What do you think?
Rate this book
All of Me
Dr. Galen Burgess has a reputation for keeping it casual. She likes women close—but not too close. Nothing is more important to her than her budding surgical career as chief surgical resident at Boston City Hospital. After spending years trying, and failing, to please her father, Galen knows getting close enough to care is a recipe for heartbreak.
Everything in her carefully structured life begins to change when she meets her newest intern, the disconcertingly beautiful Dr. Rowan Duncan. Sheltered doesn’t even begin to describe Rowan’s comfortable, quiet life before moving to Boston. When Rowan starts to fall for Galen, everything Rowan's ever known comes into question, including her relationship with high school sweetheart Brian.
With her own heart on the line, will Rowan have the courage to make the cut, or risk losing Galen forever?
Everything in her carefully structured life begins to change when she meets her newest intern, the disconcertingly beautiful Dr. Rowan Duncan. Sheltered doesn’t even begin to describe Rowan’s comfortable, quiet life before moving to Boston. When Rowan starts to fall for Galen, everything Rowan's ever known comes into question, including her relationship with high school sweetheart Brian.
With her own heart on the line, will Rowan have the courage to make the cut, or risk losing Galen forever?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
37 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Emily Smith
7 books38 followersEmily Smith was born and raised in a small town in New Hampshire, where she started writing at an early age. Her grandmother was a children’s author, and she comes from a family of English teachers. Searching For Forever is Emily’s first full-length novel and first venture into the publishing world. When she isn’t writing, which is rare, Emily works in the medical field. She has been an EMT for years and is currently in school to become a physician assistant. She lives in Boston with her partner, where they try to escape to Provincetown as much as possible.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 23, 2018
2.75 Stars. I have to say I was pretty disappointed in this read. I love medical romances, but this book was not for my personal tastes. In fact I found myself getting upset with some of the characters instead of just enjoying the read. The reason this book is even getting 2.75 stars is that I liked the few medical hospital scenes there actually were. Without the medical part of this romance my score would be lower.
This book went from insta lust to insta love. I’m not an insta love fan unless the world is ending kind of book. The two main characters are Galen the Chief Resident of Surgery and Rowan who is a surgical intern. I have to make a quick point here, I don’t know if it is because both their names ended in sort of an “AN” sound but I got their names mixed up for way too much of the book. Anyway, Rowan identifies herself as a straight woman and to have her be in insta lust just from seeing Galen for the first time, didn’t really move me. I felt like I was being “told” why these two were so attracted to each other. I don’t want to be told about a connection I want to see and feel it. Shortly after that the “I love you’s” pop out and I was rolling my eyes hard.
Another reason why the insta love didn’t work for me is Galen is a player. It is mentioned in the book numerous times that she sleeps with a ton of women. What is it about Rowan that will make her give up her current lifestyle? I need something more convincing than just lust. And while it is clear that Galen sleeps with many, many women, it jarred me that Galen getting tested was never brought up. I’m all for women doing their own thing. I hate the double standard we have with women and men when it comes to sexual partners. But not even bringing up that Galen is conscientious enough to get tested made her seem like a walking STD ad.
The last part that really bothered me was the “conflict” of the story. I thought it was just nauseating. It was one of the worst conflict scenes I remember reading. I’m trying not to be spoilerish here, so I have to be a little vague. Not only was the conflict ridiculous but it caused me to completely dislike the character of Rowan. And the biggest problem was there wasn’t enough time left in the book for her to redeem herself. I found myself not wishing for a HEA but for Galen to go hook up with the other female intern.
What did I actually enjoy; some of the parts of the book that took place in the hospital. The few surgeries we are actually a part of, and they are few and far between, was fun to read about. It was not able to save the book for me because too many times we are told about a surgery and didn’t get to see it. However, I did like most of the medical parts and one of the secondary intern characters.
As I mentioned before I love medical romances so this was a real bummer. The current early reviews for this book have been much higher than my score. I guess I am an outlier here. Make sure you read the other reviews before you decide since this book does work for some people, just not for me.
An ARC was given to me from BSB for a honest review.
This book went from insta lust to insta love. I’m not an insta love fan unless the world is ending kind of book. The two main characters are Galen the Chief Resident of Surgery and Rowan who is a surgical intern. I have to make a quick point here, I don’t know if it is because both their names ended in sort of an “AN” sound but I got their names mixed up for way too much of the book. Anyway, Rowan identifies herself as a straight woman and to have her be in insta lust just from seeing Galen for the first time, didn’t really move me. I felt like I was being “told” why these two were so attracted to each other. I don’t want to be told about a connection I want to see and feel it. Shortly after that the “I love you’s” pop out and I was rolling my eyes hard.
Another reason why the insta love didn’t work for me is Galen is a player. It is mentioned in the book numerous times that she sleeps with a ton of women. What is it about Rowan that will make her give up her current lifestyle? I need something more convincing than just lust. And while it is clear that Galen sleeps with many, many women, it jarred me that Galen getting tested was never brought up. I’m all for women doing their own thing. I hate the double standard we have with women and men when it comes to sexual partners. But not even bringing up that Galen is conscientious enough to get tested made her seem like a walking STD ad.
The last part that really bothered me was the “conflict” of the story. I thought it was just nauseating. It was one of the worst conflict scenes I remember reading. I’m trying not to be spoilerish here, so I have to be a little vague. Not only was the conflict ridiculous but it caused me to completely dislike the character of Rowan. And the biggest problem was there wasn’t enough time left in the book for her to redeem herself. I found myself not wishing for a HEA but for Galen to go hook up with the other female intern.
What did I actually enjoy; some of the parts of the book that took place in the hospital. The few surgeries we are actually a part of, and they are few and far between, was fun to read about. It was not able to save the book for me because too many times we are told about a surgery and didn’t get to see it. However, I did like most of the medical parts and one of the secondary intern characters.
As I mentioned before I love medical romances so this was a real bummer. The current early reviews for this book have been much higher than my score. I guess I am an outlier here. Make sure you read the other reviews before you decide since this book does work for some people, just not for me.
An ARC was given to me from BSB for a honest review.
April 2, 2019
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
**'Writers should want readers to be wholly engaged,gripped rather than shocked or disappointed by their story..Good writing is specific writing and specific writing is good writing.Be specific and not dull..'
'ALL OF ME' reads like a combination of how the current practice of medicine actually works in a hospital,part love story and also looks at a few unsympathetic behind-the-curtains unfortunate affairs & telltale odious actions between Chief resident,nurses,interns etc. Well 12% into this story and suddenly both leads (Galen & Rowan) are into each other -- no chemistry or relationship development but from their quick romance both had many fears and questions on whether they should be together but with all the encouragement from a few of their supportive colleagues things might be looking up for them. It is,I suspect that this little bit of meaningful thread that might resonate with some readers where there is notable cause for both on-the-job sexual harassment and abuse of power in this storyline -- this is mention by me because in this present-day of the #MeToo movement & culture,this stigma of most working women being sexually harassed is very much a taboo subject: which also might make people/readers uncomfortable to read about,think about or even deal with. Infuriating storytelling and writing at times. And yet that 's not what you as readers might feel at the end. What you are left with, oddly is a sense of relief maybe. And to top it off,some readers might view this interlocking medical drama and insta love story through the empathetic eyes of the author with a some what quirky at times and detailed story.
**'Writers should want readers to be wholly engaged,gripped rather than shocked or disappointed by their story..Good writing is specific writing and specific writing is good writing.Be specific and not dull..'
'ALL OF ME' reads like a combination of how the current practice of medicine actually works in a hospital,part love story and also looks at a few unsympathetic behind-the-curtains unfortunate affairs & telltale odious actions between Chief resident,nurses,interns etc. Well 12% into this story and suddenly both leads (Galen & Rowan) are into each other -- no chemistry or relationship development but from their quick romance both had many fears and questions on whether they should be together but with all the encouragement from a few of their supportive colleagues things might be looking up for them. It is,I suspect that this little bit of meaningful thread that might resonate with some readers where there is notable cause for both on-the-job sexual harassment and abuse of power in this storyline -- this is mention by me because in this present-day of the #MeToo movement & culture,this stigma of most working women being sexually harassed is very much a taboo subject: which also might make people/readers uncomfortable to read about,think about or even deal with. Infuriating storytelling and writing at times. And yet that 's not what you as readers might feel at the end. What you are left with, oddly is a sense of relief maybe. And to top it off,some readers might view this interlocking medical drama and insta love story through the empathetic eyes of the author with a some what quirky at times and detailed story.
November 4, 2018
I love medical romances they are definitely one my favourite tropes so I was really excited about this book when I read the synopsis.
I really enjoyed the first 50% of the story and found myself really engaged and I actually liking both the characters and the chemistry between them as it was incredibly passionate. Especially the section where Galen the known player softens and start to fall for Rowan. It was really sweet and romantic... swoon!
But unfortunately as the twist (that I knew inevitably was coming) happened I was still a little shocked. At that point the character that I loved the most, Rowan became a little frustrating. I also felt that the ending was very sudden and I got a little confused how they bounced back so easily. It just felt a little unrealistic.
3 stars
I really enjoyed the first 50% of the story and found myself really engaged and I actually liking both the characters and the chemistry between them as it was incredibly passionate. Especially the section where Galen the known player softens and start to fall for Rowan. It was really sweet and romantic... swoon!
But unfortunately as the twist (that I knew inevitably was coming) happened I was still a little shocked. At that point the character that I loved the most, Rowan became a little frustrating. I also felt that the ending was very sudden and I got a little confused how they bounced back so easily. It just felt a little unrealistic.
3 stars
October 19, 2018
Dr Galen Burgess is the new chief resident and on the day the new interns arrive her eye is drawn to Dr Rowan Duncan. Galen is known for her one night stands but she can’t help but like Rowan. Unfortunately Rowan is straight and has been with her boyfriend, Brian, since high school. Rowan doesn’t understand her attraction to Galen and her small town upbringing can’t even let her mind wander there.
I loved Galen as a character. She’s exacting in her job but also friendly, witty and honest. I liked Rowan initially for her directness, humour and courage. And then I despised her and unfortunately she wasn’t given the time or words to redeem herself. I came to like the perceptive, no-nonsense secondary character, Makayla, more than I did Rowan.
As a fan of the medical romance genre, I liked the setting which was very evocative of a hospital and its surgeons and doctors. I enjoyed the writing and, for the most part, the story. I was disappointed that Galen’s mother and sisters’ appearance was so brief because they added a nice dimension to the story. On the whole, a good read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I loved Galen as a character. She’s exacting in her job but also friendly, witty and honest. I liked Rowan initially for her directness, humour and courage. And then I despised her and unfortunately she wasn’t given the time or words to redeem herself. I came to like the perceptive, no-nonsense secondary character, Makayla, more than I did Rowan.
As a fan of the medical romance genre, I liked the setting which was very evocative of a hospital and its surgeons and doctors. I enjoyed the writing and, for the most part, the story. I was disappointed that Galen’s mother and sisters’ appearance was so brief because they added a nice dimension to the story. On the whole, a good read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The only other book by Emily Smith I’ve read was part of the wedding novella series so I thought I’d give a novel a go, unfortunately this wasn’t the book for me.
This book is about Galen, who, like many main characters in medical lesfic, is sleeping her way around the hospital. Once again I have to wonder why authors think anyone could get away with this in this day and age, and also, how many lesbians work in hospitals anyway? Judging by these books, hospitals are a lesbian utopia. I blame Radclyffe. Anyway, I digress. Galen is sleeping her way around the hospital (made even more unlikely by the fact that her father is the Chief of Surgery), and she’s also just been made Chief Resident.
Rowan is a new resident, she’s straight and has a boyfriend (and I know this because she tells everyone this 100 times in the first 1/4 of the book), and she’s fresh out of med school in Texas. She’s also instantly attracted to Galen, (though I’m not sure why, Galen’s actually not that great, but whatever).
So far the premise wasn’t exactly grabbing me, but I knew I was in trouble in the second chapter when Rowan describes her boyfriend this way.
“He was good to her. He let her be a surgeon.”
He LET her be a surgeon? Welcome to 2018 Rowan, can’t wait for you to join us.
Anyway, the two meet, have some awkward conversations that I think were supposed to be cute and develop feelings for each other. When I say ‘feelings’, it’s actually lust, followed very quickly by declarations of love. Now up to this point, Galen’s avoided commitment like a plague and Rowan was ‘straight’ , so I’m not sure how either of them arrived at this conclusion so fast and we’re not given enough time or content to draw the same one.
Meanwhile, Galen’s mother then gets sick enough to require surgery and her FATHER operates on her. I mean, come ON. There were no other doctors that could have done it? By this point I’d rolled my eyes so much I think I sprained the left one.
Anyway, they’re in their ‘not at all believable’ insta-love relationship when the ‘angst’ plot line rears it’s ugly head. I’m not going to spoil it, but it was... yeah, there aren’t really words for what I thought of the ‘plot’ or Rowan at that point. This is all then wrapped up in the last 5-10% of the book with no dramas, and also, no apology from Rowan. Not exactly how I like my HEAs.
So, can’t say I enjoyed it, can’t say I’d recommend it. In fact, parts of it felt like I was reading one of Rad’s stories (Turn Back Time, I can recommend that one).
2 stars.
The only other book by Emily Smith I’ve read was part of the wedding novella series so I thought I’d give a novel a go, unfortunately this wasn’t the book for me.
This book is about Galen, who, like many main characters in medical lesfic, is sleeping her way around the hospital. Once again I have to wonder why authors think anyone could get away with this in this day and age, and also, how many lesbians work in hospitals anyway? Judging by these books, hospitals are a lesbian utopia. I blame Radclyffe. Anyway, I digress. Galen is sleeping her way around the hospital (made even more unlikely by the fact that her father is the Chief of Surgery), and she’s also just been made Chief Resident.
Rowan is a new resident, she’s straight and has a boyfriend (and I know this because she tells everyone this 100 times in the first 1/4 of the book), and she’s fresh out of med school in Texas. She’s also instantly attracted to Galen, (though I’m not sure why, Galen’s actually not that great, but whatever).
So far the premise wasn’t exactly grabbing me, but I knew I was in trouble in the second chapter when Rowan describes her boyfriend this way.
“He was good to her. He let her be a surgeon.”
He LET her be a surgeon? Welcome to 2018 Rowan, can’t wait for you to join us.
Anyway, the two meet, have some awkward conversations that I think were supposed to be cute and develop feelings for each other. When I say ‘feelings’, it’s actually lust, followed very quickly by declarations of love. Now up to this point, Galen’s avoided commitment like a plague and Rowan was ‘straight’ , so I’m not sure how either of them arrived at this conclusion so fast and we’re not given enough time or content to draw the same one.
Meanwhile, Galen’s mother then gets sick enough to require surgery and her FATHER operates on her. I mean, come ON. There were no other doctors that could have done it? By this point I’d rolled my eyes so much I think I sprained the left one.
Anyway, they’re in their ‘not at all believable’ insta-love relationship when the ‘angst’ plot line rears it’s ugly head. I’m not going to spoil it, but it was... yeah, there aren’t really words for what I thought of the ‘plot’ or Rowan at that point. This is all then wrapped up in the last 5-10% of the book with no dramas, and also, no apology from Rowan. Not exactly how I like my HEAs.
So, can’t say I enjoyed it, can’t say I’d recommend it. In fact, parts of it felt like I was reading one of Rad’s stories (Turn Back Time, I can recommend that one).
2 stars.
December 14, 2022
The 3.58 stars, are not up to the quality of this book. I hope that Ms Smith is not discouraged by these reviews, below the value of this book, and that she will continue to write knowing that this book is from 2020. I want more books by Ms Smith, please
November 19, 2018
Dr. Galen Burguess is the chief surgical resident at Boston City Hospital. She works hard and plays hard, her reputation as a player is well known. But when she meets a new intern, Dr. Rowan Duncan, she's soon smitten with the very reserved and very straight resident. As Galen decides not to act on her attraction, Rowan discovers new feelings for her boss. But she's got a boyfriend waiting in Texas and she's straight anyway, or is she?
'All of me' is a medical romance, Radclyffe style, with a butch/androgynous and a femme doctors as main characters in a fast and stressful hospital setting. Normally these types of books showcase several medical cases and emergency situations where patients' lives are at risk. In this case, these elements are present with the addition of some family drama consisting of a cold and strict father (Galen's) and a long-distance boyfriend (Rowan's).
The medical scenes and a couple of secondary characters are the best parts of this book. However, I have a few issues that justify my low rating. My first issue is that the leads sometimes act out of character. For example, the reader is told that Rowan is shy but she acts anything but. To avoid spoilers, let me just say that both characters go through sudden and unrealistic changes from what would be their expected actions which is puzzling and sometimes downright annoying.
My other problem is that some parts of the plot are resolved very superficially, in particular Galen's relationship with her parents. The story leads us to think this is a crucial matter while it was only mentioned in passing. It seems as if the author didn't commit to the story completely. The main characters' chemistry is ok but the insta-love is hard to believe.
Overall, sometimes ok, sometimes frustrating read. 2.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
'All of me' is a medical romance, Radclyffe style, with a butch/androgynous and a femme doctors as main characters in a fast and stressful hospital setting. Normally these types of books showcase several medical cases and emergency situations where patients' lives are at risk. In this case, these elements are present with the addition of some family drama consisting of a cold and strict father (Galen's) and a long-distance boyfriend (Rowan's).
The medical scenes and a couple of secondary characters are the best parts of this book. However, I have a few issues that justify my low rating. My first issue is that the leads sometimes act out of character. For example, the reader is told that Rowan is shy but she acts anything but. To avoid spoilers, let me just say that both characters go through sudden and unrealistic changes from what would be their expected actions which is puzzling and sometimes downright annoying.
My other problem is that some parts of the plot are resolved very superficially, in particular Galen's relationship with her parents. The story leads us to think this is a crucial matter while it was only mentioned in passing. It seems as if the author didn't commit to the story completely. The main characters' chemistry is ok but the insta-love is hard to believe.
Overall, sometimes ok, sometimes frustrating read. 2.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
February 16, 2019
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
I received an ARC from BSB (via NetGalley) in exchange of an honest review, so … Here it is !!!
First of all … I’d like to say that I haven’t chosen the novel based on its cover since I’m not a huge fan of pictures of persons on covers. Why ?? ‘cause from my POV it spoils a lot of things about the characters. I prefer when I picture them in my mind's eye based on their description made by the author …
OK … so , now, what to say about « All Of Me » itself …
I’ll begin by : for me it’s only (and sadly) a 2.5 Stars … and those stars are because the writing and the humor are quite good during a good part of the book (=> one thing for sure, Ms Smith is familiar with medical procedures … ) + I appreciated to find some interesting vocabulary that I checked out, of course (it’s a good way to improve one’s skills after all.). Other than that, well … that’s a different story.
I’m a huge fan of docs / medical romance novels (they are definitely my favourite genre after the cop stories) so I was really excited about this book when I read the plot. Seriously, even if I’m not a fan of the « womanizers / straight girls » topic, the beginning of the story was promising, at a point that I couldn’t put the book down … I really enjoyed more than the first half of the book. But, then & unfortunately the inevitable twist happened. And like some other readers, I had to push through the rest of the book until the end ‘cause, let’s say it truthfully, it was almost painful… I agree with some other readers : The novel felt like a lesser version of many other « docs » books I’ve read/ It could have been titled « Same old story » instead…
It was quite a nice reading in the beginning … I’ve even begun to appreciate Galen and Rowan seemed to be a good gal … BUT … (yeah, there’s usually always a « but » … ) the characters’s development was highly disappointing (no explanation about the change of heart in Galen’s behavior, secondary characters appearance too quick, etc) … and, it was even worse after this ridiculous twist . That’s just pathetic, the way it happened (on the same screen when you read it on Adobe reader on a laptop BTW) and the way it was handled … I couldn’t believe what I read … NO WAY such a thing happens if you’re really deeply head over heels in love with your soulmate … Who on earth would dump a love story to do « the right thing » and, this, by pity ‘cause the guy wants to come back ( not very original if you ask me … ) … come’on, that’s absurd!!! And in my world it would have been : « Thank you , but no thank you guy !!! I love you since you’re my best friend but you need to grow up man, I’m not your mother and I can’t protect you all your life long… oh , and, BTW, … get over it, I’m madly in love with a WOMAN … and I won’t even talk to you about the lovemakings » … And the end … Oh Gosh … I just wanted to slap everyone in the face. Rowan for being such a stupid bitch who messes up with everyone’s feelings and Galen to take Rowan back after she had hurt her so badly and this, after a hesitation which lasted just the time of the blink of her eyes.
This book was just too unbelievable for my own taste and it saddens me like always when I feel that a novel had the potential to become a great book but in the end, appears to be quite flat … It didn’t work for me but it seems some people highly appreciate the novel so, guys and gals, I think the best thing to do is that you grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
I received an ARC from BSB (via NetGalley) in exchange of an honest review, so … Here it is !!!
First of all … I’d like to say that I haven’t chosen the novel based on its cover since I’m not a huge fan of pictures of persons on covers. Why ?? ‘cause from my POV it spoils a lot of things about the characters. I prefer when I picture them in my mind's eye based on their description made by the author …
OK … so , now, what to say about « All Of Me » itself …
I’ll begin by : for me it’s only (and sadly) a 2.5 Stars … and those stars are because the writing and the humor are quite good during a good part of the book (=> one thing for sure, Ms Smith is familiar with medical procedures … ) + I appreciated to find some interesting vocabulary that I checked out, of course (it’s a good way to improve one’s skills after all.). Other than that, well … that’s a different story.
I’m a huge fan of docs / medical romance novels (they are definitely my favourite genre after the cop stories) so I was really excited about this book when I read the plot. Seriously, even if I’m not a fan of the « womanizers / straight girls » topic, the beginning of the story was promising, at a point that I couldn’t put the book down … I really enjoyed more than the first half of the book. But, then & unfortunately the inevitable twist happened. And like some other readers, I had to push through the rest of the book until the end ‘cause, let’s say it truthfully, it was almost painful… I agree with some other readers : The novel felt like a lesser version of many other « docs » books I’ve read/ It could have been titled « Same old story » instead…
It was quite a nice reading in the beginning … I’ve even begun to appreciate Galen and Rowan seemed to be a good gal … BUT … (yeah, there’s usually always a « but » … ) the characters’s development was highly disappointing (no explanation about the change of heart in Galen’s behavior, secondary characters appearance too quick, etc) … and, it was even worse after this ridiculous twist . That’s just pathetic, the way it happened (on the same screen when you read it on Adobe reader on a laptop BTW) and the way it was handled … I couldn’t believe what I read … NO WAY such a thing happens if you’re really deeply head over heels in love with your soulmate … Who on earth would dump a love story to do « the right thing » and, this, by pity ‘cause the guy wants to come back ( not very original if you ask me … ) … come’on, that’s absurd!!! And in my world it would have been : « Thank you , but no thank you guy !!! I love you since you’re my best friend but you need to grow up man, I’m not your mother and I can’t protect you all your life long… oh , and, BTW, … get over it, I’m madly in love with a WOMAN … and I won’t even talk to you about the lovemakings » … And the end … Oh Gosh … I just wanted to slap everyone in the face. Rowan for being such a stupid bitch who messes up with everyone’s feelings and Galen to take Rowan back after she had hurt her so badly and this, after a hesitation which lasted just the time of the blink of her eyes.
This book was just too unbelievable for my own taste and it saddens me like always when I feel that a novel had the potential to become a great book but in the end, appears to be quite flat … It didn’t work for me but it seems some people highly appreciate the novel so, guys and gals, I think the best thing to do is that you grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👭📚👩❤️👩🏳️🌈
November 11, 2018
Straight lady and the player. The straight lady is a doctor and has a boyfriend. The player is a doctor and well she plays. Dr. Rowan Duncan, desperately wants to be a surgeon. She has a lovely disposition and a caring heart. What she is missing is passion. Dr. Galen Burgess, wants to be a surgeon and does not want to be tied down and have anything or anyone get in her way. I like medical romance and doctors doing what they do best, saving lives. The devotion both have to their career is to be admired. It also makes you wonder about the focus and care you receive when in a hospital. This read is also a little bit choppy as you move from current issues of the day with women's' rights, sexual harassment, various social movements, hospital drama, and family. Galen's friend Teddy is supportive in his off handed way. Rowan's friend Makayla is fantastic is her directness and super funny come back lines. She is one of the best secondary characters I have ever read in lesfic.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGally with thanks.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGally with thanks.
October 15, 2018
Loved the setting and the characters. The quickness of the engagement was a bit over the top, but it moved the story along. I really liked the supporting character, Makayla’s no bullshit attitude and calling Rowan out when she was wrong or in denial.
October 19, 2018
All of Me is a cute medical romance. Who doesn't love romance and medical professionals? Emily Smith did a fantastic job developing her characters and the story was well written.
August 17, 2020
Ok - and the prize for the worst, brick wall ending of the year goes to Emily Smith. She writes well, the story is well constructed and this really should be 5* - there are some really good back characters, but that ending was lazy. Shame on you.
August 9, 2020
Happy Sighs
Galen comes from a line of Surgeons. She is smart, strong. bold and dedicated. She has been named Chief Resident and even though she is great at her job, it just doesn’t seem to be enough to make her father, the senior Dr Burgess happy or proud. Galen works hard and loves to play hard, casually sleeping with whatever woman strikes her fancy at the moment. Rowan is a new resident, with an impressive resume and a brilliant mind. She grew up in a small town in Texas where her boyfriend waits for her. When she meets the out and proud Chief, its not long before she starts thinking of her a little too much and in a decidedly and surprisingly erotic way. Its not long before their hearts are on the line but what will happen to them when Brian shows up on Rowan’s doorstep?
I love a sweet medical drama and this one is just what the Dr ordered! I loved watching these two beautiful and brilliant women dance around their attraction while working closely together. Their special bond was a delight to experience. They were so delicious and had such amazing chemistry…. They made me happy and I had a silly grin on my face most of the time I was reading. (My wife kept asking me why I was smiling and what was I so happy about when I would look up from the book) I’m not usually so perky lol but this story brought it out in me. I really liked the fascinating hospital action in the Pit and the OR as well. It was so interesting and I felt like I was a part of the action. This book is the perfect mix of love and medicine that I adore so much. I really am enamored with the works of Ms Smith and this is a perfect example of why! So many happy sighs….
Galen comes from a line of Surgeons. She is smart, strong. bold and dedicated. She has been named Chief Resident and even though she is great at her job, it just doesn’t seem to be enough to make her father, the senior Dr Burgess happy or proud. Galen works hard and loves to play hard, casually sleeping with whatever woman strikes her fancy at the moment. Rowan is a new resident, with an impressive resume and a brilliant mind. She grew up in a small town in Texas where her boyfriend waits for her. When she meets the out and proud Chief, its not long before she starts thinking of her a little too much and in a decidedly and surprisingly erotic way. Its not long before their hearts are on the line but what will happen to them when Brian shows up on Rowan’s doorstep?
I love a sweet medical drama and this one is just what the Dr ordered! I loved watching these two beautiful and brilliant women dance around their attraction while working closely together. Their special bond was a delight to experience. They were so delicious and had such amazing chemistry…. They made me happy and I had a silly grin on my face most of the time I was reading. (My wife kept asking me why I was smiling and what was I so happy about when I would look up from the book) I’m not usually so perky lol but this story brought it out in me. I really liked the fascinating hospital action in the Pit and the OR as well. It was so interesting and I felt like I was a part of the action. This book is the perfect mix of love and medicine that I adore so much. I really am enamored with the works of Ms Smith and this is a perfect example of why! So many happy sighs….
June 5, 2021
The is well written and the dramatic tension is chiefly provided by . There were a couple of tropes that weren't really explored, rich-girl-poor-girl, sleeping-with-the-boss, reformed-player, which made things feel a little choppy. But exploring them would have completely changed the pacing of the book, so I respect Smith's choice to leave them as elements of the world without making them major plot points.
November 4, 2018
First-year intern Rowan has lived a sheltered life, simple and happy and uncomplicated. She's engaged to her high-school sweetheart Brian, back in Texas. But her first day on the job at Boston city hospital sets her life on a brand new path in more ways than one. Chief surgical resident Galen and Rowan find themselves working together more often than not, and their attraction is undeniable. Galen never expected to fall for anyone seriously, and certainly not a first year intern. But true love isn't something that can't be denied.
I'm really torn about this book because the way this author writes, their style of dialogue and prose, is just perfect for my tastes. The characters were really nicely developed and unique, I liked both Rowan and Galen a lot. However, the plot side of this book was just way to fast. Basically overnight, super straight Rowan was suddenly super lusting over Galen. It didn't feel very realistic and didn't allow for a build up of tension or emotional chemistry in their relationship. Galen's journey was slower and more reasonable for sure. A little more balance would have turned this book into a five-star read for me. It was a cute read for sure and I would recommend this to someone looking for something quick and sweet to read.
This is my first book by Emily Smith, and I adored her writing, so I will definitely go check out other books she may have written.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm really torn about this book because the way this author writes, their style of dialogue and prose, is just perfect for my tastes. The characters were really nicely developed and unique, I liked both Rowan and Galen a lot. However, the plot side of this book was just way to fast. Basically overnight, super straight Rowan was suddenly super lusting over Galen. It didn't feel very realistic and didn't allow for a build up of tension or emotional chemistry in their relationship. Galen's journey was slower and more reasonable for sure. A little more balance would have turned this book into a five-star read for me. It was a cute read for sure and I would recommend this to someone looking for something quick and sweet to read.
This is my first book by Emily Smith, and I adored her writing, so I will definitely go check out other books she may have written.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2018
All of Me is the story about Chief of Resident Surgery and womanizer Dr. Galen Burgess and Dr Rowan Duncan an Intern and Straight woman with a boyfriend back home. Galen is instantly attracted to Rowan and visa versa.
I thought this book was ok. I actually had a few problems with it. Rowan is straight and is instantly drawn to Galen even though she know Galen is a player. She has never been attracted to a woman before and I find it hard to believe that she would fall for a woman. Galen on the other had is a womanizer. She has plenty of women who is willing to sleep with her. In a short amount of time, Galen finds herself falling for Rowan. The story just doesn’t seem feasible.
I did find myself liking the supporting characters and the hospital scenes. I rate this one a 3 star.
Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books provided a copy of this book for a honest review.
I thought this book was ok. I actually had a few problems with it. Rowan is straight and is instantly drawn to Galen even though she know Galen is a player. She has never been attracted to a woman before and I find it hard to believe that she would fall for a woman. Galen on the other had is a womanizer. She has plenty of women who is willing to sleep with her. In a short amount of time, Galen finds herself falling for Rowan. The story just doesn’t seem feasible.
I did find myself liking the supporting characters and the hospital scenes. I rate this one a 3 star.
Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books provided a copy of this book for a honest review.
February 4, 2019
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I love medical dramas and this book started out really well. Obviously the attraction and relationship between Rowan and Galen went very fast. That wasn't what bothered me, through out the book Rowan was madly falling for Galen and then when her ex shows up she reverts back to where she was at the beginning. It didn't fit with the character the author portrayed making the rest of the book very difficult to get through.
March 29, 2019
3.5 stars
The story was great, very fast paced, with a lot of drama one after the next which made me want to read it all in one breath and I almost did.
There was a feeling of too good too fast, and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and when it inevitably did it was weird and it totally threw me, I mean I expected some kind of twist but not on the characters personalities! It was weird from then on and the end was kind of underwhelming the characters deserved a more elaborate ending.
The story was great, very fast paced, with a lot of drama one after the next which made me want to read it all in one breath and I almost did.
There was a feeling of too good too fast, and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and when it inevitably did it was weird and it totally threw me, I mean I expected some kind of twist but not on the characters personalities! It was weird from then on and the end was kind of underwhelming the characters deserved a more elaborate ending.
November 25, 2018
This was not my cup of tea, and that is sad because normally I love medical dramas in lesfic. There were many reasons why I ddi not care for this book, but let's start with a little good. The book was short enough that I wasn't upset I spent s much of my time reading it. I thought that the parts of the book that dealt with actual things and surgeries in the hospital were well written and generally very interesting to read. Now for the things I found problematic in this book. First are both of the main characters, neither of them was even remotely likable. Both of them were so whiny, it felt like reading about teenagers. Also I do not believe after seeing someone once that you could fall so madly in love that you would be willing to give up your job for her. Then when they found out the fraternization was not an issue, they still couldn't be together and the author had to throw another wrench into the fold, at this point we finally meet Rowan's boyfriend who she feels sorry for, so sorry for that she agrees to marry him!!!! What kind of a terrible person does this, and then she lets it go on for months before she broke it off. I am not sure if I would want to date someone like that , but Galen just lets it all go for "true love" It was the most ridiculous os circumstances. The resolutions after a mass casualty with little kids Rowan sees the light and then tells her boyfriend she can't be with him and he is alright with that, and just decides to leave. She then goes back to Galen who takes her back after the smallest amount of hesitation. can suspend disbelief on a lot of things, but this book was just too unbelievable.
This book was given to me as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
This book was given to me as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2018
I chose 'All of Me' by Emily Smith because I like to read medical dramas and the beautiful cover caught my eye. Believe me, people sometimes do choose books for their covers.
I wish I could say that I loved all of this book. I did enjoy the medical aspect of the novel. The author is obviously an accomplished writer and can write about the medical field realistically. Her setting and the surrounding activity in the tale is perfect for this kind of story.
The problem I had with the book involved the main characters. I could never find a connection to them. In fact, I rather quickly became frustrated with both of them and especially with Dr.Rowan Duncan, the young intern who becomes the love interest of Dr. Galen Burgess, the chief resident and Rowan's teacher. In fact, Rowan shows a shocking amount of immaturity for someone her age. Her actions cause a lot of the angst in the story, and even at the end, I'm not sure she has grown enough. I was unsatisfied at the end of the story, and I don't like being left that way.
Knowing all of that, if you are a true lover of medical dramas, you might like this story. I hope so anyway.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I wish I could say that I loved all of this book. I did enjoy the medical aspect of the novel. The author is obviously an accomplished writer and can write about the medical field realistically. Her setting and the surrounding activity in the tale is perfect for this kind of story.
The problem I had with the book involved the main characters. I could never find a connection to them. In fact, I rather quickly became frustrated with both of them and especially with Dr.Rowan Duncan, the young intern who becomes the love interest of Dr. Galen Burgess, the chief resident and Rowan's teacher. In fact, Rowan shows a shocking amount of immaturity for someone her age. Her actions cause a lot of the angst in the story, and even at the end, I'm not sure she has grown enough. I was unsatisfied at the end of the story, and I don't like being left that way.
Knowing all of that, if you are a true lover of medical dramas, you might like this story. I hope so anyway.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 12, 2019
I received this book for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I very much enjoyed the overall story in "All of Me". I loved the main characters, Rowan and Galan, and the development of their relationship.
One thing I was a bit disappointed in was the pacing. The first half of the book seemed like the story was building up to the couple being together, but possibly having to deal with Galan's father and repercussions of having a boss/employee relationship. After Galan tells her dad that she is in love with Rowan and that was just how it was going to be, her dad never appears again in the book and that part of the story never comes up again. It made me wonder why so much time was spent building that up with no satisfying conclusion.
The story at that point takes a 90 degree turn into dealing with Rowan's boyfriend that she had taken a break from until she dealt with her attraction to Galan. It seemed disjointed like there were 2 stories being told, but neither completely coming through. The engagement between Rowan and Brian seemed very forced, way too fast, and wasn't very believable.
Overall I enjoyed the story. Maybe a follow-up covering the relationship after getting back together, the tension between Galan and her father, and what happened to Brian after getting dumped would help round things out.
I very much enjoyed the overall story in "All of Me". I loved the main characters, Rowan and Galan, and the development of their relationship.
One thing I was a bit disappointed in was the pacing. The first half of the book seemed like the story was building up to the couple being together, but possibly having to deal with Galan's father and repercussions of having a boss/employee relationship. After Galan tells her dad that she is in love with Rowan and that was just how it was going to be, her dad never appears again in the book and that part of the story never comes up again. It made me wonder why so much time was spent building that up with no satisfying conclusion.
The story at that point takes a 90 degree turn into dealing with Rowan's boyfriend that she had taken a break from until she dealt with her attraction to Galan. It seemed disjointed like there were 2 stories being told, but neither completely coming through. The engagement between Rowan and Brian seemed very forced, way too fast, and wasn't very believable.
Overall I enjoyed the story. Maybe a follow-up covering the relationship after getting back together, the tension between Galan and her father, and what happened to Brian after getting dumped would help round things out.
March 25, 2019
All of Me is the first novel I have read from Emily Smith.
The plot follows chief surgical resident Galen Burgess and surgical intern Rowan Duncan. I love medical romances and I was super excited to dig into this book but unfortunately it just fell flat.
The MC, Galen and Rowan, especially the latter was really had to connect with. Rowan for the life of me, could not stop getting under my skin. It seemed that everything she did annoyed the living crap out of me. I found Rowan unlikeable because for a smart surgical doctor she sure made a lot of dumb-ass mistakes that had me shaking my head in disbelief and if not that, shaking my fists in anger. Galen wasn't much better because her playgirl tendencies did absolutely nothing to the plot even when there were times we were to sympathize with her, I just couldn't because she would say one thing and then try and seduce the supposingly straight Rowan while asking herself why everyone thought the worst of her...like whaaaat??? It's because you are the worst!
I felt that Ms. Smith built up this opposing character in Galen's father who is this backwards, cold, seemingly heartless father/husband/doctor chief who would oppose Galen's and Rowan's relationship from the beginning but did nothing...like, at all. He didn't raise any conflict that I thought besides performing surgery on his wife, which first of all is unrealistic no matter him being the chief of whatever.
The surprise conflict was so dumb, I feel bad for Brian who was cast unfortunately as the
"bad guy". Sure the guy needs to grow up and grow a pair but honestly he isn't the worst guy in the world.
All crucial matters was cast aside and never addressed like the relationship between Galen and her father, Galen's parents, etc. Nothing is ever resolved. So overall, the plot and the characters fell flat and I didn't quite enjoy this read.
ARC was received by Netgalley on behalf of Bold Strokes Books Inc in exchange for an honest review.
The plot follows chief surgical resident Galen Burgess and surgical intern Rowan Duncan. I love medical romances and I was super excited to dig into this book but unfortunately it just fell flat.
The MC, Galen and Rowan, especially the latter was really had to connect with. Rowan for the life of me, could not stop getting under my skin. It seemed that everything she did annoyed the living crap out of me. I found Rowan unlikeable because for a smart surgical doctor she sure made a lot of dumb-ass mistakes that had me shaking my head in disbelief and if not that, shaking my fists in anger. Galen wasn't much better because her playgirl tendencies did absolutely nothing to the plot even when there were times we were to sympathize with her, I just couldn't because she would say one thing and then try and seduce the supposingly straight Rowan while asking herself why everyone thought the worst of her...like whaaaat??? It's because you are the worst!
I felt that Ms. Smith built up this opposing character in Galen's father who is this backwards, cold, seemingly heartless father/husband/doctor chief who would oppose Galen's and Rowan's relationship from the beginning but did nothing...like, at all. He didn't raise any conflict that I thought besides performing surgery on his wife, which first of all is unrealistic no matter him being the chief of whatever.
The surprise conflict was so dumb, I feel bad for Brian who was cast unfortunately as the
"bad guy". Sure the guy needs to grow up and grow a pair but honestly he isn't the worst guy in the world.
All crucial matters was cast aside and never addressed like the relationship between Galen and her father, Galen's parents, etc. Nothing is ever resolved. So overall, the plot and the characters fell flat and I didn't quite enjoy this read.
ARC was received by Netgalley on behalf of Bold Strokes Books Inc in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2018
First we have Dr. Galen Burgess, who is the chief surgical resident at Boston City Hospital. Nice position but for the fact that her supervisor is her father, who no matter how hard she tries is never satisfied with her work . Galen likes women and has over time shared herself with numerous female co-workers. She just wants to have some fun not a relationship. Dr. Rowan Duncan has just started her internship working under Galen’s supervision. Rowan has lived a somewhat sheltered life. She is still in a relationship with her high school boyfriend. Everything changes for both of them when they meet. Both Rowan and Galen start questioning their choices regarding their professional and love life. Ms Smith tell us a familiar story but she does it in such a way as to make this seem like we have never read a romance story set in a hospital before. Very nice read. Very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley
June 27, 2021
I tend to enjoy medical dramas but this one seemed to lack something I cant seem to put my finger on.
its a nice story that doesn't move very fast and there are very few hospital scenes. It does deal with the issue of boss and subordinate. It deals with it very well actually. It was also nice to see the subordinate with the power in the relationship even if her choices were disputable.
I would argue this was a romance in a hospital setting. Its easy to read and flows nicely. The author leaves a lot o0f gaps which I assume is for the reader to determine the flow. But you don't really get to know the main characters and the secondary characters come and go. It would have been nice to see how Rowan's family dealt with her new relationship because she did mention that she was from the conservative south.
I feel the author could have gone deeper. But I enjoyed the read. And I would recommend this to others.
Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
its a nice story that doesn't move very fast and there are very few hospital scenes. It does deal with the issue of boss and subordinate. It deals with it very well actually. It was also nice to see the subordinate with the power in the relationship even if her choices were disputable.
I would argue this was a romance in a hospital setting. Its easy to read and flows nicely. The author leaves a lot o0f gaps which I assume is for the reader to determine the flow. But you don't really get to know the main characters and the secondary characters come and go. It would have been nice to see how Rowan's family dealt with her new relationship because she did mention that she was from the conservative south.
I feel the author could have gone deeper. But I enjoyed the read. And I would recommend this to others.
Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
December 5, 2018
This is a romance in a medical setting and the first book I have read by Ms. Smith. I enjoyed All of Me and found the characters to be well developed. Although the story was predictable, I liked this light, easy read.
The two main characters are Dr. Galen Burgess, the newly appointed chief resident of surgery and the daughter of the chief of OR at the same hospital. Galen is always trying to meet the expectations of her father and has become a workaholic. She is known to be a “player” and has frequent hospital hook ups with nurses and other hospital employees.
Dr. Rowan Duncan is a first-year surgical resident under Galen’s authority. She is a straight woman from Texas and has a boyfriend named Bryan. Rowan is an excellent surgical resident and quickly draws the attention of Galen. Rowan has never been attracted to women, finds herself drawn to Galen. Thus, the push and pull of this relationship develops.
I enjoyed the story and found it to be a very pleasant weekend read. As with most romances, it is predictable yet entertaining. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading the next book by Ms. Smith.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
The two main characters are Dr. Galen Burgess, the newly appointed chief resident of surgery and the daughter of the chief of OR at the same hospital. Galen is always trying to meet the expectations of her father and has become a workaholic. She is known to be a “player” and has frequent hospital hook ups with nurses and other hospital employees.
Dr. Rowan Duncan is a first-year surgical resident under Galen’s authority. She is a straight woman from Texas and has a boyfriend named Bryan. Rowan is an excellent surgical resident and quickly draws the attention of Galen. Rowan has never been attracted to women, finds herself drawn to Galen. Thus, the push and pull of this relationship develops.
I enjoyed the story and found it to be a very pleasant weekend read. As with most romances, it is predictable yet entertaining. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading the next book by Ms. Smith.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
November 5, 2018
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books for review. No synopsis needed.
Galen (Chief Resident) and Rowan (intern) are the main characters in this medical romance. I'm a fan of romances with hospitals, doctors, etc., but this one was flat for me. Rowan comes over as an immature, manipulative individual and Galen (once a "player") suddenly is an emotionally needy person. The angst of a no-no romance between staff evaporates and all is well after Ro's romantic change of heart. While I have enjoyed previous books by Ms. Smith, this was a quick but not very memorable read. I was disappointed overall and can only rate this 2.5 stars.
Galen (Chief Resident) and Rowan (intern) are the main characters in this medical romance. I'm a fan of romances with hospitals, doctors, etc., but this one was flat for me. Rowan comes over as an immature, manipulative individual and Galen (once a "player") suddenly is an emotionally needy person. The angst of a no-no romance between staff evaporates and all is well after Ro's romantic change of heart. While I have enjoyed previous books by Ms. Smith, this was a quick but not very memorable read. I was disappointed overall and can only rate this 2.5 stars.
March 15, 2019
I am a hufe fan of medical romances and I enjoyed this book as a whole, though there are some points I did not like that much.
The beginning of the story is great, feels funny, hot and promising at the same time. But after reading further I felt that the story looses its bond with the character's emotion. Especially Rowans feelings and her decisions are not believeable or better said reasonable for the reader. I missed the inner turmoil a lot. Just could not feel it. Also the happy end was not really plausible. I think it needed more time, more time on the page, more inner turmoil. It all seemed to be only scratching the surface where I needed more depth.
The beginning of the story is great, feels funny, hot and promising at the same time. But after reading further I felt that the story looses its bond with the character's emotion. Especially Rowans feelings and her decisions are not believeable or better said reasonable for the reader. I missed the inner turmoil a lot. Just could not feel it. Also the happy end was not really plausible. I think it needed more time, more time on the page, more inner turmoil. It all seemed to be only scratching the surface where I needed more depth.
February 4, 2021
Ugh... El libro me gustó el primer 50%. Todo iba bien, se conocieron, se gustaron, se dieron cuenta que estar juntas era diferente a todo lo que habían conocido antes, talvez los "te amo" llegaron muy rápido... Pero llegó el inevitable giro de la historia y fue malo. Malo, como ya sabes que podría presentarse esa situación pero no crees que el personaje pueda caer en eso, pero lo hizo, aj! Ahora estás decepcionada del personaje y el final llega muy rápido, el perdón es muy fácil, y cuando giras la página para ver el siguiente capítulo, bam! Todo sobre el autor. Qué? En serio? Ahí termina? Ugh.
January 31, 2021
Honestly, Galen was supposed to be the one with no maturity regarding relationships, but Rowan was on a whole new level of indecisive. I get that coming out is hard, I really do, but her flitting between Brian and Galen just hurts everyone involved. Honestly, Galen was the one who handled the situation like a rational adult (most of the time), which kinda destroys the premise of the book. "Promiscuous surgeon overcomes her relationship fears while respecting decisions of a indecisive girl ruled by expectations of others" doesn't sound nearly as good but is more accurate
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2018
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed it until I got 70% into the book. After that I really did not like Rowan and felt like Galen should have run and not look back. The beginning was so promising and reminded me of Radcliffe's Turn back time. However it then became cliche when the ex showed up and I had to push through the last 30%.
I really enjoyed it until I got 70% into the book. After that I really did not like Rowan and felt like Galen should have run and not look back. The beginning was so promising and reminded me of Radcliffe's Turn back time. However it then became cliche when the ex showed up and I had to push through the last 30%.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews