In this City Hospital novel, EMT Brian is surprised when his good friend, ER doctor Stephen, confesses that not only is his marriage on the rocks, but that he's bi as well. In fact, Stephen prefers men to women. Brian, who always thought Stephen was cute and hot, but straight, suddenly sees a chance for them to be more than just friends. He doesn't want to ruin that friendship, though, and he wants to be there for his best friend as Stephen goes through the final collapse of his marriage, so he doesn't see them getting together any time soon.
When Stephen's split from his wife becomes official and he needs to find a new place to live, Brian offers his guest room and his desire to keep things on the friendship plane is tested. Not only is Stephen sexy and hot, the man is beginning to explore his desire for men. Brian leaves out gay sex manuals and porn on the coffee table, and offers to answer any questions Stephen might have.
When things come to a head and Stephen and Brian finally jump each other's bones, will they be able to maintain their friendship? And will their relationship get deeper, or is Brian just a step on Stephen's sexual journey?
Drew Zachary is the pen-name of co-authors Chris Owen and Vic Winter.
"Born in the wilds of Canada, Drew grew up with an axe in one hand and a book in the other. Drew's love of writing is outshone only by his love of men. Lucky for him, he can combine the two.
From his father, Drew learned how to wield that axe, fix a carburetor and bake a mean can of beans using fire, gas or electricity. From his mother, he learned how to rotate the tires, turn apples into just about anything from cider to pie to a meatless lasagna, and how to swim. At twelve Drew ran away to join the circus, only to run away from it when he realized just how badly elephant poop stinks.
When Drew ran out of books to read he started writing his own and never looked back. His home is filled with books, unfinished manuscripts and his grandmother's knick knacks. His best friend is a dog named Barney and his pet fish keep him entertained for hours.
Drew writes about love because he still believes in it. Even though he's never found that special man himself, he's never given up hope. Well, never on a permanent basis, anyway."
The second in the City Hospital Novel is also probably the most romantic. As before it’s a Doctor/Nurse story, as before the Nurse is probably more assertive than the Doctor, but there is a difference: here the Doctor is also confused and on the brink of divorce from a woman.
Brian, the gay nurse, and Stephen, the (apparently) straight doctor, are friends; not best friends, but they like to go out and drink something when they manage to have their shift end at the same time. Stephen knows Brian is gay, and Brian knows Stephen is married and so there is no sexual tension between them, even if sometime Brian looks Stephen’s back, and I’m not meaning the shoulders… Then one night Stephen comes out (pun intended) with stunning news: he is divorcing and he is curious. Stephen’s marriage not only is not perfect, but maybe it was unconsciously a way for Stephen to deny his true self and being a little longer in the closet.
I had the feeling that Stephen, gay or not gay, is not exactly a man who faces his personal life full front; on the job he is good, steady and reliable, but on his private life he prefers to let it go, what is better for other people it’s good for him; he doesn’t fight, he doesn’t stomp his feet to obtain what he wants. When he was in college he was curious, he even had a man to man experience, but then he met his wife and it was convenient and easy to marry her and start an ordinary life. Only that his wife was not easily satisfied, and a half husband is not what she wants. Stephen’s wife is not a main character, she has not even a scene, but nevertheless I liked her: she simply realized that their life was not good for both of them, and she did everything in her power to correct the situation; she is not a bitch, she is not trying to ruin Stephen’s life, on the contrary, trying to have a better life for herself, she is doing a favor to Stephen. Again I think that, if she was not so sure in wanting something more, Stephen would have not changed his life, or at least not soon enough to be able to enjoy it.
Even if he is the initiator of their relationship, and in a way he is taking the place of Rachel, the ex-wife, in Stephen’s life, meaning that he will be probably the leader in their couple, Brian is not exactly the strong and domineering type. Brian is an easy guy, a good friend and a generous lover; sure, he is helping Stephen since he likes him, but I think that, even if sex was not an option, he would do it the same. Brian is not desperately searching for a partner, he is not feeling the urge to settle down, but he is not against the idea.
Brian and Stephen’s love story is nice and sweet, less sexy than expected (knowing Drew Zachary’s past production), but really romantic. It has an easy feeling, a smooth starts and an even smoother development, there is not really any obstacle to their happiness, and it’s nice and refreshing to read how they are settling down for a common life that will preannounce a good future together.
EMT Brian and ER doctor Stephen have been friends for years. When Stephen's marriage ends and he needs a place to stay Brian offers him his spare bedroom. Soon the sexy men are living together and Brian is helping Stephen figure out if he's really gay or just curious. Then the unexpected happens and they fall in love. This was a cute and very sexy friends to lovers story. Stephen may not be sure if he's gay, at least at the beginning, but he's got no problem experimenting to see if he is. I liked both of the guys and while there may be a bit too many sex scenes for some readers I quite enjoyed this fast-paced and easy to read story.
Stephen and Brian have been friends for years. When Stephen’s marriage ends, it seems reasonable for him to move into the extra room in Brian’s house. However, Brian is surprised to find out that his ‘straight’ friend, who he has always thought was cute, is not so straight after all. It turns out that Stephen prefers men to women.
Stephen’s in his thirties, yet his past experience with men has been minimal. Being the helpful roommate, Brian leaves some gay books and DVDs out that go a long way toward answering many of Stephen’s questions. Much of the information is new to Stephen and quite eye opening, making him that much more enthusiastic to experience the gay side of sex. And he especially wants to experience Brian to the fullest.
I just love Drew Zachary’s stories and always look forward to them. I was pleased with this offering as well and wasn’t disappointed. I really can’t go wrong with a DZ story as I know that it will usually have the combination of elements that I prefer.
The sex was hot and frequent, which is something I’m personally always on the lookout for. Yet it was used to express how the characters feel for each other. And as Stephen’s confidence builds, the sex gets hotter and hotter.
I also like contemporary settings, and the fact that this is one of the City Hospital novels is a plus. Another thing that I like is that a lot of realistic dialogue is used throughout to tell the story.
I also prefer stories that are about people. Stephen’s sexual journey, along with his moving past the denial that his previous married life had been, is satisfying to experience with him. Brian’s maturing toward a more mutual relationship then he has ever had in the past, is equally as gratifying. It’s nice to read about two people, who have always been right in front of each other, that finally find each other.
I did enjoy this story very much. And the final scene had such lovely imagery that it aided to propel Stephen and Brian to the next level of their relationship in the mind’s eye.
Further installments with Stephen and Brian would be nice in order to see how their relationship develops. In the meantime, I’m going to seek out Drew Zachary’s other works as they become available.
Brian is an EMT who has been friends with married ER Dr. Stephen for a couple of years. One night Stephen admits his marriage is basically over. Later at the bar when Brian takes him out for a drink he confesses that he thinks he is gay. Brian is blown away because he’s always had the hots for him but doesn’t want to push. He invites Stephen to live with him and offers to help him figure things out, just friends, no pressure. That lasts for awhile until they finally go for it and Stephen takes to gay sex like a duck to water. He’s like a kid in a candy store. LOL I really liked that the guys were friends first for a few years so the fact that they liked each other beyond hot sex came though. There was some humour and while the second half was very nearly a non-stop sex-fest I thought it made sense. Stephen was finally free to try things he’d only thought about and he was determined to try it all. They made a pact to try something new everyday and while both their jobs meant they sometimes didn’t see each other for days, when they were together they were exploring lots of different fun including lots of porn watching which you don’t often see in m/m romance. I thought maybe they talked about feelings a bit much, but Brian’s female partner was always giving him advice and pushing. I thought she was well done though, not overly pushy but just enough to get them through the awkward moments of which there were a few. So a nice light read, without a lot of angst or drama, two guys deciding to give it a whirl with some chemistry. I like Drew Zachary’s style in general and this is set in Toronto so it’s always fun to hear street names and things you are familiar with. (I don’t live there but have visited enough to know the basics.)
This is the hardest type of book for me to review. It was an average book with no outstanding parts but no horrible parts either. I felt good when it was done but it won't stay in my collective imagination for very long.
Both MC’s are likable guys with a story that revolves around them getting on with their daily lives while falling in love and getting it on together in their personal lives.
Stephen, an ER doctor in the midst of a divorce finally decides that he can’t marry away his gayness. Fortunately, Brian, his gay best friend, is willing to show him the ropes of gay life. It doesn’t take long for both of them to hook up since Stephen has become Brian’s roommate and from there the relationship builds. They do have a few rocky moments as any new relationship does but it’s not earth shattering and as a reader, I didn’t feel their coupledom was really jeopardized by it.
What I found interesting is that when the author described the utter fatigue and weariness that both men, but especially Stephen, endured as an ER doc all I wanted to do was close my eyes and sleep. I could feel myself sinking down into exhaustion basically from the well described passages about Stephens bone deep weariness. I never fall asleep reading and was shocked to realize what was happening but not because the book was boring, simply from suggestion of exhaustion. Good writing on the part of the author is my conclusion.
Since this is part of an ongoing series set in City Hospital, I expected to meet up with more of the other characters from past books but as far as I could tell, that didn’t happen.
EMT Brian and ER doctor Stephen have been friends for years. When Stephen’s marriage dissolves, Brian offers him his guest room. Brian’s been attracted to Stephen, but even though the sexy doctor is getting divorced, nothing will ever happen because Stephen is straight…or so Brian thought. When Brian learns Stephen is bisexual, his willpower to keep their relationship platonic is tested. But strength of will can only last so long when Brian volunteers to answer any questions Stephen has about exploring his desire for men. Friends soon become lovers, but the question is, will sex turn their friendship to love? Or will it cause their relationship to flatline?
Emergency is a journey of sexual discovery, friendship, and what happens when both those elements meet. Drew Zachary takes two likeable, hardworking, confident men and puts them in a situation which makes their normally easy relationship awkward, all for the benefit of finding love. It was a joy for me to watch Stephen discover what he likes sexually and to see him grow more self-assured in that arena. When it came to Brian, the more sexually experienced (in terms of male/male relationships) of the pair, I enjoyed seeing him not only “help out” Stephen, but take a chance and risk his own heart to move their relationship to the next level.
Emergency is the second City Hospital novel, but each book fully stands on its own (I don’t believe the heroes of the first book are even mentioned). I enjoyed Emergency and look forward to reading more City Hospital stories.
Another good story that left me feeling all tingly!
Stephen is getting a divorce and finally accepts that he is bi after years of suppressing it. He is friends with Brian, an EMT from work. They hang out, have a couple of beers a week and watch some games like the quintessential best buds they are. So when Stephen drunkenly confesses his 'new found' revelation, Brian decides to be there for his friend and provide support. And Oh man, how I enjoyed this!
They tried. By God, they tried to keep it 'just friends'. But it just did not happen. In between Brian 'educating' and encouraging Stephen to date and experiment and their crazy schedules, which made it difficult to hook up with others, and the chemistry they exuded whenever they were together, they did not have a chance!
The story was paced perfectly, giving me glimpses into each character's personality and convincing me to adore them. They were so sweet and real and scared of what the other might be thinking or feeling that at times I just wanted to soothe their insecurities, while in others I just wanted to smack them upside the head and tell them to "Get on with it already! He wants YOU". The writing was great. The author used dialog in a way that was both interesting, humorous and at times emotional. It made me enjoy their journey into couple-hood a lot more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this since I love to read friends-to-lovers stories and first-times. It just brings a lot of 'Awww...' moments to my life, along with some "Wow! That's so hot..." mumbling (have to mumble, I got kids around, you know!?).
Not a bad little story. Brian is an EMT and Stephen is an ER doc. They are friends and have gone out for beers, to the movies, etc., in the past. One evening, after a few beers that have loosened his tongue, Stephen confesses to Brian that his marriage is on the rocks and part of the reason is that because he's bi, or gay--not sure which, but not completely straight. Brian, who is gay, is a little surprised because he never expected this.
When Stephen's wife moves to Montreal, Brian invites Stephen to use his guest room, and Stephen accepts the invitation. You can imagine where the story goes from here.
There is lots of sex, especially from about the 1/3 point on, all of it in the guise of "lessons." That might turn some people off but it didn't bother me too much, mostly because I liked the characters.
This was a fast read. Good, not great, but certainly worthy enough to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
A very adorable, playful read. I giggled practically through the whole thing. There's not much in the way of plot besides Brian introducing Stephen to the joys of gay sex and living free [*grins*]. Real trials are brought up - the sharing of information with coworkers, the question as to whether to come out, the disconnect of a hard job with long hours, and a broken relationship - thankfully touched upon with seriousness as well as humor, gone into detail enough that we could feel a bit of what it was like, but without being over-dramatic and angsty. I'd have to say an easy read, good for a break between more serious and detailed novels.
This is the first story my Drew Zachary that I've read and I'm wondering now why it took me so long. Emergency is well-paced and the characters are wonderful.
But having read Brian and Stephen's story, I'll now be spending more time catching up on my Drew Zachary books in my TBR. I loved the way that the two men were able to take their friendship to a new level; it was sexy and seriously hot and just a great read. Definitely I've added Mr. Zachary to my list of authors that I must get... and the list goes on. *grin*
I really enjoyed this story. It was not Insta Love and it wasnt Gay for You. Instead we get to see one guy who was kind of awkward and in denial slowly awaken and accept who he was. Watching the love slowly blossom between the two MCs was really sweet and fresh (from what ive read lately).
There was alot of sex in this one (maybe a little less then book one) but it wasnt as stark and pornish in my opinion. Instead I thought the shmex suited this story perfectly.
2.5/5 stars. I thought that the character of Brian was a bit of a prick. His lover would be telling him how important their relationship was, and he would be yeah...yeah... let's get naked. I enjoy this author's realistic style of writing. I may have to look for more. :)
I chose this book because I was in the mood for something light and cute, with little angst. I guess this delivered, but I think it was a little too low on the angst. I got bored and decided not to finish.
A fun and entertaining love story. There are others in the series but I don't see them as connected at all - just taking place at the same hospital but different floors and departments.
This is the first Drew Zachary book I've read but It won't be the last...This was just perfectly sweet..no angst just two guys finding each other when Bryan takes in Stephen when Stephens marriage breaks down...Absolutely loved these two x
A really sweet book. Not much angst, not much work related description, a whole lot of foreplay and good, wholesome sex. Read it when you want to relax. :=)