Luke Archer, known as the Ice Man on the football field, is
a living legend
and a billionaire to boot. But money doesn't solve all of
your problems, and
as injuries and age begin to effect his performance, Luke is
forced to
evaluate his life. With strained family relationships, and a
policy to never
commit to any of the many women who flock to him, Luke is
not sure what
his future holds for him. And he is not alone, as two fellow
acquaintances
find themselves in similar circumstances. And when powerful
men drown
their sorrows together, a wager of the heart is placed -
find real love within
the year or lose something of deep intrinsic value. But when
a shoulder
injury threatens to take away his life's work, and his
brother causes trouble
when he comes to stay, Luke puts the wager to the back of
his mind. But
sometimes destiny has its own plans, and when fate places
Miranda in his
path, things are about to get complicated.
Miranda Tate has worked hard to get from a rural dairy farm
to assistant
concierge at one of the most prestigious buildings in the
city. And she is
extremely good at her job, if only her snippy boss would get
off her case
and stop sabotaging her every move. But when she comes face
to face
with one of the residents, the famous Luke Archer, Miranda
is surprised to
find such a genuine man. As passion flares to life Miranda
knows that this
fire between them won't last, but as a deeper connection
evolves, can two
similar souls from two very different worlds take a chance
at love?
THE ALL-STAR ANTES UP by Nancy Herkness is the second book
in her
Wager of Hearts series, but can be read
independently
(although I highly recommend you read the series!). Luke is
an in-depth
character that has always felt a little less than his
academic family, who
never really understood him. Unsure of what his life will be
like when
playing football is no longer a option, he throws himself
into the season,
determined to never lose focus. But in meeting Miranda he
cannot help but
be distracted by her. Miranda also has issues with her
family who never
understood her desire to live in the big city, although they
have a close
relationship. As Miranda gets to know the real Luke, she
finds a genuine,
caring man who sets her soul on fire. But they both know
that all they could
ever have is an interlude, and they struggle with their
feelings as their
connection grows. With searing hot scenes of passion and
chemistry that is
off the charts, THE ALL-STAR ANTES UP by Nancy Herkness is a
magnetic tale of love, friendship, family and the idea of
working hard for
what you want. Captivating and engrossing, this novel really
does have it
all. Nancy Herkness provides us with romance at its finest.
“No strings, no rings.” That’s Luke Archer’s motto. As the
champion quarterback for the New York Empire—not to mention
a self-made billionaire—Luke has given up on serious
relationships. Women only want him for one thing: the thrill
of being with a superstar. And he likes it that way too. But
when his best friend announces he’s retiring from football
to spend time with his wife and kids, Luke feels like he’s
missing out on something much bigger than his career.
The assistant concierge in Luke’s luxury high-rise, Miranda
Tate fled her family’s dairy farm to come to the bright
lights of New York City. She works hard to move up and sends
her spare earnings home to her brother. When she and Luke
meet, there’s an instant sexual attraction which turns
steamy quickly, but they’re in completely different leagues.
Could Miranda be just the woman Luke needs to win the most
important game of his life?