REVIEW: 'Necessary Medicine' by M.K. York
Title: Necessary Medicine
Author: M.K. York
Published: April 24, 2017
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 251 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Bisexual; Medical; Angst: Light; May/December; HEA
About Necessary Medicine
With intelligence and humor, debut male/male author M.K. York delivers an emotionally charged slow-burn romance set in a prestigious Bay Area teaching hospital.
In the high-intensity world of hospital residency programs, there's no room for romance. So it's a good thing for first-year surgical resident Neil Carmona that his crush on the gorgeous cardiologist Eli Newcombe is sheer fantasy. Not only is the sexy doctor Neil's superior, he's also recently divorced.
As Neil's skill as a surgeon grows, so does his friendship with Eli, and his silent, hopeless longing for more. It isn't until Neil's final year that Eli at last admits his own deepest desires. But Neil's joy is short-lived: Eli has no intention of pursuing a relationship. Their positions in the hospital would make it unethical, even if he was emotionally ready for someone new.
Wounded and furious, Neil is determined to forget about Eli once and for all. But when a near-tragedy strikes, a new question arises: Is a life without love—without Neil—a greater risk than laying his heart on the line?
4 HEART READ
REVIEW:
Necessary Medicine, by debut male/male author M.K. York, accurately depicts the life of a medical student with their long hours, hard work, and dedication. Along the way the main characters, Neil Carmona and Eli Newcombe, find love and companionship amongst the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
To get the most enjoyment from this book you should be a fan of medical dramas. It’s obvious the author is in the profession as there are a lot of medical terms tossed around and built into the plot. I read through the jargon sometimes comprehending and other times just going with the flow.
Neil and Eli are an adorably frustrating couple.
Neil is out, though not blatantly so. He is trying to navigate the waters of his chosen career path while maintaining himself. Eli is recently divorced, bisexual, and longing to fulfill that part of his sexuality that he desires but has ignored due to honoring his past commitments.
Eli’s sexuality is not public knowledge. The age difference between he and Neil, along with the mentor student relationship, causes Eli to wage an internal battle that both breaks your heart and causes undue angst for our guys. The support he has from those around him is refreshing to witness; there are no crazy ex-wife or angry offspring.
During Neil’s five years of medical training there is a “slow burn” romance with some steamy sex for the guys.
There is a definite spark, mutual desire and chemistry, but hang-ups, misunderstandings and self doubt trouble their waters. They are a couple of gents that just need to let themselves love.
All in all Necessary Medicine is well written, kept my attention, and drew me into the men’s lives. Is it a romance? Yes and no. Yes, there is chemistry and the guys are likable and adorable together. No, there is a lot of medical focus that as the reader you have to either be familiar with or just go with the flow.
M.K. York is definitely an author I will read again and I look forward to her growth as author in the M/M genre.
A copy of Necessary Medicine was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by the Carina Press, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
Meet the Author
Michelle K. York is a medical student on the West Coast with a master’s degree in psychology. Necessary Medicine is her debut novel. Previous work includes fanfiction, as well as academic publications on the social perception of sexual orientation and the intersections of sexual orientation and gender identity with patient experience in the medical profession.
