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San Diego Hope #1
How We Operate
What if you had to do surgery on the one you love?
Chris Kearney is a surgeon working the Emergency Room at a large hospital near the bad part of the city. After operating on and losing a teenaged patient, he runs into Drew Hayden, an undercover vice cop. The two men connect over the kid who tried to get out of gang lifestyle. When they run into each other at the grocery store, they are more than happy to find that neither of them had read the signals wrong.
It's hard for a cop and a doctor, especially an undercover cop and a trauma surgeon, to find time to meet and do all the things a burgeoning relationship requires. Somehow Chris and Drew manage. Their lives are full and sometimes difficult. Will they get through the traumas and troubles of the first year and a half of their relationship? And, when they get there, what will the other side look like?
Chris Kearney is a surgeon working the Emergency Room at a large hospital near the bad part of the city. After operating on and losing a teenaged patient, he runs into Drew Hayden, an undercover vice cop. The two men connect over the kid who tried to get out of gang lifestyle. When they run into each other at the grocery store, they are more than happy to find that neither of them had read the signals wrong.
It's hard for a cop and a doctor, especially an undercover cop and a trauma surgeon, to find time to meet and do all the things a burgeoning relationship requires. Somehow Chris and Drew manage. Their lives are full and sometimes difficult. Will they get through the traumas and troubles of the first year and a half of their relationship? And, when they get there, what will the other side look like?
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First published April 10, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 30, 2024
Found this book at the bottom of my Kindle library and apparently you can also find it on the “Underrated” GR shelf.
It’s not underrated at all to be honest, it’s perfectly rated, it’s a simple story and nothing to write home about. Yet, despite the simplistic writing and the thin plot I actually liked this couple. If you need something less pretentious but a quiet slice-of-life this is perfect .
It’s not underrated at all to be honest, it’s perfectly rated, it’s a simple story and nothing to write home about. Yet, despite the simplistic writing and the thin plot I actually liked this couple. If you need something less pretentious but a quiet slice-of-life this is perfect .
January 1, 2017
This is, I believe, A.M. Moler's Mack Daddy hurt/healing/comfort read. The entire plot of this book revolves around how much agony Ms. Moler can lob at MC Chris Kearney, an ER surgeon and MC Drew Hayden, an undercover Vice cop. Seriously, these boys are put through the wringer for our hurt/healing/comfort enjoyment and it is almost sadistically evil on the part of the author, but it is so fucking delicious and I adored every minute.
How We Operate started as a short story titled My Life In Your Hands in an anthology benefiting Doctors Without Borders published in 2010. It was expanded into a full novel in 2012. I re-read it in November 2013 to review for GoodReads. I had originally put this on my favorites shelf and given it 5 stars, and that rating and shelf will stand. Healing/comfort is one of my absolute favorite genres and this story has it in spades.
If you like adorable men falling in love while dealing with everything nasty life has to throw at them, you will love this book. It is an emotional roller coaster with lots of romance and affection. I highly recommend it.
May 30, 2017
Well that was a bust...
"How We Operate" is my first A.R. Molar book and sadly things didn't go as well as I'd hoped. But before we get into that let's just give a little nod to the new cover, I have to admit I found it visually appealing...ok, back to the story...
I found myself unconsciously playing that game that I told you all about a while ago. Where my friend and I use to take turns describing different things with one word...and for this one my word was 'BORING'.
Now I have to admit in a way I was...well, surprised that a book that had as much going on as this one did could possibly be boring. But that's what it was for me. I don't know... maybe, I'm a fan of purple prose or maybe I'm lacking in imagination but I at least need enough that if the MCs are having hot monkey sex...I want to feel like their having 'hot monkey sex'...call me picky but I want to feel like I'm reading a story and not a laundry list of events.
For whatever the reason this story just didn't work for me but that doesn't mean it's not for everyone. Some of my friends on GR have read this one and they really liked it so maybe it's me, maybe it's not. I guess it all depends on the individual.
*******************
A copy of 'How We Operate' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
"How We Operate" is my first A.R. Molar book and sadly things didn't go as well as I'd hoped. But before we get into that let's just give a little nod to the new cover, I have to admit I found it visually appealing...ok, back to the story...
I found myself unconsciously playing that game that I told you all about a while ago. Where my friend and I use to take turns describing different things with one word...and for this one my word was 'BORING'.
Now I have to admit in a way I was...well, surprised that a book that had as much going on as this one did could possibly be boring. But that's what it was for me. I don't know... maybe, I'm a fan of purple prose or maybe I'm lacking in imagination but I at least need enough that if the MCs are having hot monkey sex...I want to feel like their having 'hot monkey sex'...call me picky but I want to feel like I'm reading a story and not a laundry list of events.
For whatever the reason this story just didn't work for me but that doesn't mean it's not for everyone. Some of my friends on GR have read this one and they really liked it so maybe it's me, maybe it's not. I guess it all depends on the individual.
*******************
A copy of 'How We Operate' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2012
Nice story about a cop and a surgeon making a relationship work.
It was sweet and ended on a high note, but to get there I have to say these two had a lot of bad luck/dangerous situations.
It was sweet and ended on a high note, but to get there I have to say these two had a lot of bad luck/dangerous situations.
April 17, 2012
3,5 stars
A cop and a surgeon trying to make their difficult relationship work...
Overall a like but too much happened in the time frame of several months what felt - due to the breakneck speed in which the story was told - like days.Made it hard to believe...
A cop and a surgeon trying to make their difficult relationship work...
Overall a like but too much happened in the time frame of several months what felt - due to the breakneck speed in which the story was told - like days.Made it hard to believe...
April 13, 2012
Good m/m romance about an undercover cop and a trauma surgeon who get together, even though their schedules mean they don't see each other that often. The story was told through a series of somewhat disjointed scenes, which kept me from really getting drawn into the book.
January 26, 2014
SO..I really appreciate and enjoy Moler's writing. It just flows effortlessly and has that rare sort of authenticity that makes it a pleasure to read even if it lacks some oomph..and really that's all this is lacking..a little extra something..but it's still pleasantly-comfortable writing.
April 17, 2012
I liked this book very much. Yes, it wasn't laughing out loud funny like one of the last books I read, but it wasn't meh either. In fact - both, Chris and Drew were perfect for each other and even if there was rather much happening - for me it was like a kaleidoscope of the relationship. Every image got disturbed by a new development, but the new picture just build on to the relationship. I especially liked the ending - it was on an upbeat note, but without the obviously needed big love scene. This is one reader, who can perfectly well do without it. Well done, Ms. Moler.
March 19, 2014
I just wanna profess my undying love for this book! <33333
It was a perfect read to me. I don't like stories where angst comes from within the relationship - all that big misunderstandings, breakups and cheating, but I absolutely love it when a couple battles outer problems together. The MCs relationship here is strong and getting stronger and all the hurt they had to endure together was not at all overwhelming to me. It wasn't overly dark or depressive, it was manageable and it got all my hurt/comfort kinks stroked )))
The length was also ideal for me. We've got to know the guys through several months of their lives, we've seen them in many different situations, working through many issues without it becoming repetetive and redundant.
It was a perfect read to me. I don't like stories where angst comes from within the relationship - all that big misunderstandings, breakups and cheating, but I absolutely love it when a couple battles outer problems together. The MCs relationship here is strong and getting stronger and all the hurt they had to endure together was not at all overwhelming to me. It wasn't overly dark or depressive, it was manageable and it got all my hurt/comfort kinks stroked )))
The length was also ideal for me. We've got to know the guys through several months of their lives, we've seen them in many different situations, working through many issues without it becoming repetetive and redundant.
November 20, 2012
This is a very "ehh" sort of book. It's episodic, jumping from month to month, so there is little opportunity for building up much narrative continuity or dramatic tension. Additionally, there is little significant angst or emotional drama in general. Despite this being a romance, the narrative is almost like reportage at times -- just the facts, ma'am, and not much more than the facts. OTOH I'm generally a big fan of gay cops, so that does add some spice, and I could empathize with the descriptions of the ER doctor being wired and exhausted at the same time -- so, it wasn't all bad. Just not exceptional in any way, and not terribly engrossing.
October 11, 2017
I liked Drew and Chris
This was a fast moving story with a lot of events packed into it. The evolution of Chris and Drew’s relationship was interesting, with a fair amount of heat but not long drawn-out scenes. It was some decent character building for the two of them but the last chapter and ending left a lot to be desired. It was too abrupt and the rapid pace of the story wasn’t right for this particular event. It was a good way to pass some reading time without strong emotional investment.
This was a fast moving story with a lot of events packed into it. The evolution of Chris and Drew’s relationship was interesting, with a fair amount of heat but not long drawn-out scenes. It was some decent character building for the two of them but the last chapter and ending left a lot to be desired. It was too abrupt and the rapid pace of the story wasn’t right for this particular event. It was a good way to pass some reading time without strong emotional investment.
October 2, 2012
What else could possibly happen to ER doctor/surgeon Chris and undercover cop Drew? Let's see... and through it all a lot of caring and comfort and supporting each other. Plenty of stuff crammed up here and yet barely enough to hold my interest. Meh...it was OK, I guess.
April 14, 2012
Very unusual pacing for a novella. It spans several months and a ton of events in the characters' lives. Though I did like the story overall, I feel that if it had just slowed down a bit, I would have connected with the characters better. Everything felt rushed (even the sex), and major plot points were hurried past without much resolution or reflection. Still, it's an enjoyable read.
December 6, 2018
I'm going to say more of a 3.75 star read but close enough. The cover lead me to believe this was going to be some kind of police drama romance but it was really just a straight-up romance. Yes, there were some instances of police involvement and drama but overall I would say more a story of two men falling in love. I really like it and couldn't stop until I was all done. :D
April 13, 2012
The storyline was perfect. Developed with realistic characters, true emotions and great satisfying ending. I loved this couple. Chris and Drew were perfect together or even in tune. I would recommend this book to everyone. I'll sure read this book again, even many times.
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July 8, 2022Chris and Drew are kind of adorable together, but a very simple slow moving plot. The story is told from both of the MC’s POV, but there isn’t much about what they are feeling or thinking. There is some serious hurt/comfort in this story, these guys get hurt A LOT, In the first year of their relationship we had There is a sweet HEA, but I found the glossing over the events in Drew’s teenage years a little disturbing.
July 1, 2012
4 1/2 stars!
AR Moler’s HOW WE OPERATE is a very good glbt story of how an emergency room doctor and an undercover officer develop a relationship and keep each other grounded.
I enjoyed this book very much. AR Moler is a new author to me but I look forward to more books, especially if the include Drew and Chris, or other MCs such as these two good, brave, realistic men.
Please see my complete review July 2, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
AR Moler’s HOW WE OPERATE is a very good glbt story of how an emergency room doctor and an undercover officer develop a relationship and keep each other grounded.
I enjoyed this book very much. AR Moler is a new author to me but I look forward to more books, especially if the include Drew and Chris, or other MCs such as these two good, brave, realistic men.
Please see my complete review July 2, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
April 14, 2012
Story is about Drew and Chris who first see one another in hospital where Chris works.
Its about 2 guys meeting, starting to see each other and getting slowly serious. There is no drama, or some cliffhanger or emotion overflow. It was maybe to easy going. But was still good book.
Its about 2 guys meeting, starting to see each other and getting slowly serious. There is no drama, or some cliffhanger or emotion overflow. It was maybe to easy going. But was still good book.
October 29, 2017
Chris Kearney is a trauma surgeon who hasn’t had much time for a personal life. He always works long shifts and fills in whenever he’s needed. He simply doesn’t give himself a break, and trouble just seems to follow him.
Drew Hayden is an undercover vice detective. On one particular shift, Chris is treating a young Hispanic man whose life he’d already saved once before. Drew is at the hospital awaiting the outcome of this young man’s treatment. When he meets Chris they make a connection, and in time they build a relationship. But having different schedules and stressful jobs puts them both through a lot of turmoil. There comes a point where Chris has pushed himself to the limit, and he falls apart. Drew is there to help Chris face his fears, but this sometimes causes a struggle for them both.
A.R. Moler really gives an in-depth look at two very different characters in How We Operate. This is a short novella and is an easy read, but it also offers some suspense and dangerous situations. The novel is set up like a diary, so it reflects the span of time that Chris and Drew grow together and face life head-on. There is an abundance of emotion in the story, more than a little hurting and fear, and some compassion and healing along with some tough love that sees this couple through to their HEA.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Drew Hayden is an undercover vice detective. On one particular shift, Chris is treating a young Hispanic man whose life he’d already saved once before. Drew is at the hospital awaiting the outcome of this young man’s treatment. When he meets Chris they make a connection, and in time they build a relationship. But having different schedules and stressful jobs puts them both through a lot of turmoil. There comes a point where Chris has pushed himself to the limit, and he falls apart. Drew is there to help Chris face his fears, but this sometimes causes a struggle for them both.
A.R. Moler really gives an in-depth look at two very different characters in How We Operate. This is a short novella and is an easy read, but it also offers some suspense and dangerous situations. The novel is set up like a diary, so it reflects the span of time that Chris and Drew grow together and face life head-on. There is an abundance of emotion in the story, more than a little hurting and fear, and some compassion and healing along with some tough love that sees this couple through to their HEA.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
April 20, 2023
I love this author's writing style and was pulled into the hectic world of ER surgeon Chris, and narcotics cop Drew as they try to negotiate a relationship between work stress and pressure, together with other hazards.
Smoothly and fluidly written with plenty of pace and steam this was a thoroughly entertaining read with a likeable and well-matched central couple. Looking forward to book 2!
Smoothly and fluidly written with plenty of pace and steam this was a thoroughly entertaining read with a likeable and well-matched central couple. Looking forward to book 2!
May 11, 2017
I loved it. I hope there will be a sequel.
August 6, 2023
A story that's more real to life.
Two men that have way two different jobs. The question is, are they able to maintain a strong relationship because if their jobs?
Two men that have way two different jobs. The question is, are they able to maintain a strong relationship because if their jobs?
March 5, 2024
A shortish but nice story as a cop and an ER doctor, both with heavy work loads, try to make a go of it. Good read, mild homophobia near the end.
July 6, 2012
The format of the story follows a couple through the first year to year and a half of the time from their first meeting to the establishment of them as a couple and bounces between both their points of view. This might sound like a ho-hum type of story until one takes into account that one is an ER doctor in a hospital on the edge of the poor side of town and his lover is an undercover narcotics cop.
The story of Chris and Drew is a sweet low-angst story between two guys who find their own slice of happiness and work to make a go of a relationship that is made difficult by demanding jobs not just in time, but in stress on the mind and body. I really enjoyed watching the story develop from the moment Drew meets Chris over the body of a gang kid that Drew has brought in and Chris could not save. Drew sees an attractive man who puts his heart into his job and Chris sees the same. They start out tentatively. They see each other's needs very well, but have trouble seeing their own so it can be a bit rough as they adjust. All this is broken up by Drew's dangerous job catching up to him and Chris' also becomes victim to an act of violence at one point. But the thing that truly terrifies the guys are the meet the parents moments. If they can survive that, they can survive anything.
It was a very enjoyable easy read for me and I truly enjoyed the characters and their interactions. I would recommend to the m/m romance fan who likes slow build on the relationships with little moments of excitement.
The story of Chris and Drew is a sweet low-angst story between two guys who find their own slice of happiness and work to make a go of a relationship that is made difficult by demanding jobs not just in time, but in stress on the mind and body. I really enjoyed watching the story develop from the moment Drew meets Chris over the body of a gang kid that Drew has brought in and Chris could not save. Drew sees an attractive man who puts his heart into his job and Chris sees the same. They start out tentatively. They see each other's needs very well, but have trouble seeing their own so it can be a bit rough as they adjust. All this is broken up by Drew's dangerous job catching up to him and Chris' also becomes victim to an act of violence at one point. But the thing that truly terrifies the guys are the meet the parents moments. If they can survive that, they can survive anything.
It was a very enjoyable easy read for me and I truly enjoyed the characters and their interactions. I would recommend to the m/m romance fan who likes slow build on the relationships with little moments of excitement.
March 14, 2023
4.5 stars
I think I'm getting whiplash from how many times the POV or scenes changes. I know it's coming because a new section starts but each one is less than a page sometimes not more than a third of a page.
Excellent knowing that in a brain injury, usually the person can't remember what happened because the event hadn't been moved from short term memory to long term yet.
PTSD doesn't work like that.
Several people of color! Yea!The only woman is a nurse though. That's an incredibly important role and I have the utmost respect for nurses, but it's a traditional female role subservient to doctors like the MC. Oh and let's not forget the bleached blond bimbo.
A mud room has to have an exterior door or it's not a mud room. The point of it is to get your shoes and other clothing off that's dirty so you don't track mud and dirt into the house.
They sure get injured a lot. I love that but I think many people would find it excessive.
Residual meth symptoms last a lot longer than four hours.
Uh, watching and not doing anything about a crime means you are just as guilty as the perpetrators. That was a truly heinous thing and I think it was handled too laxly.
Not much of a plot. Really it was just about them falling in love and lots and lots of action, danger, peril. But I love that.
I think I'm getting whiplash from how many times the POV or scenes changes. I know it's coming because a new section starts but each one is less than a page sometimes not more than a third of a page.
Excellent knowing that in a brain injury, usually the person can't remember what happened because the event hadn't been moved from short term memory to long term yet.
PTSD doesn't work like that.
Several people of color! Yea!The only woman is a nurse though. That's an incredibly important role and I have the utmost respect for nurses, but it's a traditional female role subservient to doctors like the MC. Oh and let's not forget the bleached blond bimbo.
A mud room has to have an exterior door or it's not a mud room. The point of it is to get your shoes and other clothing off that's dirty so you don't track mud and dirt into the house.
They sure get injured a lot. I love that but I think many people would find it excessive.
Residual meth symptoms last a lot longer than four hours.
Uh, watching and not doing anything about a crime means you are just as guilty as the perpetrators. That was a truly heinous thing and I think it was handled too laxly.
Not much of a plot. Really it was just about them falling in love and lots and lots of action, danger, peril. But I love that.
July 17, 2014
Wow that was a whole lot of drama, hurt/comfort, doc & cop hazards! Mixed in with extremely steamy sex, cool secondary characters & a sweet HEA (if a bit abrupt). Drew & Chris are like a match made in haphazard accident heaven that just work. They meet under job-related circumstances, live through coming out, car accidents, gunshots, undercover ops, parents, and junkies. Yes it was a lot of OmG melodramatic moments that cannot possibly happen to normal couples, even if they are a doc & cop, within the span of a little under a year. However, can that many high profile cases really happen every week to cops on tv? No, but we still love Hawaii Five-O right? Same token here. A little over the top but I loved it all the same. I connected, they had off the charts chemistry, and the story was well told.
August 13, 2016
While this was a good, fun read, because of the format I found it very hard to get completely drawn into it. The book basically is a collection of scenes. starting when they meet and then significant happenings every month. And on top of that, it's told from alternating viewpoints. The change-overs are well indicated, but to me it still pulled me out of the story continuously.
I loved the characters and I'll admit that I'm disappointed I didn't enjoy this one more.
I loved the characters and I'll admit that I'm disappointed I didn't enjoy this one more.
December 6, 2014
This is one of the best m/m books ever written. I enjoyed it a lot.
The story.
Its about two men Chris an ER surgeon from a rich family who prefers to work in public hospitals, when he meets Drew a cop from a farming family. The relationship starts when they met again in a super market or grocery store. They work schedules the relationship seemed to work. We met family members and friends. The dangers they face to make it all work.
The story.
Its about two men Chris an ER surgeon from a rich family who prefers to work in public hospitals, when he meets Drew a cop from a farming family. The relationship starts when they met again in a super market or grocery store. They work schedules the relationship seemed to work. We met family members and friends. The dangers they face to make it all work.
September 21, 2016
Chris an Er surgeon meets drew an cop during an ER, both guys have hectic lives and whatever else happen during their time together they some how work and take care of each other and it was so sweet. another great read.
May 14, 2012
Eh, just didn't do it for me. Flat, static dialogue with no real depth or humour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews