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About Time
Doctor Gisele Vasquez is consumed by bitterness after the messy break up with her ex-husband, and it’s not until one smart-mouthed chaplain puts her in her place that she realizes she needs to change. With determination, she sets out to become the doctor and woman she wants, and her first step is to make a friend of the enemy. Chaplain June Melville loves her job and making a difference in her patients’ lives. While she looks put together at work, her home life is about to all fall apart. When she discovers her girlfriend is cheating, June finds herself homeless, alone, and desperate. With nowhere to turn except one angry doctor turned friend, June takes a step in the direction of her own healing.
255 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
7 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Adrian J. Smith
77 books420 followersAdrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with a May-December twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life. Two of her novels, For by Grace and Memoir in the Making, received honorable mentions with the Rainbow Awards.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 26, 2021
This is a bit of a different story than the other two I have already read by AJ Smith (Love Burns & Admissible Affair). It’s a wonderful slow-burn romance. So if you’re a fan of those this book definitely is something for you.
June and Giselle (or Elle how she is called mostly in the book) work at the same hospital for quite some time but only know each other from passing. Even if that’s more the case for Elle than the opposite way around. Elle is too busy with herself and being a horrible to every person around her to notice much of June the chaplain at the hospital. June on the other hand has heard a lot about Elle the bitchy doctor. When circumstances make June tell Elle what a horrible behaviour she has, it finally clicks in Elle’s mind.
I loved the change in Elle and how she approached it. Like me Elle seems to be a huge fan of lists which made me smile. June on the other hand is terrified that she threw the whole truth into Elle’s direction. But with the whole stress she has at home with her girlfriend Lydia it was not much of a surprise that at some point she needed an outlet. To juggle her job and her always complaining definitely girlfriend takes its toll.
When she starts to form a tender friendship with Elle things start to look up for a bit. If this only wouldn’t mean being open about everything that’s going on in her life. As great as she is in her job and making others talk to her, she struggles doing the same herself. We get to see several times what happens when you just can’t openly communicate. There were definitely several moments I just wanted to shake June or push her to finally talk. But what would be the fun in that? I mean if characters listen right away. ☺️
But thank god at some point she finally gets rid of Lydia. Even if it’s more Lydia’s doing than June acting on her unhappiness. And that’s another part I loved in the book. How June is taking her time to deal with the break up and heal instead of hoping just into the next relationship. How she and Elle take their time later and then finally communicate is wonderful.
I suspect that everyone that is a fan of the heat department will be probably disappointed because this is actually a very tame book. So if you need this in a book Admissible Affair and Love Burns are definitely better for you. But if you’re good also without that, go for it. I finished it with a huge smile on my face and can’t wait to read more by AJ Smith.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
June and Giselle (or Elle how she is called mostly in the book) work at the same hospital for quite some time but only know each other from passing. Even if that’s more the case for Elle than the opposite way around. Elle is too busy with herself and being a horrible to every person around her to notice much of June the chaplain at the hospital. June on the other hand has heard a lot about Elle the bitchy doctor. When circumstances make June tell Elle what a horrible behaviour she has, it finally clicks in Elle’s mind.
I loved the change in Elle and how she approached it. Like me Elle seems to be a huge fan of lists which made me smile. June on the other hand is terrified that she threw the whole truth into Elle’s direction. But with the whole stress she has at home with her girlfriend Lydia it was not much of a surprise that at some point she needed an outlet. To juggle her job and her always complaining definitely girlfriend takes its toll.
When she starts to form a tender friendship with Elle things start to look up for a bit. If this only wouldn’t mean being open about everything that’s going on in her life. As great as she is in her job and making others talk to her, she struggles doing the same herself. We get to see several times what happens when you just can’t openly communicate. There were definitely several moments I just wanted to shake June or push her to finally talk. But what would be the fun in that? I mean if characters listen right away. ☺️
But thank god at some point she finally gets rid of Lydia. Even if it’s more Lydia’s doing than June acting on her unhappiness. And that’s another part I loved in the book. How June is taking her time to deal with the break up and heal instead of hoping just into the next relationship. How she and Elle take their time later and then finally communicate is wonderful.
I suspect that everyone that is a fan of the heat department will be probably disappointed because this is actually a very tame book. So if you need this in a book Admissible Affair and Love Burns are definitely better for you. But if you’re good also without that, go for it. I finished it with a huge smile on my face and can’t wait to read more by AJ Smith.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2024
There are not many romance stories between a doctor and a Chaplain, which makes this book an unique and interesting read. I never realized how busy a Chaplain can be in the hospital. Both MCs are extremely devoted to their jobs, Elle the ER doctor and June the Chaplain, are both respectable and endearing, their limited time together makes their relationship a slow burn, friends to lovers one. There is also age gap and both MCs suffering from bad breakup and have trust issues after their exes' infidelity. I love the author's smooth and vivid storytelling, and the romance is sweet and low angst. I enjoyed this book very much.
November 11, 2021
This was a sweet, slow burn romance. The two mains have worked together at a hospital for a while, but really don’t interact until June tells off Elle, a doctor, for her behavior. They begin an awkward 2 steps forward, one step back kind of friendship. Meanwhile June, a chaplain at the hospital, is getting flak from her partner who doesn’t like her hours. Elle, however, takes to heart what June said. There are some misunderstandings as they come in contact frequently at the hospital. Despite the events that shaped their recent adult lives, the two women develop a companionable friendship, slowly developing feelings and acknowledging to themselves how they feel about the other.
Some of June’s actions didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t really understand why she didn’t ever mention her girlfriend with whom she lives. It seemed like almost everyone knew she was gay and had a girlfriend, so I was puzzled why she didn’t just say she was having trouble with her partner. She didn’t say anything until she saw Elle with the girlfriend on a date, which ended up being a turning point in the novel. Other than that, I enjoyed their romance.
I really like how Smith writes in so many in different genres and has such varied characters in her writing. Religious folks are not common characters in this genre with women loving women protagonists, at least as sympathetic ones. I am not religious so I was interested in reading on to see how things would work out and how June’s character would develop. I thought their cautiousness about becoming friends, and then more, fit their circumstances. June did tell off Elle, which should make them reluctant to engage, and they were both fresh from unhappy relationships. It was a thoughtful and fun read.
Some of June’s actions didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t really understand why she didn’t ever mention her girlfriend with whom she lives. It seemed like almost everyone knew she was gay and had a girlfriend, so I was puzzled why she didn’t just say she was having trouble with her partner. She didn’t say anything until she saw Elle with the girlfriend on a date, which ended up being a turning point in the novel. Other than that, I enjoyed their romance.
I really like how Smith writes in so many in different genres and has such varied characters in her writing. Religious folks are not common characters in this genre with women loving women protagonists, at least as sympathetic ones. I am not religious so I was interested in reading on to see how things would work out and how June’s character would develop. I thought their cautiousness about becoming friends, and then more, fit their circumstances. June did tell off Elle, which should make them reluctant to engage, and they were both fresh from unhappy relationships. It was a thoughtful and fun read.
November 29, 2021
3.75 stars, this a enemies to lovers style romance.
A doctor closed off from the world, missing a bedside manner & a good dose of empathy. A chaplain trying to be the bridge for this she counsels in trying times. Obviously these 2 make for chaotic scene when having to work together.
One blowup was all it took, sometimes a good ass chewing will make you stop & reevaluate. This spark ignites a fire for both characters (Giselle &June), it's the impetus that starts their specific journey.
The road is bumpy but with each step they take their separate roads become an intertwined path.
A cute story about redemption & change.
A doctor closed off from the world, missing a bedside manner & a good dose of empathy. A chaplain trying to be the bridge for this she counsels in trying times. Obviously these 2 make for chaotic scene when having to work together.
One blowup was all it took, sometimes a good ass chewing will make you stop & reevaluate. This spark ignites a fire for both characters (Giselle &June), it's the impetus that starts their specific journey.
The road is bumpy but with each step they take their separate roads become an intertwined path.
A cute story about redemption & change.
October 30, 2021
Wow. A hospital setting, which is not new, but new to me, roles and a gripping start. So many questions, I am intrigued. A few phrases I am not sure of….. is a dickie like a lanyard?
The book held my interest, although one main in a relationship when the two mains “met” was going to be interesting. I was surprised when main one internally admitted to a crush on the other main, as she was just getting divorced from a man. Obviously bisexuality exists but I hadn’t remembered it being raised for this character. They suggest trying friendship, then the other main is very vague talking about relationship difficulties with her “friend”. I was confused as to why she didn’t say the person she lived with or girlfriend. 29% in the bisexual does identify as also being attracted to women.
I struggled through the conflict because I couldn’t really get why June wasn’t upfront. I sort of got the “I wanted something that was just for me,”but not to the extent of omitting the truth.
When Elle had the date and faked being a romance reader, then the date went better. Again that was different from her reaction to being honest with June. I didn’t get it.
70% and one main internally declares her love for the other. Again, we are told this rather than shown. I feel this was a missed opportunity and makes the feeling a bit out the blue. It should have been an organic realisation.
One main pages the other at work. No issue but her ex gf did the same and it was an issue… Feel the difference could have shown more the difference rather than the tell we have been having.
This is an okay book. If you want a short time of mains angst caused by each other then this would fit the bill. 2.5 upgraded to 3 because I think the character roles were a novel idea, and anyone, even on the periphery of cheating is making a brave plot choice.
The book held my interest, although one main in a relationship when the two mains “met” was going to be interesting. I was surprised when main one internally admitted to a crush on the other main, as she was just getting divorced from a man. Obviously bisexuality exists but I hadn’t remembered it being raised for this character. They suggest trying friendship, then the other main is very vague talking about relationship difficulties with her “friend”. I was confused as to why she didn’t say the person she lived with or girlfriend. 29% in the bisexual does identify as also being attracted to women.
I struggled through the conflict because I couldn’t really get why June wasn’t upfront. I sort of got the “I wanted something that was just for me,”but not to the extent of omitting the truth.
When Elle had the date and faked being a romance reader, then the date went better. Again that was different from her reaction to being honest with June. I didn’t get it.
70% and one main internally declares her love for the other. Again, we are told this rather than shown. I feel this was a missed opportunity and makes the feeling a bit out the blue. It should have been an organic realisation.
One main pages the other at work. No issue but her ex gf did the same and it was an issue… Feel the difference could have shown more the difference rather than the tell we have been having.
This is an okay book. If you want a short time of mains angst caused by each other then this would fit the bill. 2.5 upgraded to 3 because I think the character roles were a novel idea, and anyone, even on the periphery of cheating is making a brave plot choice.
March 20, 2022
I found the book kind of strange. June is a Lesbian chaplain and Giselle is a doctor in the same hospital. Giselle is taken to task for her attitude towards everyone by June. There is a change in Giselle after that because of her self examination. Giselle is attracted to June even though she is not a lesbian while June is one. Giselle is divorced from her husband and is still in conflict while June is not happy with her girlfriend. The plot is full of emotion but seems contrived because both women are so different. I found a serious lack of communication by both women and it makes for an awkward story.
I recommend this book for romance readers but it is a tough read. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
I recommend this book for romance readers but it is a tough read. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
November 15, 2021
This is a sweet enemies to lovers romance. I love the characters. They are well developed and well defined. The author pulled me in right from the first chapter. There were a couple of twists and turns. I enjoyed the interaction between all the characters, especially the main ones. The story flowed well. The ending felt kinda of abrupt though.I would have liked to have seen a little more of them being together. By definition of being a romance novel there has to be a HEA but I would have liked to see more of it. Maybe an epilogue? Definitely a worthwhile read.
January 29, 2022
I read this book about two weeks ago and I remember only bits and pieces - it’s great for short time entertainment, but definitely not a book you’ll spend lots of time thinking about. Religion plays an important role in this book seeing as one of the main characters is a chaplain - personally I have only read very little books where religion is that important. I myself have quite a difficult relationship with religion, so it’s interesting to me that these queer women have such different experiences than mine.
August 21, 2023
Oh how I loved this entire story!
Adrian Smith has brought my heart to life with this adventure in new love. The characters are tantalizing and real. The plot is perfect, and the setting is so very realistic! I genuinely love this beautifully written tale of love. My career in the hospitals brought together many people that could fit easily in this writing. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a love story.
Adrian Smith has brought my heart to life with this adventure in new love. The characters are tantalizing and real. The plot is perfect, and the setting is so very realistic! I genuinely love this beautifully written tale of love. My career in the hospitals brought together many people that could fit easily in this writing. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a love story.
November 6, 2021
Tentatively, yours
What a heartwarming, beautiful story!
Two women working in the same hospital find each other interesting and comfortable to hang out with. Freshly out of relationships, they are cautious in attempting to be anything but friends.
Eventually, they find each other and start building the relationship they both have longed for over the years.
What a heartwarming, beautiful story!
Two women working in the same hospital find each other interesting and comfortable to hang out with. Freshly out of relationships, they are cautious in attempting to be anything but friends.
Eventually, they find each other and start building the relationship they both have longed for over the years.
February 14, 2022
Interesting
Good storyline but the story would get exciting and then slow down. I felt like I had whiplash at times. I would read this author's books as her storyline is going enough for me to want to see what happens.
Good storyline but the story would get exciting and then slow down. I felt like I had whiplash at times. I would read this author's books as her storyline is going enough for me to want to see what happens.
October 28, 2021
I loved this storyline and characters. I was so invested in this book I was in mourning when I finished it. I real gem, would highly recommend.
December 13, 2021
Very good book
This is the 4th book by Ms. Smith I’ve read in a row and I really enjoyed it. Two very different, in some ways, women find each other and find a way to make it work.
This is the 4th book by Ms. Smith I’ve read in a row and I really enjoyed it. Two very different, in some ways, women find each other and find a way to make it work.
January 9, 2023
Age gap
Roommates
Brown eyes
Roommates
Brown eyes
September 26, 2024
DNF 45%
I liked June to start with but less so as the story went on, and stupidity-while-drunk as a plot device is the pinnacle of lazy writing. Not for me.
I liked June to start with but less so as the story went on, and stupidity-while-drunk as a plot device is the pinnacle of lazy writing. Not for me.
November 3, 2021
For me, Elle and the hospital made About Time an enjoyable story. I loved her first date story even though I knew what was going on in the background. Her excitement was palpable. Her movementment forward in life was joyful to read. Adrian J. Smith has written another story I like but not for the romance it was intended to be, but for the butterfly it created with Elle.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
Check out the rest of my review at Phoebe's Randoms. Link in bio.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews