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Hart and Drake #1
Nerves of Steel
Dr. Cassandra Hart is fighting a war. And losing. A deadly drug epidemic, a killer stalking her hospital…meet the ER doctor who never gives up.
Cassie’s Pittsburgh ER has been deluged by young patients who have overdosed on a new drug, FX. After Cassie discovers that the source of the FX on the streets is her own hospital, her best friend is killed, and Cassie’s life is threatened. She is forced to place her trust in Detective Mickey Drake.
Drake’s irascible charm eventually penetrates the barriers Cassie has built around herself, and their relationship progresses from professional to passionate. After Cassie discovers the truth behind the thefts, she and Drake must confront a killer. In the end, their only weapons are their new-found love and the courage it gives them.
Written by a pediatric ER physician, NERVES OF STEEL combines gritty realism with the adrenalin rush of the ER. New York Times Bestseller CJ Lyons uses her insider’s knowledge of life behind the scenes to reveal the hidden truth of the medical world: No one is immune to danger.
Cassie’s Pittsburgh ER has been deluged by young patients who have overdosed on a new drug, FX. After Cassie discovers that the source of the FX on the streets is her own hospital, her best friend is killed, and Cassie’s life is threatened. She is forced to place her trust in Detective Mickey Drake.
Drake’s irascible charm eventually penetrates the barriers Cassie has built around herself, and their relationship progresses from professional to passionate. After Cassie discovers the truth behind the thefts, she and Drake must confront a killer. In the end, their only weapons are their new-found love and the courage it gives them.
Written by a pediatric ER physician, NERVES OF STEEL combines gritty realism with the adrenalin rush of the ER. New York Times Bestseller CJ Lyons uses her insider’s knowledge of life behind the scenes to reveal the hidden truth of the medical world: No one is immune to danger.
470 pages, ebook
First published November 10, 2009
837 people are currently reading
1035 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lyons
80 books893 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels, former pediatric ER doctor CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
Two times winner of the International Thriller Writers coveted Thriller Award, CJ has been called a "master within the genre" (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as "breathtakingly fast-paced" and "riveting" (Publishers Weekly) with "characters with beating hearts and three dimensions" (Newsday).
Learn more about CJ's Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 15, 2012
I really wanted to give this one four stars but I can't. The problem is all with the female lead and her moronic behavior.
This had a very engaging story, a decent mystery, some good suspense and an angsty, but plausible romance. I did look forward to getting back to the book every time I had to set it down so that's where all three stars come from. I also liked the male lead, Mickey Drake. It's Cassie Hart, an ER doctor, who is the big problem.
Everything starts fine, but within a scene or two, Hart makes her first TSTL move. It looks like it might work out okay, but then she makes another TSTL move. In both cases she thinks to herself she was stupid for doing what she did and she should let the experts handle their own business. And then that goes out the window as she makes another, similar, TSTL move. And then she makes the grand-daddy of all dumb moves (I'll lie to everyone to protect you ... even you ... so you won't know the danger and can be blindsided if it all falls apart). Can't stand that last one -- a trope I always hope never to see again.
She redeems herself in the end ... somewhat ... but I was really frustrated by her emotional roller coaster behavior and the arrogance of her impulsiveness.
Mickey is almost as damaged as she is. He's a detective assigned to a task force to shut down a recent influx of designer drugs. He's likable enough, but we didn't get to spend as much time with him as I'd have liked. We spent more time on Hart's arc than his.
Another problem happens at the end of the story. There's an injury implied and then the character does thing that are not possible with that sort of injury and then is treated later for that injury. So, it clearly happened, it just conveniently disappeared for a chapter. Confusing.
What I like about this series -- potentially -- is that the same couple stars throughout. So we're not getting a typical HEA in the space of one story. That's nice. And when you're dealing with fragile, banged-up people, you need that space to grow and evolve. So, I like that.
I'm starting the next one today, and I'm hoping Hart is less annoying. To be fair, she's not a horrible person and she has some very good moments. She's brimming with compassion and she's a good doctor. If she can check the irritating impulsiveness, she could be a really great character.
I bought all three of the available books when they were on sale. I don't know if they're still reduced for e-book, but I know I'm not out much money if it doesn't pick up. I wish I could rate it higher for the majority of the story, I just can't. It's a 3.5, IMO.
This had a very engaging story, a decent mystery, some good suspense and an angsty, but plausible romance. I did look forward to getting back to the book every time I had to set it down so that's where all three stars come from. I also liked the male lead, Mickey Drake. It's Cassie Hart, an ER doctor, who is the big problem.
Everything starts fine, but within a scene or two, Hart makes her first TSTL move. It looks like it might work out okay, but then she makes another TSTL move. In both cases she thinks to herself she was stupid for doing what she did and she should let the experts handle their own business. And then that goes out the window as she makes another, similar, TSTL move. And then she makes the grand-daddy of all dumb moves (I'll lie to everyone to protect you ... even you ... so you won't know the danger and can be blindsided if it all falls apart). Can't stand that last one -- a trope I always hope never to see again.
She redeems herself in the end ... somewhat ... but I was really frustrated by her emotional roller coaster behavior and the arrogance of her impulsiveness.
Mickey is almost as damaged as she is. He's a detective assigned to a task force to shut down a recent influx of designer drugs. He's likable enough, but we didn't get to spend as much time with him as I'd have liked. We spent more time on Hart's arc than his.
Another problem happens at the end of the story. There's an injury implied and then the character does thing that are not possible with that sort of injury and then is treated later for that injury. So, it clearly happened, it just conveniently disappeared for a chapter. Confusing.
What I like about this series -- potentially -- is that the same couple stars throughout. So we're not getting a typical HEA in the space of one story. That's nice. And when you're dealing with fragile, banged-up people, you need that space to grow and evolve. So, I like that.
I'm starting the next one today, and I'm hoping Hart is less annoying. To be fair, she's not a horrible person and she has some very good moments. She's brimming with compassion and she's a good doctor. If she can check the irritating impulsiveness, she could be a really great character.
I bought all three of the available books when they were on sale. I don't know if they're still reduced for e-book, but I know I'm not out much money if it doesn't pick up. I wish I could rate it higher for the majority of the story, I just can't. It's a 3.5, IMO.
September 11, 2018
All I can say is wow. CJ Lyons writes a wonderful book and if I didn't join a book challenge, I would have never have found that out. This book about Dr. Hart and Detective Drake is the first in a series that I really want to continue to read. This book is very fast paced and full of well-played characters and emotions. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys medical thrillers! Enjoy and Happy Reading!
August 6, 2019
This is an enjoyable, fast, page turning read. As a retired nurse, I found the medical aspect of the story interesting and accurate. It definitely has a strong romantic suspense theme as well, as advertised. I had my suspicions about who was behind the mystery fairly early on, which turned out to be partly true, but it didn't detract me from enjoying the book to the very last page. I'm going to continue on with the next one in the series.
All of my reviews are, of course, only in my opinion.
All of my reviews are, of course, only in my opinion.
September 2, 2020
An ER doctor and a police detective team up to find a drug dealer whose new drug is not only killing teenagers, but is being stolen from the doctor's own hospital. Dr. Hart and Detective Drake are two flawed people with trauma in their pasts. Their love story begins in this book. There's a lot of edge-of-your-seat suspense, realistic (as far as I can tell) depiction of both medical and police work, and a lovingly drawn setting in Pittsburgh. Recommended.
December 27, 2020
D N F right title, wrong book. Not my type of story.
October 1, 2024
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐. It was good but not enough substance for me.
February 10, 2011
A cross between ER and NYPD Blue, Nerves of Steel is, hands down, one of the best Medical romances I have read to date. Cassandra Hart's character deals with more than just typical drug overdoses, she's dealing with an unstable ex and his vindictive family as well. Throw in drug dealers and her life gets a little bit messy. Enter Detective Mickey Drake. The chemistry between Cassie and Drake is electrifying and not just at certain moments, the emotional pull continues throughout the book. The boundaries Drake and Cassie try not to cross keeps the sensual tension alive and oh how I loved the tension. Just small things made my heart melt, like when he was watching her from afar and was admiring Cassie's dedication to her job. I formed a bond with Cassie because she wasn't your typical girlie girl. She had to work for what she wanted and her dedication to her patients was what came first. The fact that the woman could kick butt and take names was what clinched it for me. She's everything I want in my heroine.
Drake's character wasn't without his own faults, yet his vulnerabilities are what made his character so believable. It takes a special kind of woman who is willing to look beyond the way he used to behave and love the man he is now. Drake was a dangerously attractive detective who was one of the best at his job, even though he had been skating on thin ice with his department. Sexy, funny, loyal and willing to do anything to prove the lady in his life is innocent, what more could a girl ask for than Mickey Drake?
CJ Lyons is one of the best when it comes to writing a medical thriller. Suspense, superb writing, and a plot that will blow your mind are all rolled up into this one book. Nerves of Steel has a gripping story line that is multi-layered. Overdoses of a new drug, domestic violence and dealing with unscrupulous characters all come together to take the reader on a fast paced and action packed ride. Get ready for twists and turns throughout the book because this is one book you do not want to miss. It's simply one of those books that you pick up and can't put down until the very last page. I highly recommend Nerves of Steel.
Drake's character wasn't without his own faults, yet his vulnerabilities are what made his character so believable. It takes a special kind of woman who is willing to look beyond the way he used to behave and love the man he is now. Drake was a dangerously attractive detective who was one of the best at his job, even though he had been skating on thin ice with his department. Sexy, funny, loyal and willing to do anything to prove the lady in his life is innocent, what more could a girl ask for than Mickey Drake?
CJ Lyons is one of the best when it comes to writing a medical thriller. Suspense, superb writing, and a plot that will blow your mind are all rolled up into this one book. Nerves of Steel has a gripping story line that is multi-layered. Overdoses of a new drug, domestic violence and dealing with unscrupulous characters all come together to take the reader on a fast paced and action packed ride. Get ready for twists and turns throughout the book because this is one book you do not want to miss. It's simply one of those books that you pick up and can't put down until the very last page. I highly recommend Nerves of Steel.
October 4, 2010
From the moment this reader met Dr. Cassandra Hart, dealing with extreme claustrophobia while riding in a medical helicopter with a patient, I was in her corner.
I was also in her corner later in the story when Cassie made some foolish decisions putting herself in grave danger. There were times I wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her for those choices. In some books, that would have been a deal breaker and I would have tossed the book aside. Thank goodness, I didn’t have to do that. Throwing an e-book at the wall is totally different than doing so with a paperback. It’s really hard on the Kindle.
Lyons kept the story going for me by giving Cassie great motivations for her decisions. She created a character with flaws and vulnerabilities, but also steely strength and determination, not to mention a heart that overflowed with concern for her young patients.
Then Lyons added Detective Mickey Drake to Cassie’s world. He’s also damaged by some of his past choices. He’s also flawed, yet determined, too.
This sometimes dueling duo faced dangerous drug dealers, their attraction for each other, as well as warnings from both superiors at work and Cassie’s ex-husband.
A satisfying read, with both romance and suspense, and characters I didn’t want to say good-bye to.
I was also in her corner later in the story when Cassie made some foolish decisions putting herself in grave danger. There were times I wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her for those choices. In some books, that would have been a deal breaker and I would have tossed the book aside. Thank goodness, I didn’t have to do that. Throwing an e-book at the wall is totally different than doing so with a paperback. It’s really hard on the Kindle.
Lyons kept the story going for me by giving Cassie great motivations for her decisions. She created a character with flaws and vulnerabilities, but also steely strength and determination, not to mention a heart that overflowed with concern for her young patients.
Then Lyons added Detective Mickey Drake to Cassie’s world. He’s also damaged by some of his past choices. He’s also flawed, yet determined, too.
This sometimes dueling duo faced dangerous drug dealers, their attraction for each other, as well as warnings from both superiors at work and Cassie’s ex-husband.
A satisfying read, with both romance and suspense, and characters I didn’t want to say good-bye to.
January 29, 2012
"Nerves of Steel" by C J Lyons was a wonderful read. I simply could not put it down until I was finished with it! Indeed CJ Lyons is good medical suspense thriller writer. By her being a doctor she knows how to bring out the best of what a reader needs to know about the subject. You definitely are lead to feel that you are in the hospital with all that is going on while working on a case with the detectives. Cassie Hart was a ER doctor in Pittsburgh and the story starts with her dealing with drug overdoses, an ex husband.... and then things really heat up with the chemistry between Cassie and Detective Mickey Drake.... and then .. you will just have to read it because this novel really takes off. I found the novel a bit long but well written and I believe you will find it a page turner.
"Nerves of Steel" will keep you on the edge of you seat. Cassie was indeed a kick butt take charge kind of woman and very dedicated to her job. I did really enjoy CJ Lyons novel and will be picking up her part 2 ... "Sleight of Hand" soon. I do recommend "Nerves of Steel" and I believe you will enjoy this good read also.
"Nerves of Steel" will keep you on the edge of you seat. Cassie was indeed a kick butt take charge kind of woman and very dedicated to her job. I did really enjoy CJ Lyons novel and will be picking up her part 2 ... "Sleight of Hand" soon. I do recommend "Nerves of Steel" and I believe you will enjoy this good read also.
June 24, 2011
CJ Lyons is a wonderful author when it comes to writing medical thrillers. I was hooked by this book and can’t wait to read more. The characters come to life and it feels as if you are in the hospital with the doctors and working the case with the detectives. Cassie is an ER doc who is trying to save her patents from forms of drug being used on the street called FX. Drake is a detective on the task force put together to stop the FX. The latest batch of FX to hit the streets is from Cassie’s hospital. Drake meets Cassie in the police station and since she broke hospital protocol by bringing in the drugs found on a patient she becomes a suspect. Drake is the only one that thinks she is innocent. They start a relationship, which could jeopardize his career. Can Drake and his team find the killer and person responsible for putting the drugs on the street or will Cassie take the blame. The book is a page turner much like all of Lyons books. Once you get started you can’t put it down.
February 17, 2015
Drugs are killing the children in Dr. Cassandra Hart's ER are coming from her hospital and she is determined to find out who is behind it. In her determined, single minded quest she has gained the attention of both the cops and a killer.
Detective Mickey Drake is assigned to the task force to bring the drug dealers down but now their focus is on Dr. Hart.
Drake is determined that she is innocent and works to protect her as he fights for the truth.
Both these characters have dark pasts that haunt them but together they find healing.
The story is fast paced and full of twists
These characters are definitely characters that I truly want to see more of!
As usual, great job C.J. Lyons!
Detective Mickey Drake is assigned to the task force to bring the drug dealers down but now their focus is on Dr. Hart.
Drake is determined that she is innocent and works to protect her as he fights for the truth.
Both these characters have dark pasts that haunt them but together they find healing.
The story is fast paced and full of twists
These characters are definitely characters that I truly want to see more of!
As usual, great job C.J. Lyons!
March 16, 2011
I've just discovered CJ Lyons and I'm definitely hooked! I enjoyed this medical thriller and found myself drawn into the story very quickly. Yes, sometimes I had to wonder what the characters were thinking when they took particular actions, but, for me, it didn't detract. I recommend - it's a good read. (Nerves of Steel was a free e-book and the first book I had read by this author. I read purely for enjoyment, not to pick apart the book or author. I loved this book, was hooked immediately and will find a way to obtain CJ Lyons' other books.)
July 24, 2012
I wanted to like this book based on the reviews, but as I was reading I just grew more frustrated at the stupid things that Cassie did - going to a rave?? Also, how many times do people almost kill you? Don't think I will read the rest of the series, althought I am curious to how many injuries Hart and Drake can live through. Also, the ex-husband was over the top. Can't imagine a hospital hiring him back as a surgeon, don't care whose upir family is.
January 31, 2015
Really enjoyed this, especially the character of Mickey Drake. I've already bought book #2.
July 1, 2020
I am torn between 3.5 and 4 stars so sorry I went with 3. While this is a great romance/thriller I can't tell you how many times I threw up my hand, almost damaged my kindle and even considered a dnf. While I was able to tolerate Drake and his broken beat up psyche, I mean he had a past and his actions made sense even if talking would have solved it. His angst and issues made sense even if his third leg got in the way of some of his actions it was okay. Now the damage to my kindle, the dnf moments all of that was due to numerous actions by Hart that made me crazy. The term tstl (to stupid to live) and tdtd (to dumb to die) flitted through my mind almost on repeat. She was constantly doing things that while they fed the story and kept the action going, they just didn't make sense. She was constantly being told to let the police work and her lies and omissions were as much a hazard as a help and almost cost her life on many occasions. Was it a good read absolutely if you can ignore some stuff. Will I read more? Yes because dang it I want to hope that somehow or another the author will have Hart making better decisions.
October 30, 2019
Cassandra Hart is an an emergency room doctor, who also goes out on helicopter runs to save injured people. Her latest run is saving a fourteen year old who is dying from a drug overdose. As she is going through the patient's pockets she finds some pills that have apparently come from her hospital. The Jane Doe patient strikes a chord in Dr. Hart and she starts investigating the drugs on her own. It is never made clear why Dr. Hart doesn't trust the police to do the job, which is why this book only gets four stars.
I was getting frustrated with all the risks the heroine was taking (instead of calling the police) when the police call her on her actions and she becomes a suspect. The dumb risks were part of the plot and so it makes sense.
I was getting frustrated with all the risks the heroine was taking (instead of calling the police) when the police call her on her actions and she becomes a suspect. The dumb risks were part of the plot and so it makes sense.
August 24, 2021
If Hart and Drake had spent more time concentrating on doing their jobs instead of having sneaky snogs in the morgue it'd have made for a more focused novel with better pacing and more realistic characterisations.
The main characters sound like emotional wrecks, who should be seeing a counsellor rather than getting themselves involved with criminal gangs and murder. Their incompetence was comedic at times; the only way they managed to hold their respective jobs down was through nepotism.
The funniest scene had to be when Hart took it upon herself to visit a warehouse in the middle of the night, alone, with no backup. And do you know what you bring along with you when you're about to walk into a gang of homeless drug addicts? - A gun? No. A big mac meal, that's what.
The main characters sound like emotional wrecks, who should be seeing a counsellor rather than getting themselves involved with criminal gangs and murder. Their incompetence was comedic at times; the only way they managed to hold their respective jobs down was through nepotism.
The funniest scene had to be when Hart took it upon herself to visit a warehouse in the middle of the night, alone, with no backup. And do you know what you bring along with you when you're about to walk into a gang of homeless drug addicts? - A gun? No. A big mac meal, that's what.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2017
This is the first time a medical thriller has captured my heart this much. A riveting read, filled with fast paced hospital scenarios..
Drake and Cassie are characters with much depth. It's good to get to know them, their likes & dislikes. They gel well together.
There are so many scenes where they blame themselves and move apart from each other. That's kinda irritating. I hate that 'It's not you, its me' situations. The mystery isn't that great in this. But definitely a book you shouldn't miss.
Drake and Cassie are characters with much depth. It's good to get to know them, their likes & dislikes. They gel well together.
There are so many scenes where they blame themselves and move apart from each other. That's kinda irritating. I hate that 'It's not you, its me' situations. The mystery isn't that great in this. But definitely a book you shouldn't miss.
August 25, 2019
Cassie Hart is a hard working ED physician - while doing a life Flight run for a young woman pulled from the river she found a bag of pills in the pocket. What was surprising about the pills is they are from her own hospital!!!
Drake is the detective assigned to the case. As they dance and weave their own relationship the hard headed Hart decides it is her duty to find the leak in the hospitals drug system, even if it means her life.
This was a good read with enough medical, suspense and romance for any reader with those things are their wish list for a book.
Drake is the detective assigned to the case. As they dance and weave their own relationship the hard headed Hart decides it is her duty to find the leak in the hospitals drug system, even if it means her life.
This was a good read with enough medical, suspense and romance for any reader with those things are their wish list for a book.
July 11, 2020
I was completely engrossed by the story and invested into these characters from the start. The decision making of characters started to annoy me as time went on though. As squeaky clean as the female lead’s character is she makes stupid decisions even before personal feelings complicate matters. I hope future books in this series get even better because I could see myself liking this series a lot.
I don’t usually figure out whodunnit in this type of book, but it seems pretty obvious here so I’m hoping for a little more mystery in future books.
I don’t usually figure out whodunnit in this type of book, but it seems pretty obvious here so I’m hoping for a little more mystery in future books.
November 3, 2024
She is really good under pressure. She has a lot to contend with. An abusive husband who wants her back, the loss of a really great friend and new love interest while enduring a murder investigation where everyone but her love interest believes she guilty.
He is carrying a heavy load. An unfortunate innocent with a badge bunny leaves him unsettled.
The attraction to one another is undeniable regardless if they try to keep it on a professional level while they try to capture a killer.
He is carrying a heavy load. An unfortunate innocent with a badge bunny leaves him unsettled.
The attraction to one another is undeniable regardless if they try to keep it on a professional level while they try to capture a killer.
December 3, 2024
I loved this book! I have lived in & near Pittsburgh for most of my life, so reading a book set in Pittsburgh was awesome! I also have worked as a paramedic in the Pittsburgh area, so a medical thriller set in Pittsburgh made it that much better! The story line was very fast-paced and kept me guessing to the end. The romance had just enough sizzle. I will definitely be reading more from this series!
September 8, 2019
Not bad. Decent plot. The female lead was frustrating, male, too, in a way. She was all over the place, doing exactly the opposite of what she was supposed to...creating dangerous situations for others, and herself. Hard to know what her problem is, why she reacts the way she does...sort of comes out at the end. The guy is a better character but weak for this type of story.
September 24, 2020
Nerves of steel
I enjoyed the love story of Cassie the ER Doctor and Drake the Police Detective. It was suspenseful because Cassie kept wanting to solve the murders of her friend and teenagers. It was love at first sight and their careers kept getting in the way. Very good storyline.
I enjoyed the love story of Cassie the ER Doctor and Drake the Police Detective. It was suspenseful because Cassie kept wanting to solve the murders of her friend and teenagers. It was love at first sight and their careers kept getting in the way. Very good storyline.
October 27, 2021
Nerves of Steel
Interesting mystery romance book about a Dr and a Detective falling in love with each other. The Dr has been married and was in an abusive relationship. She is divorced from a Dr but he doesn’t except that she doesn’t want him anymore. He causes trouble in her new romance with Drake.
Interesting mystery romance book about a Dr and a Detective falling in love with each other. The Dr has been married and was in an abusive relationship. She is divorced from a Dr but he doesn’t except that she doesn’t want him anymore. He causes trouble in her new romance with Drake.
October 12, 2024
This was my first time reading this author, and I almost stopped about 20% into the book. But right as I was just about to quit, the next chapter got very interesting. I thought both main characters were both complex and well developed. Cassie's friend and Drake's co-workers are great supporting characters. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
July 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I am becoming a fan of this author very quickly and plan to read more of her books. I'm not a really big fan of romance novels, but when combined with a good thriller, I don't mind it so much.
November 4, 2017
Entertainment at its best
CJ Lyons weaves an excellent story and treats the reader with intelligence. It's nice that the medical terms and procedures are not "dumbed down", but the story is what makes the book a page turner.
CJ Lyons weaves an excellent story and treats the reader with intelligence. It's nice that the medical terms and procedures are not "dumbed down", but the story is what makes the book a page turner.
February 25, 2018
Good start to a series, with an interesting pairing: an ER doctor and a detective. The families will continue to make the story interesting, and the ex-husband--quite the villain--remains on the scene.
July 17, 2019
Excellent medical/mystery/thriller/romance. I aspire to read all of C.J. Lyons books, but for some reason the libraries don't have the audiobook versions (but they had this one). Anyway she is a great author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews