The Recommended Reading Order for Florida Doctors
Since the Florida Doctors series is a concise duology, finding the right reading order is straightforward. Both books were published in 2004 and feature self-contained, standalone romance stories. To get the best experience and capture the evolution of the setting, we recommend reading them in order of publication.
- Blue Crush (2004) – Originally published in the multi-author anthology Perfect for the Beach.
- Houston, We Have a Problem (2004) – Released as a standalone novel.
Exploring the Books and Characters
1. Blue Crush (2004)
The series begins with the novella Blue Crush. The story centers on Dr. Sara Davis, a dedicated pediatrician who is typically conservative, wears glasses, and focuses entirely on her medical career. Deciding it is time to break out of her shell, she heads to the Florida coast. Her vacation takes an unexpected turn when a wave sweeps away her bikini top, and she is rescued by Kyle Vanderhoff, a charming local lifeguard. The encounter sparks a passionate summer fling that challenges Sara to balance her professional duties with her personal desires.
2. Houston, We Have a Problem (2004)
The second installment, Houston, We Have a Problem, shifts the spotlight to Dr. Houston Hayes, a highly controlled and serious orthopedic surgeon. His structured life is disrupted when he crosses paths with Josie Adkins, an orthopedic resident working under him. The professional boundaries between the mentor and trainee begin to blur as intense workplace rivalry turns into undeniable romantic tension. Their story combines Erin McCarthy's signature humor with high-heat chemistry and emotional growth.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because both stories take place around the same time and were released in the same year, the chronological order matches the publication order. Reading Blue Crush first provides a lighthearted introduction to the sun-soaked Florida backdrop before diving into the longer, more character-driven drama of Houston, We Have a Problem. However, because there are no major recurring plot threads or spoilers, you can easily read them out of order or as individual standalones.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the duology, keep these helpful details in mind:
- The Anthology Context: To read Blue Crush in print, you will need to track down the 2004 anthology Perfect for the Beach, which also features novellas by Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, and Donna Kauffman.
- Character Naming Confusions: Some online retailer listings and fan summaries refer to the resident in Houston, We Have a Problem as Karin Adkins. In the actual text of the novel, her name is Josie Adkins.
- Steamy Romance Tone: Published during the peak of Kensington Brava’s romance line, these books feature high-heat, explicit love scenes alongside witty chick-lit banter.
- Standalone Nature: Both books focus on different couples, meaning you do not have to worry about cliffhangers.
Spin-offs and Crossovers
Although Erin McCarthy is widely known for her extensive multi-book series like the NASCAR-themed Fast Track series (starting with Flat-Out Sexy) or her paranormal Vegas Vampires series, the Florida Doctors books remain a self-contained duology. There are no official spin-offs, character crossovers, or shared universe connections between these medical romances and her other contemporary works.