Skip to main content

Member Reviews

The Night Shift is a second-chance romance, set in a hospital. Violet and Gus two very different people coming together in typical rom-com fashion.
I liked both characters but felt the chemistry was okay and the story plodded along. It's a sweet romance and one that's easy to pick up and get into but for me it didn't blow me away.

Was this review helpful?

Violet Winters is smart, capable, and absolutely terrified. Her first week of night shifts has arrived, and textbook knowledge is no match for real-life pressure. Her no-nonsense attitude quickly lands her in hot water, so she volunteers to work through Christmas to keep busy and out of trouble. Enter Dr Gus Jovic, calm under pressure, adored by patients, and infuriatingly perfect. But as the long nights unfold, Violet begins to see the cracks beneath Gus’s polished surface, and he starts to see her in a whole new light. In the quiet moments between emergencies, sparks fly, secrets slip out, and Christmas just might deliver more than either of them expected.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review

This is a love story between Gus and Violet who meet on night shift over a cardiac arrest . Gus being the handsome experienced anesthetist and Violet a first year doctor who is both socially awkward and clumsy. Violet is told that Gus is not only handsome and charming he is also engaged to a beautiful woman . Violet is single and does not trust handsome charming men especially the engaged ones. What could possibly go wrong in this week of night shifts over Christmas. I really enjoyed this book it was laugh out loud funny sad and dramatic .
5 stars

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun and easy read with a sweet second-chance romance and a hospital setting that kept things interesting. I liked the main character’s voice

That said, the love story didn’t fully hook me. The chemistry was okay, but not amazing, and some parts felt a little rushed or surface-level. Still, it’s a solid pick if you’re in the mood for something light and a little quirky.

It was cute, but didn’t totally wow me

Was this review helpful?

I loved Violet and her straight talking ways. She made sense and although she struggles to make sense of the world she is great. I liked how this book was sensitive to those with neuro diversities. Gus was a hunk and he liked how Violet thought and got her. This was a great story and i would really recommend it to all. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange of and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I definitely needed that neurodivergent representation! It was funny, a bit hot, and also very relatable. She's a great main character and I really love her. What a great book. I definitely want to read more from that author

Was this review helpful?

I was really excited to read this one and loved the premise. The book itself was lacking.

1. The characters were flat.
2. The dialogue and plot were slow and boring.
3. I didn’t like anything that was happening.
4. I liked that the FMC was different from most leads, but she could be quite harsh. As someone who had heart issues years ago and had a doctor be blunt and not have good bedside manners, some of her conversations with patients made me cringe.

Just wasn’t for me.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

If Grey’s Anatomy, The Pitt, ER, and Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez had a baby, it would be The Night Shift. And honestly? That baby would be charming, chaotic, heartwarming, and a little bit neurospicy (in the best way).

This book had me grinning! It’s witty, hilarious, and delightfully British, with banter that absolutely sparkles. Dr. Violet Winters, our neurodivergent FMC, is a breath of fresh air. She’s not your typical rom com FMC, and that’s exactly why I loved her. She’s brilliant and awkward and real, and watching her navigate the rollercoaster of night shifts in a bustling hospital over Christmas was as stressful as it was entertaining (bless her, truly).

Dr. Gus Jovic is AKA Dr. Dreamy 2.0. He’s charming, capable, a little too perfect for comfort… and of course he's working the same festive night shifts. Sparks fly, chaos ensues, and I was absolutely hooked watching these two try to fight their chemistry while dodging cranky patients, career pressure, and their own emotional baggage.

What I appreciated most was how thoughtfully Nancy Peach wrote Violet’s perspective. The neurodivergent rep was nuanced and respectful, and it added real depth to the story. It was so refreshing to see a character who processes the world a bit differently, and still gets her shot at romance and career success, without needing to change who she is.

Also, let’s talk about the setting. A hospital at Christmas? That’s instant cozy drama gold. The tension of late night medical emergencies paired with twinkling lights and peppermint scented scrubs? Perfection. You can tell Peach did her research, and it’s a beautiful little tribute to healthcare workers everywhere.

I laughed (a lot), swooned (multiple times), and even got a little teary eyed watching both Violet and Gus grow, not just as a potential couple, but as people. The emotional arcs were just as satisfying as the romance.

This book is exactly what the doctor ordered (yes, I went there). If you love smart, quirky rom coms with big heart and even bigger personalities, The Night Shift is the book for you. I can’t wait to check out more from Nancy Peach!

Thank you to NetGalley, Nancy Peach, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

As someone who works for the NHS in a non-clinical role, I found The Night Shift to be a refreshing and heartfelt read that truly captures the human side of medical professionals.

Nancy Peach delivers a warm and insightful story centered on Violet, a junior doctor just beginning her overnight hospital shifts. From the start, Violet is thrown into the deep end - not only facing patient complaints but also contending with the ever-charming, universally adored Dr Handsome.

What sets this novel apart for me is its neurodivergent representation. Violet isn’t your typical rom-com heroine - she’s not overly outgoing or conventionally “perfect.”

There was something captivating about reading from a neurodivergent perspective, and I’m so glad to see this representation taking centre stage.

Instead, she’s thoughtful, unique, and incredibly relatable.

It was both moving and eye-opening to follow her internal journey as she navigates the emotional demands of patient care, workplace pressures, and personal growth - all while managing how she perceives and interacts with the world.

Gus, the male lead, is charming and supportive, and I loved how he saw Violet for exactly who she is - without trying to change or “fix” her.

Their romance felt genuine, tender, and refreshingly mature. For some they might think it's fast but my husband and I had a whirlwind romance and we're still going strong 11 years on.

The Christmas setting added a lovely, cosy charm to the story without overwhelming the narrative.

I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of hospital life, particularly how real-life patients often need much more than a textbook diagnosis.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book was the character development—not just for Violet, but for several of the supporting characters as well. Watching them grow and learn from their experiences gave the story even more depth.


This was a delightful read, equal parts heartwarming, humorous, and honest; and I’m already looking forward to reading more from Nancy Peach.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Cute cozy Christmas read! I like that Violet isn’t the stereotypical outgoing outspoken FMC.

Wouldn’t say it was the best romance I read but I did enjoy it. Would recommend to anyone needing an easy read!

Was this review helpful?

Remember Dr Dreamy? Well, Hello Dr Gus Jovic. If you were ever a fan of Grey’s Anatomy or ER and the Britishness of Green Wing, then this is a must. And even if you weren’t, then this hospital romance is a brilliant read. Our FMC Dr Violet is finding it tricky to make the leap from textbook to ward and needing people to be as honest as possible, and dreamy Dr Gus is hiding a secret while trying to please everyone. Over the nights between Christmas and New Year their paths cross and sparks of attraction fly. As always, Peach is sharp in her observations and smart in her insights, and with her delightful sense of humour this new story is just what the doctor ordered (Sorry. I'll get my coat ...).

Was this review helpful?

This book focuses on Violet, who is just starting her overnight shifts at a hospital and she soon realizes that real life patients need more than just straight forward diagnoses. Not only is she starting off on a bad note with complaints starting already, but she has to compete with Mr. Handsome doctor whom everybody loves.

I liked the main character, Violet and I appreciate the neurodivergent perspective. It is always refreshing to read a book where the main character isn't your typical outgoing, popular, perfect personality. Gus is charming and delightful and I love how he sees Violet for who she is.

Overall this was a great little romance and the fact that it takes place over Christmas gives it a bit of extra charm.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

There was something absolutely captivating about reading a book from a neurodivergent perspective. I am so happy this underrepresented population was front and center in our FMC.

Without giving spoilers, I really enjoyed delving into the inner workings of our FMC and understanding how she processed her world, tackled bedside manner as a Doctor, and generally approached life.

I love how each character had growth, and I really enjoyed following them through that growth.

This novel makes me wanna read more by the author, and I think that’s exactly what I’m going to do!

Was this review helpful?

The Night Shift is funny, witty and charming romance. I enjoyed the characters and it is set around my favourite time of year Christmas. The hospital setting and the illnesses are a tribute to the health care workers and I appreciate that the author has done extensive research in this regard. I relished the banter between the characters and I giggled my way through the whole book.

Was this review helpful?