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Lakeside Hospital #2
A Cut Above
Ivy Chan has always known her destiny.
She would be the best neurosurgeon in the state, or maybe the country. Better even than her father, whose shadow she's eager to escape.
Ivy has always been a student above all. Friendships, hobbies and romance come second… or more often, not at all. She's in the home stretch now, the final year of medical school, and her surgical residency is within reach.
All Ivy needs to do is stay the course.
Which would be a hell of a lot easier if she hadn't had the misfortune of falling in love with her study partner.
Chloe Barnes is the kind of girl who can command Ivy's attention even across a crowded Emergency Room. She's smart and witty, she makes friends with everyone she meets… she's the polar opposite of Ivy's reserved, cynical nature. And one unexpected kiss in the hospital locker room changes everything.
It shoves Ivy off her chosen path…
Leaves her questioning everything…
And wanting more.
This is the second book in the Lakeside Hospital series. Each book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel and the series can be read in any order.
She would be the best neurosurgeon in the state, or maybe the country. Better even than her father, whose shadow she's eager to escape.
Ivy has always been a student above all. Friendships, hobbies and romance come second… or more often, not at all. She's in the home stretch now, the final year of medical school, and her surgical residency is within reach.
All Ivy needs to do is stay the course.
Which would be a hell of a lot easier if she hadn't had the misfortune of falling in love with her study partner.
Chloe Barnes is the kind of girl who can command Ivy's attention even across a crowded Emergency Room. She's smart and witty, she makes friends with everyone she meets… she's the polar opposite of Ivy's reserved, cynical nature. And one unexpected kiss in the hospital locker room changes everything.
It shoves Ivy off her chosen path…
Leaves her questioning everything…
And wanting more.
This is the second book in the Lakeside Hospital series. Each book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel and the series can be read in any order.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
222 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
70 books478 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 25, 2018
DNF. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but did not like this one at all. The biggest problem for me was not that I didn’t like Ivy. She seems like a selfish asshole and her brother is an asshole too. The bottom line is I just didn’t want to read about her anymore.
January 21, 2019
I couldn’t explain why but I liked this much better the second time around.
July 31, 2018
3.5*
Even though you can read this as a standalone I had to go back and refresh my mind on the characters from the first book as this one is about Chloe and Ivy. I read a couple of other reviews on this book and have to agree the depth of Ivy's character was lacking. Her drive and competitiveness supposedly comes from her parents but what you see is that it comes from her brother. Her parents confused me and weren't present enough to show much. Regardless, it's a medical romance and I am sucked for tjose. Plus it's a kU so double goodie.
Even though you can read this as a standalone I had to go back and refresh my mind on the characters from the first book as this one is about Chloe and Ivy. I read a couple of other reviews on this book and have to agree the depth of Ivy's character was lacking. Her drive and competitiveness supposedly comes from her parents but what you see is that it comes from her brother. Her parents confused me and weren't present enough to show much. Regardless, it's a medical romance and I am sucked for tjose. Plus it's a kU so double goodie.
January 7, 2019
3 stars.
I read the first one a while back and didn't continue with the series right away, that in its own says a lot. I love medical books, and it was a good story with interesting characters but I thought it escalated too fast, and there was a lot of missed opportunities to make the story more interesting, i kept thinking "okay now this is obviously gonna happen and it will be great" but it never did.
Fine read all in all.
I read the first one a while back and didn't continue with the series right away, that in its own says a lot. I love medical books, and it was a good story with interesting characters but I thought it escalated too fast, and there was a lot of missed opportunities to make the story more interesting, i kept thinking "okay now this is obviously gonna happen and it will be great" but it never did.
Fine read all in all.
June 25, 2018
Pretty quick read, about young love, med students and their need to excel.
August 6, 2022
After finishing the authors Fur-ever Veterinary series I decided to give her medical series a try as well. This is the second in the series. The first wasn’t available a the moment on KU. This follows two doctors finishing their last year of training, trying different fields of specialties and preparing for the medical boards. Chloe Barnes is pretty, smart, friendly and caring. She wants to get to know each patient as she treats them. Her study partner is Ivy Chan. It may be stereotyping but she is an over achiever. She must be number one in the class and will put off all social life and anything else that interferes with her studies. To learn from each others styles the ER chief resident makes them work together for a week during their ER rotation. It gives them more time to learn about each other.
This isn’t as pulse pounding as a Radclyffe medical romance. But the characters are good and so are their motivations. Ivy has a very strange family dynamic where parental attention is only given when achieving which pits her against her brother at times in uncomfortable ways. I also found it odd that her father is a famous renowned surgeon that she doesn’t have a car. She’s taking the bus five hours to visit her family for the holidays. It makes more sense for Chloe whose family is of modest means. Also Ivy's brother graduates from law school during the book and then spends weeks in their rivalry studying for the bar and then plans to get a job at a law firm. My brother is a lawyer and in my state law firms hire you out of law school and while working you the first year giving you experience they also give you time to prepare for your exams. So I found that as a small distracting error. Another distraction is that the two become girlfriends with no discussion that they are at the point where they will go to residencies and they more than likely will not be going to the same hospital. From this one book I’m not clear on how much the author knows about the fields she writing. But it’s a solid romance and I already have the next in the series queued up.
(3.5 stars)
This isn’t as pulse pounding as a Radclyffe medical romance. But the characters are good and so are their motivations. Ivy has a very strange family dynamic where parental attention is only given when achieving which pits her against her brother at times in uncomfortable ways. I also found it odd that her father is a famous renowned surgeon that she doesn’t have a car. She’s taking the bus five hours to visit her family for the holidays. It makes more sense for Chloe whose family is of modest means. Also Ivy's brother graduates from law school during the book and then spends weeks in their rivalry studying for the bar and then plans to get a job at a law firm. My brother is a lawyer and in my state law firms hire you out of law school and while working you the first year giving you experience they also give you time to prepare for your exams. So I found that as a small distracting error. Another distraction is that the two become girlfriends with no discussion that they are at the point where they will go to residencies and they more than likely will not be going to the same hospital. From this one book I’m not clear on how much the author knows about the fields she writing. But it’s a solid romance and I already have the next in the series queued up.
(3.5 stars)
July 12, 2018
3 1/2 rounded to 4.. last one I rounded down, but found this one was better. I like the style, and the flow was better. Love that last books characters are also in this one.
March 15, 2018
Ivy Chan is the overachiever that just can't relax even if the world were ending. She has a goal to reach and big shoes to fill. Ivy wants to be a neurosurgeon like her father, and to maintain her rank in class as the best. To her, love is a distraction and there is no way to balance the two. She's wanted to be the best neurosurgeon before she could talk, and nothing is going to stand in her way. Although, perhaps a three year crush could do the job.
Chloe Barnes wants to help people, and that's what motivated her to become a doctor, but she still isn't quite sure what she wants to specialize in. With medical school coming to a close she needs to decide fast. She lives with her longtime crush turned friend, and is starting to realize maybe it's time to be on her own. Being the only person that can stand Ivy's intensity, they've been study buddies for three years, so everything about to happen is a bit unexpected.
This was an enjoyable read. I think what brought it down for me was the bit of predictability and unfathomable stubbornness. I also wish there was more show, rather than tell, of the happy times before all hell broke loose. I feel like since it took so long to get there it would have been nice to enjoy them being happy together.
With that being said, this is a HEA.
Chloe Barnes wants to help people, and that's what motivated her to become a doctor, but she still isn't quite sure what she wants to specialize in. With medical school coming to a close she needs to decide fast. She lives with her longtime crush turned friend, and is starting to realize maybe it's time to be on her own. Being the only person that can stand Ivy's intensity, they've been study buddies for three years, so everything about to happen is a bit unexpected.
This was an enjoyable read. I think what brought it down for me was the bit of predictability and unfathomable stubbornness. I also wish there was more show, rather than tell, of the happy times before all hell broke loose. I feel like since it took so long to get there it would have been nice to enjoy them being happy together.
With that being said, this is a HEA.
November 30, 2018
This was an entertaining read, but I kind of got tired of Ivy and her very competitive personality, especially with her brother (who's the same). However I can kind of understand it, considering how her family is.
Chloe is pretty much the opposite and much more likable. The romance was nice, with some unnecessary drama here and there, but it was entertaining overall.
Megan and Alex also appear, but they're not relevant characters and it's not necessary to have read the first book.
Chloe is pretty much the opposite and much more likable. The romance was nice, with some unnecessary drama here and there, but it was entertaining overall.
Megan and Alex also appear, but they're not relevant characters and it's not necessary to have read the first book.
July 30, 2018
Meh...
February 5, 2019
OMG Ivy and Chloe! I think those are the couple that I like most, specially Chloe. And when you get to know Ivy some more, you get to reaize why is she the way she is and the reason behing her hate against Megan is hilarious.
And when it comes to Chloe, you just want to give her a hug and protect her against the world.
I wish I was more of a writer because this book deserves a more eloquent review. I completely recommend it and hope that other readers find the same joy in it that I found.
And when it comes to Chloe, you just want to give her a hug and protect her against the world.
I wish I was more of a writer because this book deserves a more eloquent review. I completely recommend it and hope that other readers find the same joy in it that I found.
September 24, 2018
More enjoyable than book 1
I preferred this to the first book. The characters in the first one seemed a bit too childish for my liking and I didn't like the fact that Alex allowed herself to be treated like a doormat by Megan especially given her past. It would have been nice for them to show a little bit of resistance after being hurt by the girls they loved instead of coming across as desperate.
I preferred this to the first book. The characters in the first one seemed a bit too childish for my liking and I didn't like the fact that Alex allowed herself to be treated like a doormat by Megan especially given her past. It would have been nice for them to show a little bit of resistance after being hurt by the girls they loved instead of coming across as desperate.
August 20, 2018
I usually enjoy the friends-become-lovers trope, and this one was ok. I’d have enjoyed it more if it’d been a bit easier to see how two people who’d known each other for years might start falling in love.
This was ‘free’ with kindle unlimited.
This was ‘free’ with kindle unlimited.
April 13, 2020
A Cut Above was a great second in this series. I just finished this one and found it to move the group through the program quickly enough to keep my interest. Having been a teacher in a demanding community, I was able to see many of my Asian students in Ivy. Trying to portray the cultural demands placed on these kids and later as they grow into adults is a challenge and the fact that many of these reviews didn't "like" Ivy is a testament to Cara capturing the dichotomy of their second and third generation struggles to achieve and fit into the American culture. I was so happy that the rivalry between Megan and Ivy chilled out at the end and look forward to discovering how the 4 of them continue to blend into the relationships that will be forming anew in the upcoming books. Medicine is a challenging and demanding profession and it takes a special and driven person to not just pursue it as a career, but to embrace the daily challenges. Clearly in our current pandemic, my appreciation goes out to all of you who are risking yourselves for others. Remember when it is all over to find your balance again...the message Ivy teaches us all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2019
My second book by Malone, the first being book 1 in this series. I have read all 3 books in the series and am writing the reviews after the fact. I think the series got better as it went along. I think book 2 was better than book 1, and book 3 in my opinion is the best of the series. I enjoy series because I get to see a bit of the characters I know follow up in the later books. This one didn’t disappoint. The two mains were more likable for me, than Alex and Megan from book 1. Ivy did get on my nerves at some parts, but she grew on me. Sad you don’t get to see Ivy and Chloe more in book 3. It was a good read, and like I mentioned earlier the series just gets better with each book. 3.25 stars for me.
June 24, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I think this author has a lot of potential but she's not quite there yet. Some parts flowed smoothly and some were choppy. I did like the story but I have issues with books where things could have been solved by a simple adult conversation but instead get blown so far out of proportion. I mean they're med students, supposedly intelligent, but they *slight spoiler* have an ugly breakup instead of a conversation that could have kept it from happening? *end spoiler* Just a pet peeve I guess. I guess people that act like children don't deserve to be in an adult relationship anyway.
I think this author has a lot of potential but she's not quite there yet. Some parts flowed smoothly and some were choppy. I did like the story but I have issues with books where things could have been solved by a simple adult conversation but instead get blown so far out of proportion. I mean they're med students, supposedly intelligent, but they *slight spoiler* have an ugly breakup instead of a conversation that could have kept it from happening? *end spoiler* Just a pet peeve I guess. I guess people that act like children don't deserve to be in an adult relationship anyway.
September 1, 2018
The depiction of the Chinese-American MC as a mostly sexless workaholic who puts on herself and receives from her family enormous pressure to be the best has zero nuance and therefore just reads as a stereotype from a white writer. The fact that her life has zero influence in any way from her ethnicity, be it racism or cultural aspects, apart from her mother making some typically Chinese dishes for Thanksgiving, does not help the matter. I concede this is purely a fluffy piece of writing but that shouldn't be an excuse for an author to strive to avoid stereotypes and perfunctory representation, especially a white author.
January 23, 2021
Just like the first, I enjoyed it very much!
Again, people will complain a lot about the existing rivalry between Ivy and Megan, and Ivy and her brother. There are people who have lived just that type of life and never known otherwise. So to me, this was still very relatable. Was it too much? Did I wish there was less competition and more romance? Between the siblings, it was annoying but understandable considering circumstances, but with Megan, it was much tampered as compared to book 1.
My only regret? That she was too stuck up to realise Chloe was the one for her when even I could see it from book 1.
I enjoyed it though.
Again, people will complain a lot about the existing rivalry between Ivy and Megan, and Ivy and her brother. There are people who have lived just that type of life and never known otherwise. So to me, this was still very relatable. Was it too much? Did I wish there was less competition and more romance? Between the siblings, it was annoying but understandable considering circumstances, but with Megan, it was much tampered as compared to book 1.
My only regret? That she was too stuck up to realise Chloe was the one for her when even I could see it from book 1.
I enjoyed it though.
January 30, 2022
finding lov amidst stress
I was all about studying for her medical exam. She worked at Lakeside Hospital and was doing different residencies at the hospital. Hy-Vee and Chloe we’re study buddies but nothing
On studying and working at the hospital we’re great on both Chloe and Ivy. Hope you also had personal problems with her family and felt the only way they would love her as if she excelled.
I like the plan of the story and the characters as they work through their feelings, anger and love. This was a great book and I recommend it for romance lovers and those who like hospital stories.
I was all about studying for her medical exam. She worked at Lakeside Hospital and was doing different residencies at the hospital. Hy-Vee and Chloe we’re study buddies but nothing
On studying and working at the hospital we’re great on both Chloe and Ivy. Hope you also had personal problems with her family and felt the only way they would love her as if she excelled.
I like the plan of the story and the characters as they work through their feelings, anger and love. This was a great book and I recommend it for romance lovers and those who like hospital stories.
March 11, 2018
A fine addition to the series
Having been introduced to Ivy and Chloe in the previous book in this series, it was nice to get to know them better as the protagonists of their own story. Ivy, in particular, is a fantastic character, developing so much from the annoying rival she was from Megan's perspective.
Having been introduced to Ivy and Chloe in the previous book in this series, it was nice to get to know them better as the protagonists of their own story. Ivy, in particular, is a fantastic character, developing so much from the annoying rival she was from Megan's perspective.
July 24, 2018
Marvelous!
This is a very well written story about career, ambition, competition, drive, love, and getting a second chance. The characters are well developed and the storyline flows along easily. Although this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. This book deserves a place on your must read list.
This is a very well written story about career, ambition, competition, drive, love, and getting a second chance. The characters are well developed and the storyline flows along easily. Although this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. This book deserves a place on your must read list.
August 3, 2018
Slow to start but good finish
I’ll admit I dragged through about half the book before I could even get into it. It turned out good and happy, like all good romances- but it just didn’t grab my attention like most. Once I hit about 55% of the book, I HAD to finish though. However, I’ll try another one of her books to see if it grabs me more!
I’ll admit I dragged through about half the book before I could even get into it. It turned out good and happy, like all good romances- but it just didn’t grab my attention like most. Once I hit about 55% of the book, I HAD to finish though. However, I’ll try another one of her books to see if it grabs me more!
September 14, 2020
Perfect Pairing
Cara makes me enjoy hospital stories again. She knows how to bring so many good characters together and creates a beautiful story of longing and love. This is yet another story she treats us with and I’m thankful for. Tears and all, this story is a wonderful read for anyone.
Cara makes me enjoy hospital stories again. She knows how to bring so many good characters together and creates a beautiful story of longing and love. This is yet another story she treats us with and I’m thankful for. Tears and all, this story is a wonderful read for anyone.
March 20, 2021
Friends to lovers
I love Cara Malone series. They are fun and you get invested in the group. Easy reads that you can sit back and enjoy. This book is no different when you have Ivy and Chloe paired. The chemistry is strong. I wish we saw more of the friends helping them, it was very centralized on these two characters. I still enjoyed it, and will reread again.
I love Cara Malone series. They are fun and you get invested in the group. Easy reads that you can sit back and enjoy. This book is no different when you have Ivy and Chloe paired. The chemistry is strong. I wish we saw more of the friends helping them, it was very centralized on these two characters. I still enjoyed it, and will reread again.
March 12, 2018
I enjoyed learning what makes Ivy tick. Family dynamics are a fascinating thing. I'm not sure I actually like Ivy LOL, but I believe Chloe is an excellent partner for her. There's someone for everyone, as it goes. Another winner
ARC provided by the author. Opinion is my own.
ARC provided by the author. Opinion is my own.
June 7, 2018
I really liked this book but Ivy was quite a character and I know her up bringing had a lot to do with it but none the less, the ending made it better! The first book was the best but I did enjoy them both!
September 11, 2018
A CUT ABOVE
I really am enjoying this series. The stories are well written and the characters are people you would like to know. This author know how to write an engaging novel. I will be starting on the third book shortly.
I really am enjoying this series. The stories are well written and the characters are people you would like to know. This author know how to write an engaging novel. I will be starting on the third book shortly.
October 13, 2018
Second in Series.
Ivy and Chole are opposites who have been study buddies throughout medical school. When the sparks finally ignite can they finally find their way to each other. Wonderful story.
Ivy and Chole are opposites who have been study buddies throughout medical school. When the sparks finally ignite can they finally find their way to each other. Wonderful story.
May 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this one, I haven't read the first book in the series, but was able to follow along and get to know the characters. The plot was interesting, good romance, and the character development was well done.
June 1, 2019
DFN
I was bored. I had high hopes for the book, but I had to struggle to stay interested. In the end I gave up. I figure that this wasn't for me. Maybe others will feel differently about the novel.
I was bored. I had high hopes for the book, but I had to struggle to stay interested. In the end I gave up. I figure that this wasn't for me. Maybe others will feel differently about the novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews