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In Pieces
BROOKS
I’ve made a name for myself as one of the best sports medicine doctors in the country. I have a thriving practice and a handful of awards that say I’m an excellent surgeon without getting attached to my patients.
That all changed when a seventeen-year-old Olympic snowboarder walked into my office, brushing off injuries that would have put anyone else on their ass.
I wanted to protect her, to fight for her, and for three years, that was enough. Until suddenly, it wasn’t.
Now, all I want is to make her mine.
DELTA
I’m positive I’m not the only one of his patients with a crush on Dr. Brooks Harrison. He’s just doing his job, but sometimes I think he’s the only person in my life looking out for me, not just my ability to slide down a mountain with a snowboard strapped to my feet.
I should be more worried about my career circling the drain, but as I start spending more time with Doctor Harrison, I’m forced to wonder if snowboarding is what I really want.
He makes me feel better than winning a gold medal ever did, and if I was able to do that, maybe I can convince the stubborn doctor to want me too.
In Pieces is a forbidden, age gap, doctor-patient romance about Olympic snowboarder Delta and the orthopedic surgeon who would do anything for her, Brooks. No cheating, HEA, a dash of family drama, and heaps of spice guaranteed!
I’ve made a name for myself as one of the best sports medicine doctors in the country. I have a thriving practice and a handful of awards that say I’m an excellent surgeon without getting attached to my patients.
That all changed when a seventeen-year-old Olympic snowboarder walked into my office, brushing off injuries that would have put anyone else on their ass.
I wanted to protect her, to fight for her, and for three years, that was enough. Until suddenly, it wasn’t.
Now, all I want is to make her mine.
DELTA
I’m positive I’m not the only one of his patients with a crush on Dr. Brooks Harrison. He’s just doing his job, but sometimes I think he’s the only person in my life looking out for me, not just my ability to slide down a mountain with a snowboard strapped to my feet.
I should be more worried about my career circling the drain, but as I start spending more time with Doctor Harrison, I’m forced to wonder if snowboarding is what I really want.
He makes me feel better than winning a gold medal ever did, and if I was able to do that, maybe I can convince the stubborn doctor to want me too.
In Pieces is a forbidden, age gap, doctor-patient romance about Olympic snowboarder Delta and the orthopedic surgeon who would do anything for her, Brooks. No cheating, HEA, a dash of family drama, and heaps of spice guaranteed!
266 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2023
248 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Cleo White
18 books1,156 followersCleo White's affinity for all things dramatic and hopelessly romantic began the day she was born, which happened to be in the middle of a record-breaking snowstorm on Valentine’s Day. Her love of literature came soon after, and she spent the better part of her childhood with both a book and a notebook full of unfinished stories in hand. Later in life, she found a love of writing spicy books with complicated characters and dysfunctional family drama. Cleo currently lives in Vermont with her husband and two daughters. When not writing, she can be found hiking, gardening, painting, and consuming excessive quantities of caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
September 19, 2023
5/5 "She's my patient. My too-young, too good for me patient, and I'm fucking in love with her."
TROPES:
~forbidden love: doctor x patient
~age gap
~instalove
~unrequited love
~autism representation
~sports: snowboarding
~roommates
Wow. I read this book back in December 2022 as an ARC. This newly-revised, updated version is phenomenal. I loved the story before, but I absolutely ADORE the story now. Cleo White is a goddess.
Delta is a famous snowboarder who got second place in the Olympics. Unfortunately she has an injury that involves her hip so her father, the famous River, sets her up with an appointment with a new doctor in town. That doctor, Brooks, meets her when she's 17. She's infatuated with him but he pushes away his feelings because he doesn't want her to tie herself down with an "old man" with autism.
"Delta is the only person in my life who makes me feel like who I am is enough."
Things change when, 3 years later, Delta isn't improving. Her father is pressuring her hardcore to be the very best. He's been abusive to her and her brothers, trying to train them to be winners of the Olympics. Delta's past is sad and heartbreaking, but the strength she has now shines through the pages. She's determined to show Brooks that he's what she wants.
"I've battered my body, broken my own heart, and pieced it all back together again. I can do anything. Even convince the stubborn doctor we're meant to be together."
Due to shit hitting the fan, Delta winds up at Brooks' house, and is his new roommate. He tries to push her away once more but fails miserably. She wants him. He wants her. What's the worst that can happen?
"...as I fall asleep, Delta's soft breath ghosting over my chest and our naked bodies tangling between the covers, it occurs to me that I don't feel alone anymore."
Y'all. MY HEART! I absolutely adore this book. The changes Cleo White made to it are incredible. I genuinely loved the first book... but this, this is a masterpiece. Full of forbidden love, angst, heartbreaking moments, and SPICE THAT IS SPICY! I love all the additional scenes, the changes she made to it- it's amazing. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
SAFETY:
Ages: 20h, 38H
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: prescription drug abuse, abuse of child by parent
Kinks: BDSM, "just the tip", anal play, dirty talk, dry humping, "good girl"/praise, hand necklace, light degradation, rough sex, praise
HEA? yes!! with an amazing epilogue <3
TROPES:
~forbidden love: doctor x patient
~age gap
~instalove
~unrequited love
~autism representation
~sports: snowboarding
~roommates
Wow. I read this book back in December 2022 as an ARC. This newly-revised, updated version is phenomenal. I loved the story before, but I absolutely ADORE the story now. Cleo White is a goddess.
Delta is a famous snowboarder who got second place in the Olympics. Unfortunately she has an injury that involves her hip so her father, the famous River, sets her up with an appointment with a new doctor in town. That doctor, Brooks, meets her when she's 17. She's infatuated with him but he pushes away his feelings because he doesn't want her to tie herself down with an "old man" with autism.
"Delta is the only person in my life who makes me feel like who I am is enough."
Things change when, 3 years later, Delta isn't improving. Her father is pressuring her hardcore to be the very best. He's been abusive to her and her brothers, trying to train them to be winners of the Olympics. Delta's past is sad and heartbreaking, but the strength she has now shines through the pages. She's determined to show Brooks that he's what she wants.
"I've battered my body, broken my own heart, and pieced it all back together again. I can do anything. Even convince the stubborn doctor we're meant to be together."
Due to shit hitting the fan, Delta winds up at Brooks' house, and is his new roommate. He tries to push her away once more but fails miserably. She wants him. He wants her. What's the worst that can happen?
"...as I fall asleep, Delta's soft breath ghosting over my chest and our naked bodies tangling between the covers, it occurs to me that I don't feel alone anymore."
Y'all. MY HEART! I absolutely adore this book. The changes Cleo White made to it are incredible. I genuinely loved the first book... but this, this is a masterpiece. Full of forbidden love, angst, heartbreaking moments, and SPICE THAT IS SPICY! I love all the additional scenes, the changes she made to it- it's amazing. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
SAFETY:
Ages: 20h, 38H
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, celibate hero
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: prescription drug abuse, abuse of child by parent
Kinks: BDSM, "just the tip", anal play, dirty talk, dry humping, "good girl"/praise, hand necklace, light degradation, rough sex, praise
HEA? yes!! with an amazing epilogue <3
February 23, 2023
This was a surprisingly good, quick, steamy read!
The story is about the daughter of a gold medalist snowboarder who is obsessed with his children's success now that he is well past his prime. Delta is only 20 years old, but she has already won the gold and is training for the next Olympics; however, she has a pretty serious injury that requires painful treatment to muddle through. Delta likes snowboarding, but it is not what she wants to do; she does it because her father bullies her and her brothers into being the best - no excuses. Her father continues to tell Delta that pain is mind over matter and she can and will get over it and get through the trials to qualify.
Dr. Brooks Harrison has been Delta's orthopedic doctor/surgeon since she was 17 years old, and he fell in love with her shortly after that. The issue is that he is 18 years her senior, and as her doctor, any romantic involvement would be inappropriate, so he stifles his feelings. When he sees how hard her father pushes her, he tries to get Delta to tell him she wants to sit this one out, but Delta tells him she can do it and to go ahead and give her the treatment. Brooks wants to refuse, but he knows if he does, her father will fire him and another doctor will take over her treatment and won't be as good or care as much as he does, so he treats her and tries again to get her to take a break and heal.
When Delta pushes herself too hard, she ends up with another major injury and decides it is time to quit. She knows her father will try to push her, so she goes home with her doctor where he can keep an eye on her medically and where she feels her father won't find her. What will happen when they share close quarters? Will Brooks give into the temptation that Delta keeps tossing his way? If he does, can he still be her doctor if she needs surgery? And would being tied down to a doctor so young prohibit Delta from discovering what she wants to do with the rest of her young life?
I loved Brooks - definitely swoon-worthy in the way that he cared for Delta as his patient and loved her quietly. He wanted to consider what would happen to her to be tied down so young, so his struggle with their age gap wasn't just because there was one and it might be inappropriate - he really cared what impacts it would have on her. The steamy goodness was delish; they got a wonderful HEA; my only wish is that there was more of this book to enjoy!
Plot --- 4/5
Writing Style --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 3.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- none
Triggers --- parental abuse (emotional mainly)
Language --- yes
POV --- Dual
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
The story is about the daughter of a gold medalist snowboarder who is obsessed with his children's success now that he is well past his prime. Delta is only 20 years old, but she has already won the gold and is training for the next Olympics; however, she has a pretty serious injury that requires painful treatment to muddle through. Delta likes snowboarding, but it is not what she wants to do; she does it because her father bullies her and her brothers into being the best - no excuses. Her father continues to tell Delta that pain is mind over matter and she can and will get over it and get through the trials to qualify.
Dr. Brooks Harrison has been Delta's orthopedic doctor/surgeon since she was 17 years old, and he fell in love with her shortly after that. The issue is that he is 18 years her senior, and as her doctor, any romantic involvement would be inappropriate, so he stifles his feelings. When he sees how hard her father pushes her, he tries to get Delta to tell him she wants to sit this one out, but Delta tells him she can do it and to go ahead and give her the treatment. Brooks wants to refuse, but he knows if he does, her father will fire him and another doctor will take over her treatment and won't be as good or care as much as he does, so he treats her and tries again to get her to take a break and heal.
When Delta pushes herself too hard, she ends up with another major injury and decides it is time to quit. She knows her father will try to push her, so she goes home with her doctor where he can keep an eye on her medically and where she feels her father won't find her. What will happen when they share close quarters? Will Brooks give into the temptation that Delta keeps tossing his way? If he does, can he still be her doctor if she needs surgery? And would being tied down to a doctor so young prohibit Delta from discovering what she wants to do with the rest of her young life?
I loved Brooks - definitely swoon-worthy in the way that he cared for Delta as his patient and loved her quietly. He wanted to consider what would happen to her to be tied down so young, so his struggle with their age gap wasn't just because there was one and it might be inappropriate - he really cared what impacts it would have on her. The steamy goodness was delish; they got a wonderful HEA; my only wish is that there was more of this book to enjoy!
Plot --- 4/5
Writing Style --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 3.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- none
Triggers --- parental abuse (emotional mainly)
Language --- yes
POV --- Dual
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
August 16, 2023
Ok but this CW binge is hitting different, because Cleo White just gets it.
October 14, 2023
3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the characters, the build up, and the ending.
The Not-So-Good: There felt like a disconnect between the sexy times and the other sweet/romantic interactions. Not bad or anything, but not so good either.
The Bad: The conflict. There wasn't much of a conflict.
Overall: This was enjoyable. I was looking for something sexy and even on the shorter end since I just re-read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I saw a friend's review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) saying that this was well developed even though it was on the shorter side, and jumped right in! I'm glad I did. Is it going on my favorites shelf? No, but it was worth the read and served as a good palate cleanser after being in a fantasy world for a while.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Delta and Brooks' story. Delta is a famous young gold medalist snowboarder and Brooks ends up making his orthopedic surgeon career with treating her hip injury. As the years go on, they develop feelings past patient and client or even friends, but when her injury gets worse, Brooks can't help but cross some lines. There is some family drama, some big life changes, and some sweet and sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Delta and Brooks' POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good considering this is short. It didn't feel too short and I thought it flowed well. I never skimmed.
Instalove: Kind of, this story starts after they have both developed feelings for the other (not my fave).
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Brooks. I liked him. I always like my aspies!
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Delta. I liked her, but I wanted her to stick up for herself with her dad more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some light bdsm elements
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the characters, the build up, and the ending.
The Not-So-Good: There felt like a disconnect between the sexy times and the other sweet/romantic interactions. Not bad or anything, but not so good either.
The Bad: The conflict. There wasn't much of a conflict.
Overall: This was enjoyable. I was looking for something sexy and even on the shorter end since I just re-read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I saw a friend's review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) saying that this was well developed even though it was on the shorter side, and jumped right in! I'm glad I did. Is it going on my favorites shelf? No, but it was worth the read and served as a good palate cleanser after being in a fantasy world for a while.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Delta and Brooks' story. Delta is a famous young gold medalist snowboarder and Brooks ends up making his orthopedic surgeon career with treating her hip injury. As the years go on, they develop feelings past patient and client or even friends, but when her injury gets worse, Brooks can't help but cross some lines. There is some family drama, some big life changes, and some sweet and sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Delta and Brooks' POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good considering this is short. It didn't feel too short and I thought it flowed well. I never skimmed.
Instalove: Kind of, this story starts after they have both developed feelings for the other (not my fave).
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Brooks. I liked him. I always like my aspies!
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Delta. I liked her, but I wanted her to stick up for herself with her dad more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Some light bdsm elements
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending
Safety: This one should be Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
March 4, 2023
4/5 🌟 2/5 🔥
This was a really cute novella. It's about a snowboarder, Delta, whose life is being controlled by her father. Delta has a major crush on her doctor, Brooks, but she doesn't know that he has a crush on her too.
Brooks has been her doctor since she was 17, she's now 20. Some things happen and Delta ends up staying at Brooks' house which brings them a lot closer.
This novella is sweet and has real-world problems. I enjoyed it!
SAFETY:
Age: 20h, 38H
Cheating: none!
OM/OW drama: none!
Virgin/celibate/manwhore: virgin heroine, unknown past for hero
Tropes: doctor/patient, age gap
Kinks: "pushes it back in", breeding
HEA?: Yes!
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
This was a really cute novella. It's about a snowboarder, Delta, whose life is being controlled by her father. Delta has a major crush on her doctor, Brooks, but she doesn't know that he has a crush on her too.
Brooks has been her doctor since she was 17, she's now 20. Some things happen and Delta ends up staying at Brooks' house which brings them a lot closer.
This novella is sweet and has real-world problems. I enjoyed it!
SAFETY:
Age: 20h, 38H
Cheating: none!
OM/OW drama: none!
Virgin/celibate/manwhore: virgin heroine, unknown past for hero
Tropes: doctor/patient, age gap
Kinks: "pushes it back in", breeding
HEA?: Yes!
My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
August 4, 2024
This book started off really good. I liked their connection and their friendship, but his pushing away was too much. If you’re going to have a short book, why are you having the H push away for like 70% of the book? I don’t get that. And to add to that, there was no reason for him to even push her away. All of the obstacles that were in their way of being together were removed, so I didn’t understand why he wouldn’t give in. And then after he did finally give in, I felt like the book lost a lot of its emotion that it had in the beginning and just became sex. Which I guess is fine if that’s what you’re reading this for, but it’s not what I was reading it for
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
This was so GOOD! If you’re anything like me, you know age-gap romance is typically short novella length stories that are limited to page count, which usually means their character development and plot tend to suffer.
After reading Out of Sight and now, In Pieces, I’m happy to say that Cleo White doesn’t suffer from this shortcoming. She stands out, hands down! The characters are fleshed out, the plot is strong, the supporting characters add drama and intensity to the story and the romance is a slow, sensual exploration that will keep you hooked to the very end.
Delta and Brooks are beautifully imperfect characters that against all odds fall in love. I was rooting for them from the start and was pleasantly surprised that the tension kept pace with the high emotional pull these characters brought out in me.
My heart broke every time Delta had to struggle alone with her injury, her own insecurities about her future and her broken relationship with her father. I loved her brothers, they did their best and learned to show support and love for each other even though they grew up with the same emotionally neglectful parent. And then there is Brooks. He was such a softy when it came to Delta but I loved that he was strong enough to stand up for her when she needed it the most. Every time he protected her both mentally and physically from her own father were moments that proved that his only concern was Delta. When he finally admits his feelings for her, he’s done letting her be hurt and I loved that he took on the role of her protector with no calms. Everything became crystal clear to him and Delta didn’t really stand a chance of resisting him 😊
I highly recommend this read. It’s a full length novel with amazing characters, an angsty plot and a spicy forbidden romance that will leave you with all the warm fuzzy feels!
SAFETY INFO:
After reading Out of Sight and now, In Pieces, I’m happy to say that Cleo White doesn’t suffer from this shortcoming. She stands out, hands down! The characters are fleshed out, the plot is strong, the supporting characters add drama and intensity to the story and the romance is a slow, sensual exploration that will keep you hooked to the very end.
Delta and Brooks are beautifully imperfect characters that against all odds fall in love. I was rooting for them from the start and was pleasantly surprised that the tension kept pace with the high emotional pull these characters brought out in me.
My heart broke every time Delta had to struggle alone with her injury, her own insecurities about her future and her broken relationship with her father. I loved her brothers, they did their best and learned to show support and love for each other even though they grew up with the same emotionally neglectful parent. And then there is Brooks. He was such a softy when it came to Delta but I loved that he was strong enough to stand up for her when she needed it the most. Every time he protected her both mentally and physically from her own father were moments that proved that his only concern was Delta. When he finally admits his feelings for her, he’s done letting her be hurt and I loved that he took on the role of her protector with no calms. Everything became crystal clear to him and Delta didn’t really stand a chance of resisting him 😊
I highly recommend this read. It’s a full length novel with amazing characters, an angsty plot and a spicy forbidden romance that will leave you with all the warm fuzzy feels!
SAFETY INFO:
June 21, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
August 8, 2025
DNF @ 40%.
I give up. I tried to hang in there since the heroine is a professional snowboarder and the hero who is her doctor has Autism but the chemistry was severely lacking and the heroine sounded much younger than 20 years old and the hero who is supposedly 38 sounded much younger as well. This is supposed to be a big age gap forbidden love story but it set the wrong tone for me immediately from the very first chapter when the hero Brooks meets the heroine Delta for the first time as his patient when she is 17 years old and in pigtails. There's no noted attraction but he's nervous meeting her and intrigued by her and she's all flirty smiles and "putting him at ease". It was weird. The story then jumps 2 years later and they are attracted to each other and pining away and already in love. 😐 What?....when? where? why? He's mentally going "mine mine mine" 20 pages into the story and I wasn't feeling it at all. The hero is crawling out of his skin with lust and admits being "obsessed" with the heroine and it fucking weirded me out considering how childlike Delta came off. She still acts and sounds like a moody teenager and yet he keeps referring to her as the "woman he loves". Sir, SHE'S A CHILD. Yes she's legal age but the author did a piss poor job of portraying that. The bickering with her brothers came off childish and the way she was so scared of her father didn't sit right with me. She's in debilitating pain from a hip injury that's just getting worse but she refuses to listen to her doctor and keeps taking pain pills cause she's afraid of letting down her father who is a fucking abusive asshole who keeps pushing her cause he wants her to make the olympics again and make money. This is only a 200 page book but you gotta do way more to convince me these two are in love in light of the whole patient/doctor forbidden aspect. It was just too many "no's" in 1 basket for me to sit through.
I give up. I tried to hang in there since the heroine is a professional snowboarder and the hero who is her doctor has Autism but the chemistry was severely lacking and the heroine sounded much younger than 20 years old and the hero who is supposedly 38 sounded much younger as well. This is supposed to be a big age gap forbidden love story but it set the wrong tone for me immediately from the very first chapter when the hero Brooks meets the heroine Delta for the first time as his patient when she is 17 years old and in pigtails. There's no noted attraction but he's nervous meeting her and intrigued by her and she's all flirty smiles and "putting him at ease". It was weird. The story then jumps 2 years later and they are attracted to each other and pining away and already in love. 😐 What?....when? where? why? He's mentally going "mine mine mine" 20 pages into the story and I wasn't feeling it at all. The hero is crawling out of his skin with lust and admits being "obsessed" with the heroine and it fucking weirded me out considering how childlike Delta came off. She still acts and sounds like a moody teenager and yet he keeps referring to her as the "woman he loves". Sir, SHE'S A CHILD. Yes she's legal age but the author did a piss poor job of portraying that. The bickering with her brothers came off childish and the way she was so scared of her father didn't sit right with me. She's in debilitating pain from a hip injury that's just getting worse but she refuses to listen to her doctor and keeps taking pain pills cause she's afraid of letting down her father who is a fucking abusive asshole who keeps pushing her cause he wants her to make the olympics again and make money. This is only a 200 page book but you gotta do way more to convince me these two are in love in light of the whole patient/doctor forbidden aspect. It was just too many "no's" in 1 basket for me to sit through.
Read
October 7, 2023DNF
The H sounds like an 20 year old but he’s supposed to be closer to 40. The h wasn’t as bad but she’s under her Dad’s thumb to continue snowboard regardless of her injuries.
It didn’t grab my attention so I’m putting this away.
The H sounds like an 20 year old but he’s supposed to be closer to 40. The h wasn’t as bad but she’s under her Dad’s thumb to continue snowboard regardless of her injuries.
It didn’t grab my attention so I’m putting this away.
November 12, 2024
In Pieces by Cleo White
4/5⭐
2/5🌶️
My second book by Cleo White, and wow, it's another winner! I read through it in one sitting. While the plot is pretty straightforward, I enjoyed the depth of the characters. Delta is a talented snowboarder who won her first Olympic gold medal at just 20 years old. But she’s dealing with a tough situation—thanks to her dad's intense training, she’s got a serious hip injury that needs ongoing care.
Enter Dr. Brooks, her doctor for years. Over time, his feelings for her have grown beyond just a doctor-patient relationship. After another major injury, Delta realizes she can't keep going like this. With Brooks’s support, she moves in with him so he can help her heal and she can escape her dad’s negative influence. It’s a touching story, and I loved every moment of it!
I feel for Delta every time I see her struggling with her injury. Her pain and insecurities resonate with me. She’s so passionate about snowboarding, but it’s tough for her with her dad making things difficult. I adore her brothers—they’re doing their best to help her recognize the toxicity in their father and are super supportive. And then there’s Brooks! He’s always there for her when she needs someone the most. It hurts him to see her in pain, but he approaches the situation gently, helping her understand that her dad’s behavior isn’t right without pushing her too hard.
All in all, this book is another great book by Cleo White! It’s a heartfelt story with just the right amount of spice, and I enjoyed every moment of it!
4/5⭐
2/5🌶️
My second book by Cleo White, and wow, it's another winner! I read through it in one sitting. While the plot is pretty straightforward, I enjoyed the depth of the characters. Delta is a talented snowboarder who won her first Olympic gold medal at just 20 years old. But she’s dealing with a tough situation—thanks to her dad's intense training, she’s got a serious hip injury that needs ongoing care.
Enter Dr. Brooks, her doctor for years. Over time, his feelings for her have grown beyond just a doctor-patient relationship. After another major injury, Delta realizes she can't keep going like this. With Brooks’s support, she moves in with him so he can help her heal and she can escape her dad’s negative influence. It’s a touching story, and I loved every moment of it!
I feel for Delta every time I see her struggling with her injury. Her pain and insecurities resonate with me. She’s so passionate about snowboarding, but it’s tough for her with her dad making things difficult. I adore her brothers—they’re doing their best to help her recognize the toxicity in their father and are super supportive. And then there’s Brooks! He’s always there for her when she needs someone the most. It hurts him to see her in pain, but he approaches the situation gently, helping her understand that her dad’s behavior isn’t right without pushing her too hard.
All in all, this book is another great book by Cleo White! It’s a heartfelt story with just the right amount of spice, and I enjoyed every moment of it!
September 20, 2023
What a rollercoaster of emotions. It's my second book by Cleo and I've found a new auto-buy author!
In this book we have Brooks, a 38-year old orthopedic surgeon, whose patient, Delta, is 20-year old snowboarding olympic champion, with hip problems.
Seeing Brooks struggle with his role as Delta's doctor and keeping his distance from her, but at the same time, not caring about anything and anyone to be by her side when she needed him the most, was too pure. The idea he was prepared to spend his entire life without her - even though he fiercely loved her - if and when Delta thought she was making a mistake loving him, that my friends is selflessness at its core. We need more man to take examples from these fictional characters.... in every aspect, if you know what I mean.
I have loved the interactions between them at the beginning of the book. What I loved most about this book, aside from the couple, is the relationship Delta has with her brothers. I loved reading about their protective side, trying at all cost to shield her from anything bad that was going on after she got hurt. This maes me extremely happy to know Eliot, Bay and Lake will have their time to shine in future books!
Thank you Cleo for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Favourite scene: Delta and Brooks' first kiss on the examining table. It came on so fast and unexpected that got me so excited to read. Man, that was so good!
In this book we have Brooks, a 38-year old orthopedic surgeon, whose patient, Delta, is 20-year old snowboarding olympic champion, with hip problems.
Seeing Brooks struggle with his role as Delta's doctor and keeping his distance from her, but at the same time, not caring about anything and anyone to be by her side when she needed him the most, was too pure. The idea he was prepared to spend his entire life without her - even though he fiercely loved her - if and when Delta thought she was making a mistake loving him, that my friends is selflessness at its core. We need more man to take examples from these fictional characters.... in every aspect, if you know what I mean.
I have loved the interactions between them at the beginning of the book. What I loved most about this book, aside from the couple, is the relationship Delta has with her brothers. I loved reading about their protective side, trying at all cost to shield her from anything bad that was going on after she got hurt. This maes me extremely happy to know Eliot, Bay and Lake will have their time to shine in future books!
Thank you Cleo for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Favourite scene: Delta and Brooks' first kiss on the examining table. It came on so fast and unexpected that got me so excited to read. Man, that was so good!
In case I didn't say it enough earlier, I am completely, madly, and obsessively in love with you.
- Brooks
September 9, 2025
Brooks and Delta were so cute! Delta is an Olympic snowboarder who is feeling the physical pains of her career. Brooks has been her doctor/surgeon for the past few years. Somewhere along the way, these two developed a tentative friendship that turned into more, but the circumstances forbid them from acting on it. However, things begin to change, with Delta realizing that her doctor may be one of the only places that's felt safe and able to be herself.
I felt for Delta every time her dad was on page. He was a typical manipulative parent (a snowboarder like Delta as well) who saw his daughter as more of a "thing" than a person. The author did a great job of showing how Delta was affected, both mentally and physically, by her father's actions. Meanwhile, Brooks was there every step of the way. It never felt like he swooped in to save the day, but he became a source of comfort and healing for her as she figured out what she wanted life to look like without being defined as an Olympian. Comfort aside, their attraction to each other was clear. I love how this author writes intimate scenes, both in and out of the bedroom. It's usually built up after the characters have had a genuine connection, so it makes their physical relationship feel authentic.
Each book I read by this author just further cements that I'm a fan. She's perfected the art of age gap/Daddy k!nk, so I have a great time when I pick up her books!
What to Expect: age gap, forbidden (doctor/patient), friends to roommates to lovers, Olympic snowboarder (heroine), slow burn, no 3rd act breakup, hurt/comfort
Content Warnings: prescription drug abuse; parental abuse/parental manipulation of a child
I felt for Delta every time her dad was on page. He was a typical manipulative parent (a snowboarder like Delta as well) who saw his daughter as more of a "thing" than a person. The author did a great job of showing how Delta was affected, both mentally and physically, by her father's actions. Meanwhile, Brooks was there every step of the way. It never felt like he swooped in to save the day, but he became a source of comfort and healing for her as she figured out what she wanted life to look like without being defined as an Olympian. Comfort aside, their attraction to each other was clear. I love how this author writes intimate scenes, both in and out of the bedroom. It's usually built up after the characters have had a genuine connection, so it makes their physical relationship feel authentic.
Each book I read by this author just further cements that I'm a fan. She's perfected the art of age gap/Daddy k!nk, so I have a great time when I pick up her books!
What to Expect: age gap, forbidden (doctor/patient), friends to roommates to lovers, Olympic snowboarder (heroine), slow burn, no 3rd act breakup, hurt/comfort
Content Warnings: prescription drug abuse; parental abuse/parental manipulation of a child
May 17, 2024
It was lovely, such a satisfying slow burn with emotion and some good character development. Loved the heroine standing up for herself and against her father, loved the supportive hero.
Can't wait for more books by White because damn, she makes it real, I love her characters and their emotional maturity.
Can't wait for more books by White because damn, she makes it real, I love her characters and their emotional maturity.
February 2, 2025
Loved this!
The relationship was so *real* and for how short it was, we really got a lot besides just sex (though that was good, too). You could tell how much Delta and Brooks cared for eachother from the start and reading about their, at times a bit awkward, relationship development gave me all the feels.
Though I'm not a professional athlete, just a professional nerd who was also forced to take a break due to medical reasons, I could see myself in Delta so much and her feelings were so realistic for someone in that situation.
Only criticism I have is that the pace is a bit slow at first and that Delta's chronic pain only seems to act up when it's convenient for the story (ugh) but other than that, I practically devoured this and am already reading the next book by the author.
The relationship was so *real* and for how short it was, we really got a lot besides just sex (though that was good, too). You could tell how much Delta and Brooks cared for eachother from the start and reading about their, at times a bit awkward, relationship development gave me all the feels.
Though I'm not a professional athlete, just a professional nerd who was also forced to take a break due to medical reasons, I could see myself in Delta so much and her feelings were so realistic for someone in that situation.
Only criticism I have is that the pace is a bit slow at first and that Delta's chronic pain only seems to act up when it's convenient for the story (ugh) but other than that, I practically devoured this and am already reading the next book by the author.
February 12, 2025
2-2.5 ⭐️
For some reason I went into this book thinking it was a super steamy book, and that is not really the case. There are a few steamy scenes late in the book that are maybe a slight step above a light contemporary romance in terms of heat level on their own, but overall this is a really tame, sweet romance and there's nothing wrong with that just not what I was expecting. There is a bit of breeding kink and very, very light BDSM, all very sweet and tame, vanilla kink, if you will.
The age gap and doctor/patient relationship are very mildly taboo, they meet when she is 17 in a prologue but then the book takes place when she is 20-21 and they are already in love. There was very little conflict to the story which kind of makes it seem boring, if I'm honest. The manufactured hemming and hawing from the hero was a little silly rather than providing the tension I think it was meant to. The conflict provided by her abusive father was hard for me to read in the beginning (because of me, not that it was especially bad on page) but it peters out quickly too in terms of conflict for the plot. I would have liked to have had something else besides those two things to help the story along. I liked the pleasant filler of dogs, his family, etc. but it all just added up to too little.
Lastly, there were over 100 errors, and that was super distracting for this proofreading reader, it really needs to be gone over again and re-uploaded as having an error on over half the pages is not good for readers that care about that sort of thing. Goodreads scale is 2 stars=okay so that is my rating: 2 to 2.5 for the elements I liked.
For some reason I went into this book thinking it was a super steamy book, and that is not really the case. There are a few steamy scenes late in the book that are maybe a slight step above a light contemporary romance in terms of heat level on their own, but overall this is a really tame, sweet romance and there's nothing wrong with that just not what I was expecting. There is a bit of breeding kink and very, very light BDSM, all very sweet and tame, vanilla kink, if you will.
The age gap and doctor/patient relationship are very mildly taboo, they meet when she is 17 in a prologue but then the book takes place when she is 20-21 and they are already in love. There was very little conflict to the story which kind of makes it seem boring, if I'm honest. The manufactured hemming and hawing from the hero was a little silly rather than providing the tension I think it was meant to. The conflict provided by her abusive father was hard for me to read in the beginning (because of me, not that it was especially bad on page) but it peters out quickly too in terms of conflict for the plot. I would have liked to have had something else besides those two things to help the story along. I liked the pleasant filler of dogs, his family, etc. but it all just added up to too little.
Lastly, there were over 100 errors, and that was super distracting for this proofreading reader, it really needs to be gone over again and re-uploaded as having an error on over half the pages is not good for readers that care about that sort of thing. Goodreads scale is 2 stars=okay so that is my rating: 2 to 2.5 for the elements I liked.
May 14, 2024
🥺🤍
Omgggg..
This was a really cute book.
I liked Brooks character and started loving him after seeing how much he really cared for Delta.
Delta is a total bad a**, I felt bad for her though all she ever wanted to be was good enough for her dad. I hated how her dad seemed to only be interested in fame and winning.
I loved the relationship Delta had with her brothers and I loved how they stood up for her after that incident..
you’ll know what I mean as soon as you pick up this book and read for yourself 😏
& my goshhhh Brooks is a sweet heart, but damn that mouth of his when he’s alone with her 🥵🥵
Def recommend adding to your tbr or next read!
Omgggg..
This was a really cute book.
I liked Brooks character and started loving him after seeing how much he really cared for Delta.
Delta is a total bad a**, I felt bad for her though all she ever wanted to be was good enough for her dad. I hated how her dad seemed to only be interested in fame and winning.
I loved the relationship Delta had with her brothers and I loved how they stood up for her after that incident..
you’ll know what I mean as soon as you pick up this book and read for yourself 😏
& my goshhhh Brooks is a sweet heart, but damn that mouth of his when he’s alone with her 🥵🥵
Def recommend adding to your tbr or next read!
February 22, 2025
I was in the mood for a doctor/patient romance, which I must say is not really that common. The added sports element made this even better! The first half really delivered on the angst, showing the struggles of growing up as a child athlete and the pressure that comes with it. I loved how that part was explored. The second half leaned a bit too much into the lusty side for my taste, but I still enjoyed seeing Delta and Brooks find their happy ending.
October 5, 2023
I was really thinking about what makes a book 5 stars to me and decided its truly about the feeling i get when reading it and I've got to say, this book made me so giddy and happy that I couldn't imagine giving it anything less than five stars. Delta's character arc from being only about pleasing her dad to finding her own voice and listening to it was so good, Cleo made sure you felt the struggle and pain that she felt and how she really just wanted her dad to be a dad to her and not her trainer trying to get gold. Brooks was probably one of the only people outside of her family who cared about the real her and you could tell from the beginning. I loved the autism aspect of this book because it shows how "regular" people can have autism and have it just be a part of them instead of being seen as something debilitating or something that would make them less than. As someone who might have a touch of the tism, it was very apparent for me from the beginning and once you recognize the symptoms or aspects of it you can see it in other people who might not being diagnosed and this book just really showed how people live with autism in a way i feel like I haven't seen in books. Also the spice in this book was out of control. Like so good once it got started but the yearning and waiting honestly made it better. I can't wait for the rest of the siblings books.
October 4, 2023
Well, we all know how much I love Cleo and her writing, and this didn't disappoint. ❄️❄️❄️
Brooks and Delta, I just love them so much!
When Brooks and Delta were first introduced, Brooks only thought of Delta as his young and beautiful patient that he wanted to help, Delta thought he was her potential hot doctor and she liked him from the beginning. Over the span of 3 years, their feelings for each other transpire into something that they could have never imagined...
Delta is so beautiful and fierce. I love her personality. However, she has to work through a lot of bulls*** her father forced her to listen to over the years and realise that she is an amazing person and she is enough.
Brooks, OMG, he will hold a special little place in my heart. He is beautiful, smart and sexy and completely head of heels for Delta. I love that Delta keeps pushing him to open up, and when he did, a lot of it made sense. It did suck that he pushed her away constantly until a tragic event occurred and made him realise that he would do anything for Delta. Is it too late, though???
Thank you so much to Cleo and the amazing team at Passion Author Services for this ARC. I really appreciate it! All opinions are my own 😊
❤️ dual pov
❤️ age gap
❤️ forbidden: doctor/ patient
❤️ roommates
❤️ ASD rep ( I love this so much)
❤️ sports romance
Brooks and Delta, I just love them so much!
When Brooks and Delta were first introduced, Brooks only thought of Delta as his young and beautiful patient that he wanted to help, Delta thought he was her potential hot doctor and she liked him from the beginning. Over the span of 3 years, their feelings for each other transpire into something that they could have never imagined...
Delta is so beautiful and fierce. I love her personality. However, she has to work through a lot of bulls*** her father forced her to listen to over the years and realise that she is an amazing person and she is enough.
Brooks, OMG, he will hold a special little place in my heart. He is beautiful, smart and sexy and completely head of heels for Delta. I love that Delta keeps pushing him to open up, and when he did, a lot of it made sense. It did suck that he pushed her away constantly until a tragic event occurred and made him realise that he would do anything for Delta. Is it too late, though???
Thank you so much to Cleo and the amazing team at Passion Author Services for this ARC. I really appreciate it! All opinions are my own 😊
❤️ dual pov
❤️ age gap
❤️ forbidden: doctor/ patient
❤️ roommates
❤️ ASD rep ( I love this so much)
❤️ sports romance
February 21, 2023
Is was entirely too short. I felt like it was over just as it was getting good. Enjoyable read though, just needed about 4 or 5 more chapters.
October 4, 2023
This was my first book that I have read by this author and it didn’t disappoint me at all. What a beautiful story. Loved both of the main characters they had so much compassion for one another.
November 2, 2023
Let me start by saying that this book had a neurodivergent rep that just made my heart happy. I went in thinking I'd get a dark and forbidden storyline and it definitely has those elements, Delta goes through a pretty heavy life change and faces childhood trauma but I was surprised to find some wholesome parts that shine through this book as well. And the doctor/patient age gap taboo relationship was so hot! 🥵
Brooks and Delta have an interesting relationship to start, where he feels protective of her as a patient (she is a youth sports prodigy and has to grow up fast to deal with the pressure put on her by her coach/dad) and as the years go by (and she is a few years past being a legal adult) they both realize there's a tension and attraction they can't fight. A hurt/comfort moment pushes these two into acting on their feelings and the spice gets spicy as they learn just how compatible they really are 😉
My heart broke for Delta as she navigated the life changes she had to face, as everything she knew was upended. But she wasn't alone, she had Brooks and her brothers to support her. And three adorable dogs named Tibia, Fibula, and Ulna 😂 Brooks is such a good guy (but does joke that unaliving could be a proper way to solve a problem) and although he isn't as "in tune" with Delta's feelings and behavioral cues, he accepts that his neurodivergence is a part of who he is and not something he needs to hide from those he cares about.
There was a lot packed into this novella which is surprising, it gives a cohesive story with a lot of weight to it, while also showing the love story of two people who have truly fallen for each other, without it being too heavy on the insta-love. The doctor-patient taboo forbidden relationship was hot AF, and you get the added bonus of finding out that these two are perfect for each other. I really enjoyed this book!
Brooks and Delta have an interesting relationship to start, where he feels protective of her as a patient (she is a youth sports prodigy and has to grow up fast to deal with the pressure put on her by her coach/dad) and as the years go by (and she is a few years past being a legal adult) they both realize there's a tension and attraction they can't fight. A hurt/comfort moment pushes these two into acting on their feelings and the spice gets spicy as they learn just how compatible they really are 😉
My heart broke for Delta as she navigated the life changes she had to face, as everything she knew was upended. But she wasn't alone, she had Brooks and her brothers to support her. And three adorable dogs named Tibia, Fibula, and Ulna 😂 Brooks is such a good guy (but does joke that unaliving could be a proper way to solve a problem) and although he isn't as "in tune" with Delta's feelings and behavioral cues, he accepts that his neurodivergence is a part of who he is and not something he needs to hide from those he cares about.
There was a lot packed into this novella which is surprising, it gives a cohesive story with a lot of weight to it, while also showing the love story of two people who have truly fallen for each other, without it being too heavy on the insta-love. The doctor-patient taboo forbidden relationship was hot AF, and you get the added bonus of finding out that these two are perfect for each other. I really enjoyed this book!
October 9, 2023
Brooks & Delta took me on a ride of anticipation, delicious turns, and age gap perfection.
I absolutely devoured this book and can’t wait to read more of this author’s work!
Forbidden love - is one of my favourite tropes, it’s sweet, bitter, angsty, and full of unexpected moments.
Our snowboarding legend, comes face to face with a new reality, and purpose or lack thereof.
😉
And Brooks - the way he carried himself, was giving me the right amount of push, to root for them.
I highly recommend it!
No OW drama or cheating.
What a rollercoaster!
Received an arc, and leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I absolutely devoured this book and can’t wait to read more of this author’s work!
Forbidden love - is one of my favourite tropes, it’s sweet, bitter, angsty, and full of unexpected moments.
Our snowboarding legend, comes face to face with a new reality, and purpose or lack thereof.
😉
And Brooks - the way he carried himself, was giving me the right amount of push, to root for them.
I highly recommend it!
No OW drama or cheating.
What a rollercoaster!
Received an arc, and leaving an honest and voluntary review.
March 24, 2025
3.75/5
this was a one day read and that makes my socks roll up n down ngl
dr. harrison the man that you are
after chilled & thrilled i had to see what else cleo white had going on and this bangs
cleo’s other books seem to be a little longer than the daddy issues series, but they’re still only about 300 pgs give or take a few in either direction which is just so lethally my shit
delta had such a good backstory and i really enjoyed her dynamic with her brothers
as per usual with cleo it’s a semi taboo (dr x patient) age gap and i swear she writes these just for me
thank u cleo ill kiss u on the forehead
this was a one day read and that makes my socks roll up n down ngl
dr. harrison the man that you are
after chilled & thrilled i had to see what else cleo white had going on and this bangs
cleo’s other books seem to be a little longer than the daddy issues series, but they’re still only about 300 pgs give or take a few in either direction which is just so lethally my shit
delta had such a good backstory and i really enjoyed her dynamic with her brothers
as per usual with cleo it’s a semi taboo (dr x patient) age gap and i swear she writes these just for me
thank u cleo ill kiss u on the forehead
March 22, 2024
3.5⭐️
A fun and quick read. It’s rare to see a MMC on the autism spectrum without it being portrayed as a major hurdle for the relationship and I’m glad that the author chose a more balanced portrayal.
A fun and quick read. It’s rare to see a MMC on the autism spectrum without it being portrayed as a major hurdle for the relationship and I’m glad that the author chose a more balanced portrayal.
Want to read
March 28, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2023)! 🎁
January 2, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
❄️ doctor/patient
💗 protective mmc
❄️ age gap
💗 slowish burn
❄️ autism rep
💗 mutual pining
❄️ friends to roommates to lovers
💗 dual pov
I’ve just come to the conclusion that anything Cleo writes, it will always be a five star read 🔥
Brooks is definitely up there with my top fav mmcs that Cleo has written. He might possibly even be my favorite? (I’m really sorry Asher, please forgive me 😭). The way he is so protective of Delta just healed something inside of me. As someone who had parents who pushed me in a sport to the point of injury (to where I couldn’t play again), this book, and Delta’s story, really resonated with me.
I think we could all use a Brooks in our lives because he was honestly so precious 🥹 (but don’t be fooled by his preciousness, the mouth on this man was wild. I loved it 😏) I really loved Delta and the way she was able to find her voice to stand up for herself. And the fact that her brothers were always on her side, just made me so happy 💗
If you love forbidden romance and an age gap, this is so worth the read! And tbh, anything by Cleo is worth the read 💗
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
❄️ doctor/patient
💗 protective mmc
❄️ age gap
💗 slowish burn
❄️ autism rep
💗 mutual pining
❄️ friends to roommates to lovers
💗 dual pov
I’ve just come to the conclusion that anything Cleo writes, it will always be a five star read 🔥
Brooks is definitely up there with my top fav mmcs that Cleo has written. He might possibly even be my favorite? (I’m really sorry Asher, please forgive me 😭). The way he is so protective of Delta just healed something inside of me. As someone who had parents who pushed me in a sport to the point of injury (to where I couldn’t play again), this book, and Delta’s story, really resonated with me.
I think we could all use a Brooks in our lives because he was honestly so precious 🥹 (but don’t be fooled by his preciousness, the mouth on this man was wild. I loved it 😏) I really loved Delta and the way she was able to find her voice to stand up for herself. And the fact that her brothers were always on her side, just made me so happy 💗
If you love forbidden romance and an age gap, this is so worth the read! And tbh, anything by Cleo is worth the read 💗
October 12, 2025
Surprisingly good! We get a touch of instalove, but slow burn in one. They don’t officially get together until past the 50-60% mark, but the build up is delicious! Solid plot, enjoyable storyline. And once the spice starts…phew!! SO hot! I love me a dominant, alpha male who knows what he wants. These two get adventurous! Delta was definitely not a meek wallflower, she was super strong and knew what she wanted. These two complemented each other so well! All in all a very enjoyable read!
Safety:
- No OW/OM
- No cheating
- No real separation, but some distance after first spicy encounter. No third act break up.
- Parental abuse, substance abuse
Safety:
- No OW/OM
- No cheating
- No real separation, but some distance after first spicy encounter. No third act break up.
- Parental abuse, substance abuse
December 30, 2025
I had no idea I loved a grumpy orthopedic surgeon X Olympic snowboarder patient trope until reading this book…but here we are. I was hesitant about the age gap being done well, bc she is 20 and he is 38, but overall I thought it was still well done and never gave me the “ick” feeling.
This story had a lot of heart in it I wasn’t expecting but also was plain old fun. Definitely one of the spiciest books I’ve read but I think this author is known for that!
This story had a lot of heart in it I wasn’t expecting but also was plain old fun. Definitely one of the spiciest books I’ve read but I think this author is known for that!
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