Book Reviews
 THE ITALIAN DOCTOR'S BRIDE
From
Cataromance – October 2006
4½ stars
Margaret McDonagh, whose debut novel The Italian Doctor's
Bride is a
wonderfully romantic tale of getting a second chance at
love and life which
cements Ms. McDonagh's position as writer to watch out
for in the future!
 Review
The rural Scottish village of Lochanrig
is in dire need of another doctor at the village practice
as Dr Hannah Frost is finding it increasingly hard to cope
on her own, so she's absolutely delighted when she hears
that an employment agency has found her a doctor who has
not only worked all over the world, but who also comes
highly recommended. Italian doctor Dr Nicola Di Angelis
seems like the ideal candidate for the job and Hannah cannot
wait for her to start working at the practice, however,
when a gorgeous six footer with an Italian accent turns
up on her doorstep, Hannah realizes Nicola is one hundred
per cent male! Having sworn off men and devoted
herself completely to her career, Hannah is furious that
she's now got to not just share her practice with Nic,
but also her home!
The village of Lochanrig has welcomed
Nic with open arms and with his gentle and caring ways
Hannah is certainly not impervious to his charms! But an
episode from her past is always on her mind preventing
her from getting close to anyone. Is Nic willing to show
her the way forward and that her future happiness lies
with him by her side?
The Italian Doctor's Bride is absolutely wonderful! Margaret
McDonagh writes with plenty of warmth, charm and sensitivity
and she sucks you into her story from the very first page.
Set in a lovely rural village which Margaret McDonagh describes
so vividly that you'll be wishing it was a real place,
The Italian Doctor's Bride is a spellbinding romance featuring
believable characters you'll grow fond of, vivid medical
scenarios, heartfelt emotion and poignant romance.
Emotionally intense, powerfully moving and absolutely
gripping, Margaret McDonagh has written a fabulous story
which is heading straight for my keeper shelf and I can't
wait to read more books from this hugely talented writer!
Reviewed
by Julie
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
www.pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com
October 2006
The Italian Doctor’s Bride transports
the reader to the remote Scottish village of Lochanrig,
where the fragile Dr. Hannah Frost proves to be an expert
when dealing with her patients – although a traumatic
incident in her past has left her personal life barren
and impersonal. Into Hannah’s life comes Dr. Nic
di Angelis, a gorgeous Italian doctor with his own heartbreaking
history. Margaret McDonagh’s book charts the trials
and tribulations of the two doctors as they gradually build
a relationship over a period of six months.
The strength of the story lies in the characterisation.
Readers gradually warm to the icy heroine, Hannah, as her
story progresses, and it's a delight to watch the Italian
hero as he slowly thaws her cool exterior. In Nic di Angelis,
Margaret McDonagh has created a stunning, well-rounded
romance hero whose presence on the page guarantees a good
read. Plus, he’ll doubtlessly melt the hearts of
any female reader.
The book is very fast-paced and packs plenty of incident
into the storyline. Margaret McDonagh exploits the dangers
offered by the rural location well and provides the reader
with all manner of accidents. These are balanced with the
sometimes upsetting illnesses of the various villagers.
However the medical setting of the story is rightfully
kept in the background and never impedes on the blossoming
romance between the two central characters.
The dialogue is sparky and the romantic scenes aren't
repetitive. Margaret McDonagh provides a well-crafted and
highly enjoyable read in this, her debut for Harlequin
Mills & Boon.
Hero Hotness Factor: 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor: 4 hearts
Awww Factor: 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they live happily ever after?):
4 hearts
Weepy Factor: 4 hearts
A DOCTOR WORTH WAITING FOR
From Romance Reviewed
romancereviewed.blogspot.com
Gray Says: In A Doctor Worth Waiting For, a semi-sequel
to her first book, The Italian Doctor's Bride, Margaret
McDonagh reintroduces the reader to south-west Scotland
and the lives and loves of the doctors working there. A
Doctor Worth Waiting For is a standalone book and doesn't
require any prior knowledge of The Italian Doctor's Bride,
but those who have read Margaret McDonagh's previous Medical
Romance will be delighted to see the first book's hero
and heroine, Nic and Hannah, turn up here in minor supporting
roles.
I'm pleased to say that Margaret's second book is even
better than her first! When I read The Italian Doctor's
Bride, I didn't imagine that the author would ever be able
to reach the same standards, and the same level of quality,
as in her debut work. A Doctor Worth Waiting For is an
excellent read which goes far deeper than most category
romances - the reader really gets a feel for the central
characters, who now feel more 'real' than many real-life
people I know!
Everything I loved about Margaret's first book is enhanced
here, from the detailed writing to the emotions of the
leads. As the heroine, Kate is tortured and disturbed,
and the book goes into some very dark places when detailing
the horrors of her past. Conor makes for one of the warmest,
most instantly likeable fictional heroes I've encountered,
and the tender romance between the two is utterly engaging.
While the book is very easy to read, obvious care has
been taken with the quality of the writing. Paragraphs
are complex, conveying plenty of information without overwhelming
the reader; as a result, there's an almost 'literary' feel
to the writing. Some might scoff at my use of the word
'literary' to describe a category romance, but Margaret
McDonagh skilfully charts the lives of her characters in
the way a modern-day George Fielding might - and I have
to say, I much prefer this to something like Middlemarch!
Elsewhere, the medical scenes are as well-handled and
expertly researched as always, and the setting of the story
is almost a supporting character in itself - it helps that
I've personally visited some of the locations, like Bruce's
Stone, myself! Complex, believable and nuanced characters
bring this tale to life, creating scenes that are unbelievably
moving - and even heart-rending in some cases. If you're
looking for a category romance that ticks all of the boxes,
then check out A Doctor Worth Waiting For.
Pet Peeves: None
Overall Rating: 5 roses
* * * * *
From Cataromance
5 stars
In her second Mills and Boon Medical Romance, A Doctor
Worth Waiting for, talented storyteller Margaret McDonagh
has written a charming and captivating romantic tale which
will tug at your heartstrings and bring many a tear to
your eye. Moving and engrossing, this poignant romance
further cements Ms. McDonagh's position as one of Mills
and Boon's most talented new writers.
Review
 Dr. Kate Fisher came to the rural Scottish village of
Glentown-on-Firth to prove to herself that can still be
a doctor - as well as to recover from a traumatic experience
which still haunts her. Accepting a job as a locum means
that she doesn't have to form any ties or get too close
to anyone, however, Dr. Conor Anderson has got other plans.
Conor is intrigued by Kate. She's an excellent doctor,
but her terse and guarded manner still doesn't manage to
hide her inner turmoil or the evident pain in her eyes.
He is determined to get to the root of her problem and
to find out just what she is really hiding for him.
But Kate is determined to stay as far away from Conor
as she possibly can. Past experience has proved to her
that dating a colleague entails plenty of heartache and
with Conor's reputation as a ladies' man, she's not prepared
to risk getting her heart broken all over again.
However, Kate hasn't counted on Conor's affection for
her - or for the fact that he's prepared to move heaven
and earth to make her his bride!
A Doctor Worth Waiting for is absolutely terrific! In
Conor, Margaret McDonagh has created a hero who is so kind,
compassionate, generous and gorgeous that I defy any reader
not to fall in love with him and Kate's pain, vulnerability
and strength is so eloquently described that I felt every
emotion she went through and I cried, sympathized and empathized
with her.
If you haven't read Margaret McDonagh's Medical Romances
yet, then run to the bookstore and prepare to lose yourself
in a compelling tale which will involve and enthrall you!
Reviewer Julie
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Margaret McDonagh's second Medical Romance, A Doctor Worth
Waiting for is a
wonderfully emotional tale which has got keeper written
all over it!
Dr. Kate Fisher has accepted a job as a locum in a rural
Scottish town in order to recover from a traumatic experience
as well as to prove to herself that she can still cut it
as a doctor. She doesn't want to make new friends, form
new relationships or be part of the community, but Dr.
Conor Anderson has got other ideas.
Conor is intrigued by Kate. She's a wonderful doctor and
a beautiful woman, however, Conor is puzzled by her cautious
manner. Just what is she hiding? And why is there so much
pain in her eyes?
Kate doesn't want Conor anywhere near her. She's already
had her heart broken by a former colleague so she's certainly
not going to date Conor. But Conor's heart, kindness and
charisma draw her in, but is she going to let the past
get in the way of her future?
A Doctor Worth Waiting For is a fantastic romantic story
which you will not be able to put down! Margaret McDonagh
writes with such flair, style and heart that you'll feel
every emotion which the characters go through and you'll
be so absorbed in her novel, that you'll simply devour
it in one sitting.
In A Doctor Worth Waiting For, Margaret McDonagh blends
wonderful characters, carefully conveyed medical detail,
poignant romance and intense emotional drama in an absorbing
and unforgettable romantic novel which you will remember
long after the last page is turned.
Hero Hotness Factor – 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor – 5 hearts
Awww Factor – 5 hearts
Stickability Factor – 5 hearts
Weepy Factor – 5 hearts
* * * * *
 From Coffee Time Romance
Rating: 5 Cups
Dr. Kate Fisher is running from her past. She has seen
hell and is now living with the demons. The only thing
that she believes will help her is to take a job in rural
Scotland and hope she can work through her past and hopefully
move on with her future. But is she brave enough to accept
help when she needs it the most?
Dr. Conor Anderson knows that Kate is the one for him
from the moment they meet. He does not understand why she
is keeping herself from him and senses it has to do with
the pain she is hiding inside. His only thought is to get
her to open up and trust him. Knowing that in the process
he may just push her further away.
Kate is confused, scared and lonely. But that is something
that she would never admit to anyone. Upon meeting Conor,
she immediately compares him to the man she once trusted
and loved, another doctor whom she worked with. Conor does
not understand her aversion to him and knows he must win
her trust. He takes things slowly but when she has to perform
an emergency operation at a wreck and loses it afterwards,
he realizes that he must get to the bottom of things, and
quickly. Will he be able to save her from the past and
make her whole again?
Ms. McDonagh brings us hope that all things are truly
possible, if we let ourselves trust in one another. I found
this story to be uplifting in the fact that Kate faces
her demons and finally lets go of her past. The torture
and the sadness that Kate bears with her is palpable. Conor
is the epitome of a truly caring individual who is not
afraid to let his emotions show. Ms. McDonagh is truly
a gifted writer and should feel proud of such a wonderful
book. If you love medical romances, then this is one book
that is a must read. I will certainly be looking forward
to reading more from this author.
Liadan
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
 HIS VERY SPECIAL NURSE
From Romance Reviewed
romancereviewed.blogspot.com
The third of Margaret McDonagh’s medical romances
set in southwest Scotland, His Very Special Nurse is a
delightful book that manages to improve on the first two
already-good books in her series. Fans of the author will
be pleased to hear that the heroes and heroines of The
Italian Doctor’s Bride and A Doctor Worth Waiting
For are back here as secondary characters, so the reader
gets to catch up on what’s been happening with Nic,
Conor, Hannah and Kate.
This book offers more of the same entrancing Scottish
scenery as Margaret’s other books in the series,
and more of the same medical cases for our hero and heroine
to deal with. As the heroine is a district nurse in this
book, the medical scenarios are more about illness than
emergency, so the author trades excitement in exchange
for real, human emotion. I was immediately struck by the
deepness of the characters – both central and secondary – in
the storyline. Margaret really delves into their personalities,
finding out what makes them tick, and as a result the novel
is so authentic that I struggled to remember that I wasn’t
reading a work of non-fiction!
The author’s grasp of characterisation improves
with every book and this story reaches new depths of human
consciousness – a light, fluffy chick-lit story this
isn’t! Instead it shows how two very different people
can come together, despite the many internal and external
obstacles in their way. Kyle Sinclair is the classic brooding
hero, with a touch of Mr. Rochester about him, while heroine
Alex Patterson is simply lovely... a real caring, sharing
human being, somebody it’s impossible not to fall
in love with from the first page. Margaret also deserves
kudos for creating a memorable villain in her stalker-nurse,
Poison Penny!
His Very Special Nurse is packed with emotion, intrigue
and sparkling dialogue. The plot is secondary to the story
of the central characters; indeed this is a character-focused,
character-led book. The pace picks up in the final third
of the story as things build up to a make-or-break scenario,
and I was hooked onto every page, struggling to put the
book down. The author manages the difficult trick of making
a book complex and heavy with feeling while at the same
time making her writing simple and readable in the extreme.
This is a genuinely moving read and the author’s
best yet. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Pet Peeves: None
Overall Rating: 5 roses
Reviewed by Gray
* * * * *
From Cataromance
4½ stars
Margaret McDonagh is fast becoming one
of favourite romance writers! Her novels, set in small
Scottish villages, feature independent heroines and irresistible
heroes and their captivating blend of powerful emotion,
intense drama and heart wrenching romance never fails to
keep me turning the pages late into the night!
After his marriage broke down, Dr Kyle Sinclair decided
to shut himself off from the world and to throw himself
completely into his work. He does not expect to get involved
with anyone ever again - nor does he think that he will
ever find himself attracted to anyone else. But when Nurse
Alexandra Patterson joins the practice, he is surprised
to find himself falling for the gorgeous new nurse!
But Alex senses that behind Kyle's blue eyes and taciturn
demeanor there is a broken heart and untold pain and her
instincts tell her to help him. But will Kyle accept her
help? And will Alex be able to deal with Kyle's demons?
Margaret McDonagh is simply outstanding! She draws her
readers into her stories from the very first page and brings
her characters so vividly to life that readers cannot help
but love and care for them. Emotionally satisfying, heartwarming,
wonderfully romantic and engrossing, His Very Special Nurse
is a captivating romance written by a writer who is set
to become one of Mills and Boon's brightest stars.
Reviewed by Julie
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Review:
His Very Special Nurse is the latest moving Medical Romance
by up and coming M&B star Margaret McDonagh. Set
in a remote Scottish village, His Very Special Nurse
is a poignant story about love and loss that will have
you reaching for the tissues.
Dr Kyle Sinclair hasn’t looked at another woman – or
thought about one - ever since his marriage to his childhood
sweetheart fell apart. But the arrival of new nurse Alexandra
Patterson to the practice has caused the rekindling of
feelings he had thought long buried and despite his better
judgement, he finds himself falling head over heels in
love with the new practice nurse.
Alexandra is also finding herself attracted to the brooding
doctor despite his taciturn manner and even though she
has been warned by a colleague not to go near him, she
finds herself unable to resist him. But will Kyle let her
get close? Or will he let the shadows of the past weigh
in on his future with Alexandra?
Margaret McDonagh is an outstanding storyteller whose
Medical romances are in a class of their own. Well-written,
intensely dramatic and highly emotional, His Very Special
Nurse is a spellbinding romance that will captivate you
from the very first page. If you’ve not read Margaret
McDonagh’s Medical Romances, then rush to the bookshop
and get His Very Special Nurse. You will certainly not
regret it!
Hero Hotness Factor: 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor: 5 hearts
Awww Factor: 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after):
5 hearts
Weepy Factor: 5 hearts
 ONE SPECIAL NIGHT
From Romance Reviewed
romancereviewed.blogspot.com
This is Margaret McDonagh's fourth Mills & Boon Medical
set amidst an isolated Scottish fictional backdrop. One
Special Night has all the qualities readers have come to
associate with Margaret McDonagh but this story has additional
ingredients when compared with her earlier ones, namely,
the sexual chemistry and tension is sizzling!
Cameron is a gorgeous hero and I found him to be very
deserving of the lovely heroine, Ginger. Both doctors carry
with them past emotional baggage the result of which has
caused them to devote their lives to their respective patients.
Margaret McDonagh successfully tackles highly sensitive
subject matters in this emotionally intense story and her
writing is skilful and packed to the brim with genuine
empathy. This story blends medical drama with love and
romance and includes a dose of HOT sensuality from the
first page.
I can't wait to revisit Strathlochan again with Margaret
McDonagh's next release.
Overall Rating: 5 roses
* * * * *
From Cararomance
www.cataromance.com/index.php?p=180
Reviewer: Julie Bonello
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Margaret McDonagh begins a brand new series this August
set in the fictional Scottish hospital of Strathlochan
with the release of One Special Night, a poignant tale
of second chances and new beginnings that cements Ms. McDonagh's
position as one of Harlequin Mills and Boon's fastest rising
stars!
Dr Cameron Kincaid and Dr Ginger O Neill are instantly
attracted to one another when they meet on a train headed
for London. A night of passion immediately ensues, however,
the following morning the two doctors are in for a rude
awakening when they realize that they are in competition
for funding which would enable them to set up their own
clinics which would help their respective patients.
Ginger is shocked when she realizes that her lover is in
fact her greatest rival and leaves London for Strathlochan
thinking that she will never have to see Cameron ever again.
But Cameron may be out of sight, but he's certainly not
out of mind and when he turns up at Strathlochan, he is
determined to get closer to Ginger despite the fact that
he knows that a relationship with her is out of the question.
But their powerful attraction is as strong as ever and
the two embark on a passionate affair - even though the
question of who will get the money still hangs over them.
Will Cameron and Ginger let this tear them apart? Or are
they ready to fight for what is truly important for both
of them?
A new novel by Margaret McDonagh is always a major cause
for celebration and One Special Night is a captivating
romance laden with plenty of drama, passion and emotion
that will hold you spellbound from page one.
One Special Night. is the first in a new loosely linked
series set in Strathlochan hospital and I absolutely cannot
wait for the subsequent books in what looks like an engrossing
new series!
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society
http://www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com/
Margaret
McDonagh is an outstanding writer of romantic fiction whose
wonderful Medical Romances are all on my keeper shelf and
her fourth release, One Special Night…,
set in the Scottish hospital of Strathlochan, is an engrossing
tale that will have you eagerly anticipating the next release
by this talented author!
Dr Cameron Kincaid was instantly drawn to a beautiful blonde
woman he met on the train to London, but when he found
out that the woman he cannot get out of his head is none
other than his direct competition for funding which he
desperately needs for his patients, Cameron decides to
try his best to get her out of his mind.
Dr Ginger O Neill cannot believe that the first man she’s
been attracted to for a long time is the one man who could
cost her the project which means the world to her. Yet,
despite knowing that she should give Cameron a wide berth,
she finds herself unable to resist him…
Margaret McDonagh will make her readers cry with this intensely
emotional romantic tale that sparkles with richly drawn
characters, vivid medical scenarios and poignant romance
which will tug at your heartstrings!
Hero Hotness Factor – 5 hearts
Heroine Lovability Factor – 5 hearts
Awww Factor – 5 hearts
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) – 5
hearts
Weepy Factor – 5 hearts
 THEIR
CHRISTMAS VOWS
From
Cataromance – November
2007
CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS - by Carole Mortimer, Shirley
Jump and Margaret McDonagh
ISBN: 9780263865738
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Their Christmas Vows – Margaret McDonagh
Margaret McDonagh returns to the Scottish village of Strathlochan
in her novella Their Christmas Vows.
Callie Grogan has come to Strathlochan for a fresh start.
Having endured a painful – and lonely – battle
with breast cancer and having had to suffer the indignity
of having her husband cheat on her and leave her for someone
else, Callie vows to throw herself in her new job and to
forget about the sufferings of the past.
As somebody who hasn’t had much luck with men, she
isn’t impressed to hear that her new partner, Dr.
Frazer McInnes is the local heart throb and the village
lothario. Still, not even Callie can deny the fact that
Frazer is absolutely gorgeous.
Frazer cannot fathom the reason behind Callie’s
frostiness, but he’s determined to show her that
there is more to him than meets the eye. As the job on
the air ambulance throws the two of them in close proximity,
Callie realizes that Frazer isn’t the vacuous playboy
she thought him to be.
Which is just as well as Frazer is determined to make
Callie his Christmas bride!
Their Christmas Vows is a moving romantic tale of second
chances and new beginnings featuring two richly drawn
and believable
characters that you will take straight to your heart!
Moving, engrossing and tender, Their Christmas Vows is
written with all the style and deftness of touch which
we’ve come to expect from fast-rising Medical
Romance star Margaret McDonagh!
* * * * *
From The Pink Heart Society – November
2007
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Their Christmas Vows – Margaret McDonagh
(in Christmas Weddings anthology)
Margaret McDonagh returns to the Scottish village of Strathlochan
in Their Christmas Vows.
Callie Grogan may not have yet met her colleague Frazer
McInnes, but she’s already not impressed with his
lothario ways! Having just come out of a painful relationship,
she hopes for a fresh start and a new beginning in Strathlochan
and she certainly does not need a man to complicate her
life!
But when she meets Frazer, she realizes that there is more
to him than a shallow playboy and before she knows it she
finds herself falling for him.
But is her past preventing her from moving forward?
I love Margaret McDonagh’s stories! Tender, moving
and engrossing, she’s a writer whose storytelling
prowess increases with every book and readers looking for
a story that will touch their heart and move them to tears
will absolutely adore Their Christmas Vows!
Hero Hotness Factor  (5
hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor (5
hearts)
Awww Facto r (5
hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after) (5 hearts)
Humour Factor (5
hearts)
Weepy Factor (5
hearts)
 AN
ITALIAN AFFAIR
(in the Mills & Boon Presents ... anthology)
From
Cataromance –April 2008
4½ stars
Margaret McDonagh, whose debut novel The Italian Doctor's
Bride is a wonderfully romantic tale of getting a second
chance at love and life which cements Ms. McDonagh's
position as writer to watch out for in the future!
Review
I love Margaret McDonagh’s Medical Romances, and
readers who enjoy emotional and poignant romance set amidst
the beauty of Scotland will certainly not regret picking
up one of her enchanting books!
In An Italian Affair, Margaret McDonagh leaves Scotland
behind for the beautiful island of Elba, where she tells
the story of Gina McNaught who, alongside with her grandmother,
goes on holiday to the gorgeous Italian isle in order to
scatter her beloved grandfather’s ashes.
Having had her heart shattered by a cruel ex-boyfriend,
Gina vowed never to get involved with another man ever
again and to concentrate on her grandmother and her career.
But when she meets the handsome Sebastian Adriani, her
resolve to remain single goes out of the window!
Like Gina, Seb’s been hurt by avaricious women
who’ve used him for his looks, his money and to increase
their profile. So, when he meets Gina, he’s immediately
suspicious. But when he realizes that Gina is genuine,
he finds himself falling for the sexy Scottish girl.
So why hasn’t he been completely honest with Gina?
And what will her reaction be when she finds out the truth
about Seb?
Romance does not get any better than this! Margaret McDonagh
is a writer readers can always count on to deliver a story
that’s poignant, emotional and spellbinding and An
Italian Affair is no exception!
* * * * *
From: Pink Heart Society – April 2008
www.pinkheartsocietyreviews.blogspot.com
Fall in love with the gorgeous Sebastiano Adriani in
Margaret McDonagh’s moving Medical romance, An Italian
Affair.
Nurse Gina McNaught vowed never to get involved with another
man ever again after her former boyfriend forced her to
choose between him and the grandparents who had brought
her up and had always been there for her. Gina is perfectly
happy with her job, her career and living with her beloved
grandmother. She doesn’t need a man – or so
she tells herself…
Like Gina, Seb has had his heart bruised by avaricious
women who’ve used him for his looks and his position.
But there’s something about the Scottish nurse that
just forces him to drop down his defences and to give his
heart to her.
But Seb hasn’t been completely honest with Gina and
he cannot help but wonder how the woman he’s fallen
passionately in love with will react when she finds out
that he’s been keeping secrets from her.
Margaret McDonagh’s fabulous Medical Romances have
made her a firm favourite with readers everywhere! If you
enjoy compelling, poignant and absorbing Medical romances,
then make sure you add Margaret McDonagh’s name to
your list
Hero Hotness Factor: (5
hearts)
Heroine Lovability Factor: (5
hearts)
Awww Factor: (5
hearts)
Stickability Factor (will they have a happily ever after): (5
hearts)
Humour Factor: (5
hearts)
Weepy Factor: (5
hearts)
Artwork by Jim
Wylie |
