The book was average but also felt familiar. I see that it was originally published in 2018 so it may have been that I read it before. A find read if you just need a weekend read and nothing super deep.

After nearly a decade as a professional drummer, Diana Petrell leaves her rock-star life behind to continue her residency in emergency medicine. She’s determined not to let anything stop her—not even falling in love with her aloof mentor, Dr. Emily Barnes.

Emily has only ever focused on her career as a senior attending in the emergency department, and she isn’t happy about having to babysit a resident with a ten-year gap in her résumé, no matter how intriguing she is. But every time they work together, it’s not just their patients’ heartbeat that gets a little irregular. Soon, the once-clear lines between work and personal life begin to blur. When Diana’s unorthodox secret past is revealed, putting her job in jeopardy, Emily has to choose between her career and her relationship.

This book was so good. I love the tension between these very different personalities! One thing that I don't always like in romances - the horrible communication - is absent in this story, and I so appreciate the fun push and pull chemistry between these two ladies who know how to communicate! If you like sapphic medical romances, PICK THIS UP!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Diana Petrell returns to finish her residency in emergency medicine. She’s been gone nine years enjoying success in a rock band. Dr. Emily Barnes is the tough no nonsense senior attending in the emergency department. I like medical romances and this hits the right notes for me. There is care and professionalism in the workplace. And then there are the extra touches of volunteering at a youth center. Also Barnes is divorced and co-parents a teen-aged son. Zett does a great job of building the attraction and sexual tension between the pair. And I like that they are adults and can communicate well. Both characters are very likable and Petrell isn’t a rock star cliche.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of Irregular Heatbeat. Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date. I look forward to finding it in my local bookstore or library!

Lola Keeley’s Slammed serves up a captivating blend of sports and romance, showcasing the intense world of professional tennis through the eyes of two fierce competitors. As a fan of Keeley’s previous works, such as Her Royal Happiness and A Roll in the Hay, I was excited to dive into this story, and it certainly delivered.

The novel centers on Elin Larsson, the world’s No. 1 tennis star, who grapples with the pressures of her career while navigating a budding attraction to her rival, Toni Cortes Ruiz. Their dynamic is electric, filled with competitive tension and palpable chemistry that unfolds beautifully over the course of the narrative. Keeley expertly captures the complexities of their relationship, as both women must confront their feelings amidst the challenges of the sport and the media scrutiny that comes with being at the top.

What I particularly enjoyed about Slammed is that it balances a well-developed plot with romance. There’s plenty of action on the court, which adds depth to the characters' motivations and struggles. If you appreciate a story where the stakes are high, both in love and sport, this book is a rewarding read. However, if you prefer more focus on the romantic elements with less emphasis on the plot or sports, you might find this book leans more towards the competitive side.

Keeley’s writing shines with her trademark wit and emotional resonance, making Elin and Toni’s journey both relatable and engaging. The development of their relationship feels genuine, as they navigate the complexities of rivalry, ambition, and love.

Overall, Slammed is a delightful sports romance that will satisfy readers who enjoy a balance of plot and relationship development. If you’re looking for a story that captures the thrill of competition alongside a heartfelt love story, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Diana is a former rock star who before she was a rock star was an ED resident. Now she's back to being an ED Resident again, and she's hoping that she can manage to do it as her, instead of as her Rock alter ego, Dee. She meets Emily on her first day. Emily is to be her supervisor. And, Emily is as different as she can be from Diana. She is buttoned up to an nth degree.

We slowly get to know both women, why they are how they are. And, they slowly get to know each other as well. It's not all smooth sailing of course, but, the bumps didn't seem super overblown, which was nice. It was a really fun read (as usual, I'm pretty sure that I'd already read a second book set in this same hospital before I read this one, oops...)

I love to read stories where the two characters makes each other better and are clearly meant to be together despite their circumstances. Irregular heartbeat is one of those stories. Both characters have trauma from their pasts that they work together to heal. Plus Diana and Emily both have different vibes that somehow work together. I enjoyed this story and I would recommend it to someone looking for a sapphic romance.

I have such a soft spot for any book that reminds me of the good ol' Grey's Anatomy days. Diana and Emily's romance had just the right amount of push and pull between the characters and their livelihoods. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

In this story we have a drummer turned resident falling for her attending. Grey's anatomy meets Coachella or something. Anyways, Diana used to be a resident but then became famous with her band and toured the world. Emily is a reclusive doctor who is still burdened by the shadow of her overbearing mother.

There are also two BFF's Jen and Mel. I enjoyed them. I just did not understand why they were so presen the first few chapters and then suddenly disappeared.

I enjoyed Diana and Emily as a couple. They give each other space and time while they deal with their own feelings and each other. Special shoutout to Liz.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

*Irregular Heartbeat* by Chris Zett is a gripping and heartfelt romance that masterfully explores the intersection of love and ambition. The story follows Diana Petrell, a talented drummer who transitions from a vibrant rock-star life to the demanding world of emergency medicine. As she navigates the challenges of her residency, Diana finds herself irresistibly drawn to her mentor, Dr. Emily Barnes, an accomplished attending physician whose laser focus on her career makes her initially reluctant to engage with Diana on a personal level.

Zett crafts a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of their developing relationship. The chemistry between Diana and Emily is palpable, and as they work together in the fast-paced environment of the emergency room, the lines between their professional and personal lives begin to blur. The tension mounts as Diana's hidden past threatens her career, forcing Emily to confront her feelings and the sacrifices she must make for love. The emotional stakes are high, making for a captivating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The author’s ability to balance humor and heartache enhances the overall experience, with well-developed characters who resonate with authenticity. Zett’s exploration of how much one is willing to risk for love makes *Irregular Heartbeat* not just a romance, but a thoughtful examination of personal growth and the challenges of blending two very different worlds. This book is a must-read for fans of medical dramas and slow-burn romances, delivering both excitement and emotional depth in equal measure.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

Diana Petrell former drummer with a band now a resident in an E.D trying to finish her residency, shes hoping to keep her secret of being a drummer under wraps whilst she finishes her time at the E,D

dr emily barnes is in charge and she doesnt take prisoners she is also in charge of diana and knows nothing about her past, what she doesnt like is the 10 year gap in dianas education and is very suspect.....

but as more time is spent together dr barnes can see how professional diana is even if she wont say why the gap....

until the secret gets out....

what a pleasant read this book was...love a good doctors storyline and this had all the elements to it... cant wait to read more from this author

Romance and drama, music and medicine (3.5 stars)
This book is mostly predictable with few surprises in the plot but was still fun to read. There's plenty of humor and loads of drama both inside and outside of the hospital setting. The details about medicine and music are accessible for the layman and both professions are depicted with unvarnished realism and make for fascinating reading. The characters, particularly the mains, are given enough varied scenes to showcase their personalities as well as how their individual pasts have impacted and continue to impact their current lives. It has a nice ending so if you want an easy read with romance, drama and humor this might fit the bill. I enjoyed the book except for a few odd wording choices and changes of pace in the course of the plotlines unfolding, both of which took me out of the flow of the story temporarily.
(Reviewed October 16, 2018)

Title: Irregular Heartbeat
Author: Chris Zett
Genre: A Gripping, Emotional Thriller!
Pub. Date: October 02, 2018

5/5 Stars

Chris Zett's "Irregular Heartbeat" is a masterful, pulse-pounding thriller that expertly weaves suspense, drama, and intrigue.

Standout Features:

- Complex, relatable characters with deep motivations
- Twisty, unpredictable plot with shocking surprises
- Emotionally charged themes of love, loss, and redemption
- Expertly crafted tension and suspense

Review:

"Irregular Heartbeat" is a riveting, emotional rollercoaster that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Zett's writing is evocative, immersive, and thought-provoking.

Recommendation:

For fans of thrillers, suspense, and crime fiction, "Irregular Heartbeat" is a must-read. If you enjoy authors like David Baldacci, Harlan Coben, or Tess Gerritsen, you'll devour this.

Rating Breakdown:

- Plot: 5/5
- Characters: 5/5
- Setting: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5

Target Audience:

- Fans of thrillers, suspense, and crime fiction
- Readers who enjoy complex characters and plots
- Those interested in exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption

Some possible praise for the book:

- "A gripping, emotional thriller that will leave you breathless."
- "Chris Zett's writing is razor-sharp, with characters that leap off the page."
- "A masterful, twisty plot that will keep you guessing."

Some possible criticisms:

- "The pacing could be slower in some sections."
- "Some readers may find the themes emotionally challenging."