What do you think?
Rate this book
Visitation, North Carolina #5.6
Double the Heat
Sizzling all-new stories, including a brand new Winston novella from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.
New York Times bestselling sensations Lori Foster and Deirdre Martin and USA Today bestselling authors Elizabeth Bevarly and Christie Ridgway join together for this enticing anthology. With authors like this, readers get double the pleasure and double the heat. In these four sexy stories of mixed-up couples and mistaken identities, it?s not about winning, but how much you like to play.
With a brand-new novella featuring Hart Winston, whose switch with his identically hot twin brother has landed him in some serious foul play, it?s a safe bet that in the game of love no one is going to follow the rules.
New York Times bestselling sensations Lori Foster and Deirdre Martin and USA Today bestselling authors Elizabeth Bevarly and Christie Ridgway join together for this enticing anthology. With authors like this, readers get double the pleasure and double the heat. In these four sexy stories of mixed-up couples and mistaken identities, it?s not about winning, but how much you like to play.
With a brand-new novella featuring Hart Winston, whose switch with his identically hot twin brother has landed him in some serious foul play, it?s a safe bet that in the game of love no one is going to follow the rules.
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
19 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
About the author
Lori Foster
416 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 9, 2011
I am not a big anthology person because the stories are always too short and they are saying I love you within 3 days or a week after just meeting, but I really liked Double the Heat.
I have read all of the books in the series from three of the authors and I guess since I had that background for the stories I related better to the characters. All of the characters had good chemistry with at least one sizzling sex scene. If you are into Lori Foster's Winston series, Deirdre Martin's New York Blades or Christie Ridgway's Three Kisses series like I am it was definitely worth my time.
September 22, 2012
Every story in this book was a win for me even with the individual and minor flaws I mention below. My biggest complaint is that these weren't full length books with the same amount of sweet romance, awesome dialogue and great characters.
3.5
Hart and Soul by Lori Foster
This short story should be read after Dex's story from Double the Pleasure but it's not absolutely necessary. In Dex's story we learn that Hart had a one-night stand with Lisa who he describes as plain and not his normal type. In Hart's story it opens with him sitting in his car in front of Lisa's apartment. He hasn't spoken to her since that night and she's been actively trying to reach him recently. He assumes her persistence means she wants him again. Who wouldn't. But no, Lisa wouldn't be this persistent just to sleep with him again. Not Lisa. This is bigger and it must mean she's...oh god, pregnant. He'd have preferred kids come later in life as he's just now starting a promising career as an SBC fighter, but kids are welcome and Lisa, well, he kind of lied when he said she was plain. She's really anything but. She's professional, smart, sexy and just not the type he normally dates. He slept with her in a moment of lust -a weak moment- and they both agreed it was just one time. Now she'll be the mother of his child and well, he's okay with that. Lisa however was only trying to get in touch with Hart for one reason and it's not because she is carrying his baby. She might want him but his is resistible. No, she was contacting him because he's in danger but cocky, arrogant Hart ignored her so she's done trying to help. He's on his own. Hart's suddenly not thrilled with her indifference and decides that he hasn't had enough of Lisa after all.
Hart's confidence was really appealing. He's really like the perfect man mixed with a fair bit of ego, confidence and caveman. These Winston men are pretty awesome though. Lisa was not a shrinking violet. She meets him toe-to-toe and even ignores him which brings out even more possessiveness and some sweet insecurity. This story has a bit of danger, a reappearance by Dex and Joe Winston, some good sass and lots of lovin'.
3.5
Breaking the Ice by Dierdre Martin
If you've read Double the Pleasure then you already know about the Wild Hart bar in Hell's Kitchen, NY where this story takes place. It's a whole new set of characters and a couple old ones but it is not necessary to have read the other story first.
27 year old Leonara (Lennie) Buckley has just moved to NYC from the Adirondacks. She's living with her Aunt Mary, her parrot Rudy II, and attending FIT (The Fashion Institute of New York). Sebastian Ivanson is an NHL player for the Blades and a recent transplant from Siberia, Russia. He's loving America and wishes he had a platonic female companion to sight-see with. His hockey buddies suggest he try CraigsList. He arranges to meet "New to New York" at the Wild Hart, a place he and his hockey pals frequent. He mistakenly thinks Lennie is the one he's meeting and they strike up an instant, easy conversation and make plans to take a bus tour on the weekend. Things slowly evolve from there.
So this little story was a bit unlike most. The relationship happens very slowly in terms of page length. You spend a great deal of the novella "savoring" (a secret word between Sebastian and Lennie) them simply being together as friends and maybe more. It was great. It was sweet and tender and kind and loving and I worried that for the first time ever, one of these short stories was going to end horribly. Horribly as in with a death or terrible secret and I wouldn't get my HEA (happily ever after). But the big conflict that interrupts this otherwise charming love affair was strained. What was really excessive was Lennie's reaction and then a very extended separation. What was worse was the conflict had me rethinking how charming the whole story was. I reconsidered other parts of the story that, while totally sweet (ideal even...one can wish) were actually artificial. Like his hockey buddies are hardly as bawdy as you'd expect and they get along remarkably well with the perfect amount of respect and joking. Again, an ideal scenario just not true to life and only one example of the inauthentic feel of the story. Yet, with my complaints it truly wasn't a big deal. The story was so sweet, with such a slow burn that it overshadowed any other issues. Sebastian is an awesome guy and that alone made this a good read.
3.5
Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly
Workaholic, Amanda Bingham has finally been convinced to take a vacation. She's going to Captiva Island off the Gulf coast of Florida to her married friends Kate and Marshall's luxury condo. Kate tells Amanda that all she'll need is a bikini and everything else will be stocked at the condo. But Amanda can't leave behind her contact solution and artificial tear solution and prescription glasses and sunglasses, and an extra pair in case those break. Kate probably never needed SPF 492 or special face wash because Kate's perfect. And Amanda can't forget her allergy meds and her lap top and her cell phone, because what if her boss needs her, and well, Amanda doesn't really know how to take a vacation. She's never taken one in her adult life and the only reason she's here now is because her boss is also on vacation. What she does know though is that the half naked man leaving the shower of her supposedly vacant vacation condo is none other than Max Callahan, 'God's gift to women' if you asked him. If you asked her he was the sorriest excuse for a human being ever...and the one man Kate has been telling her for years is perfect for her.
Max is the opposite of Amanda in every-way. She's a corporate drone who lives for work while Max works to live. One week he might be a carpenter and the next he's a pool cleaner. They both hate each other. They fight whenever they are in the same room. But something about her gorgeous eyes, and the way she wears those flowery jammies, and that soft, curly hair has him seeing uptight Amanda in a whole new light.
I'm always a big fan of adversarial love connections and this one hit the spot. A slow burn romance with a nice amount of bickering made this one an enjoyable read. I didn't like Max at all for several pages but one secret, little act of consideration and he won me over. I'm so easy!
3.5
Original Zin by Christie Ridgway
John Henry Hudson's doctor (and best friend Mark) told him that he needs to take it easy and find balance before he ends up working himself into an early grave like his father did a year and half ago. Dr. Mark's remedy is for John Henry to go away, get drunk and get laid. For the first week of his "vacation" John Henry still worked endlessly but after some stingy words from his sister he's decided that maybe he'll do exactly what Doc told him. He tosses some money to the limo driver and instructs him to find John Henry a beer and a willing babe.
Driving a limo is just one of Zinnia (Zin) Friday's job. She works tirelessly to make sure her eccentric parents don't go without or worse yet, have to ask random townspeople for money. Plus she has school loans to pay back and an undeserved reputation she fights against everyday. Zin is as surprised by her passengers proposition of a beer and a willing babe and her passenger is as shocked to find out that his driver is a women, not 'Carl' who he expected would be driving. John Henry is embarrassed and Zin thinks it's cute and he's funny so she's willing to help him out...at least with the beer part.
Another nice little story with lots of great dialogue or maybe it's just a few really, really awesome lines. Still it's pretty sweet and leaves your tummy a bit fluttery. Realistic characters and a believable dynamic with a solid dilemma that could break them up. The best part is John Henry's unending pursuit and seductive words.
3.5
Hart and Soul by Lori Foster
This short story should be read after Dex's story from Double the Pleasure but it's not absolutely necessary. In Dex's story we learn that Hart had a one-night stand with Lisa who he describes as plain and not his normal type. In Hart's story it opens with him sitting in his car in front of Lisa's apartment. He hasn't spoken to her since that night and she's been actively trying to reach him recently. He assumes her persistence means she wants him again. Who wouldn't. But no, Lisa wouldn't be this persistent just to sleep with him again. Not Lisa. This is bigger and it must mean she's...oh god, pregnant. He'd have preferred kids come later in life as he's just now starting a promising career as an SBC fighter, but kids are welcome and Lisa, well, he kind of lied when he said she was plain. She's really anything but. She's professional, smart, sexy and just not the type he normally dates. He slept with her in a moment of lust -a weak moment- and they both agreed it was just one time. Now she'll be the mother of his child and well, he's okay with that. Lisa however was only trying to get in touch with Hart for one reason and it's not because she is carrying his baby. She might want him but his is resistible. No, she was contacting him because he's in danger but cocky, arrogant Hart ignored her so she's done trying to help. He's on his own. Hart's suddenly not thrilled with her indifference and decides that he hasn't had enough of Lisa after all.
Hart's confidence was really appealing. He's really like the perfect man mixed with a fair bit of ego, confidence and caveman. These Winston men are pretty awesome though. Lisa was not a shrinking violet. She meets him toe-to-toe and even ignores him which brings out even more possessiveness and some sweet insecurity. This story has a bit of danger, a reappearance by Dex and Joe Winston, some good sass and lots of lovin'.
3.5
Breaking the Ice by Dierdre Martin
If you've read Double the Pleasure then you already know about the Wild Hart bar in Hell's Kitchen, NY where this story takes place. It's a whole new set of characters and a couple old ones but it is not necessary to have read the other story first.
27 year old Leonara (Lennie) Buckley has just moved to NYC from the Adirondacks. She's living with her Aunt Mary, her parrot Rudy II, and attending FIT (The Fashion Institute of New York). Sebastian Ivanson is an NHL player for the Blades and a recent transplant from Siberia, Russia. He's loving America and wishes he had a platonic female companion to sight-see with. His hockey buddies suggest he try CraigsList. He arranges to meet "New to New York" at the Wild Hart, a place he and his hockey pals frequent. He mistakenly thinks Lennie is the one he's meeting and they strike up an instant, easy conversation and make plans to take a bus tour on the weekend. Things slowly evolve from there.
So this little story was a bit unlike most. The relationship happens very slowly in terms of page length. You spend a great deal of the novella "savoring" (a secret word between Sebastian and Lennie) them simply being together as friends and maybe more. It was great. It was sweet and tender and kind and loving and I worried that for the first time ever, one of these short stories was going to end horribly. Horribly as in with a death or terrible secret and I wouldn't get my HEA (happily ever after). But the big conflict that interrupts this otherwise charming love affair was strained. What was really excessive was Lennie's reaction and then a very extended separation. What was worse was the conflict had me rethinking how charming the whole story was. I reconsidered other parts of the story that, while totally sweet (ideal even...one can wish) were actually artificial. Like his hockey buddies are hardly as bawdy as you'd expect and they get along remarkably well with the perfect amount of respect and joking. Again, an ideal scenario just not true to life and only one example of the inauthentic feel of the story. Yet, with my complaints it truly wasn't a big deal. The story was so sweet, with such a slow burn that it overshadowed any other issues. Sebastian is an awesome guy and that alone made this a good read.
3.5
Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly
Workaholic, Amanda Bingham has finally been convinced to take a vacation. She's going to Captiva Island off the Gulf coast of Florida to her married friends Kate and Marshall's luxury condo. Kate tells Amanda that all she'll need is a bikini and everything else will be stocked at the condo. But Amanda can't leave behind her contact solution and artificial tear solution and prescription glasses and sunglasses, and an extra pair in case those break. Kate probably never needed SPF 492 or special face wash because Kate's perfect. And Amanda can't forget her allergy meds and her lap top and her cell phone, because what if her boss needs her, and well, Amanda doesn't really know how to take a vacation. She's never taken one in her adult life and the only reason she's here now is because her boss is also on vacation. What she does know though is that the half naked man leaving the shower of her supposedly vacant vacation condo is none other than Max Callahan, 'God's gift to women' if you asked him. If you asked her he was the sorriest excuse for a human being ever...and the one man Kate has been telling her for years is perfect for her.
Max is the opposite of Amanda in every-way. She's a corporate drone who lives for work while Max works to live. One week he might be a carpenter and the next he's a pool cleaner. They both hate each other. They fight whenever they are in the same room. But something about her gorgeous eyes, and the way she wears those flowery jammies, and that soft, curly hair has him seeing uptight Amanda in a whole new light.
I'm always a big fan of adversarial love connections and this one hit the spot. A slow burn romance with a nice amount of bickering made this one an enjoyable read. I didn't like Max at all for several pages but one secret, little act of consideration and he won me over. I'm so easy!
3.5
Original Zin by Christie Ridgway
John Henry Hudson's doctor (and best friend Mark) told him that he needs to take it easy and find balance before he ends up working himself into an early grave like his father did a year and half ago. Dr. Mark's remedy is for John Henry to go away, get drunk and get laid. For the first week of his "vacation" John Henry still worked endlessly but after some stingy words from his sister he's decided that maybe he'll do exactly what Doc told him. He tosses some money to the limo driver and instructs him to find John Henry a beer and a willing babe.
Driving a limo is just one of Zinnia (Zin) Friday's job. She works tirelessly to make sure her eccentric parents don't go without or worse yet, have to ask random townspeople for money. Plus she has school loans to pay back and an undeserved reputation she fights against everyday. Zin is as surprised by her passengers proposition of a beer and a willing babe and her passenger is as shocked to find out that his driver is a women, not 'Carl' who he expected would be driving. John Henry is embarrassed and Zin thinks it's cute and he's funny so she's willing to help him out...at least with the beer part.
Another nice little story with lots of great dialogue or maybe it's just a few really, really awesome lines. Still it's pretty sweet and leaves your tummy a bit fluttery. Realistic characters and a believable dynamic with a solid dilemma that could break them up. The best part is John Henry's unending pursuit and seductive words.
October 23, 2010
I only read two of the 4 short stories in this book. I got it for the Dierdre Martin story. Ironically, I was trying to finish up her Wild Harts series by reading the first story (Wild at Hart), but it turned out...not to be in this book (the perils of browsing the library electronically). So instead I read another story from her Blades series, which was fine with me since I am a total hockey head who's studied Russian - I love the stories that include both hockey and Russian. And fashion! This story was sort of like Project Runway meets Hockey Night in...Russia. Though this story was...not all that seriously compelling. It featured the regular cast of characters, but I had a hard time figuring out where in the timeline it fell. The new characters were likable enough, but I can't imagine I will pine to read it again.
THEN, because apparently everyone reads this anthology for the Lori Foster story, I thought I would give it a try. Everyone "loves" the Winston men. Really?? I thought the whole story was a complete STINKER and Hart (who the hell names their son Hart...which incidently is why when I searched the book, it came back, what are the chances a book would have a Dierdre Martin story in it, along with a story that has Hart in the title, without it being Wild at Hart?? Not very good, but apparently possible)...so back to Hart who is a complete jacka**, I didn't find ANYTHING charming or cute or redeeming about him. Definitely not my type, smug b*stard. Or maybe I'm just inexplicably bent about the fact I don't think fighting should be a sport. Whatever. It's all about context.
Honestly, if this is what everyone loves about Lori Foster, you can all keep her.
THEN, because apparently everyone reads this anthology for the Lori Foster story, I thought I would give it a try. Everyone "loves" the Winston men. Really?? I thought the whole story was a complete STINKER and Hart (who the hell names their son Hart...which incidently is why when I searched the book, it came back, what are the chances a book would have a Dierdre Martin story in it, along with a story that has Hart in the title, without it being Wild at Hart?? Not very good, but apparently possible)...so back to Hart who is a complete jacka**, I didn't find ANYTHING charming or cute or redeeming about him. Definitely not my type, smug b*stard. Or maybe I'm just inexplicably bent about the fact I don't think fighting should be a sport. Whatever. It's all about context.
Honestly, if this is what everyone loves about Lori Foster, you can all keep her.
November 30, 2009
Double the Heat
Contemporary Anthology -Dec 1st, 2009
Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin
4 stars
Deirdre Martin has written a short and charming romance.
Lennie has recently moved to New York to take classes at a fashion college. Where she quickly makes herself at home with her Aunt Mary and an eclectic cast of housemates that are a fun and amusing to read. On a chance occurrence of mistaken identify she meets the handsome and friendly Sebastian the newest member of the city’s professional hockey team. Lennie is very attracted to Sebastian and decides to let him continue to think she is the woman he was supposed to meet.
Sebastian has just moved to New York and he enjoys hanging out with his teammates. But he wants to prove to his teammates that women and men can share a purely platonic relationship. He decides to meet a woman on Craig’s List to prove it. When he find one that fits his personality, called ‘New to New York’ he knows they will hit it off famously. As he and Lennie explore New York their friendship blossoms and he finds that his teammates maybe right because he can’t help thinking of Lennie in terms other than platonic!
This was a quick romance that was fun to read. Both characters were very likeable. I particularly enjoyed reading Sebastian’s character he is a genuine and caring hero that any reader would easily fall in love with! However, since this was a shorter story than Deirdre Martin usually writes. I did feel that that character development was as strong and her normal length books.
If you are looking for a light, funny and engaging romance this is one that you will enjoy.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Contemporary Anthology -Dec 1st, 2009
Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin
4 stars
Deirdre Martin has written a short and charming romance.
Lennie has recently moved to New York to take classes at a fashion college. Where she quickly makes herself at home with her Aunt Mary and an eclectic cast of housemates that are a fun and amusing to read. On a chance occurrence of mistaken identify she meets the handsome and friendly Sebastian the newest member of the city’s professional hockey team. Lennie is very attracted to Sebastian and decides to let him continue to think she is the woman he was supposed to meet.
Sebastian has just moved to New York and he enjoys hanging out with his teammates. But he wants to prove to his teammates that women and men can share a purely platonic relationship. He decides to meet a woman on Craig’s List to prove it. When he find one that fits his personality, called ‘New to New York’ he knows they will hit it off famously. As he and Lennie explore New York their friendship blossoms and he finds that his teammates maybe right because he can’t help thinking of Lennie in terms other than platonic!
This was a quick romance that was fun to read. Both characters were very likeable. I particularly enjoyed reading Sebastian’s character he is a genuine and caring hero that any reader would easily fall in love with! However, since this was a shorter story than Deirdre Martin usually writes. I did feel that that character development was as strong and her normal length books.
If you are looking for a light, funny and engaging romance this is one that you will enjoy.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
January 25, 2012
I picked up this book for the Lori Foster read and in that one I was not disappointed. It was a continuation of the Winston series showcasing Hart Winston (a cousin). We also met Hart's twin brother, Dex, and saw cousin Joe Winston as well. If you like Lori Foster, you won't be disappointed in this story.
The other three stories were not my favorite. The Deidre Martin one was pretty good and did make me want to seek out some of her other books, but other two were not anything that would make me want to read more from those authors. They weren't terrible, just not great.
The other three stories were not my favorite. The Deidre Martin one was pretty good and did make me want to seek out some of her other books, but other two were not anything that would make me want to read more from those authors. They weren't terrible, just not great.
October 30, 2013
Contemporary romance anthology.
Lori Foster - 4 stars. Protected sex. I was surprised I liked this one. I didn't really care for Hart in the last book. I thought he was a jerk! He comes off better in this one. Joe is in it as well.
Deirdre Martin - 3 stars. Protected sex. This one started off great! I really liked the H/h. Then, just like in the last anthology, DM has her female lead act like an idiot. If this is her usual, then forget it! I can't stand a stupid heroine.
Elizabeth Bevarly - 1 star. Unprotected sex with 2 idiots. Yay.
Christie Ridgeway - 2 stars. Unprotected sex. There was just something missing from this one. I felt no connection with either the Hero or the heroine.
Lori Foster - 4 stars. Protected sex. I was surprised I liked this one. I didn't really care for Hart in the last book. I thought he was a jerk! He comes off better in this one. Joe is in it as well.
Deirdre Martin - 3 stars. Protected sex. This one started off great! I really liked the H/h. Then, just like in the last anthology, DM has her female lead act like an idiot. If this is her usual, then forget it! I can't stand a stupid heroine.
Elizabeth Bevarly - 1 star. Unprotected sex with 2 idiots. Yay.
Christie Ridgeway - 2 stars. Unprotected sex. There was just something missing from this one. I felt no connection with either the Hero or the heroine.
November 9, 2017
Hart and Soul - Lori Foster - 3 /5 - This can standalone, but it’s kind of a continuation of a previous story. Hart Winston, who went off for some SBC training and continually refused to call back the one-night stand who was trying to get in touch with him, finally decides that he wants another shot with Lisa, the woman he’s been ignoring. Only she’s just done with waiting for him and is currently pissed off. And I can see that. I mean, she understood that it was a one night stand, but was disappointed because she felt there was more there...underneath it all there’s definitely some hurt that he apparently didn’t feel the same. But his ignoring her for weeks just because she was a former lover is immature and juvenile and she calls him on that. Hart is pretty smug and not particularly repentant of his actions. I absolutely love how she holds his feet to the fire and keeps him figuratively on his knees, but I hated that Hart was as fricking smug as he was. He didn’t really and sincerely apologize like he claimed he would and I didn’t feel like he’d really turned himself around and taken the fall before he got her back into bed...that came after. But I keep coming back to her quips and put downs and I loved her for it. Just wish she’d stayed strong longer. Also, this one wrapped up quite quickly and suddenly. I felt like the ending needed to be just a touch more drawn out.
Breaking the Ice - Deirdre Martin - 2.5 /5 - Lennie Buckley is in NY to attend the fashion institute and needs to focus on her studies - she doesn’t need a hulking, sexy Russian hockey player in her life. But she gets one anyway. Sebastian is playing for the New York Blades and while there are some cultural differences he and Lennie have to work out, she unexpectedly comes to mean a lot to him in a short time. But Sebastian hasn’t told her he’s only here for a one-year contract that’s almost up. So this was shaping up to be an excellent story, which would have been unprecedented because this author’s style or plot structures or something just don’t mesh with what I like. It wasn’t very angsty, but the relationship was interesting and I could actually feel like the two of them were developing a friendship, if not necessarily falling head over heels. And the chemistry comes across for them as well. Then Sebastian reveals his secret and the whole story fell flat because of Lennie’s major overreaction. She just ends things and walks out of his life without even a discussion or listening to an explanation. I could have even handled this if she hadn’t waited THREE FRICKIN MONTHS to finally talk to him. I’m sorry, but if you can leave something like that unresolved for three months, you don’t love him. And that conclusion made me doubt the relationship I’d seen building. And after all that waiting and her overreaction, that Sebastian just opens his arms and welcomes her back was frustrating.
Double Booked - Elizabeth Bevarly - 2.5 / 5 - Amanda is a straight-laced workaholic who finally takes a vacation at her friend’s beach house. She’s highly disappointed to learn that her free-wheeling, womanizing and pleasure-seeking nemesis, Max, is also staying in the one-bedroom condo. Forced into close quarters, they soon realize that their tension isn’t dislike, it’s attraction. But Max wants Amanda to begin enjoying life and Amanda is entirely focused on her work responsibilities, even on vacation. This suffered from the too-short-to-be-fully-baked problem of many novellas. It set up a good conflict and had two very opposite, very interesting characters who really had to set aside their differences to get along. But there wasn’t enough time for them to be able to see past the surface and their original first impressions to really get to know each other, which means their claims to be falling in love with each other didn’t really ring true for me. On Max’s part it felt like he’d just discovered sex was great with Amanda and a wonderful reason to keep seeing her… And while Amanda seemed willing to sabotage her career to enjoy life a bit more, there wasn’t any evidence that Max was willing to take on some responsibility himself. This didn’t seem like a compromise situation so much, and it rather needed to be.
Original Zin - Christie Ridgway - 3.5 / 5 - For me, this was the best of the anthology. Zin Friday is a limousine driver and member of the local hippie family known, not-so-affectionately, as the Flaky Fridays. And she’s been trying to live that label down by dedicating her life to some serious work - particularly a serious business position at River Pharmaceuticals in town. She meets John Henry, a workaholic who is looking for his balance after nearly dying from his stress. They fall pretty quickly for each other. John Henry realizes that she’s his balance. Zin however, isn’t ready to give up her plans. And when she learns that John Henry is the owner of River Pharmaceuticals, where she was just hired, she has to decide if respectability is more important than love. This was short and the characters weren’t super developed, but I felt like I got a good handle on them and their issues and internal conflicts were clearly established. They had some good chemistry and a building relationship. And there was just the right amount of angst as John Henry puts his heart on the line and Zin makes her decision. What I wasn’t so fond of though was how quickly John Henry puts his pain away and accepts Zin (not saying he shouldn’t, but hold out a bit man!) and how Zin just apologizes and sweeps it under the rug instead of really emphasizing her contrition.
Breaking the Ice - Deirdre Martin - 2.5 /5 - Lennie Buckley is in NY to attend the fashion institute and needs to focus on her studies - she doesn’t need a hulking, sexy Russian hockey player in her life. But she gets one anyway. Sebastian is playing for the New York Blades and while there are some cultural differences he and Lennie have to work out, she unexpectedly comes to mean a lot to him in a short time. But Sebastian hasn’t told her he’s only here for a one-year contract that’s almost up. So this was shaping up to be an excellent story, which would have been unprecedented because this author’s style or plot structures or something just don’t mesh with what I like. It wasn’t very angsty, but the relationship was interesting and I could actually feel like the two of them were developing a friendship, if not necessarily falling head over heels. And the chemistry comes across for them as well. Then Sebastian reveals his secret and the whole story fell flat because of Lennie’s major overreaction. She just ends things and walks out of his life without even a discussion or listening to an explanation. I could have even handled this if she hadn’t waited THREE FRICKIN MONTHS to finally talk to him. I’m sorry, but if you can leave something like that unresolved for three months, you don’t love him. And that conclusion made me doubt the relationship I’d seen building. And after all that waiting and her overreaction, that Sebastian just opens his arms and welcomes her back was frustrating.
Double Booked - Elizabeth Bevarly - 2.5 / 5 - Amanda is a straight-laced workaholic who finally takes a vacation at her friend’s beach house. She’s highly disappointed to learn that her free-wheeling, womanizing and pleasure-seeking nemesis, Max, is also staying in the one-bedroom condo. Forced into close quarters, they soon realize that their tension isn’t dislike, it’s attraction. But Max wants Amanda to begin enjoying life and Amanda is entirely focused on her work responsibilities, even on vacation. This suffered from the too-short-to-be-fully-baked problem of many novellas. It set up a good conflict and had two very opposite, very interesting characters who really had to set aside their differences to get along. But there wasn’t enough time for them to be able to see past the surface and their original first impressions to really get to know each other, which means their claims to be falling in love with each other didn’t really ring true for me. On Max’s part it felt like he’d just discovered sex was great with Amanda and a wonderful reason to keep seeing her… And while Amanda seemed willing to sabotage her career to enjoy life a bit more, there wasn’t any evidence that Max was willing to take on some responsibility himself. This didn’t seem like a compromise situation so much, and it rather needed to be.
Original Zin - Christie Ridgway - 3.5 / 5 - For me, this was the best of the anthology. Zin Friday is a limousine driver and member of the local hippie family known, not-so-affectionately, as the Flaky Fridays. And she’s been trying to live that label down by dedicating her life to some serious work - particularly a serious business position at River Pharmaceuticals in town. She meets John Henry, a workaholic who is looking for his balance after nearly dying from his stress. They fall pretty quickly for each other. John Henry realizes that she’s his balance. Zin however, isn’t ready to give up her plans. And when she learns that John Henry is the owner of River Pharmaceuticals, where she was just hired, she has to decide if respectability is more important than love. This was short and the characters weren’t super developed, but I felt like I got a good handle on them and their issues and internal conflicts were clearly established. They had some good chemistry and a building relationship. And there was just the right amount of angst as John Henry puts his heart on the line and Zin makes her decision. What I wasn’t so fond of though was how quickly John Henry puts his pain away and accepts Zin (not saying he shouldn’t, but hold out a bit man!) and how Zin just apologizes and sweeps it under the rug instead of really emphasizing her contrition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2012
I only read the New York Blades story since I am working my way through that series....I liked it! Short, but still sweet!
July 30, 2022
There are four stories in this anthology...
#1 - Hart and Soul by Lori Foster
Rating: 4
Anyway bit of a plot. They almost make a nice couple. It feels like for a HEA this couple would need more time and experience together. It's good enough for a short fic though.
#2 - Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin
Rating: 4
Fashion designer student meets Russian hockey player. They seem to get along too easily and quickly and then suddenly there's some over the top drama. Other than that, it's a nicely set up story with some interesting characters.
#3 - Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly
Rating: 1
Did not finish. This one was just vile. Two people who know each other but can't stand each other are set up by "friends" to spend a "vacation" in a one bedroom condo together. Honestly, with friends like that who needs enemies. But I'm sure somehow they'll fall in love and ?fix? each other. Not interested.
#4 - Original Zin by Christie Ridgway
Rating: 2
A couple points for a fun title. Mostly finished, skimmed through about half. These characters were just too much. And the story felt too contrived. I just couldn't get into it.
#1 - Hart and Soul by Lori Foster
Rating: 4
Anyway bit of a plot. They almost make a nice couple. It feels like for a HEA this couple would need more time and experience together. It's good enough for a short fic though.
#2 - Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin
Rating: 4
Fashion designer student meets Russian hockey player. They seem to get along too easily and quickly and then suddenly there's some over the top drama. Other than that, it's a nicely set up story with some interesting characters.
#3 - Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly
Rating: 1
Did not finish. This one was just vile. Two people who know each other but can't stand each other are set up by "friends" to spend a "vacation" in a one bedroom condo together. Honestly, with friends like that who needs enemies. But I'm sure somehow they'll fall in love and ?fix? each other. Not interested.
#4 - Original Zin by Christie Ridgway
Rating: 2
A couple points for a fun title. Mostly finished, skimmed through about half. These characters were just too much. And the story felt too contrived. I just couldn't get into it.
March 13, 2018
My favorite story was actually the first one by Lori Foster cause somehow it felt like a complete mini book to me.
The second story was surprisingly my least favorite. I feel like I should have liked it but it was kinda just okay. Guess maybe I’m just not that into stories about hockey players?
The third story by Elizabeth Bevarly was actually the reason I read the book in the first place cause I generally seem to enjoy what she writes and this one lived up to expectations.
The last story was okay too. Interesting but nothing special. Kinda felt like it should have been a little longer but I’m not sure it would have kept my interest if it was much longer anyways. Characters had unique but kinda annoying names.
The second story was surprisingly my least favorite. I feel like I should have liked it but it was kinda just okay. Guess maybe I’m just not that into stories about hockey players?
The third story by Elizabeth Bevarly was actually the reason I read the book in the first place cause I generally seem to enjoy what she writes and this one lived up to expectations.
The last story was okay too. Interesting but nothing special. Kinda felt like it should have been a little longer but I’m not sure it would have kept my interest if it was much longer anyways. Characters had unique but kinda annoying names.
April 11, 2020
Only read for the Winston Brothers story.
Short read that gives us Hart’s story.
Hart is a player and when one of his one night stands has spent ages trying to contact him, he suspects a pregnancy. The fact he isn’t panicking that it is plain looking Lisa, bemuses him.
Lisa only wants to warn Hart about a plot she overheard regarding his safety.
Hart finds Lisa a chameleon in both attitude and looks. Totally throwing him off his game and engaging his attention because she doesn’t want anything to do with him.
Enjoyed this read which I had read a long time ago.
Short read that gives us Hart’s story.
Hart is a player and when one of his one night stands has spent ages trying to contact him, he suspects a pregnancy. The fact he isn’t panicking that it is plain looking Lisa, bemuses him.
Lisa only wants to warn Hart about a plot she overheard regarding his safety.
Hart finds Lisa a chameleon in both attitude and looks. Totally throwing him off his game and engaging his attention because she doesn’t want anything to do with him.
Enjoyed this read which I had read a long time ago.
November 17, 2022
I kind of feel like I'm being generous with the 3 stars, but I know none of the stories were actually bad, but none of them were overly good either. The first three were mediocre at best, with the last being the best of the bunch being a decent read, though a little underdeveloped even when factoring it was a short story.
March 13, 2023
I got this book for the story by Lori Foster. Loved it. Loved how Hart was avoiding Lisa. Why was she trying so hard to find him after their one night together? Has some good laughs. I highly recommend getting this book for this story.
February 6, 2020
It was decent for a quick read. Others I like better but always love Lori Foster
May 19, 2021
The first and fourth stories make the book.
February 21, 2023
Just read the Winstin Brothers story
February 4, 2015
Hart and Soul Lori Foster: This is kind of the continuation of the last novel in this series. First we had Dex's story. This time we get Hart's. AND we find out why Lisa kept calling...and if you're thinking it was the reason I thought it was, you're totally wrong!
Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin: This is book 7.5 in the New York Blades series. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I enjoyed it. I actually put that whole series on my wishlist after reading this book. He's new to the hockey team here from Russia and she's new to New York going to school living with her crazy aunt. They meet by mistake and plan and strictly friends relationship. Only that doesn't seem to last very long.
Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly. Her best friend and his best friend (who are married to each other) send them both on vacation to their vacation home...at the SAME TIME. One problem-they hate each other. Her best friend however thinks they are perfect for each other. This was just ok for me. I didn't add any new books by this author to my to read list after reading this one.
Original Zin by Christie Ridgway: She feels like she's the town screw up and has to do everything she can to turn their opinion of her around. She doesn't take risks and just finished getting her master's degree-if only she can find ONE job to take the place of her other 3. He is being forced to take things easy after a health scare at a young age. So he's "on vacation" when he meets her and is drawn to her. She's trying to stay away, but he's not letting that happen. This wasn't a hugely memorable book for me but I didn't hate it. I'm going to say that this is about how I've though of all the books I've read by this author-I don't have them, but I'm not dieing to read the next one either. It is apparently a spin off little novella from the Three Kisses series (which I didn't know until just now), so since I did read this book I did add that series to my to read list so eventually I'll get around to it since I've learned a little about the characters already.
Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin: This is book 7.5 in the New York Blades series. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I enjoyed it. I actually put that whole series on my wishlist after reading this book. He's new to the hockey team here from Russia and she's new to New York going to school living with her crazy aunt. They meet by mistake and plan and strictly friends relationship. Only that doesn't seem to last very long.
Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly. Her best friend and his best friend (who are married to each other) send them both on vacation to their vacation home...at the SAME TIME. One problem-they hate each other. Her best friend however thinks they are perfect for each other. This was just ok for me. I didn't add any new books by this author to my to read list after reading this one.
Original Zin by Christie Ridgway: She feels like she's the town screw up and has to do everything she can to turn their opinion of her around. She doesn't take risks and just finished getting her master's degree-if only she can find ONE job to take the place of her other 3. He is being forced to take things easy after a health scare at a young age. So he's "on vacation" when he meets her and is drawn to her. She's trying to stay away, but he's not letting that happen. This wasn't a hugely memorable book for me but I didn't hate it. I'm going to say that this is about how I've though of all the books I've read by this author-I don't have them, but I'm not dieing to read the next one either. It is apparently a spin off little novella from the Three Kisses series (which I didn't know until just now), so since I did read this book I did add that series to my to read list so eventually I'll get around to it since I've learned a little about the characters already.
September 10, 2013
Read for Deirdre Martin's "Breaking the Ice"
Apparently this is tied into another series by her, that I didn't know about until now. I guess I'll have to go check it out.
I liked that Brian O'Quinn (or is it Quinn?) from the previous NY Blade's series, a minor side character from Just a Taste, got an acknowledgement. He married Vivi's sister who I hated and can't remember her name at the moment. Well at least she wasn't IN the book, because I really didn't like her.
The story with Lennie and Sebastian. Well, I really liked Sebastian.
Lennie was okay.... right until
Even with that, I still really liked Sebastian, so I forgive that qualm.
If this is part of a different series focusing around the Wild Hart, I'll definitely be interested in checking that series out, as I'm almost all caught up with her NY Blades and will have nothing of hers left to read!
Apparently this is tied into another series by her, that I didn't know about until now. I guess I'll have to go check it out.
I liked that Brian O'Quinn (or is it Quinn?) from the previous NY Blade's series, a minor side character from Just a Taste, got an acknowledgement. He married Vivi's sister who I hated and can't remember her name at the moment. Well at least she wasn't IN the book, because I really didn't like her.
The story with Lennie and Sebastian. Well, I really liked Sebastian.
Lennie was okay.... right until
Even with that, I still really liked Sebastian, so I forgive that qualm.
If this is part of a different series focusing around the Wild Hart, I'll definitely be interested in checking that series out, as I'm almost all caught up with her NY Blades and will have nothing of hers left to read!
September 18, 2011
Lori's Book- liked Hart and Lisa. Liked that she didn't immediately fall at his feet and made him work for it a bit.
Deidre's Book- enjoyed Sebastian and Lennie. The "conflict" felt forced as if the author needed something to cause dissent between the couple. Lennie's reaction seemed too extreme, and their time apart was too long in my opinion. Up till the conflict the story was good.
Elizabeth's story- Good story, and liked that Max and Amanda had such animosity towards one another. Didn't like that the story wrapped up so quickly. I prefer a little more conclusion.
Christie's Book- Really good. Liked Zin and John Henry.
Deidre's Book- enjoyed Sebastian and Lennie. The "conflict" felt forced as if the author needed something to cause dissent between the couple. Lennie's reaction seemed too extreme, and their time apart was too long in my opinion. Up till the conflict the story was good.
Elizabeth's story- Good story, and liked that Max and Amanda had such animosity towards one another. Didn't like that the story wrapped up so quickly. I prefer a little more conclusion.
Christie's Book- Really good. Liked Zin and John Henry.
June 8, 2011
I definitely think that the authors are ordered based on popularity. At least it matched my preferences; I had actually read three of the authors before, which is a higher ratio than I have for most anthologies.
Each story was fun and light. Other than falling in love they don't share any themes. In fact they are all remarkably different.
I enjoyed it enough to recommend it, especially as a travel read; the lightness and the length of the individual stories is perfect for time on a plane or time at the beach.
Each story was fun and light. Other than falling in love they don't share any themes. In fact they are all remarkably different.
I enjoyed it enough to recommend it, especially as a travel read; the lightness and the length of the individual stories is perfect for time on a plane or time at the beach.
March 8, 2010
I was most interested in reading Lori Foster's Winston story, and enjoyed that story the most. I also enjoyed Elizabeth Bevarly's story, which had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Deirdre Martin's story was pretty good. Sebastian was a wonderful hero, but the heroine irritated toward the end of the story, she needed to be stronger, and it was a shame because I liked her in the beginning. The last story I couldn't finish. Nothing there to hold my interest, kinda boring.
November 11, 2010
I read these in a morning. They're light, fun, parts of series that you'd recognize if you've read any of these authors before. That said, it was okay if you hadn't, since they're so short they really don't deal with other plot lines. I enjoyed Lori Foster and Deidre Martin's stories the best, and the other two were okay. So pretty much...my rankings went in order of their publishing in the book.
May 15, 2011
I have to admit, I only read the first 2 stories in this book. I tried to read the 3rd and quickly became bored. Didn't even think about reading the 4th.
The 1st (Lori Foster) was good, and is a continuation of the Winston clan. Short, to the point with a little bit of suspense thrown in.
The 2nd (Deidre Martin) was good as well, which combines the Blades series and the Harts (sort of, the characters were there).
The 1st (Lori Foster) was good, and is a continuation of the Winston clan. Short, to the point with a little bit of suspense thrown in.
The 2nd (Deidre Martin) was good as well, which combines the Blades series and the Harts (sort of, the characters were there).
November 15, 2012
This review is based only on the story by Lori Foster.
From the other book, I didn't care for Hart and his actions in this one didn't change my mind. I hated how he treated Lori with no regard and I loved it when she was short with him and gave him crap. Her nickname of Skippy had me laughing and so appropriate. I have a hard time believing in the HEA for these two.
From the other book, I didn't care for Hart and his actions in this one didn't change my mind. I hated how he treated Lori with no regard and I loved it when she was short with him and gave him crap. Her nickname of Skippy had me laughing and so appropriate. I have a hard time believing in the HEA for these two.
June 15, 2014
I read this mainly for the Lori Foster story. I loved the Winston's and was glad to see a couple more stories. Twins Dex and Hart. Dex's story is in Double the Pleasure, which preceeds this book. You don't need to have read Dex's story to followHart's story.
As for the other stories, I enjoyed fthem well enough.No offense to the other authors, but they didn't do a whole lot for me.
As for the other stories, I enjoyed fthem well enough.No offense to the other authors, but they didn't do a whole lot for me.
June 2, 2012
Hart and Soul - Lori Foster
I picked this up for the Lori Foster book because it was a continuation of the Winston series... but it was only meh. Probably because it was a short story. It was fun to see Joe again, loved Joe!
I picked this up for the Lori Foster book because it was a continuation of the Winston series... but it was only meh. Probably because it was a short story. It was fun to see Joe again, loved Joe!
January 19, 2013
I loved all 4 stories but the second was my favourite...... I liked how they introduced me to new authors and their writting styles.... Can't wait to read more by all 4 authors..... I highly recommend this anthology
March 25, 2013
I only read Lori Foster's short but I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately I didn't know it was connected to a series so now I feel the need to go read those books, lol. I enjoyed the characters so I wouldn't mind reading their stories.
August 7, 2013
Only read Foster's story! Combination of SBC and Winston novels. Lisa, a former one night stand, and Hart reconnect. But the news she has was the last thing Hart was expecting. Wonder if his fighting name will be Skippy!
October 17, 2013
I don't read too many anthology novels especially since most of them are short novellas. I enjoyed reading all the stories but my favorite (because of characters and dialogue) were Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly and Original Zin by Christie Ridgway!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews