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First Do No Harm
Physician assistant Pierce Parker wants nothing more than to find true love, but after a series of heartbreaks and lackluster first dates, she's beginning to question if such a thing even exists. That is, until she begins working with Dr. Cassidy Sullivan, a new emergency medicine resident. Their chemistry makes Pierce start to believe all her dreams will come true, but a secret from Cassidy's past may end the fairy tale before it gets to happily ever after. For Pierce and Cassidy, the risk of heartbreak may be too high a price for the chance at love.
242 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
25 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Emily Smith
7 books39 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 30, 2023
DNF @ 25%
My issues with this one:
I didn’t really find any of the characters outside of Rowan likable.
I really disliked Galen and was annoyed to read her coming off as god-like to Pierce.
I didn’t understand why Galen and Rowan have such a large presence here, chapters with their POV, when this is supposed to be about Pierce and Cassidy.
I found Pierce to be very inconsistent and contradicted herself from one moment to the next.
Smith heavily relied on butch/femme stereotypes while also complaining about the stereotypes in the narrative.
My issues with this one:
I didn’t really find any of the characters outside of Rowan likable.
I really disliked Galen and was annoyed to read her coming off as god-like to Pierce.
I didn’t understand why Galen and Rowan have such a large presence here, chapters with their POV, when this is supposed to be about Pierce and Cassidy.
I found Pierce to be very inconsistent and contradicted herself from one moment to the next.
Smith heavily relied on butch/femme stereotypes while also complaining about the stereotypes in the narrative.
June 17, 2020
Pierce Parker left Atlanta after her girlfriend broke her heart and moved to Boston where her cousin Galen (you’ll remember her from All of Me if you have read it, which I haven’t) helped her get a job as a physician assistant. Once settled, she feels ready to date again but no one feels right, until she meets Cassidy Sullivan, a new emergency medicine resident. The two women hit it off right away, but Cassidy’s past and Pierce’s insecurities threaten their relationship.
A word of advice: when a woman looks at you with “longing? Curiosity? Fondness? (…) whatever it was, it was intense”, do not assume she’s “just a coworker, or maybe a friend at best”. Especially if you’re a character in a lesbian romance novel. It makes no sense.
The main problem with this novel is that it’s frustrating. I could get over the characters’ immaturity, we all have our journey and some take longer than others (and Cassidy’s got excuses). That’s okay. The story itself is okay – with some really moving parts –, the characters didn’t grab me but they’re okay too. My problem is more with the writing itself, or the editing, I don’t know exactly. Some things don’t make sense, and after a while, it gets annoying. One example: Pierce knows she’s good in bed because many of her former lovers have told her so (yeah, she can be a little obnoxious when she’s talking to herself, she’s a lot more charming with others) then a few chapters later, she’s trying to remember “anyone who might have said she held any kind of skills whatsoever under the sheets”. And why does she need her cousin’s advice on what to do with a woman if that advice is what the reader has been told she’s been doing all along? That’s just one example but there are other times where the characters contradict themselves and also quite a few repetitions – I’m not talking about voluntary stylistic ones.
I have read worse books but this one is annoyingly inconsistent. There are a few strokes of brilliance here and there, but not enough to choose First Do No Harm over most of the novels being released right now.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A word of advice: when a woman looks at you with “longing? Curiosity? Fondness? (…) whatever it was, it was intense”, do not assume she’s “just a coworker, or maybe a friend at best”. Especially if you’re a character in a lesbian romance novel. It makes no sense.
The main problem with this novel is that it’s frustrating. I could get over the characters’ immaturity, we all have our journey and some take longer than others (and Cassidy’s got excuses). That’s okay. The story itself is okay – with some really moving parts –, the characters didn’t grab me but they’re okay too. My problem is more with the writing itself, or the editing, I don’t know exactly. Some things don’t make sense, and after a while, it gets annoying. One example: Pierce knows she’s good in bed because many of her former lovers have told her so (yeah, she can be a little obnoxious when she’s talking to herself, she’s a lot more charming with others) then a few chapters later, she’s trying to remember “anyone who might have said she held any kind of skills whatsoever under the sheets”. And why does she need her cousin’s advice on what to do with a woman if that advice is what the reader has been told she’s been doing all along? That’s just one example but there are other times where the characters contradict themselves and also quite a few repetitions – I’m not talking about voluntary stylistic ones.
I have read worse books but this one is annoyingly inconsistent. There are a few strokes of brilliance here and there, but not enough to choose First Do No Harm over most of the novels being released right now.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2020
After a bad breakup, Pierce Parker moves to Boston and starts a new job as a physician assistant in the same hospital her cousin Galen is working. Galen and her wife Rowan take her under her wings and help her feel at home. After a few months there, she meets the new emergency resident Dr. Cassidy Sullivan. Cassidy is no stranger to hospitals, not only because of her profession but also because of her personal story.
I always like a medical romance and the part of the book which plays in the hospital feels realistic and the two of them work together very well. They feel attracted to the other from the first moment they lead eyes on each other. But Cassidy has to fight demons from her past, which prevents her from fully engaging with Pierce. Her reasons are terrifying and realistic but she handles everything poorly. Pierce is very insecure after her last break up in two acts. She leans heavily on Galen and seeks her advice on relationships.
I liked Pierce and Cassidy, even with their sometimes immature behavior. It's instalove even when they both are unsure if they are ready for a deeper relationship for different reasons. The demon which was threatening their building relationship is realistic but in my opinion, solved too quickly. I'm a character-driven reader and I always want to know how they think and feel and why they are acting and reacting the way they do. There was a bit of repetition and inconsistency in the building relationship. it gives the character depth.
Unfortunately, I didn't like Galen's character, she comes across as very arrogant and snobby, and not very likable. There are also some irritating inconsistencies, for example on one page Pierce knows she is good in bed and a few pages later she needs the advice for what to do with a woman in bed.
Overall a quick and easy, but average read. This is my second novel from this author, "After the fire" was the first and I have to say I liked that one more.
My rating 3 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
I always like a medical romance and the part of the book which plays in the hospital feels realistic and the two of them work together very well. They feel attracted to the other from the first moment they lead eyes on each other. But Cassidy has to fight demons from her past, which prevents her from fully engaging with Pierce. Her reasons are terrifying and realistic but she handles everything poorly. Pierce is very insecure after her last break up in two acts. She leans heavily on Galen and seeks her advice on relationships.
I liked Pierce and Cassidy, even with their sometimes immature behavior. It's instalove even when they both are unsure if they are ready for a deeper relationship for different reasons. The demon which was threatening their building relationship is realistic but in my opinion, solved too quickly. I'm a character-driven reader and I always want to know how they think and feel and why they are acting and reacting the way they do. There was a bit of repetition and inconsistency in the building relationship. it gives the character depth.
Unfortunately, I didn't like Galen's character, she comes across as very arrogant and snobby, and not very likable. There are also some irritating inconsistencies, for example on one page Pierce knows she is good in bed and a few pages later she needs the advice for what to do with a woman in bed.
Overall a quick and easy, but average read. This is my second novel from this author, "After the fire" was the first and I have to say I liked that one more.
My rating 3 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
June 22, 2020
Reeling from the breakup of a long term relationship, Pierce Parker heads to Boston and a new job thanks to her surgeon cousin, Galen. Pierce is a PA (Physician Assistant ) who clearly likes her job. I always enjoy a good medical drama. The scenes in the emergency department felt realistic,whirlwind and true to life.
Her first meeting with the new emergency resident, Dr. Cassidy Sullivan also felt realistic. Cassidy knows her way around a hospital thanks to her own personal journey. When the two team up to save a life the reader knows it’s only a matter of time before they fall in love. This is an instalove romance with Pierce and Cassidy both fighting the attraction they have for each other. Pierce is not sure she is ready to commit and leans heavily on her cousin Galen to soothe her butch nerves. Cassidy has her own issues which make her feel unworthy and unwilling to commit fully to Pierce. Her friendship with Galen’s girlfriend Rowan helps her when the going gets rough.
This was a quick read with bumps in the budding relationship between Pierce and Cassidy telegraphed early and handled poorly by Cassidy. I usually like the butch/femme dynamic but it felt overplayed in First Do No Harm. I didn’t read the book featuring Galen and Rowan but found Galen to be unlikeable and arrogant. Rowan and her warm heart saved the romance for me, helping out Cassidy when she needed to sort out her feelings and allow Pierce to be there for her in good times and bad.
3 Stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Her first meeting with the new emergency resident, Dr. Cassidy Sullivan also felt realistic. Cassidy knows her way around a hospital thanks to her own personal journey. When the two team up to save a life the reader knows it’s only a matter of time before they fall in love. This is an instalove romance with Pierce and Cassidy both fighting the attraction they have for each other. Pierce is not sure she is ready to commit and leans heavily on her cousin Galen to soothe her butch nerves. Cassidy has her own issues which make her feel unworthy and unwilling to commit fully to Pierce. Her friendship with Galen’s girlfriend Rowan helps her when the going gets rough.
This was a quick read with bumps in the budding relationship between Pierce and Cassidy telegraphed early and handled poorly by Cassidy. I usually like the butch/femme dynamic but it felt overplayed in First Do No Harm. I didn’t read the book featuring Galen and Rowan but found Galen to be unlikeable and arrogant. Rowan and her warm heart saved the romance for me, helping out Cassidy when she needed to sort out her feelings and allow Pierce to be there for her in good times and bad.
3 Stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
January 1, 2022
3 stars (barely)
Well, for my first book of 2022 this was kind of a disappointment.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad, but when literally the only obstacle is the MCs refusing to communicate, at some point I stop rooting for them and just want to knock some sense into them.
This happened here.
It was like the author hasn't even tried to come up with a plot.
Well, for my first book of 2022 this was kind of a disappointment.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad, but when literally the only obstacle is the MCs refusing to communicate, at some point I stop rooting for them and just want to knock some sense into them.
This happened here.
It was like the author hasn't even tried to come up with a plot.
August 16, 2020
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was on the fence about this one, I really didn’t like the book that precedes this All of Me, but wanted to give the author another shot. This is better than All of Me, but is still pretty average.
This features Pierce, a butch physician’s assistant who has recently moved to Boston following a bad break up. She’s Galen from All of Me’s cousin, and so the book features Galen and Rowan quite heavily. Pierce spends the first quarter of the book moping around over her heartbreak and bonding with a Galen and Rowan and trying out the dating pool again. I have to say that I didn’t really like either Galen or Rowan in their book but they were better here (especially Rowan), not great, but better.
The other MC is Cassidy, a new resident at the hospital who is instantly smitten with Pierce. They fall into an insta-love relationship that in all honesty sails pretty smoothly, and there’s also plenty of scenes with all four characters.
Around the 80% mark the author realises that nothing much is happening and reveals that Cassidy is hiding a secret to do with her health. This secret then becomes the catalyst for a really contrived breakup, and the subsequent make up didn’t really leave me with all the ‘feels’.
As I said, this is fairly average, I did like it better than All of Me, but it’s not going in the re-read pile. 3 stars.
I was on the fence about this one, I really didn’t like the book that precedes this All of Me, but wanted to give the author another shot. This is better than All of Me, but is still pretty average.
This features Pierce, a butch physician’s assistant who has recently moved to Boston following a bad break up. She’s Galen from All of Me’s cousin, and so the book features Galen and Rowan quite heavily. Pierce spends the first quarter of the book moping around over her heartbreak and bonding with a Galen and Rowan and trying out the dating pool again. I have to say that I didn’t really like either Galen or Rowan in their book but they were better here (especially Rowan), not great, but better.
The other MC is Cassidy, a new resident at the hospital who is instantly smitten with Pierce. They fall into an insta-love relationship that in all honesty sails pretty smoothly, and there’s also plenty of scenes with all four characters.
Around the 80% mark the author realises that nothing much is happening and reveals that Cassidy is hiding a secret to do with her health. This secret then becomes the catalyst for a really contrived breakup, and the subsequent make up didn’t really leave me with all the ‘feels’.
As I said, this is fairly average, I did like it better than All of Me, but it’s not going in the re-read pile. 3 stars.
November 8, 2020
Review of ‘First Do No Harm’ by Emily Smith, audiobook narrated by Keira Grace
After binge-listening to paranormal stories in the month of Halloween, I was in the mood for a lesbian medical romance audiobook like this one. Even though this book can be read as a standalone, it picks up where ‘All of me’ left, so it might be better to read that one first, especially considering that the leads in that book, Galen and Rowan, are very important secondary characters in this one.
Physician assistant Pierce Parker moves from Atlanta to Boston to start a new life after a bad break up. There she meets Dr. Cassidy Sullivan, a new emergency medicine resident. Their attraction is undeniable but both women have past baggage that might alter their chances of a future together.
I liked the premise of the story but I thought that the execution could have been better. I’ve found two technical issues, first some inconsistencies in Pierce’s behaviour who sometimes acted out of character. The other problem was that sometimes the balance between show and tell tended to be off. Some parts of the story happened “off the page” and were told quickly afterwards.
My other issue with this novel was the author’s story choices. I know that Ms. Smith has been criticised for this in her book ‘Same time next week’ but I can’t comment as I haven’t read it. In ‘First Do No Harm’ part of the storyline wasn’t my cup of tea, especially in the “black moment”, the typical conflict around the 80% mark in romances. I wasn’t convinced by Cassidy’s decisions, they felt a bit like an overreaction and somehow contrived. That’s my perception, I’m not a fan of drama so it might feel different to other readers so I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt.
The audiobook was narrated by Keira Grace who did a very good job. I think her performance made this story much more enjoyable for me than the written words might have. Her pace was perfect, the performance of emotions spot on. As this book has four very important characters, it’s essential that their voices sound differently and Ms. Grace nailed this without problems.
Overall, an OK lesbian medical romance audiobook. 3.5 stars.
See all my reviews at lezreviewbooks.com
After binge-listening to paranormal stories in the month of Halloween, I was in the mood for a lesbian medical romance audiobook like this one. Even though this book can be read as a standalone, it picks up where ‘All of me’ left, so it might be better to read that one first, especially considering that the leads in that book, Galen and Rowan, are very important secondary characters in this one.
Physician assistant Pierce Parker moves from Atlanta to Boston to start a new life after a bad break up. There she meets Dr. Cassidy Sullivan, a new emergency medicine resident. Their attraction is undeniable but both women have past baggage that might alter their chances of a future together.
I liked the premise of the story but I thought that the execution could have been better. I’ve found two technical issues, first some inconsistencies in Pierce’s behaviour who sometimes acted out of character. The other problem was that sometimes the balance between show and tell tended to be off. Some parts of the story happened “off the page” and were told quickly afterwards.
My other issue with this novel was the author’s story choices. I know that Ms. Smith has been criticised for this in her book ‘Same time next week’ but I can’t comment as I haven’t read it. In ‘First Do No Harm’ part of the storyline wasn’t my cup of tea, especially in the “black moment”, the typical conflict around the 80% mark in romances. I wasn’t convinced by Cassidy’s decisions, they felt a bit like an overreaction and somehow contrived. That’s my perception, I’m not a fan of drama so it might feel different to other readers so I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt.
The audiobook was narrated by Keira Grace who did a very good job. I think her performance made this story much more enjoyable for me than the written words might have. Her pace was perfect, the performance of emotions spot on. As this book has four very important characters, it’s essential that their voices sound differently and Ms. Grace nailed this without problems.
Overall, an OK lesbian medical romance audiobook. 3.5 stars.
See all my reviews at lezreviewbooks.com
July 7, 2020
3.5* This is a new-to-me author, but I generally enjoy medical romances, so thought to give this book a try. Pierce is a PA who just had a bad break-up and moved to Boston to start over. She got a job at the Emergency Department where her cousin, Galen, is a surgeon. Cassidy is a resident who also moved to Boston and works at the same hospital. I like the relationships in this book. There's hot chemistry between Pierce and Cassidy. Reading about the evolution of their relationship was enjoyable. The insecurities and uncertainties inherent in a budding romance are very relatable. Galen and Rowan, characters from an earlier book, features quite prominently in this book. I'm now interested in reading that book to see how they get their HEA. I also like the relationship between the 2 couples.
If there's criticism, it's that the "issue" that Cassidy and Pierce had to confront near the end of the novel is more a bump-in-the-road. It's resolved very, very quickly. Of course, it would have been more interesting if there's more twists and turns and angst, but this is not really what this novel is about. It's mainly a sweet, straightforward love story.
**Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Net Galley for providing ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
If there's criticism, it's that the "issue" that Cassidy and Pierce had to confront near the end of the novel is more a bump-in-the-road. It's resolved very, very quickly. Of course, it would have been more interesting if there's more twists and turns and angst, but this is not really what this novel is about. It's mainly a sweet, straightforward love story.
**Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Net Galley for providing ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
June 8, 2020
Physician assistant Pierce Parker was not so lucky in the love department. Moving to Boston after an awful breakup, she went on random dates, trying to experience sparks again to no avail. But it was more than just sparks when the hospital's new resident Dr. Cassidy Sullivan came along. As Cassidy's past caught up with her, would the pair be strong enough to push through all obstacles?
I wish I could say I liked the story, but it was only okay. This medical romance did not work for me as well as I had hoped.
The best things about First Do No Harm were probably the bond between cousins Pierce Parker and Dr. Galen Burgess, and the friendship between their girlfriends, Dr. Cassidy Sullivan and Dr. Rowan Duncan. I liked how the cousin duo were very open with each other and able to discuss love and sex. It was also great that Rowan went out of her way to make sure her partner's cousin and Cassidy were settling well in Boston. For more of Galen and Rowan, they had their own book All of Me which I have not read.
As for the writing, the word choices and conversations were a bit bland due to repetition. Subsequently, the characters suffered from the loss of individuality. First Do No Harm is not a long book, and I felt there were too many internal struggles in too few pages. Also, the rising action was relatively long, making the resolution abrupt and denouement too short. But I guess the too slow build was mainly caused by the plot line being a little all over the place. There were a lot of random scenes and that unfortunately made the book unmemorable.
That being said, I do see potential in this mildly enjoyable book, and I would gladly read future works by Smith.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I could say I liked the story, but it was only okay. This medical romance did not work for me as well as I had hoped.
The best things about First Do No Harm were probably the bond between cousins Pierce Parker and Dr. Galen Burgess, and the friendship between their girlfriends, Dr. Cassidy Sullivan and Dr. Rowan Duncan. I liked how the cousin duo were very open with each other and able to discuss love and sex. It was also great that Rowan went out of her way to make sure her partner's cousin and Cassidy were settling well in Boston. For more of Galen and Rowan, they had their own book All of Me which I have not read.
As for the writing, the word choices and conversations were a bit bland due to repetition. Subsequently, the characters suffered from the loss of individuality. First Do No Harm is not a long book, and I felt there were too many internal struggles in too few pages. Also, the rising action was relatively long, making the resolution abrupt and denouement too short. But I guess the too slow build was mainly caused by the plot line being a little all over the place. There were a lot of random scenes and that unfortunately made the book unmemorable.
That being said, I do see potential in this mildly enjoyable book, and I would gladly read future works by Smith.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2020
Dr. Cassidy was just beginning her job at Boston City Hospital emergency department as a medicine resident. She didn’t know anyone there and in some ways she liked it that way. Never letting herself get too close to a friend or co-worker. It’s hard to make a real friend with divulging her past too. Telling her story was something she’d just like to forget.
Pierce Parker enjoyed her chosen career as a Physician assistant but her GF had just broken up with her and it was time to cut her losses and move on. Moving to Boston seemed like a good idea mainly because she’d hoped her cousin Dr. Galen Burgess might be able to find a spot where she worked at Boston City Hospital. You can find Galen and Rowan Duncan in Ms Smith’s book ‘All of Me’
Cass was not looking for a girlfriend, while Pierce was always looking for the right person that she could have a one on one relationship with. But how could Cass turn down what Pierce offered.
I would like to say that I couldn’t put this book down but I found myself putting it down more often than I was used to doing. I guess it did appeal to me more than I’d thought it would because I’d actually finished it. All in all this turned into a rather enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Pierce Parker enjoyed her chosen career as a Physician assistant but her GF had just broken up with her and it was time to cut her losses and move on. Moving to Boston seemed like a good idea mainly because she’d hoped her cousin Dr. Galen Burgess might be able to find a spot where she worked at Boston City Hospital. You can find Galen and Rowan Duncan in Ms Smith’s book ‘All of Me’
Cass was not looking for a girlfriend, while Pierce was always looking for the right person that she could have a one on one relationship with. But how could Cass turn down what Pierce offered.
I would like to say that I couldn’t put this book down but I found myself putting it down more often than I was used to doing. I guess it did appeal to me more than I’d thought it would because I’d actually finished it. All in all this turned into a rather enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
June 10, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
This was great medical romance.
Pierce is a Physician assistant who hasn’t been great in love the department. Having moving to Boston after having an awful break up she still feels that her true love in out there even though after series of dates she starts to question if this is true.
Dr. Cassidy is the new emergency resident when she and Pierce meet Pierce feels that spark that has been missing from her dates and Cassidy feels it to but Cassidy is hiding something and when her past come into the present will their romance survive or go under.
I like both characters and the chemistry is there but I wish the conflicts was handled better. I did enjoy the bond between Pierce and Galen who we find out are cousins and I enjoy the friendship that develop between Cassidy and Rowan if you don’t know Galen and Rowan they were first couple in the first book All Of Me I like that they were secondary characters and supporting Pierce and Cassidy.
This was great medical romance.
Pierce is a Physician assistant who hasn’t been great in love the department. Having moving to Boston after having an awful break up she still feels that her true love in out there even though after series of dates she starts to question if this is true.
Dr. Cassidy is the new emergency resident when she and Pierce meet Pierce feels that spark that has been missing from her dates and Cassidy feels it to but Cassidy is hiding something and when her past come into the present will their romance survive or go under.
I like both characters and the chemistry is there but I wish the conflicts was handled better. I did enjoy the bond between Pierce and Galen who we find out are cousins and I enjoy the friendship that develop between Cassidy and Rowan if you don’t know Galen and Rowan they were first couple in the first book All Of Me I like that they were secondary characters and supporting Pierce and Cassidy.
August 9, 2020
A Beautiful Sequel
Pierce is an ER Physician’s Assistant and Galen’s cousin (from the book All of Me, Bold Strokes Books, November 2018). She has come to work in the same hospital as Galen and Rowan after getting her heart broken and moving to Boston. She and Galen are like two peas in a pod and like her sexy cousin, she wants a forever kind of love too. Unfortunately, between the heartbreaks and the bad dates, shes not sure it’s in the cards for her. Cassidy is a new resident to the hospital, coming in part way through the year from a program that closed. She and Pierce are drawn together from the start and things seem great but Cassidy is keeping a secret, one that has the potential to destroy everything they have together….
This is just a lovely, endearing tale. It was so great to see Rowan and Galen again and even better was the huge role they play in this story. I loved the similarities between the cousins and how well Galen and Rowan make her feel welcome and loved. Cassidy is a sweetheart. She’s sensitive, energetic, smart as a whip and definitely fits in with the trio. I adored watching her and Pierce fall in love and share yummy and sexy good times! The hospital action and goings on were really interesting as well. Who doesn’t love a well written Doctor drama? There is a bit of angst, a bunch of feels, a gorgeous romance and lots more in this wonderful story that you won’t want to put down and will leave you with a big smile on your face and a warm, fuzzy heart. I adore Ms Smith’s work and this, I think, is my favourite!
Pierce is an ER Physician’s Assistant and Galen’s cousin (from the book All of Me, Bold Strokes Books, November 2018). She has come to work in the same hospital as Galen and Rowan after getting her heart broken and moving to Boston. She and Galen are like two peas in a pod and like her sexy cousin, she wants a forever kind of love too. Unfortunately, between the heartbreaks and the bad dates, shes not sure it’s in the cards for her. Cassidy is a new resident to the hospital, coming in part way through the year from a program that closed. She and Pierce are drawn together from the start and things seem great but Cassidy is keeping a secret, one that has the potential to destroy everything they have together….
This is just a lovely, endearing tale. It was so great to see Rowan and Galen again and even better was the huge role they play in this story. I loved the similarities between the cousins and how well Galen and Rowan make her feel welcome and loved. Cassidy is a sweetheart. She’s sensitive, energetic, smart as a whip and definitely fits in with the trio. I adored watching her and Pierce fall in love and share yummy and sexy good times! The hospital action and goings on were really interesting as well. Who doesn’t love a well written Doctor drama? There is a bit of angst, a bunch of feels, a gorgeous romance and lots more in this wonderful story that you won’t want to put down and will leave you with a big smile on your face and a warm, fuzzy heart. I adore Ms Smith’s work and this, I think, is my favourite!
July 7, 2020
First Do No Harm is a follow up to All of Me. You will find both Galen and Rowan heavily in the romance between Pierce Parker (Galen's cousin) and Cassidy Sullivan. Pierce has a bad breakup and decides to leave Atlanta to to Boston. Galen helps her find a job working at the same hospital she works. Pierce is very different from Galen in that she wants that one person to love and to love her back (Galen took a little while to get there). She dates with the idea of wanting to take it slow. Cassidy is actually a nice person, she would love to have a relationship, but also has a secret that holds her back. She really would like to focus on her career.
So this romance has some good and not so good things. I liked Pierce's character and I thought Cassidy was perfectly likable as well. They get along well together and have good chemistry. I did have some issues with the inconsistencies with some of the details. From the car that Cassidy drives to how Pierce feels about her performance in the bedroom. I am sure it must be hard to keep these details together but I would figure they could still be consistent. I also hating the "secret" Cassidy is holding. It really should not have been a deal breaker and it just wasn't' the angst I was expecting. I think those few things kinda brought the points down on this one for me. I wanted to rate it higher but all I can squeeze out is 3.25.
This arc was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
So this romance has some good and not so good things. I liked Pierce's character and I thought Cassidy was perfectly likable as well. They get along well together and have good chemistry. I did have some issues with the inconsistencies with some of the details. From the car that Cassidy drives to how Pierce feels about her performance in the bedroom. I am sure it must be hard to keep these details together but I would figure they could still be consistent. I also hating the "secret" Cassidy is holding. It really should not have been a deal breaker and it just wasn't' the angst I was expecting. I think those few things kinda brought the points down on this one for me. I wanted to rate it higher but all I can squeeze out is 3.25.
This arc was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
June 6, 2020
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I really liked this book, the connection between Pierce and Cassidy was instantaneous and their story was amazing to read about. Crazily enough I did not like the book prior to this that was about Rowan and Galen and yet as I read this one with them as secondary characters I loved them. I am going to be giving "All Of Me" another read. I was deeply entranced by this one, it is a must read!
July 7, 2020
This book was like reading the same thing over and over with only a different character having the same experience. And the book seems inconsistent somehow.
After a bad breakup, Pierce decides to go to Boston to start fresh. She starts working as a PA in a Boston hospital where her cousin Galen works. Galen and Galen's girlfriend Rowan are main characters from a different book by Emily Smith. Galen sort of becomes Pierce's mentor, guiding her and supporting her now she lives in Boston. Cassidy also needs to make a fresh start as a resident when her first program was cut short. While Pierce is "dating" another woman she also develops feelings for Cassidy. Their feelings develop quickly and follow the same unlikely path for both of them. Some angst comes from a story with Cassidy, first with a patient that rings a bit too close to home and her past and later with a health scare. The way the story develops from there is just a bit over the top for my liking.
I have not read Emily Smith's All of Me in which Galen and Rowan are the MCs but it almost felt like I was reading a book that was as much about these two as it was about Pierce and Cassidy. As I wrote before at times it was like I was reading the exact same thing over and over, only with a different character in it. In some cases I turned back pages, just to see if I wasn't going crazy, I wasn't. It resulted in me skimming over parts of the book. I actually liked both Pierce and Cassidy, but I don't care for Galen or Rowan in this story, there is too much of them in it. I also found many inconsistencies in the characters/ story, I think maybe they are meant to come across as insecurities by the characters, but to me, as a reader, it felt like inconsistencies. Overall the story was average and the writing on par with that. 2,5 stars, but 0,5 bonus because of the medical setting.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
After a bad breakup, Pierce decides to go to Boston to start fresh. She starts working as a PA in a Boston hospital where her cousin Galen works. Galen and Galen's girlfriend Rowan are main characters from a different book by Emily Smith. Galen sort of becomes Pierce's mentor, guiding her and supporting her now she lives in Boston. Cassidy also needs to make a fresh start as a resident when her first program was cut short. While Pierce is "dating" another woman she also develops feelings for Cassidy. Their feelings develop quickly and follow the same unlikely path for both of them. Some angst comes from a story with Cassidy, first with a patient that rings a bit too close to home and her past and later with a health scare. The way the story develops from there is just a bit over the top for my liking.
I have not read Emily Smith's All of Me in which Galen and Rowan are the MCs but it almost felt like I was reading a book that was as much about these two as it was about Pierce and Cassidy. As I wrote before at times it was like I was reading the exact same thing over and over, only with a different character in it. In some cases I turned back pages, just to see if I wasn't going crazy, I wasn't. It resulted in me skimming over parts of the book. I actually liked both Pierce and Cassidy, but I don't care for Galen or Rowan in this story, there is too much of them in it. I also found many inconsistencies in the characters/ story, I think maybe they are meant to come across as insecurities by the characters, but to me, as a reader, it felt like inconsistencies. Overall the story was average and the writing on par with that. 2,5 stars, but 0,5 bonus because of the medical setting.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
August 19, 2020
Really loved this one - picking up from where All of You finished - still, another brickwall ending but as knocked wall down between All of You and this one I sort of forgave her. Lovely story, lots of tears... Love it.
December 19, 2022
This has been the kind of story that seems doomed to a monumental drama, in which the protagonists are so pessimistic and negative because of their previous bad experiences, that you always expect things to explode in the next chapter, but a chapter goes by, then another goes by and everything flows more or less smoothly.In the end there is something of drama, but it was not, far from it, what on other occasions has made me mad. I know that some of you enjoy great dramas, but I'm not one of those.
This story reminded me of one of Lynn Galli's, those of you who know her already know what I mean.Self-made women or not so much, but in a professionally accommodated position, that we are there for each other, no matter what, loyal, generous, passionate and compassionate. An ideal lesbian world. But it doesn't particularly bother me and I would very much like to belong to a circle like the one formed in this case by Pierce and Cassidy and Galen and Rowan.
Overall, drama included, I found it an interesting story, with a medical background that of course is important, it's what those four women do for a living, but is not excessive or overwhelming.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
This story reminded me of one of Lynn Galli's, those of you who know her already know what I mean.Self-made women or not so much, but in a professionally accommodated position, that we are there for each other, no matter what, loyal, generous, passionate and compassionate. An ideal lesbian world. But it doesn't particularly bother me and I would very much like to belong to a circle like the one formed in this case by Pierce and Cassidy and Galen and Rowan.
Overall, drama included, I found it an interesting story, with a medical background that of course is important, it's what those four women do for a living, but is not excessive or overwhelming.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
June 18, 2020
Physician Assistant, Pierce Parker, was unlucky in love in Atlanta, so she relocates to Boston City Hospital to put her past girlfriend, Katie, behind her. She begins dating again but the spark just isn't there with the few women that she meets for first dates. She laments that she will never find "the one" with that magical chemistry and explosive first kiss. Rowan and Galen from All of Me are back in this book with Galen being Pierce's cousin.
Dr. Cassidy Sullivan, a new emergency medicine resident, left Rhode Island after her residency program was disbanded not too far into that program. Early during her residency at Boston City Hospital, Cassidy meets Pierce and they start to hang out as friends. However, Cassidy and Pierce quickly connect as friends and more with a chemistry that is quite explosive.
This book for me was a quick read, I enjoyed all four characters as well as the friendship element between Cassidy and Rowan and the cousin/friendship element between Galen and Pierce. It seemed realistic that they would support each other given their backgrounds. The crisis that happens in the story felt reasonable given the one main character's past medical history and other character's past relationship issues. I would recommend this book to others. 4 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Cassidy Sullivan, a new emergency medicine resident, left Rhode Island after her residency program was disbanded not too far into that program. Early during her residency at Boston City Hospital, Cassidy meets Pierce and they start to hang out as friends. However, Cassidy and Pierce quickly connect as friends and more with a chemistry that is quite explosive.
This book for me was a quick read, I enjoyed all four characters as well as the friendship element between Cassidy and Rowan and the cousin/friendship element between Galen and Pierce. It seemed realistic that they would support each other given their backgrounds. The crisis that happens in the story felt reasonable given the one main character's past medical history and other character's past relationship issues. I would recommend this book to others. 4 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2020
It was my first time reading Emily Smith and I really liked it. If you like the formula of doctors/hospitals romances, you might enjoy the book.
The book brings back a couple portraited before in her "All of Me book" (2018), which I did not read but liked to see here, because Galen and Rowan bring a good balance to "First do no harm".
It was good to get to know the main couple of "First do no harm". Both women had their own problems to deal with, it was not a one sided story, which is something that sometimes happens in this kind of book. And by the end, I think it is a romance with a bit of drama but that also brings humorous lines.
The book brings back a couple portraited before in her "All of Me book" (2018), which I did not read but liked to see here, because Galen and Rowan bring a good balance to "First do no harm".
It was good to get to know the main couple of "First do no harm". Both women had their own problems to deal with, it was not a one sided story, which is something that sometimes happens in this kind of book. And by the end, I think it is a romance with a bit of drama but that also brings humorous lines.
November 17, 2022
this one was… okay?? my main problem was the characters. not very likable
July 5, 2020
Easy-reading medical romance. Deep love potentially derailed by past secrets and a medical trauma. [In the world of All of Me, but could stand alone. If you liked Galen/Rowan in All of Me, you get a lot of them in this one too.]
Pierce Parker is recovering from a bad breakup with a move to a new city. As an emergency room PA, Parker is struck by the petite new resident, Dr. Cassidy Sullivan. The two women move quickly from smitten to dating to potentially more. However, Cassidy has a big secret - a childhood illness that could lead to recurring issues; Cassidy is unsure if she can let Pierce care for her given the unsure future.
Pierce Parker is recovering from a bad breakup with a move to a new city. As an emergency room PA, Parker is struck by the petite new resident, Dr. Cassidy Sullivan. The two women move quickly from smitten to dating to potentially more. However, Cassidy has a big secret - a childhood illness that could lead to recurring issues; Cassidy is unsure if she can let Pierce care for her given the unsure future.
August 10, 2020
Physician’s Assistant Pierce Parker and Dr. Cassidy Sullivan are both new members on the staff at Boston City Hospital. They come to their new jobs filled with hope both for professional reasons as well as in search of fresh starts from previous troubled relationships. Pierce Parker is the younger cousin of Dr. Galen Burgess who is partnered with Dr. Rowan Duncan, the main characters of the author’s previous book, “All of Me.” It is pleasant to see both couple relationships develop in the context of this family connection which seems an authentic representation of lesbian community.
The author has done an excellent job of capturing the “first blush” emotional intensity of falling in love. In fact, the strengths of this story lie in the emotional connections between the characters as well as in the details of the medical setting. Where the novel falls a bit short is in the development of conflict to drive the plot forward. Since both characters were working at the same location, even on the same rotation, exploring the power differentials between physician and PA could have aided in conflict development. Overall, I liked these characters and hope the author continues to use Boston City Hospital as the setting for future medical romances.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author has done an excellent job of capturing the “first blush” emotional intensity of falling in love. In fact, the strengths of this story lie in the emotional connections between the characters as well as in the details of the medical setting. Where the novel falls a bit short is in the development of conflict to drive the plot forward. Since both characters were working at the same location, even on the same rotation, exploring the power differentials between physician and PA could have aided in conflict development. Overall, I liked these characters and hope the author continues to use Boston City Hospital as the setting for future medical romances.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
The story of Pierce a Physician's assistant who moves to Boston from Atlanta after the painful end of a relationship to be nearer her cousin Galen featured in the earlier book All of me. Through her work and after a couple of disastrous dates she meets new resident Cassidy and sparks fly, so far so good for a lesbian romance. The characters are well developed and their relationship progresses nicely with Pierce being understandably insecure from her previous heartache. Cassidy has also got a past that haunts her which I found was introduced from nowhere and in a rather distracting way. You quickly realise as reader that it's there to create the necessary drama that they must overcome to be together but the way the characters respond and manage it is a bit clunky. The relationship between Pierce and Galen and Rowan (Galen's partner) and also Rowan and Cassidy are explored well and they make a cute little group. I also think that the book may need a further edit as there are inconsistencies in the narrative and jumps, where someone is at work then outside with no new line or signal which was very confusing. These and the 'drama' reduce my review by a star and stops it being a great book.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 15, 2020
When Pierce Parker is forced to leave Atlanta because of a bad breakup, She lands in Boston working with her cousin Galen as PA in the same hospital. After many attempts at online dating she lands in the ER and meets the beautiful Cassidy Sullivan the new ER attending and right away Pierce is drawn to her. As they start to build their relationship they both had issues in their past that might jeopardize them moving forward as a couple. This was a quick read and I was pulled right into this doctor romance.
I love that Galen and Rowan were the supporting couple in this story, i fell in love with both of them in the first book All of Me and it's always nice to find out if a couple you liked made it to the future. I loved the medical aspect of this story I mean come on now who doesn't love a hot doctor story.....The chemistry between Pierce and Cassidy was hot and I enjoyed watching them develop into a couple. This is a must read people if you haven't got this book yet i recommend that you head on over and get a copy. This author is gonna be on my watch list.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review
I love that Galen and Rowan were the supporting couple in this story, i fell in love with both of them in the first book All of Me and it's always nice to find out if a couple you liked made it to the future. I loved the medical aspect of this story I mean come on now who doesn't love a hot doctor story.....The chemistry between Pierce and Cassidy was hot and I enjoyed watching them develop into a couple. This is a must read people if you haven't got this book yet i recommend that you head on over and get a copy. This author is gonna be on my watch list.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review
June 22, 2020
In every clique or group, there are always some individuals who are hiding in the shadows or are simply not as visible compared to their peers. This book is a great representation for the less glamorous, one where these characters take centre stage and claim the right to their own story.
Pierce, a PA (Physician Assistant), recently dumped by her ex, was on an escape mission to Boston City Hospital to get over her heartbreak. When she met Cassidy, a new resident in her hospital, what appears to be a promising romance is threatened by history in Cassidy’s past.
I liked that both Pierce and Cassidy, even when holding less superior professions (compared to the pair of surgeons - Galen and Rowan) and was fumbling around with their new relationship had their own story even when they could have been easily overshadowed by the solid and established power couple. It just goes to show that in the face of gorgeousness, beauty, glam and power, everyone deserves to have their story told too.
I just reviewed First Do No Harm by Emily Smith. #NetGalley
Pierce, a PA (Physician Assistant), recently dumped by her ex, was on an escape mission to Boston City Hospital to get over her heartbreak. When she met Cassidy, a new resident in her hospital, what appears to be a promising romance is threatened by history in Cassidy’s past.
I liked that both Pierce and Cassidy, even when holding less superior professions (compared to the pair of surgeons - Galen and Rowan) and was fumbling around with their new relationship had their own story even when they could have been easily overshadowed by the solid and established power couple. It just goes to show that in the face of gorgeousness, beauty, glam and power, everyone deserves to have their story told too.
I just reviewed First Do No Harm by Emily Smith. #NetGalley
July 2, 2020
3.5 stars. I had high hopes for this book because I love medical dramas with lots of accurate procedurals. I would say this book somewhat met my expectations. There was a lot of emergency room activities in the storyline, but much of it was the mundane (not to the patients who deal with that stuff in real life) daily stuff and less of the life and death drama that keeps you hanging on. Maybe that's the intent and it is to be seen as more of a romance with a medical background. I'm not a fan of first person and I had to fight the desire to stop reading because of it. I think Pierce came off a little juvenile and in the third person that might be more tolerable, but I just don't want that for my head space in the first person. The whole book felt a little bit YA. I still like this author and will read anything she writes. This one might only be a read once book for me though. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2020
Pierce and Cassidy are nice characters. I enjoyed their story. There were many areas where I got confused, because the information on the page was not matching up with information the reader had already been given. Like for instance we are told Pierce is great in bed. That all her former lovers have told her this and then a couple of chapters later she is basically telling her cousin she has no clue what she is doing and needs advice so that she can impress Cassidy. Then we see Cassidy feeling one way all confident and a couple of pages later she acts like she has never treated a patient before. It was a nice story but these types of things always make me enjoy the story less. I haven’t read the cousin’s story and now I probably won’t because I find myself asking will it have the same issues?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
I enjoyed this F/F romance story with all of the characters. The main characters were Pierce Parker and Cassidy Sullivan.
Pierce Parker girlfriend has broke up with her. She has decided to move closer to her family. She gets a job at the hospital were her cousin is. While she on a date with a another girl she hurts her ankle. Her boss want her to have it look at. While doing this she meets the doctor that catches her attention.
Cassidy Sullivan is a doctor. She has recently move. While on a shift she meets a patient that has a hurt ankle the woman is quite interesting. Later she surprised to see the same woman at her work place.
This was a fun story to read. It has action and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. There is also another couple within.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Pierce Parker girlfriend has broke up with her. She has decided to move closer to her family. She gets a job at the hospital were her cousin is. While she on a date with a another girl she hurts her ankle. Her boss want her to have it look at. While doing this she meets the doctor that catches her attention.
Cassidy Sullivan is a doctor. She has recently move. While on a shift she meets a patient that has a hurt ankle the woman is quite interesting. Later she surprised to see the same woman at her work place.
This was a fun story to read. It has action and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. There is also another couple within.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
August 16, 2020
This book had several tropes that I don't necessarily like, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Pierce and Cassidy were pretty cute together. I haven't read anything from this author before, so I don't know the full story behind Rowan and Galen. Through this book, though, I feel like I have a good understanding. I think they were a little too involved in this story, more than your average cameos should be. There's nothing wrong with returning to old characters that everyone is fond of, but the reader doesn't need a synopsis of that story in the new one. Every step that Pierce or Cassidy took, and there are these two regaling them with stories about their own, similar path. It highlighted how similar the characters were, and while Rowan and Galen are fine, I don't feel a particular urge to read their story.
Enough about our side characters. I grew fond of both Pierce and Cassidy, although the latter annoyed me with the martyr mentality near the end. I got a little teary when Pierce and Galen were talking, after Cassidy had laid everything out in the open: Galen told her that forgiveness didn't really matter, not when her heart knew what it wanted.... (Okay, I promise it was more poetic than that.)
I've gotten a little tired of the doctor trope, but I will say that it was nicely done here. It had a realistic touch without being overbearing on the plot. I saw from the About the Author that Emily Smith is actually a PA, so it makes sense. Kudos to her having the time and imagination even with her demanding career.
Four stars.
Enough about our side characters. I grew fond of both Pierce and Cassidy, although the latter annoyed me with the martyr mentality near the end. I got a little teary when Pierce and Galen were talking, after Cassidy had laid everything out in the open: Galen told her that forgiveness didn't really matter, not when her heart knew what it wanted.... (Okay, I promise it was more poetic than that.)
I've gotten a little tired of the doctor trope, but I will say that it was nicely done here. It had a realistic touch without being overbearing on the plot. I saw from the About the Author that Emily Smith is actually a PA, so it makes sense. Kudos to her having the time and imagination even with her demanding career.
Four stars.
July 10, 2020
All of Me is the first book, worth reading but not totally necessary as you'll still be able to enjoy First Do No Harm
I love a good medical romance and this book covers that well.
This is a romance between likeable characters Pierce and Cassidy,
The attraction is instant but both have a past that may hinder their future.
Would I recommend.....Yes. An easy to read book that will keep you interested
I love a good medical romance and this book covers that well.
This is a romance between likeable characters Pierce and Cassidy,
The attraction is instant but both have a past that may hinder their future.
Would I recommend.....Yes. An easy to read book that will keep you interested
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