Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was an enjoyable book.

Insider provides a nice blend of romance and mystery. Grace and Oren go from not liking each other to friends to more. I enjoyed how their characters developed throughout the book. There are some steamy scenes so be aware. Rebecca Crowley is a new author to me and is worth checking out.

This is the first book in the London Phoenix series.

Grace Reilly is a doctor working in the ER or as the Brits call it, A and E, in London. She is very dedicated to her patients especially after an ex-boyfriend sent her into a tailspin. Grace meets Oren Brody after a presentation and unaware of his agenda, has a steamy encounter. Oren and his two brothers recently bought a nearly defunct newspaper, the London Phoenix and hope to make it rise again like its mythical counterpart. A tip to the paper of improprieties and the loss of their mother at the same hospital send the brothers on a mission to uncover what is going on at St. Hilda’s.

Grace has had it with sneaky men so once she finds out Oren was not forthcoming, he has a lot of work to do to prove his sincerity plus he desperately needs Grace's help. Their mutual attraction with fits and starts to a relationship are the main part of the story. Grace’s romantic history coupled with parental issues make her very relationship adverse. Oren has his own issues in that respect plus two brothers to work with proving being in business with one’s family is always a challenge.

Big Pharma plays a role in this story as well as doctors who have lost sight of their ethics and oath to do no harm. This book has steamy scenes interspersed with two people trying to overcome past and current misunderstandings and learning to trust each other while their growing attraction intertwines with the investigation.

Book one in Rebecca Crowley’s London Phoenix series, The Insider is a short and sexy read focusing on an investigation into corruption in a London hospital. The story pairs Phoenix editor in chief Oren Brody and St Hilda’s Hospital accident and Emergency doctor Grace Reilly. While there is plenty of sex in this book I thought it was well written and far from gratuitous. For Grace, sex was initially all about her need to be in control of the situation and I liked that Oren was man enough to let her take the lead. I liked the way the relationship between these two slowly developed from physically attracted enemies to friends and eventually to lovers. This has been a thoroughly satisfying read.

Insider by Rebecca Crowley
If they tear down their walls, can they break the story wide open?
ER doctor Grace Reilly thrives on patching up her patients, propping them back on their feet and sending them home healthier, yet emotionally she feels flat on her back after being deceived by her ex-boyfriend. She’s shelved her malfunctioning romantic radar, possibly forever. But she’s not opposed to no strings attached sex, especially when she meets the brooding and enigmatic Oren Brody. Even better? After giving her a mind blowing orgasm with no reciprocal expectations, he vanishes as mysteriously as he appeared.
Six months ago Oren Brody and his brothers, Asher and Ebon, bought the London Phoenix newspaper to save the esteemed daily from bankruptcy. They need a big scoop or a budget shortfall could shut them down. A confidential tip about corruption and potential medical malfeasance points Oren toward St. Hilda’s Hospital – the same hospital where his mother unexpectedly died after a visit to the ER for a pounding headache. He needs answers, and Grace seems to be the key. He’d tracked her down hoping she could be a source. Seducing her was accidental, but he finds himself unable to ignore their zinging chemistry and he doesn’t really want to.
Oren needs to earn Grace’s trust, but that’s a big ask since their first meeting began with a lie and ended with sexual fireworks. Grace has already been deceived by one lover, can she forgive and forget and give Oren a chance?
This is Grace Reilly and Oren Brody's story.
“And that’s how a few minor investments can significantly enhance the emergency department at St. Hilda’s Hospital. Thank you for listening.”
Grace bowed her head as thunderous applause filled the lecture hall. The gesture had the dual function of feigning gratitude while hiding the cynical twist of her mouth.
These hospital executives had no problem putting their hands together for an A&E doctor’s rousing speech, but reaching into their pockets for funding was another story altogether.
“Have we met?” she asked.
He shook his head, then indicated the laptop and projector set up for the presentations. “I’m here with the media.”
Now she recognized him. She’d had a full view of the audience from the lectern, and although he’d spent most of her speech behind a newspaper, toward the end he’d lowered it enough for her to catch a glimpse of his face.
He was certainly the sexiest IT guy she’d ever seen. He was the sexiest man she’d seen in a long time, in fact.
Insider by Rebecca Crowley ia a 3 stars book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Rebecca's Books with Tule:
Insider
London Phoenix
Undercover
London Phoenix

This is the first book in a new series, the heroine is an ER doctor, the hero - a journalist working to uncover corruption in the hospital where she works.

I would describe this as an explosive start of a new series. I love this author's football series (Atlanta Skyline), one of my favourite contemporary romances of all time. I had high expectations of this series but sadly, they were not quite met. This was a nice romance but ultimately unremarkable. I felt it lacked depth, the characters were underdeveloped and some of the conflict felt forced to me. it could be just that I have come to expect so much more from Rebecca Crowley, it all appeared lackluster to me.

Things start off with an off-the-charts anonymous hook up between the MCs which leads to initial distrust by both of them - neither being sure the other isn’t pursuing a hidden agenda.

They each had their baggage and were reluctant to start a relationship but it all felt forced to me. There is an irresistible chemistry between them but I didn’t particularly like the vibe ‘not-like-other girls/guys’ I got throughout the story. There attraction and deep connection happened right away and I didn’t really buy it, there was nothing to show why they were so attracted to each. I could understand his reasons to some extend but felt she was overreacting and projecting her fears onto him till the very end.

The conflict of him lying/withholding information from her was quickly overcome and then when the black moment of their break-up happened, it felt completely out of place for me. Her reaction to something he did (rather didn’t do) seemed over-the-top and completely illogical. I never got fully invested in the characters and their issues. Both of them seemed melodramatic and their reactions didn’t appear genuine to me.

I was not really convinced their relationship will work out. There was nothing major wrong in their story, it was all minor details which didn’t work for me and in the end I was not sold on their HEA.

Grace knew these hospital executives had no problem putting their hands together for an A & E doctor’s rousing speech, but reaching into their pockets for funding was another story altogether. She heard a man say” I enjoyed your presentation. You have some clever ideas for reallocating funding.” He said he was here with the media- she figured an IT person she’d never seen before. He asked her a couple of questions than he asked her to have a drink with him. After the catastrophic choice that was her ex -Callen- boyfriend she was taking a hiatus from the dating game- potentially forever. She said her name was Grace and he was Oren. She grabbed two cups of wine and went back to the lecture hall. Than Grace took him to an abandoned for the night office. He asked if someone would try to break his nose if he touched her tonight? She said no one would try to break his nose and for what he was thinking yes. Grace pushed off his jumper and he said “ hang on. This is all wrong.” He added “ Look at you. You should be tasted, savored. Not rushed.” He kissed her and she thought if this was as far as they got it would be enough. Grace wanted Oren. She didn’t know why and didn’t care, Oren gave her oral and climaxed like she never had before and when she offered to do the same for him he said he got everything he came for. Than Grace realized oren had taken the department directory. Oren was the Editor In Chief of the London Phoenix newspaper. Oren had spent the morning going down the list and trying to someone to speak to speak to him about the alleged mismanagement of the A&E department at St. Hilda’s Hospital. The newspaper was investigating the allegations. Oren was determined to save the Phoenix for the sake of it’s: reputation as one of the UK’s best daily newspapers. Oren told his younger brother Ebon- he had called every doctor in the directory. The hesitation to give an interview he could understand but he wasn’t expecting the blanket refusal to review a case file. He had told them it would be off the record. He ran his hand over the manila folder with their mother’s name on it- Elena Brody. He spent the last two days making calls but he wasn’t getting any closer to uncovering the story at the hospital or getting answers about their mother’s death. Ebon said they would start with a nurse but a doctor would be better. Oren said he went as far as he could with his source. He couldn’t go back to her. Oren was a terrible liar and had built a career as an investigative journalist through canniness and will power rather than lying. He hadn’t exactly lied to Grace, he had misled her. Oren said they have to figure out how their mom arrived at St. Hilda's as a healthy retired woman with a headache, than never came home. Ebon said they would. They knew something was rotten at St. Hilda’s , they just need to put their finger on who and what Oren had never been so captivated by a woman. He certainly never succumbed to off- the charts carnel need within a twenty minute time window. Yet something about her had drawn him in from the first moment Grace stepped up to the lectern. Within a year of finishing journalism school oren found that his career isn't compatible with relationships. He channeled the pain from his break up with Natalie into the crazy hours, endless travel, and single minded focus required of a young reporter making his name. By the time he took the seat behind the editor’s desk he lost any interest he had in romance. Ebon asked if he or Asher could talk to Oren’s doctor? Oren said the doctor’s name was Grace Reiley but she was all his to chase and get information from. Grace had tried to find Oren. She’d got a full list of who had been invited to the conference. No Oren. Grace had met Callen the same week she started at St. Hilda’s. From the moment he brought her a drink in a pub Callen had been charismatic, enchanting, counterpoint to the powerlessment and sorrow she encountered daily working in A&E. She never doubted his honesty. Grace had spent the last few months digging herself out from under his lies. A man so like the man who had ruined her mother’s life. Peter carver from the communications department said a number of doctors had a call from Oren Brody at the London Phoenix. Peter said to remember the staff guidelines when Oren called her.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked how Oren and his brothers were determined to get the story on St. Hilda’s as well as find out if their mother had died from error. I enjoyed the give and take of Oren and Grace. I loved oren and grace together and how they interacted. I loved that they truly learned to trust each other. I also loved the fact oren was determined to save the London Phoenix newspaper. I liked that the author showed that their can be corruption even in a hospital that causes deaths. I loved that some doctors chanced their job to come forward and let the public know through the newspaper. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

INSIDER begins Rebecca Crowley’s London Phoenix series with Grace and Oren’s combustive relationship. And for me, “combustive” means more than simply the heat factor in their story, their arguments are equally as full of fire as is their sizzling attraction to each other.

I’m torn on this story for several reasons. I liked both Grace and Oren for the most part. Although, at times it seemed they argued simply because they didn’t like what the other was saying to them at that moment so to fight about it, or their feelings, was an instinctive reaction. One that made sense to them alone.

The Brody brothers are an interesting crew, and I will be waiting to figure these guys out. I understood Oren’s intense self-guilt but as an outsider knew that he couldn’t have known what was to come.

Grace is a sometimes strong woman, at other times she puzzled me. She’s been surrounded by people, often men, who have conned her, used her and hurt her on levels so deep that she’s now unwilling to trust anyone. Oren immediately does something that shows he’s just like the rest, so I understood her anger and hurt when the truth came out. To be fair, they both have issues that needed to be dealt with before there was a chance of a happy ending for this couple.

The medical mystery was an intriguing aspect of this story. And to delve into that too much would be risking spoilers. I’ll simply say that greed is an ugly thing and there is too much of it in high places these days.

I liked INSIDER, I didn’t love it. I will be picking up the next story when it’s available to see what happens with the next Brody to fall for his lady.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

A fast paced romance mystery involving deaths linked to the hospital where Grace is an ER doc. The reporter, Oren is trying to break the big story in his newspaper that him and his brothers just bought. There is hot sexual chemistry between Grace and Oren, a little fling is ok in Grace's heart since she has trust issues. Soon Oren breaks through the trust issue, but is it to late.

This story takes place in London, so I enjoyed the dialog between the characters. Great character development, both with their own problems that they need to come to terms with. Did I mention, hot sex scenes. A new to me author, looking forward to reading her next book.

Insider is the first book I remember reading written by Rebecca Crowley. At the heart of this medical/journalist story is a hot romance. The romance takes precedence which I found to overshadow the story of misconduct at a London hospital.

ER doctor Grace Reilly has an encounter with a stranger who is later found to be part owner of a newspaper. Their encounters continue at these two learn to trust each other while looking for corruption within the hospital. Oren Brody has two other brothers who also one part owners of the London Phoenix Newspaper. I like the premise of the series along with the easy of writing style, hoping the next in the series focuses less on sex and more on story.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Insider
(London Phoenix #1)
by Rebecca Crowley

Kindle Edition
Expected publication: August 22nd 2019



Goodreads synopsis:
ER doctor Grace Reilly thrives on patching up her patients, propping them back on their feet and sending them home healthier, yet emotionally she feels flat on her back after being deceived by her ex-boyfriend. She’s shelved her malfunctioning romantic radar, possibly forever. But she’s not opposed to no strings attached sex, especially when she meets the brooding and enigmatic Oren Brody. Even better? After giving her a mind-blowing orgasm with no reciprocal expectations, he vanishes as mysteriously as he appeared.

Six months ago Oren Brody and his brothers, Asher and Ebon, bought the London Phoenix newspaper to save the esteemed daily from bankruptcy. They need a big scoop or a budget shortfall could shut them down. A confidential tip about corruption and potential medical malfeasance points Oren toward St. Hilda’s Hospital – the same hospital where his mother unexpectedly died after a visit to the ER for a pounding headache. He needs answers, and Grace seems to be the key. He’d tracked her down hoping she could be a source. Seducing her was accidental, but he finds himself unable to ignore their zinging chemistry and he doesn’t really want to.

Oren needs to earn Grace’s trust, but that’s a big ask since their first meeting began with a lie and ended with sexual fireworks. Grace has already been deceived by one lover, can she forgive and forget and give Oren a chance?


***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in a new series called London Phoenix by Rebecca Crowley.

I completely resonated with this book because I also work at a newspaper like Oren Brody does except I am a graphic artist and he is an owner. Slight difference. But I do understand the dynamic. It is hard for a broadsheet paper to survive these days and finding those blockbuster stories that will trigger sales is few and far between.

This story is about Oren and his brothers who have bought a newspaper in London named the London Phoenix. They are already on the story of corruption inside of St. Hilda’s Hospital where Grace Reilly is an ER doctor. She meets Oren after a presentation where she was a speaker. He picked her brain about things, plugging her with questions. She mistakenly thought he was an IT guy and Oren didn’t correct her. Their instant attraction took Oren away from his goal and the two steeled away to a nearby office to have a little nookie. This is where he snagged a directory of all doctors and immediately disappeared.

During the search for the story, Oren and Grace have an on again, off again relationship that is hard on both of them. But eventually they begin to understand where the other is coming from after a long talk with friends and family to clear up the situation. I am interested in reading book two in the London Phoenix series which I assume will feature Ada, Grace’s former roommate and Oren’s brother Asher.

Definitely a guilty pleasure worth digging into!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

3.25⭐

Insider the first in Rebecca Crowleys new London Phoenix series was a decent read. That focuses on a hospital drug scandal and the co-owner of a newspaper. Who ends up falling for the ER doctor, he's hoping will provide him with inside information.

And whilst the drug scandal and subsequent investigation did seem to take a back seat to the romance I did find the story ok. But honestly, I struggled with the characters, and especially the initial meet cute. Which wasn't very realistic or smooth, and I found it extremely hard to connect with Grace. Whose attitude towards Oren puzzled me at times and I didn't once feel the heat or chemistry between Oren and Grace. Even though there are a lot of sex scenes throughout this story.

But, it was quick and easy to read and it did for the most part hold my interest. I just wish there had been more ground work laid and the overall story had been more substantial.

A romantic and sexy read, perfect for a cosy night in. Does what it says on the tin and is a really enjoyable read!

This was an advance copy from netgalley - thanks

Rebecca Crowley is a new author to me but I will certainly be looking our for more from her

Loved the book

Great characters and loved the storyline especially the twists and turns in the relationship made it a romance less predictable

It looks like this is part of a series so will definitely be looking out for more

Highly recommend

**This ARC was generously given by NetGalley**
I loved the little bit of hospital mystery that was included in this book. Oren and Grace were made for each other. I do have a little issue with how Grace handled the news being broke in the paper about the hospital. She didn't give Oren a chance to explain especially when he was with her the whole night. But I guess that's part of relationships.

This is a new to me author I loved the cover and description of the book is what got me but I don’t know if I liked it or disliked it this book had a lot going on I didn’t really like Grace too much Oren was a likeable character but I don’t get why him and his brothers put the investigation of their mother’s death on hold. I also wasn’t feeling the sex scene but I still give this book a good rating

This one was not my favorite. There was a lot going on and I didn’t really find any of it to be realistic. I won’t be reading the rest of this series.

Rebecca Crowley is a new-to-me author and I’ll happily admit it was the cover and blurb that did their job in drawing me in.

“Do you make a habit of putting your face between the legs of potential sources?”
“You’re a lifetime exception.”

With a fast paced start, Insider showed promise although as the story progressed it did lack in depth and development with a tendency to tell rather than show, particularly heading into the end—something that could likely have been rectified had it been a tad longer. But the author did enough to keep my interest and not only does she write a good steamy scene, but she also doesn’t gender stereotype her characters.

“Men were the insecure chink in her otherwise ironclad, confident armor.”

Grace breaks that certain mould that many heroines fall into and people can be unforgiving to women who don't fit a certain mould—being complicated, hardened or bitter, never allowed to make mistakes or throw caution to the wind makes them less likeable. Yet for me that’s what made Grace the opposite and I appreciated how Crowley portrayed both her and Oren, who is happy to hand over control in the bedroom to Grace on occasion and isn’t afraid to show his more vulnerable side as he struggles to cope with the grief of his mother’s sudden death alongside fighting to net that big scoop to save his paper.

“He had stories to tell, lives to save.”

With a strong dynamic between the Brody brothers and the feeling there’ll be more clashes between them along the way, I’ll be checking out Ebon and Asher’s stories for sure.

3.5 stars.

This was my first novel by Rebecca Crowley. Thank you NetGalley for the ACR of the book.

This novel is a romance novel with an extra helping of steamy sex scenes .

The characters weren’t very developed however they were likable.

The story seemed rushed and it seems like that might be a downfall to really getting to know the characters.

Will keep an eye out for the next book to watch for improvements.

Insider is a contemporary romance novel by author Rebecca Crowley that follows the Brody brothers as they try to keep their newspaper from going bankrupt while also attempting to get to the bottom of their mothers’ tragic death.

ER doctor Grace Reilly thrives on patching up her patients, yet emotionally she feels flat on her back after being deceived by her ex-boyfriend. Committed to shelving her bad judgement for men Grace swears off dating but she’s not opposed to no strings attached sex, especially when she meets the brooding and enigmatic Oren Brody who vanishes after giving her a mind-blowing orgasm.

Oren Brody and his brothers bought the London Phoenix newspapers six months ago to save it from bankruptcy. They need a big story or they’re not going to succeed, and a confidential tip about corruption and potential medical malfeasance points Oren towards St Hilda’s Hospital, the same hospital his mother unexpectedly died after a visit to the ER for a headache.

Oren needs answers and Grace seems to be the key to getting them.

Oren needs to earn Grace’s trust, but Grace has already been deceived by one lover, can she forgive and forget and give Oren another chance?

After reading the blurb for Insider I was excited to give it a go, unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations.
While it started strong, Insider soon dissolved into a mess of unrealistic motivations, poor character development, weak plot and contrary characters.

Both Oren and Grace’s character development seemed very poorly planned and established which made it seem like their entire personalities would change throughout the novel, almost like Rebecca Crowley couldn’t decide how she wanted the characters to act or think.

The characters change their mind continuously throughout the novel, sometimes only within a page or two, which was incredibly annoying and just seemed to be done to add drama and give the characters a reason to argue.

Also, the fact that Insider is written with a dual point of view means you get twice as much toing and froing.
Miscommunication was also a huge part of this novel, with neither character willing to put their cards on the table and say what or who they want, which again leads to more arguments and drama.

The amount of times Grace or Oren would push the other away then change their mind only to discover when they go to apologise, that the other person has now done something out of anger or annoyance that leads to yet another argument which makes them push each other away yet again.

For the first couple of pages Grace seems like a strong likeable character, however it becomes clear that she is poorly written, 2d character who has so many of the same types of horrible things happen in her past (and in the lives of those close to her) that it just becomes unbelievably and unrealistic.

Her last boyfriend turned out to be a con artist running a Ponzi Scheme, her father was also a con artist, her Mum’s boyfriend was yet another con artist running an illegal pyramid scheme, her friends’ father also fell for a pyramid scheme. This theme of characters in Grace’s life falling for con artists and the frequency of Ponzi & Pyramid schemes (seriously are theses scams so common?) just seems so unlikely and almost as if the author only included them to reinforce Grace’s poor judgment in men.

I also find it utterly ridiculous that within ten minutes (probably less) of meeting Orin, Grace lets him give her oral in a meeting room at her work function.

Oren, and his brothers, motivations for going after St Hilda’s seem extremely weak. Their entire motivation is that they believe their mother died from a brain haemorrhage because the hospital didn’t take proper care of her, yet they have absolutely no proof or eve a reason to suspect that until they get the anonymous tip about possible malpractice at the hospital.

Also, the basis with which Oren blames himself for his mother’s death seemed rather unbelievable. I understand that grief can make people blame themselves for not doing more but being convinced your mother’s death is your fault because you didn’t take her to hospital when she said she was getting a headache just seemed to far-fetched.

“She was on her way out, rummaging through her purse, then asked if I had any paracetamol. She had the beginnings of a headache…I should’ve taken her to A&E then and there… It’s a five-minute taxi to UCLH. Maybe they could’ve… It would’ve been early enough to… Blame me, Dad… Blame me for losing Mum. It’s my fault. I should’ve done something and I didn’t.”

I haven’t read any of Rebecca Crowley’s books before and I’m unlikely to read any others after having read Insider.

Insider had potential and started fairly strong but soon dissolved into a book filled with unnecessary drama caused by two contrary and unlikable characters with a weak plot.