Hot Ticket

Each story in this book was a one-sitting read. All were great. Not a dud in the bunch. Blair's had a twist I didn't expect, a surprise twist, but I read hers first and bought the book for her story. The rest were icing on a great cake. You can't go wrong with this bunch. Excellent, entertaining reads.

While I read this for Blair's story, You Can't Steal First, because Tiago had been introduced in My Favorite Witch, I have to say that the entire book was a delightful surprise. Quinn and Tiago were hot, funny, quirky, romantic, the perfect pair of stubborn high school lovers reunited. But every story was entertaining in its own right and allowed each author's voice to shine through. I can see why Deirdre Martin and Julia London are so successful. And there's no doubt in my mind that Blair and Buckley are stars on the rise. Home Run! Touch Down! Winning Goal! Hot Ticket is a keeper. I had no idea that anthologies could be so much fun.

Hot Ticket is one must read. Each story is delightfully funny and as hot as any summer day. Lucky Charm by Julia London has the newest baseball player for the NY Mets in a major slump. Parker Price has a multi-million dollar contract and the fans are on his case to earn his keep. The loudest is sports talk radio personality Kelly O'Shay. Parker decides to go on Kelly's show to get her to tone down the trash talk. But their first meeting sends sparks of a different kind flying all over the studio. This story had me enjoying their banter as well as their chemistry in the bedroom. Deirdre Martin weaves another sensational story about those hot hockey players in Same Rink, Next Year. Concierge Tierney O'Connor has an annual one-night stand with goalie David Hewson. Up until this year this arrangement has worked for the both of them. But when a blizzard hits Chicago, one night turns into days. Was this one-night stand ready for the long hull? Tierney and David stumble into something that we all wish we would find. You Can't Steal First by Annette Blair has former childhood advisories Quinn Murdock and ballplayer Juan Santiago aka "Tiago the stealer" on a long train ride to spring training. Both have grown up and changed over the years. Can these two stubborn lovers get passed their old feelings and have a once in a lifetime romance. Quinn and Tiago have chemistry that explodes off the page but also have character to build a romance upon. Geri Buckley takes us to the world of arena football in Can't Catch This. Lindy Hamilton rightly kept the tickets she bought for her cheating ex and when he tries to start trouble in the stands a handsome stranger comes to her rescue. Josh Weldon is a man on the go but something in Lindy makes him want to slow down and enjoy the ride. Once they start this romance there is no going back. Their banter is hilarious and they smoke up any room that they are in. This is a wonderful anthology, every story is a treat. I would highly recommended this book to any and all.

Excellent! No writer-speak or plot spoilers, here, just a surprised and happy reader. Who knew sports stories could be so much fun? My sister was right. Hot Ticket has four sexy, unique and highly entertaining stories by four very talented writers about couples I wish were my friends. If I have one complaint, it's that I wanted more. I was sorry to see each of these delightful stories end, and I plan to see what else these writers have to offer, so I can read more of their books in the future.

How can a person read four hot novellas by four of their favorite authors this year? The answer is simple: Pick up a copy of "HOT TICKET" early May 2006. Don't believe me, you say? Too bad, because if you don't buy this gem you will miss one of the best anthologies of the entire year. I should know. I've been reading it. I will give you an example... "YOU CAN'T STEAL FIRST" by Annette Blair is about a Boston Baseball mega-star named Juan Santiago (A.K.A. "Tiago the Stealer"). He not only steals bases, but ladies' panties. His collection is known about and envied nationally. It is also about Quinn Murdock (A.K.A. "The Mighty Quinn"). She has just become the president-elect of Murdock Inc. Tiago and Quinn met at the age of five, when Quinn gave Tiago a black-eye. They became so called friends until they graduated high school. They were each other's "first". Now, around thirteen years later, he is on his famous train, "Tiago's Hot-Ticket Express to Spring Training". Quinn is literally shoved on board by her roommates/friends. For the next three days, Tiago and Quinn will get reacquainted with each other and perhaps hit a home run together. ***** See? And that is just an example. Two of the most unlikely people find romance where they least expect it. It is like Valentine's Day in May. I began reading and kept on until the last page had been read. A marvelous book that will have you standing up in the bleachers and cheering your heart out. Very highly recommended! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.