Cullinan weaves themes of racism and Asian culture, family pressures, and the value of friends, home, and love into a deeply satisfying romance. –Publishers Weekly, Starred ReviewCopper Point Medical: Book OneThe brilliant but brooding new doctor encounters Copper Point’s sunny nurse-next-door… and nothing can stand in the way of this romance.Dr. Hong-Wei Wu has come to Copper Point, … nothing can stand in the way of this romance.
Dr. Hong-Wei Wu has come to Copper Point, Wisconsin, after the pressures of a high-powered residency burned him out of his career before he started. Ashamed of letting his family down after all they’ve done for him, he plans to live a quiet life as a simple surgeon in this tiny northern town. His plans, however, don’t include his outgoing, kind, and attractive surgical nurse, Simon Lane.
Simon wasn’t ready for the new surgeon to be a handsome charmer who keeps asking him for help getting settled and who woos him with amazing Taiwanese dishes. There’s no question—Dr. Wu is flirting with him, and Simon is flirting back. The problem is, St. Ann’s has a strict no-dating policy between staff, which means their romance is off the table… unless they bend the rules.
But a romance that keeps them—literally—in the closet can’t lead to happy ever after. Simon doesn’t want to stay a secret, and Hong-Wei doesn’t want to keep himself removed from life, not anymore. To secure their happiness, they’ll have to change the administration’s mind. But what other secrets will they uncover along the way, about Copper Point… and about each other?
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A disclaimer here—I’ve never read a book by Ms. Cullinan that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed, and THE DOCTOR’S SECRET is no exception. Dr. Hong-Wei Wu is a terrific, multi-faceted personality, and the talented surgeon’s surgical nurse, Simon Lane, is a complete charmer. He’s also a fan of Asian dramas and K-Pop music, and those interests become a wonderful connecting thread throughout the story.
Dr. Wu is the new surgeon at St. Ann’s Hospital in Copper Point, a small town in Wisconsin. Simon is the one who picks him up at the airport the day he arrives, and the two hit it off almost immediately. Unfortunately, there is a rigid no-dating among staff policy at the hospital, which means any relationship that Hong Wei and Simon might want to pursue could cost Simon his job. Not the doctor, of course, as he’s much too important, but Hong Wei isn’t willing to go along with such a ridiculous policy.
I almost always read my books twice, the first time for the story and the second for all the little touches that really make a book work. On my second read, I resorted to YouTube videos playing in the background of the various K-Pop artists mentioned in the story, and it was really fun. I’ve never heard much of this Korean style popular music, but I actually really enjoyed it and it tied me in even closer to the characters in the book. I also enjoyed the pure rhythm of Heidi Cullinan’s writing, which is why I find myself watching for whatever she has coming next.
I’ve already preordered the second book in the series, THE DOCTOR’S DATE. That one will be out on June 18, 2019. I definitely recommend this author. If you’ve not read her work, THE DOCTOR’S SECRET is a great place to start. Another I’d recommend is CARRY THE OCEAN, THE ROOSEVELT, BOOK 1. Two young men, one with autism, the other dealing with crippling depression form a very special bond. I couldn’t put this book out of my mind. I still haven’t, even though I read it and its sequel, SHELTER THE SEA, over two years ago.
Ms. Cullinan’s writing will touch your emotions in a truly special way, and she has written so many good books to choose from. I recommend anything she’s written, including the ones I’ve not read yet. She’s just that good.
I also want to comment on some of the reviews that are written by professionals in the medical field. I do understand their issues with a story that doesn’t fit what they know to be true of hospitals and their policies, but as a reader, I picked this book up purely for the entertainment value. It was an original and refreshing romance between two very different young men, so from my point of view, I would definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Heidi Cullinan is a wonderful author, and this book was no different than her other books when it comes to the quality of her writing. The characters were well-rounded and interesting, and I enjoyed their interaction and the development of their relationship. The medical aspect of the book was exciting and well done.
I loved the community the author built (& I shy away from anything medical) but Heidi Cullinan wrote it I will read it. I’m so glad I did. It was a lovely story but be warned it will make you hungry! I definitely recommend this. Hugs, Z.
I really enjoyed this book. The cultural aspects of the story were expertly woven into the romantic story line in a wonderful way. And the narration (for the audiobook) was fantastic. I can’t wait for book #2.
Even though I had already purchased the ebook when I saw this was available at Audible I picked up the audio version. The narration is well done and doesn’t distract from the story at all.
There is much these men must overcome. Each has their own baggage and on top of that they must deal with the rules of the hospital board. I get the idea that you need to “keep secrets” or be less than your true self in the interest of holding down a job and it really made me feel for both of these men. I also like the fact that once they are all in they don’t look for the easy way out. I like how they were ready to fight but also have a strong backup plan. I also like the way the other characters start to stand up to board for them even when they hadn’t been willing to do it for themselves. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
When I saw that Heidi Cullinan was releasing a brand spanking new series I jumped on it. She is after all the author of my “all-time favorite” Carry The Ocean , and let’s not forget “hot as balls” Dirty Laundry . All the reasons for me to give this one a go 😉
Now as much as I enjoyed reading this story, it didn’t blow me away like “Carry the Ocean” did. I don’t think anything ever will, so I am just gonna accept this fact. What I did love about this book was the “hospital setting”. I devour hospital series like crazy and so this was right up my alley.
Hong-Wei is a new surgeon (read wonder doctor) at the hospital where Simon works as a nurse. It is pretty much love at first sight. I am not a huge fan of “insta-love” but I tried not to let it bother me too much.
The problem with falling in love with a co-worker/superior is the fact that it’s against hospital policy. I myself am all for breaking the rules…but I can understand that your job is somewhat important
It was sweet and intriguing, though I could have done with a bit more steam, but that’s probably just me
I am very curious about the next book and I will definitely read it !!