DOUBLE THE PLEASURE – Lori Foster, Deirdre Martin, Jacquie D’Alessandro, Penny McCall
Berkley Sensation (Trade PB)
ISBN: 978-0-425-22406-9
December 2008
Contemporary Romance Anthology

Four hot stories from four of Berkley’s hottest authors.

Deuces Wild – Lori Foster

Identical twins Dexter and Hart Winston can fool just about anyone as to which is which, so when Hart asks Dex to take his place for a few days, both figure it will be a piece of cake. Then Dex spots the pretty neighbor across the hallway, and suddenly he wishes he could be himself.

Christy Nash thought she knew her neighbor Hart, but when he starts talking to her one day, she suddenly has the hots for him. He hasn’t changed, but why have her feelings for him done a 180-degree turn? As they get to know each other very well, how will Christy feel when she finds out Hart is really Dex?

Lori Foster has created a new branch of her popular Winston family and readers are in for a fantastic treat. While Dex’s deception to Christy might have been carried a little too far, their chemistry is smoking hot. Will there be fireworks when she realizes the man she has fallen for is not the man she thinks? Read Deuces Wild to find out.

The Luck of the Irish – Deirdre Martin

One bad marriage has Maggie O’Brien off the new romance market, but the hot man working on the renovation at her family’s pub has her libido rising. Brendan Kelly is originally from Ireland and has the brogue to prove it. As they banter back and forth and go on a few “we’re not getting involved with each other” dates, they soon can’t keep their hands off one another.

Brendan doesn’t want to break Maggie’s heart, but with his brother in Ireland pressuring him to return, he doesn’t know what to do. He cares for Maggie, but will the lure of money have him leaving her? They’re right for each other and everyone is rooting for them, but will Brendan make the right decision?

The Luck of the Irish tugs at the heartstrings as Brendan struggles to make the right choice. The story is also amusing as both try to deny there is something going on between them, when in fact, there is plenty going on. Deirdre Martin has penned a classy tale.

Your Room or Mine? – Jacquie D’Alessandro

CFO Jack Walker is trying to help keep the company he works for financially afloat and not lay off employees despite the pressure from the CEO, Gavin Laine, and the interference of hired consultant Madeline Price. When Gavin announces that he’s sending Jack and Maddie on a weekend getaway to help the employees in Jack’s department to connect, neither Jack nor Maddie is thrilled.

To Maddie, all Jack does is scowl at her and resist her suggestions, but when she arrives early for the weekend, somehow they’re constantly running into each other. Will being up close and oh, so personal be enough to intrigue them to take the next step to get to know each other? Could their mixed up suitcases add fuel to the sexual chemistry?

A cute, funny tale, Jacquie D’Alessandro scores with Your Room or Mine? While couples who start out at odds with each other aren’t something new, it’s how the author creates their situation that makes this a refreshing tale.

Double the Danger – Penny McCall

As the newest doctor in town, Abigail West has the unpleasant task of performing an autopsy on a body. But when she opens the body bag, she’s shocked to find her ex love, Drake. But before she can even mourn what she lost, well, the body comes to life.

Special agent Drake is on a mission to protect Abby and her grandfather, only she doesn’t know it…yet. He was left for dead after being shot, and it was just fate that had him ending up in Abby’s office. Soon it’s clear the bad guy won’t stop until he accomplishes what he came for…to kill Abby and her grandfather. It’s up to Drake to prevent it.

A thrill a minute, Double the Danger reunites former lovers Abby and Drake. The mystery of why someone is out to kill Abby is not immediately apparent, but when it is revealed, then things begin to click…including why Drake walked out of Abby’s life years ago. Will they survive and have a happily ever after? Find out in Double the Danger by Penny McCall.

All four stories are gems to read and a good, entertaining mix of suspense, comedy, and sexy heat. I would definitely recommend putting DOUBLE THE PLEASURE on the top of your holiday book wish list.

Patti Fischer