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Lakeside Hospital #3
Love Trauma
Krys Stevens is the best trauma doctor at Lakeside Hospital.
She runs the ER like a finely choreographed dance and her dedication to her patients makes up for the ones she cannot save. She’s got a small group of coworkers she calls friends and she’s a superstar at the free clinic where she volunteers. What more could an ambitious young doctor want?
One day, a patient arrives in the ER intubated with a ballpoint pen and changes everything.
Darcy is a combat medic, or she used to be. Her whole identity was wrapped up in the Army until she was injured and sent back to civilian life. After ten years away, there’s not much waiting for her at home, but she’s determined to rebuild her life so she starts going to meet-ups to make new friends.
That’s how she befriends the meet-up coordinator, and how she discovers he’s allergic to shellfish.
One creative intubation later and she’s following him to the ER where she meets the passionate, beautiful and untouchable Krys. She stops only long enough to give Darcy a piece of her mind, but that’s all it takes to know…
Darcy wants Krys to be in the life she’s building.
This is the third 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 runs the ER like a finely choreographed dance and her dedication to her patients makes up for the ones she cannot save. She’s got a small group of coworkers she calls friends and she’s a superstar at the free clinic where she volunteers. What more could an ambitious young doctor want?
One day, a patient arrives in the ER intubated with a ballpoint pen and changes everything.
Darcy is a combat medic, or she used to be. Her whole identity was wrapped up in the Army until she was injured and sent back to civilian life. After ten years away, there’s not much waiting for her at home, but she’s determined to rebuild her life so she starts going to meet-ups to make new friends.
That’s how she befriends the meet-up coordinator, and how she discovers he’s allergic to shellfish.
One creative intubation later and she’s following him to the ER where she meets the passionate, beautiful and untouchable Krys. She stops only long enough to give Darcy a piece of her mind, but that’s all it takes to know…
Darcy wants Krys to be in the life she’s building.
This is the third 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.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2018
298 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books479 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 48 reviews
August 2, 2018
I liked this one best of three
I think this is the best one in the series so far. There is no stupid break up like the other two and that might be because the main characters in this one, Krys and Darcy, are older. It does have it's little angst here and there but nothing too dramatic. If you are a fan of the series then you will like this one. The characters from the first two show up and I am hoping the next one will be about Lily.
I think this is the best one in the series so far. There is no stupid break up like the other two and that might be because the main characters in this one, Krys and Darcy, are older. It does have it's little angst here and there but nothing too dramatic. If you are a fan of the series then you will like this one. The characters from the first two show up and I am hoping the next one will be about Lily.
May 16, 2020
I actually feel quite mean only giving this a 4 * but it's just too short, too insubstantial for a 5*. Just getting going and it's "The End." Shame.
January 22, 2019
Don’t trust the author when she says this is a standalone novel. It is, in a way, but it’s nicer to know who the characters are and know their backstory, especially at the beginning of the book.
So. This is the 3rd book in the Lakeside series and it’s as nice and enjoyable as the previous ones.
So. This is the 3rd book in the Lakeside series and it’s as nice and enjoyable as the previous ones.
July 2, 2019
Cute. Sweet quick read with the medical stuff done well but not overly. The sex scenes were hot and sensual and just in the right amount. Basically a satisfying read. It’s the third in the series and I bailed on the second and never even started the first so all the side-character lesbian younguns bopping around didn’t really interest me, but the main story was solid. I don’t think you need to read the others in this series and I probably won’t because I found the secondary characters too repetitive and cookie-cutter. BTW, just assume everyone in this story is a lesbian. It will save you time.
I like the fact that Krys and Darcy are both a bit older and set in their ways, particularly Krys, but a good dose of butch sexiness and perseverance saves the day. It was refreshing that Darcy never felt threatened by her notably more femme partner’s obvious success and seniority. However, I found the “MacGyver” bit overdone and I feel a bit cheated that scene took place off camera.
There was a bit of angst toward the 80% mark, but it was an opportunity for the characters to communicate and get closer rather than drama and breakups, for which I am grateful!
The story is told in alternating chapters from both MCs POV, which was all right. There wasn’t an info-dump about Darcy’s family stuff, we found out organically, which I also liked.
Some editing issues aside, a solid 4.5 stars. I’ve been reading a lot of duds lately and went digging in my Kindle archives of TBRs and cane up with this one. Recommended and a pleasant surprise.
I like the fact that Krys and Darcy are both a bit older and set in their ways, particularly Krys, but a good dose of butch sexiness and perseverance saves the day. It was refreshing that Darcy never felt threatened by her notably more femme partner’s obvious success and seniority. However, I found the “MacGyver” bit overdone and I feel a bit cheated that scene took place off camera.
There was a bit of angst toward the 80% mark, but it was an opportunity for the characters to communicate and get closer rather than drama and breakups, for which I am grateful!
The story is told in alternating chapters from both MCs POV, which was all right. There wasn’t an info-dump about Darcy’s family stuff, we found out organically, which I also liked.
Some editing issues aside, a solid 4.5 stars. I’ve been reading a lot of duds lately and went digging in my Kindle archives of TBRs and cane up with this one. Recommended and a pleasant surprise.
August 7, 2022
I’m getting the flow of this series now and this book was a step up from the last. The focus is on workaholic Krys Stevens. She works full time as the best trauma doctor at Lakeside Hospital but also volunteers her off hours to a free clinic. She meets Darcy when she comes into the ER after using a pen to intubate a person having an allergic reaction. Turns out Darcy is a former combat medic recently discharged from the Army. She is still recovering from injuries sustained in the service but at Krys’s suggestion she also volunteers for at the free clinic. This is a nice low angst book. There is some sweet butch/femme dynamics. The biggest obstacle is getting Krys to overcome her need to work too hard.
January 23, 2019
The third in the Lakeside Hospital series. I believe all these books could be read as stand-alone books, but I think they are best read in order. This was my favorite out of the set. I wasn’t crazy about the title, but meh… Darcy really made this book for me. She was very likable, and I think she and Krys were pretty perfect for one another. This couple was actually the only couple out of the books I thought were really good together. I felt like the others were kind of happy for now… For me this was by far the best in the series. This series got better with each book. Still read them in order, but know you are getting the best one last in line.
July 24, 2018
If you are looking for some good lesfic romance Love Trauma is a great fast read. Great likable characters, fun interactions &hot sexy times. You don't need to read the other 2 books in the series to read this, but you'll want to.
August 3, 2018
Sweet and not all that traumatic
Book 3 in the Lakeside Hospital series tackles yet another workaholic doctor. This time it's the Emergency Room Trauma Queen, so to speak, Dr. Krys Stevens who is in the spotlight. If you've read the earlier volumes in the series, you've gotten to know her as a no nonsense, level headed trauma specialist who was always willing to offer advice to Megan, including having her help out at the free clinic she volunteers at, and became a mentor to Ivy despite their specialties being different. The thing she's never had time for is a personal life. Enter former Army combat medic Darcy, who is going stir crazy back in civilian life while recovering from a war injury. Can she break down the walls that Krys has put up to keep herself safe from getting too close to others, regardless of how attracted she is to them?
The characters are well written, with a good amount of appearances by the characters from the previous two books as well as a cameo appearance by Max and Ruby from the Rulebook series (where Megan was introduced as a character). The storyline moves along nicely, with just enough conflict to drive it forward until the relationship is capable of doing the driving on its own. There's surprisingly little trauma, given the title, but that's not a problem in my opinion.
Book 3 in the Lakeside Hospital series tackles yet another workaholic doctor. This time it's the Emergency Room Trauma Queen, so to speak, Dr. Krys Stevens who is in the spotlight. If you've read the earlier volumes in the series, you've gotten to know her as a no nonsense, level headed trauma specialist who was always willing to offer advice to Megan, including having her help out at the free clinic she volunteers at, and became a mentor to Ivy despite their specialties being different. The thing she's never had time for is a personal life. Enter former Army combat medic Darcy, who is going stir crazy back in civilian life while recovering from a war injury. Can she break down the walls that Krys has put up to keep herself safe from getting too close to others, regardless of how attracted she is to them?
The characters are well written, with a good amount of appearances by the characters from the previous two books as well as a cameo appearance by Max and Ruby from the Rulebook series (where Megan was introduced as a character). The storyline moves along nicely, with just enough conflict to drive it forward until the relationship is capable of doing the driving on its own. There's surprisingly little trauma, given the title, but that's not a problem in my opinion.
August 18, 2018
Good story
This is a charming and sweet story I know you will enjoy, it's a soft, relaxing reading. Keys is a gorgeous doctor, dedicated and workaholic. Darcy is a strong ex marine, a paramedic and I love her lovely, stubborn character. I liked it and I recommend it.
This is a charming and sweet story I know you will enjoy, it's a soft, relaxing reading. Keys is a gorgeous doctor, dedicated and workaholic. Darcy is a strong ex marine, a paramedic and I love her lovely, stubborn character. I liked it and I recommend it.
August 1, 2018
Best book in the series! Author is showing growth and improvement with each installment.
March 20, 2019
Nice and enjoyable
October 26, 2020
Sweet story
Very sweet story. Liked the main characters Darcy and Krys. Krys was a totally committed Trauma doctor who was the epitome of being a workaholic. Darcy was a wounded Army medic whose injury was severe enough to medically discharge her from the army. Their story evolves from their first encounter at the ER to volunteering at the free clinic. Getting to know one another till Darcy’s persistent flirting paid off and Krys came around. A very sweet story with a happy ending.
Very sweet story. Liked the main characters Darcy and Krys. Krys was a totally committed Trauma doctor who was the epitome of being a workaholic. Darcy was a wounded Army medic whose injury was severe enough to medically discharge her from the army. Their story evolves from their first encounter at the ER to volunteering at the free clinic. Getting to know one another till Darcy’s persistent flirting paid off and Krys came around. A very sweet story with a happy ending.
September 4, 2018
Very calm, sweet romance...love the characters.
March 7, 2021
This was my first time reading anything by Cara Malone and, obviously, my first encounter with this series. I can, therefore, attest to the novel's standalone qualities - you don't need to have read the rest of the series to follow the story.
The story follows Krys, emergency room doctor and workaholic, and her burgeoning relationship with injured war veteran and clinic worker, Darcy. I enjoyed the relationship-building and felt the characters were well-observed. I did struggle to keep track of all the couples in the beginning, but I didn't realise this was a series when I started.
Although there were very good moments of drama and romance, I felt that the story lacked a centre and, as much as I recognised the workaholic tendencies of the main character (all my people are medical), I found her naivety - in thinking she could save everyone if she just didn't go home - rather annoying.
However, the story was complete and I will look forward to reading more from this author in future.
The story follows Krys, emergency room doctor and workaholic, and her burgeoning relationship with injured war veteran and clinic worker, Darcy. I enjoyed the relationship-building and felt the characters were well-observed. I did struggle to keep track of all the couples in the beginning, but I didn't realise this was a series when I started.
Although there were very good moments of drama and romance, I felt that the story lacked a centre and, as much as I recognised the workaholic tendencies of the main character (all my people are medical), I found her naivety - in thinking she could save everyone if she just didn't go home - rather annoying.
However, the story was complete and I will look forward to reading more from this author in future.
August 20, 2018
I thought this the weakest of the Lakeside Hospital series so far, and did not enjoy this one particularly. This is largely because nothing really happens; there is no conflict and nothing to resolve. I also found that some of the characters undergo quite a personality change across the series.
This was ‘free’ with kindle unlimited.
This was ‘free’ with kindle unlimited.
May 30, 2021
Darcy's a veteran medic in physical therapy from a serious war wound trying to reconnect with people and Krys is an ER doctor at the top of her game and no time for anything or anyone other than work. A battlefield fix on a member of her meet-up group gets her an unfriendly introduction to the ER doctor but praise from Krys' co-worker who knows an exceptional medical procedure when she sees one. And the game's on as Krys rebuffs Darcy but Darcy doesn't bolt. And that's the story; how Darcy's patience and care allows Krys to find love and learn she can make space for someone other than work. Well written, effective descriptive scenes of the ER and free clinic operations and crisp dialogue.
July 23, 2018
I love this series
I love this series. I love these books because while there's a lot of drama, it's never for its own sake. Stories about workaholics, who live for their profession, who live for helping people. Stories about workaholics who find it difficult to commit because it means more time for their partners and less for their mission to help people.
What I really liked in this book was that both Krys and Darcy know what they're getting into, so the drama is never about the lack of communication. They always do their best to make the most of it what they have.
I love this series. I love these books because while there's a lot of drama, it's never for its own sake. Stories about workaholics, who live for their profession, who live for helping people. Stories about workaholics who find it difficult to commit because it means more time for their partners and less for their mission to help people.
What I really liked in this book was that both Krys and Darcy know what they're getting into, so the drama is never about the lack of communication. They always do their best to make the most of it what they have.
July 26, 2018
Wonderful!
This is a very well written story about finding a balance between career and love. Putting too much emphasis on career leaves no time for anything else, as Krys finds out in this tale of lesbian love. All of her friends seem to be finding the women they're destined to be with, leaving her alone to throw herself into her work. Then she meets Darcy, who throws a proverbial wrench into Krys's structured life. The well developed characters carry the storyline easily, making it flow from the pages and into your heart. This book belongs on your must read list.
This is a very well written story about finding a balance between career and love. Putting too much emphasis on career leaves no time for anything else, as Krys finds out in this tale of lesbian love. All of her friends seem to be finding the women they're destined to be with, leaving her alone to throw herself into her work. Then she meets Darcy, who throws a proverbial wrench into Krys's structured life. The well developed characters carry the storyline easily, making it flow from the pages and into your heart. This book belongs on your must read list.
August 1, 2018
I enjoy Cara Malone's writing because she understands that writers don't need to make life more complicated than it already is. Her characters have real world problems, and handle them in real world ways. I can relate to her stories, and this is a very good one. The chemistry between the main characters is well-written, and the mix of confidence and uncertainty in Darcy's personality is endearing. It's a simple book but enjoyable. I will read Cara Malone until there is no more Cara Malone to read.
January 9, 2019
3 stars.
I think this couple was my favorite of the series, not necessarily the book, but the characters sure, they had chemistry and a lot of cute moments.
That being said, there was still a lot missing for me. I felt like there were scenes that we heard about from the characters but weren't privy to.
The first sex scene bothered me, it was a hot one don't get me wrong but there was a disconnect, like it was totally different people it felt like another book entirely.
I think this couple was my favorite of the series, not necessarily the book, but the characters sure, they had chemistry and a lot of cute moments.
That being said, there was still a lot missing for me. I felt like there were scenes that we heard about from the characters but weren't privy to.
The first sex scene bothered me, it was a hot one don't get me wrong but there was a disconnect, like it was totally different people it felt like another book entirely.
July 24, 2018
This was the first book I read in the Lakeside Hospital series by Cara Malone. I thought that it was fantastic. The main characters of Krys and Darcy have great chemistry together. I enjoyed reading about their time with Krys' other friends. I cannot wait to read more books in the series. The sex scenes were just the right length - enough to enjoy and not too much detail.
July 29, 2018
Love trauma at the hospital.
A dedicated ER doctor who strives to become a superhero. A chance meeting with a combat ready paramedic who sticks part of a fountain pen down inside a friends throat to save him. You have the makings of a EMT persuading a ER doctor that not every life can be saved. Enjoy!
A dedicated ER doctor who strives to become a superhero. A chance meeting with a combat ready paramedic who sticks part of a fountain pen down inside a friends throat to save him. You have the makings of a EMT persuading a ER doctor that not every life can be saved. Enjoy!
August 4, 2018
Touching romance
Finally Krys finds romance and in a very funny location! But the end results were waiting out the ER doctors workaholic ways. Darcy was a reminder of some of my days in the military and how hard it was to keep a relationship while in. But true love found its way through the turmoil making this a wonderful love story.
Finally Krys finds romance and in a very funny location! But the end results were waiting out the ER doctors workaholic ways. Darcy was a reminder of some of my days in the military and how hard it was to keep a relationship while in. But true love found its way through the turmoil making this a wonderful love story.
August 25, 2018
Great!!!!!!!
All three of the books in the Parkside hospital series are awesome but this is best!!!!! I constantly wondered of Darcy was going to be able to capteur Krys's heart.. The book kept me in suspense and I did not want to put the book down! I love the lakeside hospital series and hope there is a book 4!!!!
All three of the books in the Parkside hospital series are awesome but this is best!!!!! I constantly wondered of Darcy was going to be able to capteur Krys's heart.. The book kept me in suspense and I did not want to put the book down! I love the lakeside hospital series and hope there is a book 4!!!!
September 28, 2018
This was another great one of this series
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was great to read about Keys and her obsession with working in the hospital and free clinic. Enter Darcy who is another great character who is Krys' love interest. Also got to see the other characters in there lives. Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was great to read about Keys and her obsession with working in the hospital and free clinic. Enter Darcy who is another great character who is Krys' love interest. Also got to see the other characters in there lives. Great read
January 26, 2021
Loved this book as well, although it had less drama than the first two books in this series. The height of it was obviously Malik's death, but nothing personal to do with the main characters (unlike book 1 & 2 where they broke up before reconciling).
Still enjoyed it. Once Krys was able to let go, she really did, and Darcy was all to thank for.
Still enjoyed it. Once Krys was able to let go, she really did, and Darcy was all to thank for.
October 14, 2018
Third in the series
Workaholic doctor running the emergency department at Lakeside directs the day like an orchestra director. She flows through the daily crises with no hesitation or error. When she meets a medically retired combat medic, her world may never recover. Recommend.
Workaholic doctor running the emergency department at Lakeside directs the day like an orchestra director. She flows through the daily crises with no hesitation or error. When she meets a medically retired combat medic, her world may never recover. Recommend.
December 30, 2018
Enjoyable!
I really liked Love Trauma. The third book in the Lakeside Hospital series. Great story about Krys and Darcy. The lesson? Letting someone into your life to distract you from work can be a good thing.
I really liked Love Trauma. The third book in the Lakeside Hospital series. Great story about Krys and Darcy. The lesson? Letting someone into your life to distract you from work can be a good thing.
April 5, 2019
Love story
Very cute, little nerve wrecking explain of life with workaholic and true believer in love. Krys thought her life revolved strictly around her work and Darcy thought her life was over after an injury.
Very cute, little nerve wrecking explain of life with workaholic and true believer in love. Krys thought her life revolved strictly around her work and Darcy thought her life was over after an injury.
January 17, 2021
Beautiful As Usual
After reading five or more novels by Cara, I’ve become in love with these women! Krys and Darcy just continue to melt my heart with the way they live, love, and embrace each other.
Looking forward to more novels by Cara!
After reading five or more novels by Cara, I’ve become in love with these women! Krys and Darcy just continue to melt my heart with the way they live, love, and embrace each other.
Looking forward to more novels by Cara!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews