What do you think?
Rate this book
Copper Point Medical #2
The Doctor's Date
Sequel to The Doctor's Secret
Copper Point Medical: Book Two
The hospital’s least eligible bachelor and its aloof administrator hate each other… so why are they pretending to date?
Dr. Owen Gagnon and HR director Erin Andreas are infamous for their hospital hallway shouting matches. So imagine the town’s surprise when Erin bids an obscene amount of money to win Owen in the hospital bachelor auction—and Owen ups the ante by insisting Erin move in with him.
Copper Point may not know what’s going on, but neither do Erin and Owen. Erin intends his gesture to let Owen know he’s interested. Owen, on the other hand, suspects ulterior motives—that Erin wants a fake relationship as a refuge from his overbearing father.
With Erin suddenly heading a messy internal investigation, Owen wants to step up and be the hero Erin’s never had. Too bad Erin would rather spend his energy trying to rescue Owen from the shadows of a past he doesn’t talk about.
This relationship may be fake, but the feelings aren’t. Still, what Erin and Owen have won’t last unless they put their respective demons to rest. To do that, they’ll have to do more than work together—they’ll have to trust they can heal each other’s hearts.
Copper Point Medical: Book Two
The hospital’s least eligible bachelor and its aloof administrator hate each other… so why are they pretending to date?
Dr. Owen Gagnon and HR director Erin Andreas are infamous for their hospital hallway shouting matches. So imagine the town’s surprise when Erin bids an obscene amount of money to win Owen in the hospital bachelor auction—and Owen ups the ante by insisting Erin move in with him.
Copper Point may not know what’s going on, but neither do Erin and Owen. Erin intends his gesture to let Owen know he’s interested. Owen, on the other hand, suspects ulterior motives—that Erin wants a fake relationship as a refuge from his overbearing father.
With Erin suddenly heading a messy internal investigation, Owen wants to step up and be the hero Erin’s never had. Too bad Erin would rather spend his energy trying to rescue Owen from the shadows of a past he doesn’t talk about.
This relationship may be fake, but the feelings aren’t. Still, what Erin and Owen have won’t last unless they put their respective demons to rest. To do that, they’ll have to do more than work together—they’ll have to trust they can heal each other’s hearts.
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 18, 2019
65 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,876 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
June 12, 2019
I have a lot of mixed feelings about The Doctor's Date, and I'm wasn't sure what my rating was going to be until I sat down to write this review.
I'm a big Heidi Cullinan fan, and I've read 90% of her published work, but I've been struggling a bit with the Copper Point Medical series. I was sure I was going to love The Doctor's Date, and though I really enjoyed parts of it, parts of it confused me.
Based on the first book, I thought it was going to be an enemies-to-lovers situation, or a relationship with some hate-chemistry. That really isn't what the story ended up being. Erin and Owen's dynamic was... new to me. It was a sort of daddy/sub-ish dynamic without the kink. Owen felt like a caretaker who rushed in and took control of everything, and Erin seemed very young and very lost. I didn't get any sense of competence from Erin, just a guy who needed someone to rescue him. It kind of worked for me, and I understood their relationship, but it was weird how it escalated so fast and with such... commandment. It's hard for me to explain.
I also wasn't expecting Erin to be on the asexuality spectrum, but that was a pleasant surprise. I like sexual diversity in my M/M, and a character who is perhaps gray-asexual and demisexual was a nice change of pace. I didn't love how fixated Erin was on Owen for all these years, though. It rang a little... odd.
I liked the mystery and the tension in the story, which I don't usually enjoy, and I thought the pace was great. I liked reading the whole story, even if I think Erin's father had an inconsistent characterization.
If you like a Heidi's mushier stories with lots of romance and low steam, this one might work for you. I, however, might bow out of the series at this point.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
I'm a big Heidi Cullinan fan, and I've read 90% of her published work, but I've been struggling a bit with the Copper Point Medical series. I was sure I was going to love The Doctor's Date, and though I really enjoyed parts of it, parts of it confused me.
Based on the first book, I thought it was going to be an enemies-to-lovers situation, or a relationship with some hate-chemistry. That really isn't what the story ended up being. Erin and Owen's dynamic was... new to me. It was a sort of daddy/sub-ish dynamic without the kink. Owen felt like a caretaker who rushed in and took control of everything, and Erin seemed very young and very lost. I didn't get any sense of competence from Erin, just a guy who needed someone to rescue him. It kind of worked for me, and I understood their relationship, but it was weird how it escalated so fast and with such... commandment. It's hard for me to explain.
I also wasn't expecting Erin to be on the asexuality spectrum, but that was a pleasant surprise. I like sexual diversity in my M/M, and a character who is perhaps gray-asexual and demisexual was a nice change of pace. I didn't love how fixated Erin was on Owen for all these years, though. It rang a little... odd.
I liked the mystery and the tension in the story, which I don't usually enjoy, and I thought the pace was great. I liked reading the whole story, even if I think Erin's father had an inconsistent characterization.
If you like a Heidi's mushier stories with lots of romance and low steam, this one might work for you. I, however, might bow out of the series at this point.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
May 10, 2019
Owen loves to push Erin's buttons, and Erin pushes right back. The men have been stepping on each other's toes for two years. It's an intricate dance of love & hate, and it comes to fruition at the hospital "bachelor" auction, where Erin bids 25K for a date with Owen. That's right: twenty-five THOUSAND dollars.
Talk about putting your cards on the table.
Owen initially thinks Erin's just trying to get back at his controlling dad, but Erin's been crushing on Owen since he was 13 years old. The move from pseudo-enemies to friends and pretend-lovers came very quickly, but not as quickly as the leap from fake to real boyfriends.
I wanted more tension, especially because the romance that followed was slightly lackluster. Erin is over 30 and a virgin. Owen is a former player. When the two get together, sparks ... uh, actually, nope, sparks don't fly because there are no sparks. And no steam. And I do mean NONE, unless you count two brief groping scenes.
At one point, Owen plays the violin for Erin. This is a BIG DEAL, as Owen associates the violin with a painful childhood. The guys recreate Valentine's Day. It's all insanely sweet and romantic, and then Owen tugs Erin onto the rug. Erin utters, "I'm not naive any longer." And ... NOTHING. NADA. The scene fades to black.
The fuck you say? Yeah, that's what I said too.
I love Heidi Cullinan, but I don't understand why sex has all of a sudden become something she feels needs to be hidden. The first book wasn't particularly sexy, but the passion is entirely MIA in this one, to the point where I struggled to feel the chemistry between the MCs.
It's really too bad because there's a clear emotional connection between Erin and Owen. They lean on each other. Both have been through hell and back with their abusive fathers. It's hinted at that Erin is on the asexual spectrum (demisexual, perhaps), and that dimension really could have been explored and turned into something sensual and beautiful, but it was barely mentioned at all.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the story, because I did (I gave it 4 stars after all). I love Cullinan's writing and adored the secondary characters, including Jack and Simon from book 1.
The hospital drama continues with the men discovering inaccuracies in the hospital accounting records. Everyone's sure Erin's dad is involved (and they're not wrong).
And, of course, there's an adorable HEA featuring ogres and music and much, much joy.
I will definitely read the third book. Nick and Jared need their HEA! I'm just crossing my fingers for more steam.
P.S. I would not recommend reading this book as a standalone. The first book sets the stage for the action that unfolds in this one.
Talk about putting your cards on the table.
Owen initially thinks Erin's just trying to get back at his controlling dad, but Erin's been crushing on Owen since he was 13 years old. The move from pseudo-enemies to friends and pretend-lovers came very quickly, but not as quickly as the leap from fake to real boyfriends.
I wanted more tension, especially because the romance that followed was slightly lackluster. Erin is over 30 and a virgin. Owen is a former player. When the two get together, sparks ... uh, actually, nope, sparks don't fly because there are no sparks. And no steam. And I do mean NONE, unless you count two brief groping scenes.
At one point, Owen plays the violin for Erin. This is a BIG DEAL, as Owen associates the violin with a painful childhood. The guys recreate Valentine's Day. It's all insanely sweet and romantic, and then Owen tugs Erin onto the rug. Erin utters, "I'm not naive any longer." And ... NOTHING. NADA. The scene fades to black.
The fuck you say? Yeah, that's what I said too.
I love Heidi Cullinan, but I don't understand why sex has all of a sudden become something she feels needs to be hidden. The first book wasn't particularly sexy, but the passion is entirely MIA in this one, to the point where I struggled to feel the chemistry between the MCs.
It's really too bad because there's a clear emotional connection between Erin and Owen. They lean on each other. Both have been through hell and back with their abusive fathers. It's hinted at that Erin is on the asexual spectrum (demisexual, perhaps), and that dimension really could have been explored and turned into something sensual and beautiful, but it was barely mentioned at all.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the story, because I did (I gave it 4 stars after all). I love Cullinan's writing and adored the secondary characters, including Jack and Simon from book 1.
The hospital drama continues with the men discovering inaccuracies in the hospital accounting records. Everyone's sure Erin's dad is involved (and they're not wrong).
And, of course, there's an adorable HEA featuring ogres and music and much, much joy.
I will definitely read the third book. Nick and Jared need their HEA! I'm just crossing my fingers for more steam.
P.S. I would not recommend reading this book as a standalone. The first book sets the stage for the action that unfolds in this one.
May 10, 2019
I loved this! Erin and Owen are the perfect foil for one another. I loved the flashbacks that gave insight into just how long Erin has had a crush on Owen, and vice versa. Misunderstanding each other has been their go-to in the past, but a bachelor auction offers them the opportunity to clear things up and get their romance started.
And, oh, how I loved the hurt/comfort in this! Not too angsty, just a perfect amount of sigh inducing wonderful.
There's a really good side plot mystery too, as Erin and, hospital President, Nick along with Owen and their friends work together to uncover something big affecting the hospital.
It all just plain worked for me. This story had me holding my Kindle close and sighing with how absolutely right it all was in the end. That very, very happy ending.
Dual POV, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, fake boyfriend that is actually what they both really want more than anything else in the whole world, romance with some steam and a very happy HEA ending.
While I suppose The Doctor's Date could be read as a standalone, I would absolutely recommend reading The Doctor's Secret first. Mostly because it's a good book too, but also to give you better background on all the players.
4.5 stars - highly recommended.
P.S.: I'm really looking forward to hearing these on audio (hopefully soon)!
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Doctor's Date provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
And, oh, how I loved the hurt/comfort in this! Not too angsty, just a perfect amount of sigh inducing wonderful.
“I dreamed of this, you know. Maybe not this exactly, but of being with you. As I lay upstairs in my attic room, wishing my life were different, I dreamed you would come through the window and be with me.”
There's a really good side plot mystery too, as Erin and, hospital President, Nick along with Owen and their friends work together to uncover something big affecting the hospital.
It all just plain worked for me. This story had me holding my Kindle close and sighing with how absolutely right it all was in the end. That very, very happy ending.
Dual POV, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, fake boyfriend that is actually what they both really want more than anything else in the whole world, romance with some steam and a very happy HEA ending.
While I suppose The Doctor's Date could be read as a standalone, I would absolutely recommend reading The Doctor's Secret first. Mostly because it's a good book too, but also to give you better background on all the players.
4.5 stars - highly recommended.
P.S.: I'm really looking forward to hearing these on audio (hopefully soon)!
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Doctor's Date provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 8, 2019
While I've rated them both the same, I think I enjoyed this one a tiny bit more than the first book in what is so far proving to be an excellent series.
This had none of the preachy element that I felt had slightly taken over the narrative of book one, instead it was all about family, how they can screw with your head and change your perceptions of life.
From the bat, this was clearly going to more than the obvious sum of its parts. It's not really a fake boyfriend story, there is so much history between Owen and Erin.
I have to say, every single time I read his name I had a pause to catch up that it's a male character. There is an explanation for his name and Erin is an Irish gender-neutral name for the country of Ireland (Éirinn) but it's more commonly used as a female name, so it threw me but hey that's just a personal thing.
Erin himself was a complex character and I loved him, almost as much as I loved Owen, his ogre, his dragon, his defender against whatever tried to hurt him. Theirs is a genuine, emotional connection but, as my lovely friend Dani says in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I wanted more tension, especially because the romance that followed was slightly lackluster. Erin is over 30 and a virgin. Owen is a former player. When the two get together, sparks ... uh, actually, nope, sparks don't fly because there are no sparks. And no steam. And I do mean NONE, unless you count two brief groping scenes.
The chemistry which I love to see in a romance is simply absent. Everything fades to black or is referred to off page.
This was a little disappointing, not because I wanted a full-blooded erotic porn encounter to read, but because it meant that element of their relationship was utterly missing. Erin's a virgin, the care Owen took with every other aspect of his relationship with him should have been there for the reader in this also, but it wasn't. It was a throwaway line.
Still, that's really my only grumble because I loved everything else about this narrative. It's not a standalone, you need to read book one because there is a series long thread running in the background about the hospital all the doctors work at and I think it'd mean a whole chunk of understanding about what's going on would be missing.
Now, on to Jared and Nick and I really can't wait for that one.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This had none of the preachy element that I felt had slightly taken over the narrative of book one, instead it was all about family, how they can screw with your head and change your perceptions of life.
From the bat, this was clearly going to more than the obvious sum of its parts. It's not really a fake boyfriend story, there is so much history between Owen and Erin.
I have to say, every single time I read his name I had a pause to catch up that it's a male character. There is an explanation for his name and Erin is an Irish gender-neutral name for the country of Ireland (Éirinn) but it's more commonly used as a female name, so it threw me but hey that's just a personal thing.
Erin himself was a complex character and I loved him, almost as much as I loved Owen, his ogre, his dragon, his defender against whatever tried to hurt him. Theirs is a genuine, emotional connection but, as my lovely friend Dani says in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I wanted more tension, especially because the romance that followed was slightly lackluster. Erin is over 30 and a virgin. Owen is a former player. When the two get together, sparks ... uh, actually, nope, sparks don't fly because there are no sparks. And no steam. And I do mean NONE, unless you count two brief groping scenes.
The chemistry which I love to see in a romance is simply absent. Everything fades to black or is referred to off page.
This was a little disappointing, not because I wanted a full-blooded erotic porn encounter to read, but because it meant that element of their relationship was utterly missing. Erin's a virgin, the care Owen took with every other aspect of his relationship with him should have been there for the reader in this also, but it wasn't. It was a throwaway line.
Still, that's really my only grumble because I loved everything else about this narrative. It's not a standalone, you need to read book one because there is a series long thread running in the background about the hospital all the doctors work at and I think it'd mean a whole chunk of understanding about what's going on would be missing.
Now, on to Jared and Nick and I really can't wait for that one.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 24, 2019
BR with Adam
3.5 Stars
The Doctor’s Date is the second installment in Cullinan’s new series and I’m glad that I gave it a try. After the first book I was hesitant to dive in but this book has a little more depth to the characters. It’s still sweet with low angst but doesn’t flatline like the last one did for me.
The story starts off with Erin’s childhood background story that provides context on his behavior as an adult. Erin’s in charge of human resources for the hospital. He’s skittish, isolated, and has had a long life of intimidation and neglect from his father (who is also the president of the board). He has never done anything with another person (not even a kiss) and has been starved for affection, touch, and kind words. Erin has been looking for a mighty ogre to rescue him since he was boy and the ogre has a name, Owen. It’s always been Owen. Always.
Owen’s an anesthesiologist that has quite the reputation within the hospital as pretty much being an asshole. His glower sends the gossiping nurses scurrying but, with those he loves, he's loyal and a protector. His favorite past-time is rubbing up against Erin until they are both breathing fire… not in a sexual way, that comes later. Much. Much. later.
My thoughts on Erin and Owen are a little confusing. I liked them together sometimes because there’s respect, patience, and a connection of building a deeper friendship. As I was reading though, I kept wondering if some chemistry would appear- I don’t think it ever really did. This lacking of chemistry has nothing to do with sex. I’m not sure where Erin falls on the sexuality spectrum but I would guess closer to asexual than not. I appreciated that they didn’t rush to sex and instead took little steps that added some depth to their friendship. The sex scenes are fade to black which doesn’t really bother me if the characters have a great connection and chemistry.
Owen’s a natural leader that takes charge and that’s no different when it comes to Erin. It takes a while for Owen to reveal himself and his childhood trauma because he’d rather be helping others. Erin lets himself be rescued with his backbone appearing a few times in his role as HR director and the auction. Other than that, Erin just goes along and enjoys the fruit of his ogre coming for him and fully caring for him (almost helpless at some points). There’s not many medical situations taking place in The Doctor’s Date but there’s an underlying mystery to solve that adds some suspense.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed this installment and will possibly continue with the next book. If you’re looking for a really sweet, low angst M/M romance, with a little bit of humor, this could be your cuppa.
3.5 Stars
The Doctor’s Date is the second installment in Cullinan’s new series and I’m glad that I gave it a try. After the first book I was hesitant to dive in but this book has a little more depth to the characters. It’s still sweet with low angst but doesn’t flatline like the last one did for me.
The story starts off with Erin’s childhood background story that provides context on his behavior as an adult. Erin’s in charge of human resources for the hospital. He’s skittish, isolated, and has had a long life of intimidation and neglect from his father (who is also the president of the board). He has never done anything with another person (not even a kiss) and has been starved for affection, touch, and kind words. Erin has been looking for a mighty ogre to rescue him since he was boy and the ogre has a name, Owen. It’s always been Owen. Always.
Owen’s an anesthesiologist that has quite the reputation within the hospital as pretty much being an asshole. His glower sends the gossiping nurses scurrying but, with those he loves, he's loyal and a protector. His favorite past-time is rubbing up against Erin until they are both breathing fire… not in a sexual way, that comes later. Much. Much. later.
My thoughts on Erin and Owen are a little confusing. I liked them together sometimes because there’s respect, patience, and a connection of building a deeper friendship. As I was reading though, I kept wondering if some chemistry would appear- I don’t think it ever really did. This lacking of chemistry has nothing to do with sex. I’m not sure where Erin falls on the sexuality spectrum but I would guess closer to asexual than not. I appreciated that they didn’t rush to sex and instead took little steps that added some depth to their friendship. The sex scenes are fade to black which doesn’t really bother me if the characters have a great connection and chemistry.
Owen’s a natural leader that takes charge and that’s no different when it comes to Erin. It takes a while for Owen to reveal himself and his childhood trauma because he’d rather be helping others. Erin lets himself be rescued with his backbone appearing a few times in his role as HR director and the auction. Other than that, Erin just goes along and enjoys the fruit of his ogre coming for him and fully caring for him (almost helpless at some points). There’s not many medical situations taking place in The Doctor’s Date but there’s an underlying mystery to solve that adds some suspense.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed this installment and will possibly continue with the next book. If you’re looking for a really sweet, low angst M/M romance, with a little bit of humor, this could be your cuppa.
Trigger Warnings for abuse.
Copy provided for honest review.
April 14, 2023
3.5 stars (but rounding up)
Erin and Owen are a great sort of enemies to lovers. Even though this is book two I feel like you could read this on it’s own, but obviously would be better enjoyed in order lol.
Iggy Toma crushed the narration as per usual! Now I am bummed book three isn’t on audio… I am just hoping that comes out in the near future!🤞🏼
Erin and Owen are a great sort of enemies to lovers. Even though this is book two I feel like you could read this on it’s own, but obviously would be better enjoyed in order lol.
Iggy Toma crushed the narration as per usual! Now I am bummed book three isn’t on audio… I am just hoping that comes out in the near future!🤞🏼
June 20, 2019
4.5 stars ... I loved this ❤️Erin & Owen, both victims or challenging childhoods that resulted in abuse and neglect. Both found something in each other, Erin longing for Owen from a distance that spanned a decade, and Owen not understanding Erin but loving the constant fight. One moment in time, one auction bid, gave Erin the chance to speak up and Owen the chance to listen and protect. Loved them.
July 16, 2019
Love this more than the first one but I dont know I can't get over 3 stars for this saga for now.
Review to come.
Review to come.
July 14, 2019
I don't think this series is for me.
July 1, 2019
Although I bought this by mistake, thinking it was the 1st in the series, I loved it.
Owen and Erin bump into each other at 14, then 17 and start working together in their 30's.
Owen is Erin's one and only crush, while adult Owen is determined to hate Erin because of Erin's father. Erin bids a huge amount of money for Owen at a charity date auction, and they fake ( real) date.
There is no fake relationship really, they have been skirting around each other hiding how they feel and disguising it as banter, and they are wonderful together. Loving, supportive, nurturing and mainly communicative.
It's a little contrived in places, but I loved the writing, Erin and Owen, and their friends.
Will definitely read the 1st book, and hope for more.
Owen and Erin bump into each other at 14, then 17 and start working together in their 30's.
Owen is Erin's one and only crush, while adult Owen is determined to hate Erin because of Erin's father. Erin bids a huge amount of money for Owen at a charity date auction, and they fake ( real) date.
There is no fake relationship really, they have been skirting around each other hiding how they feel and disguising it as banter, and they are wonderful together. Loving, supportive, nurturing and mainly communicative.
It's a little contrived in places, but I loved the writing, Erin and Owen, and their friends.
Will definitely read the 1st book, and hope for more.
February 9, 2022
ಠ_ಠ. No hate sex. And its like the first book stole all the chemistry. And no freaking banter. Literally everything I was looking forward to in this book ended up not even showing up.
I did love the dynamic between Owen and Jack though. I'd love to have seen that in a high school setting.
I did love the dynamic between Owen and Jack though. I'd love to have seen that in a high school setting.
June 23, 2019
So better than the first! So sweet together 🤗
July 4, 2019
Tag team review with Lost!
3.5 stars
Dr. Owen Gagnon and HR director Erin Andreas are notorious for their bickering and public battles. Owen goes out of his way to push Erin’s buttons, and Erin responds in kind.
That is until Erin bids $25K for a date with Owen. Erin’s father is shocked. The hospital is shocked. The town is shocked. Erin and Owen are..kind of shocked, but mostly down.
So begins the transformation of their relationship from enemies to friends, and eventually lovers.
Suspecting that Erin bid on him to escape his borderline-abusive father, Owen goes into protective overdrive mode, moving Erin into his home and telling the town that the two have been lovers all along.
And Erin, swept along in the moment, finds himself unable to tell Owen the truth - that he bid that much money because he’s been half in love with Owen since they were teenagers.
I thought the initial set-up, though definitely OTT, was very cute. The men put aside their previous animosity pretty quickly, with Owen making it his mission to look after Erin.
They’re cute and sweet. And when things move from friends to romantic, it’s fairly seamless.
But this is a very slow burn romance. As in, the heat is almost non-existent. It makes sense to an existent, given Erin’s inexperience, but I would have liked more physical chemistry.
Similar to book 1, the relationship itself is fairly low-drama. Yes, both men have their baggage and that affects how they approach love. But they aren’t huge insurmountable obstacles.
I loved seeing how Erin and Owen worked through their issues together, and how being together gave them the strength to be happier people.
The relationship develops in parallel to Erin and Owen’s investigation into the hospital’s shady board of directors. The plot was pretty interesting, and kept me entertained for most of the book.
My main issue - the damsel-in-distress routine got old pretty quickly. Erin, like Simon in book 1, was a bit too helpless for my liking at times.
Even so, I really liked ‘The Doctor’s Date’. Though I would have liked more heat, it still gave me the small-town romance feels that I always enjoy. If you like a slower pace and UST with a low heat level, this is the series for you!
3.5 stars
Dr. Owen Gagnon and HR director Erin Andreas are notorious for their bickering and public battles. Owen goes out of his way to push Erin’s buttons, and Erin responds in kind.
That is until Erin bids $25K for a date with Owen. Erin’s father is shocked. The hospital is shocked. The town is shocked. Erin and Owen are..kind of shocked, but mostly down.
So begins the transformation of their relationship from enemies to friends, and eventually lovers.
Suspecting that Erin bid on him to escape his borderline-abusive father, Owen goes into protective overdrive mode, moving Erin into his home and telling the town that the two have been lovers all along.
And Erin, swept along in the moment, finds himself unable to tell Owen the truth - that he bid that much money because he’s been half in love with Owen since they were teenagers.
I thought the initial set-up, though definitely OTT, was very cute. The men put aside their previous animosity pretty quickly, with Owen making it his mission to look after Erin.
They’re cute and sweet. And when things move from friends to romantic, it’s fairly seamless.
But this is a very slow burn romance. As in, the heat is almost non-existent. It makes sense to an existent, given Erin’s inexperience, but I would have liked more physical chemistry.
Similar to book 1, the relationship itself is fairly low-drama. Yes, both men have their baggage and that affects how they approach love. But they aren’t huge insurmountable obstacles.
I loved seeing how Erin and Owen worked through their issues together, and how being together gave them the strength to be happier people.
The relationship develops in parallel to Erin and Owen’s investigation into the hospital’s shady board of directors. The plot was pretty interesting, and kept me entertained for most of the book.
My main issue - the damsel-in-distress routine got old pretty quickly. Erin, like Simon in book 1, was a bit too helpless for my liking at times.
Even so, I really liked ‘The Doctor’s Date’. Though I would have liked more heat, it still gave me the small-town romance feels that I always enjoy. If you like a slower pace and UST with a low heat level, this is the series for you!
May 9, 2019
This series is turning making me mushy!!! I loved this addition.
Erin is the HR director at the Copper Point medical center and is known for being his father's pawn, but also for being the antagonist in Owen's life. In the previous book, Erin let his true honor out when he removed the ban against interoffice dating, but he never got the opportunity to explain HIS reasons.
When the committee sets up a bachelor auction, Erin schemes to finally have a chance at Owen. But his dad has other plans. This leads to a mystery to solve and some deep dives into both Erin and Owen's pasts. Ghosts come out to play and it's both haunting and healing.
As much as I enjoyed The Doctor's Secret, this was more my style. There was more mystery and romance than politics and it had a sweet young love vibe. I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers as well as hurt/comfort and this perfectly satisfied both as well as the added bonus of a first time.
Heidi Cullinan's quality of writing holds your attention from the start and the effortless way the characters fit together is inspiring. I loved the glimpse into their lives, their pasts and their healing. This was a really solid story filled with wonderful characters and a perfect nod to Scooby Doo mystery. Very much recommended.
*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Erin is the HR director at the Copper Point medical center and is known for being his father's pawn, but also for being the antagonist in Owen's life. In the previous book, Erin let his true honor out when he removed the ban against interoffice dating, but he never got the opportunity to explain HIS reasons.
When the committee sets up a bachelor auction, Erin schemes to finally have a chance at Owen. But his dad has other plans. This leads to a mystery to solve and some deep dives into both Erin and Owen's pasts. Ghosts come out to play and it's both haunting and healing.
As much as I enjoyed The Doctor's Secret, this was more my style. There was more mystery and romance than politics and it had a sweet young love vibe. I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers as well as hurt/comfort and this perfectly satisfied both as well as the added bonus of a first time.
Heidi Cullinan's quality of writing holds your attention from the start and the effortless way the characters fit together is inspiring. I loved the glimpse into their lives, their pasts and their healing. This was a really solid story filled with wonderful characters and a perfect nod to Scooby Doo mystery. Very much recommended.
*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
June 28, 2019
"Enemies-to-marshmallows" - that's a trope, isn't it? Certainly it's what happened here. A very promising opening few chapters scuppered by the forces of sugar.
There was real potential here in bristling personality clashes between Owen the hospital ogre and Coolly Professional HR Director Erin. Improbably, though, a relationship of equals quickly morphed into a less interesting hurt/comfort narrative. I don't have a problem as such with hurt/comfort*, but when it comes with so many many references to Erin (who is male, in spite of the name) as a princess in need of rescuing, I find it hard to enjoy what Caz (in her review of the first book) called a "regressive presentation".
Certain scenes seemed to be much more suited to a high school story - for instance, when Erin is a nervous wreck because he can't decide what to wear, and big scary Owen says
"I know the sweater you’re talking about. I remember packing it and thinking it would flatter your complexion...None of those socks will do, though."
Erin (Coolly Professional HR Director Erin) replies, "I can’t wear socks as wild as yours."
[You what?! You're CPHRD Erin, you can put what you flipping well want on your plates of meat.]
Where the book and I parted company totally, though, was in the sub-plot . Rant over.
In short, the personality transplants and the loopy plot nixed this book for me, and I won't be looking out any more.
* Trigger warning
There was real potential here in bristling personality clashes between Owen the hospital ogre and Coolly Professional HR Director Erin. Improbably, though, a relationship of equals quickly morphed into a less interesting hurt/comfort narrative. I don't have a problem as such with hurt/comfort*, but when it comes with so many many references to Erin (who is male, in spite of the name) as a princess in need of rescuing, I find it hard to enjoy what Caz (in her review of the first book) called a "regressive presentation".
Certain scenes seemed to be much more suited to a high school story - for instance, when Erin is a nervous wreck because he can't decide what to wear, and big scary Owen says
"I know the sweater you’re talking about. I remember packing it and thinking it would flatter your complexion...None of those socks will do, though."
Erin (Coolly Professional HR Director Erin) replies, "I can’t wear socks as wild as yours."
[You what?! You're CPHRD Erin, you can put what you flipping well want on your plates of meat.]
Where the book and I parted company totally, though, was in the sub-plot . Rant over.
In short, the personality transplants and the loopy plot nixed this book for me, and I won't be looking out any more.
* Trigger warning
May 8, 2022
Anche il seguito è veramente bello, peccato che manca il 3 ° libro!! 😔
2 uomini feriti, odio e amore e un giallo da scoprire!!!
Consigliato ❤️❤️❤️❤️
2 uomini feriti, odio e amore e un giallo da scoprire!!!
Consigliato ❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 19, 2019
Bea65 - per RFS
.
Buongiorno Fenici.
Quando ho letto la trama di questo libro, mi aspettavo un romanzo rosa, una bella storia d’amore.
Ora che sono arrivata all’ultima pagina vi confermo che è tutto questo e, con sorpresa, molto di più.
Sono rimasta favorevolmente colpita dalla scrittura della Collinan, che scorre in modo fluido, allegro, ironico, con tantissimi particolari.
All’interno della storia vengono sviluppati temi importanti come gli abusi, sia fisici che psicologici, sui minori e la malversazione.
La storia narra le vicende di Owen Gagnon, un medico anestesista, e Erin Andreas, il responsabile delle risorse umane del St. Ann’s Medical Center di Copper Point, una piccola cittadina dove tutti si conoscono.
Sin dal primo giorno di lavoro di Erin presso l’ospedale, i rapporti tra lui e Owen sono molto litigiosi.
Tutti si interrogano sul motivo di tanta ostilità, certamente il carattere cupo dei due uomini non agevola le relazioni con il prossimo.
Erin non ha amici d’infanzia; già a sette anni era un bambino solitario, chiuso in sé stesso.
In quel periodo i suoi genitori avevano divorziato e lui era rimasto a vivere col padre, con il quale ha sempre avuto un rapporto problematico; l’uomo era il classico padre – padrone, che pretendeva di gestire la vita del figlio.
Ancora oggi Erin, che sul lavoro è un uomo autorevole e sicuro di sé, non riesce a parlare con il genitore, né tantomeno ad imporsi su di lui.
Terminate le scuole primarie, Erin ha proseguito gli studi in un collegio.
Owen ha due amici d’infanzia, Simon e Jared, con i quali condivideva la casa dopo l’università. Oggi, invece, Simon vive con il suo compagno, Jack.
Lavorano insieme in ospedale e sono gli unici amici di Owen, perché tutti gli altri lo vedono come un orco da cui stare alla larga.
Fin da piccolo Owen suonava il violino divinamente e tutto faceva pensare che, da grande, avrebbe frequentato un college prestigioso per musicisti. All’improvviso però il ragazzo si era iscritto alla facoltà di medicina, abbandonando la sua passione per il violino che, ormai, non suona più da diversi anni. Chissà cosa lo ha portato a tale scelta.
Questo è uno dei segreti che la lettura del libro vi svelerà e che vi farà piangere insieme al protagonista.
Nick Beckeri è il nuovo direttore del Medical Center e l’unico amico di Erin dai tempi del college.
Insieme i due cercano di capire perché l’ospedale sia sempre in difficoltà finanziarie e in loro aiuto arriva tutta la squadra composta da Owen, Simon, Jack e Jared.
Questo strano gruppo di dottori e dirigenti riuscirà a trovare il bandolo della matassa?
Owen e Erin riusciranno ad aprirsi, aiutandosi reciprocamente per rimarginare le profonde ferite delle loro anime?
Il libro è bellissimo e vi innamorerete sicuramente dei protagonisti.
Vi consiglio la lettura perché è un romanzo profondo ma anche divertente.
Leggerlo vi farà capire che il comportamento violento degli adulti può provocare gravi danni alla psiche dei bambini, ma anche che un’educazione basata su valori morali sani principi ha sempre un’influenza positiva.
.
Buongiorno Fenici.
Quando ho letto la trama di questo libro, mi aspettavo un romanzo rosa, una bella storia d’amore.
Ora che sono arrivata all’ultima pagina vi confermo che è tutto questo e, con sorpresa, molto di più.
Sono rimasta favorevolmente colpita dalla scrittura della Collinan, che scorre in modo fluido, allegro, ironico, con tantissimi particolari.
All’interno della storia vengono sviluppati temi importanti come gli abusi, sia fisici che psicologici, sui minori e la malversazione.
La storia narra le vicende di Owen Gagnon, un medico anestesista, e Erin Andreas, il responsabile delle risorse umane del St. Ann’s Medical Center di Copper Point, una piccola cittadina dove tutti si conoscono.
Sin dal primo giorno di lavoro di Erin presso l’ospedale, i rapporti tra lui e Owen sono molto litigiosi.
Tutti si interrogano sul motivo di tanta ostilità, certamente il carattere cupo dei due uomini non agevola le relazioni con il prossimo.
Erin non ha amici d’infanzia; già a sette anni era un bambino solitario, chiuso in sé stesso.
In quel periodo i suoi genitori avevano divorziato e lui era rimasto a vivere col padre, con il quale ha sempre avuto un rapporto problematico; l’uomo era il classico padre – padrone, che pretendeva di gestire la vita del figlio.
Ancora oggi Erin, che sul lavoro è un uomo autorevole e sicuro di sé, non riesce a parlare con il genitore, né tantomeno ad imporsi su di lui.
Terminate le scuole primarie, Erin ha proseguito gli studi in un collegio.
Owen ha due amici d’infanzia, Simon e Jared, con i quali condivideva la casa dopo l’università. Oggi, invece, Simon vive con il suo compagno, Jack.
Lavorano insieme in ospedale e sono gli unici amici di Owen, perché tutti gli altri lo vedono come un orco da cui stare alla larga.
Fin da piccolo Owen suonava il violino divinamente e tutto faceva pensare che, da grande, avrebbe frequentato un college prestigioso per musicisti. All’improvviso però il ragazzo si era iscritto alla facoltà di medicina, abbandonando la sua passione per il violino che, ormai, non suona più da diversi anni. Chissà cosa lo ha portato a tale scelta.
Questo è uno dei segreti che la lettura del libro vi svelerà e che vi farà piangere insieme al protagonista.
Nick Beckeri è il nuovo direttore del Medical Center e l’unico amico di Erin dai tempi del college.
Insieme i due cercano di capire perché l’ospedale sia sempre in difficoltà finanziarie e in loro aiuto arriva tutta la squadra composta da Owen, Simon, Jack e Jared.
Questo strano gruppo di dottori e dirigenti riuscirà a trovare il bandolo della matassa?
Owen e Erin riusciranno ad aprirsi, aiutandosi reciprocamente per rimarginare le profonde ferite delle loro anime?
Il libro è bellissimo e vi innamorerete sicuramente dei protagonisti.
Vi consiglio la lettura perché è un romanzo profondo ma anche divertente.
Leggerlo vi farà capire che il comportamento violento degli adulti può provocare gravi danni alla psiche dei bambini, ma anche che un’educazione basata su valori morali sani principi ha sempre un’influenza positiva.
March 1, 2022
I went into this thinking that I would not like it as much as I did, but I really enjoyed this no spice, ace enemies to lovers pairing. Though I wish that I had gotten my hands on the first book prior to starting this, as there was an overal plot point that was a continuation from the first book, including much of the enemity from both Erin and Owen.
I appreciated I think in this rare instance of an enemies to lovers story where it made sense that the animosity was misplaced signals of attraction, though not of instalove. And while I am vehemently against the ideas of auctions (and one of the characters suggesting that the black CEO character join in and not realize how problematic that was? absolutley not) but I can see how it creates the drama and stakes. For such a long book, I did not find myself bored at the pacing, and I really did appreciate the writing style that Cullinan employed.
The story follows Copper Point Medical of St. Annes, the hospital that serves as the main location with Erin, the son of the President of the hospital and current HR manager, Dr. Owen, who works at the hospital and has engaged in public shouting matches with Erin that are infamous at the hospital and in their small town (because why not gossip about this folks? However, we quickly learn from their POVs that while they do have some animosity, it is really just misplaced asumptions and fears that have prevented them from really getting to know each other (though Erin has always had a crush only on Owen since he was 13).
As their fake dating unfolds post auction and Owen helps Erin stand up for himself against his father and the rest of the board, the two of them also realize that both have some similar baggage that they need to work through, and how they go about it also helps them discover that the two of them have missed out on a lot.
I did appreciate the ensemble cast, and how Cullinan went out of her way to include BIPOC characters that felt authentic and not just stereotypes. While I felt at times that some storyline just petered out and did not get as much gravitas as they probably could've, it was overall an enjoyable read, and I can see myself reading the other books in the series/world. I'm interested to see how the story evolves, especially with the supporting cast.
I appreciated I think in this rare instance of an enemies to lovers story where it made sense that the animosity was misplaced signals of attraction, though not of instalove. And while I am vehemently against the ideas of auctions (and one of the characters suggesting that the black CEO character join in and not realize how problematic that was? absolutley not) but I can see how it creates the drama and stakes. For such a long book, I did not find myself bored at the pacing, and I really did appreciate the writing style that Cullinan employed.
The story follows Copper Point Medical of St. Annes, the hospital that serves as the main location with Erin, the son of the President of the hospital and current HR manager, Dr. Owen, who works at the hospital and has engaged in public shouting matches with Erin that are infamous at the hospital and in their small town (because why not gossip about this folks? However, we quickly learn from their POVs that while they do have some animosity, it is really just misplaced asumptions and fears that have prevented them from really getting to know each other (though Erin has always had a crush only on Owen since he was 13).
As their fake dating unfolds post auction and Owen helps Erin stand up for himself against his father and the rest of the board, the two of them also realize that both have some similar baggage that they need to work through, and how they go about it also helps them discover that the two of them have missed out on a lot.
I did appreciate the ensemble cast, and how Cullinan went out of her way to include BIPOC characters that felt authentic and not just stereotypes. While I felt at times that some storyline just petered out and did not get as much gravitas as they probably could've, it was overall an enjoyable read, and I can see myself reading the other books in the series/world. I'm interested to see how the story evolves, especially with the supporting cast.
July 10, 2019
This is the second book in the series and like the first one it doesn't have the layers and detail I usually get in a Heidi Cullinan book. I did enjoy it.
Erin and Owen have an engaging dynamic. There is a mystery here as well. But not all the characters actions make total sense.
So, not a awfully memorable but pleasant.
Erin and Owen have an engaging dynamic. There is a mystery here as well. But not all the characters actions make total sense.
So, not a awfully memorable but pleasant.
October 9, 2019
migliore del precedente,protagonisti ottimi e ben sviluppati.
storia che mischia perfettamente giallo,romanticismo,dolore e commozione
storia che mischia perfettamente giallo,romanticismo,dolore e commozione
June 18, 2019
This was the story I was waiting for. I love everyone and I'm pretty sure who's story is next, obviously, but I wanted this one. The way these two bicker and snipe and argue, you can't help but see the chemistry and are just waiting for them to just let it consume them. And after reading their stories, I don't know who cried more. Me or the characters. Shew.
Ok. Triggers for people. There is abuse, neglect, isolation, beatings, mentions of rape and such. If any of this is an issue, please be careful.
When I read about these two in book one, I wasn't sure how to take them at first. Owen acted like such a dick half, well most, of the time and Erin was so closed off, he can across as snobbish and stuck up. Until they started arguing anyway. Good grief lol. But we learn a lot about them in this story and why they are the way they are. And I've got to tell you, my heart still aches for them.
They both come from very bad pasts, in different ways, but it's still bad. But what Owen hasn't realized at all, is Erin has been in 'love' with Owen for years. A lot of years. He always wanted an ogre to be his knight in shining armor and thought Owen was the one. But Owen never really knew until it was too late. But years later, they work together and all they seem to do is fight. Until Erin bids a huge amount on Owen at an auction. But Owen has got it all wrong on why Erin did it and the more he tries to explain, the worse it comes out. But at the auction, Owen sees something that changes things with them. He takes Erin home permanently. As they get to know each other and through and internal investigation, they are learning about each other's pasts and both are trying to protect the other. But fears and doubts are causing problems. Until one hung for both of them, changed the course they need. Now it's up to them to hold tight to each other or sink.
Man, this is another one of those books, if could just reach in the pages and smack the crap out of someone. Holy crap. The hell these boys have had to endure are still haunting them. It never ceases to amaze me the way some parents can be. And the good ole boy attitude of others. It's one of the only reasons I hate living in the south sometimes. But I digress.
Erin broke my heart because he felt like he couldn't find his backbone. His father beat him down emotionally so bad, he would cower whenever the man came around. There's more to it then that, but I don't want to spoil it. Needless to say, Erin had it rough. I think that's why I loved when he argued with Owen so much. He stood up for himself and fought. With Owen he found that backbone he needed. And what everyone thought of as Erin being stiff and snobbish, was actually him just being incredibly shy and scared of people. He's such a sweetheart.
With Owen, he needed Erin just as much. Even when he didn't know it. Erin helped him come out of his head with the past he was dealing with. And eventually, Erin helped Owen in with a whole lot more of it. I love that Erin saw Owen. Everyone thought he was just an ogre, an asshole or whatever other derogatory word you can think of. But Owen is actually quite mushy lol. He's loyal as hell, and when he loves, it's with everything he is. He may not have a lot as far as friends who are his family, but they are everything to him. And Erin sees it. And sees under all the walls Owen puts up. They're perfect for each other because they get each other.
I loved this book so much. I'm so glad I got to read it. It was perfect for me.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Ok. Triggers for people. There is abuse, neglect, isolation, beatings, mentions of rape and such. If any of this is an issue, please be careful.
When I read about these two in book one, I wasn't sure how to take them at first. Owen acted like such a dick half, well most, of the time and Erin was so closed off, he can across as snobbish and stuck up. Until they started arguing anyway. Good grief lol. But we learn a lot about them in this story and why they are the way they are. And I've got to tell you, my heart still aches for them.
They both come from very bad pasts, in different ways, but it's still bad. But what Owen hasn't realized at all, is Erin has been in 'love' with Owen for years. A lot of years. He always wanted an ogre to be his knight in shining armor and thought Owen was the one. But Owen never really knew until it was too late. But years later, they work together and all they seem to do is fight. Until Erin bids a huge amount on Owen at an auction. But Owen has got it all wrong on why Erin did it and the more he tries to explain, the worse it comes out. But at the auction, Owen sees something that changes things with them. He takes Erin home permanently. As they get to know each other and through and internal investigation, they are learning about each other's pasts and both are trying to protect the other. But fears and doubts are causing problems. Until one hung for both of them, changed the course they need. Now it's up to them to hold tight to each other or sink.
Man, this is another one of those books, if could just reach in the pages and smack the crap out of someone. Holy crap. The hell these boys have had to endure are still haunting them. It never ceases to amaze me the way some parents can be. And the good ole boy attitude of others. It's one of the only reasons I hate living in the south sometimes. But I digress.
Erin broke my heart because he felt like he couldn't find his backbone. His father beat him down emotionally so bad, he would cower whenever the man came around. There's more to it then that, but I don't want to spoil it. Needless to say, Erin had it rough. I think that's why I loved when he argued with Owen so much. He stood up for himself and fought. With Owen he found that backbone he needed. And what everyone thought of as Erin being stiff and snobbish, was actually him just being incredibly shy and scared of people. He's such a sweetheart.
With Owen, he needed Erin just as much. Even when he didn't know it. Erin helped him come out of his head with the past he was dealing with. And eventually, Erin helped Owen in with a whole lot more of it. I love that Erin saw Owen. Everyone thought he was just an ogre, an asshole or whatever other derogatory word you can think of. But Owen is actually quite mushy lol. He's loyal as hell, and when he loves, it's with everything he is. He may not have a lot as far as friends who are his family, but they are everything to him. And Erin sees it. And sees under all the walls Owen puts up. They're perfect for each other because they get each other.
I loved this book so much. I'm so glad I got to read it. It was perfect for me.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
October 27, 2019
Poi un giorno tornò definitivamente a Copper Point, e trovò il Re degli Orchi lì ad aspettarlo, a fare la guardia al castello che Erin doveva conquistare. Owen l’Orco era rozzo e terribile proprio come diceva la favola, e non faceva che scombussolare la sua vita ordinata con un occhiolino sfrontato e un sorriso. Facendolo innamorare di nuovo.
Questa serie si caratterizza senza dubbio per la sua dolcezza.
Dopo il volume su Simon e il suo dottore, è la volta di Owen, il tipo scorbutico e diretto del terzetto, a capitolare di fronte a Cupido.
Però stavolta niente di esotico e di improvviso: l'attrazione di Owen viene dal passato, dalla visione di un ragazzino fragile ed etereo incontrato per caso, prima all'ospedale e poi un parco. Un ragazzino che era anche il figlio di un uomo da cui voleva fortemente starsene lontano...
Adorando i battibecchi mi piaci/non mi piaci, non potevo non aver notato gli scontri del nostro bel dottore con Erin, il capo del personale, quindi non potevo non trepidare per il formarsi della loro coppia.
La scena dell'asta degli scapoli, con il timido e professionale Erin che spiazza l'intera Copper Point, è degna delle migliori commedie rosa, così come il proseguire del loro "finto" stare insieme.
Sono entrambi adorabili, come sono adorabili i loro segreti, i loro tormenti, i loro calzetti fantasia.
Poi la trama prende anche una scia di mistero, legata all'indagine su una presunta appropriazione indebita ai danni dell'ospedale, e il romanzo si gusta che è una meraviglia.
Come dicevo, c'è il giusto mix di tenerezza, intrigo, voglia di coppia, di casa e di famiglia.
Ideale per ricredersi sui lieti fini e sulle belle storie.
La Cullinan è indubbiamente brava, riesce ad appassionarti anche con poche battute.
E ora attendo Jared e Nick!!!!!
Quando l’uomo entrava in una stanza, tutta la sua attenzione convergeva su di lui e Erin si dimenticava di respirare. Owen gli sorrideva sempre, un sorriso rivolto a lui solo, che esigeva di essere ricambiato. La curva sulle sue labbra indugiava a lungo dopo che Owen se n’era andato, e doveva sempre coprirsi la bocca per sforzarsi di cancellarla.
Questa serie si caratterizza senza dubbio per la sua dolcezza.
Dopo il volume su Simon e il suo dottore, è la volta di Owen, il tipo scorbutico e diretto del terzetto, a capitolare di fronte a Cupido.
Però stavolta niente di esotico e di improvviso: l'attrazione di Owen viene dal passato, dalla visione di un ragazzino fragile ed etereo incontrato per caso, prima all'ospedale e poi un parco. Un ragazzino che era anche il figlio di un uomo da cui voleva fortemente starsene lontano...
Adorando i battibecchi mi piaci/non mi piaci, non potevo non aver notato gli scontri del nostro bel dottore con Erin, il capo del personale, quindi non potevo non trepidare per il formarsi della loro coppia.
La scena dell'asta degli scapoli, con il timido e professionale Erin che spiazza l'intera Copper Point, è degna delle migliori commedie rosa, così come il proseguire del loro "finto" stare insieme.
Sono entrambi adorabili, come sono adorabili i loro segreti, i loro tormenti, i loro calzetti fantasia.
Poi la trama prende anche una scia di mistero, legata all'indagine su una presunta appropriazione indebita ai danni dell'ospedale, e il romanzo si gusta che è una meraviglia.
Come dicevo, c'è il giusto mix di tenerezza, intrigo, voglia di coppia, di casa e di famiglia.
Ideale per ricredersi sui lieti fini e sulle belle storie.
La Cullinan è indubbiamente brava, riesce ad appassionarti anche con poche battute.
E ora attendo Jared e Nick!!!!!
Quando l’uomo entrava in una stanza, tutta la sua attenzione convergeva su di lui e Erin si dimenticava di respirare. Owen gli sorrideva sempre, un sorriso rivolto a lui solo, che esigeva di essere ricambiato. La curva sulle sue labbra indugiava a lungo dopo che Owen se n’era andato, e doveva sempre coprirsi la bocca per sforzarsi di cancellarla.
June 7, 2021
I have to admit this book was a little more sweet and awwwwww inducing than I was expecting after meeting Owen and Erin in the first book in the series. These two loved to argue and of course anyone watching them could see the draw between them even if the two of them hadn't acknowledged it. But once these two started tripping towards each other it became a lot more sweet and caring rather than combative testing of boundaries. Both these men have troubled pasts and awkward bumbling and high school first love in some ways as they maneuvered around those rough edges towards each other.
I loved Erin's attempt at finally letting Owen know he was interested was to overbid on him at the auction and make a mess out of everything. Owen of course jumps to conclusions, but the best thing these two had going for them was that even if it took a minute they would stumble there way through talking things out together. Misunderstanding didn't last long. They've got a great group of friends around them both who want to see them happy. Things are still strange at the hospital even after the ousting of the last president. Something is fishy with the books and Erin and Nick are trying to figure it all out. Owen and the rest of the gang's help ends up being essential to finally getting things straightened out. My favorite moment in the whole book was Nate...
I laughed out loud in that moment.
After expecting a battle of wills and wars, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel with the sweetness and patience these two had with each other. Owen really is a caregiver in this one and Erin is struggling to find his balance and his own two feet. Together they're stronger than the whole. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved Erin's attempt at finally letting Owen know he was interested was to overbid on him at the auction and make a mess out of everything. Owen of course jumps to conclusions, but the best thing these two had going for them was that even if it took a minute they would stumble there way through talking things out together. Misunderstanding didn't last long. They've got a great group of friends around them both who want to see them happy. Things are still strange at the hospital even after the ousting of the last president. Something is fishy with the books and Erin and Nick are trying to figure it all out. Owen and the rest of the gang's help ends up being essential to finally getting things straightened out. My favorite moment in the whole book was Nate...
And we aren't the damn Scooby gang either. Update your metaphor. This is Brooklyn Nine-Nine." He punched furiously at the screen of his phone. "And I'm calling in Rosa."
Shaw looked around in confusion. "I'm sorry, he's calling who?"
"Rebecca," Jack explained for Saw, tucking his phone into his pocket. "He's calling Rebecca Lambert-Diaz."
With a whimper, Shaw backed into the wall."
I laughed out loud in that moment.
After expecting a battle of wills and wars, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel with the sweetness and patience these two had with each other. Owen really is a caregiver in this one and Erin is struggling to find his balance and his own two feet. Together they're stronger than the whole. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 3, 2019
Have you ever read a book where one of the secondary characters is a complete jerk, and then the next in the series comes out and you realize HE is the one who is the hero? Yeah....I’m usually not all that fired up for the sequel...but I love Heidi Cullinan’s writing and figured that if anyone could pull it off, she would be the one.
And she did. Owen Gagnon, anesthesiologist at St. Ann’s Medical Center in Copper Point is known as Owen the Ogre for his unrelenting bad mood and rude behavior. He really is a jerk. An excellent and caring doctor, he has no time for anyone not on his very short list of friends—except for Erin Andreas, hospital administrator and son of the head of the powerful hospital board of directors. He and Erin argue over everything—arguments loud and acrimonious enough to firmly cement Owen’s reputation as a surly and unlikeable guy. An image he works hard to maintain. The man does have his standards.
But when Owen is coerced into taking a spot as one of the bachelors to be auctioned off at a hospital fundraiser, and Erin bids $25,000 for him, the tables are turned. Owen figures that Erin is looking for a refuge from his overbearing father, and convinces Erin to move in with him and his roommate. Erin knows that Owen has something serious in his past, and he hopes to help him come to terms with his history, but as the two men get to know each other, they begin to build an emotional connection neither expected.
This book has a terrific plot with one of the best endings ever, a true “feel good” exorcism of the protagonists' ghosts, and a satisfying resolution to a beautifully conceived and executed mystery. I really enjoyed this one, and yes, I’m looking forward to the next in the series. Watch for THE DOCTOR’S ORDERS. I’ve already preordered mine because I want this author’s books in print. They’re definitely the kind of stories I love to re-read!
And she did. Owen Gagnon, anesthesiologist at St. Ann’s Medical Center in Copper Point is known as Owen the Ogre for his unrelenting bad mood and rude behavior. He really is a jerk. An excellent and caring doctor, he has no time for anyone not on his very short list of friends—except for Erin Andreas, hospital administrator and son of the head of the powerful hospital board of directors. He and Erin argue over everything—arguments loud and acrimonious enough to firmly cement Owen’s reputation as a surly and unlikeable guy. An image he works hard to maintain. The man does have his standards.
But when Owen is coerced into taking a spot as one of the bachelors to be auctioned off at a hospital fundraiser, and Erin bids $25,000 for him, the tables are turned. Owen figures that Erin is looking for a refuge from his overbearing father, and convinces Erin to move in with him and his roommate. Erin knows that Owen has something serious in his past, and he hopes to help him come to terms with his history, but as the two men get to know each other, they begin to build an emotional connection neither expected.
This book has a terrific plot with one of the best endings ever, a true “feel good” exorcism of the protagonists' ghosts, and a satisfying resolution to a beautifully conceived and executed mystery. I really enjoyed this one, and yes, I’m looking forward to the next in the series. Watch for THE DOCTOR’S ORDERS. I’ve already preordered mine because I want this author’s books in print. They’re definitely the kind of stories I love to re-read!
June 18, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I'm always up for a good enemies to lovers story and honestly I was highly anticipating reading this one because the main characters in this story were introduced in the first book and they were always at each others' throats. However, the tone of their relationship quickly changed in my opinion when this book started. A fundraiser for a new cardiac unit at the hospital bring also a bachelor auction and our HR Direction Erin Andreas decides he will bid whatever it takes to have Owen to himself. That starts a chain of events and reactions that I felt were a bit out of character and I had a hard time grasping the reasons why.
Both Erin and Owen have their own personal and mental issues to deal with because of their past and their parents and I liked how this book tackled that. Overall the story was enjoyable and I'm still a fan of the group of friends in this small town hospital. But I don't think I got what I was expecting when it comes to the romance and the relationship. Owen and Erin were adorable when they were together though, and I'm interested to see how this series will end enough to probably read the third book as well.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 9, 2022
Another book in this series that I have somewhat mixed feelings on.
Overall, I enjoyed both Owen and Erin, individually and together, and I really did like their dynamic, even if, once again, I thought the pacing was a bit odd. The switch from enemies to friends and fake to real boyfriends happens very quickly, and there is basically zero relationship tension in the entire book. Now, I can appreciate a lack of relationship angst and a focus on external angst instead, but there was so little tension here it felt bit boring. There are hardly any smutty scenes, which does feel a bit disappointing, particularly as Erin is along the grey-ace spectrum--I really liked seeing that, but given he's a virgin and inexperienced, sex is kind of a big deal for him and it felt odd to not really get any of that exploration on-page. I also did feel his hyper-fixation on Owen since he was 13 was a bit odd.
And then we get to the plot, which is also very odd. IDK anything about how you'd handle the discovery of millions of dollars worth of embezzlement but I feel like it would be to involve the authorities and not to try and sleuth it out yourself? It required a lot of suspension of belief for me, and the characterization of Erin's dad felt really uneven to me, particularly at the end. UGH, and another proposal ending, which felt more fitting here than in the last book but still felt a bit rushed.
IDK, I am enjoying this series overall, but it's just not quite as tight as I've come to expect from this author.
Overall, I enjoyed both Owen and Erin, individually and together, and I really did like their dynamic, even if, once again, I thought the pacing was a bit odd. The switch from enemies to friends and fake to real boyfriends happens very quickly, and there is basically zero relationship tension in the entire book. Now, I can appreciate a lack of relationship angst and a focus on external angst instead, but there was so little tension here it felt bit boring. There are hardly any smutty scenes, which does feel a bit disappointing, particularly as Erin is along the grey-ace spectrum--I really liked seeing that, but given he's a virgin and inexperienced, sex is kind of a big deal for him and it felt odd to not really get any of that exploration on-page. I also did feel his hyper-fixation on Owen since he was 13 was a bit odd.
And then we get to the plot, which is also very odd. IDK anything about how you'd handle the discovery of millions of dollars worth of embezzlement but I feel like it would be to involve the authorities and not to try and sleuth it out yourself? It required a lot of suspension of belief for me, and the characterization of Erin's dad felt really uneven to me, particularly at the end. UGH, and another proposal ending, which felt more fitting here than in the last book but still felt a bit rushed.
IDK, I am enjoying this series overall, but it's just not quite as tight as I've come to expect from this author.
June 22, 2019
I think there's a good book in this premise and I really wanted to like this but it did not do it for me. Erin is such a frustrating character, and I did genuinely wonder how he managed to live every day given that he seemed barely able to function. Owen was more reasonable and I thought he actually was fairly well developed but the premise is these two characters fight all the time and then they proceed to never do that in the whole course of the book? Owen is attracted to Erin because he is the only one who doesn't back down but all Erin does is do whatever Owen wants him to for the whole book.
Also the ending strains credulity. So there's this decades long fraud being committed by this hospital board and they get caught. So far so good even if some of how the evidence is handled is super suspect (yes people who discovered this and might have ulterior motives for wanting to prove this you should take this evidence HOME WITH YOU for a night, nothing strange there.) But then they decide to appoint a new board and all of our main characters (who are all best friends or in romantic relationships) get appointed to the board. Without any questions. Or a vote. Or anything. What a totally non-controversial thing to do that could never cause any problems or corruption.
Also the ending strains credulity. So there's this decades long fraud being committed by this hospital board and they get caught. So far so good even if some of how the evidence is handled is super suspect (yes people who discovered this and might have ulterior motives for wanting to prove this you should take this evidence HOME WITH YOU for a night, nothing strange there.) But then they decide to appoint a new board and all of our main characters (who are all best friends or in romantic relationships) get appointed to the board. Without any questions. Or a vote. Or anything. What a totally non-controversial thing to do that could never cause any problems or corruption.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Eccoci tornati nella cittadina di Copper Point che sarà piccola, ma gli intrighi che girano attorno al suo ospedale sono degni di Grey’s anatomy. Alla fine de “Il segreto del dottore” avevamo lasciato Simon e Jack contenti di poter stare insieme alla luce del sole grazie all’abrogazione della legge che vietava le relazioni tra i dipendenti dell’ospedale, opera di Erin Andreas, capo delle Risorse Umane. Adesso è proprio lui il protagonista insieme all’impetuoso anestesista Owen Gagnon. Già da come erano stati presentati nel libro precedente questi due promettevano davvero faville, ma nello scoprire, pagina dopo pagina, il loro vero io, i loro sogni e gli eventi traumatici del loro passato, ci si innamora della loro fragilità e umanità.
Il pov alternato, ormai si sarà capito dalle mie recensioni che è la soluzione narrativa che preferisco, permette al lettore di capire meglio entrambi i protagonisti, le loro emozioni e ciò che li spinge ad agire in determinati modi.
Ho adorato il personaggio di Erin, così fragile e timido, ma anche così caparbio ed indipendente. La sua ingenuità, a volte, spezza il cuore così come i piccoli gesti che possono sembrare trascurabili, ma che per lui rappresentano tutto. Apparentemente Owen sembrerebbe il suo esatto opposto: grande, grosso, irruento, sempre pronto a sbraitare. In realtà, come dice lo stesso Erin: “La gente ti fraintende, ti crede brusco e rigido. Lo sei, e sai fingerti un orco quando vuoi, ma non faresti mai del male a una mosca. La scacceresti, ma non è la stessa cosa. Non so perché facciano tutti così fatica a cogliere la differenza. Voglio dire, basta pensare al lavoro che fai, santo cielo! Sei diventato un dottore il cui unico compito è eliminare il dolore.”.
Chi ha apprezzato il libro precedente della serie non rimarrà affatto deluso, anche se la storia tra Owen ed Erin è molto diversa da quella di Simon e Jack. Infatti, oltre alla nascita dell’amore tra i protagonisti, vediamo come una parte preponderante della narrazione coinvolga la crescita e l’accettazione personale degli stessi. Inoltre i due saranno alle prese anche con un caso di malversazione che coinvolge il consiglio amministrativo dell’ospedale che affonda le radici in dolorosi fatti del passato e che apre le porte a nuove prospettive per il futuro. Ho anche apprezzato il fatto che questa autrice, nota anche per alcuni libri decisamente hot, qui ha preso una strada diametralmente opposta rendendo gli scambi tra Erin e Owen molto delicati e vaghi, lasciando grande spazio all’immaginazione del lettore. Scelta, secondo me, molto azzeccata visto soprattutto il personaggio di Erin così timido e inesperto, quasi poco interessato al sesso, ma da sempre con un debole per Owen.
Insomma, una lettura caldamente raccomandata, scorrevole e mai noiosa che intrattiene piacevolmente e fa desiderare di mettere, quanto prima, le mani anche sulla storia di Jared il pediatra e Nick l’amministratore delegato.
Eccoci tornati nella cittadina di Copper Point che sarà piccola, ma gli intrighi che girano attorno al suo ospedale sono degni di Grey’s anatomy. Alla fine de “Il segreto del dottore” avevamo lasciato Simon e Jack contenti di poter stare insieme alla luce del sole grazie all’abrogazione della legge che vietava le relazioni tra i dipendenti dell’ospedale, opera di Erin Andreas, capo delle Risorse Umane. Adesso è proprio lui il protagonista insieme all’impetuoso anestesista Owen Gagnon. Già da come erano stati presentati nel libro precedente questi due promettevano davvero faville, ma nello scoprire, pagina dopo pagina, il loro vero io, i loro sogni e gli eventi traumatici del loro passato, ci si innamora della loro fragilità e umanità.
Il pov alternato, ormai si sarà capito dalle mie recensioni che è la soluzione narrativa che preferisco, permette al lettore di capire meglio entrambi i protagonisti, le loro emozioni e ciò che li spinge ad agire in determinati modi.
Ho adorato il personaggio di Erin, così fragile e timido, ma anche così caparbio ed indipendente. La sua ingenuità, a volte, spezza il cuore così come i piccoli gesti che possono sembrare trascurabili, ma che per lui rappresentano tutto. Apparentemente Owen sembrerebbe il suo esatto opposto: grande, grosso, irruento, sempre pronto a sbraitare. In realtà, come dice lo stesso Erin: “La gente ti fraintende, ti crede brusco e rigido. Lo sei, e sai fingerti un orco quando vuoi, ma non faresti mai del male a una mosca. La scacceresti, ma non è la stessa cosa. Non so perché facciano tutti così fatica a cogliere la differenza. Voglio dire, basta pensare al lavoro che fai, santo cielo! Sei diventato un dottore il cui unico compito è eliminare il dolore.”.
Chi ha apprezzato il libro precedente della serie non rimarrà affatto deluso, anche se la storia tra Owen ed Erin è molto diversa da quella di Simon e Jack. Infatti, oltre alla nascita dell’amore tra i protagonisti, vediamo come una parte preponderante della narrazione coinvolga la crescita e l’accettazione personale degli stessi. Inoltre i due saranno alle prese anche con un caso di malversazione che coinvolge il consiglio amministrativo dell’ospedale che affonda le radici in dolorosi fatti del passato e che apre le porte a nuove prospettive per il futuro. Ho anche apprezzato il fatto che questa autrice, nota anche per alcuni libri decisamente hot, qui ha preso una strada diametralmente opposta rendendo gli scambi tra Erin e Owen molto delicati e vaghi, lasciando grande spazio all’immaginazione del lettore. Scelta, secondo me, molto azzeccata visto soprattutto il personaggio di Erin così timido e inesperto, quasi poco interessato al sesso, ma da sempre con un debole per Owen.
Insomma, una lettura caldamente raccomandata, scorrevole e mai noiosa che intrattiene piacevolmente e fa desiderare di mettere, quanto prima, le mani anche sulla storia di Jared il pediatra e Nick l’amministratore delegato.
July 1, 2019
Heidi Cullinan does a terrific job combining multiple genres in The Doctor’s Date, the second in her Copper Point Medical series. When apparent enemies pair up to learn who’s responsible for their hospital’s missing funds, they discover they’re more similar than they knew. Is this standalone an enemies to lovers tale? A thriller? A family drama? Or (with its slow-building intimacy) a romance between thirty-somethings that’s appropriate for young adults? Yes, yes, yes and certainly!
Erin Andreas, Copper Point Medical’s HR Director, is still under his father’s thumb, which often makes a painful point as papa squeezes it into his elbow. Dear old dad is on the hospital’s Board of Directors. Erin may have moved away for college, but dutifully returned home, to a museum, where he actually lives in the garret. Hospital anesthesiologist Owen Gagnon, also a Copper Point native, on whom Erin maintains a childhood crush, loves nothing better than to argue with mild-mannered Erin.
When Erin purchases a date with Owen at the hospital’s charity bachelor auction (for way too much money) Owen senses the meek man’s need to escape his demeaning father. Owen stakes possession by kissing him for all to see. Oops.
No worries. Erin may have zero experience with men and hasn’t come out yet, but he’s thrilled his crush notices him. Meanwhile, there’s the matter of missing funds. Will Erin’s dad be implicated? And was the kiss’s sizzling chemistry a momentary blip, or do these two belong together?
I really enjoy how Cullinan describes these men. Owen’s blustery exterior (which hides the heart of a protector) is shown when he tells Erin, “’I’m not challenging you. I’m arguing with you. I told you, I love our arguments. I don’t ever want you to stop fighting with me. You’re the only one I fight with…. Because it shows you’re not afraid of me.’” In contrast, Cullinan tells us, “Erin Andreas was the poster boy for competence porn.”
Although both guys have had awful childhoods, Cullinan keeps it light, focusing on how they help one another – often with humor. Reviewing Erin’s contradictory responses to him, Owen thinks, “The man would drive him bananas. They’d be harvesting them from him by the end of the week.” But Erin is so confused by their deepening relationship, he thinks to himself, that it is as if Owen “wants to slay your dragons for you, but he’s found you miles from the battlefield, battered and singed instead.”
The thriller plot keeps a steady pace. We’re on edge wondering how the hospital’s nasty board of directors will undermine Erin, Owen and their friends. How much danger are they in? This also serves to offset their dismal childhoods, keeping readers aware of the men’s strength of character, rather than old hurts.
And thus, in the midst of a romance/thriller, Cullinan also manages to craft a tale of healing and hope. Eric and Owen are well-drawn characters, as are their friends, who we hope to meet again soon in the next of the series. Cullinan took on oodles, and accomplished it all in The Doctor’s Date.
Erin Andreas, Copper Point Medical’s HR Director, is still under his father’s thumb, which often makes a painful point as papa squeezes it into his elbow. Dear old dad is on the hospital’s Board of Directors. Erin may have moved away for college, but dutifully returned home, to a museum, where he actually lives in the garret. Hospital anesthesiologist Owen Gagnon, also a Copper Point native, on whom Erin maintains a childhood crush, loves nothing better than to argue with mild-mannered Erin.
When Erin purchases a date with Owen at the hospital’s charity bachelor auction (for way too much money) Owen senses the meek man’s need to escape his demeaning father. Owen stakes possession by kissing him for all to see. Oops.
No worries. Erin may have zero experience with men and hasn’t come out yet, but he’s thrilled his crush notices him. Meanwhile, there’s the matter of missing funds. Will Erin’s dad be implicated? And was the kiss’s sizzling chemistry a momentary blip, or do these two belong together?
I really enjoy how Cullinan describes these men. Owen’s blustery exterior (which hides the heart of a protector) is shown when he tells Erin, “’I’m not challenging you. I’m arguing with you. I told you, I love our arguments. I don’t ever want you to stop fighting with me. You’re the only one I fight with…. Because it shows you’re not afraid of me.’” In contrast, Cullinan tells us, “Erin Andreas was the poster boy for competence porn.”
Although both guys have had awful childhoods, Cullinan keeps it light, focusing on how they help one another – often with humor. Reviewing Erin’s contradictory responses to him, Owen thinks, “The man would drive him bananas. They’d be harvesting them from him by the end of the week.” But Erin is so confused by their deepening relationship, he thinks to himself, that it is as if Owen “wants to slay your dragons for you, but he’s found you miles from the battlefield, battered and singed instead.”
The thriller plot keeps a steady pace. We’re on edge wondering how the hospital’s nasty board of directors will undermine Erin, Owen and their friends. How much danger are they in? This also serves to offset their dismal childhoods, keeping readers aware of the men’s strength of character, rather than old hurts.
And thus, in the midst of a romance/thriller, Cullinan also manages to craft a tale of healing and hope. Eric and Owen are well-drawn characters, as are their friends, who we hope to meet again soon in the next of the series. Cullinan took on oodles, and accomplished it all in The Doctor’s Date.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews