I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Doctor's Orders
by
Jessica Andersen
It is part of the , Intrigue's Ultimate Heroes series and is a contemporary romance in Paperback edition that was published by Harlequin Intrigue on January 2008 and has 248 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Meet Me at Midnight
Tenth in the Boston General contemporary romance series and also a part of the overall Intrigue’s Ultimate Heroes series (it’s also Harlequin Intrigue# 1036) and revolving around Dr. Mandy Sparks and the man who tossed her aside.
My Take
It’s a sweet tale of an outgoing, caring woman, a doctor in an ER, and her boss, a former lover who threw her away.
The conflict is, of course, Mandy trying to ignore what they had. And of Radcliff also trying to ignore what they had in favor of what he believes he needs, is capable of. The conflict that draws them together is a series of muggings that lead to horrifying painful deaths. It’s the aftermath of a death that leads to a desperate hunt for the truth. A deadline that kills.
The negative was those few lead-ups about their former sex life. All that hot, raunchy sex that Mandy has never been able to find again, and misses now. Except, I reckon my idea of “raunchy” is way beyond Andersen’s, which seems to be “kiss, stick it in a few time (missionary position, naturally), have an orgasm or two, and…phew…”
The whole “secret” premise didn’t make any sense. Why keep it all hidden when Radcliff has the resources to really work it? Why would two deaths and one missing person be a reason for pressure to be coming down from on high?
It does have the usual romance tropes, but they didn’t jump out at me, mostly because I expected them, I guess. Well, okay, one trope did make me roll my eyes. The one in which Mandy realizes she does still love him. Well, duhhhh…
Yep, that’s the worst I can say *grin*, and it is a compelling read. I couldn’t put it down…
The Story
Dr. Parker Radcliff thought his days of making love to Mandy Sparks had ended long ago…until she walked into his Boston E.R. Keeping their past relationship — and old feelings — secret was a challenge, especially once the beautiful new doctor uncovered a medical conspiracy and became a hot target.
Parker had a reputation as driven and unforgiving, but being Mandy’s personal bodyguard became the primary focus of his days…and led to a couple of passionate nights. Now pitting himself against a madman was dangerous but necessary if he was to achieve what he wanted: keeping Mandy safe.
And Parker always got what he wanted — even against a killer.
The Characters
Dr. Amanda “Mandy” Sparks loves the challenge of the ER’s caseload and struggles to gain acceptance for alternative health options. A doctor who cares, she is trying to make it on her own merits without her famous father’s aid. Dr. David Sparks is the plastic surgeon half of Hollywood uses. Kim is a good friend and a nurse in the Neonatal ICU as well as the glue holding the Wannabes together.
Dr. Parker Radcliff, the head of the ER department, keeps himself remote and unentangled since the tragedy of his mother’s death and the emotion that led her to it.
Boston PD
Detective James Stankowski is in charge of the case. Dr. Gus Robicheau is the pathologist.
Boston General’s ER
Aimee is one of the desk clerks. Dr. Gina Stuart is one of the ER’s head attendings.
The victims include…
…Irene Dulbecco, Julian George, and Missy Prieta. Millie Stone had been Irene’s friend since childhood. Steve had been Irene’s husband.
UniVax Pharmaceuticals is…
…led by Anabella “Cutthroat” Cuthbert, its CEO. She does merit that nickname! Dr. Paul Durst is one of its researchers.
Jeremy Deighton is an enthusiastic, upcoming politician.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a hero’s pose with Dr. Radcliff in blue scrubs, his stethoscope draped around his neck, staring off into the distance. In the out-of-focus background is the flashing reds and yellows of an ambulance. The top third of the cover is a marbled purple with a huge fingerprint and the author’s name in a complementing orange and the name of the publisher. A narrow dark royal blue band separates this third from the graphic below while a gradient of reds create a small box, calling your attention to the series information.
The title is Radcliff’s bossiness, the Doctor’s Orders, or it could be Mandy’s persistence…!
