After Hours

by Cara McKenna

[Cocktails and Books]

Erin Coffey accepts a nursing position at Larkhaven Psychiatrc Hospital to be near her sister and nephew, not realizing that decision will change her life. She meets Kelly Roback, who works as an orderly at the hospital. He is a big, bossy, alpha male who likes control. When Kelly asks Erin out for a drink after work, she declines, he insists and the power struggle between them begins.

Erin is small in stature and independent. She has always been the levelheaded one in her family and doesn't want to get involved with Kelly because he reminds her of the type of guy her sister or mother would date. She likes to be in control and isn't comfortable giving Kelly the control he wants both in and out of the bedroom.

Cara McKenna writes a realistic story about two down-to-earth people who try to come to grips with their growing attraction to each other, while also trying to deal with all of their emotional baggage. Kelly and Erin are both strong individuals with a lot of chemistry between them. They are easy to like and relate to and they have some hot, steamy sex scenes together. Kelly and Erin have a connection, but it is hard for them to move forward because of the walls they have erected around their hearts. The secondary characters are nicely interwoven into the story and they include Erin's sister, who seems to thrive on chaos in her life, her sister's son and her lowlife boyfriend. Added to the mix, are some quirky patients at the hospital. This is a wonderfully crafted story and Cara McKenna does an excellent job of capturing real life characters. I loved this book!

Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books