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Visiting Hours
Alison Reynolds knows exactly who she is and what she wants. With a well-established career as a history professor, Alison is professional and, for the most part, strait-laced—the exact opposite of Dr. Jess Baker.
Jess is spirited, impulsive, and confident to the point of cockiness. A promising physician recently transplanted from the West Coast, Jess sticks out in her new home of Richmond, Virginia.
The two clash immediately and often. Jess is infuriating, unprofessional, and altogether too distracting. She also seems to be trying awfully hard to get Alison's attention. The more fate throws them together, the more Alison discovers that while their differences may be exciting, it’s the little ways they're alike that are downright irresistible.
Jess is spirited, impulsive, and confident to the point of cockiness. A promising physician recently transplanted from the West Coast, Jess sticks out in her new home of Richmond, Virginia.
The two clash immediately and often. Jess is infuriating, unprofessional, and altogether too distracting. She also seems to be trying awfully hard to get Alison's attention. The more fate throws them together, the more Alison discovers that while their differences may be exciting, it’s the little ways they're alike that are downright irresistible.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
16 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Tagan Shepard
19 books81 followersTagan Shepard has always spent quiet moments weaving stories in her head. It didn't occur to her until recently to take the time to write them down. Now that she's started, she can't seem to stop. When not writing, she makes her living in a hospital laboratory.
She is a cardio junkie, history buff, and unrepentant nerd, happily wasting countless hours of her life on video games and science fiction/fantasy of every stripe. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her very patient wife and two rather surly cats.
She is a cardio junkie, history buff, and unrepentant nerd, happily wasting countless hours of her life on video games and science fiction/fantasy of every stripe. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her very patient wife and two rather surly cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 13, 2017
A really good romance book by Shepard. I knew reading this that Shepard was a new author, so it was a pleasant surprise how good this debut it. Shepard writes really well. After this, I will absolutely be on the look out for more books by her.
The story is about two doctors. Jess an obstetrician, and Alison a professor of history. The first time they meet, it does not go well. Alison figures Jess should be in a head shoppe, not a hospital with her spiky hair, sleeveless shirt, and sleeves of tattoos. After a rocky start, fate keeps putting them together. Can two people that are so different, have a chance at falling in love?
While this book is written in third person, you are only in the head-space of Allison. Which is a little different since most romances in third, you bounce back and forth in both mains heads. The book didn't let you know exactly what Jess was thinking unless she said it. I have to admit, at first this bothered me a little. You had to guess along with Ali, what Jess was really thinking and feeling. But as the book went on, I enjoyed the little bit of unknown. And when we find out towards the end how Jess really thinks, it makes sense why Shepard choose to go this route. I'm all for authors doing things a little different if they have reasons, and in this case it was valid.
The writing overall really was great, very impressive for a debut. This is not an insta-love story which I really like. Their relationship grows naturally. What was really impressive was the chemistry. It is absolutely there and in your face, and I love that. The sex scenes were hot too, you could feel the passion they developed. The characters are quite different from each other. This is basically an opposites attract story. Ali is more of a conservative academic, and can be very judgemental. Jess is more care free, expressive and a little bit of a geek. But the two of them fit together right and can be pretty explosive.
This is an easy book to recommend for pure romance fans. I'm always happy to find good new authors. Shepard is a fantasy/sci-fi fan, maybe I will get lucky and she'll write a lesfic book in one of those genres next time. But no matter what she writes next, I will be reading her next book.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
The story is about two doctors. Jess an obstetrician, and Alison a professor of history. The first time they meet, it does not go well. Alison figures Jess should be in a head shoppe, not a hospital with her spiky hair, sleeveless shirt, and sleeves of tattoos. After a rocky start, fate keeps putting them together. Can two people that are so different, have a chance at falling in love?
While this book is written in third person, you are only in the head-space of Allison. Which is a little different since most romances in third, you bounce back and forth in both mains heads. The book didn't let you know exactly what Jess was thinking unless she said it. I have to admit, at first this bothered me a little. You had to guess along with Ali, what Jess was really thinking and feeling. But as the book went on, I enjoyed the little bit of unknown. And when we find out towards the end how Jess really thinks, it makes sense why Shepard choose to go this route. I'm all for authors doing things a little different if they have reasons, and in this case it was valid.
The writing overall really was great, very impressive for a debut. This is not an insta-love story which I really like. Their relationship grows naturally. What was really impressive was the chemistry. It is absolutely there and in your face, and I love that. The sex scenes were hot too, you could feel the passion they developed. The characters are quite different from each other. This is basically an opposites attract story. Ali is more of a conservative academic, and can be very judgemental. Jess is more care free, expressive and a little bit of a geek. But the two of them fit together right and can be pretty explosive.
This is an easy book to recommend for pure romance fans. I'm always happy to find good new authors. Shepard is a fantasy/sci-fi fan, maybe I will get lucky and she'll write a lesfic book in one of those genres next time. But no matter what she writes next, I will be reading her next book.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
March 3, 2020
All Jess did since her first meeting with Alison was smile and make heart eyes at her. All Alison did was judge Jess constantly and call her rude. I get that it was because she liked Jess and couldn't comprehend it but her behaviour was still very childish. Like judging Jess for her looks, looking down at gaming and 'girls don't like my kind' comments. Her character development was a bit too late for me. The many unnecessary descriptions and long inner monologues explaining stuff I couldn't care less about just added to my annoyance. On the plus side I now know a lot about Mcleod syndrome so yay!
August 5, 2017
Another good debut novel from Bella Books in a row (first being Echo Point by Virginia Hale). I like to give a chance to first time authors, and am really glad when the book is a good one. That is a sign that many more fine books are yet to come.
Visiting Hours is a kind of medical romance with main characters Jess (an informal tattooed obstetrician), and Alison (a prim and proper academic), both in their mid thirties. Alison's best friend Beth is "stuck" in the antepartum unit at the VCU's hospital in Richmond, with a high-risk pregnancy, and Alison takes an immediate dislike to her doctor for having an inappropriate appearance for such a serious job. Alison can sometimes be judgmental and annoying, so a fair warning to those who cannot stand such type of characters. As the situation becomes more and more medically complicated, so does the relationship between Alison and Jess.
Alongside with the main budding romantic relationship, we follow the beautiful relationship between Beth and her husband Stephen, as also very important for the narrative. The author quite successfully leads this interesting story toward an equally interesting ending. With all main elements done quite well (dialogue, pacing, plot...) this makes a very solid read for a first novel. I liked it, and will definitely check out the next book from Tagan Shepard. Recommended.
3.75 stars
August 5, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
Visiting Hours is a kind of medical romance with main characters Jess (an informal tattooed obstetrician), and Alison (a prim and proper academic), both in their mid thirties. Alison's best friend Beth is "stuck" in the antepartum unit at the VCU's hospital in Richmond, with a high-risk pregnancy, and Alison takes an immediate dislike to her doctor for having an inappropriate appearance for such a serious job. Alison can sometimes be judgmental and annoying, so a fair warning to those who cannot stand such type of characters. As the situation becomes more and more medically complicated, so does the relationship between Alison and Jess.
Alongside with the main budding romantic relationship, we follow the beautiful relationship between Beth and her husband Stephen, as also very important for the narrative. The author quite successfully leads this interesting story toward an equally interesting ending. With all main elements done quite well (dialogue, pacing, plot...) this makes a very solid read for a first novel. I liked it, and will definitely check out the next book from Tagan Shepard. Recommended.
3.75 stars
August 5, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
September 7, 2017
4 STARS
I really enjoyed this book. Others (such as Lex and Pin) have written reviews for this book better than I can - so what they said. I will warn you that Alison can be unlikable at times and we are in her head space throughout. At times, just like Alison, you wish you knew what Jess was thinking but it worked.
What I also loved was the location- Richmond, Virginia. I lived there for about 4 years when my company relocated there from Irvine,Ca (So. Calif) in the early 90s. They gave us a good deal, I would be able to buy a house there and my best friends were also my co-workers who also moved. So it eased the culture shock to have friends who understood. I mean my gosh - no Nordstrom! No beach and everybody was so friendly. Weird. It took me a bit to realize strangers were saying hello to me when we passed each other on the street! Our new co-workers helped us adjust. It was happy times - the group grew to include the native Richmonders and we even took a few group vacations. Richmond really is more small town when compared to So. Cal. It was fun to read about all the neighborhoods in Richmond. The author described them so well and I could tell how much they changed or not.
Here are a few quotes that were right on...
"It’s just that I come from a very different place. I mean, you guys have one art museum, one gay bar, one moderately successful college sports team and you think you’re, like, the up-and-coming city in America." Jess comparing Richmond to Portland
“So it’s kind of a mix of neighborhoods really. There are some very nice areas with rich people and nice restaurants. Then there are some terrible parts with historically high crime and low-income residents. Also, one of the best bakeries in Richmond.” Description of Church Hill. We were only told about the terrible parts but a few spotted the parts that were up and coming and moved there much to the chagrin of the natives.
"Fall means mountains around here. They won’t be anything compared to what you’re used to from the west coast, of course, but the foliage is beautiful.” Friends took me to see the leaves up by The Blue Ridge Mts & Charlottesville. I asked where the mountains were - I only see foothills. Those are the mountains. Oh. The foliage was spectacular.
So yeah, I totally got Jess's adjustment moving from Portland to Richmond. After 4 years they closed our division and I returned to So. Cal. and family. I did enjoy my stay in Richmond and was able to buy my first house.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the author's next book.
I really enjoyed this book. Others (such as Lex and Pin) have written reviews for this book better than I can - so what they said. I will warn you that Alison can be unlikable at times and we are in her head space throughout. At times, just like Alison, you wish you knew what Jess was thinking but it worked.
What I also loved was the location- Richmond, Virginia. I lived there for about 4 years when my company relocated there from Irvine,Ca (So. Calif) in the early 90s. They gave us a good deal, I would be able to buy a house there and my best friends were also my co-workers who also moved. So it eased the culture shock to have friends who understood. I mean my gosh - no Nordstrom! No beach and everybody was so friendly. Weird. It took me a bit to realize strangers were saying hello to me when we passed each other on the street! Our new co-workers helped us adjust. It was happy times - the group grew to include the native Richmonders and we even took a few group vacations. Richmond really is more small town when compared to So. Cal. It was fun to read about all the neighborhoods in Richmond. The author described them so well and I could tell how much they changed or not.
Here are a few quotes that were right on...
"It’s just that I come from a very different place. I mean, you guys have one art museum, one gay bar, one moderately successful college sports team and you think you’re, like, the up-and-coming city in America." Jess comparing Richmond to Portland
“So it’s kind of a mix of neighborhoods really. There are some very nice areas with rich people and nice restaurants. Then there are some terrible parts with historically high crime and low-income residents. Also, one of the best bakeries in Richmond.” Description of Church Hill. We were only told about the terrible parts but a few spotted the parts that were up and coming and moved there much to the chagrin of the natives.
"Fall means mountains around here. They won’t be anything compared to what you’re used to from the west coast, of course, but the foliage is beautiful.” Friends took me to see the leaves up by The Blue Ridge Mts & Charlottesville. I asked where the mountains were - I only see foothills. Those are the mountains. Oh. The foliage was spectacular.
So yeah, I totally got Jess's adjustment moving from Portland to Richmond. After 4 years they closed our division and I returned to So. Cal. and family. I did enjoy my stay in Richmond and was able to buy my first house.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the author's next book.
May 1, 2021
This is one story that I hate to love. I liked the 2 very highly intelligent ladies (a professor and a doctor), the pull/push factor, the chasing, the sexy scene, the emotion... I liked them all except the last few pages in the epilogue. I adored Beth and Stephen and felt their agony but surely that ending should be Jess and Alison’s? I’m just gonna pout with the ending.
3.5... rounding down cos I just loved HEA and I wanted it all for the MCs ... that’s just me being selfish.
3.5... rounding down cos I just loved HEA and I wanted it all for the MCs ... that’s just me being selfish.
January 8, 2018
I grabbed a handful of books from Bella Books over the New Year’s holiday. Visiting Hours by Tagan Shepard was one of their books that I had meant to pick up months ago but never got around to it. I am so glad I picked this one up. It was a fabulous read that I just adored!
Dr. Alison Reynolds is a professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. Al is a stubborn, opinionated, at times exasperating character. I was entertained by her, rooted for her but a few times wanted to hand her duct tape for her mouth. She is definitely a spirited character! Alison spends her time divided between her responsibilities teaching, researching and visiting her bestie, Beth, in the hospital. Beth is having a medical crisis where her blood is attacking her unborn child. She has been admitted to the antepartum unit at VCU's hospital to be monitored by Dr. Jess Baker.
Jess is an obstetrician that recently relocated to Richmond via Portland. She is a highly skilled doctor, one that was heavily recruited to transform VCU’s women’s health wing. Jess doesn’t fit your typical doctor mold. She’s heavily tattooed and sports a faux hawk. Needless to say, Alison immediately takes a disliking to the good doctor.
What I loved about this book is that is not a hate to love romance, more like I’m going to dislike you a bit cause I’m super scared and a bit judgy and you are going to win me over because you are super nice and caring. The relationship grows over the course of bumping into each other time and time again both inside and outside the hospital. They’re very different characters in personality and it works. Jess is a nerdy gamer with a free spirit temperament. Ali is more conservative, focused academic with a bit of chip on her shoulder. Their chemistry is explosive and hot!
This is a great book from Tagan Shepard, I can’t believe this was her debut novel. Her next book, I will not even hesitate for a minute before picking it up. 4 stars
Dr. Alison Reynolds is a professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. Al is a stubborn, opinionated, at times exasperating character. I was entertained by her, rooted for her but a few times wanted to hand her duct tape for her mouth. She is definitely a spirited character! Alison spends her time divided between her responsibilities teaching, researching and visiting her bestie, Beth, in the hospital. Beth is having a medical crisis where her blood is attacking her unborn child. She has been admitted to the antepartum unit at VCU's hospital to be monitored by Dr. Jess Baker.
Jess is an obstetrician that recently relocated to Richmond via Portland. She is a highly skilled doctor, one that was heavily recruited to transform VCU’s women’s health wing. Jess doesn’t fit your typical doctor mold. She’s heavily tattooed and sports a faux hawk. Needless to say, Alison immediately takes a disliking to the good doctor.
What I loved about this book is that is not a hate to love romance, more like I’m going to dislike you a bit cause I’m super scared and a bit judgy and you are going to win me over because you are super nice and caring. The relationship grows over the course of bumping into each other time and time again both inside and outside the hospital. They’re very different characters in personality and it works. Jess is a nerdy gamer with a free spirit temperament. Ali is more conservative, focused academic with a bit of chip on her shoulder. Their chemistry is explosive and hot!
This is a great book from Tagan Shepard, I can’t believe this was her debut novel. Her next book, I will not even hesitate for a minute before picking it up. 4 stars
February 3, 2021
Good writing style and interesting (even if harsh) topics (I've learnt some things and I love learning new things !!! :-) but why on earth is this novel that short ???
Such a shortness leaves no room for any development, neither a character development, nor a romantic one ... In this book, we pass, in less than 3 weeks from 2 MCs who don't seem to be able to stand each other to them going on a few dates and then have mind-blowing sex ... and BOOM, the fucking black moment ... a very unsafe rough sex scene in a disgusting place and here comes the epilogue where we learn that the MCs are married and Ali (who was just a selfish bitch until then) acts as surrogate mom for Beth and Stephen's son ...
Seriously, it doesn't make a lot of sense in the current state... it's like a huge part of the story has been erased, yeap, like if the book has seen half of its chapters removed
It's a real shame because developed properly it could have been a really great novel. I hope that the author will think about developing the story more and release a more complete version of it someday ...
Since I like the way the auhor writes (she's a "new to me author"), I'll give her another try when I'll have a chance to do so ...
Such a shortness leaves no room for any development, neither a character development, nor a romantic one ... In this book, we pass, in less than 3 weeks from 2 MCs who don't seem to be able to stand each other to them going on a few dates and then have mind-blowing sex ... and BOOM, the fucking black moment ... a very unsafe rough sex scene in a disgusting place and here comes the epilogue where we learn that the MCs are married and Ali (who was just a selfish bitch until then) acts as surrogate mom for Beth and Stephen's son ...
Seriously, it doesn't make a lot of sense in the current state... it's like a huge part of the story has been erased, yeap, like if the book has seen half of its chapters removed
It's a real shame because developed properly it could have been a really great novel. I hope that the author will think about developing the story more and release a more complete version of it someday ...
Since I like the way the auhor writes (she's a "new to me author"), I'll give her another try when I'll have a chance to do so ...
October 11, 2017
I loved every bit of it!
The doctor isn't her type but there is something about her that Alison finds irresistible. Jess is unlike any woman she's ever met. Just when everything is going in the right direction, something unexpected happens, a very dangerous development. Doubts, misunderstandings, judgmentally and mistrust place them farther apart then ever. Following the rules drives a wedge between them. This story is written very descriptive, clear and convincing. The characters are vivid, well-defined and appealing. I loved how Alison and Jess met each other for the first time. A meeting with a lot of prejudices and assumptions. The interaction and the dialogues between the main characters was excellent and with humor. Alison and Beth are affectionate and firm in their friendship. Their friendship was heartwarming and felt very real. This is a great story filled with love, heartbreak and with just the right pinch of drama. I loved every bit of it and I definitely recommend this book.
The doctor isn't her type but there is something about her that Alison finds irresistible. Jess is unlike any woman she's ever met. Just when everything is going in the right direction, something unexpected happens, a very dangerous development. Doubts, misunderstandings, judgmentally and mistrust place them farther apart then ever. Following the rules drives a wedge between them. This story is written very descriptive, clear and convincing. The characters are vivid, well-defined and appealing. I loved how Alison and Jess met each other for the first time. A meeting with a lot of prejudices and assumptions. The interaction and the dialogues between the main characters was excellent and with humor. Alison and Beth are affectionate and firm in their friendship. Their friendship was heartwarming and felt very real. This is a great story filled with love, heartbreak and with just the right pinch of drama. I loved every bit of it and I definitely recommend this book.
May 11, 2018
This is a well written book that deals with serious issues. There is a nice romance, and I was enjoying the book right up until about the 85% mark. Then the bottom dropped out. Our two mains had a falling-out that was so painful I had to skim it, which speaks to the power of the writing, and the situation. However, I had issues with the resolution of the fight. I did love the plot twist at the end, and would not have minded if we had been able to have more of that part of their lives on the page. I do recommend the book, and I look forward to reading future Shepard books. She is clearly a writer to watch.
Read
April 25, 2018We (as in Book Club Buddie D. and me) did our best to like this book, but had to abandon ship after 38%. The story suffered from too much exposition that halted the narrative and then all the padding with boring details didn't help either. Not a good book to spend 4 evenings with, reading to another person. There are just not enough hours in my day to spend on that.
I'm not rating the book because I didn't finish it.
Onwards! My humongous to-read pile is calling me!
I'm not rating the book because I didn't finish it.
Onwards! My humongous to-read pile is calling me!
April 24, 2018
3.5 stars. It was an alright read if not a bit hard to get into. It takes its time until things start to move. I was not too fond of the main lead so that definitely took some of my enjoyment away from the book. She's snobbish and judgemental all the time.
I was also not a fan of the main conflict as it stayed in obscurity until the end of the book and suddenly crashed down without any warning. And I definitely was not a fan of the ending but that's my personal issue I guess. It just weirds me out when people do that. I could never do that for someone else no matter how close.
Overall a decent debut book from a new author. I will take a look at her next book which releases in half a month.
I was also not a fan of the main conflict as it stayed in obscurity until the end of the book and suddenly crashed down without any warning. And I definitely was not a fan of the ending but that's my personal issue I guess. It just weirds me out when people do that. I could never do that for someone else no matter how close.
Overall a decent debut book from a new author. I will take a look at her next book which releases in half a month.
November 4, 2018
My 2OOth book for this year and my first read by Ms.Shepard.
I got it because of Doctor Jess Baker- the tattooed, gamer, fauxhawk hairdo, cool, calm and confident, androgynous gynaecologist.
I couldn't care more about Alison but she deserved credits for being a friend to Beth, their friendship was in a league of its own. Alison's ogreness was tolerable and she did tune it down a lil but she should still write and send apology notes to a lot of people.
Jess Baker initiated one of the best first coffee date ever, turning up at Alison's workplace with just enough swag+shyness. Alison's one lucky woman.
Alison and Jess - there weren't that many scenes of them together in the beginning and Alison was usually in her ogre mode but after the swoonworthy coffee date, it was great seeing them talking, dating, texting, holding hands, body exploring etc.
I learned a new word, biphobic -showing a dislike of or prejudice against bisexual people.
If it's available to be read for free then go ahead.
I got it because of Doctor Jess Baker- the tattooed, gamer, fauxhawk hairdo, cool, calm and confident, androgynous gynaecologist.
I couldn't care more about Alison but she deserved credits for being a friend to Beth, their friendship was in a league of its own. Alison's ogreness was tolerable and she did tune it down a lil but she should still write and send apology notes to a lot of people.
Jess Baker initiated one of the best first coffee date ever, turning up at Alison's workplace with just enough swag+shyness. Alison's one lucky woman.
Alison and Jess - there weren't that many scenes of them together in the beginning and Alison was usually in her ogre mode but after the swoonworthy coffee date, it was great seeing them talking, dating, texting, holding hands, body exploring etc.
I learned a new word, biphobic -showing a dislike of or prejudice against bisexual people.
If it's available to be read for free then go ahead.
September 9, 2017
Too much blabla in between (About sicknesses, descriptions of the surrounding, ...) and it was kind of hard to like Alison. She is bitchy and moody all the time and the chemistry between her and Jess didn't really get a ot of chance to develop. Not my book!
August 24, 2017
Fantastically written, this book is sweet, funny, hot and heart breaking all at the right moments.
Jess firmly holds a spot on my "fave character". Ali is a bit of a dick, but being solely in her head makes her easier to understand and relate to. The very real character growth is fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading more from Shepard.
4.5 stars
Jess firmly holds a spot on my "fave character". Ali is a bit of a dick, but being solely in her head makes her easier to understand and relate to. The very real character growth is fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading more from Shepard.
4.5 stars
February 9, 2018
I'm really undecided about this book and I'm giving it four stars because I'm not sure whether my inclination towards three stars is about me more than about the story. So starting with the easy stuff, the writing is good and the story is interesting. Dr Jess Baker is an easy character who is relaxed, smart, caring and unconventional. Alison Reynolds, not so much. I kind of wonder if my ambivalence about her is that she's too realistic. She's a little uptight, judgemental (of those close to her as well as on first impressions), comes across as quite cold and is a tad self-involved. She is also unfailingly supportive of her best friend's pregnancy ordeal and unselfishly gives her time to see her friend practically daily.
The transition of Alison and Jess' interactions from dislike to involved is realistically gradual given Alison's portrayal as a character. I enjoyed their relationship. I also enjoyed Alison's relationship with Beth. I think my issues about Visiting Hours were more around Beth than they were about the romance.
The transition of Alison and Jess' interactions from dislike to involved is realistically gradual given Alison's portrayal as a character. I enjoyed their relationship. I also enjoyed Alison's relationship with Beth. I think my issues about Visiting Hours were more around Beth than they were about the romance.
September 3, 2017
I struggled with Alison I found her to be a difficult character to like. Which made it hard to enjoy the read. Was ok. Rated 2.5 stars
December 2, 2017
Fabulous debut novel!
This book was one hell of a roller coaster ride and I almost gave it 5 stars but here is why it fell just short of that for me.
Let me start with one of the main characters, Dr. Jess Baker. I have such a crush on this woman. She is such a sweet, open, warm, charming and seemingly carefree person that I couldn't help but immediately be drawn to her. I also happen to be a sucker for the white lab coat (I blame Amy Acker for that, I've never been the same after laying eyes on Fred Burkle).
As for the second main character, as much as I loved Jess, that's how much I hated Alison, a history professor. This horribly judgmental, snobby, uptight and egotistical woman makes even Hyacinth Bucket look good. I honestly read some pages with my jaw nearly dropping to the floor because of how awful this woman really is. Imagine judging art students as being dirty and less intellectual than someone studying engineering simply because they have tattoos or piercings and by the way they dress.
Oddly enough these two completely different women have amazing chemistry and the sex scenes are just sizzling. I don't want to say much else for fear of spoiling the plot but let's just say that the overall story was well written with great dialogues between the two MC and the secondary characters.
The only things that really ruined this from getting 5 stars happened towards the end of the book. The final reason that made me rate this as 4* is that I felt the ending felt rushed. The entire book was perfectly paced but the last chapter was wrapped up far to soon. Even the epilogue ended quite abruptly and left me thinking "wait, that's it?". A real shame but nonetheless this was a great debut novel and really worth the read.
This book was one hell of a roller coaster ride and I almost gave it 5 stars but here is why it fell just short of that for me.
Let me start with one of the main characters, Dr. Jess Baker. I have such a crush on this woman. She is such a sweet, open, warm, charming and seemingly carefree person that I couldn't help but immediately be drawn to her. I also happen to be a sucker for the white lab coat (I blame Amy Acker for that, I've never been the same after laying eyes on Fred Burkle).
As for the second main character, as much as I loved Jess, that's how much I hated Alison, a history professor. This horribly judgmental, snobby, uptight and egotistical woman makes even Hyacinth Bucket look good. I honestly read some pages with my jaw nearly dropping to the floor because of how awful this woman really is. Imagine judging art students as being dirty and less intellectual than someone studying engineering simply because they have tattoos or piercings and by the way they dress.
Oddly enough these two completely different women have amazing chemistry and the sex scenes are just sizzling. I don't want to say much else for fear of spoiling the plot but let's just say that the overall story was well written with great dialogues between the two MC and the secondary characters.
The only things that really ruined this from getting 5 stars happened towards the end of the book. The final reason that made me rate this as 4* is that I felt the ending felt rushed. The entire book was perfectly paced but the last chapter was wrapped up far to soon. Even the epilogue ended quite abruptly and left me thinking "wait, that's it?". A real shame but nonetheless this was a great debut novel and really worth the read.
May 17, 2020
Such a "real" author - really impressed both by the depth of the characters and the fresh breathe of the story telling. Highly recommended. Loved it even second time round.
August 21, 2017
For a number of months, I had been eagerly anticipating the release of this novel, largely due to the provided synopsis (which aligned directly with my preferred plot directions in the genre) as well as the intriguing content of the cover (many new books, sadly, lack appealing introductory images). As a whole work, it exceeded every expectation that I held and cemented Ms. Shepard as a new favorite author. Dr. Jess Baker, with her rebellious, kind demeanor, deep empathy, nerdy interests and slightly unbelievable awkwardness with possible romantic partners, was perfection. Throughout the text, she exceeded the bounds of empathy and consideration while caring for Beth, her unborn child and by extension, Stephen. Those two supporting figures, the heterosexual couple struggling to grow their family, served as a lovely counterpoint to the primary relationship that was evolving between the two protagonists. The emotional undertones that accompanied their fears of further child loss and the deep affection that bound them together were heartening to read and served to highlight the weaknesses of Alison Reynolds' character. From the first, I found her to be an arrogant, superficial and selfish woman who was undeserving of the wonderful developments that occurred in her relationship with Jess, despite the extent of the postgraduate education and looks that she possessed. It was readily apparent that an imbalance existed between the two-one that would force Alison to rise to the occasion to support her friends and her new partner. But she never did-even at the point of ultimate loss for Beth, she remained fixated on her personal misgivings and lacked the depth necessary to help those that loved her through a type of ordeal that can be insurmountable. At points, the contrast between her self-absorption and Jess' quiet strength was almost comical, I literally exploded with negative emotion at the depictions of her reactions to varying situations, specifically, the arrogance displayed during the first date (that still chafes). Jess was a doctor and Alison a professor of history-women of comparable, impressive achievements in opposing disciplines, a truth that was taken for granted by the academic. In fact, the degree of the reaction that I experienced while completing the book is quite rare and testified to the strength of the talents of Ms. Shepard. Alison was barely a serviceable foil for Jess, whose tenderness and passion represent everything that I want in a partner manifest in a literary figure. I was left only slightly mollified by the gesture noted in the epilogue and knew that I wanted more from this writer-soon.
May 31, 2018
I had virtually no emotional connection or investment to these characters. I really didn’t like Ali as a person and her character development was kinda Hallmark-y in that it was like the flip of a switch but it also wasn’t an impressive switch.
I didn’t feel the love between the two mains at all. The only reason I finished the book is because the writing wasn’t horrible. Way too much description for my taste. I’m more of a dialogue person and there dialogue mostly just gave me anxiety for one reason or another. Sigh.
I didn’t feel the love between the two mains at all. The only reason I finished the book is because the writing wasn’t horrible. Way too much description for my taste. I’m more of a dialogue person and there dialogue mostly just gave me anxiety for one reason or another. Sigh.
September 23, 2017
This was sweet and engaging and ended up being deeply emotional in a way I wasn't expecting. I only wish it had been a little longer.
June 8, 2021
If I had to just rate Jess and the writing style, it would have to be around 3,5 to 4 stars (3 for writing style, 4,5 for Jess).
But Alison was an judgemental pushy arsehole of epic proportions who made my blood boil the whole time. Here are few examples of her thoughts/speech:
1) To start with, his suit fit too well. A well-tailored suit suggested a vanity she found particularly distasteful in men.
- So men aren't allowed to want to look good and wear well-fitting suits if they have the money to buy them? Even though a good suit is way more comfortable than an ill-fitting one and they spend their whole day in the suit at work? Is there seriously toxic masculinity in a lesbian romance?
2)“Gay girls don’t like to play with bi girls. It’s a thing. Everyone knows that lesbians are the most biphobic people out there.”
-another classic that makes my blood boil. Thankfully Jess had a pretty good response to this, but Alison prides herself on being an academic, she really should know you can't make a definite conclusion from ONE data-point!!!
3)"Trust me, I don’t expect much from him. Maybe all that metal in his face is weighing him down. Probably has misspelled tattoos too."
- yes, because in order to have a piercing or a tattoo you have to apparently sacrifice some brain cells in exchange
4)“I have a reason! My reason is that she was just ridiculously rude to an older doctor. He was being a perfect Southern gentleman and she just went after him. And she did it right in front of a nurse.”
- the doctor in question just repeatedly called every young doctor incompetent and arrogant and was one step away from patting Jess on the head and calling her "girlie". In front of the nurse as well. Jess just told him she doesn't agree with his behaviour. Allison is a d*ck. Besides why does she think being a "Southerner" makes you automatically a gentleman? From what I've understood of the USA, it makes you more of a "deceptive insulting d*ck" than anything else and has no correlation to being nice whatsoever.
5)“What do you mean? You mean, like, you play video games?” Jess nodded and she continued, “Oh. That’s…surprising.”
“Why is that surprising?”
“I just thought you would be interested in things more…doctor-like.”
- the point of having hobbies is to have something fun that isn't work... Alison should learn about the concept
6)“Stop trying to hide behind your bullshit excuses!”
“HIPAA is not an excuse. It’s a law and, incidentally, it’s one I believe in. I have to protect the privacy of my patients.”
- yes, she was emotionally distraught, but she had to know about doctor-patient privilege
Other instances that were too long to quote here:
- her old condescending boss whom she doesn't even like doesn't believe the Henry VIII-MacLeod thing..... So Jess is definitely wrong, even though there are compelling arguments for this theory and last I checked, some historians also claimed that when ancient Egyptians buried two men in a traditionally "married" style, the Egyptians "probably made a mistake during burial rites".
Egyptians. Mistake. With a Burial.
And that didn't require medical knowledge, just acknowledgment of the existence of gays. So why would the word of one old white men who didn't actually conduct the research automatically disprove it and is taken as gospel?
- Her obsession with "proper southern behaviour" disturbs me. Is being a bitch while smiling really better than being just plain rude?
- her constant belittling of Jess.
- her tendency to control Beth and Stephen. I get she's worried, but ultimately it's none of her business how they live their life
- her huffines about getting the simplified versions of the medical articles. How does a historian expect to understand a scientific paper for the medical community without studying medicine? Google? That's how conspiracy theories about vaccines changing DNA start. People who don't understand a scientific topic google every single word and then draw incorrect and heavily simplified conclusions.
And yes, she herself acknowledged that some of those opinions may be not ok, but too little, too late, in my opinion. I already hated her at that point
So, in conclusion: Jess needs a better girlfriend, Alison needs some serious therapy and, thanks to her unbearable self-righteousness and prejudices, my rating of this book dropped down to 1,5-2 stars.
But Alison was an judgemental pushy arsehole of epic proportions who made my blood boil the whole time. Here are few examples of her thoughts/speech:
1) To start with, his suit fit too well. A well-tailored suit suggested a vanity she found particularly distasteful in men.
- So men aren't allowed to want to look good and wear well-fitting suits if they have the money to buy them? Even though a good suit is way more comfortable than an ill-fitting one and they spend their whole day in the suit at work? Is there seriously toxic masculinity in a lesbian romance?
2)“Gay girls don’t like to play with bi girls. It’s a thing. Everyone knows that lesbians are the most biphobic people out there.”
-another classic that makes my blood boil. Thankfully Jess had a pretty good response to this, but Alison prides herself on being an academic, she really should know you can't make a definite conclusion from ONE data-point!!!
3)"Trust me, I don’t expect much from him. Maybe all that metal in his face is weighing him down. Probably has misspelled tattoos too."
- yes, because in order to have a piercing or a tattoo you have to apparently sacrifice some brain cells in exchange
4)“I have a reason! My reason is that she was just ridiculously rude to an older doctor. He was being a perfect Southern gentleman and she just went after him. And she did it right in front of a nurse.”
- the doctor in question just repeatedly called every young doctor incompetent and arrogant and was one step away from patting Jess on the head and calling her "girlie". In front of the nurse as well. Jess just told him she doesn't agree with his behaviour. Allison is a d*ck. Besides why does she think being a "Southerner" makes you automatically a gentleman? From what I've understood of the USA, it makes you more of a "deceptive insulting d*ck" than anything else and has no correlation to being nice whatsoever.
5)“What do you mean? You mean, like, you play video games?” Jess nodded and she continued, “Oh. That’s…surprising.”
“Why is that surprising?”
“I just thought you would be interested in things more…doctor-like.”
- the point of having hobbies is to have something fun that isn't work... Alison should learn about the concept
6)“Stop trying to hide behind your bullshit excuses!”
“HIPAA is not an excuse. It’s a law and, incidentally, it’s one I believe in. I have to protect the privacy of my patients.”
- yes, she was emotionally distraught, but she had to know about doctor-patient privilege
Other instances that were too long to quote here:
- her old condescending boss whom she doesn't even like doesn't believe the Henry VIII-MacLeod thing..... So Jess is definitely wrong, even though there are compelling arguments for this theory and last I checked, some historians also claimed that when ancient Egyptians buried two men in a traditionally "married" style, the Egyptians "probably made a mistake during burial rites".
Egyptians. Mistake. With a Burial.
And that didn't require medical knowledge, just acknowledgment of the existence of gays. So why would the word of one old white men who didn't actually conduct the research automatically disprove it and is taken as gospel?
- Her obsession with "proper southern behaviour" disturbs me. Is being a bitch while smiling really better than being just plain rude?
- her constant belittling of Jess.
- her tendency to control Beth and Stephen. I get she's worried, but ultimately it's none of her business how they live their life
- her huffines about getting the simplified versions of the medical articles. How does a historian expect to understand a scientific paper for the medical community without studying medicine? Google? That's how conspiracy theories about vaccines changing DNA start. People who don't understand a scientific topic google every single word and then draw incorrect and heavily simplified conclusions.
And yes, she herself acknowledged that some of those opinions may be not ok, but too little, too late, in my opinion. I already hated her at that point
So, in conclusion: Jess needs a better girlfriend, Alison needs some serious therapy and, thanks to her unbearable self-righteousness and prejudices, my rating of this book dropped down to 1,5-2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2018
I'm still not sure how I stumbled across this (AH. It was Tiff. Thank you!), but it was a lovely treat. I didn't know until I sat down to write this review that this was a debut novel from a new author, but you wouldn't know it from their mastery of words.
This was lovely for a few different reasons, but my main enjoyment came from the romance and how it was relatively uncomplicated until the end. The narrator is Alison, a doctorate history professor that has had a less than stellar love life and has some baggage when it comes to the women she's had in her life. Alison meets Jess, an obstetrician and surgeon, while coming into the hospital in relation to her best friend's pregnancy. Because of Jess's attire (sleeves of tattoos, tanktop, jeans, conspicuously spiky faux mohawk) she doesn't initially realize that Jess is a doctor and completely overlooks her, which leads to an interesting detente between the two women wherein Alison needs to let go of her judgement and Jess is adorably sweet despite it.
I would categorize this as straight romance, not too fluffy, nothing sinister or mysterious happening. It's definitely a beach read for me, something that warms your heart but doesn't throw you for loops and make you wonder what's going on (which is usually my go-to if I can find it). But, I enjoyed it nonetheless, it was thoughtful and smart, I learned a lot about blood types and first impressions.
This was lovely for a few different reasons, but my main enjoyment came from the romance and how it was relatively uncomplicated until the end. The narrator is Alison, a doctorate history professor that has had a less than stellar love life and has some baggage when it comes to the women she's had in her life. Alison meets Jess, an obstetrician and surgeon, while coming into the hospital in relation to her best friend's pregnancy. Because of Jess's attire (sleeves of tattoos, tanktop, jeans, conspicuously spiky faux mohawk) she doesn't initially realize that Jess is a doctor and completely overlooks her, which leads to an interesting detente between the two women wherein Alison needs to let go of her judgement and Jess is adorably sweet despite it.
I would categorize this as straight romance, not too fluffy, nothing sinister or mysterious happening. It's definitely a beach read for me, something that warms your heart but doesn't throw you for loops and make you wonder what's going on (which is usually my go-to if I can find it). But, I enjoyed it nonetheless, it was thoughtful and smart, I learned a lot about blood types and first impressions.
September 17, 2017
I don't Know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't this...
It was okay. Lot's of medical jargon in the first half... slow burn. Second half was better. Jess Is a likable character, but I found Alison to be a bit of a snob. And there seemed to be no 'spark' between the pair... even with the 'naughty' parts (which to be fare, were wrote well).
It was okay. Lot's of medical jargon in the first half... slow burn. Second half was better. Jess Is a likable character, but I found Alison to be a bit of a snob. And there seemed to be no 'spark' between the pair... even with the 'naughty' parts (which to be fare, were wrote well).
February 5, 2019
This was pretty good. I struggled between 3 and 4 stars. It's probably closer to a 3 star read....but I was really impressed all the medical stuff was pretty much on target. Therefore 4 stars.
September 10, 2017
Well done!
Well done for a debut novel! Very well developed plot. I totally enjoyed all the characters. Allison was a selfish self righteous Southern at the start of the novel. Jess was very much a West Coast no holds barred kind of woman. Allison's best friend Beth and her husband Stephen were adorable! By the end of the book Jess and Allison's relationship was beautifully developed. I enjoyed this book very much!
Well done for a debut novel! Very well developed plot. I totally enjoyed all the characters. Allison was a selfish self righteous Southern at the start of the novel. Jess was very much a West Coast no holds barred kind of woman. Allison's best friend Beth and her husband Stephen were adorable! By the end of the book Jess and Allison's relationship was beautifully developed. I enjoyed this book very much!
January 13, 2024
Allison is a history professor, her best friend Beth is in the hospital with a difficult pregnancy. Jess is her obstetrician and Allison doesn't like her. Or does she? This follows a difficult pregnancy, and the relationship between Allison and Jess. I really enjoyed this book immensely. It deserves 5 stars!
October 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I laughed and I cried. I wasn't sure whether or not to enter the giveaway for this book because I am not a lesbian and the lifestyle is foreign to me. This book helped me realize that we all go through the same anxieties and same hurts and same feelings of inadequacy. I think reading this book made me a better and more understanding person. It was well written and maintained my interest. Thank you Tagan Shepard for writing this book and making it available for the Goodreads giveaway. I was the lucky one who won this book. Additionally, I would like to thank you for personalizing it for me and signing it. I think you have a lot more good books inside you. Best to you and yours.
September 7, 2017
fuck man, I'm gonna cry.
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