Love Sick is the book for you if you love medical dramas and rom coms!

Grace and Julian are the perfect storm of opposites-attract-meets-meant-to-be. Grace is carrying the weight of some serious residency rumors, plus a history that makes trusting others difficult. Meanwhile, Julian is charming, determined, and battling ADHD in a world that demands perfection. Their dynamic, banter and tension is so so good. The way they challenge and support each other? SWOON. I could not stop laughing at the creative and nerdy nicknames they kept coming up with each other! I loved the "Made me think of you" text exchange they had ongoing. It goes to show that opposites attract, that the line between love and hate is thin!

I also loved the behind-the-scenes peek into the medical world. The long hours, the impossible expectations, the way friendships form under pressure—it all felt so real (probably because the author is a doctor herself). And the side characters were great and get you invested from the beginning.

Overall, this was a fast, fun, and heartfelt read that I devoured quickly.

I love a good woman in STEM moment. Here, with the author being an OBGYN herself, I felt like I was getting an accurate fictional portrayal of residency. A lot of toxic culture from the irony of having a boys club in an OBGYN residency to the literal disparity in treatment between male and female doctors/residents. I was disheartened by some of the mean nurse to women but nice nurse to men stereotypes, but what is a plot device.

The story is a duo prospective narration between Grace and Julien. Grace is dorky and strong, something a lifetime of being bullied about her unfortunate name built up for her. Julien really helps even her character out. The best way to explain is that he jumps into the pool feet first, while Grace needs to be tugged in by Julien when she is just dipping her toes in.

Julien and Grace have an amazing rivals to lovers dynamic that is built off an unfortunate miscommunication. The story takes place over two years and it helps show the slow and steady change in their relationship and dynamics. I think seeing both of their prospectives not only on their relationship, but how different a medical residency is for men and women really sold the story for me.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes cute romance stories or medical drama shows.

This book is reminiscent of the early seasons of Greys Anatomy, when the interns are learning and honing their craft while navigating all types of relationships within the medical world - platonic, romantic, teacher/student.

Grace and Julian get off on the wrong foot when they meet at a mixer before starting their OBGYN residencies. Grace is the subject of a nasty, misogynistic rumor circling through the residents and attending. Grace is livid when she is under the impression that Julian believes the rumor to be true. Julian and Grace’s encounters become more frequent as their intern class starts residency and spending time together outside the hospital, and Grace learns that Julian is actually super nice - to everyone except her. Grace also fears that the rumor is causing her to not get to take the lead on surgeries when all her intern-mates are getting the opportunity. As intern year progresses, Grace and Julian agree to help each other out - Julian needs help studying and Grace needs help with surgical skills. The enemies become lovers.

I really enjoyed the banter between Grace and Julian, especially through their texts. I loved how supportive they were of each other and complemented each other very well. I was rooting for them the whole time, and thought they were a great couple with good chemistry. I also appreciated that the “enemies” part of the enemies to lovers lasted a while and they didn’t become lovers immediately. Very solid workplace, enemies to lovers romance!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love Sick is a story about OBGYN residents in Texas. Julian & Grace instantly get off on the wrong foot. There’s a lot of tropes in this book that I usually like, however the relentless misogyny and abuse that Grace endured for the majority of this book was a struggle for me. Julian sees all of this as a man with four sisters. He does what he can, within his power as a fellow first year resident. I have experienced toxic work environments, but nothing that compares to the environment that Grace endured throughout this book. The banter and yearning didn’t quite hit the mark for me, despite one or two feet kicking moments.

Once the lovers part of enemies to lovers emerged, I did enjoy the last 2/3 of the book immensely. The progression of their love, spice, third act breakup & ending were all really well down. The Administrators finally did something that Grace’s abuse, allowing her a way to work to prevent this from happening to others and both main characters grew into their confidence. Thank you to NetGalley & Canary Street Press for this eARC.

Love Sick was a fun and entertaining read! As someone who works in healthcare, I found the struggles and interactions with superiors so relatable and accurate! I think it's awesome that the author is a physician, and you could really tell she knew what she was writing about and had personal experience.

Big thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the early copy via NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

4 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review via NetGalley. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC.

This was a great enemies-to-lovers romance. The tension was top notch, and the banter was unbelievable; both Grace and Julian could dish it and I loved every second of it. Add in real life issues, the struggles of a medical residency, and a whole lot of chemistry and you have a beautiful romantic comedy.

This was such an authentic look into the world of medicine, from actual medical practice to the tools and systems used in medicine today. I truly appreciated the unique look into the toxic work culture present in the medical field, full of gossip and rumors, imposter syndrome, and impossible standards. While all of these things were present, the book was still remarkably light-hearted and made me truly laugh out loud.

None of the characters in this book were one dimensional and there was fantastic growth throughout for our main characters.

For those who love a medical drama, you will love this! Mark your calendars for May 13 – this one is a definite need-to-read!


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Deidra Duncan’s Love Sick begins strong - the banter is witty and the glimpse into the horror that is residency is compelling.

Like many other reviewers, I found the conflict unbelievable and too drawn out. There isn’t enough background provided to justify the FMC’s distrust and self-doubting. One ex who was awful doesn’t hold the weight that the story claims. So either more character development or a more believable conflict to resolve is needed.

The cast of characters are mostly likable and the comraderie of their fellow residents is lovely. For a debut novel, this has good bones. The book’s real strength lies in the peek behind the curtain of the road to becoming a doctor.

Recommend with 3.5/5 stars.

Okay, I loved this. Like, stayed-up-way-too-late-reading-and-regretted-nothing kind of loved.

"Love Sick" is everything I want in a romance—funny, heartfelt, smart, and just the right amount of messy. Grace is such a relatable main character; her anxiety felt so real and well-written, and I just wanted to reach through the pages and give her a hug (or, like, scream at people on her behalf). And Julian?? Yeah, he had me side-eyeing him at first, but then he went and had depth and charm and was actually emotionally available??? A man in STEM (well, med) with growth and vulnerability?? Be still my heart.

The enemies-to-lovers tension was *chef's kiss*. Their banter? Impeccable. Their chemistry? Off the charts. And the backdrop of the residency program made everything feel high-stakes and intense in the best way—like *Grey’s Anatomy* but if Meredith and Derek had more millennial humor and mutual emotional baggage.

Also, huge props to the author for tackling topics like toxic work culture, rumors, and imposter syndrome in a way that felt real but never too heavy. It balanced the rom-com vibes with real-world challenges so well.

Highly recommend if you love medical drama, sarcastic soft boys, fierce heroines trying to find their voice, and that feeling of falling in love when you really weren’t planning on it. So yeah. Will be thinking about Grace and Julian for a while.

📚 BookTok Review: Love Sick by Deidra Duncan 💉💔​

Love Sick by Deidra Duncan is a captivating blend of medical drama and romance, perfect for fans of Grey's Anatomy and The Hating Game. Set to release on May 13, 2025, this debut novel follows Grace Rose, a first-year OB-GYN resident battling workplace rumors and personal insecurities. Her journey becomes even more complex with the arrival of Julian Santini, a fellow resident whose charm and wit challenge her resolve. ​

What to Expect:
-Enemies-to-Lovers Romance: The evolving relationship between Grace and Julian is filled with sharp banter and undeniable chemistry, making their transition from rivals to partners both engaging and heartfelt. ​
-Authentic Medical Setting: Written by a practicing OB-GYN, the novel offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by medical residents, adding depth to the narrative. ​
-Themes of Resilience and Growth: Grace's struggle with social anxiety and professional hurdles highlights her journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. ​

If you're looking for a romance that combines the intensity of medical life with the sweetness of unexpected love, Love Sick is a must-read. Mark your calendars for its release on May 13, 2025!​

#LoveSick #DeidraDuncan #MedicalRomance #EnemiesToLovers #BookTokRecs

2.25 stars.

I loved the premise of the story, but felt the author wasn’t able to deliver. The setting felt forced, and while I have no experience in a medical residency, I felt like the setting was giving me second hand stress and anxiety. The characters didn’t feel fully flushed out until the literal end of the book. I personally find the trope that a previous broken heart renders you incapable of love ever again exhausting as well. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

CW: miscarriage mention, off page dubious consent to sexual acts, off page sexual coercion

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Deidra Duncan for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! One of my favorite shows includes Grey’s Anatomy so of courseee I ate up this story 🤭 The story had me angry at the beginning for Grace, when a rumor began that someone was admitted to the program by sleeping with an important person; Grace being the newest member had everyone assuming that person was Grace. This story had a perfect dose of slow burn, humor and tension!


Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Medical field
- Slow burn

Thank you netgalley for this eARC.

This was cute. I love Grey's anatomy and this definitely gave me those vibes.

This was my favorite medical romance I love that there was DO representation as a medical girly myself.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC!

This book is everything I needed to prevent the reading slump I felt coming on! Following two OBGYN residents, this story is about learning to trust again and falling in love with someone unexpected. Grace is nursing a broken heart after her medical school boyfriend broke her trust, and she is suffering the consequences of untrue rumors circulating about how she slept her way into a residency program. She and Julian bicker to no end until they form an unlikely but mutually beneficial friendship. The feelings lying underneath the friendship eventually surface too.

Sometimes, enemies-to-lovers outside fantasy books can be daunting and hard to believe, but this was done well! The timeline was incredibly representative of how quickly time flies while studying medicine, and even though the miscommunication trope is my least favorite, this one felt realistic. I would recommend this as a fun, fast-paced romance read (especially to anyone in the medical field).

This was a quick enemies-to-lovers romance. We follow Julian and Rose as they learn from each other and confront their fears. It also addresses how detrimental gossip in the workplace can be.

I haven't read a medical rom com before and I now I know why. This one read to much like a Grey's Anatomy episode at least in my my opinion.

I was genuinely excited to dive into this book, especially given its promise of a romance centered around the medical field, a theme I typically adore for its blend of high stakes and emotional depth. Unfortunately, while the premise held potential, the execution fell short of my expectations.

The writing? It’s fine. Not bad, not amazing. Just… there. Like, it got the job done, but I kept waiting for a line or a moment to punch me in the feels, and it never came..My primary struggle, however, was the MMC. He was a jerk(excuse my language) 70% of the book. By the time his transformation began, my investment in his journey had waned, leaving the redeeming moments feeling rushed and unconvincing.

That said, I appreciate the author’s attempt to weave medical elements into the romance, and there were glimpses of charm in the supporting cast and setting. Readers who enjoy slow-burn dynamics might find merit here, but the prolonged toxicity of the MMC’s behavior overshadowed the romance for me.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc. The arc was provided in exchange for an honest review

enjoyed the premise with the close-knit interns, but the writing style fell a little flat for me in the first few chapters.

Tropes:
- enemies to friends to lovers
- ADHD (mmc)
- social anxiety (fmc)
- pining
- slow burn
- medical romance

What could say more about a book than the fact that I usually take 3–6 days to read one, but I finished this in a day? 😁
Need I say more?

This was a fantastic story about the realities of life and work in the medical field, the impact of rumors on a career, and the consequences of abusive relationships.

Grace and Julian had amazing chemistry — as enemies, as friends, and as lovers. Their unwavering support for each other completely won me over.

I highly recommend it to all fans of medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor, Chicago Med, and others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There were lots of interesting components of this book. I liked the idea of following doctors through their early years and the challenges they encounter. There were times where I did enjoy this book, but unfortunately, the majority fell flat for me personally. I can see people who connect more closely with this life potentially enjoying the story and its resolution as it relates to those in the medical field.