Cynda and the City Doctor: 50 Loving States, Missouri

Quarantales #1

by Theodora Taylor

You're fired.

When my father died and my stepmother cut out, leaving me with two stepsiblings to raise, I figured that would be the biggest surprise of my life. But then the pandemic hit, and my big city ex showed up in my small Missouri town to take over my father’s practice.

What’s the first thing he says to me after three years?

“You’re fired.”

Sooooo…it looks like he totally didn’t appreciate the way things ended between us, and now he won’t settle for anything less than cold, hard revenge.

But as it turns out, I’m the only person in our small town with a rental unit available. And without a job, I’m desperate for a renter.

So now the extremely bitter ex who fired me is living in my backhouse. Way, way closer than I want him to be.

But everything will be fine. I hate him, and he hates me. So nothing’s going to happen between us, right?

Right?

The first story in the QUARANTALES series is one steamy romance. Perfect for those who love forced proximity, bitter exes, and second chances that can’t be denied.

READER NOTE: The QUARANTALES series starts off steamy and gets hotter with each read before its sweet finale. So make sure to check out all of the stories in this ultra-modern, special quarantine take on some of your favorite fairytales:

CYNDA AND THE CITY DOCTOR
BILLIE AND THE RUSSIAN BEAST
GOLDIE AND THE THREE BEARS
REINA AND THE HEAVY METAL PRINCE

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Erotic Romance, Humor

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2020

About the author

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Theodora Taylor writes hot books with heart. When not reading, reviewing or writing, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on dating nights with her wonderful husband, and attending parties thrown by others.

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Theodora Taylor schreibt feurige Bücher mit Herz. Wenn sie nicht gerade selbst liest, schreibt oder Deutsch lernt, verbringt sie am liebsten Zeit mit ihrer Familie oder geht mit ihrem wundervollen Mann aus.

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Reviews

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 times reading Cynda and Rhys' story:

This was truly an 'unputdownable' fun and steamy read of a reimaged Cinderella (Cynda) and a scorned doctor (Rhys) whose planned revenge backfires when they both realized love conquers all even during a pandemic/COVID-19.

I loved the primary and secondary characters and look forward in the other books in Quarantales series with Cynda's friends, Billie and Goldie!

ARC provided by author for a honest review.

5 reimaged stars!

QUARANTINE AND REVENGE... Oh boy!

Theodora Taylor has written yet another vivid 5 star read that will engage you and keep you there til the very end! Oh and the quarantine trope with a twist of vengeance by the hero was so petty but understandable through the eyes of a man scorned! Yes, "revenge is a dish best served cold" but not so much during a pandemic when the hero in return needs something from the person he's planning to seek vengeance from... lol! Although, I have always hated the element of backtracking in stories, Taylor's pacing was a pure joy to follow Rhys and Cynda's beginning, their reconnection to a loving and thought-provoking HEA.

Can't wait to read Cynda's friends stories NEXT in the Quarantales series!

So go ahead and pick up this one because it's so relatable to our times with Covid-19!

5 Quarantining stars!

ARC provided for an honest review!

[Jo Bennesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶

Me encantó.
historia corta, segunda oportunidad, ex vengativo, pandemia.

[Book Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't quite do it for me.
The book was undeniably hot, but I couldn't connect with the characters.
They barely spoke to each other or did anything to rekindle their romance, there was just alot of fucking each others brains out whilst having angry/revenge sex.
While I am not denying that what Cynda did was super uncool but Rhys definitely could have tried to get an explanation 3 years ago when she ended things, he knew where she lived and he certainly had the money to take a day and go talk to her.
But if that had happened I guess we wouldn't have a story to read now, oh well.🤷🏻‍♀️
I also didn't understand Cynda's hang-ups when it came to love, didn't really see any reason for her to behave the way that she did.
All things said and done, I am looking forward to next book "Billie and the Russian Beast"

[ANGEL-A- · Rating 2 out of 5]

BORING

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[mad4rombks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hero and heroine were together for six months when heroine ghosted hero after her father dies and she starts raising her step siblings. (Side note: Let me also say that decision was made after hero's fiancee also showed up at his place one day while heroine was there. A fiancee the hero never mentioned to heroine before they got involved.) Hero arrives to town later, buys her father's medical practice and fires her immediately. Then, with nowhere else to stay, he rents the little cottage/house behind heroine's home and one thing leads to another and they have to quarantine together. During this time, most of their time is having angry sex/punishment sex because hero is still angry at how heroine left him. According to him, she had made him "mental" when she left him which made him sleep with a bunch of different ladies trying to forget her but when that didn't work, he decided to follow her to her hometown and get revenge.

Not a favorite TT read because of all the double standards in it but I will be reading the next two books about the heroine's BFFs and who they end up with.

[Karen's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynda and the doctor is another Theodora Taylor winner. Cynda and Rhys are not your love at first sight kinda couple but they soon figure out that the tension between them is more sexual and not dislike. In the beginning they are inseparable until one gets skittish and runs. Fast forward years later, and the cause for the tension when they meet up this time around maybe a little dislike but not even time can change the fact the Rhys just maybe the Prince that Cynda never thought she wanted but now doesn't want to live without.
Cynda and Rhys not only prove that opposites attract but they can be combustible especially when there's a little revenge to be had. These two were so endearing that I read the story in one sitting. Ms Taylor has weaved another great story that hooks you from beginning to end and has you dying to know what will happen next. Book 1 in the Quarantales series has made me eager to see what Ms Taylor has up her sleeve for the books to come and I'm impatiently waiting and ready for book 2.

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only six months

But it had more of an effect on Dr. Rhys Prince than thought. It had more of an effect on Cynda too. It scared the hell out of her. She'd already lost so much in a short period of time.

His coming back in her life was all about revenge because she broke his heart because of her fear. He'd given up so much for her. But there was something he was hiding from her. He was not whom she thought he was.

Theodora always writes a wonderful story full of drama and complex characters that need healing. I always enjoy her tales and this one kept me captivated from beginning to end. I still can believe a man did all that he did because of a broken heart.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Cynda and Rhys, two medical professionals who met in the hospital break room in St. Louis and sparks fly. They enjoy their time together and are in love but, due to unforeseen circumstances, are separated. Fast forward three years and someone is out for revenge and finds themselves falling in love all over again.
This was a great story, very romantic and hot! I absolute love the play on the classic Cinderella tale. It was subtle but I live it. Taking classic stories that most girls live and giving them a modern, sexy twist is one of my favorite things and not every author can pull it off, Mz. Taylor does. Kudos to you. I can’t wait for more

[Cammyjoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Prince & Nurse America

The « Fine Prince « /Rhys & « Nurse America »/Cynda work together in the ER at a hospital in St Louis, Missouri... Anyway, one day he caught her gossiping about him to her two best friends while facetiming, well let just say her embarrassing moment give him an opening to ask her out...
They developed a friendship and somewhat relationship until Cynda had to go home for a weekend and never return without explanation, and brake it up through text. Rhys didn’t take well.
If you want to know what happened, buy your copy...!!!😉

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! At first, I was frustrated with Cynda and her behavior but I began to understand why. The Doctor Rhys was also a mystery. I cannot wait for the next book in this series (Billie's story with the Russian guy).

[Brenda Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Good and Sensual Romantic Comedy

Funds and the City Doctor: 50 Loving States, Missouri (QUARANTALES Book1) is a very good and Sensual romantic comedy that earned a rating of four stars. I enjoyed this book as Funds finds her love with a Prince during this real time Covid 19 Pandemic. The story is inspirational and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something was missing

I have read and listened to many of Ms. Taylor's novels over the last few years. Her storylines are always filled with the unexpected. "Cynda and the City Doctor" was missing something for me. It was a simple read and did not have the Taylor twist to it like most of the stories do. I waited and waited but nothing that made me say, "well damn" or "how did the author come up with that?" I know it was supposed to her rendition of a fairy tale and I could see the tidbits of Cinderella. However, it still wasn't there for me.
Rhys was all alpha but with a mean streak. He wanted Cynda to look at him differently than all the other men she dated, which he accomplished. I even liked Cynda to a point. To be a former beauty pageant contestant, she was very rough around the edges. I would have thought her teaching would have been ingrained into her regardless of her career choice.
The climax was a molehill for me instead of a mountainous shocker. I didn't think it was anything to seriously get upset about. Then it was his status. I thought Cynda was a bit naive for not doing an internet search of Dr. Prince when he showed up to her first job. Then again, maybe I just have some paranoid issues that I need to work out. It just seems that she took everything at face value.
I liked the book. I was just hoping for the Taylor twist. I also liked how Ms. Taylor introduced her other novels indirectly. I thought that was a smooth plug to make the readers interested in her other works of this series.
Happy Reading and keep them coming Ms. Taylor!

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good!!

This story was pretty good. More on the quiet side for me. Not a lot of drama or real excitement. But changed never hurt nobody.

[Nene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed l

I enjoyed this storyline and the main two characters. I felt at times the female character was an little immature by not telling her true feelings.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/7/2021)! 🎁

[Lenet · Rating 5 out of 5]

banger 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

These FMCs and their men…🥵

I need to touch grass more often or something because the way Theodora Taylor makes you feel these characters is amazing. 10/10

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
You're all I want.

All the feels in this story of former beauty pageant, now nurse, Cynda, and doctor "King Prince." This story follows their meeting and blossoming love affair over the course of six months. Cynda returns to her home town for event and decides to remain, abruptly ending their relationship — by text message. Three years later Rhys comes into her home town and sparks fly, starting with his revenge against Cynda. This tale reads like a classic contemporary romance.

Rhys was portrayed as hugely attractive, charmingly British way, and clearly captivated by Cynda. The heroine was confident, but had difficulty dealing with feelings, particularly her own. I wasn't the biggest fan of the construct as well as her evolution to accepting and then expressing her feelings. I could not understand how she came to fear feelings, especially given her happy upbringing, cadre of male admirers and dates, and close friends. Also, the "teenagers," frankly young adults were portrayed as middle schoolers. Something was off with their ages and depiction.

I liked the host of characters and personalities in the book, regular, relatable types, even the hero, Rhys. I was struck by Rhys' all-in love for Cynda. Unfortunately, for originality, Rhys reminded me a bit of Alexei from Her Russian Billion (a favorite of mine) -- same temperament and story theme. Great showing of future characters though; my interest was piqued.

Can I say the sexy scenes were blazing hot, as in, have mercy! The chemistry was on fire, so much attraction between the two, and the scenes certainly delivered. "Prince in the streets and a beast in the sheets."

Though not as original, still an enjoyable love story of second changes, some angst and poignancy with that dark element of revenge we all love.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate Theodora by how much I enjoyed the book and I loved this story.

I went in for a second read and still loooved it. Cynda has a brief relationship with a doctor and after her father's abrupt passing leaves him and moves back home to take care of her step siblings. That was the wrong thing to do.

[Tijuanna Ruffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all I love Theodora Taylor’s books. I didn’t know what to think while reading this book because during the book Cynda really made me sick at times. She was so engrossed in raising the twins and always had this thing about relationships that I didn’t understand why. She seemed like a lovable nice person that everyone liked to be around with and had a sense of her humor, but she had some deep rooted issues. I understand how lost she felt after losing both parents and finding a distraction (taking care of the twins) to not deal with the pain of grief, but I wished things about her were revealed a little earlier than the end of the book. The good thing is Dr Rhys Prince was an alpha male and he was not finished with Cynda. I really liked Rhys because he was honest with his feeling and an overall nice guy ( even though he fired her) who had an agenda. Rhys loved him some Cynda and uprooted his life to make her face her fears and be with him. My ah ha moment came and everything clicked when we found our Cynda’s parents weren’t actually her parents but her aunt and uncle. That’s why I love Theodora so much because she can turn dislike and confusion to smiles and laughter. She makes you think about these characters and then you’re trapped into a good story.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

this story was missing something

Let me start by saying I’m a huge Theodora Taylor Fan and i Normally love her books. This one however was missing something, the MC hardly talked to each other so we didn’t get to see them really rekindle their relationship, other than them having hate sex. Rhys annoyed because 1. your mad at her for breaking up with but sir your started dating her when you have a whole fiancé ( i can’t believe Cynda let him get away with that). 2. If you really loved her and cared about her you knew where she lived your could’ve easily came to see her and got answers right then. And there. 3. You’re a complete a$$ to secretly buy her fathers practice and sell it to dbcare. It surprise me that Cynda didn’t even react or address this with him at all just let it slip. I just honestly didn’t enjoy this book like I’ve enjoyed her other work.

[Channy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Theodora Taylor writes as if she is stuck in the 2010s. There is essentially no growth in her work/craft.

In 2025, I am reading this book, which she wrote in 2020, feeling like I've been transported to 2009, which is when I first started sneakily reading adult novels in the 9th grade and thought this level of writing was amazing because of all the swear words and smut that weren't in teen books. Now, as an adult, I realize that this level of writing hints at an author who did not hire a team of editors whose expertise would have never allowed such writing to go unchecked.

Honestly, this is how I feel whenever I finish one of her novels.

She has wonderful ideas, but the writing is so subpar, lackluster, and cringe that I become pissed that I've wasted my money on her. I don't know why I keep trying.

Yes, I do. I discovered her around 2013/14 and loved her books (which I own but cannot find), and I am hoping to get that same feeling from her writing once more. But again, I accepted poor writing like this then, but can hardly stomach it now. And since she's demonstrated to have not made any substantial growth, my hope is just wishful thinking.

For this book specifically, there's absolutely zero depth to her characters. None of the very real issues they experience are thoroughly explored. The traumas that are addressed are done so on a surface level, hinting at lazy writing or an inability to think deeply about/convey the emotional & psychological blows that need to be healed throughout the characters' journey. The characters have no real journey and therefore experience no meaningful growth. The adults act like high schoolers, and the teens are written as if they were plucked from a poorly scripted Disney show or movie. It's also so unbelievable that a man would show up after 3 years of no contact to seek revenge for being ghosted after six months of a relationship that was not even solidified verbally between the two.

I know this is already a handful of complaints, but believe me when I say that I can go on.

It was just a huge disappointment from this author yet again and I should stop giving her chances and my coins.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Theodora Taylor fan. Finding out about this book was a pleasant surprise. I'm all for reading about a second chance romance taking place during the uncertainty of a pandemic.

Cynda is a nurse who meets a doctor named Rhys while they are both working at a hospital in St. Louis. They have sizzling hot chemisty and their romance is all-consuming. After six months together, Cynda's circumstances abruptly change and she quickly dumps Rhys via text without any explanation. Not understanding the true extent of Rhys's feelings for her, Cynda is shocked when he appears in her hometown three years later to take over her father's medical practice. Rhys is hell bent on seeking revenge for the way Cynda treated him.

Cynda is a flawed but lovable heroine. She has a lot of heart but dealing with the trauma of losing people she's loved has caused her to close herself off when it comes to romantic partnerships. Rhys managed to break through the barriers she's put up but she may lose him for good if she lets fear get in the way of having the love she really wants.

I devoured this book in no time. There is plenty of drama and passion, as would be expected in a Theodora Taylor book. The tone of this novel felt a bit lighter than the other books from this author, but it was a welcome change. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[M Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly I'm a huge huge huge TT fan but honestly this didn't feel like it was written by her at all (I've read every book of hers and some 4 plus times).

Don't get me wrong it was an enjoyable 3 star read. But tt gets 5 stars normally from me.

I loved it set during covid n the storyline. Loved cynda. But rhys was a mush, a wimp, a wet blanket.

And the sex scenes were cold! Totally not tt's usual hotness.

A really annoying aspect of the book was rhys being pissed off n angry with cynda for breaking off with him by text. Erm and what about the small issue of him having sex and dating her whilst he's engaged to ingrid? Honestly it pissed me off cyndi allowed him to get away with his constant harping on about it. I dont get why cynda didn't make him pay more for doing what he did to her!

English terms:
Knob me off- not a brit term, I have never ever heard anyone use that phrase for anything sexual. You can say knob off- like fuck off but even then its not used a lot. You can call a guy a knob ergo dick

This jusy didnt feel like it was written by tt. The writing style was completely off for me as was the tone, the pace, the passion and the hottness

Still a good read but not to her usual standard.

Disappointed 3 stars

[Patty Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this series in reverse order…

I started with the 3rd book featuring Gina, then Billie and finally Cynda. Of the three, I think I prefer Billie’s tale, then Gina’s (which was more lighthearted) and finally this one. Don’t get me wrong, it was very well-written like all of Ms. Taylor’s books I’ve read, however, Cynda’s character was very kind of broken. She’d gone through a lot of heartache losing her parents whom she loved which apparently kept her from forming long-term relationships except for her step-siblings and her two best friends Billie and Gina. I suppose I’m too old-fashioned being born in the 60s, which meant I had to get past her love-em-and-ghost-em interactions with men (Rhys was number 13). I felt the same way about her 18-year-old stepsister E being sexually active and appeared to be rather blasé about stealing her classmates boyfriends. I’m happy that Cynda and Rhys finally got their HEA (their dynamic was very good and rife with passion), but I suppose in the end, I’m too much of a prude. Don’t let me discourage anyone but I had to qualify my rating.

[Miss D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynda and Rhys dated previously to when this book takes place. Their initial relationship is interwoven into their quarantine reunion and it's important because, well, things didn't end well between them. Rhys is angry and very bitter towards towards Cynda when we first meet him and as the story unfolds, we get a clear picture of how they fell in love and how they truly never fell out of love.

This is a solid story set in the COVID19 world of sudden quarantine, in which two people who have very strong and conflicting feelings towards each other must learn how to peacefully live together for two weeks. When you're former lovers with an ocean of strong feelings between you, the road towards peacefully is a very bumpy ride. Cynda and Rhys are easy to root for in hoping they can resolve the past to build a future together in the present COVID19 world. I like the chemistry between Cynda & Rhys as well as Cynda's squad I assume those ladies will each have their own romance tale that will be told). Cynda and the City Doctor is a quick, entertaining read.

[Elizabeth Rogers? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bingo!

Ok ,now it all makes since ! First ,off I read this series backwards but now things make sense.If funny how when you read a book at its talking about places you never been and you picture in your minds eye how it would be if you were there and since I live in McDonough Ga right down the road from clayco and Jonesboro
it’s just hilarious when you talk about tommy trifling butt and magic peaches . I can’t help but think of the controversy with the sheriff in Clayton co.and the strip clubs I have went to in the surrounding areas.Any who loved this book and the chemistry between Rhys and cynda is off the charts,I’m so glad Rhys was able to break down cynda walls and show her that sometimes the love of a good person is truly all we really need. I really hope that there is another book because thing with these three friends an the hot ass alpha they love just seems incomplete .As with all your books I have read job well done Theodora !!

[MichelleVeiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locked down & locked out.

Cynda should have known that running from the love & hot chemistry she felt for Rhys wasn't the answer. But when tragedy struck & the chance for s new life away from the emotions that were threatening to rule her she ran. Fast forward 3 years & who reappears in her hectic life as a epidemic is just getting starting? Rhys the man she ran from but has never forgotte. Rhys will have his revenge for his broken heart but will the two weeks of quarantine be enough to get his long lost love out if his system? Toss in a lost job, twin teenage siblings & mystery letters all the making of a disaster right? But is it really? Read this interesting new book by Theodora Taylor in a new series of quarantine love stories. Enjoy.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Prince buys out Cynda's father's practice and promptly fires Cynda. Now she's worried about how she will send her stepsiblings to college. She also has the only rental property in town and Dr. Prince needs a place to stay. Will she rent to him? Will she get her job back? Will he find out the truth of their past?

I enjoyed this book. Communication would have helped--a lot. Dr. Prince is bent on revenge. Cynda is confused as to why since he was not honest back then, finally though everyone starts being honest and a lot of misunderstandings are acknowledged and worked on. I like that Billie, Gina, and Cynda kept in touch from when they were in the Queen America pageant. I read this series backwards but I did love.

I look forward to more from this author.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynda and Rhys, this enemies to lovers tryst begins with Rhys firing Cynda from her job. They have a past which was abruptly interrupted and they parted ways. Rhys has arrived in Cynda's hometown just as Ms Rona hits town and Cynda is making life changing decisions for herself and her siblings. Rhys has other plans for Cynda and revenge is at the top of his to do list. Will the appearance of Rhys derail Cynda's well laid plans? or will it spur her into making rushed decisions into the unknown? It would seem that what Cynda likes to dish out, she does not like to be served with. A good start to this new series. Well written and put together as usual.