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Readers score their own hot tickets to Deirdre Martin's Same Rink, Next Year; Julia London's Lucky Charm; Annette Blair's You Can't Steal First; and Geri Buckley's Can't Catch This.

325 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2006

8 people are currently reading
858 people want to read

About the author

Deirdre Martin

29 books580 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

New York Times Bestselling Author Deirdre Martin was six when she wrote her first "book,”a Peanuts parody. In addition to penning bad, maudlin poetry in junior high school and serving as the Arts Editor on her high school newspaper, she was also the Arts Editor at her college newspaper at the University of New York at Buffalo, where she earned her BA in English in 1985. While writing for the student newspaper there, she sold her first freelance magazine article and won a city wide play writing contest. Her play, Spin Cycle, about two lonely people at a laundromat, was subsequently performed in a theater space in downtown Buffalo.

Ater graduating college, Deirdre worked at a series of trade magazines before landing a job at Soap Opera Digest. While she says it was fun working in a place where she got to watch TV all afternoon, she longed to branch out, and after two years, left to begin freelancing full time. Over the course of her twelve year freelance career, her work appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Seventeen, YM, McCall's, Fitness, New Woman, Bride's, Bridal Guide, Inside Sports, Woman's World, Modern Maturity, Islands, Newsday, and the New York Times. In 1998, her first non fiction book was published: Investing for Retirement (Avon). She also contributed to Lifescripts for Managers, Lifescripts for Employees, and Lifescripts for the Self Employed. (MacMillan, 1999).

A fan of the romance genre and of soap opera ("If Dickens were alive today, he'd be writing for a soap," Deirdre maintains), she decided to try her own hand at writing a romance novel. The result, BODY CHECK, was published in March, 2003, followed by USA Today Bestseller FAIR PLAY in 2004, TOTAL RUSH in 2005, THE PENALTY BOX in 2006, and USA Today Bestseller CHASING STANLEY in 2008.

2008 also saw the publication of JUST A TASTE, which made The New York Times Bestseller List. Deirdre returned to the world of the Blades in 2009 with POWERPLAY. 2009 was also when she launched a new series, The Wild Hart Saga, centering around a large Irish American family who own a pub in Manhattan. The first book in the series, WITH A TWIST, was quickly followed by STRAIGHT UP in 2010, and there are plans for at least two more. But the New York Blades keep calling her back: her next book, ICEBREAKER, will be published in 2011.

A resident of Ithaca, NY, Deirdre enjoys hiking and biking with her husband, Mark Levine, co author of the financial bestsellers, Die Broke and Live Rich. When not busy lavishing affection on her beloved Newfie, Rocky, she also enjoys reading, baking, listening to music, yoga, photography, and hanging out with her friends from acting class. She's had the same best friend since she was ten and adores the color purple.

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5 stars
312 (26%)
4 stars
385 (32%)
3 stars
393 (32%)
2 stars
89 (7%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Luvmyfamily.
398 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2015
Lucky charm by Julia London.

Price was a big superstitious baby ball player who conveniently blamed his slump on everyone but himself. Kelly is a self absorbed mean girl who uses someone's misfortune to her advantage and feels no remorse twisting something one says to another meaning all together. How they ended up together, I can't imagine because they're obviously toxic to each other.

Same rink next year by Deirdre Martin

The superstition thing was seriously dorky but I really liked this story. This one was the reason I checked out the book. Both characters were personable. The story flowed nicely. All in all, a sweet short story!

Profile Image for Elle.
725 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2010
This book had 3 stories in it. I really enjoyed the first two (lucky Charm and Same Rink Next Year) hated the third and tolerated the fourth.

About the ones I liked:
Lucky Charm was cute, if a little unrealistic (even for a sports-romance). Loved Parker and Kelly as individuals and as a couple. I also enjoyed that, in this particular story, saying "I Love You" or even just proving that they loved each other didn't solve their problems.

Same Rink Next Year had a great concept. Again, really liked the main characters. There was a cute addition of adding the time of each occurrence.

The story by Annette Blair was the worst. I just cannot read that woman's writing. A good idea for the story (old friends/lovers who meet up again) but then I would come across sentences like "That makes no never mind" just like that, no punctuation in it, nothing. That sentences doesn't makes sense. Even in context. Most of the time I don't know what the heck is going on because Blair's stories don't read properly for me.

Can't Catch This was Ok if a little annoying. But frankly at this point I lost enthusiasm for the rest of the book.

3 stars. Meh.
Profile Image for Maura.
3,883 reviews113 followers
June 17, 2018
Lucky Charm - Julia London - 1 /5 - A sports themed novella featuring an extremely sensitive baseball player hero and a rather detestable sports radio-show host heroine. It killed me that she couldn't see how awful she was - willing to step on everybody else to get where she wanted to be. I've never been a fan of ends-justifies-the-means and this woman embodied it. Yes, the hero was oversensitive about things, but I couldn't get how he could want to go out with a woman who trash talked him and his job performance every day for some ratings. And he did it because she was a pretty face and that was pretty much it. So add shallow to his character traits. This one had me ready to throw my kindle. Novellas rarely do that, but this one did.

Same Rink, Next Year - Deirdre Martin - 2.5 /5 - David, goalie for the Buffalo Herd and Tiernay, concierge for a posh hotel, have a standing appointment for a one-night stand, every year that he comes into town. But they’ve agreed not to share more. When a blizzard strands them in a hotel and puts them face-to-face with multiple opportunities for carnal bliss and the chance to share themselves, feelings can’t be denied anymore. Of all the things I’ve read by this author this was my favorite so far. The set up is definitely unique and I liked how it was approached. Two people just in it for sex, start getting to know each other and find they really like each other. This isn’t really an HEA so much as a Happy-for-now story. They don’t declare love and they end agreeing to a long-distance relationship, living in different cities and him traveling a lot for hockey. I still very much doubted if they’d be able to carry it out…

You Can’t Steal First - 1/ 5 - So Tiago is a baseball player with a REPUTATION, especially for stealing...bases, kisses, panties, you name it. He and Quinn have a history and haven’t seen each other since slept together after high school graduation. Quinn ends up on Tiago’s “party train” on his way to spring training and they sort of hash things out but definitely renew the friendship and attraction. I couldn’t get a bead on these two. I didn’t really like either of them. Tiago was supposed to be charming but he felt like a sleazy manwhore...especially since he doesn’t even seem to have second thoughts about this sexed up, party lifestyle. And that could have something to do with Quinn not seeming to care about it… I for one would find it difficult to like or respect a guy who sees woman as interchangeable sex toys there for his own pleasure and publicity. In fact, Quinn doesn’t seem to care about anything for very long. I mean, at the beginning of the story Tiago gives a picture of them kissing to the press deliberately, for the sake of publicity and feels no regret for it whatsoever. And Quinn, who should have been pissed, is angry for like 30 seconds before forgetting the fact that Tiago just sold their “relationship” to the press and outted it to her father. Basically Tiago and Quinn spend the majority of the book sniping at each other, exchanging sports metaphors (which were sometimes confusing) and getting seriously aroused by each other. Their back and forth feelings gave me whiplash and given the bitterness their background should have caused, their feelings towards forgiving and forgetting were on fast forward. I mean, Tiago and she was neither angry with him nor with her father. Here Tiago was supposedly so in love with Quinn he was ready to marry her and he just ups and leaves and completely forgets about her? Maybe I could have believed all of this if there had been a lot less humor and sex and a bit more of Tiago showing his feelings and regret and Quinn showing hers. But it was like neither of them cared at all. So maybe it should have been left out. Maybe just childhood friends that slept together and went their separate ways and no actions that should cause angst but apparently don’t. This story had potential, but it felt way too fast and whiplashy. In short, it was a hot mess.

Can’t Catch This - Geri Buckley - 3 /5 - One of the better ones of the four. Lindy is at a football game in the seats she’d bought for her ex before she found out he was a cheating SOB. When the ex comes by during the game to give her what for, sexy cowboy and good samaritan Josh offers to help. He does have an ulterior motive though - he really wants to get to “know” Lindy. He doesn’t have much time for dating with his job so he doesn’t offer much and Lindy has an awful track record, but they agree to something tentative, which turns out to be much more. So I started out struggling to like Josh, probably because he approached things from a very sexist POV and really only saw Lindy as some hot sex, because until the very end, his job was always more important. And I was surprised that someone as jaded and cynical as Lindy, having already been hurt and having bad guy judgement, agrees to their relationship after he puts everything on the table like that. It felt so very out of character for her and I honestly expected her to say no and for him to have to work for it. And that’s where this kinda fell flat, he didn’t have to work for it, she put up with him being long distance and there for everyone else and because of it there wasn’t much angst. And then the story ended rather abruptly with a very unexpected sacrifice on Josh’s part (it’s good, but nothing worked up to it). The characters had some great chemistry and I liked Lindy quite a bit, but this was just an average read. But in comparison to the others in this anthology, it was pretty great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle the Romance Witch.
2,530 reviews74 followers
April 29, 2011
overall four very entertaining stories with original plots and fun love scenes. though by far my favorite was Deirdre knight's Same Rink next Year the others were all enjoyable as well.
Profile Image for Serena Miles.
1,466 reviews68 followers
November 9, 2016
un libro que ni fu ni fa... no tiene accion, no engancha, nada de nada
mi nota un 5 y porque pase una tarde entretenida sin mas
Profile Image for Josine Thomas.
Author 5 books3 followers
Read
March 24, 2022
Anthology of four novellas, all sports related. Cute, fun, quick read. "Same Rink, Next Year" has a hockey player and hotel concierge hooking up every year when he's in town for a game, but then a blizzard strands them and turns their latest tryst it into more than one night. "Lucky's Charm" has a sports radio host who ends up going head to head with a baseball player. "You Can't Steal First" is a second chance for a baseball player and a sports-goods magnate. "Can't Catch This" has a couple meeting in the stands at a football game, after she steals tickets from her cheating ex.
Profile Image for Elle.
1,941 reviews
August 24, 2020
DNF - pages missing from book (misprint not torn/fallen out). Unfortunately, they were an important scene in the first story. Afraid to read others to face similar disappointment. :(
451 reviews
February 7, 2012
I picked up this book because it was listed as #5 in the New York Blades series by Deirdre Martin. I love this series so was anxious to read #5.

While the story was about a hockey player, it was in no way related to the NY Blades. David did not play for the Blades and the story was set in Chicago. So, I did not see how it fit at all into the NY Blades series. It would have been easy to make it fit nicely into the series by either making him a Blades player or by setting the book in NY and having his team play the Blades. Either way would have been a nice way to tie into the NY Blades series, but that didn't happen so I was left confused as to why this story was even mentioned as part of the NY Blades series.

The other stories were all OK, but nothing spectacular. I'm usually not a huge fan of short stories as they don't have enough time for character development, etc and these were more ammunition for that argument. Just about the time I really started to like the characters and want them to be together the story was over. It all felt too rushed for me. But again, I'm not a huge short story fan.
Profile Image for Miki.
1,031 reviews42 followers
December 31, 2013
i will update this review gradually each time i do finish one of the novella included so the general rating of the book could change but i feel it would be better than to review the book as a whole since there are different authors and one i like less could interfere with the rest.

Lucky charm by Julia London score 2 ( 2,5)

it's was only OK for me because i couldn't really enjoy this one principaly because of teh female character. Now perhaps it's becaus ei'm not american and in my country people are less aggressive on show but i couldn't accept how Kelly was bad mouthing the players at her radio show...how she was only focused on one and was driving more violence that way....

The fact that they hate each other or at least she use him and he dislike that then suddenly they jump on each other didn't make sense for me so i could be swept by the romance.
However the writing style of Julia London is clear and really enjoyable so i would be tempted to try the first book in the series in which this novella is set, just to give her another try
Profile Image for Erin.
1,920 reviews64 followers
August 11, 2013
Read August 9th 2013 for Deirdre Martin's Same Rink, Next Year: Though it had none of the Blades, this an enjoyable little story.

Tierney and David.

A standing date between the two whenever David was in town. A blizzard changed those plans.

Both characters were likable. (Wow, I think this might have been the first female in the last 5 or so reviews that I've actually liked??)

I think Ms Martin could have easily made this an actual Blades short story instead of being just a Hockey story (of which there wasn't that much hockey). But still.. it was enjoyable and quick.

I don't know if I'll read any of the other stories in the anthology.


Edited to add: Now that I've read Chasing Stanley, I am very happy that David has now been transferred to The Blades, so we'll see more of him and Tierney.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,524 reviews132 followers
August 19, 2011
In case you didn't read my ongoing review/comments while I read, let me recap. And I'll start with the last story in case you did read my blabbering.

Can't Catch This was meh. Josh was kinda cocky, but not in a way I liked. I understand he was busy with his business, but he kept running out on her....hence the title.

You Can't Steal First was also meh. There was just something about it that made this very difficult to read.

Same Rink, Next Year was WONDERFUL! I am now in the process of trying to find all the rest of the New York Blade series by Deirdre Martin. Her story was cute, fluffy and funny.

Lucky Charm was great, too! The fact that they ended up together after all the dislike was sweet :) And yes, I'll be looking to see what else I can get my hands on by Julia London.
Profile Image for Amanda.
198 reviews22 followers
March 26, 2010
First of all I want let you know that my star rating is based on One Story in this anthology. I didn't read the any of the others. The only story I read was by Deidre Martin called Same Rink, Next Year.

This was such a cute read. Very fast of course but still cute. I loved that there wasn't an epiphany of oh I Love you and that you were left hoping things would work but not really sure. It had a very realistic feel to it and the writing was right up there with the others, in this series. I'm definitely a fan of Deidre Martin and this was my first short story by her, and I am happy to note that even though it was a short story it still packed a punch just like the others. This is one that can be read on its own, even though it's listed as the 5th story in the series.
Profile Image for Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim).
604 reviews113 followers
April 15, 2011
A collection of four short stories. Julia London's Lucky Charm was pretty good. It was easily the best story in the book. The interaction between sports reporter and athlete was amusing. Same Rink, Next Year by Deirdre Martin had an interesting premise and the sex was hot, but ultimately it fell short of the mark with a ridiculous ending. You Can't Steal First by Annette Blair had an unbelievable premise followed by choppy writing. And the final entry, Can't Catch This by Geri Buckley was just as unbelievable. So we end up with two strong three star stories followed by two weak two star stories. Overall should be a two and a half but I'll round up this time.
Profile Image for Tilequa.
224 reviews
Want to read
August 22, 2012
Deirdre Martin's Same Rink, Next Year has a sexy concierge hooking up with the same gorgeous hockey player every year. Uncomplicated? Not when love enters the picture. Julia London's Lucky Charm listens in on an uninhibited radio host who goes head-to-head with a hot-shot shortstop-on-the-air and off. Annette Blair's You Can't Steal First follows a Red Sox star player who's interested in a sexy sporting-goods magnate. But first he has to prove he's not just playing the field. Geri Buckley's Can't Catch This spies on an adventurous female football fan who discovers that the hottest action is in the stands.
Profile Image for Makii.
663 reviews
August 17, 2014
"-Al final, supongo que no importa cuánto tiempo hace que están juntos. Sé que hay parejas que han estado juntos durante años y todavía son unos desconocidos el uno para el otro. Y también están las parejas que se ven muy poco, pero de algún modo, su conexión es muy profunda. —Instintivamente buscó a Tierney con los ojos—. Lo importante no es la cantidad del tiempo que pasen juntos, sino la calidad."

By Deirdre Martin- Same Rink, Next Year. (Ni se porque este libro esta con la serie New York Blades si ni siquiera es en la misma ciudad!)
Profile Image for Lindsey.
100 reviews36 followers
March 23, 2016
I hate to rate this one so low since the fantastic short story "Same Rink, Next Year" by Deirdre Martin is included, but to be honest as a whole it was practically un-readable. Individually I would rate the stories as follows: "Lucky Charm" by Julia London - three stars; "Same Rink, Next Year" by Deirdre Martin - four stars; "Can't Catch This" by Geri Buckley - one star and "Hot Ticket Express" by Annette Blair - one star. Overall a rather disappointing read.
Profile Image for Maggie.
831 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2010
I love an anthology and I love stories about athletes! This book contained 3 stories all by authors I haven't read before-- I will now! My favorites in this anthology was Same Rink, Next Year by Deidre Martin & You Can't Steal First by Annette Blair but I liked the other 2 stories too! Great, quick and fun anthology! I picked this up on a whim and I'm glad I did!
Profile Image for Nicole.
250 reviews10 followers
August 17, 2015
The best story in here was the arena football one, possibly because I didn't have to screen out the sport-related issues to enjoy the story. Also, re the second baseball story: why, hello there, Johnny Damon clone. Arrrrrrgh.
Profile Image for Sheri Ward.
75 reviews
Currently reading
November 19, 2009
This anthology includes four novellas:

Lucky Charm, by Julia London
Same Rink, Different Year, by Deirdre Martin
You Can't Steal First, by Annette Blair
Can't Catch This, by Geri Buckley

So far...enjoying them fairly well.
Profile Image for Karen.
18 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2010
I like anthologies because I don't always have time to focus on a whole book. I enjoy sports romance stories, so this did not disappoint-I would recommend this book for anyone who likes sports and romance stories.
Profile Image for Stormy.
430 reviews29 followers
July 4, 2010
This review is based only on Deirdre Martin's story, I did not read the other short stories. I'm not that big of a fan of short stories and while it was another hockey story and the portrayal of a goalie's insanity was quite detailed, the story wasn't necessarily my favorite.
Profile Image for Elke.
162 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2011
I read this book because of Deirdre Martin's contribution, but I like her other, longer, stories better. It was a bit too rushed and I like some drama in the characters' life. Read the first, 2nd and last story, the 3rd one was just not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Kim.
244 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2011
Grabbed this book just to read something quick. It was okay. Four stories with sports as a connection. None of them really stand out in my mine, however I must admit that I really liked the idea of a glass-domed observation train car... and all that went with it.
200 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2012
What can I say? An anthology is an anthology. Lots of fluff, little substance. First two stories were ok, third and fourth less than that. Maybe three stars is too high a rating. Not sure if I am being too harsh since I don't have a very high opinion of anthologies to start with.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
1,244 reviews
taking-a-break
July 6, 2014
Deirdre Martin - Same Rink, Next Year
3 stars
Kinda cute, I guess...but aside from David being a hockey player, what does this story have to do with the New York Blades? Will David and Tierney show up in future books in the series?
Profile Image for April.
725 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2015
I hated the first book. I picked this up because of the second book and really liked it. The other two books weren't bad but weren't great either. They didn't make me want to go out and see what else these writers have done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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