Heart Stop

...fast paced, full of detail with multiple story arcs and re-visits, along with a slow burn romance and powerful women who need to grow into a relationship by overcoming their issues, both physical and emotional. Another strong Radclyffe story and a good cross over between series.

Reviewed by Velvet Lounger

Well obviously it’s a Radclyffe novel so I knew from the beginning it would not disappoint. It’s number six in the First Responders series but as much as you could differently read it as a standalone I would advise reading all the others as well because they are fantastic.

The two strong lead characters bring depth to the story. Yes, it’s a romance but as I mentioned earlier it is set in a background of confronting issues. Jay’s initial “loss” of her identity as a surgeon and her ability to overcome injuries and move forward to something that is truly hers. Olivia could be classified as an Ice Queen, but her flame burns too close to the surface to completely qualify.

Radclyffe’s ability to describe the medical environment always leaves me in awe. Yes, sometimes it’s very detailed but you come away understanding it and at times learning from it, which for me is really cool.

This book does not disappoint on any level. Jay’s vulnerability, Olivia’s defences and the chaos and intrigue makes for an entertaining and fulfilling read. There is a danger simmering under the story and the crossover with the Justice Series characters take it to another level.

Reviewed by Rachael Forrester

Technically, this is part of the First Responder series which are usually stand-alones, but, in this one, a few old friends from the Justice series are part of the overall plot. Based on that - it's probably best if you've read the Justice series so you know who they are; although, there's probably enough background info that you can sort of figure stuff out but you may be wondering who these secondary characters are and why are they having hot sex in another couple's romance book.
...
Jay, a talented Trauma surgeon (dark and broody - just the way we like 'em), has recovered from a horrible accident which has resulted in her no longer being able to continue as a surgeon. Strings are pulled and she's been given a fellowship in the pathology department where she will train as a medical examiner under Dr Olivia Price. Olivia, the beautiful and aloof (ice queen ... ah, tropes how I love you) deputy medical examiner, reluctantly takes Jay into the training program and of course decides that she should work directly with Jay in order to evaluate her ability to transition from trauma to pathology. Immediately they are out to a crime scene, investigating and then back in the morgue for autopsies - all while fighting (not really all that hard) the burgeoning attraction between them. There's baggage and second guessing to deal with - and a little bit of a crime spree that makes sure that Jay and Olivia are working round the clock.

I think what I liked most about this one was the different angle - they are still doctors, but are medical examiners rather than hot shot surgeons. Let me restate .. they are hot shot medical examiners. I found this to be an interesting twist and the details surrounding this type of role were woven into the story line and kept my interest. Full disclosure - I loved early Patricia Cornwell and the BBC show Silent Witness, so I may have a morbid fascination with Medical Examiners (omigod .. I also watched Quincy re-runs when I was a kid)...

...I did enjoy this book and recommend it.

Reviewed by Megan Cooper

Radclyffe's got a definite way with words. She's excellent with character development and relationships. The two leads are interesting and their romance is one to root for. If you're a fan of her Justice Series you'll be pleasantly surprised to see some of those characters pop up here...

Reviewed by Samantha Luce

Radclyffe maintains the core strengths of her authorship here-enthralling women, strongly positioned in demanding careers, while seeking personal fulfillment. I loved Jay-the explication of the losses professionally and otherwise that she endured following her accident, her reabsorption into medicine (albeit in a new specialty) and her intransigent exchanges with Olivia. Their interactions possessed the balance of the technical and emotional that I have grown to appreciate from the First Responders series, I truly rooted as well as empathized with them. Slipping into this novel was not an act of reliable comfort, I was still captured and excited as a reader, despite dozens of completed volumes by this writer. When Radclyffe bears strongly on the things most familiar and obviously, dear to her, the results are always worth it.

Reviewed by Adrian Amador