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.

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. 

I go back and forth on whether the inclusion of the Justice characters/ongoing police drama was really needed in this book. I think I would have been quite happy - make that more happy - if they were not and there was a more fleshed out story with Jay and Olivia. The Justice story line intersects - providing crime scenes and bodies for the main characters (Medical Examiners) - and we get a number of chapters that give an update on Del, Sandy, Rebecca and Catherine (Sloan, Jason and Watts make brief cameos) and where they are with the never-ending task of putting Zamora away ... and to confirm that yes, they still have really hot and heavy sex. Sometimes, I wonder if they had less sex, they may have been able to wrap up the Zamora case in book three or four ... rather than chewing through six books in the series and a couple of barge-ins on other books in different series. I think the characters of Jay and Olivia could have stood alone without the inclusion of the other story line, but it would have had to been expanded - even if it only ended up as novella length. Even so, the Justice over-story gives the main characters some ready made secondary characters and set up for how and when the bodies start falling and if you've read the other series, you'll be happy to see what's going on with them. It doesn't necessarily detract, but I do think the interludes with Sandy and Del take time away from the main characters that could have been used for further story and character build up.

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). As characters go, Jay and Olivia could have had more page time - see comments about the Justice over-story - but I think that they had enough originality to separate them from the standard Rad archetypes. Jay isn't as cocky or as much of a player as some of Rad's docs - she is coming to grips with the crash and burn of her dreams of being a trauma surgeon and adapting to the new role as a medical examiner. Olivia is an interesting character who has some baggage that isn't fully explored - but she's a self-assured and confident doctor in her own right. 

Despite all my whining about the inclusion of the Justice series (which I also enjoyed), I did enjoy this book and recommend it.

'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an unbiased review'

Likable read!
Radclyffe created a storyline/series that is filled with erotic sex scenes,medical references/scenery and violent drug confrontations that could easily fit into a movie scene or film. This author never holds back on the things or the style in which she writes because she is as descriptive as ever in this book and even down to her long detailed in the plotline. Furthermore her writing style has always been about the senses; you can hear,feel,taste and see everything that is going on. There are lots of different relationships at play in this storyline which i had a bit of a hard time keeping track of all their home lives never mind that this story lacks something like maybe chemistry and energy between all the cast. I had so many unanswered questions at the end:- like the hetero relationship one of the main character had in the past (i'm scratching my head with that part of the story)

An honest review thanks to NetGalley.  I was so very happy and surprised that I was finally able to read a book about a medical examiner.  IT seems that most authors focus on hospital doctors or police officers or even firefighters.  It was a nice change of pace to enter the medical examiner's office, and the interactions between Olivia and Jay were terrific.  The chemistry was perfect as Radclyffe can always make the characters chemistry come alive.  The only problem that I had while reading this was the constant flashing to other characters, I haven't read all of the books in this series, and I felt I was missing something vital to the plot line as I was reading.  I would recommend reading the books before this, so you do not suffer through plot holes as well.  Overall great read!

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. If you haven't read that series you might be  a little lost, but not enough to wreck the enjoyment of this book.

Netgalley ARC received for an unbiased review.

I was unable to review this book because of a conflict in my schedule. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused the publisher or the author of the work. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review for you and  I look forward to reviewing for you in the future.

Heart Stop is the sixth book in the First Responders series by Radclyffe. I have not read any of the other books in the series. While there is a complete story here, and it could be read as a stand alone, I think those that have been following the series will enjoy it much more than newcomers to the series.

Jay (Flash) Reynolds has a brilliant future as a trauma surgeon until an eighteen-wheeler on a rainy night changes her life. Newly appointed chief medical examiner Olivia Price is more at ease with the dead than the living—at least the dead never lie. All she needs to do is listen to their stories. What she doesn't need is a surly new resident who would rather be somewhere else. Two women, one with a damaged body, the other a damaged spirit, challenge each other to dare to live again.

Heart Stop is a story that left me of two minds. I liked the characters, and their banter. I think that they both have huge stories to tell and the bits we get about there past are like teasers, I know there is more to tell, especially with Olivia. I liked the drama of the story going on in the background, but felt like there is much more going on than I understand because I have not read the previous books and found myself confused about who everyone was and how they interconnect. I did enjoy the romance, to a certain point, but then it felt more like they just decided they were in love and no more needed to be said. I think maybe that the resolution for their relationship just felt a little too pat. I think more of them talking and working on their issues and less of the background story in the city would have made me happier. 

Heart Stop is a good story, and I liked the characters. I think those that have read the related books would get much more out of everything that was going on, but since I did not have the background on the larger story arch and who everyone was I felt a little lost.

DNF at 60%

My first Radclyffe. 
I can totally understand why she  has already received many awards and prizes for her works. I WISH I could enjoy FF fiction as much as I enjoy MM fiction to be able to give a fair opinion on this book. 
But lesbian fiction IS my not my first choice.  I CAN enjoy it, but I am VERY picky here. I need more plot, a zero steam and better not too much tension, and well...<i>women in tight dark jeans, motorcycle boots, and a black T-shirt</i> don't do it to me. Unfortunately. 
I'm a 100% straight woman. And that means, I LOVE men. 

I have to check, if Radclyffe wrote something in the category GAY fiction. 

This book is very good written, and though it is the book#6 in the series, you can read it as a stand alone.

I am a massive fan of Radclyffe's writing and was really pleased to have another First Responders story, with characters from the Justice series showing up too.  The two main protagonists are both strong, determined women who despite starting to work together under inauspicious circumstances learn to accept their differences and what starts out as a tense working relationship develops into a loving, respectful partnership.  As always, Radcliffe has written a cracker of a story, I highly recommend it.

As always this was a solid piece of writing from Radclyffe. The premise was interesting and unique. The two leads were both likeable and had great chemistry. It was great to see some of the characters from the author's previous books. If you like medical romances definitely read this one.

So I haven’t read the Justice Series.  I love Radclyffe and have read a ton of her other books, but not the justice series.  I had no idea who these other secondary characters were.  I figured I should know, but I did not.  It is okay though, and not needed to enjoy this novel.  This is the 6th book in the First Responder Series, and I have not read the entire series.  They are stand alone so it is okay to jump in at any point.  Radclyffe is usually hit or miss with me.  A miss being a good book I enjoyed but not long lasting, but still one I may pick up again some day.  Some of her books though, stick with me, and I need the ebook, the paperback, and the audiobook so I can pick them up over an over again.  Several of her books are that way for me, but this ins’t one of those books.  I think it is a good read, and I enjoyed it, but not one of my favorites from the author.  Though if you are a fan of Radclyffe, especially the Justice Series you should read this book asap.

Jay has to find another way to be able to use her medical knowledge and skill after a tragic accident.  In the course of finding an alternate specialty she meets no nonsense assistant medical examiner Olivia Price.

I was very happy to read a new Radclyffe book.  This had everything I expect from a Radclyffe series familiar characters and great new characters.  

I easily connected with the characters and was instantly pulled into the story.  I've read many books by Radclyffe and love her writing especially anything medical.  The information always keeps my interest.  I can't wait to see what happens next with this series.

Rating 4 of 5 stars
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books via netgalley for an honest review.

The familiarity Radclyffe has with the reader is genuine and evident in Heart Stop.  In this short read, Jay and Olivia are the central points of focus but I can't help feel like there's a lot drawn from other books past and potentially future and this is confusing if you're not across them all or have forgotten.
The characters seemed only mildly developed and the story isn't one of Radclyffe's best.

If you love medical romances, you have to pick this book up. Right now. I don't love medical romances but the procedural, crime, and medicals parts of the plot were riveting. 

Flash and Olivia are both driven and brilliant in this romance between a disabled trauma surgeon and a workaholic medical examiner. Brains and talent are hella sexy.

This admiration for fierce and exacting spirits is clearly the love song between these two. The sexy times are very hot but we don't get much of them as they have work to do. 

If you are a fan of this series you will love all the chapters in past couples points of view. It is seamless and well written.

This is my first book in the series so while I liked those chapters I wanted more couple time with the main characters. I also want more romance and intimacy (emotionial and physical). Olivia's backstory and how it actually plays out in a relationship for example. 

Looking the the other books in the series, I can see the romances are followed over several books. This kind of plotting is not my favorite but the writing here is excellent and I would highly recommend this writer. 

I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.

Let me start by saying I am a die hard Radclyffe fan! I think I've read and/or listened to them all. This was no exception. What I really liked about the book was that it contained characters and some plot from the Justice Series. I found myself overjoyed and just happy to be back in the Justice realm, I even snuck back to listening to the justice series in the mix to reminisce. What TOTALLY confused and almost exacerbated my headache was I could not tell which book this was about a third of the way through. Started off on a good note with the main characters and some background. I started to like them. Then like I said, I got all goofy when the Justice crew were inserted. Then I hit a maze, like which book is this. The main characters felt like side line events that just so happened in the Justice Series. I was disappointed at that as I went through the book. On to the main characters, I think I got whiplash by the end of the book. Its a woman's prerogative to change her mind, but I felt like I was doing 180s at points. 

All in all, the book was ok for me. Like I said, I'm a true die hard fan...some days are better than others! I look forward to any and all new works.

Jay Reynolds had her life all planned out until an accident changed everything.  When she ends up working in the Medical Examiner’s office under the tutelage of Olivia Price, things become complicated for both of them.  Olivia is not happy at being forced to take on Jay under unusual circumstances and Jay is moving further away from her dream of being a top trauma surgeon.  I really liked both main characters and seeing how they dealt with each other and how their simmering attraction played out.  Jay was strong, capable and determined and not about to give up in any sphere of her life.  Olivia was brilliant and stunning and Jay could not resist.  But she had demons from her past and the question was whether she could ever get past them. The backstory of gang warfare and the minor characters really made this an interesting story and had me hooked.  Radclyffe is a favourite author of mine and I can always rely on her to keep me enthralled.  As always the sex scenes are extremely hot and will not fail to please.

I was given this ARC by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in return for an honest review.

I've always enjoyed Radclyffe's books that revolve around medical situations. In fact, her medical dramas/romances are at the top of my favorites list. This book did not disappoint! The drama, the romance and the medical background made this book a new favorite. This is probably my favorite since the Midnight Hunters series. Excellent job!

I really enjoyed this book. I only picked it up last night and I just could not put it down. It has a bit of everything. The main characters are very realistic,  the chemistry between the two main characters is hot and there is just enough angst in there to give it a realistic feel.

The two main characters are Dr Jay Reynolds who has been in a horrific car accident and is looking to changing careers from a successful Trauma surgeon to a career in pathology. Then you have Dr Olivia Price who is an extremely excellent Assisstant Chief Medical Examiner. She is an extremly serious person who is dedicated to her job and her expectations are high for not only herself but for those she works with. She was also betrayed by her first love. She decided long ago that was no longer in her future.

Now the two meet in unusual circumstances of Jay beeing fast tracked on to her pathology programme. And the angst begins between the two main characters. Sexual tension and  attarction starts. The two are like chalk and cheese. I can not say much more because I want you to enjoy it as much as I.

Also, you get to meet some old friends from the justice series Rebecca Frye, Sloan, Catherine, Jason, Dell, Sandy and not forgetting Watts. Also Ali Torveau and Beau Cross. They all play very good cameo roles in an exciting and entertaining book. Radcliffe has been able to incorporate these characters as part of the main story. She does it with ease aswell. You find yourself missing them. I guess Ali plays the most influential of the characters. You also get a brief glimse of our favorite CSI Dee Flanagan.

I really enjoy Radcliffe. But this has something extra. I think it's the way she incorporated the Justice series as a back drop to this story. Radcliffe never ceases to amaze me. Always a new angel. I gave this 5 stars. I can not wait for more. Enjoy!

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2018947149

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R23SKKX39T1T3S/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

*I received an Arc from netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*

The story itself was ok and I enjoyed it, there were just a few things that bothered me and I couldn't get past them. The two main characters were well portrayed and their chemistry worked. 
What bothered me and the reason for the two stars is that the point of view changed too suddenly- like one sentence was from Jay's view and the next sentence was from Olivia's view. I like it more when it changes with a clear line. Sometimes it was hard to figure out who said what and who's view is it now. Another negative point is that there was too much explaining of how things looked. Like every room and every person was described in too much detail and the result was that there wasn't enough dialogue to keep the story alive. 
I know all of that is a writing choice and style - it is just not the right one for me. 
I also don't like that in all of her books some characters (in this one not the main ones) are reduced to just sex and nothing else. It just gets boring after a while. And that all the semi important characters end up to be gay is kind of unrealistic and kind of bothers me. Like yes it is a lesbian book but not everybody needs to be a lesbian - it is just not how it works.