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Guarded Hearts: Rules of the Game / The Heart's Victory
Rules of the Game - She'd always vowed never to mix business and pleasure, until she looked into his eyes - and saw her future. But Brook Gordon had learned from her troubled upbringing never to depend on anyone for anything. And now that she was a successful TV director with her next major ad campaign to shoot, she wasn't about to start. Especially since the man she wanted most to lean on - to love - was the very one she needed to make her next assignnment a success.
The Heart's Victory - He was the man she never forgot, the wealthy society son she once dreamed about, but never dared to love. But now that Cynthia Fox, aka Foxy, was back in town, she was forced to confront lance Matthews and the world she left behind. For Lance was still intimately tied to the world of auto racing, just as her own daredevil brother was, and that scared her more than she cared to admit.
The Heart's Victory - He was the man she never forgot, the wealthy society son she once dreamed about, but never dared to love. But now that Cynthia Fox, aka Foxy, was back in town, she was forced to confront lance Matthews and the world she left behind. For Lance was still intimately tied to the world of auto racing, just as her own daredevil brother was, and that scared her more than she cared to admit.
460 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
33 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,213 books59.9k followersNora 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 15, 2018
Bem e não é que até gostei. Soube bem voltar a ler estas histórias de cordel da Nora em que em 320 páginas conhecem-se e já se casam xD
October 20, 2015
First of all, I find that Nora Roberts does characters extremely well and the intensity between characters really blows me away. Her style of writing is full and has great descriptions, the characters speak fully, saying "it is" not "it's" and so on and so forth. I think it adds to the feel of old romance and makes her characters have that interesting intellectual edge most people don't see in teen and young adult books. Both stories in this book are fun, teasing, and intense as hell! Switching from one story to another made me do a double-take I swear. They're so different and yet the heat and love is still there! In any case, my final verdict is an easy one: I love it
August 3, 2009
LOVED IT!
If I ever won the lottery or came into a substantial amount of money, I would just read Nora Roberts and travel the world. What a life that would be!
If I ever won the lottery or came into a substantial amount of money, I would just read Nora Roberts and travel the world. What a life that would be!
March 26, 2016
More good re-issued stories from NR, I liked the second one better than the first but enjoyed both.
November 19, 2014
Uma história muito gira... :D
December 17, 2014
Okay I have not had much luck with Nora Roberts, her books are up and down but this compilation intrigued me. Aside from the cheesy cover, the premises of the two stories sounded fun.
Rules of the Game
3/5 stars
Shame this started out well but plunged into a whole lot of nonsense. Not to mention there was so much emphasis on baseball that I was confused. I know zilch about the sport so if you dont have knowledge of it there is a lot you will not understand in this story. I was intrigued by Brooke, her career, ambition and past. She seemed so strong and I loved reading about her work as a director.
The romance however was crap. The idea that she would be directing a commercial with a baseball star whom she would be romantically involved in was scandalous but I did not like Parks. Gosh, he is one of those alpha males possesive guys who feels the need to touch his "woman" every.single.time Ugh this is the cookie cutter male type of character in fiction. While I liked how he actually listened to her and could see through her bs his arrogance was a turn off. Honestly, Brooke was not entirely innocent either, many times she provoked him on purpose. This doesn't make for a good relationship I checked out of the story early on.
As this is a romance after all it disappointed hugely.
The Hearts Victory
3.5 stars
This was better but barely. I found myself very interested because this is a romance set in the world of motor car and F1 racing. I personally have experience in F1 and so I was even more curious to see how a romance would play out. Okay first, I have a big problem with huge differences in age for couples. Cynthia "Foxy" is 23 and Lance would roughly be 10 years her senior. I found that hard to accept. I do not think 23 is as adult as she thinks it is. There is still so much for a person to learn and experience.
What is more, who lets themselve be called "Foxy"? it sounds tacky and slutty. I noticed that she is a red head as well like Brooke. I wonder why authors insist that red heads are fiery, stubborn and difficult. So does that mean brunettes and blonds cannot embody these quantities? Even though this story was published at a time where smoking was a norm, it was another no-no for me. My opinion is that smoking is unpleasant, unhealthy and disgusting. I do not even fathom why someone would want to be with a person who smokes.
Foxy was intriguing, between her career as a photographer which I found very interesting to read about and her relationship with her brother. I think what impacted me the most was her relationship with Kirk. It is not the usual brother sister one and even more heart felt because I got a look into how she feels having a loved one who put themselve in danger every single time they get into the race car. I have often wanted to understand how family let their own do such a thing and handle it. Foxy's reaction was very realistic and I felt her.
When it came to Lance however she crumbled under pressure. While I have yet to read about such an arrogant, possessive alpha male who does not take no for an answer, I have read possessive alpha males. Lance is a step above these. He may have admirable career achievements but has a bad attitude. He simply makes a choice and goes with it no matter what Foxy says or feels. He uses kissing and sex to distract her when they should deal with their issues.
Like Parks from Rules of the Game, He constantly touches her every single time he is with her. It may sound romantic but it borders on obssessive. He becomes very angry and it seems like he would probably hit Foxy. One scene in particular worried me. Even though he admits to this, I still do not accept it. He gets very jealous which in reality is not cool at all. Honestly, I do not think that being in love with someone for 10 years while it was unrequited is a foundation for marriage or at the very least a relationship.
I have to say I enjoyed this more than the first story. Just take away most of the romance. The family drama, relationships between Foxy, Melissa, Pam and Kirk were nice. I do like that as twisted as Foxy and Lance were that they tried to fix their marriage. It was hard to read these two stories. Even though Lance really annoyed me there were some meaningful quotes from him.
"I don't base anything I do on her approval, least of all my marriage to you. Our lives are our own"
Page 406
"You didn't marry his mother"
Page 449
'"You should have called if you were lonely."
"I almost did, but I thought....I didn't want to seem as if I was checking up on you."
"Idiot, you're my wife remember?"'
Page 455
Rules of the Game
3/5 stars
Shame this started out well but plunged into a whole lot of nonsense. Not to mention there was so much emphasis on baseball that I was confused. I know zilch about the sport so if you dont have knowledge of it there is a lot you will not understand in this story. I was intrigued by Brooke, her career, ambition and past. She seemed so strong and I loved reading about her work as a director.
The romance however was crap. The idea that she would be directing a commercial with a baseball star whom she would be romantically involved in was scandalous but I did not like Parks. Gosh, he is one of those alpha males possesive guys who feels the need to touch his "woman" every.single.time Ugh this is the cookie cutter male type of character in fiction. While I liked how he actually listened to her and could see through her bs his arrogance was a turn off. Honestly, Brooke was not entirely innocent either, many times she provoked him on purpose. This doesn't make for a good relationship I checked out of the story early on.
As this is a romance after all it disappointed hugely.
The Hearts Victory
3.5 stars
This was better but barely. I found myself very interested because this is a romance set in the world of motor car and F1 racing. I personally have experience in F1 and so I was even more curious to see how a romance would play out. Okay first, I have a big problem with huge differences in age for couples. Cynthia "Foxy" is 23 and Lance would roughly be 10 years her senior. I found that hard to accept. I do not think 23 is as adult as she thinks it is. There is still so much for a person to learn and experience.
What is more, who lets themselve be called "Foxy"? it sounds tacky and slutty. I noticed that she is a red head as well like Brooke. I wonder why authors insist that red heads are fiery, stubborn and difficult. So does that mean brunettes and blonds cannot embody these quantities? Even though this story was published at a time where smoking was a norm, it was another no-no for me. My opinion is that smoking is unpleasant, unhealthy and disgusting. I do not even fathom why someone would want to be with a person who smokes.
Foxy was intriguing, between her career as a photographer which I found very interesting to read about and her relationship with her brother. I think what impacted me the most was her relationship with Kirk. It is not the usual brother sister one and even more heart felt because I got a look into how she feels having a loved one who put themselve in danger every single time they get into the race car. I have often wanted to understand how family let their own do such a thing and handle it. Foxy's reaction was very realistic and I felt her.
When it came to Lance however she crumbled under pressure. While I have yet to read about such an arrogant, possessive alpha male who does not take no for an answer, I have read possessive alpha males. Lance is a step above these. He may have admirable career achievements but has a bad attitude. He simply makes a choice and goes with it no matter what Foxy says or feels. He uses kissing and sex to distract her when they should deal with their issues.
Like Parks from Rules of the Game, He constantly touches her every single time he is with her. It may sound romantic but it borders on obssessive. He becomes very angry and it seems like he would probably hit Foxy. One scene in particular worried me. Even though he admits to this, I still do not accept it. He gets very jealous which in reality is not cool at all. Honestly, I do not think that being in love with someone for 10 years while it was unrequited is a foundation for marriage or at the very least a relationship.
I have to say I enjoyed this more than the first story. Just take away most of the romance. The family drama, relationships between Foxy, Melissa, Pam and Kirk were nice. I do like that as twisted as Foxy and Lance were that they tried to fix their marriage. It was hard to read these two stories. Even though Lance really annoyed me there were some meaningful quotes from him.
"I don't base anything I do on her approval, least of all my marriage to you. Our lives are our own"
Page 406
"You didn't marry his mother"
Page 449
'"You should have called if you were lonely."
"I almost did, but I thought....I didn't want to seem as if I was checking up on you."
"Idiot, you're my wife remember?"'
Page 455
November 21, 2022
The first book wasn’t bad. I’d give it a 3 stars.
For the second…
🚩 he pressures her into marriage when she’s vulnerable
🚩 he basically abandons her in a new city and barely defends her to his awful mother
🚩 he gets drunk, accuses her of infidelity, leaves bruises on her wrists from restraining her, and it has to be clarified repeatedly in this scene that she’s “willing” although there’s no sign of actual consent
🚩 the lack of consent actually happens a few times
🚩 he tells her he’s been in love with her since she was THIRTEEN, and admits he was already an adult by then
🚩 she asks for a divorce and he just tells her no
Gross. Totally gross.
For the second…
🚩 he pressures her into marriage when she’s vulnerable
🚩 he basically abandons her in a new city and barely defends her to his awful mother
🚩 he gets drunk, accuses her of infidelity, leaves bruises on her wrists from restraining her, and it has to be clarified repeatedly in this scene that she’s “willing” although there’s no sign of actual consent
🚩 the lack of consent actually happens a few times
🚩 he tells her he’s been in love with her since she was THIRTEEN, and admits he was already an adult by then
🚩 she asks for a divorce and he just tells her no
Gross. Totally gross.
November 26, 2025
Two stories of love by two stubborn couples.
Rules of the Game has Brooke Gordon as a photographer pitted against Parks Jones, a baseball player, turning model, whether he likes it or not. Both stubborn and set in their ways but love ALWAYS finds a way through it all.
The Heart’s Victory also involves a photographer who has lived the life of the sister of a race car driver, who became his responsibility after their parents died. Cynthia Foxy Fox has known Lance Matthew’s sense she was very young but too young for Lance the. After school, college and work, they meet again and stubborn people fight for love.
Rules of the Game has Brooke Gordon as a photographer pitted against Parks Jones, a baseball player, turning model, whether he likes it or not. Both stubborn and set in their ways but love ALWAYS finds a way through it all.
The Heart’s Victory also involves a photographer who has lived the life of the sister of a race car driver, who became his responsibility after their parents died. Cynthia Foxy Fox has known Lance Matthew’s sense she was very young but too young for Lance the. After school, college and work, they meet again and stubborn people fight for love.
October 12, 2017
I wish I could give two different ratings. Rules of the Game wasn't bad - more like a 3.5. The Heart's Victory would be more like 2. The male lead in the second story was borderline emotionally abusive which wasn't endearing at all. I didn't get where his feelings came into play because the only one he seemed to show was anger. I get these stories were likely written back in the 80's...different time and all but maybe they should be updated before reprinting if the end result is a plot line that makes you uncomfortable?
July 10, 2021
I absolutely loved both of these stories! I couldn't put the book down!
Parks and Brooke were the couple in the first book and you simply fall in love with these characters!
Lance and Foxy were the main characters of the second book. They have lots of chemistry and once they get over their own fears are wonderful together!
I would definitely recommend this book!
Parks and Brooke were the couple in the first book and you simply fall in love with these characters!
Lance and Foxy were the main characters of the second book. They have lots of chemistry and once they get over their own fears are wonderful together!
I would definitely recommend this book!
July 30, 2023
I love Nora Roberts books so much. She has a way with words and character development to draw a reader in. This book which features two stories in it is so good. I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend reading it.
November 11, 2023
Wattpad writers get their inspiration from Nora Roberts. Oh. My. God. Loved both stories, both equally intense and with fierce but human characters. Now I need to wrap my hands around any of her other books. I’m addicteeeeeeed.
July 19, 2017
Both books were OK, but nothing great. I didn't really care for any of the main couples very much but enjoyed some of the secondary characters.
February 27, 2021
I’m not usually a fan of two novels in one book, but I enjoyed this one. Favorite: The Heart’s Victory was my favorite story!
September 12, 2024
It was good, but the end of the second halve was a bit bad. It read very easy and I enjoyed it.
Read
May 31, 2025The second story in this book was just as good as the first! A story of love and trust with a hint of baseball in it! Great read!
November 4, 2025
I love Nora's books!
December 28, 2025
Another few good stories by Roberts.
November 7, 2012
Rules of the Game
This was the first book in the anthology. It was initially published in 1984. It is a bit dated, but has a pretty good story behind it. I realized when I was about two chapters into this book that I had read it before (I was probably a teenager). The moment when Parks saw Brooke in the stands at his baseball game and he approached her and asked her name stuck has stuck with me for about ten years. That I remember that in and of itself is impressive. I have read so many books that normally I only generally remember plot lines, but I remembered that moment exactly through the years.
I also liked that this story did not end with them getting married. It went beyond that. Saying "I do" is not the end; which I love because that is much more like reality. What I didn't like was the ego's of the main characters. Brooke and Parks had huge egos that I really wanted to pop.
Overall though, this one was pretty good if only because of the moment that stuck with for ten plus years.
The Heart's Victory
This part of the anthology was published in 1982. It was really dated and I found it to not be believable at all. Did Nora Roberts even do any research for this? It did not seem like it to me. Having said that, I do not really know much about car racing, but it just all sounded so false and awkward that I had trouble getting into the story because of it.
Again, the ego's of the main characters were astronomical. They never seemed to doubt themselves; they always had an unshakable belief that they were in the right. This is very annoying. People do not actually live like that. People make mistakes and acknowledge them all the time. Damn it, Nora, vary your characters please. The majority of your characters seem like they are bordering on becoming a sociopath for me.
Overall, this story was kind of cliched and annoying. I really didn't enjoy it and it took me forever to read.
Check out more of my reviews at: http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
This was the first book in the anthology. It was initially published in 1984. It is a bit dated, but has a pretty good story behind it. I realized when I was about two chapters into this book that I had read it before (I was probably a teenager). The moment when Parks saw Brooke in the stands at his baseball game and he approached her and asked her name stuck has stuck with me for about ten years. That I remember that in and of itself is impressive. I have read so many books that normally I only generally remember plot lines, but I remembered that moment exactly through the years.
I also liked that this story did not end with them getting married. It went beyond that. Saying "I do" is not the end; which I love because that is much more like reality. What I didn't like was the ego's of the main characters. Brooke and Parks had huge egos that I really wanted to pop.
Overall though, this one was pretty good if only because of the moment that stuck with for ten plus years.
The Heart's Victory
This part of the anthology was published in 1982. It was really dated and I found it to not be believable at all. Did Nora Roberts even do any research for this? It did not seem like it to me. Having said that, I do not really know much about car racing, but it just all sounded so false and awkward that I had trouble getting into the story because of it.
Again, the ego's of the main characters were astronomical. They never seemed to doubt themselves; they always had an unshakable belief that they were in the right. This is very annoying. People do not actually live like that. People make mistakes and acknowledge them all the time. Damn it, Nora, vary your characters please. The majority of your characters seem like they are bordering on becoming a sociopath for me.
Overall, this story was kind of cliched and annoying. I really didn't enjoy it and it took me forever to read.
Check out more of my reviews at: http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
December 29, 2014
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Estou um pouco destreinada na arte de escrever opiniões literárias, por isso peço desde já desculpa por algum erro que cometa.
Parks Jones, Brooke Gordon, Claire e Lee são os quatro personagens que vão construir esta história muito actual. Claro que Parks e Brooke são o casal protagonista, mas que dependem um pouco do casal seguinte.
Penso que a união de um jogador de basebol com uma realizadora de anúncios publicitários é algo diferente, mas na minha opinião não sei se tem mais argumentos positivos ou negativos. A parte de Parks, trás a beleza e o glamour masculino de um personagem que poderia ser um pouco rude. A de Brooke, contribui com a fragilidade, mas, ao mesmo tempo, com a independência feminina.
A fragilidade e a baixa autoestima de Brooke acabou por estragar um pouco a primeira imagem que temos dela, uma jovem que depois de ser traída tanto familiar como amorosamente consegue-se erguer e ser bem sucedida.
Já há algum tempo que não lia Nora Roberts, mas não sei se foi impressão minha, que este livro tinha mais cenas sexuais do que os últimos que li. Mas pode ter sido impressão.
De qualquer forma, é um romance mais indicado para o verão, pois as temperaturas que a autora nos descreve são melhor enquadradas nessa altura do ano, o que não condiz com o frio que se faz sentir agora.
Estou um pouco destreinada na arte de escrever opiniões literárias, por isso peço desde já desculpa por algum erro que cometa.
Parks Jones, Brooke Gordon, Claire e Lee são os quatro personagens que vão construir esta história muito actual. Claro que Parks e Brooke são o casal protagonista, mas que dependem um pouco do casal seguinte.
Penso que a união de um jogador de basebol com uma realizadora de anúncios publicitários é algo diferente, mas na minha opinião não sei se tem mais argumentos positivos ou negativos. A parte de Parks, trás a beleza e o glamour masculino de um personagem que poderia ser um pouco rude. A de Brooke, contribui com a fragilidade, mas, ao mesmo tempo, com a independência feminina.
A fragilidade e a baixa autoestima de Brooke acabou por estragar um pouco a primeira imagem que temos dela, uma jovem que depois de ser traída tanto familiar como amorosamente consegue-se erguer e ser bem sucedida.
Já há algum tempo que não lia Nora Roberts, mas não sei se foi impressão minha, que este livro tinha mais cenas sexuais do que os últimos que li. Mas pode ter sido impressão.
De qualquer forma, é um romance mais indicado para o verão, pois as temperaturas que a autora nos descreve são melhor enquadradas nessa altura do ano, o que não condiz com o frio que se faz sentir agora.
May 21, 2016
Another two great stories by Nora Roberts about falling in love. The first book called The Rules of the Game. The story of Brooke Gordon a director of TV commercials and she has to do for a campaign. Park's a baseball player is the man who she has to film for the campaign. The moment Parks met her he wanted to get to know her. She has to learn to trust him after a failed relationship years ago. The second one The Hearts Victory is also about falling in love. This is the story of Cynthia Fox (Foxy ) who grew up on the race track raised by her brother Kirk a race car driver her parents death of car accident she was in with them. She returns years later to photograph the race season it is there she meets again her brother best friend Lance Mathews who was once a race driver who now design cars for her brother to race. Foxy has to come to terms with her brother ties to race track as her fears of him been hurt frightened her. Foxy once had a teenage crush on Lance. Foxy and Lance whirlwind romance leads to her marry him. Foxy has to learn to trust and love Lance her husband to help her overcome her fears of being hurt and where the Victory is love in the end.
April 17, 2017
RULES OF THE GAME: The very first few pages of this had me firmly in dislike for the lead character. Admiration grew slowly, then all at once. With Nora Roberts’ ability to quickly and efficiently realize her characters, all the while maintaining intrigue and wonder. Introduce the male counterpart to the lead character, and you have a bold baseballer with an intensity often unmatched in other romance novellas. Intertwining two worlds I’m very interested in, marketing and major league baseball – and for me, you have a hit. An independent woman with an outright resistance to sharing her life with someone else; no matter the story, Nora Roberts seems adept at drawing me in and making me empathetic.
In the background is this simmering and sweet little romance developing. As you’re being led away on this riptide with Parks & Brooke – you sorely want more information regarding Claire…
The only true let down to this book is that I wanted more. More of their story, more of their tenacity, and more of the wave it kept me on.
In the background is this simmering and sweet little romance developing. As you’re being led away on this riptide with Parks & Brooke – you sorely want more information regarding Claire…
The only true let down to this book is that I wanted more. More of their story, more of their tenacity, and more of the wave it kept me on.
March 23, 2014
I am a big, big Nora Roberts fan … but the two stories in this two novel book proved a tad disappointing. Both were originally published in the 1980s … and were more the Harlequin formula romance types of titles. Brookes is filming Parks, a jock, in Rules of the Game … and I couldn't seem to form a connection to either character and their glittery Hollywood world with too much of every thing, including too many sex scenes that seemed unnecessary. The Heart's Victory was more of the same with a race car driver this time - and again a thin plot and too much sexual content …. I so much more love Nora's thicker, richer contemporary novels with characters and stories you can sink into with sheer pleasure. ….
November 24, 2014
Não gostei especialmente de Brooke com aquela mania de mandar em toda a gente. Parks sempre era um personagem mais interessante, mas... Não gostei nada das profissões dos protagonistas: jogador de basebol e produtora de anúncios, não sinto qualquer interesse por estes trabalhos. No entanto, admiro que Nora Roberts consiga escrever sobre personagens com um leque tão variado de trabalhos, parecendo mesmo entendida nesses ditos trabalhos.
Read
November 4, 2013While my edition was not called "Guarded Hearts" but "Forever", it was still comprised of the same two stories, I assume it was just a different printing. I love how real Roberts's characters feel, how imperfect they are, it makes them that much more endearing. Books that make you wonder what happened after the pages ran out are the best, it means you got invested in the characters.
January 22, 2014
Republished early Nora Roberts books. Light, easy reading. Pretty dated - the "stylish" clothes crack me up. Nothing is finer than a man in a sexy black turtleneck. O.o Perfect for the beach or pool...or of you just need something light to read. I will say that the the second story (heart's victory) has a steamier scene that might be a trigger for anyone who has been coerced or forced into sex.
December 20, 2013
Read the first story- Rules of the game..about baseball..It was okay... Started the second story - about car racing, and you could tell it was along the same lines of the first... Quit reading it...
Not her best work
Not her best work
August 8, 2013
I didn't realize this book was 2 books in one until I started reading.
In both stories, the female characters were so irritating to me and the romances were a bit far fetched. However, this would be a great book to read on the beach or as a palate cleanser while reading a heavier book.
In both stories, the female characters were so irritating to me and the romances were a bit far fetched. However, this would be a great book to read on the beach or as a palate cleanser while reading a heavier book.
October 22, 2015
Engraçado mas só isso, gostei bastante do Parks mas em compensação irritou-me sobremaneira a Brooke mesmo depois de tudo o que tinha passado sempre de pé atrás mesmo depois do casamento! Mulherzinha irritante, ele tinha uma paciência de santo!
February 6, 2015
I liked both of the stories included in this book. I good definitely tell the outcome in Rules of the Game, but The Heart's Victory had quite a few twists and you just weren't sure until the very end. I would definitely recommend both for a rainy day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews