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I’m not a player, just a busy doctor with certain… needs. And being part of our small town charity event has made me an even hotter commodity. Which, as a red-blooded male, I appreciate. Too bad alluring single mom Maxine thinks I’m just another pretty face. But live for a good challenge. And I’m determined to prove her wrong. Between meddling match makers, secret dates and stolen kisses, I found myself falling for her. Until one mistake puts it all at risk. Now it’s up to me to show Maxine that I’m not like the men in her past. I’m her present. And her future.
I like my relationships like I like eggplant, which is to say, not at all. After kicking my cheating ex to the curb, I vowed to focus on my daughter and my business And things were going great. Until a blue-eyed ER doctor decided I was his next conquest. Dr. Derek Cahill was irresistible, with thick black hair and piercing blue eyes. And he kissed like he’d been taught by Aphrodite herself. After the first caress, I knew I was in trouble. I tried to resist him the second time. Truly, I did! But by the third kiss, I was a goner. So much for best laid plans.

226 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2020

1228 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Piper Sullivan

193 books534 followers
Piper Sullivan is an old school romantic who enjoys reading romantic stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
She spends her time day-dreaming of dashing heroes and the feisty women they love.

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5 stars
340 (45%)
4 stars
223 (30%)
3 stars
142 (19%)
2 stars
26 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Meg.
52 reviews13 followers
December 15, 2019
Plot holes & weak/unlikeable H/h make this one a total disappointment :(

I’ve read the other books in this series and love the idea of the town busybodies playing matchmaker for their hometown heroes. But this book doesn’t just fall short, it falls on its face. The Tulip busybodies really blew this match.

Spoiler warning!


First, after a lot of strong arming from the matchmakers, our h/Maxine and H/Derek find themselves tricked into a wild goose chase. On their way home, Maxine’s van gets a flat tire. At first, Maxine can’t believe Derek is going to change it in the rain one the side of the highway, but Maxine has already said it’s only a two-lane country road, AND the author has her pulling off into a parking lot. A few pages later, Maxine and Derek are soaking wet, but holed up in a motel room, not back on their way home to her daughter (who she had been worried about getting from school on time). I feel like a chapter was either missing or cut and then the transition never smoothed. I even went back twice, thinking maybe my Kindle jumped and I missed something. Not as far as I could tell. I kept reading, thinking, “The author is going to explain it after.”

Nope. The next day, our H/h offered only a lame excuse of a “storm” (that they had already been driving/changed the tire in). When Maxine’s daughter asks why they were taking the delivery van to school, and Maxine tells kiddo that their regular car is getting fixed. Something is missing again. Wouldn’t the van need to go in so you’re not driving around on your spare? It felt like the author overhauled this section in editing but didn’t go back to make sure the story had continuity, or even that details/explanations that matched up.

Plus, no talk of protection/birth control. Ever. Um, H is a doctor, h is a single mom who divorced a cheating husband. I can’t imagine not even checking your partner was safe, especially since she firmly believed he slept around (despite repeated denials). At one point, the author notes that Derek has nothing with him but his wallet. Presuming he is a good Boy Scout and is prepared for a “just in case he ever meets somebody”, the odds of him being THAT prepared for the “multiple times” of their surprise sleepover is pretty slim. And no discussion after the fact, and more seemingly unprotected sex later in the book. Honesty, I was waiting for a surprise pregnancy as the crisis, not another woman with her own agenda.

Ultimately, what dropped this from a 3-star to a 1-star (is zero an option?), though, is by the end, I found Maxine completely unlikeable and Derek spineless. I understand why she may have started out bitter (a cheating spouse who abandoned his kid in the divide would do that), but she held her prejudices to the end. In her mind, a single, never-married doctor had to be, in her words, a manwhore. (Which she called him in the presence of her 7yo daughter, without any “Oops, Mommy shouldn’t have said that.”) When the big crisis happens, it’s that Maxine “catches” him “kissing” a patient’s mother (she kissed him and caught him off guard). When he does not overcome his surprise and push mom away “fast enough” for Maxine’s liking (Derek didn’t push away until Maxine had counted ALL THE WAY TO FOUR!), Maxine is convinced she was right - all men are lying, cheating scum. She cuts him off and refuses to listen, either then or later. Derek finally says, “ok, then, I guess it is over,” and I thought maybe this would lead Maxine’s “Wait, maybe I was wrong, I am not too proud to apologize” moment. But then Derek is talking with a buddy, who also pins it back on him! It starts, “hey, look at both sides,” (totally appropriate) but then agrees Derek should have done more, followed by Derek meekly accepting blame. HE was actually the one violated! At no point does Maxine say, “Ok, I get it, I was wrong for how I reacted,” and when she finally does agree to believe him, pushes it back to him again: “You’re so handsome and a Doctor, it’s your fault if your patients hit on you, and you have to stop them.” Just no. Derek is not responsible for how others act. His response? Yes, but give the man’s brain more than four seconds to catch up with the situation. And when he tries to tell you what really happened, give him the benefit of the doubt, at least until you can judge BOTH sides of the story, and don’t cut him out cold.

By the end of the book, there is still zero trust on her part, and I can totally see him eventually I saying “I can’t make you trust me if you don’t want to, we’re done,” or constantly repeating this cycle of him constantly being crushed under her “my first husband was scum, ergo all men are jerks,” attitude. I know it’s fiction, but I’d like to believe that a story’s HEA really is “forever.” This couple? If it was real life, I’d give them six miserable months.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,946 reviews25 followers
November 26, 2019
Derek and Max will keep the matchmakers of Tulip busy for w while. Their story is epic! Derek is an ER doctor, gorgeous, godlike and he is in charge of the annual Fall Ball. Maxine is the only caterer in town and she is on a relationship hiatus (forever). They have this intense chemistry and she is not willing to give an inch to the gorgeous Derek. The story is cute, fun, with a lot of meddling by the matchmakers and some intense kissing in the mix! I honestly volunteered to review this entertaining story.
Profile Image for tania.
426 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2019
love

love doctor Cahill and nurse Miller, great read fab context and loved how this book was written and love it all
1,180 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2020
Sweet, if needlessly long romance

This was a sweet romance, if needlessly dragged out overly long. With a likable H, h, small child, and cute and funny townsfolk, it was fairly enjoyable. It could have been just as enjoyable, with much less of all the needless narratives.
But, that’s where a good editor would have come in very handy. A good editor could have also taught the writer the proper usage of I/me. The writer got it wrong virtually every time. A good editor could have told the writer to simply remove the first name(s) in the sentence and the correct choice becomes clear. Since the writer evidently opted to not go with an editor, or didn’t choose wisely, I will just say, ‘You’re welcome.’
10 reviews
January 21, 2020
Sorry but books that have spelling errors and missing words in a sentence really bother me.
Cute story. Fast read.
Profile Image for BookCoverLover.
313 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2020
I will start by saying that Small Town series is my favorite trope. This series is not my favorite for several reasons. The Home Town Heroes Calendar plot threaded through the series is cute, but could have been used to a better advantage throughout the series by adding in some spicy humor/scenes. Sadly it became boring and redundant. We are talking a Calendar here not a coffee table book that needs hundreds of pics! I have read 8 of the 12 books so far and the chemistry between the H/H is lacking in almost every book. The love story feels forced. The author did not use humorous banter which would have made the characters more interesting. This book and all the others are just lightweight stories. Reading these books one after the other, I can easily pick up on the redundancy of the stories copied in every book. Every first date takes place at someone’s home, characters all have commitment issues, immature personalities, no mature communication between characters and more. With a little more creativity from the author these books could have been so much better. I did like how the past characters made appearances in each book and the family/friendships that tied multiple characters together. I also liked that the author did not make the children in the stories talk like miniature adults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
236 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2019
“You’re not too old for a trip across my knee.”

I think the Hometown Heroes series, by Piper Sullivan, just keeps getting better and better! So, the busybody, matchmakers of Tulip, decide to undertake a REAL challenge. We've got a handsome, single, ER doctor, Derek Cahill, who has a bit of a reputation as a man whore. Then, there's Maxine Nash. Max is a single mother, and a caterer, who has terrible track record with men, and has no interest in seeing if there are any nice guys out there - EVER. The matchmaker's put their heads together, and decide FOR Maxine, "that it's time." The stars all line up, to assist the matchmakers, with Derek in charge of the Fall Ball for the Hometown Heroes, and Max, who happens to own Tulip's only catering business. The attraction is there, but Max not only doesn't want to fall for Derek's charms, she doesn't want to give into the demands of the matchmakers. Good luck with that, Maxine! With the eighth book, of the Hometown Hero series, "Dr.'s Orders," you can expect drama, angst, a fair bit of meddling, humorous situations, witty banter, kid cuteness, and steamy sex. A charming read. I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.

Profile Image for Shannon.
4,107 reviews31 followers
November 24, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is another wonderful addition to the hometown hero's in the quirky little town of Petal. Dr Derek Cahill has been roped into organising the Fall Ball for the Hometown Heroes and he goes to Maxine Nash, the local caterer and chef for her help. Soon, Derek is head over heels for Maxine and her precocious daughter, Callie. I really liked Derek and Maxine together, they had great chemistry, even managed to keep their relationship on the downlow in that town filled of meddling people.
Another well-written story, entertaining storyline. Great characters. Awesome!
Profile Image for Renata Gill.
1,359 reviews10 followers
December 4, 2019
Another small town hero meets his match....with the help the of the towns meddling matchmakers....but his lady love and him wont give them the satisfaction of knowing that they have succeeded again....they go on secret dates and hide their relationship from everyone......until he makes one mistake and everything he has done to make her trust men again especially him almost hoes to hell....but he isnt going to let her walk away from him and if he has to he will ask the nosy matchmakers and their friends to help.
In Dr"s Orders we meet Derek and sinhle mother Maxine...a must read.
Profile Image for Jayne Wheatley.
652 reviews12 followers
April 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this latest instalment of hometown hero's.
The chemistry and connection between Derek and Maxine was electric, they seemed a wonderful match even though she fought it.
Callie was her 7yr old daughter who was cute and adorable who encouraged the relationship of her mum and Derek.
I felt the story flowed really well and I had to chuckle at all the ladies pushing them together.
I felt it ended rather abruptly and was missing an epilogue that would show them as a family of 3 and how that would look.
4,145 reviews25 followers
November 24, 2019
Good, but predictable
3.5
Good story, well written, but predictable, with few twists. The story is rather cute, romantic and simple.
Maxine is a single divorced mother and she's courted by Derek, a doctor that she thinks is a playboy and she rejects him until he proves otherwise. Both, though partially reluctant, are constantly being pushed by the city's matchmakers, pushing them to make decisions.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
November 25, 2019
Derek is a small-town ER doctor and Maxine is a single mom who moved back to town after she left her cheating ex. Maxine really isn’t looking for a relationship but sparks fly between her and Derek, they try their best to keep their relationship a secret. Derek will do whatever he can to keep Maxine as his. Fun and steamy read with loads of drama and emotion. Great characters and an entertaining story. I liked it.
1,175 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2019
I really love this series. The small town of Tulip, the meddling matchmaking old ladies, all those hot, sexy, hometown heroes continue to provide some funny, hot and steamy stories. This one features a doctor and a single mother with an adorable daughter. Maxine runs her own catering business and is wary of getting involved with anyone as she brings up her daughter, Callie. Derek is a hospital doctor who Maxine sees as a man who doesn't want to commit. However, those matchmakers have other ideas. Another fantastic, fun read. Read an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lonnie.
668 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2020
These just keep getting cuter

Single mom Maxine is gun shy when it comes to men...especially single hot doctors who seem to be commitment shy. But Doctor Derek wants a commitment to the right women...and the beautiful redhead is who he has his sights set on. With the help of the matchmaking elders in town he will get his chance...if only the local bored housewives would stay away.
2,700 reviews25 followers
November 23, 2019
4*
Derek is the ER doctor who knows Maxine from school.
Maxine runs a local catering company and has a young daughter Callie. She’s not looking for love after her ex husband’s betrayal.
The hometown matchmakers have other ideas!
I totally loved Dereks personality and caring nature, throw in Maxine and her protectiveness of her daughter and others and this story pulls your heart.
Lovely story
1,800 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2019
This is another great story featuring the Hometown Heroes from Tulip. Max is a strong, feisty single mum with a really cute and sassy daughter. Dr Derek Cahill is hot and has a reputation as a playboy, but sometimes perception is not reality. Max and Derek have lots of chemistry and while they try to outsmart the town matchmakers they fall hard for each other. There is lots to like in this story.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
November 23, 2019
Another well written hometown heroes book by Piper Sullivan featuring the gorgeous and single ER doctor and the single mother/caterer who doesn't trust any man. There's the meddling town matchmakers, attraction, sexual tension, sizzling chemistry, and so much more. A really great read!

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,637 reviews18 followers
November 24, 2019
Another hometown her falls. This series is delightful and keeps getting better. Maxine is a single mom who doesn’t trust men. Dr. Derek is a hot single doctor who has been too busy to date. When they are thrown together to plan a ball, the sparks fly. Aided by her precocious daughter they begin a relationship. It will take honesty and trust to cement these hearts together.
53 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2019
What happened???

I liked this book very much! The characters were very well written, lies of emotions, good story, then it was like there was a deadline to be met or something, because i felt the ending was rushed. Great great , humor, just could have concluded it with a lot more story!!
1,337 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2020
Dr's orders, keep your head up and your words true

Another home town hero, a sassy caterer, and the town's matchmakers make for a fun read. Overall quality of writing was good. A couple of glitches in proofreading but nothing too serious. No cliffhanger or cheating, a lot of kisses and a happy ending. Enjoy!
759 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2020
Great book! I really enjoyed this book!

Story was sweet but also sexy as heck! Maxine was a single mom, truing to raise her daughter to be an independent woman some day. Her ex had been a serial cheater so Jer trust in men was nonexistent! Dr. Cahill changed that. Derek made her believe in love again!
Profile Image for Sheila Cuthrell.
361 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2019
Dr's orders

I really enjoyed the love story between Maxine and Derek. I liked the way the author brought the story alive even with the daughter callie in it. Can not wait to see what is next.
1,276 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2019
This story is sweet, humorous and intriguing. The town matchmakers have found their new targets, the Hometown Hero Derek and the single mother Maxine.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
1,186 reviews
November 24, 2019
Hometown Ball
The heat and chemistry is off the charts between Derek and Max. But with all the women in town wanting Derek can Max keep his attention or will Derek find his forever with someone else? I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
2,857 reviews18 followers
November 26, 2019
Hard fought

Derek and Max have a mad attraction, but Max is gun shy. Derek is a man on a mission and with some meddling help he just might get his woman forever...if he doen't prove all Max's theories that all men are the same.
1,470 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2019
Max was a single mom who judged men like her ex husband who was a Male w***e during their marriage. When a handsome Dr. (Derek Cahill) wanted to date her, she started treating him the same as the others.
Max was a woman who would not release the past in order to enjoy the present.
1,040 reviews
November 30, 2019
Good addition to the series

I enjoyed 5is latest installment to the saga of the Tulip hometown heroes calendar. This time Dr. Derek Cahill and Maxine were matched by the ladies and they had the usual misunderstandings and breakup before they got their HEA. Enjoyable read,
475 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2019
Dr's Orders!

This was a great story. I loved all the characters in this book. I gave the story four stars because of the missing words or mistakes in wording. Should have done more editing for the book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,284 reviews14 followers
January 18, 2020
A doctor, a chef and a bunch of matchmakers

Gather together a lot of older women that pride themselves on being matchmaking winners. They decide to compete against each other for how many couples they can match up! What could possibly go wrong?!?
493 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2020
Dr. Derek is our next hometown hero. He is handsome and single. Maxine is a single Mom with a business to run and an adorable daughter. This situation is all that’s needed for the match makers of Tulip to begin matching again. Cute romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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