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Doctor Behind the Mask: A Standalone Medical Romance
Grey’s Anatomy meets Lost!
Reality TV darling, Frankie Hamilton, runs as far from her broken engagement as she can. Helping the aid effort in the earthquake-stricken island of Astoria seems like it might be far enough.
Disaster relief doctor, Lucas Davenport, is running from demons of his own—he moves from one Mother Nature created crisis to another so he doesn’t have to face the mess he’s made of his own life. His very real physical scars are nothing compared to those he’s determined to hold inside.
Frankie can’t leave her need to fix everyone in the hospital—she’s determined to force Lucas to face his past. Lucas is just as determined to enjoy a no-holds-barred fling with Frankie that will end the minute they leave Astoria and with his secrets firmly in the past where they belong.
One thing is certain—the power of their attraction means neither of them will be unscathed when it’s time to leave the island.
Reality TV darling, Frankie Hamilton, runs as far from her broken engagement as she can. Helping the aid effort in the earthquake-stricken island of Astoria seems like it might be far enough.
Disaster relief doctor, Lucas Davenport, is running from demons of his own—he moves from one Mother Nature created crisis to another so he doesn’t have to face the mess he’s made of his own life. His very real physical scars are nothing compared to those he’s determined to hold inside.
Frankie can’t leave her need to fix everyone in the hospital—she’s determined to force Lucas to face his past. Lucas is just as determined to enjoy a no-holds-barred fling with Frankie that will end the minute they leave Astoria and with his secrets firmly in the past where they belong.
One thing is certain—the power of their attraction means neither of them will be unscathed when it’s time to leave the island.
- GenresMedical
210 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2020
8 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Coles
43 books317 followersThe daughter of a military father, Catherine was born in Germany and lived most of the first 14 years of her life abroad. She spent her school years devouring everything her school library had to offer!
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 3, 2024
Really interesting book set with a scenario that was new to me and I read a lot! Both lead characters are strong and the doctor especially was a very believable person. (I work in the medical field too).
Good strong story line and the action trots along at a fair pace with no boring chapters of endless descriptions that do nothing for the plot.
I would normally read a book in a day but as life got in the way this one was split over 2 days. I have thought quite a bit about the book when I was unable to finish it and since finishing it in the early hours of this morning. It's a sign of an interesting book of it is occupying my mind when I'm not reading and I certainly wanted to finish the book to find their endings.
I was sent a complimentary copy of this book by the author through Voracious readers only.
Good strong story line and the action trots along at a fair pace with no boring chapters of endless descriptions that do nothing for the plot.
I would normally read a book in a day but as life got in the way this one was split over 2 days. I have thought quite a bit about the book when I was unable to finish it and since finishing it in the early hours of this morning. It's a sign of an interesting book of it is occupying my mind when I'm not reading and I certainly wanted to finish the book to find their endings.
I was sent a complimentary copy of this book by the author through Voracious readers only.
November 2, 2020
I am voluntarily leaving a review i received a copy from varacious reader. I really liked this book. It. Is a romance between a reality star and a doctor who was carrying guilt from his brother's death. But he learned it was ok to just live and. He deserved love! A nice story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2020
I was unsure when I started reading this but the more I got involved with the story and with Frankie and Lucas blossoming relatationship and the tragedies they witnessed I fell in love with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book via VRO and I'm so glad I did. The relationships between the characters are beautifully written in particular between Frankie and Edward and of course Frankie and Lucas. You really feel their emotions through the writing. This was my first time reading a Catherine Coles book but it won't be my last.
October 15, 2020
Doctor Behind the Mask is a brilliant novel. It has all the right elements - Love, heartache, fear, adventure, suspense but most of all it had determination. Determination of a strong female character that turned her life around when someone who she thought loved her hurt and then put herself out there, to find a man who was the right man for her. Frankie didn't let up on Lucas, who in return was also hurting but in a different way. eventually Frankie's charm and unending love for Lucas, helped Lucas became a better person by helping him to forgive himself. Catherin Coles is a fantastic writer, who knows how to engage her audience.
June 26, 2020
Doctor Behind the Mask is a standalone book by Catherine Coles. This author is new to me but I liked the sound of this story so thought I would give it a go. I am so glad I did! Although not perfect, mostly when it came to a couple of scenes that made me question if it would really happen that way, the majority of the book was great.
Frankie is a WAG who flies the coop to Earthquake hit Astoria to help out in the hospital there. She had a nurses degree before she gave all that up to be a footballer's girlfriend/fiance and socialite. When she discovered her footballer had been having an affair she decided to not only get away from him after dumping him, but she wanted to do something that made her feel worthwhile. That is why she decided to help out in Astoria.
Lucas is one of the doctors at the hospital in Astoria. He doesn't get much sleep because the hospital is so short-staffed. He took to working in places that were disaster zones as a way to help people but also to try to make up for something happening in the past that he blames himself for. He doesn't want a social life, he doesn't think he deserves to be happy. He is satisfied with spending his life helping others. When he greets Frankie on the landing area he is appalled. A socialite will be no help to him and even if she does have nursing qualifications she wouldn't be prepared for the things she would see and be expected to do there. He isn't afraid to tell her as such but she is determined to prove him wrong.
When Lucas realises that Frankie isn't as useless as he thought, he begrudgingly accepts that she deserves to be there. He also realises that he is very much attracted to her. If he isn't mistaken she is just as attracted to him. Dare they act on their attraction, would it be OK as long as they both realise it would just be a fling and nothing could come from it.
I won't say anymore, you need to read the book yourself to find out if the relationship blossoms or if their pasts will keep them as friends with benefits. The romance of the story was good to read but for me, the whole medical aspect and being set in a disaster area was a real bonus. There was high drama at times that had me close to tears, but the fact that the workers all carried on with a camaraderie like family made me smile. There were sad moments, there would have to be given the earthquake zone they were in, but the lighthearted moments made up for that. It was a nice balance. It must have been because I don't like books that leave me feeling down when I have finished them.
This book I very much liked and I am definitely going to read more of this author's books!
Frankie is a WAG who flies the coop to Earthquake hit Astoria to help out in the hospital there. She had a nurses degree before she gave all that up to be a footballer's girlfriend/fiance and socialite. When she discovered her footballer had been having an affair she decided to not only get away from him after dumping him, but she wanted to do something that made her feel worthwhile. That is why she decided to help out in Astoria.
Lucas is one of the doctors at the hospital in Astoria. He doesn't get much sleep because the hospital is so short-staffed. He took to working in places that were disaster zones as a way to help people but also to try to make up for something happening in the past that he blames himself for. He doesn't want a social life, he doesn't think he deserves to be happy. He is satisfied with spending his life helping others. When he greets Frankie on the landing area he is appalled. A socialite will be no help to him and even if she does have nursing qualifications she wouldn't be prepared for the things she would see and be expected to do there. He isn't afraid to tell her as such but she is determined to prove him wrong.
When Lucas realises that Frankie isn't as useless as he thought, he begrudgingly accepts that she deserves to be there. He also realises that he is very much attracted to her. If he isn't mistaken she is just as attracted to him. Dare they act on their attraction, would it be OK as long as they both realise it would just be a fling and nothing could come from it.
I won't say anymore, you need to read the book yourself to find out if the relationship blossoms or if their pasts will keep them as friends with benefits. The romance of the story was good to read but for me, the whole medical aspect and being set in a disaster area was a real bonus. There was high drama at times that had me close to tears, but the fact that the workers all carried on with a camaraderie like family made me smile. There were sad moments, there would have to be given the earthquake zone they were in, but the lighthearted moments made up for that. It was a nice balance. It must have been because I don't like books that leave me feeling down when I have finished them.
This book I very much liked and I am definitely going to read more of this author's books!
June 21, 2020
Rocky Start But Improved
This is the first book I have read by this author. I was surprised at how fast it started. The pacing was definitely off. It felt like we were just thrown into the middle of a situation without the slightest preparation. While I am certainly a fan of having an action scene right at the start, beginning *in media res*, I feel it needs to be a little bit of a buildup, even if it is just a few paragraphs. But I am glad that I stuck with the story. The writing was a little uneven at times, but I actually ended up liking the hero and heroine more than I thought I would from that first scene. The heroine was asserting her independence and finding herself while helping others. That is certainly admirable. The hero had his own demons to slay, extending far back. The attraction between them at first felt awkward—as it seemed far too fast for how they initially treated each other—but as they got to know each other, they developed chemistry. I am an RN, and some of the medical stuff didn't quite jibe with me, but there were certainly some dramatic moments that may actually reflect how it is for disaster relief medical personnel.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I was surprised at how fast it started. The pacing was definitely off. It felt like we were just thrown into the middle of a situation without the slightest preparation. While I am certainly a fan of having an action scene right at the start, beginning *in media res*, I feel it needs to be a little bit of a buildup, even if it is just a few paragraphs. But I am glad that I stuck with the story. The writing was a little uneven at times, but I actually ended up liking the hero and heroine more than I thought I would from that first scene. The heroine was asserting her independence and finding herself while helping others. That is certainly admirable. The hero had his own demons to slay, extending far back. The attraction between them at first felt awkward—as it seemed far too fast for how they initially treated each other—but as they got to know each other, they developed chemistry. I am an RN, and some of the medical stuff didn't quite jibe with me, but there were certainly some dramatic moments that may actually reflect how it is for disaster relief medical personnel.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
September 10, 2020
My rating would be a 3.5 if I could.
Doctor behind the mask was an enjoyable and easy read which I read in one sitting. Whilst I enjoyed it, I felt the pace was a little off; too fast in places which didn’t give the reader the opportunity to connect well with the characters.
Frankie was likeable and you saw her start to find herself but it felt too easy, Lucas was the brooding doctor with a hidden backstory. I just would have loved to have gotten a bit more detail around their backgrounds and what had lead them both to the situation that they found them in.
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only, but this in no way affected my review.
Doctor behind the mask was an enjoyable and easy read which I read in one sitting. Whilst I enjoyed it, I felt the pace was a little off; too fast in places which didn’t give the reader the opportunity to connect well with the characters.
Frankie was likeable and you saw her start to find herself but it felt too easy, Lucas was the brooding doctor with a hidden backstory. I just would have loved to have gotten a bit more detail around their backgrounds and what had lead them both to the situation that they found them in.
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only, but this in no way affected my review.
May 26, 2020
Frankie jumps in with both both feet into a disaster area after a recent disaster in her own life and Lucas is running from an old disaster in his. I love these two characters.
Frankie is on a journey to discover herself. Shes determined to prove to Lucas and herself that she isnt what people think she is. That theres so much inside her, she can offer.
Lucas is lost, especially, once he sees Frankie.
Enjoy their journey of discovery. I did. It was a really enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Frankie is on a journey to discover herself. Shes determined to prove to Lucas and herself that she isnt what people think she is. That theres so much inside her, she can offer.
Lucas is lost, especially, once he sees Frankie.
Enjoy their journey of discovery. I did. It was a really enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2020
I gotta say, this book was everything and nothing like I expected. I could not put it down once I started it and did not want it to end when I got there.
An emotionally charged story-line that grabs you right from the start, keeping you engrossed throughout.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An emotionally charged story-line that grabs you right from the start, keeping you engrossed throughout.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2018
You Can't Hide
He's been hiding from life since his little brother died because he blames himself. She has run to this island to help in the disaster so she can hide from the press. Each of them will learn some important things about themselves. Enjoy I did.
He's been hiding from life since his little brother died because he blames himself. She has run to this island to help in the disaster so she can hide from the press. Each of them will learn some important things about themselves. Enjoy I did.
May 24, 2020
The book is a good holiday romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
This is a new author for me....Such a heartwarming romance. Easy read with a strong characters and good story line!
I received this book free from Voracious readers but am willingly leaving a review.
I received this book free from Voracious readers but am willingly leaving a review.
August 30, 2020
I haven't read anything by Catherine Coles before, but will definitely be looking out for more. This story is well written and it a page turner. I couldn't read it fast enough. I will be recommending this book to my friends.
June 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this story. Being a health care professional I found it mostly accurate. Nice relationship between the main characters. Heartwarming tale.
August 27, 2020
Read this in one sitting, it has humour, hurt, love and a HEA all I love in one book.
September 11, 2020
feel good story of redemption. enjoying the complimentary books for review sent by Voracious Readers Only
November 11, 2020
I received Doctor behind the mask from Voracious Readers Only and thoroughly enjoyed it as a light , sexy, read. As to be expected with this type of romance both main characters have emotional baggage that needs to be worked through if they are to live happily ever after whilst working, and sleeping, together in an earthquake ravaged setting. This is an ideal book for a lazy afternoon with a glass of something sparkling .
December 28, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This was a wonderful read. I enjoyed getting to know Frankie and Lucas. The only thing that seemed off was how fast Lucas changed. It was within weeks that he changed in his views/lifestyle. It didn’t seem as believable.
This was a wonderful read. I enjoyed getting to know Frankie and Lucas. The only thing that seemed off was how fast Lucas changed. It was within weeks that he changed in his views/lifestyle. It didn’t seem as believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only, I just wanted to read more. I couldn't put it down. One of those books you will remember and want to re-read. Loved it.
December 9, 2019
1.5 stars. Review to come
March 11, 2017
Good book. Enjoyed reading it. Would recommend it for anyone to read.
June 24, 2016
Contemporary romance set in the awful aftermath of an epic earthquake with an emergency doctor and a reality TV star who happens to be a certified nurse.
TV darling, Frankie Hamilton wants a change in her life so she runs off to the island of Astoria to help the Earth quack survivors and immediately meets the medical relief doctor, Lucas Davenport and then promptly falls in lust.
There is lots of crazy disaster heart breaking stuff while Frankie falls in love with Dr. Lucas and there is a HEA, but only after lots of angst ridden conversations.
Lots of very sad destruction and life/death situations in this story, so if you have triggers, then you might read something else like Green Tea Won't Help You Now! which is very funny but still deals with fame and trying to live a meaningful life.
151 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
TV darling, Frankie Hamilton wants a change in her life so she runs off to the island of Astoria to help the Earth quack survivors and immediately meets the medical relief doctor, Lucas Davenport and then promptly falls in lust.
There is lots of crazy disaster heart breaking stuff while Frankie falls in love with Dr. Lucas and there is a HEA, but only after lots of angst ridden conversations.
Lots of very sad destruction and life/death situations in this story, so if you have triggers, then you might read something else like Green Tea Won't Help You Now! which is very funny but still deals with fame and trying to live a meaningful life.
151 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
April 8, 2021
As a disaster relief doctor, Logan travels to Astoria to help victims of a recent earthquake. And to escape the past haunting him. Reality TV star Frankie decides the best way to forget about her cheating fiancee is to dust off her nursing credentials and help the disaster relief team. Neither is looking for a relationship. But maybe they can help each other heal.
I don't have a lot to say about this book. For me, the impact wasn't so much the romance but the fact that it made me think about the effects of natural disasters on third-world countries. I really liked the message this book was trying to send and look forward to reading more from this author.
I don't have a lot to say about this book. For me, the impact wasn't so much the romance but the fact that it made me think about the effects of natural disasters on third-world countries. I really liked the message this book was trying to send and look forward to reading more from this author.
May 29, 2016
2.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews