but because I didn't see this twist coming AT ALL and a reread of little details supports it 100%. As an avid Michael Palmer reader I thought I could call just about every twist in a thriller like this.
Nope. Tom Combs got me, and in a good way: it was a twist that left me cheering for the schemers even if they threw me completely for a loop. There was more positive energy in Hard to Breathe than in Nerve Damage, and I found it more satisfying emotionally and less heartbreak-jarring ... which is not positive or negative so much as just that's what my brain needed to read at the time. I was afraid of some potential bad twists that didn't happen, too.
I really look forward to finding out what happens to Drake now that and where his family goes, as well as the future of D-44 and Rizz. (And FloJo!)
This one actually threw the first one out of the water. Even if one of the villains was meh (Clara was nowhere near as strong and freaky as Meryl, even if delusional highly intelligent women seem to be Combs' wheelhouse in villainy) the other one and the twist involving him were A+. Not just because Dan was sleazy, but because I didn't see this twist coming AT ALL and a reread of little details supports it 100%. As an avid Michael Palmer reader I thought I could call just about every twist in a thriller like this.
Nope. Tom Combs got me, and in a good way: it was a twist that left me cheering for the schemers even if they threw me completely for a loop. There was more positive energy in Hard to Breathe than in Nerve Damage, and I found it more satisfying emotionally and less heartbreak-jarring ... which is not positive or negative so much as just that's what my brain needed to read at the time. I was afraid of some potential bad twists that didn't happen, too.
I really look forward to finding out what happens to Drake now that and where his family goes, as well as the future of D-44 and Rizz. (And FloJo!)
June 16, 2023
Hard to Breathe, book 2 of Tom Combs’ Drake Cody series. It was a quick and interesting read, I have the next two books in the series in my to read next pile.
The Drake Cody series is about a doctor named Drake Cody who lives in Minneapolis and works as an ER doctor and is doing research on a new drug. In the first book it goes over his past and his struggles that seem to follow him. In this book the past catches up to him and finds himself in a spot of trouble.
I like this book because it’s an easy read and interesting storyline. I like that the characters are always unique and that he has a good home and friend life with little drama. I also like that the storyline is continuously moving from book to book and that it’s not a completely new story within each one.
Looking forward to the next book. I also like that this one mentioned Maple Grove and Cty. Rd. 30 where I donate plasma twice a week. Always nice to recognize the location in a book.
I don’t really have anything negative to say about this one.
★★★★★ Would recommend, but definitely read the first book: Nerve Damage, first.
The Drake Cody series is about a doctor named Drake Cody who lives in Minneapolis and works as an ER doctor and is doing research on a new drug. In the first book it goes over his past and his struggles that seem to follow him. In this book the past catches up to him and finds himself in a spot of trouble.
I like this book because it’s an easy read and interesting storyline. I like that the characters are always unique and that he has a good home and friend life with little drama. I also like that the storyline is continuously moving from book to book and that it’s not a completely new story within each one.
Looking forward to the next book. I also like that this one mentioned Maple Grove and Cty. Rd. 30 where I donate plasma twice a week. Always nice to recognize the location in a book.
I don’t really have anything negative to say about this one.
★★★★★ Would recommend, but definitely read the first book: Nerve Damage, first.
October 3, 2023
Just ok. The main character Drake, his colleague Rizz, the ME, and detectives are fairly interesting enough, but that's about it. The wife is boring and I wickedly hoped she'd be killed off. She just adds nothing of interest to the story. It's wordy and chapter after chapter is too repetitive - Drake worried about losing his license and everything he's worked for. Rachelle caught up with her past and not wanting to be like her morher. How many times do I need to read that. It's repetitive for the villians as well. I found myself skimming and skipping over large sections because they were just repeats of what I read several pages previous. Although I'd like to know what ends up happening with Rizz, Jon, Drake, and their research I just don't think I want to invest any more time with this series. One could read the 1st 50 pages and the last 50 pages, skip the entire middle, to get the whole story and save alot of time.
August 9, 2017
2.5 stars. Entertaining, however the author needs to branch out on his female characters.
But I'll probably read the next book if I can get it from the library or borrow from a friend.
Oh- and it's St. Anthony Falls, not St. Anthony's Falls. Please fix that going forward, Mr. Combs.
But I'll probably read the next book if I can get it from the library or borrow from a friend.
Oh- and it's St. Anthony Falls, not St. Anthony's Falls. Please fix that going forward, Mr. Combs.
May 25, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I could have asked for. A hospital ER setting, good friends trying to get a project up and going that caused things to become dangerous, a rich self absorbed man that had the impression he could do anything, and I mean anything to anybody and get away with it, and it had romance and someone laying low in the background who was smart, sneaky, and had a huge grudge against the medical top dogs.
This is a must read and if you do not get this book you are missing out in one heck
of a storyline written by Tom Combs who, if you ever read any of his books, never lets
his readers down.
This is a must read and if you do not get this book you are missing out in one heck
of a storyline written by Tom Combs who, if you ever read any of his books, never lets
his readers down.
November 9, 2020
Review
As with the first of the “trilogy”, I was hooked from the start, all the twists and turns were often unexpected. It was a good read, can’t wait to read the third one. I enjoyed the characters, and the ethics of the medical staff, it was a relief to read about well intentioned health practitioners with some moral direction. I have to say I found the medical aspects often far stretched, and some unlikely, leaving me with a “yeah, right” feeling, never-the-less it held my interest. As it got toward the end the suspense heightened and I didn’t want to put it down.
As with the first of the “trilogy”, I was hooked from the start, all the twists and turns were often unexpected. It was a good read, can’t wait to read the third one. I enjoyed the characters, and the ethics of the medical staff, it was a relief to read about well intentioned health practitioners with some moral direction. I have to say I found the medical aspects often far stretched, and some unlikely, leaving me with a “yeah, right” feeling, never-the-less it held my interest. As it got toward the end the suspense heightened and I didn’t want to put it down.
June 24, 2018
WOW!!
FABULOUS! Dear Tom Hobbs, you have a gift. I had so much fun reading your book! This book is absolutely perfect! Your writing is outstanding! I had so much fun reading this! The humor in it is perfect to make you crack up at the precise time. The toes at the end wiggling, the whole story is so real! OMG the villain, so handsome and evil. The hero, so smart and loving. I just want to thank you for making this weekend a fantastic one!
FABULOUS! Dear Tom Hobbs, you have a gift. I had so much fun reading your book! This book is absolutely perfect! Your writing is outstanding! I had so much fun reading this! The humor in it is perfect to make you crack up at the precise time. The toes at the end wiggling, the whole story is so real! OMG the villain, so handsome and evil. The hero, so smart and loving. I just want to thank you for making this weekend a fantastic one!
November 27, 2022
Things just got worse for Dr. Drake Cody but the beloved characters are lots more adventure and seek redemption for past transgressions. This time the legal system prevails.
Tom Combs excels at writing characters you love to hate, like Dan, Clara, CEO of hospital. Then are those you cheer for like Rizz, Drake, Rachelle, and the cat 🐱, FloJo.
Great series mostly due to the real life experience he incorporates into his novels.
Tom Combs excels at writing characters you love to hate, like Dan, Clara, CEO of hospital. Then are those you cheer for like Rizz, Drake, Rachelle, and the cat 🐱, FloJo.
Great series mostly due to the real life experience he incorporates into his novels.
February 12, 2024
This is the second in the Drake Cody series and another good read. Love that it is set in Minneapolis. Takes up after the first one as the main characters are still recovering from the events of book one. An interesting plot and well-written characters make this a quick read. Really sets up the next book as well.
August 8, 2017
Ebook 2 of 3 series
Wish I could have read in order. Great book about an ER doctor that has experienced trauma in his life. He takes that empathy and instinct to his job and is an outstanding doctor. But part of him still has the rage that got him in trouble as a youth.
Wish I could have read in order. Great book about an ER doctor that has experienced trauma in his life. He takes that empathy and instinct to his job and is an outstanding doctor. But part of him still has the rage that got him in trouble as a youth.
March 25, 2018
A bit wordy, but a good book. Characterization of Dr. Drake was done well.
I enjoyed the medical aspects of the book. A little hard to believe that such terrible things could happen to one person though.
I enjoyed the medical aspects of the book. A little hard to believe that such terrible things could happen to one person though.
November 28, 2018
Great book.
With all the books I have read this is the second one that has brought tears to my eyes, and the first because of human happiness. I am usually only moved this much by an animal - dog,cat,horse etc. This is the kind of story fairy tales are made from.
With all the books I have read this is the second one that has brought tears to my eyes, and the first because of human happiness. I am usually only moved this much by an animal - dog,cat,horse etc. This is the kind of story fairy tales are made from.
June 24, 2019
The second book in a gripping new series of medical mystery / thrillers. It's a page turner and kept me up late a couple of nights. I highly recommend it, but if you haven't read the first book, Nerve Damage, start there. This book picks up where that one left off.
April 21, 2020
Suspenseful and exciting!
Score another great book by Tom Combs! I loved his first book “Nerve Damage” and this one was just as thrilling! Can’t wait to read his next book. Hope he keeps writing this series!
Score another great book by Tom Combs! I loved his first book “Nerve Damage” and this one was just as thrilling! Can’t wait to read his next book. Hope he keeps writing this series!
July 6, 2020
Thank heavens for book #3
I am vastly entertained by this series. Book #2, which I have just finished is responsible for late nights and tired eyes. I love the flawed, but lovable characters. I love their passion for medicine. Looking forward to the next book.
I am vastly entertained by this series. Book #2, which I have just finished is responsible for late nights and tired eyes. I love the flawed, but lovable characters. I love their passion for medicine. Looking forward to the next book.
March 16, 2021
I love that this book includes a lot of locations in Minnesota. The author has great insight into the ER as a former ER doctor. I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Drake Cody series more than the first book. Looking forward to reading the 3rd.
April 1, 2022
Loved Book 2 and now on to Book 3 !!!
Excellent story. Great action and I never knew what was going to happen next or by whom. I can't wait to get started reading the next book, "Book 3".
Excellent story. Great action and I never knew what was going to happen next or by whom. I can't wait to get started reading the next book, "Book 3".
May 13, 2023
This series of books by Tom Combs is excellent. There are so many twists and turns, it seems there is always something happening that makes one a captive to reading it. I hated for it to end and have already ordered Book 3 “Wrongful Death.”
September 2, 2017
Great read
Definitely looking forward to another great book with Drake Cody et al. Looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
Definitely looking forward to another great book with Drake Cody et al. Looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
March 3, 2018
The characters are well developed, and they are a mix of types: evil, kind, funny, pitiful, courageous, sweet. There were a few twists that surprised me, and I like that in a book.
January 15, 2020
Good medical crime story. Somewhat like Robin Cook.
January 12, 2021
I love all of Tom Combs book! Read them in just a few days! Great story telling, drama, laughter and suspense. Can’t wait till your 4th one!!
March 23, 2022
Great book - had trouble putting it down .
May 20, 2024
Good read and answers many questions from the first in this series “Nerve Damage “. It was a pretty fast read. I would recommend to those who read for pleasure.
March 20, 2022
The second book in this series is even better than the first and that's saying a lot. If you like medical thrillers, these rank up there with the best.
March 9, 2017
I couldn't rate this book because I couldn't finish it - because I just couldn't get into it. The first one ("Nerve Damage") wasn't really bad, it just wasn't all that good or interesting. Maybe medical "thrillers" just aren't my deal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews