Double Chance #3 (Luke Chance Doubles)

A bit cynical and jaded.

And Allie's pretty much his opposite. And not at all afraid to give him hell when he started getting ornery. They had a fun dynamic and whew boy they had some steam between them! Even if they resisted real hard early on. It was nice seeing both grow as people and deal with some life issues along the way, too. The writerly aspect was fun and totally relateable. Seeing what Gavin went through with trying to get his muse back after 8 long months of writers block. Seeing the two work together to get his body back in sync with his mind.

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With bringing his characters and world back to life. It was neat seeing that side of his life and how she inspired him. I love these guys and the women who won their hearts. Sweet, sexy and sporting a little sparkle. Herkness has a new fan for sure. I'm really hoping some of the secondary characters-- like their doctor friend-- get their stories told as well. Apr 06, Alison rated it liked it Shelves: So this is the third novel in the Wager of Hearts trilogy about a group of crazy wealthy guys who belong to a mega-exclusive club and, one night when they are drunk and feeling sorry for themselves, make a bet that they can't find true love within a year.

Strangely, when I requested this book from NetGalley I didn't realise that this was part of this series and I didn't recognise the author's name; I t So this is the third novel in the Wager of Hearts trilogy about a group of crazy wealthy guys who belong to a mega-exclusive club and, one night when they are drunk and feeling sorry for themselves, make a bet that they can't find true love within a year.

Strangely, when I requested this book from NetGalley I didn't realise that this was part of this series and I didn't recognise the author's name; I thought it was a stand-alone. Anyhoo, the third and last billionaire bachelor is Gavin Miller. He has written a series of mega-successful spy novels which have also been turned into a film franchise, he has a house in Manhattan and one in the Hamptons, a helicopter and a yacht.

Sadly, he also has writer's block and has missed a deadline for the first time. The studio is on his back because they insisted on changing the ending of the last film to a cliff-hanger and now they want a film, like yesterday! Allie Nichols is a recently divorced and unemployed physiotherapist, struggling to make ends meet when Gavin's agent employs her to help Gavin with the physical manifestations of his issues.

At first Gavin is resistant to Allie's ministrations and asks her to leave, although he does offer to let her keep the money for the five days that are already paid for. But after he feels marginally less tense from 15 minutes use of the stim unit basically a gentle electric current applied to the stress areas , he invites Allie back to give him more therapy.

Although Allie has been specifically warned not to talk to Gavin about his books or films or his writer's block, she is soon revealed as possibly his number one fan with an encyclopaedic knowledge of his books. Allie and her late mother used to share the books and then discuss them extensively. Gavin and Allie are complete opposites. He had a harsh childhood, his mother left home when he was a child and he never heard from her again. His father was distant and hard to please, he remarried when Gavin was a young teen and his step-mother treated him like an outcast.

Allie and Gavin are attracted to each other but Allie doesn't want to lose her only paying client and she refuses to break the PT code of ethics by sleeping with a client that she is treating. I was really enjoying this book, probably until about half-way. I liked Allie, I liked Gavin, I liked the situation and the way in which the two of them were dealing with each other. Then about half-way through I got the feeling that the novel was maybe resolving itself too fast, or perhaps there wasn't enough angst because all of a sudden we seemed to be inundated with Gavin's wealth - look at his cars, look at his houses, look at his helicopter etc, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I love a sexy book as much as the next person but my eyes were rolling and TBH if I never read about Gavin and his two fingers again it would be too soon, it seemed like every other page had them getting down to it. It was a pity because Gavin's 'stupidity' which is the cause of the angst at the end of the book could have been explored more, it was a novel explanation for a standard guy-move and I think it could have been made more of. Maybe I am being uber-critical because, let's face it, the premise for this series is a bit fantastical anyway.

So, if you like your romance on the multi-billionaire side with more than a hint of Pretty Woman and lots of sexy times this IS the book for you. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Apr 05, Carol rated it it was amazing Shelves: ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third and final book in the "Wager of Hearts" series and what a fitting end to this with Gavin Miller's story the successful writer. What I truly like about Nancy Herkness's writing is the way she builds her characters so as the story develops they become very real and relatable.

She has an elegant and somewhat traditional style that separates her from other contemporary romance writers and works so well within the storyli 4. She has an elegant and somewhat traditional style that separates her from other contemporary romance writers and works so well within the storylines of all her books. I have read all three in this series and loved them all. Each one felt so unique and had a very different storyline but all three men had initially found themselves in the same set of circumstances - wanting to meet a "real" woman worthy of a relationship and hence the wager they set.

Allie Nichols a newly divorced physical therapist was the perfect woman for the cynical, untrusting and suspicious Gavin because she was easily able to match his wit and yet she was also kind and gentle, with an innocent small town quality about her. She very soon has a noticeable healing effect on his wounded psyche as well as his injured body. She is the perfect cure for his writer's block. Really good, warm and emotional story. Apr 22, Phoenix77 rated it really liked it Shelves: Each of the men brought to life in the Wager of Hearts series has demons they have to battle, but Gavin Miller is perhaps the only one who has been losing the war.

His literary agent forces him to get treatment for the physical problems his emotions are creating and she hires a therapist without his permission. It takes a while for Gavin to become the kind of hero that a reader can fall in love with.

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Allie becomes his muse, not only to create again but to open himself to the joys that exist outside of his penthouse. Mar 11, Karen Laird rated it it was amazing Shelves: It is these stories that are filled with the same magic that the fairytales of my youth captivated me and drew me into their special world. A world where the hearts of the hero and heroine twist and bleed in their misery and longing for what we long for most—love, kindness and acceptance. Within a few opening pages, I began feeling the magic draw me into the story of Gavin and Allie as each fought their own demons.

But there was more. Having had the opportunity to read two previous novel series written by Nancy Herkness, I have come to know her and her style of writing. I also have a common touch point with my love of West Virginia and the wonderful years that I had the privilege to live in the same area of the woods where she grew up. Suddenly, I realized, that this was more than just another of her very well written books.

This is a book of her heart. It comes out in the pain of the author struggling to write. It shows in the despair at trying to grasp for words from the thin air of a muse who has left residence and taken her word-craft with her.

Only one who has starred into that bleak dark void could understand and write of it with such passion. I felt the pain, saw the tears slide off the page. Introducing Allie, a gentle woman born and bred in the depths of Appalachian West Virginia, was the light to the darkness of Gavin. Even though she had demons of her own, the light that glowed from within and the prevailing positive outlook on life of her people kept the story light. Each of the books is easily read as a stand-alone novel, but read together as a unit, each shows the growth and development of her characters as the overall storyline progresses.

The growth of maturity in the relationships between the characters and the affect of love on the lives of the couples graces the pages. Love is prevalent in living and lives, not words. With the writing of this, her third book in the series, Nancy Herkness shared her heart. She poured her laughter and tears into the pages and allowed us to see the soul of a writer.

Oh yes, she still had those steamy scenes that readers seek, but the soul of this book went far deeper and touched the very soul of this reader. I love how she ended the story and would love to have been able to turn another page or two to see where it went. A CEO, a quarterback, and a writer walked into a bar. Her new series, Wager of Hearts, follows the romantic adventures of three very wealthy men who make a life-changing bet.

Nancy graduated from Princeton University where she majored in English. In addition to her academic work in literature, she was accepted into Princeton's creative writing program, and her senior thesis was a volume of original poetry.

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After graduating, Nancy had a varied career which included retail management and buying, COBOL programming, computer systems sales and marketing, and a brief stint as a receptionist at a dental office. Once her children were in school full-time, she sat down and wrote A Bridge to Love, her first romance novel to be published. It gets no respect. Romance is the genre of optimism, and that's why I like it. She cheers loudly for the New Jersey Devils hockey team. Apr 02, Katie babs rated it really liked it. You had three rich men all of whom started with nothing and became rich because of their hard work and dedication to their careers.

His agent recommends a physical therapist to help him relax so he can write easier. Gavin is dead set again it, until he meets the woman who will not only mend his body but his heart- Allie. Allie is in dire straights. After divorcing her actor husband who dropped her for bigger and better things, she needs employment, and fast. She is struggling trying to get her business of the ground. But when she is offered a position with Gavin, she is over the moon. But then then he finds out she knows everything and anything about his books, he hires her as his personal assistant.

Even though at times Gavin comes across as surly and has a bit of an ego because of his fame and fortune, Allie connects with him, as he does with her. But there is one major problem for these two, especially for Allie. Gavin is very attracted to Allie and wants a sexual relationship with her. Allie realizes if she crosses that line, she has to quit working for Gavin. But Gavin is a sly guy and is a very tricky, so much so that Allie falls for his seduction.

He risks losing the love of a good woman- Allie, who has been dealt a lot of bad cards mainly because of her immature and selfish ex-husband. Both characters have some interesting quirks, which seems to help with their chemistry for one another. Nancy can write one heck of a love scene.

There are many here. Allie is plucky and very independent. Gavin is set in his ways, and ends up relying on Allie too much, which leads to some big misunderstandings before they can have their HEA. But the outcome here is satisfying and leads to many sighs and smiles. Nancy has written a very enjoyable contemporary romance trilogy that has a nice spin on the millionaire hero trope, and the women who walk into their lives and turn it upside for the better. A must read for any romance reader. Apr 10, Vikki Vaught rated it it was amazing Shelves: I have thoroughly enjoyed Wagers of the Heart series by Nancy Herkness.

I met Nancy at RWA but had never read any of her books. Needless to say, I was immediately pulled in. Let me say up front, I would have gladly paid to read both these books! When the physiotherapist his agent hired shows up, he wants nothing to do with her, but the feisty woman convinces him to allow her to use electrical stimulation on him.

Although he sends her away after the treatment, within fifteen minutes, his pain is reduced and he calls her back for more sessions. Imagine his surprise, to discover that not only does she relieve his pain, she stirs his muse. Perhaps he can benefit in more than one way from his time with Allie, and her energetic personality and beauty certainly calls to him on a personal level. When things heat up, he begins to wonder if he just might have found the woman of his dreams. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the other characters from the other books in this series. Her determination to hang in there when Gavin practically closes the door in her face had me rooting for her from the start.

I loved her down-home West Virginia attitude. Her genuine desire to help others, even her deplorable ex-husband touched my heart. Although, her lack of guile and inability to see through his manipulations gives her plenty of grief later in the story. While normally his cantankerous behavior would be a turn-off, the lost little boy he keeps hidden, called to me, so I fell in love with him anyway.

Herkness, she will manage to give them cameo appearances in her future books. If you like emotionally-charged romances with complicated characters, then you will love this book. While this one is easily read without reading the other books in this series, I do recommend reading them as well. Apr 18, booksofallkinds rated it it was amazing. This is the final instalment of the Wager of Hearts series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series from start to finish, as these characters will really get under your skin and burrow into your heart.

Gavin Millar cannot overcome his writer's block and with pressure mounting from all sides, his mental anguish is showing itself in a physical way too with severe back pain, but he feels it is no less than he deserves. Against his wishes, he agrees to see a p This is the final instalment of the Wager of Hearts series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series from start to finish, as these characters will really get under your skin and burrow into your heart.

Against his wishes, he agrees to see a physical therapist recommended by his agent and while Allie eases his physical pain, she also starts to work her way under his surly attitude and helps to free his creative spirit too. Allie is trying to make a fresh start with her life after her recent divorce to her childhood sweetheart, and she really needs her freelance business to be a success.

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But she did not bet on the instant attraction to the brooding Mr. The more they get to know each other, the more Allie wants to do whatever she can to ease Gavin's burdens, but she has learned from the past that she cannot give everything for nothing in return. As their unbelievable chemistry explodes, Gavin will do whatever he can to keep her by his side, but as the pain from his past collides with his present, will is fear of trust destroy everything?

And then there is the matter of the wager Allie is one of my favourite characters from the series as she is so caring and selfless, but yet strong enough to stand up for herself when she has too. Gavin is the epitome of the brooding writer, who doesn't want to face the demons from his past that are eating him up from the inside out. The development of the relationship between Allie and Gavin was so enjoyable to watch, and their heat together will leave you blushing!!! The series focuses on three billionaires who meet in an exclusive club and end up betting valuable possessions on finding true love.

The men are all at a low point in their lives and really truly want to find women who love them for them and not what they can buy or do for them. While this is the third book, it can be read as a standalone. The billionaire writer is annoying, condescending, grouchy, irritating, and just an overall pain in the butt. I was pretty sure I was going to loathe this story and that Gavin had absolutely no redeeming qualities. I could not have been more wrong. The differences start with the way the story opens up, continues on with the amount of sex involved, and ends with the emotional carnage involved.

Nancy definitely saved the best for last. But hey, that's not to say that Gavin is my favorite hero of the series. That title belongs to quarterback Luke Archer. But Gavin was full of surprises. I didn't expect his story to be so emotional or for him to hide years of pain behind his money and snarkiness. Turns out, Allie Nichols was just what he needed. She has written several heartbreaking moments, but also manages to put in heart-warming times.

I love that in the end three billionaire strangers who have nothing in common end up being the best of friends who truly care about each other. Now, if only I could convince Mrs. Herkness to write a story about a certain private doctor with me as his heroine, I would be a happy girl. Jul 09, Jennifer rated it it was ok Shelves: While this story was engagingly written and told in my favourite narrative style, third person dual povs, I found myself bored more often than not.

And I don't think it has anything necessarily to do with the story itself. It was safe, with no OP drama in it, and the romance was sweet enough, I guess. At this point in my reading life, however, I need more than what was on the pages in this book to satisfy my requirements for a good book. The good thing was that Herkness did a great job with the M While this story was engagingly written and told in my favourite narrative style, third person dual povs, I found myself bored more often than not.

The good thing was that Herkness did a great job with the MCs' backstories. And it was fun to see the MCs from the previous two stories again. The things I disliked were a bit more numerous. They were all personal preferences or non-preferences of mine, so they may not bother you at all. First, the MCs started a physical relationship way too early in the story. The delicious pre-relationship angst was decidedly missing. Second, there was way too much sex in this book. That's probably why I was able to finish it so quickly. The numerous and oftentimes repetitive sex scenes, all of which I skimmed over, made it seem a lot less meaningful.

Then there was the whole billionaire trope and I found myself bored with all the descriptions of homes, properties, pools, skating rinks, exercise equipment, galas, clothing, jewelry, helicopters, luxury cars, cashmere sweaters, etc. Lastly What number am I on? And in the H's groveling, he referred to "all the other women he'd loved. Apr 03, Deb rated it it was amazing. Nancy Herkness does it again—weaves a fast-paced, heartwarming, and emotional story. Herkness found the one woman who could both match wits with and outwit Gavin, and heal Nancy Herkness does it again—weaves a fast-paced, heartwarming, and emotional story.

Herkness found the one woman who could both match wits with and outwit Gavin, and heal him in more ways than one. In return Gavin challenges Allie to reach far beyond her dreams. And so goes the story, as the two start on a rollercoaster of a relationship. Between the three men with their own stories who started a wager of hearts, and the novella about the elusive and reticent owner of the elite Bellwether Club that brings the three heroes together, this series has been stellar. It gives me hope that someday, we may again see a glimpse of the characters we loved in the Wager of Hearts books.

And now I await with anticipation the next book by Nancy Herkness. I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review. Apr 23, Ruthie Taylor rated it really liked it. We are left with just Gavin Miller, the author with writer's block as a single man.

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He has become incredibly stressed by his lack of word production, missing deadlines and feeling the responsibility for the movie crews waiting on his next blockbuster. He is also in physical pain from being hunched up, so finally agrees to see a physio, very reluctantly. Allie Nichols, newly unemployed, thanks to her drunken ex-husband needs this private job to work, so she persists through Gavin's animosity to her ministrations.

Then he realises that maybe she is his muse, amongst other things. Again there are issues which need resolving before they can be together, but it is a satisfying conclusion to the series. Thank you Ms Herkness, for a lovely set of stories. Apr 11, Beverly rated it it was amazing. Nancy Herkness gives readers a soulful, breathtaking story about love, family, the importance of friendship and the value of trust in a relationship. Gavin, an author experiencing writer's block, and Allie, a divorced, unemployed physical therapist are drawn together and begin a journey fraught with trials, tribulations, misunderstandings, snark, sass and loads of hot, steamy moments.

Gavin and Allie navigate their journey, sometimes on a slippery slope, but manage to withstand the obstacles thrown in their way. Both emerge better and stronger because of the influence of the other. I enjoyed how the author kept me engaged with the story right to the very end. When the end did come, I experienced a wonderful, satisfying, warm feeling that kept a smile on my face for hours. Thank you, Nancy Herkness! Apr 01, Linda Quick rated it it was amazing. This is the final book in the Wager of Hearts series and I have enjoyed the prior books, but this one was the one I was waiting for - I just couldn't wait to see what the author would do with a snarky cynic that was the remaining wagerer.

She not only didn't disappoint, she exceeded anything I could have hoped for. Gavin is a cynical writer with writer's block when his agent sends a physical therapist to his home to help him. Gavin, being Gavin, immediately tries to throw her ou Loved this book! Gavin, being Gavin, immediately tries to throw her out. Allie, the PT, won't accept payment without trying to help him. Thus starts their odd relationship that will have extreme highs and lows. I found myself liking Gavin and rooting for Allie, while hating both of their prior partners.

This is a must read for fans of the genre. While it is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. The author is on my must read authors' list. What a great way to complete the series! This is book 3 of the series and can be read as a stand alone, but to be honest, the whole series is fantastic so I don't recommend reading just this one. If you haven't read 1 or 2, go get them! You will not be disappointed. Gavin is the last of the bachelors that has yet to find his true love and only has a few months left to do so. He is a writer with a wee bit of writers block. He is stubborn, eccentric, and lets be honest, a bit of an ass.

Due to the What a great way to complete the series!

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Due to the stress of struggles, not just with his writing, his agent hires Allie to do some physical therapy with Gavin. Of course, Gavin being Gavin, he does not make the job easy for Allie. Allie is a sassy, determined, yet desperate physical therapist. She needs this job desperately, and has to fight tooth and nail to keep it. Her determination and snarky attitude is the kick in the pants that Gavin needs. Could Allie be the muse that Gavin has been searching for? Written as a multiple pov.

We get to see the characters from the previous stories but they do not take over the story. Great descriptions to details making it easy to visualize what is happening. The dialogue flows nicely and is easy to follow and is engaging. All in all, a fantastic read.

Would I recommend this book? Would I read more from this author? Dec 02, Chris Keane rated it it was amazing. Nancy Herkness expertly navigates the relationship between a physical therapist and a disillusioned writer who happens to be a millionaire I enjoyed the breezy dialogue between the two main characters, their undeniable chemistry, and seeing them wrestle with their demons in search for love.

Jun 17, Aphrodite rated it liked it. I had higher expectations for this book than for the 2 previous ones, it was sweet but not as good as I expected. Mar 22, Mia Lansford rated it really liked it Shelves: I loved the chemistry between Allie and Gavin. From the beginning of the series, I knew Gavin was my favorite hero. So I freely admit to being harder on his book than the other two. A must read for all Herkness fans. Feb 26, Angela rated it it was amazing.

I loved this book. I love the eccentric asshole of a character in Gavin and the good girl trying her hardest to do right in Allie. They fit together so well. I love that she accepted him for who he was, but didn't lose herself in the process. She had doubts, stayed strong but didn't close herself off to the possibilities. The way we are led to believe of Gavin, it was good to see him finally find someone or something that gave him purpose again. These two make the perfect pair and the way the au I loved this book.

Throughout the regular season, the Rebels, ranked as high as number two in state polls, won games with a combination of good pitching, timely hitting, and good defense. Those attributes were evident as the Rebels opened the tournament on Friday morning with a victory over the New London Clippers. Troy White was the starting pitcher and fanned 13 Clippers, plus went at the plate to help his cause. The Rebels were riding high going into day two, but would have to wait, with all games being rained out as heavy showers began just after midnight and continued on into the late afternoon on Saturday in the Onalaska area, putting the infield underwater and forcing some reshuffling of the tournament schedule.

Lucas Michlig was with two doubles, an RBI, and four runs scored. Kyle Comer allowed two runs in four innings pitched to get the victory. In the matchup, the Rhinelander bats were silenced by Holmen starter Greg Rooney, who pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits, walking one and striking out nine. Kyle Comer provided the only run for Post 7 with a line-drive homerun to left field, but Holmen prevailed Despite the loss, the Rebels still had a chance in the double-elimination tournament, and coach Huhnstock was optimistic.

We have to come out with a better attitude tomorrow, a more aggressive attitude, and play our kind of baseball. It was make-or-break time on Tuesday for the Rebels as they came into their fourth game, game 12 of the tourney, needing to win against the Menasha Twins to stay alive. Some missed opportunities and shaky defense allowed the Twins to defeat the Rebels by a final score of , despite a long two-run homerun to the opposite field by starting pitcher Kyle Comer, over a foot fence in right, off the roof of a neighboring duplex.