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Doctor January
Six months after a painful break-up from Gordon, Beth's finally getting her life back on track. She has faith in her own scientific abilities and is willing to work hard to prove them. She's even beginning to see Hibs (James Hibbotson), her dedicated lab partner, as more than just a lousy lothario in a lab-coat.
So when Gordon returns from America without warning and expects to be welcomed back into Beth's arms, she's totally thrown. She also begins to see that Gordon isn't the man she thought he was...
Hibs has always held a candle for Beth, but he can only wait so long for her to realize there's more to life than being patronized and bullied by the one who's meant to love and protect her.
Doctor January is romantic comedy with dark undertones. The dialogue is light and funny, but the main theme is about saving someone from emotional abuse. It also touches on the difficulties faced by women in science.
So when Gordon returns from America without warning and expects to be welcomed back into Beth's arms, she's totally thrown. She also begins to see that Gordon isn't the man she thought he was...
Hibs has always held a candle for Beth, but he can only wait so long for her to realize there's more to life than being patronized and bullied by the one who's meant to love and protect her.
Doctor January is romantic comedy with dark undertones. The dialogue is light and funny, but the main theme is about saving someone from emotional abuse. It also touches on the difficulties faced by women in science.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2014
2 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Rhoda Baxter
23 books103 followersHi. I’m Rhoda. I write smart contemporary romantic comedy. In real life, I’m a former scientist who now works in intellectual property. The rest of the time I’m a sensible grown up Mum.
I prefer my heroes to be nice guys with a sense of humour and me heroines to be smart and independent. If you like Mhairi McFarlane or Sophie Kinsella, you'll probably like my books tool
I also write women's fiction, often featuring Sri Lankan characters, under the name Jeevani Charika.
A few of my novels have been shortlisted for prestigious awards. If you want to 'try before you buy', you can get a free novella by signing up to my newsletter via my website: www.rhodabaxter.com
I prefer my heroes to be nice guys with a sense of humour and me heroines to be smart and independent. If you like Mhairi McFarlane or Sophie Kinsella, you'll probably like my books tool
I also write women's fiction, often featuring Sri Lankan characters, under the name Jeevani Charika.
A few of my novels have been shortlisted for prestigious awards. If you want to 'try before you buy', you can get a free novella by signing up to my newsletter via my website: www.rhodabaxter.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 7, 2017
FIRST OF ALL, major trigger warning for a date rape described in explicit and horrifying detail. If I had known about this I would never have read the book in the first place.
SECOND OF ALL, this is NOT a romantic comedy. It is a harrowingly detailed account of a woman in an abusive relationship - both emotional and physical (see mention of date rape, above), and the friend who pines for her while sleeping with a bunch of women (including the heroine’s roommate) because he’s decided to have fun while he waits for her to get over her abusive boyfriend. It’s all-around icky. When they get together at the end of the book he tells her that he loves her and wants commitment with her and only with her because she is “special” and “not like the other girls” and BARF.
The main characters spend most of the book dating (and having sex with) other people. Frequently in adjacent rooms, since when the heroine gets back together with her abusive ex, the hero’s way of dealing with it is to revenge fuck the heroine’s roommate. And then to continue seeing her for a month. Because she is fun and he likes her, but only as a fun sex partner, not in the way that he lurrrrrves and pines for the heroine. So gross. The roommate, BTW, realizes that he is in love with the heroine before she sleeps with him but does it anyway (repeatedly) because she thinks he’s hot. To be clear, I have no problem with consenting adults having commitment-free sex with each other, but I have a problem with people willfully ignoring the real-world consequences of their actions, and dealing with their issues in the most immature way possible.
The heroine’s abusive relationship takes up most of the book and is described in detail from the heroine’s point of view. So we hear how about how in love she is, and how beautiful and thoughtful her boyfriend is, even while she becomes a nervous, insecure wreck, who believes she is losing her mind due to his obvious gas-lighting, manipulating and controlling her. This book is a horrifying psychological thriller not a romantic comedy with dark undertones. It was not what I signed up to read and I hated it.
SECOND OF ALL, this is NOT a romantic comedy. It is a harrowingly detailed account of a woman in an abusive relationship - both emotional and physical (see mention of date rape, above), and the friend who pines for her while sleeping with a bunch of women (including the heroine’s roommate) because he’s decided to have fun while he waits for her to get over her abusive boyfriend. It’s all-around icky. When they get together at the end of the book he tells her that he loves her and wants commitment with her and only with her because she is “special” and “not like the other girls” and BARF.
The main characters spend most of the book dating (and having sex with) other people. Frequently in adjacent rooms, since when the heroine gets back together with her abusive ex, the hero’s way of dealing with it is to revenge fuck the heroine’s roommate. And then to continue seeing her for a month. Because she is fun and he likes her, but only as a fun sex partner, not in the way that he lurrrrrves and pines for the heroine. So gross. The roommate, BTW, realizes that he is in love with the heroine before she sleeps with him but does it anyway (repeatedly) because she thinks he’s hot. To be clear, I have no problem with consenting adults having commitment-free sex with each other, but I have a problem with people willfully ignoring the real-world consequences of their actions, and dealing with their issues in the most immature way possible.
The heroine’s abusive relationship takes up most of the book and is described in detail from the heroine’s point of view. So we hear how about how in love she is, and how beautiful and thoughtful her boyfriend is, even while she becomes a nervous, insecure wreck, who believes she is losing her mind due to his obvious gas-lighting, manipulating and controlling her. This book is a horrifying psychological thriller not a romantic comedy with dark undertones. It was not what I signed up to read and I hated it.
April 26, 2015
For those who read 'The Women's Room' but think it's so last century, 'Doctor January' is today's look at women, relationships and work. The story is well and convincingly told, since the author qualified in microbiology. While the setting is a university laboratory, where Beth works towards her PhD under the stare of a male supervisor alongside companionable male colleagues, in reality this story could occur in many industries.
Not alone do we see Beth being treated differently to the men. We see how the relationship which she thinks has ended, with Gordon, a selfish guy who stopped her from pursuing her photography hobby, restarts when Gordon returns from America, never quite having broken it off with Beth. All of a sudden she can't relax with her pals anymore, she gets delayed for work meetings and made to feel inadequate. Girls are indoctrinated with the belief that a man who loves them will treat them well, and they must not question his every word. This makes it too difficult for some women to see the wood for the trees. The tactics used by the emotional abuser in this story may seem awfully familiar to some women.
The male colleagues Vik and Hibs are great fun guys, and Hibs has been cherishing a quiet love for Beth but has not shown it because she felt duty-bound to stay available for Gordon and Hibs has been sleeping with every pretty girl in town anyway. (I'd have liked to see protection; these are intelligent people.)
Beth proposes a calendar showing male scientists to attract young women into science. She has a good time with her new trendy flatmate Anna, interviewing men and taking the photos. Gordon's not best pleased though, and Beth, already pressured because of late night lab work, starts to realise that she will have to change.
I strongly recommend 'Doctor January' and I'll be looking out for all Rhoda Baxter's work. The light, bantering presentation prevents this from being a whine and engages immediate interest. While it's an adult read, I would not stop any teen girl from enjoying, and learning from, this book.
Not alone do we see Beth being treated differently to the men. We see how the relationship which she thinks has ended, with Gordon, a selfish guy who stopped her from pursuing her photography hobby, restarts when Gordon returns from America, never quite having broken it off with Beth. All of a sudden she can't relax with her pals anymore, she gets delayed for work meetings and made to feel inadequate. Girls are indoctrinated with the belief that a man who loves them will treat them well, and they must not question his every word. This makes it too difficult for some women to see the wood for the trees. The tactics used by the emotional abuser in this story may seem awfully familiar to some women.
The male colleagues Vik and Hibs are great fun guys, and Hibs has been cherishing a quiet love for Beth but has not shown it because she felt duty-bound to stay available for Gordon and Hibs has been sleeping with every pretty girl in town anyway. (I'd have liked to see protection; these are intelligent people.)
Beth proposes a calendar showing male scientists to attract young women into science. She has a good time with her new trendy flatmate Anna, interviewing men and taking the photos. Gordon's not best pleased though, and Beth, already pressured because of late night lab work, starts to realise that she will have to change.
I strongly recommend 'Doctor January' and I'll be looking out for all Rhoda Baxter's work. The light, bantering presentation prevents this from being a whine and engages immediate interest. While it's an adult read, I would not stop any teen girl from enjoying, and learning from, this book.
August 6, 2014
This is my first book by Rhoda Baxter and I was really happy to receive it for review because the blurb had me already hooked. I mean, romantic comedy with dark undertones, you can't wish for more. And the mention of science as well, having in mind our lovely blogger - fellow Ananda and her brand new PhD title (yay!!! but you know - biology? chemistry? chick lit??? no way!) I have thought yes, I desperately want to read this story.
Beth starts to come to term with the break - up with Gordon for six months. she concentrates on her work, doing research in a lab with some kind of bacteria (please don't ask me more questions!!!). She enjoys her life, especially as she and her group of academic friends decide to create a calendar with handsome PhD. Photography is her hobby that she in fact abandoned after her ex - boyfriend Gordon stated that she's not good at it, but she's now more than happy to take the photos needed for this project. She also loves her evenings with her two friends from the lab and her housemate. One of the lab mates, Hibs, loves seeing Beth slowly emerging from the darks of the relationship and break - up with Gordon and sees her as more than only working mate. So the return of Gordon doesn't suit everybody. Is this a "no" for Beth and Hibs?
There is more to Beth that I thought at the beginning. She is a girl of not a lot of confidence and is not self - conscious, she lets her boss at lab to bully her and she isn't brave enough to stand for herself. Reading further into the story, especially after Gordon makes his appearance, we slowly discover the reason for Beth's behaviour. But to be honest, Beth didn't have my sympathy. She was too meh, too weak altogether and she felt really flat for a main character in a book. Always self - doubting, doesn't matter if it was about boyfriend, work or hobby. Always wanting to please other people and not thinking about herself. OK, she has a really bad luck with men and in my opinion Roger and Gordon were total dumbasses but Beth either didn't see it or didn't want to see it and change it.
The others character were a little better but I can't say that there was someone outstanding for me. They were a bunch of people, different people, not necessary so deep and complex as I would like them to be. I think my problem was that the characters were either VERY nice or VERY bad.
I could see the chemistry between Beth and Hibs and although Beth found him a player I liked him, I think he was my favourite character in this story. He was Prince Charming, intelligent and self - confident and very, very gentlemanly.
It is a nice chick - lit story but with the darker side to this so if you are looking for an easy, light read it's not exactly this. It brings up the problem of mobbing at work and emotional abuse as well, and while reading those I actually had shivers on my back. It was very good written, with only the right emotions in it.
But altogether, for me, it was a casual, nice read that didn't stay with me for long. While the author really knew what's she writing about bacteria, proteins, research etc I'm not so sure it was totally my cup of tea. Yes, it was something very new, something very fresh and it was really brave that the author used this kind of a background but well, like I said, I know nothing about such things and it didn't work out for me. Science and I, we're not friends unfortunately, I'd rather imagine something that think logical. Yup, that's me. Sorry.
Doctor January is a nice, sweet read with some dark elements and some romance. It's greatly written, it's easy to follow and it's a nice time filler. It felt realistic and the topic of the story was like a breath of fresh air, especially the background of our characters. The pace is right, there are some twists and turns, at times it's funny and it let you root for some of the characters and hate the others. There is drama, there is friendship and love and although it was not necessarily my read, I'm sure you're going to like it.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
Beth starts to come to term with the break - up with Gordon for six months. she concentrates on her work, doing research in a lab with some kind of bacteria (please don't ask me more questions!!!). She enjoys her life, especially as she and her group of academic friends decide to create a calendar with handsome PhD. Photography is her hobby that she in fact abandoned after her ex - boyfriend Gordon stated that she's not good at it, but she's now more than happy to take the photos needed for this project. She also loves her evenings with her two friends from the lab and her housemate. One of the lab mates, Hibs, loves seeing Beth slowly emerging from the darks of the relationship and break - up with Gordon and sees her as more than only working mate. So the return of Gordon doesn't suit everybody. Is this a "no" for Beth and Hibs?
There is more to Beth that I thought at the beginning. She is a girl of not a lot of confidence and is not self - conscious, she lets her boss at lab to bully her and she isn't brave enough to stand for herself. Reading further into the story, especially after Gordon makes his appearance, we slowly discover the reason for Beth's behaviour. But to be honest, Beth didn't have my sympathy. She was too meh, too weak altogether and she felt really flat for a main character in a book. Always self - doubting, doesn't matter if it was about boyfriend, work or hobby. Always wanting to please other people and not thinking about herself. OK, she has a really bad luck with men and in my opinion Roger and Gordon were total dumbasses but Beth either didn't see it or didn't want to see it and change it.
The others character were a little better but I can't say that there was someone outstanding for me. They were a bunch of people, different people, not necessary so deep and complex as I would like them to be. I think my problem was that the characters were either VERY nice or VERY bad.
I could see the chemistry between Beth and Hibs and although Beth found him a player I liked him, I think he was my favourite character in this story. He was Prince Charming, intelligent and self - confident and very, very gentlemanly.
It is a nice chick - lit story but with the darker side to this so if you are looking for an easy, light read it's not exactly this. It brings up the problem of mobbing at work and emotional abuse as well, and while reading those I actually had shivers on my back. It was very good written, with only the right emotions in it.
But altogether, for me, it was a casual, nice read that didn't stay with me for long. While the author really knew what's she writing about bacteria, proteins, research etc I'm not so sure it was totally my cup of tea. Yes, it was something very new, something very fresh and it was really brave that the author used this kind of a background but well, like I said, I know nothing about such things and it didn't work out for me. Science and I, we're not friends unfortunately, I'd rather imagine something that think logical. Yup, that's me. Sorry.
Doctor January is a nice, sweet read with some dark elements and some romance. It's greatly written, it's easy to follow and it's a nice time filler. It felt realistic and the topic of the story was like a breath of fresh air, especially the background of our characters. The pace is right, there are some twists and turns, at times it's funny and it let you root for some of the characters and hate the others. There is drama, there is friendship and love and although it was not necessarily my read, I'm sure you're going to like it.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
September 18, 2014
Having already read one of Rhoda Baxter's novels ("Having a Ball"), I thought I knew pretty much what to expect from this one: an engaging plot, believable and complex characters, a light and sure touch of style, and plenty of witty dialogue. In other words, a quick-moving and truly entertaining read. In "Doctor January," I found all that and more.
From the first page, Baxter gets us involved with a group of smart young people, scientists intensely focused on their work, who know how to have a good time when they're off the clock. They're part of a hook-up culture, and the two main characters, Beth and her lab partner Hibs, seem to represent opposite ends of the spectrum here. Hibs is a commitment-shy man who goes through girlfriends fast; Beth's doggedly faithful to the man she loves, the hunky Gordon, although he's half a world away and she hasn't heard from him for a long time. Beth and Hibs are the best of friends, and although they're attracted to each other, each wants to keep that very much a secret. Each of them is afraid that to give in to the attraction would ruin their friendship. Still, one evening in their favorite pub with friends, they weaken….
And then Gordon reappears.
Here's where things get really interesting. I won't give anything more away about the story, but suffice it to say that the real Gordon is a lot different from the one Beth thinks she knows – and so is the real Hibs. Complications, of course, ensue. I was impressed at how well Baxter is able to reveal her characters – they become deeper and deeper to us without really surprising us at all. And her light touch never falters even as the story darkens.
"Smart romantic comedy," yes. But with a real heart, and a real awareness of issues that we may all have dealt with.
From the first page, Baxter gets us involved with a group of smart young people, scientists intensely focused on their work, who know how to have a good time when they're off the clock. They're part of a hook-up culture, and the two main characters, Beth and her lab partner Hibs, seem to represent opposite ends of the spectrum here. Hibs is a commitment-shy man who goes through girlfriends fast; Beth's doggedly faithful to the man she loves, the hunky Gordon, although he's half a world away and she hasn't heard from him for a long time. Beth and Hibs are the best of friends, and although they're attracted to each other, each wants to keep that very much a secret. Each of them is afraid that to give in to the attraction would ruin their friendship. Still, one evening in their favorite pub with friends, they weaken….
And then Gordon reappears.
Here's where things get really interesting. I won't give anything more away about the story, but suffice it to say that the real Gordon is a lot different from the one Beth thinks she knows – and so is the real Hibs. Complications, of course, ensue. I was impressed at how well Baxter is able to reveal her characters – they become deeper and deeper to us without really surprising us at all. And her light touch never falters even as the story darkens.
"Smart romantic comedy," yes. But with a real heart, and a real awareness of issues that we may all have dealt with.
August 4, 2014
Beth has been miserable because her boyfriend Gordon has left her to work abroad. He went away six months ago and hasn't contacted her since. Fortunately Beth has nice colleagues who are cheering her up. Beth sees her work friends as just friends, but there might be something more going on between Beth and Hibs, who is her lab partner. Hibs is helping Beth to regain her confidence, but he doesn't dare to tell her how much he likes her. Beth thinks he's a player and she doesn't see how much she means to him. When Gordon comes back Beth and Hibs might have missed their chance. Gordon is dictating Beth's life again, the question is if she will see through him and stand up for herself. Is Beth going to lose everything she loves because of one man?
Doctor January is a love story with depth. Beth doesn't have a lot of confidence and there are good reasons for it. Hibs is helping Beth to see how great she really is. It's a mission that takes time and patience. I really liked that. What made this book really special is the main characters. They are generous, good looking and kind nerds. I think it's cool that they work in a lab. The chemistry between the two main characters is there from the start, only one of them has no idea about it. That makes Doctor January such a great love story. It takes Beth a long time to understand her own feelings, which has been described in a logical and interesting way. All the characters have strong personalities that stand out. I loved reading about them. So much that I think this is one of the best chick lit novels I've read this year.
September 15, 2014
I’m not sure whether to call this a love story or a story with a life lesson to be learned. While there is romance, I felt it was more about the mental and eventual physical abuse that a boyfriend, in this case, was causing his girlfriend. ( Yes I know it can go the other way, girlfriend to boyfriend.)
I hated Gordon. From before he was back in Beth’s life I could tell her was nothing but trouble. When he finally returned my opinion did not change. It is scary that there are many real people who are like him and have the control that he has over Beth. I found it eye opening to myself to see all the different ways a person can lead another person to do what they want without coming out and saying it directly.
I was also sad for Beth. She had a great life ahead of her, but could not see what was before her own eyes and break out of the deadly and serious path she was heading down. Beth was incredibly lucky that she had great friends that kept an eye out for her and tried to warn her of what her future will hold.
Hibs, aka Dr. January, is amazing. Not only does he support her at work, while her boss pulls her down, he supports her in her personal life. His feelings for her are extremely obvious, but he manages to keep them in check to do what is best for Beth.
The only down part of this book was all the science. Science is not my subject of knowledge so I found that I was sometimes lost in the scientific dialogue being held.
I will recommend this book.
I hated Gordon. From before he was back in Beth’s life I could tell her was nothing but trouble. When he finally returned my opinion did not change. It is scary that there are many real people who are like him and have the control that he has over Beth. I found it eye opening to myself to see all the different ways a person can lead another person to do what they want without coming out and saying it directly.
I was also sad for Beth. She had a great life ahead of her, but could not see what was before her own eyes and break out of the deadly and serious path she was heading down. Beth was incredibly lucky that she had great friends that kept an eye out for her and tried to warn her of what her future will hold.
Hibs, aka Dr. January, is amazing. Not only does he support her at work, while her boss pulls her down, he supports her in her personal life. His feelings for her are extremely obvious, but he manages to keep them in check to do what is best for Beth.
The only down part of this book was all the science. Science is not my subject of knowledge so I found that I was sometimes lost in the scientific dialogue being held.
I will recommend this book.
Read
September 5, 2014I liked Beth a lot. She’s been bullied most of her life by a lot of different people. And she is a bit worn down but she was a really real character (yes that is a horrible description, I can’t think of a better one). Her flaws made me like her and didn’t make her seem pathetic and annoying like they so often can in other books. I think that’s a sign of how good the writing is.
Bullying is obviously a tricky subject to tackle and there are parts what happens to Beth in the book which some readers may find distressing to read about. These are taken seriously, well written and not used for shock value, excitement or simply to move things on. They add to the plot, make sense and never once did I think they were gratuitous or unnecessary The only thing I didn’t like is she’s seen dealing with two of her bullies but not the third (her dad – although to be fair he’s only mentioned not shown in the book). I think I’d have liked to see her stand up to him at one point. Then again that is realistic because I think most of us have got the one person we’ve just never stood up too and told how they’ve made us feel.
Hibs is a really great character I’d love to see more of. Several of the other characters made me smile and laugh. I hated Gordon and I think he was deliberately written that way but he wasn’t a parody.
Definitely a good read and if Rhoda Baxter writes more books I’ll look out for them.
the full version of this review appeared on my blog http://writerinawheelchair.co.uk/2014...
Bullying is obviously a tricky subject to tackle and there are parts what happens to Beth in the book which some readers may find distressing to read about. These are taken seriously, well written and not used for shock value, excitement or simply to move things on. They add to the plot, make sense and never once did I think they were gratuitous or unnecessary The only thing I didn’t like is she’s seen dealing with two of her bullies but not the third (her dad – although to be fair he’s only mentioned not shown in the book). I think I’d have liked to see her stand up to him at one point. Then again that is realistic because I think most of us have got the one person we’ve just never stood up too and told how they’ve made us feel.
Hibs is a really great character I’d love to see more of. Several of the other characters made me smile and laugh. I hated Gordon and I think he was deliberately written that way but he wasn’t a parody.
Definitely a good read and if Rhoda Baxter writes more books I’ll look out for them.
the full version of this review appeared on my blog http://writerinawheelchair.co.uk/2014...
September 25, 2014
Beth has always struggled with self-esteem after her father’s bulling, and now she finds it difficult to stand up to her boss at the lab in the university where she works, even though he picks on her unfairly. Add to that, the love of her life, her ex, Gordon, has forgotten her birthday and Beth is feeling a bit forlorn.
But she’s decided to pick her photography back up, which Gordon didn’t let her do, and she’s suddenly starting to see how handsome her best friend Hibs is. Maybe things aren’t all bad. She agrees to photograph twelve handsome men for a science department calendar and she’s starting to let her hair down and have fun.
But then, Gordon comes back and Beth falls willingly back into his arms. But she can’t help but compare Gordon to the loving and respectful Hibs and is beginning to wonder if maybe things in her relationship with Gordon aren’t quite all that.
I loved this book. Having been in a dangerous relationship myself, I was so pleased to read a story about a strong heroine battling a controlling and emotional abusive relationship. More women need to be aware of what isn’t acceptable behaviour from a partner and with Doctor January, Rhoda Baxter discusses this expertly.
Aside from this serious side to the book, the story is also sweet and fresh. It feels young, vibrant and full of love. And it makes science cool. What a feat!
But she’s decided to pick her photography back up, which Gordon didn’t let her do, and she’s suddenly starting to see how handsome her best friend Hibs is. Maybe things aren’t all bad. She agrees to photograph twelve handsome men for a science department calendar and she’s starting to let her hair down and have fun.
But then, Gordon comes back and Beth falls willingly back into his arms. But she can’t help but compare Gordon to the loving and respectful Hibs and is beginning to wonder if maybe things in her relationship with Gordon aren’t quite all that.
I loved this book. Having been in a dangerous relationship myself, I was so pleased to read a story about a strong heroine battling a controlling and emotional abusive relationship. More women need to be aware of what isn’t acceptable behaviour from a partner and with Doctor January, Rhoda Baxter discusses this expertly.
Aside from this serious side to the book, the story is also sweet and fresh. It feels young, vibrant and full of love. And it makes science cool. What a feat!
August 10, 2014
Doctor January is romantic comedy with dark undertones. The dialogue is light and funny, but the main theme is about saving someone from emotional abuse. It also touches on the difficulties faced by women in science
That does say it perfectly. The book is light and I liked the banter. But the more I got to know Beth I could see why she acted the way she did and when her ex comes back it gets worse. He is emotionally abusive and more. What I think is Beth is not really Beth, that is just Beth trying to please everyone and hiding.
Right, back to the beginning. We got Hibs and Beth working in a lab (the author knows her science.) They are friends but maybe they could be more? If Beth was not still in love with her ex, and if that ex had not come back later. Arghhh I hated Gordon. A true idiot.
The book takes a darker turn when Gordon gets back, but that is why this is not contemporary romance. It's more about Beth trying to live her life.
There is drama, every day life, romance, and romance turned bad. All in one. And add some suspense too.
The cover is all wrong in my eyes, that and the title made me think this was some kind of spy novel. See James Bond and more. Nope.
That does say it perfectly. The book is light and I liked the banter. But the more I got to know Beth I could see why she acted the way she did and when her ex comes back it gets worse. He is emotionally abusive and more. What I think is Beth is not really Beth, that is just Beth trying to please everyone and hiding.
Right, back to the beginning. We got Hibs and Beth working in a lab (the author knows her science.) They are friends but maybe they could be more? If Beth was not still in love with her ex, and if that ex had not come back later. Arghhh I hated Gordon. A true idiot.
The book takes a darker turn when Gordon gets back, but that is why this is not contemporary romance. It's more about Beth trying to live her life.
There is drama, every day life, romance, and romance turned bad. All in one. And add some suspense too.
The cover is all wrong in my eyes, that and the title made me think this was some kind of spy novel. See James Bond and more. Nope.
February 12, 2019
Disclaimer: I know and adore the author, so I’m going to gush. Consider yourself warned. 🥰
I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author has crafted smart, authentic characters that aren’t your standard romance novel fodder. It was refreshing to have a heroine who was driven, intelligent (I loved the science, which the author never shies away from including!!), and though a little flawed, still able to think rationally for herself when it really came down to it. And the hero was equally as interesting, not just another cookie cutter alpha male.
But what I really loved was the seemingly inconsequential background details that made this book so very relatable. The author built a very real, believable world for these characters to exist in while they sort themselves out. More than a few times I found myself thinking, ‘Oh, grad school...yep.’ Because of this, the book resonated with me on several levels, which is not something I often experience with novels.
The book does have some darker elements, but I found that these were handled with care & an adept hand, making them quite thought provoking.
All in all, this is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend for those looking for a truly ‘smart’ romance.
I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author has crafted smart, authentic characters that aren’t your standard romance novel fodder. It was refreshing to have a heroine who was driven, intelligent (I loved the science, which the author never shies away from including!!), and though a little flawed, still able to think rationally for herself when it really came down to it. And the hero was equally as interesting, not just another cookie cutter alpha male.
But what I really loved was the seemingly inconsequential background details that made this book so very relatable. The author built a very real, believable world for these characters to exist in while they sort themselves out. More than a few times I found myself thinking, ‘Oh, grad school...yep.’ Because of this, the book resonated with me on several levels, which is not something I often experience with novels.
The book does have some darker elements, but I found that these were handled with care & an adept hand, making them quite thought provoking.
All in all, this is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend for those looking for a truly ‘smart’ romance.
July 14, 2014
Beth lives in self-doubt with the wrong boyfriend and the wrong job. She’s wearing herself out working toward her PhD, working toward creating photographs for a calendar of attractive PhD’s working in scientific fields, and working on pleasing her boyfriend, Gordon. In fact, Beth is constantly on the hotseat with Gordon as well as her supervisor, Roger, both of whom are oversized jackasses. Instead of seeing that clearly, Beth doubts her worth and her sanity.
Beth isn’t sure what the right job would be, her coworkers Hibs (aka Dr. January) is a candidate for Mr. Right. How she works all this out I’ll leave for the reader to find out.
I recommend this book because it’s a case study on abuse and bullying at work and in personal relationships. Beth takes it, until enough is enough. Hopefully that is sooner rather than later for those in similar situations.
The one flaw that bothered me was that I wanted to understand the science and terminology more clearly. What were they working on? How was Roger’s research flawed? That sort of thing. Without that, sometimes I felt distracted by the science.
All in all, I’d like to see this made into a film.
Beth isn’t sure what the right job would be, her coworkers Hibs (aka Dr. January) is a candidate for Mr. Right. How she works all this out I’ll leave for the reader to find out.
I recommend this book because it’s a case study on abuse and bullying at work and in personal relationships. Beth takes it, until enough is enough. Hopefully that is sooner rather than later for those in similar situations.
The one flaw that bothered me was that I wanted to understand the science and terminology more clearly. What were they working on? How was Roger’s research flawed? That sort of thing. Without that, sometimes I felt distracted by the science.
All in all, I’d like to see this made into a film.
July 24, 2014
Doctor January is a brilliant novel with so much charm. It has the now trade-marked Rhoda Baxter wit- that will make you cry from laughter.
Beth is besotted with Gordon, but all he does is break her heart. Blinded by her love for him, she can’t see how toxic he really is. He is a bully – whom I think is secretly jealous of her, because he all he seems to want to do is destroy her. I hated Gordon; but that is okay, because I think I was a suppose to.
I adored Hibs, to me he was a perfect gentleman. It was just a shame Beth didn’t notice him sooner, because it would have saved her a lot of heart ache.
What I loved so much about Rhoda Baxter’s work, is that it is all rooted in reality. As you read, you see the relationships blossom and you know exactly why her characters end up feeling the way the do.
Doctor January is a charming read with wonderful rich characters. It is both humorous and heart-warming and will definitely pull on your heart-strings. Chances are you will shout out obscenities towards Gordon at certain parts like I did, but he deserves it.
Doctor January is the perfect addition to your summer reads. I highly recommend, as you will not be disappointed.
Beth is besotted with Gordon, but all he does is break her heart. Blinded by her love for him, she can’t see how toxic he really is. He is a bully – whom I think is secretly jealous of her, because he all he seems to want to do is destroy her. I hated Gordon; but that is okay, because I think I was a suppose to.
I adored Hibs, to me he was a perfect gentleman. It was just a shame Beth didn’t notice him sooner, because it would have saved her a lot of heart ache.
What I loved so much about Rhoda Baxter’s work, is that it is all rooted in reality. As you read, you see the relationships blossom and you know exactly why her characters end up feeling the way the do.
Doctor January is a charming read with wonderful rich characters. It is both humorous and heart-warming and will definitely pull on your heart-strings. Chances are you will shout out obscenities towards Gordon at certain parts like I did, but he deserves it.
Doctor January is the perfect addition to your summer reads. I highly recommend, as you will not be disappointed.
December 7, 2014
This book has it all – a wonderful slow-burn relationship that pulls you in so you can’t wait to know what happens, combined with building tension and a suspense-filled climax. Ah, and then there’s the humour, provided by the witty interactions between a close-knit group of friends. In short, a fantastic combination. I should say that although I’ve never met Rhoda, we do share a publisher – but I’m a newbie and approached Choc Lit because I was a fan of the work of their authors, so I guess it all makes sense!
October 13, 2014
Best of R.Baxter's so far. I felt panicky on Beth's behalf at one stage so invested was I in the characters and situation. Spot on observations of research-level academia too, and I'm glad to see the characters have evolved from emailing to instant messaging (what's next? telepathy?). Keen, humorous observations that I've come to expect from this author make this a highly readable, engrossing story. Well written, geek/smart romance.
December 28, 2016
This book needs to be read by way more people! I loved the main character Beth, she's smart and sweet and always puts everyone else before herself. It was nice to see her journey from having an abusive relationship with Gordon to becoming a happy and confident woman who has a boyfriend who encourages her, instead of dragging her down. Great romance book with a bit of a dark side.
August 5, 2015
Great story, well written, fast-paced - set in a microbiology lab so “geek girl” heroine but very appealing, ditto hero. Some serious subjects – emotional abuse and bullying in the workplace but handled very well. Couldn’t put it down - stayed up till 3.27am to finish!
January 23, 2024
I welcomed the setting for Doctor January, as a woman teaching STEM in a Russell Group university, in which I am regarded as an equal to my male colleagues. Beth Tyler, currently working towards her PhD, unfortunately isn’t. The story seemed fresh and modern, relevant and frightening, and eye-opening as it gave me pause as to what my colleagues actually get up to both in and out of the labs! The author uses this setting to give us an insight into the spectrum of both workplace and emotional relationships.
Beth is good at her work and enjoys the company and friendship of her male colleagues, Dev and James “Hibs”, though her PhD supervisor Roger is a different ballgame altogether. Her boyfriend Gordon has gone to America to work and checked out of, but not totally ended, the relationship which leaves Beth unsettled. Is it that she is missing Gordon, still not over him, or is it something else?
Beth is a keen, and very good, photographer but Gordon didn’t like her enjoying her hobby so she stopped to placate him. Now with him out of the way over the Atlantic, what better time to pick it up again to produce a calendar featuring successful (and hot) male scientists, aimed at bringing more young women into the sciences? Also, Anna has recently moved in as her new flatmate and Beth’s social life is looking fun. Until Gordon shows up again declaring he has never stopped loving her and he wants her back. Hibs and Vik, and Beth’s other friend Lara didn’t like Gordon and saw through his controlling behaviour but out of consideration for Beth have kept quiet.
Beth is now in thrall to Gordon once again, turning up late for work because he wants some bedroom action, blowing out her friends, covering her tracks when she goes for a drink with colleagues and being unable to be herself with her mates to avoid upsetting him. Alongside Gordon Gaslight, Roger is treating Beth as if she is stupid, trying to take credit for her work and dismissing her scientific theories, suggesting that she is not up to completing a PhD. Meanwhile Hibs and Vik provide positive examples of true friends, and Lara has thrown out her cheating husband Chris. No wonder Beth feels confused about men’s behaviour and what is normal.
Gaslighting should be a crime. The effects include confusion, stress and disorientation, and an inability to trust one’s own judgement. This is shown very well in Beth’s reactions and behaviour. There are lighter moments too, with a good blend of serious issues and light-hearted amusement, but the core of the story is that this good band of people have Beth’s back. They provide the conditions for Beth to realise her true qualities and where she is meant to be for herself. The story is set some 60 years after the events of Lessons in Chemistry, and it is shocking to find Elizabeth Zott and Beth Tyler facing the same issues all those years apart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, though I would have preferred more show and less tell in the narrative which kept it below full 5 stars for me. Though I won’t be rushing any time soon to produce a calendar featuring my own colleagues – well, maybe one!
Beth is good at her work and enjoys the company and friendship of her male colleagues, Dev and James “Hibs”, though her PhD supervisor Roger is a different ballgame altogether. Her boyfriend Gordon has gone to America to work and checked out of, but not totally ended, the relationship which leaves Beth unsettled. Is it that she is missing Gordon, still not over him, or is it something else?
Beth is a keen, and very good, photographer but Gordon didn’t like her enjoying her hobby so she stopped to placate him. Now with him out of the way over the Atlantic, what better time to pick it up again to produce a calendar featuring successful (and hot) male scientists, aimed at bringing more young women into the sciences? Also, Anna has recently moved in as her new flatmate and Beth’s social life is looking fun. Until Gordon shows up again declaring he has never stopped loving her and he wants her back. Hibs and Vik, and Beth’s other friend Lara didn’t like Gordon and saw through his controlling behaviour but out of consideration for Beth have kept quiet.
Beth is now in thrall to Gordon once again, turning up late for work because he wants some bedroom action, blowing out her friends, covering her tracks when she goes for a drink with colleagues and being unable to be herself with her mates to avoid upsetting him. Alongside Gordon Gaslight, Roger is treating Beth as if she is stupid, trying to take credit for her work and dismissing her scientific theories, suggesting that she is not up to completing a PhD. Meanwhile Hibs and Vik provide positive examples of true friends, and Lara has thrown out her cheating husband Chris. No wonder Beth feels confused about men’s behaviour and what is normal.
Gaslighting should be a crime. The effects include confusion, stress and disorientation, and an inability to trust one’s own judgement. This is shown very well in Beth’s reactions and behaviour. There are lighter moments too, with a good blend of serious issues and light-hearted amusement, but the core of the story is that this good band of people have Beth’s back. They provide the conditions for Beth to realise her true qualities and where she is meant to be for herself. The story is set some 60 years after the events of Lessons in Chemistry, and it is shocking to find Elizabeth Zott and Beth Tyler facing the same issues all those years apart. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, though I would have preferred more show and less tell in the narrative which kept it below full 5 stars for me. Though I won’t be rushing any time soon to produce a calendar featuring my own colleagues – well, maybe one!
September 9, 2023
Tired of fictional chick lit characters that seem to live in a world a "normal person" wouldn't inhabit? Me too. This is my second "Book By Baxter," and Rhoda writes characters that you can imagine knowing and life circumstances that are relatable. These people have to work for a living and struggle with ridiculous bosses and ponder whether they are in the right career - can you relate? The characters of Beth, Hibs, Anna, Lara, and sweet sweet Vik were so easy to connect with, and that makes this easy-to-read chick lit entertaining.
August 21, 2018
Brilliant
I had this book for ages did not really think it look interesting but when I started to read it I could not put it down exciting can't wait to read more of this autho
I had this book for ages did not really think it look interesting but when I started to read it I could not put it down exciting can't wait to read more of this autho
May 1, 2019
There are not many men like Gibbs around, but plenty of Gordons, loved this book.
December 18, 2015
Enjoyed the characters and their relationships, and appreciated the representation of the normality of women in science, but a foray into a different genre for me, and it's really not 'me'. I prefer my 'good against evil' rather more pronounced - not even one murder in the whole book - so maybe I should stick with thrillers/crime fiction. I was also a bit disappointed that the female lead, who originally appeared very strong, turned out to be rather more vulnerable than I wanted her to be. I did love the appreciation for long haired men, though :-)
May 31, 2015
the only reason I haven't finished it is because I'm a little fed up with "man-whore" gets tamed stories, I might go back to it sometime......
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