Diana Petrell is a former rock star who left nine years of music and fame behind to resume her career as an emergency medicine doctor. Her residency supervisor is Dr. Emily Barnes, an aloof and hard working attending who is distrustful of her skills. Just when Emily starts letting her guard down and letting the former musician in, Diana’s past threatens to destroy everything that they’ve both fought for. This is a solid medical romance novel by debut author Chris Zett.She uses her own experience in the medical field to create a realistic hospital environment without overwhelming readers with medical terms or procedures, making it entertaining and credible. I particularly liked her clever use of medical metaphors:
“… the warmth of the contact coursed through her system like an anxiolytic and strengthened her resolve.” (Chapter 19)

Written in third person from the point of view of both main characters, we get into their headspaces enough to understand their actions. Emily is a stereotypical ice queen but soon the readers discover her vulnerable side, which makes her more real and appealing. Diana is also a well rounded character as we can empathise with her need of secrecy. Together they have great chemistry that grows with each page. All the secondary characters, no matter how small their parts in the plot, are credible and have a distinctive voice which makes the story more realistic. The plot is tightly woven as are the subplots that enrich the story and contribute to the reading enjoyment.

Overall, a realistic and entertaining medical romance and a promising debut novel. 4.5 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.