Rules of Play: Opposites Attract / The Heart's Victory

by Nora Roberts

New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts brings you two classic romantic treasures not widely available for over a decade.

The Heart's Victory
He was the man she once dreamed about, but never dared to love. But now that Cynthia Fox was back in town, she was forced to confront Lance Matthews and all the old feelings speeding between them. Like the world of auto racing, Fox knew the stakes were high -- but so was the prize. Because this time, the only true victory would be love.

Opposites Attract
They were like night and day -- Ty Starbuck, a man known for his passions, and Asher Wolfe, infamous for her icy control. Together they'd set the world ablaze. Even after years apart, she still wanted him, deeply. But she had a secret she could never share -- even with the man she still loved. If only she could reveal the truth . . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult, Anthologies

425 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and very entertaining despite the obvious twists in the story. Both stories have been out of print (got my book from a used store) but professional tennis and the Indy races are still here! Very Nora Roberts (her book photo shows her with long,dark hair even) - classic yet simple stories that can still be enjoyed 30 years later.

[Sara Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know how I finished this one. The first story was okay, but the second one was terrible! Not only does Lance pretty much rape Foxy, but he physically pushes her head under water and calls it a hobby of his, emotionally hurts her with insults, and yells at her like she is his possession. I’m sorry, but I don’t find that attractive.

[Kathy Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much sex

[Fran López · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 Opposites Attract se me hizo fácil y rápido de leer, fue entretenido y me proporcionó mi dosis diaria de drama que necesitaba. Por el contrario, The Heart’s Victory se me hizo difícil, no porque fuera aburrido, sino porque habían muchas actitudes que hicieron que esta supuesta historia de amor no me atrapara. Lance, no lograste que te quisiera como querría a cualquier otro protagonista de novela romántica, sino que tus pequeñas acciones con respecto a Foxy hicieran que casi te odiara. Prácticamente aprovechaste su momento de debilidad para casarte con ella y la seguiste manipulando a lo largo de su matrimonio. En el último capítulo trataste de justificar tus acciones, pero no lo lograste, porque forzar a alguien a tener sexo contigo, a pesar de que después de un largo forcejeo ella se rindiera, es una violación y eso no tiene justificación.

[Susan Chow-Dukhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rules of Play contain two of Nora Roberts earlier books, Opposites Attract, set in the world of professional tennis and The Heart's Victory, set in the world of Indy 500 racing. The background settings of professional sports adds a little extra authenticity to the stories.
Both stories lack the depth of more modern romances, with fairly simplistic stories. The Heart's Victory, which was originally printed in 1982 does not past the test of time. Intense, passionate emotions does not excuse physical abuse which results in bruises, even if "in the end, he hadn't taken her in anger, and she had given herself willingly". This story should never have been reprinted.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two complete novels in one book, Opposites Attract (Tennis) and The Heart's Victory (Auto Racing), under one title. I like a second chance trope and both have that. Opposites Attract is my favorite of the two. Classic 80's romance --- still enjoyable today.

[Murr · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can tell these are older books. The heroine is “damaged” and the hero is overbearing. Finished the first book but couldn’t stomach the second. Lance was manipulative and felt he could kiss her etc whenever he wanted even when she said no. Not my cup of tea.

[Rosaland Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both stories were entertaining. Opposites Attract was very romantic in the world of tennis. It took me a while to finish The Heart's Victory because sometimes the story went off on a tangent. Other than that, it is a good read

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed both stories. Nice alpha male. Decent female. Intriguing side characters

[Ida Lukasik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the two stories.
One about tennis the other racing.
Ty and Asher and seeing what they went through
Foxy and Lance and seeing it all come about

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for Opposite Attract, the tennis story

2 stars for The Heart's Victory, the race car story. Lance was too aggressive/almost assaulting when he doesn't listen to Cynthia.

[Mindy Cossins · Rating 3 out of 5]

two cute love stories
one was about a a lady who was in charge of the lions at a circus
very cool to have a glimpse into circus life

[Ann Bredemeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

usual Nora Roberts stories...I enjoy the light reading

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two romance stories, Opposites Attract and The Heart's Victory, are in this book. The first story is about two tennis champions and the second is about race car drivers. Good, quick reads!

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't really care for either story in this book. The first one was about tennis. The second was about racing. I'm a huge race fan and I had to force myself to finish reading this one. Not typical Nora Roberts.

[Miniricecake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read most of Nora Roberts's book and these story always seem to pull me back to retread them. Particularly opposite attract, you really can't help but feel for Asher. Would definitely recommend this.

[Alice Harbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good romances. Her style of sexual intimacies is repetitive and easily hers. I liked the second novel the best of the two. I liked the characters and their unexpected attraction for each other and the difficulties they had in maintaining their budding relationship.

[Judith Wrinkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

combination of two stories...........Duel Imagine, very good but I was not favored by Untamed which was rather corny, about a circus performer. Just my taste, I guess, as I always enjoy Nora Roberts.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided that I wanted to read everything that Nora Roberts had written, starting with her way back stuff from the 80s. And then I realized that I really don't love most of the stuff she wrote way back in the 80s.

[Nilsa Ortiz-McRee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is divided into two stories............the first story I enjoyed the second story was not as good and took me longer to read.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two books in one: "Opposites Attract" and "The Heart's Victory." I liked the first one better, but both are good beach reads.

[Deb Krill · Rating 4 out of 5]

typical romance novel by Nora Roberts, I do enjoy her reviving her old novels/stories and putting them back on the shelves.

[Jodi Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love just about everything I've read of Nora Roberts. she's written so many I havent' read them all but would like to!

[Sara Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

damn, this one was cute as hail.

[s · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opposites Attract- 4 stars
The Heart's Victory- 2 stars

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

opposites attract- 4 stars
the heart's victory- 2 stars

[DM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what to say. Really. I mean, both stories- Opposites Attract and The Heart's Victory- were BEAUTFUL!! In short, I simply loved them. And once again, Nora Roberts was at her best.

[Veronica Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read The Heart's Victory. Good modern romance with Formula One racing thrown in for good measure.

[Dawn Cheshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the 2 short stories this book contained. Don't usually read short stories and felt that these at times were rushed. Liked the characters, another well written book by Nora Roberts

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules of Play: Opposites Attract / The Heart's Victory by Nora Roberts – Two really fun second chance romances! Happy Reading!