gareindeedreads's review against another edition
4.0
Kimmery Martin has written a shimmering, hypnotic literary drama full of intrigue. The plot to this novel is not only brilliantly executed, but addictive as our story starts off with a hint of comedy following our two main characters intertwining two storylines. The novel is not only something that catches you from the beginning, but is full of exciting detail and brilliantly well written as we get to know Zadie and Emma. I was pleasantly surprised with how well Martin kind of dragged me as a reader into both of their lives and gave an intoxicating look into what these women are going through. These are two genuinely written women who feel like new friends that you immediately get to love and support.
The pacing with this novel is not only excellent, but I loved how the pacing between the present and past is syncopated; each next chapter a notch more exciting, thrilling, and a bit dangerous than the other. As we dive deeper into what happened in the past and how it is effecting so many different lives in the present, I was dumbfounded with how well this was carried out as I continued to read and read, promising myself I would stop at the next chapter. Reading this novel was like falling into a black hole of drama, love, and betrayal and I ate up every word.
I have previously read reviews of this novel that compare it to Greys Anatomy and while I can see the similarities due to the medical jargon used in the novel and the plot that has some rather steamy elements, I could also describe this novel as being on a whole other level. This novel is heartfelt and warm at times, devastating and beautiful at others, and by the end of it I was grasping at ideas as to what could happen next. While I enjoyed this read wholeheartedly throughout, the ending was a glorious conclusion that not only wrapped up any question I could have had, but proved to me that while this one is called THE QUEEN OF HEARTS and it is about a cardiologist, I think that once you read this one, the real queen of hearts is none other than Kimmery Martin.
*Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for providing me with this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The pacing with this novel is not only excellent, but I loved how the pacing between the present and past is syncopated; each next chapter a notch more exciting, thrilling, and a bit dangerous than the other. As we dive deeper into what happened in the past and how it is effecting so many different lives in the present, I was dumbfounded with how well this was carried out as I continued to read and read, promising myself I would stop at the next chapter. Reading this novel was like falling into a black hole of drama, love, and betrayal and I ate up every word.
I have previously read reviews of this novel that compare it to Greys Anatomy and while I can see the similarities due to the medical jargon used in the novel and the plot that has some rather steamy elements, I could also describe this novel as being on a whole other level. This novel is heartfelt and warm at times, devastating and beautiful at others, and by the end of it I was grasping at ideas as to what could happen next. While I enjoyed this read wholeheartedly throughout, the ending was a glorious conclusion that not only wrapped up any question I could have had, but proved to me that while this one is called THE QUEEN OF HEARTS and it is about a cardiologist, I think that once you read this one, the real queen of hearts is none other than Kimmery Martin.
*Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for providing me with this novel in exchange for my honest review.
whitmc's review against another edition
3.0
Halfway through I was over it. It was just unpolished. The chapters went both back and forth in time and between the two women as first person narrators and I couldn't keep track of who was talking and what year it was. So that started it, and then the storylines were confusing and then, well, depressing. BUT, I liked all the medical details A LOT, and that it was about friendship and the challenges with friendship, and that the author is a doctor. So I sincerely hope there is more from her and that she will become more polished with more writing.
reading_with_my_doodle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
3.0
If Grey's Anatomy were a book, this would be it. The first 5 seasons anyway, which is all I've watched/need to watch. Although the characters described in the book are certainly not direct comparisons to those on the tv show, the concepts are the same: medical students deep in clinical practice experiences learning all the hospital things ... and more.
This book, however, has the value added of seeing the characters 15 years after their residencies as practicing physicians with families while still navigating patients and co-workers ... and that past that won't stay in the past. Dun dun dun! There are definitely some jaw-dropping, page-turning revelations and gotta-find-out storylines.
I have to admit, I started out liking the tantalizingly slow release of information about the past culminating event that is coming back to be reckoned with. To a point, I did, anyway. I skimmed the last third of the book because I got tired of waiting.
Other readers who like a good suspense story and want to fully experience each long drawn out clue or new addition to the shocking events piling up will probably enjoy.
This book, however, has the value added of seeing the characters 15 years after their residencies as practicing physicians with families while still navigating patients and co-workers ... and that past that won't stay in the past. Dun dun dun! There are definitely some jaw-dropping, page-turning revelations and gotta-find-out storylines.
I have to admit, I started out liking the tantalizingly slow release of information about the past culminating event that is coming back to be reckoned with. To a point, I did, anyway. I skimmed the last third of the book because I got tired of waiting.
Other readers who like a good suspense story and want to fully experience each long drawn out clue or new addition to the shocking events piling up will probably enjoy.
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
4.0
This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/book-review-the-queen-of-hearts-by-kimmery-martin/
One of the big draws to me was the cover, which is gorgeous. I was also intrigued when I found out that it was about two female doctors and that there was something that happened back when they were students that could change their friendship forever. It also sounded like it would be a good read for someone who is a fan of the TV show, Grey’s Anatomy.
The Queen of Hearts follows doctors Zadie Anson and Emma Colley who have been friends since med. school. They are now both happily married, mothers and successful in their vein of medicine. Even though their lives are chaotic, they still find time to spend with each other. However, their lives are soon turned upside down with the arrival of Dr. Nick Xenokostas, a man from their past who knows a secret that could change their friendship forever, especially as it brings back memories of the tragic events that happened during their early years as medical students.
The Queen of Hearts is kind of a medical drama that forces two best friends to come terms with a tragic event that occurred almost 20 years ago when the “new” doctor, Nick Xenokostas, arrives in town.
I liked how the author slowly unfolded the reasons why both Zadie and Emma don’t like the fact that Dr. X has returned into their lives. It also reads like a story arc of Grey’s Anatomy, but not quite so much drama as in the show. I also liked seeing the contrast between the two main characters from when they were med. school students to the present day events of the novel. It was interesting to see Zadie’s growth as a character and her daily struggles with being a good wife, friend, doctor, and mom. I also liked Emma and how she seems so sure of herself until Dr X shows back up the scene, as well as when she has to endure the pain and aftermath of losing her first patient ever as a medical professional.
Readers will appreciate how Kimmery Martin masterfully portrays the theme of how one’s past grievances can come back and them in the butt. I did enjoy it, even though it took me a while to get into it, especially since the author takes her time unveiling certain details. However, I am looking forward to seeing what she has to offer readers next. 3.5/5 Stars.
One of the big draws to me was the cover, which is gorgeous. I was also intrigued when I found out that it was about two female doctors and that there was something that happened back when they were students that could change their friendship forever. It also sounded like it would be a good read for someone who is a fan of the TV show, Grey’s Anatomy.
The Queen of Hearts follows doctors Zadie Anson and Emma Colley who have been friends since med. school. They are now both happily married, mothers and successful in their vein of medicine. Even though their lives are chaotic, they still find time to spend with each other. However, their lives are soon turned upside down with the arrival of Dr. Nick Xenokostas, a man from their past who knows a secret that could change their friendship forever, especially as it brings back memories of the tragic events that happened during their early years as medical students.
The Queen of Hearts is kind of a medical drama that forces two best friends to come terms with a tragic event that occurred almost 20 years ago when the “new” doctor, Nick Xenokostas, arrives in town.
I liked how the author slowly unfolded the reasons why both Zadie and Emma don’t like the fact that Dr. X has returned into their lives. It also reads like a story arc of Grey’s Anatomy, but not quite so much drama as in the show. I also liked seeing the contrast between the two main characters from when they were med. school students to the present day events of the novel. It was interesting to see Zadie’s growth as a character and her daily struggles with being a good wife, friend, doctor, and mom. I also liked Emma and how she seems so sure of herself until Dr X shows back up the scene, as well as when she has to endure the pain and aftermath of losing her first patient ever as a medical professional.
Readers will appreciate how Kimmery Martin masterfully portrays the theme of how one’s past grievances can come back and them in the butt. I did enjoy it, even though it took me a while to get into it, especially since the author takes her time unveiling certain details. However, I am looking forward to seeing what she has to offer readers next. 3.5/5 Stars.
kerrisbooks13's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars! This was straight up Greys Anatomy in a novel format. Told from the perspective’s of long time bffs Zadie and Emma you see how secrets from their med school past affect their present day selves. I loved how the real love story here wasn’t really between two lovers but between these friends.
illidia316's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars! This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. I experienced everything from joy, dismay, relief, anger, delight, and more while reading The Queen of Hearts. The characters are all dynamic and so real, as is the drama. All of the medical bits are fascinating to me - I can almost picture this entire book as a long, sweeping season of Grey’s Anatomy (this is a good thing!) My favorite character is definitely Delaney - she, and her saying, are so unique and delightful.
~ I received an this book in exchange for my honest opinions, and they are all my own.
~ I received an this book in exchange for my honest opinions, and they are all my own.
sillygoose21's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars! If you like Grey’s Anatomy, you’ll love this book. Very interesting but could have been shorter.
feebeecamille's review against another edition
3.0
Reads like a season of Grey's Anatomy but was written by a physician who knows the medical world inside and out. I will never not pick up a book like this.
nene2517's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Medical content, Child death, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Fatphobia